Friday, December 30, 2011

New year Clean

NEW YEAR CLEAN

Jonah 1

Vv. 3b-4: “After paying the fare, he [Jonah] went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up.”

“Benjy! Danny!” The 3rd grade twins were in big trouble. After making a mess in their playroom, they decided to play outside. Their Mom demands better, and the twins will figure that out. But first they must endure the storm.

Unwrap the Gift devotion showed Jeremy, their 5th grade cousin, scolding them to clean up the discarded Christmas wrapping paper from the playroom floor. It seems, instead, that the twins are picking up the practice of not cleaning up after themselves. If their Mom has anything to say about it, this unwanted action will stop before it becomes a bad habit (HAB-it means routine pattern or practice).

Just like our parents show displeasure at some things we do, the Lord also has ways of getting our attention. Our heavenly Father only tolerates silliness to a point—before the storms come—just like earthly parents. Before silly, or stupid, becomes habit, the Lord often teaches action correction. But humankind is stubborn. We only learn the lesson, or get scrubbed clean, through storms.

Stormy circumstances shake loose bad habits (like smoking) that the Lord insists we end. Storms cleanse. They come unexpectedly, and in surprising ways. Nature uses storms like tornadoes, to rid trees of dead branches. Jonah’s storm finally ended when he was puked out of the fish’s mouth onto dry land (Jonah 2:10). God is patient, and gives us as many chances as it takes to learn lessons of living right.

But after storms, there’s always a mess to clean up. Stormy situations turn lives upside down. The Lord uprights us on solid ground, wrong practices now discarded. People clean up tornado wreckage to reveal sparkling lawns. Jonah went to Nineveh and preached repentance of sin, and the people were saved from the Lord’s destruction. Storms make new starts clean.

2012 is a fresh beginning. Won’t you give up bad habits—like bitterness, anger, and evil speech—BEFORE the Lord cleans you up through storms? (Ephesians 4:31).

Take Home Nugget

John 15:1-4 shows Jesus as the vine, God’s kids as the branches, and our heavenly Father as the gardener. Every branch that does not produce fruit gets cut off (yikes!). Those branches that do produce fruit He prunes to make even more fruitful. Let each of us develop good habits that produce plenty of good fruit for God’s kingdom.

Lord help me to produce good seeds


Through good habits

That are pruned into good deeds.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, WORLD!

J.D. Griffith




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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Unwrap the Gift

UNWRAP THE GIFT

Hebrews 2:14-18

V. 17: “For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people.”

Jeremy (and his family) went to visit his cousins, Danny and Benjy, (and their family) the day after Christmas. Entering the playroom, Jeremy tripped over the torn wrapping paper that covered the floor. “I know that you didn’t just leave the wrapping paper on the floor a whole day, guys! Comeon now, you’re acting like babies instead of 8 year old kids!” 10 year old Jeremy scolded. He crouched down and grabbed the paper he could reach, saying, “Throw this paper away!”

“Mom didn’t say we had to” Benjy whined.

“But you’re already enjoying the presents, aren’t you?” Jeremy challenged.

Excited to tear wrapping paper off presents—kids delight with their new gifts—and forget to clean the trash off the floor. But often we forget to unwrap the gift of Jesus, and delight in the Miraculous Gift (see devotion) that God gave to us, His kids. Just as the opening Scripture teaches, Jesus was made human, just like us. We can’t say that “we can’t be like Him.” or “He doesn’t know how we feel.” Rubbish—just like the used wrapping on the floor!

What’s more: when we believe in Jesus—as the Son of God Who died for our sins on the cross, was buried and rose from the dead—we get more gifts. Many people just adore the gift of Jesus Christ, and don’t bother to unwrap the gift of salvation. Is it because we resist making Jesus Lord over our lives?

What do we think we have to lose making Jesus King of our lives? What would He steal? Our independence? We are totally free when we depend 100% on Christ instead of our own wimpy human strength. The Father gave us free will so that we’d come to Him on our own, instead of being robots that automatically obey. But let’s use our free will to choose to do the smart thing, the right thing. Let’s unwrap Jesus and put our trust in Him alone. All other ways of living are trash.

Jesus isn’t a baby anymore. Will you dare to trust in the risen Lord to be Lord of your life?

Take Home Nugget

We should all be rejoicing, every day and in all situations. Jesus has come to set us free (from sin), to bless us with hope for the future, and to offer us eternal life in heaven.

Joyful living for Jesus followers is a certainty—because we base living on Christ.

J.D. Griffith




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Friday, December 23, 2011

Miraculous Gift

MIRACULOUS GIFT

Matthew 1:18-25

Vv. 20-21“…Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save the people from their sins.”   Blue font are words from an angel of the Lord.



The Christmas story, recorded in Matthew and Luke, is the most familiar story in the Bible. Jesus’ birth is often the Bible’s favorite story—rightly so—because it speaks of the most Miraculous Gift ever given. Let’s never gloss over the story just because we’ve heard it so often. The Christmas story deserves full attention every time we hear it, because it’s the Father’s miraculous gift of salvation to a fallen people.

This familiar deserves attention because it contains hidden clues about how to achieve victory in our own lives. Notice that Mary surrendered herself to the Lord for His purpose, although it caused her confusion and ridicule (RID-e-kule means mockery and scorn). Joseph surrendered himself to the Lord for His purpose, even though he became the laughing stock of a small town. The shepherds surrendered themselves to the Lord for His purpose, and walked to Bethlehem to discover the miraculous gift. The Wise Men surrendered themselves to the Lord for His purpose, and followed a star that led them to the miraculous gift.

Jesus surrendered Himself to the Lord for His purpose—and died a torturous death on the cross—presenting us His shed blood as the miraculous gift. Only Jesus knew the outcome of these surrendered lives. Everyone else was delightfully surprised. Each one took the step of faith by surrendering lives to the Lord for His purpose, and achieved profound (pro-FOUND means intense or extreme) victory.

The Miraculous Gift of God’s Son Jesus—and that belief in Him achieves everlasting life—is a profound delight that shouldn’t surprise believers. The gift of faith is what we all believe and stand firmly upon. Faith is a miracle, too.

What gifts are you presenting to loved ones this Christmas?

Take Home Nugget

The nugget today is the “surrender ourselves to the Lord for His purpose” clue that achieves victory in our own lives. The outcome is never anything we know. But the Christmas story shows us that the result of a surrendered life to the Lord for His purpose guarantees victory and delight. Faith never knows where it’s being led, but loves the One Who’s leading.

J.D. Griffith

To follow the leading of God,

To step out in faith and obey,

Is always the path we should take

Whenever we can’t see the way.

Sper

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL BELIEVERS IN THE WORLD!




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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Best Gift: Assurance

BEST GIFT: ASSURANCE

Colossians 3:16-17

“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”

“Let’s talk some more” Greg said at recess from 4th grade. He threw the baseball to Miguel, asking, “How do we KNOW FOR SURE that we’re going to heaven?”

Miguel caught the ball, and stopped. “That’s heavy, Greg….For one thing, the Holy Spirit is the deposit that seals us for eternal life” (Ephesians 4:30). Throwing back the ball, he said, “Don’t let anyone steal your joy by criticizing your belief, or how you live. We’re different from the other guys.”

“How so?” Greg caught the ball, throwing it back.

“You and I are brothers in Christ” (2Corinthians 5:17). Miguel grounded the ball to Greg. “Our adoption into God’s family is a sure thing. Nothing we do risks losing that.”

Greg fielded the grounder. “Wow, that’s so cool!” He threw the ball back to Miguel. “I don’t make as many mistakes as I used to, but I’m sure to mess up again. What happens then?”

Giggling, Miguel caught the ball. “Just tell God that you’re sorry. He’ll forgive you, and you’ll be tight with Him again” (1John 1:9).

Most saved people question their salvation at some point. Frustration brings doubt about important issues. Here’re three tools that measure salvation, below. Answer “Yes” to them, and your salvation is certain, no question….Ready?

1. Do you trust Scripture? Acts 16:31 says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Either people believe that Jesus’ death on the cross paid for sins, or they don’t. (John 3:16).

2. Do you believe in the presence of the Holy Spirit? Whoever believes in Jesus receives the indwelling power of One Who is greater than the world (1John 4:4). He identifies us as God’s kids (Romans 8:16).

3. Do you live like Jesus’ disciple? Those who are in Christ are a new creation (2Coringhitans 5:17). Transformation means changes to life’s old ways. Our new nature serves the Lord.

Your innermost desires reflect whom you serve. I agree with Greg when he said in God is Good, God is Great devotion, “The worst thing is to not believe in Jesus.”

Take Home Nugget

Of course believers still sin. No matter how crooked our walk, the Holy Spirit isn’t shy to convict us of sin. His tug of guilt over sin is the final test of assurance that we’re secure in God’s grip.

I don’t care what others say,

My walk is Jesus’ way.

Although I occasionally still sin,

I know in the end who’ll win.

J.D. Griffith



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Friday, December 16, 2011

Mind-Blowing Wealth

MIND-BLOWING WEALTH

Ephesians 1:3-14

Vv. 4-6: “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance to His pleasure and will—to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.”

Remember how God’s pleasure and will works everything out for our good in God is Good, God is Great devotion? This devotion will prove that!

“Want to play catch?” Miguel asked his classmate, Greg, at recess from the 4th grade.

“I just need to blow off steam, I’m so mad!” Greg threw the ball hard into his gloved hand.

“Why” Miguel wondered.

“My Dad just lost his job. We may have to move—and it’s almost Christmas!”

Miguel’s concern showed on his furrowed brow. “That’s tough, Greg. I am really sorry….But you’re a Christian, right?”

Greg nodded his head, catching another hard-thrown ball. Turning to face Miguel he asked, “What’s that got to do with it?”

“Everything! Whenever I get down, I remember that Jesus died for me, and how rich I am as a Christian.”

Miguel’s right. Christians are heirs to mind-blowing wealth! Our inheritance will never perish, spoil, or fade. It’s reserved for us in heaven right now (1Peter 1:4). In fact, followers of Jesus already have it!

Ephesians 1:11 says, “In Him [Jesus] we are chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him Who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” This treasure isn’t earned; it comes because of whose we are. The deal is sealed with the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who guarantees promised eternal life.

This seal shows Who owns and has authority over us. This seal guarantees freedom, salvation, and resurrection from death! What else is our inheritance? Most of the delight is beyond earthly understanding, but Scripture gives us a sneak preview. Our weak human bodies and souls will be transformed into what will never wear out. We’ll have glorious bodies, and be free from sin and death (Philippians 3:20-21).

After talking awhile, Greg smiled at Miguel. “You’re right, Miguel. I shouldn’t think of my troubles as the worst thing in the world. The worst thing is not believing in Jesus!”

Take Home Nugget

God blesses His kids with mind-blowing riches to show us “the incomparable riches of His grace expressed in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7). This amazing goodness should inspire us to devote each day to live for Him.

J.D. Griffith

“Whatever is done in love for Christ

Will one day have heaven’s reward;

Today let’s do what we can for Him,

Our loving Savior and Lord.

Hess


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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

God is Good, God is Great

GOD IS GOOD, GOD IS GREAT

Matthew 19:17

“‘Why do you ask Me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One Who is good.’”

Psalm 145:3

“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.”



“God is good. God is great. Let us thank Him for our food. Amen.” third-grader Benjy prayed at the table. Smiling, he snatched a hot dog from the platter. “How do I know that God is good and great?” he took a bite and began chewing. “Thur times thuff ith bad” he tried saying.

“You know better than to talk with a full mouth” Benjy’s Mom chided.

“Yeah, you know better!” Benjy’s twin brother, Danny, echoed. He kicked Benjy and grabbed a hot dog. “God is good and great ‘cause He gives us stuff to eat!”

Danny’s right…to a point. But what if we don’t have anything to eat? Is God still good? How can we say that God is good and great when we’re sad, sick, or hungry?

“God is good and great all the time” is the Christian’s worldview.

We find evidence of God’s goodness and greatness on every page of the Bible. God does whatever pleases Him, but He always works toward achieving His purpose. He works every situation—about which I know nothing, nor could understand if I did know—for the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). God’s running the whole universe, including our lives (even though we think that we’re in charge).

That’s humbling. We can believe that God is good, because goodness is His nature. He cannot act otherwise than what is His nature. He cannot lie, for example. Doesn’t that give you pause?

Knowing that God is good provides courage to cry out for help when we’re freaked. He promises to provide for every need. We’re content, because if we need anything else, He’d give it to us (Matthew 6:8).

To say that God is great acknowledges that He’s sovereign (SOV-rin means supreme ruler), not limited by anything. He naturally works things out for good and He gets the glory. That’s right. God works everything out for your good and His glory. Believing that God is good and great encourages us to praise and thank Him. “For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever” (at the end of the Lord’s Prayer) affirms our belief that the glory belongs to Him.

Take Home Nugget

Some only say, “God is good” when things go their way. If their God is good only in good times, then their God is not the God of the Bible!

Blessings, goodness and greatness in God I find.

Believing this simply blows my mind!

J.D. Griffith




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Friday, December 9, 2011

Forever Presence

FOREVER PRESENCE

Psalm 100:1-2

The Message: “On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into His presence.”

God is God everywhere, all the time. There is nowhere to flee to where God isn’t. Is this comforting or does it make you feel invaded to acknowledge that God’s presence always surrounds you? When do you recognize His presence? Is His presence felt more when surprised with something wonderful, or in extraordinary circumstances? Do people usually sense God’s presence in dreadful situations? Can you admit that God’s presence is felt ESPECIALLY when we sin?

Ezra, a priest and teacher of the Law of Moses, arrived in Jerusalem. He was shocked to observe forbidden things. A few thousand Israelites had returned after being exiled to Babylon. The city needed so much repair, after Babylonian destruction and looting. Ezra went to help rebuild the Temple, and found God’s gracious hand amidst the rubble (Ezra 8:18). But he also saw intermarriage between the Israelites and the neighboring peoples—Canaanites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites—whose detestable practices they began adopting (Ezra 9:1-2).

Ezra tore his robes, pulled hair out from his head and beard. He sat down horrified (Ezra 9:3). The people got it that he recognized their disobedience. Whoever trembled, or felt guilty, gathered ‘round to hear Ezra’s prayer (Ezra 9:4-6). This scene witnesses how we can relate to God’s presence when we sin. God’s eyes pierce each of His children, one by one.

Each believer can relate to the Israelites’ guilt and sadness. God’s presence is truly felt when we’re plagued (PLAGED means overwhelmed, weighted down) with shame.

The Holy Spirit urges repentance from sin at these times. When we truly ask for forgiveness, and turn back to righteousness living, our relationship with God is restored. His presence often warms hearts after sincere repentance.

1John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Can you relate to God’s warm touch after you repent of sin?

Take Home Nugget

Let us practice the presence of God with song and laughter every day. Although we do not always feel His presence and love, it surrounds and protects us 24/7.   God made us and determined our time of life, even the exact place where we live.  In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 18:26-28).

Holy Father, we feel loved knowing that You are with us no matter where we are. Thank You for guilty consciences, and the privilege of praying for repentance of sin. We love that welcome pulse of warmth deep inside when we sense that we’re forgiven and reconciled (REK-on-siled means restored) to Your embrace in love.  Amen

J.D. Griffith


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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

God's Names

GOD’S NAMES

Psalm 52:9

“I will praise You forever for what You have done; in Your name I will hope, for Your name is good. I will praise You in the presence of Your saints.”

Previous God’s Name devotion urged readers to stop saying, “Oh my God!” as a point of emphasis in casual conversation. Saying that phrase is irreverent; totally disrespectful speech referring to the creator of the universe. And whoever says that phrase—other than when in dire need for God to save—will be punished. (Maybe not immediately, but eventually.  The Bible puts great emphasis on names).

This new devotion intends to sow seeds of revering God with how we speak His name. God has many names, and they stand for: His character, Who He is, and what He does. They represent the principles and promises in the Bible. Check out God’s names, below:

Name   /     What it means

Yahweh or Jehovah   /  God is the self-existent and independent One

El Shaddai   / Almighty God

El Elyon  /   God Most High

Yahweh-Jireh   /  The Lord will provide

Yahweh-Tsidkenu  /   The Lord our righteousness

Elohim   /  Creator Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Singular name using plural verb agreement.

El Roi   /  the God Who sees

El Shaddai  /   the All-Sufficient One

Adonai  /   the Lord

Jehovah-Rapha   /  the Lord Who heals

Jehovah-Shalom  /   the Lord is peace

Jehovah-Raah  /   the Lord my Shepherd

El Elyon   /  Supreme Ruler

Moses was nervous about leading the Israelites out of Egypt. He asked God how he’d answer if they asked him who sent him to lead them. God told Moses, “Tell them I AM sent me to you” (Exodus 4:14). Who would dare argue with that?

Ancient banners were made out of wood or metal. Shaped into various emblems, they were then fastened to the bare staff of a long pole. These banners often served as a rallying point for troops in battle, announcing victory. They stood for the ideals and aspirations of whomever carried them, arousing devotion to a nation, a cause, or a leader. When Moses led the Israelites into battle against the Amalekites, he held a banner calling on God’s power. This banner was named Yahweh Nissi which meant the Lord is my Banner.

Take Home Nugget

Our Brother Jesus introduced a new name for His Father, God. When we believe in Jesus, God becomes our Father, too. Jesus invites us to address the Creator of the universe as Father (Romans 8:15). How cool! We may call God by the family name, Abba, or Dad!
Can you agree to never profane our Daddy’s name anymore?

Father God is one totally cool Dude!

He hears every plea and meets every need.

How could we be so thoughtless, so rude

To Him in thought, speech, and deed?

J.D. Griffith


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Friday, December 2, 2011

God's Name

GOD’S NAME

Deuteronomy 5:11

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.”



Wanda and 6th-grade classmate, Trina, claimed two seats at the swing set during recess. Trina looked around, and whispered, “This 9th-grader named Donovan spoke to me at the skating rink last weekend. And, oh my God, he is sooooooo cute!”

“What did he say?”

“He said, ‘You skate like a pro!’ And I got so nervous that I, oh my God, I actually burped in his face!”

“Oh my God, Trina! How can you recover from that?”

How does someone recover from a horrible mistake, especially when it’s so in-your-face public? How embarrassing! While we may get used to apologizing to others for silly, stupid things we do, it’s quite another thing to do something that offends on purpose. And it looked to Donovan that Trina purposefully burped in his face—after he complimented her skating!

OMG has become a frequent cool texting term. The spoken words sprinkle freely in daily conversation today. It could truly mean that one is super stunned and unable to deal with something. But more often, it’s not a cry out to our holy Lord. It’s become an adverbial phrase for "can you believe it"? Or a response that means, "impossible", or "how awful!"

In fact hearing it has become so common today that it can actually be justified saying it with the excuse, “everyone’s saying it!” But those who do so either don’t know, or don’t care what the consequences (KON-see-QUEN-ses mean result or outcome) are of saying this phase in vain. Vain (vane) means hopeless, ineffective, unproductive, worthless, OR proud, arrogant, self-important, conceited.

Using this phrase is like swearing the Lord’s name. It is irreverent (ir-REV-er-ant means disrespectful, flippant) speech. It’s used on purpose today, for emphasis of importance. Using it freely sprinkled in speech or text means that the user doesn’t fear God, or doesn’t know the consequences, cost, or penalty for abusing Gods name. The only way God’s kids can recover from this mistake is to confess the sin.

God’s command in the opening Scripture isn’t a suggestion. He doesn’t rather we don’t take His name in vain. He doesn’t love us so much that He’ll overlook hearing it from us. In fact, He is just, so He must punish those who use His name in vain! This Scripture is both warning and declared punishment for whoever uses His name improperly. What God promises, He delivers.

Take Home Nugget

The devil’s #1 strategy is to get you to ignore God’s commands. If you’re guilty of this sin, confess it to God and carefully watch your speech!

Guard thoughts closely. They can become words at any time.

J.D. Griffith


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