God's Alphabet Promises 1 of 2

GOD’S ALPHABET PROMISES 1/2

Part one of two

Deuteronomy 26:19

“He has declared that He will set you in praise, fame, and honor high above all the nations He has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as He promised.”

In God is God & We’re Not devotion, we learned that our Almighty Father understands His kids’ weaknesses. We don’t always believe another’s promise to us. It’s often necessary to swear by someone, (or something), or pledge an oath before others believe promises made. But we’re mere mortal humans.

Our Creator has no such problem. And yet, He swears by Himself (there’s nothing greater) to guarantee that we can believe His promises! Wouldn’t you agree that He goes to great lengths to win our love? Check out the below for half the alphabet list of God’s promises.



Approach. Ephesians 3:12 promises: “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God in freedom and confidence.”

Beloved. Deuteronomy 33:12 promises: “Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.”

Called. 1Corinthians 7:15b promises: “God has called us to live in peace.”

Day. Deuteronomy 26:18 promises: “The Lord has declared this day that you are His people, His treasured possession as He promised…”

Enjoyment. 1Timothy 6:17 promises: “[Command those…to] put their hope in God, Who richly provides everything for our enjoyment.”

Future. Romans 8:38-39 promises: “[For I am convinced that] neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else is all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Glorified. Romans 8:30 promises “those He justified, He also glorified.”

Heavenly. 2Timothy 4:18 promises: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.”

Interceding. Romans 8:34 promises: “Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus—Who died—more than that Who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

Justified. Romans 8:30 promises: “those He called, He also justified,”

Knock. Matthew 7:7 promises: “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Leads. Psalm 23:2 promises: “He leads me to quiet waters.”

Mercy. 1Peter 1:3 guarantees: “In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”



Take Home Nugget

Check out the next devotion for the completion of God’s Alphabet of Promises.

God always performs what He promises.

J.D. Griffith

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God is God & We're Not

GOD IS GOD & WE’RE NOT

Hebrews 6:13

“When God made His promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater than Him to swear by, He swore by Himself…”

“I promise” ten-year-old Cassie said to eight-year-old Shakira.

“Cross your heart and hope to die?” Shakira asked.

“If you keep dropping my pass, I swear I’ll…” ten-year-old Jeremy said to his classmate, Brad, as they played football at recess.

“You’ll what?” Brad wondered.

Swearing by something, and making oaths began after humans sinned. Why isn’t simply stating something good enough? Needing confirmation, corroboration, and verification are strictly human traits. (Kon-fir-MA-shon, kor-ROB-or-a-shon, and ver-if-i-KA-shon) all mean that something is true. The opening Scripture shows that God knows human weaknesses very well. We need guarantees before believing anything.

God also knows that humans need promises. “He swore by Himself” guarantees God’s unchanging character. If God were to change, His swearing by Himself would be pointless. While man’s word is not always trustworthy, God’s Word is absolute. His Word is truthful, dependable—in and of itself. He must have chuckled when swearing on Himself!

God’s ways are far beyond our ways; His thoughts much higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). As sovereign Creator—Who maintains all things perfectly—God’s got every right to do whatever and whenever He pleases (Psalm 115:3).

But God’s character has many sides. He’s not only demanding; He’s also tender. He put Adam and Eve in charge of His entire creation. Their playground was the Garden of Eden! They feared nothing. They had all good things to eat—except fruit from one specific tree, the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:15-17).

After they ate the forbidden fruit, they suddenly understood. They were wrong. They realized that they were naked. They hid. They lied to God. They blamed others, rather than accept responsibility for the deed. Does the scene of God confronting them in Genesis 3:8-19 remind you of when someone caught you doing something bad?

Now, check out Genesis 3:21. Our Father made garments of skin for Adam and Eve, and clothed them. Then, verses 23-24 shows how they were banished from paradise.

This is the very picture of mercy (refraining from giving us what we deserve) and grace (giving blessings that we don’t deserve).

God isn’t always easy to understand.

Take Home Nugget

While silly humans love to challenge and play games, our Father does, too. Remember, we’re created in His image (Genesis 1:26). The thing is, He ALWAYS gets His way. He always wins. Know that Scripture will say stuff that we don’t always understand, or won’t necessarily agree with.

Holy Father, In Jesus’ Name, help me accept Your goodness, while agreeing that You always have the final say. Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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Out-Of-Bounds

OUT-OF-BOUNDS

Psalm 16:5-6

“Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”

Jeremy waved his schoolmates over at recess, football in hand. “Let’s play some football up on the terrace” he urged.

“Yeah! Good idea” the guys agreed, running to the terrace.

“The trees and the fence will be out-of-bounds on each side. Past the last basketball hoop here, and the gravel area down there will be the end zones. Pick your teams, guys.” Jeremy said.

Out-of-bounds marks where play stops—where the ball is “dead.” Markers for fair-play game zones are necessary. Unbiased game, points earned, and rules are unquestioned when boundaries are established. Recess is too short to finish a football game, but no one cares. It’s still fun.

The prophet Jeremiah warned Judah about their continued living outside God’s out-of-bounds. The Israelites were disobedient and rebellious. They didn’t fear, or obey God, Who blessed them with rain that nourished their crops. They got rich by cheating. They didn’t even take care of the poor, or defend the orphaned. (Jeremiah 5:21-31).

God never changes. The Bible spells out our heavenly Father’s moral boundaries to live by. His out-of-bounds markers are everlasting—that which we still may not cross—to attain life’s best. Out-of-bounds are established to prevent us harm, and are not intended to frustrate. What if God had not created land to keep the ocean where it belongs? All the land would be covered up! Every creation needs to learn, and obey its out-of- bounds.

The sea sends waves that pound the sandy beach every few seconds—as though it’s begging for something. But the moon determines when the waves recede further out to the ocean. Recess is over when low tide arrives every day, like clockwork. Sometimes wind whips up a storm, causing angry waves that roar when pounding the beach. But the sea knows that the land is out-of-bounds (Jeremiah 5:22). It doesn’t care. Pounding the beach is still fun.

In like matter, God’s kids sometimes “kick up a storm.” No matter. He’s still God, and He’s still in control.

Take Home Nugget

God gave us parents who teach kids what’s allowed, and what’s not. We learn early about out-of-bounds, and the word, “No!” We learn where we may play, when to come home, and how we’re to act. We learn manners, we learn about love and hate. We learn how to use utensils to eat. Parents’ out-of-bounds behavior is taught so that others will like us.

God’s commands rain down as hail

And we’re told to obey.

Our human ideas will only fail

When we insist, anyway!

J.D. Griffith

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Difference

DIFFERENCE

1John 4:9-10

“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

Did Missy’s assumption (ass-UMPT-shon means guess) about Nila being Muslim—because she wore a head scarf—bother you? (See Lying Eyes devotion). Cassie discovered that Nila is recovering from chemotherapy (ke-mo-THER-a-pee is a medical treatment that causes hair to fallout).

Lying Eyes teaches that using only one sense—what’s seen—can lead people to wrong conclusions. (No one can read minds, or see inside another’s heart). We won’t grow until we stop judging others just by how they look. We’re often wrong, even after forming opinions (o-PIN-yons come from tested judgments) based on all our senses!

Is Missy’s comment, “Is she Muslim?” a big deal? Millions of people around the world are Muslim. There are also millions of Hindus, Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Taoists, Zoroastrians—as well as atheists (A-the-ists are people who don’t believe in God). We’re to love others, but we note the difference with people from other faiths.

So, what’s the big deal?

Christianity is unique among all the world’s religions. This is anchored in the fact that God sent His Son to die for humankind. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross bought forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation, for all who believe. Radical Islam challenges believers to send their sons to die for god. BIG difference, wouldn’t you say?

When Christians accept everything that Jesus’ death on the cross achieved, all we have to do is rest in Him. Our eternal salvation is secure. There’s nothing to add. The price of our sin debt has been paid-in-full. Just before Jesus died, He said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30). God is satisfied with what Jesus did. What else could we possibly add?

But people often don’t get it. Many want to do something to earn a gift. If you aren’t satisfied with Jesus’ free gift, then by all means, do something. Knock yourself out.

Take Home Nugget

But whoever accepts this awesome gift, also has assurance: We’re certain that when we die, we’re also going to heaven. Even the worst sinner can be saved—anytime, anywhere. But Heaven’s door is only open for those who are saved by faith in Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Do you see the sign, “Enter by Grace?” That means there’s nothing more we can do—or add—to claim our prize in confidence.

Holy Father, thank You for this awesome gift of forgiveness of sin, and eternal life with You! I claim my prize in the Name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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Lying Eyes

LYING EYES

2Corinthians 5:12-21

The Message vv. 13-14: “If I acted crazy, I did it for God; if I acted overly serious, I did it for you. Christ’s love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do.”

Cassie and Missy walked to their seats for the movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. “The theater’s almost full!” Missy said. “Brad sure knows how to celebrate his 10th birthday….What’s up with her?”

Cassie looked where Missy pointed. “The girl with the head scarf?”

“Yeah. Is she Muslim?”

Who cares? The movie’s starting!”

When will God’s kids stop jumping to conclusions, or judging others just by their looks? What people see comes from only one sense. How can our eyes see truth instead of jumping to lies?

The first-century church was splintered because of race, language, and culture. The opening Scripture shows Paul teaching the Corinthians not to judge others by outward appearances. How people looked was more important to them than what was in another’s heart. “Because Christ died for all” Paul explained, “don’t judge others just by what’s seen on the outside.”

What’s wrong with this? Judging others by what we see is naïve (ni-EVE means childish). We may think we’re wise, but our senses are worldly. We take in crude, unfinished information—same as when judging people. God’s kids are being sanctified, (SANK-ti-fied means to grow in righteousness) daily. Because we’re made in the image of Almighty God, Jesus died on the cross for everyone. What must others have thought after hearing offensive, vulgar words spilling out of our mouths before we began following Jesus? (At least they formed their opinion based on two senses, sight and sound).

Paul reminded the Corinthians, “Those who saw the Messiah got it wrong, and crucified Him! Remember, anyone who comes to Christ by faith, gets a fresh start as a new person.” (Paul’s words are paraphrased from verses 14-16).

We often get things wrong, even when using all 5 of our senses!

Take Home Nugget

Cassie darted to the concession stand during Intermission. In line next to the girl with the head scarf, Cassie introduced herself. “Hi. I’m Cassie, Brad’s classmate in school. Isn’t this movie awesome?”

“It sure is! My name is Nila.” She patted her head, admitting, “My hair’s beginning to grow back, after chemo.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Nila.” Cassie said, clutching two drinks. “Later.”

“You too, Cassie!”

Cassie handed Missy her drink. “I met the scarf girl, whose hair hasn’t grown back yet, after chemo.”

First impressions are often misleading.

How can we peek inside another’s heart?

Eyes are one sense that can be misreading

The whole person instead of just one part.

J.D. Griffith

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No More Intense Love

NO MORE INTENSE LOVE

John 15:12-14

The Message Verse 13: “This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.”

We learned in Dependence Advantages devotion that our parents instinctively love us—even when we’re bad. God’s love for His children extends why beyond our parent’s love. The proof is Romans 5:8. It says, “…God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Now reread the opening Scripture.

Did you catch Jesus’ last phrase about putting His life on the line for His friends? He was speaking to His disciples when He said this. How do you think they responded after hearing these words? Would you willingly die for your friends? But there’s more. You’re considered Jesus’ disciple, when you believe in and follow Him. Are you also Jesus’ friend? “You are My friends if you do what I command.” (John 15:14).

Jesus died on the cross for you. And, He also died on the cross for those who hate Him. Would you, could you die for someone who hates you? Now that’s intense love! We bond with other people. We work at building strong relationships with those we consider friends. We expect that friendships will last a lifetime, don’t we? Your lifetime, or their’s?

Long distance friendships are tough. Writing and calling seems weak when we can’t look into another’s eyes, walk along side, or laugh together at the same joke. Even though our best friends sometimes move away, we’re still friends. The bond you created isn’t easily broken. One of you would have to stop corresponding altogether for the friendship to die. And even after many years, a friendship can be re-ignited.

Even though Jesus is currently in Heaven, He’s right beside you. He’s listening and watching—totally immersed in your thoughts, passions, and activities. He hears your jokes, maybe even laughs with you. (Or maybe not). The point is that God’s love is so intense that He gave His Son to die on the cross for us. Forgiveness for our sins guarantees our eternal salvation.

Take Home Nugget

Jesus’ love for us is so intense that He willingly accepted being borm so that He could die.  He agreed to be born into flesh as a mortal human baby. Nobody tricked Jesus. He understood completely why He came to Earth. How intense is His love for us that He would surrender His divinity! He learned as a baby to grow into adulthood, same as us. He’s cool with our (not so) long-distance relationship. Are you willing to maintain your friendship with King Jesus, or maybe re-ignite it?

God’s intense love for His children

Is shown by never forsaking our care.

His love is everlasting—

Even when we’re unaware.

J.D. Griffith

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Dependence Advantages

DEPENDENCE ADVANTAGES

Exodus 3:1-22

Verse 19: “But I know that the king of Egypt won’t let you go unless I stretch out My hand and compel him.’”

Ten year old Jeremy read the return address on the envelope. “It’s from Brad, Mom!” Ripping open the envelope, he read the invitation in his hand. “It’s a free pass to Cinemaplex next Saturday—to see the last Harry Potter movie! Will you take me?”

“Of course I will! Is it Brad’s birthday?”

“So we’re OK, even after I stayed out too late riding my bike last night?”

Kids are dependent on parents, and that’s how things ought to be. God planned for parents to raise children, take care of them, and teach them correct behavior. Parents expect their kids to mess up. Love and forgiveness are like gloves covering hands in cold weather. Love covers exposed flesh—raw sin—and forgiveness soothes the ache.

Until kids grow up, dependence is something they don’t even think about. But when we learn to do stuff on our own, dependence becomes a bad word. Self-sufficient (suff-ISH-ant) is another word that means to be independent from need. Grown-ups are supposed to be independent, aren’t they?

One meaning of independence is the word, sovereign (SOV-ren means supreme, absolute). There is no one who is sovereign—except God! Self-sufficiency is how people get into trouble. Relying on self is ineffective, unproductive, and unsuccessful. Adults get very good at living, and earning their way in this world. But dependence on God is what every believer has in common—especially after learning the advantages—no matter their age.

Moses learned that independence brought him much hardship. (Murder, misunderstanding, and fright made him flee his home). It took him 40 years to learn the advantages of being dependent on God. He learned that cooperating with God, and surrendering to His way, brought him success in everything. But, first Moses had to become usable, humbled, broken of self-will.

Moses learned that dependence on God achieved: great things done in short time, successfully overcoming every obstacle, and ultimate victory. Moses freed 2 million people from Egypt, travelling on dry land across the Red Sea, and gathered them safely to their promised land.

Dependence on God also offers us second, third, and fourth chances as bonus advantages. How long will it take you to get this lesson?

Take Home Nugget

Brad confessed to Jeremy, “My Mom thought that the Harry Potter movie birthday party, over roller skating, would allow my wheel-chair buddy, Stephen, to have fun.” (See Radical Upside Down devotion).

Holy Father, I confess that I love being independent. But please teach me the advantages of being dependent on You. I’m asking You to teach me this lesson, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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Radically Upside Down

RADICALLY UPSIDE DOWN

Luke 14:7-14

Vv. 13-14a: “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.”

“When’s your birthday?” Jeremy asked Brad while they tossed football at recess from fifth-grade.

“ October 1st. Remember last year?”

“ At your Pizza Hut birthday blowout, I ate pizza until I couldn’t move! What’s happening this year?”

“Not sure” Brad said.

Jesus introduces us to lifestyles that are radically different from how people tend to behave. In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees and other important folks scrambled for people’s attention. They loved the spotlight, and the special notice heaped upon them. They delighted in extra benefits, like front-row seats. Do you think anything’s changed from Jesus’ time?

Jesus told a parable (PAR-a-bl is a story with a lesson) about people who attended a party. Some people sat down in the best seats. When the guest-of-honor came, he told them to move. They were so embarrassed that they left the party.

Are you disappointed when you aren’t included in the popular cliques (KLIKS are a group of people) at school, at church, around your neighborhood? Made up of people who think they’re elite (e-LEET means the best, selected few), cliques tend to look down on others. They snub whoever they consider unworthy.

We’ve all been there.

Being excluded is a downer. But rather than getting upset, we can cop a different attitude. Our rutter (remember rutter, from Spiritual Rutter, a devotion in July) reminds us of times when God led us through trouble to personal victory. Every child of God is beloved! We can choose to believe God—step out in faith with a smile and head held high—regardless of how we’re treated.

“Will you invite that guy who’s in a wheel chair?” Jeremy asked.

Brad smiled. “You mean Steven—of course! He’s a great guy. That disease he has, muscular dystrophy (DIS-tro-fee), may keep him in a wheel chair, but he’s cool. You remember him from last year, he was the life of the party! But, there’s someone else” Brad continued. “I want to invite Phil, another football lover. He’s cool, but very poor. Mom gave him some of my clothes last week.”

Take Home Nugget

It seems that Jesus’ way hasn’t caught on yet, if we’re still struggling to bring outsiders inside our friendship circle. Jesus has a message for us: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (v.11). Exalted (ex-ALT-ed means to be lifted high in glory. In Jesus’ kingdom, humility trumps pride every time!

Holy Jesus, help me to be humble

Remove from my sinful pride.

Without Your help, I’m sure to stumble,

So keep me closely by Your side!

J.D. Griffith

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Labor Surprise

LABOR SURPRISE

Ruth 1-4

The Message Ruth 2:2: “One day Ruth, the Moabite foreigner, said to Naomi, ‘I’m going to work; I’m going out to glean among the sheaves, following after some harvester who will treat me kindly.’”

Famine, death, and despair are desperate circumstances. Famine (FA-min means food shortage) was the reason Naomi decided to trek from Moab back to her hometown of Bethlehem, “House of food.” Naomi and her husband lived in Moab, where their two sons were born. Both the men married Moabite women. After ten years, Naomi and her two daughters-in-law buried all three men.

Three desperate widows headed for Bethlehem, where Naomi had family. On the road, Naomi encouraged her two daughters-in-law to return to their native land. One split. The other one, Ruth, decided to remain with Naomi (Ruth 1:14). While Ruth was not Jewish, she was introduced to God—the one Naomi worshipped (1:16). They arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest time.

The opening Scripture picks up the story here. Barley was the first of seasonal crop to ripen for harvesting, in April or May of each year. As a despised foreigner in a strange land, Ruth wanted to help. Harvesting barley had 8 steps, mostly done by men: 1) Cutting the ripened standing grain with a hand sickle. 2) Binding the grain into sheaves (SHE-ves are clusters of stalks)—usually done by women. 3) Gleaning collects the stalks of straw together, where many are often missed. This is where Ruth began her labor.

4) Transporting the sheaves to the threshing floor was done by donkey. 5) Threshing loosens the grain out from the straw stalks by winnowing. 6) Winnowing means to toss the grain into the air with huge forks. The afternoon wind blew the straw and chaff away, leaving the grain at the winnower’s feet. 7) Sifting the grain removed foreign matter. 8) The grain was bagged for transportation.

Now, a man named Boaz (from Naomi’s husband’s family), owned land. It was Boaz’s field where Ruth began gleaming behind the harvesters. Boaz asked his foreman about this woman, who was seen to work very hard. Boaz met Ruth, and encouraged her to continue gleaming behind his harvesters. He instructed his workers to let her keep all the grain she found.

Boaz learned about Naomi, and all that Ruth was doing for her (2:11). Impressed, Boaz married Ruth (4:10-13). Boaz and Ruth had a son, and named him Obed (Ruth 4:17), Ruth’s labor surprise.

Take Home Nugget

The baby Obed became an unimaginable blessing to us. This baby directly linked to the birth of the Messiah!

In all the setbacks of your life as a believer, God is plotting for your joy.” John Piper

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

J.D. Griffith

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