Friday, August 31, 2012

Admit God's Hand

ADMIT GOD’S HAND

Ezra 7:8-9

“Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of God was on him.”

Eight year-old twins Benjy and Danny, dressed in old tee-shirts and jeans, sighed. “What a wreck!” Danny exclaimed.

Their back yard was littered with building rubble, trash, and tree branches from the tornado that stormed through their neighborhood. Benjy stuffed trash and twigs inside the garbage bag he carried. He picked up his bike’s handle bars; the rest was missing.

“Hey guys” a neighbor chirped, “we’re still alive. Good! God needs our help to clean up this mess!” (1 Corinthians 3:9 confirms that we’re God’s fellow workers).

Ezra, priest and teacher of the Law of God, came late to the Jerusalem party. King Artaxerxes sent another group to Jerusalem, years after King Cyrus sent exiles there to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra was sent to “appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people...” (Ezra 7:25-26). “Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be put to death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.”

Benjy and Danny’s cheerful neighbor urged the boys to get busy cleaning up. Ezra’s job was more like a hall monitor, supervisor, or policeman. Ezra had two bosses: the king, and God. He used worship and God’s Law to shape his people in obedience. Daily hearing God’s Word revealed His presence, embedding God-formed identities into each person.

Ezra made his mark on the world, but he didn’t act alone. Worship and hearing Scripture heal and grow God’s people. While most Christians today are not returning from exile, attending church service embeds God’s kids with identity of whose we are. “Church” is not a building. God’s church is the group of saints who come together within a structure for worship and instruction. Pastors, priests and rabbis have scores of help completing various church functions.

Ezra taught that every success comes from God’s hand. Ultimately, He’s our Boss.

Take Home Nugget

Each person is called when admitting the hand of God is at work. John 9:4: “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me.”

MAY THIS LABOR DAY (in the USA) REWARD GOD’S SERVANTS WITH SEEING HIS HAND AT WORK IN RESTORING OUR LAND

Prayer. Holy and gracious heavenly Father, this Labor Day reveal Yourself to Your children. Make us sensitive to see Your hand at work in our lives, and admit whose we are to the world. Amen.

J.D. Griffith


 
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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Powerful Mysterious Invisible

POWERFUL MYSTERIOUS INVISIBLE

Acts 2:1-11

Verses 1-2: “When the day of Pentecost came, they [twelve disciples] were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole hose where they were sitting.”

“No fair!” Violet yelled at Greg who was flipping his Frisbee—that was full of water—at his 3rd-grade classmates. Shakira’s birthday swim party was summer-ending fun before school began.

“Yeah, but splashing people is fun” Greg countered, splashing Timmy.

Playing in water is lots of fun. But when water, like rain is coupled with wind, it can be life-threatening. Thunderstorms or tornadoes are rarely fun. Wind is invisible. Wind can be felt, smelled, and heard, but it’s only seen when things move.


No Excuses and Spiritual Footprint devotions showed power in what’s invisible. God is invisible, and He can do anything. Carbon dioxide is an invisible gas that causes global climate change. Believers in Christ leave invisible spiritual footprints that often change lives. It’s no surprise that spiritual footprints can only be made in the Holy Spirit’s power.

If the Holy Spirit were not important, Jesus wouldn’t have told His disciples to wait for His arrival before leaving Jerusalem (Acts 1:4). Jesus shows the triune God as three persons, equally God in John 14:16-17. The Holy Spirit mysteriously indwells every believer in Christ. No one can predict where, when, or how He strikes. He mysteriously transforms believers into the likeness of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). He’s invisible, because He’s, uh, spirit!


Holy Spirit is all-powerful (Acts 1:8). Jesus calls Him the “Counselor” in John 14:26, “Spirit of truth” in John 16:13, and Romans 8:9 says the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. Ephesians 4:30 says that we can grieve the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells a person when Jesus is accepted as Lord and Savior. Our heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13).


He mysteriously forms all believers into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). 2 Thessalonians 2:13 says the Holy Spirit sanctifies (SANK-ti-fies means to make holy) followers of Jesus. 1 John 3:24 says, “Those who obey His [Jesus] commands live in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us.”

The Holy Spirit is the deposit (de-POS-it means down payment) of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). The lesson link, below, teaches the fruit of the Holy Spirit.



Take Home Nugget

Benjy, Jennifer, Jack, and Shakira snuck up on Greg. Without warning, they upturned a bucket of water on Greg’s head. “Hahahaha!” they laughed at Greg’s yelp. “Gotcha!”

With sincere hearts we ponder God’s design:

Outside created universe, inside divine.

J.D. Griffith




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Friday, August 24, 2012

Spiritual Footprint

SPIRITUAL FOOTPRINT

Matthew 6:19-20

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy; and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

No Excuses devotion showed that the world’s collective carbon footprint is responsible for global warming. Climate change comes from burning greenhouse gasses, building up carbon dioxide in earth’s upper atmosphere. Burning no fossil fuels would be ideal, and shrink our carbon footprint. But Jesus has a different idea in mind for His followers.

The opening Scripture shows Jesus advising us to increase our spiritual footprint!

Treasures in heaven come from believer’s good deeds. The more, the better. Spiritual footprints are measured by actions, prayers, and how we use our time and talents. While both footprints are invisible to the naked eye, they are both seen by what they leave behind.

In 2006, Al Gore’s movie, “Inconvenient Truth,” was released. He estimated that it would take decades for our earth’s temperatures to rise significantly. His warning gave us plenty of time to change our ways. Many countries have made significant advances in switching to wind and solar panels. Yet, today the temperatures are hotter faster than the world’s smartest geophysicists predicted.

Geophysicist (gee-o-FIZ-i-sist) is “someone who studies the Earth using gravity, magnetic, electrical, and seismic methods. Some geophysicists spend most of their time outdoors studying various features of the Earth, and others spend most of their time indoors using computers for modeling and calculations....”1

Global warming isn’t Al Gore’s fault. He’s just the messenger, like John the Baptist came before Jesus (Matthew 3). No one can use the excuse that they didn’t get the memo. Jesus broadcasts His memos throughout the Bible’s gospels. His followers understand that material treasures won’t last. We understand that we’re “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10).

Our prize collections won’t follow us to heaven, but service to others will. Jesus gives us a hint in Matthew 25:40, “whatever you did for one of least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” That deed leaves a huge spiritual footprint, posted on billboards in heaven!

Take Home Nugget

Our spiritual footprints—deeds done on earth—will be judged by fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Some works get burned up. Other works survive. Even if believers’ works burn up, they will not lose their salvation. Will the person smell like charcoal? Will that person have any treasure stored up in heaven?

1www.seg.org/education/youth-resources/what-is-a-geophysicist 7/12/12

We have our lifetimes to enlarge our invisible spiritual footprints that is seen by how we treat others.

J.D. Griffith


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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

No Excuses

NO EXCUSES

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”



Shakira’s faith is growing. (See Abiding Grace devotion). She trusts that her mom will deliver a firm ice-cream cake—not melted at her birthday swim party—even in 108 degrees Fahrenheit. Can we only believe what we see? The 3rd-grade kids gathered around the picnic table to sing “Happy Birthday” as Shakira’s mom lit the candles on the ice-cream cake. The cake was stored in dry ice.

The kids watched little white nuggets fall to the ground. One day they will learn in science class that dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide.  CO2 is the chemical symbol of carbon dioxide.  “C” stands for the CAR-ben part.  “O2”, stand for two oxygen parts called [die-OX-ide].   Dry ice is the solid form of the air that a person exhales.  It’s used as a freezing agent.   When the white solid “melts,” it simply evaporates [e-VAP-or-ates means dissolve away] into the air—the same way water evaporates into the air as steam. 

Carbon dioxide is our really our enemy. Gasoline that powers cars, and the fuel that heats homes—such as oil, gas, or coal (greenhouse gases come from fossil fuels)—release CO2 into the air. The sum of all CO2 produced from these greenhouse gases within a year, is called a “carbon footprint.” The carbon footprint is measured in tones of carbon dioxide!


The world’s total carbon footprint is blamed for global climate change, or global warming. That’s why the opposite of greenhouse gases are being developed to fuel our lives. “Green Energy” comes from wind or the sun. Wind and solar power leave no carbon footprint. 


But because carbon dioxide is invisible, not everyone believes that climate change is real. The whole world’s been taught what causes global warming. Still, many refuse to accept the truth.

The same is true about Jesus Christ. Those who don’t believe in Jesus Christ, just because He’s invisible, are also wrong. One day, everyone will stand before Him and be judged, no excuses.

Faith is a difficult idea when people simply reject what they can’t see.

If people can’t accept global warming, even when temperatures are setting all-time record highs, how can they believe an invisible God? Everything that we see proves His creation! Check out the lesson link below, to learn about the Bible’s great faith heroes in Hebrews chapter 11.



Take Home Nugget

Shakira’s mom couldn’t cut the birthday ice-cream cake. “This is frozen solid!” She said. “Let’s wait a few minutes, OK?”

Let’s disbelieve what’s really false, and believe what’s really true. No excuses.

J.D. Griffith, author and analytical chemist




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Friday, August 17, 2012

Abiding Grace

ABIDING GRACE

Romans 4:18-5:1-5

Romans 4:20-21: “Yet he [Abraham] did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.”

“But it’ll melt!” 8 year-old Shakira insisted. Her planned ice-cream birthday cake was threatened by the one hundred-eight degree forecast.

“We could cancel your swimming party and throw your party here at home” Shakira’s mom suggested. “Unless...”

Abraham must have wondered how God would make him the father of many nations (Romans 4:17)—since he and Sarah were childless throughout their marriage. God was teaching Abraham to have faith, and trust Him to deliver His promise. And Abraham never changed his mind about believing God.

Even though things look bad, Shakira will learn the faith lesson, too.

“Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only those who are under the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16). Christians are Abraham’s offspring—by faith in Jesus Christ!

Grace is an odd gift. What does abiding grace mean? Abiding (a-BIDE-ing means unshakable, permanent), standing with. God’s grace is a covering of security for His kids. He stands with us 1) forgiving our sins, 2) healing sinful hearts, 3) indwelling us with the Holy Spirit, and 4) growing our relationship with Him.

Since we’re forgiven people, we’re justified (JUS-ti-fied means not guilty). God stands with us as His beloved children (Romans 8:15, Ephesians 5:1).  Jesus stands with us as His friends (John 15:15).  Grace ensures that God speaks to us and hears our prayers.  Grace acts in our best interests. Cool, huh?

Shakira’s mom snapped her cell closed. “Trust me, Shakira” she said. “Your party is on at the pool, and your cake will not melt.”

It’s grace that allows us to live boldly for Jesus. Grace guarantees us that no one can snatch us out of God’s hand (John 10:28). Grace gives us peace as we trust God’s supreme power to carry out His perfect will. Grace gives us hope for eternal life in heaven. Grace helps us realize that this life is just the beginning!

Take Home Nugget

While grace is a gift, we’ve got to do our part. We’re to work with the Holy Spirit, instead of rebelling. He’ll transform us. He’ll lead us to God’s special plan for our lives. Even His correction expresses love. Hebrews 12:10 says, “God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness.”

Holy Father, thank You for Your many rewards and gifts. It seems that Grace is something I cannot live without! Amen.

J.D. Griffith


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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Earthly Rewards

EARTHLY REWARDS

Proverbs 19:17

“He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.”

Earthly rewards are everywhere. But most often, blessings are not recognized as rewards from God. While everyone recognizes butterflies from a nervous stomach, sometimes we’re on edge for no reason at all. Other times, a person can calmly solve problems, although in pain or amidst trial.

Peace is one of God’s rewards here on earth.

1 Corinthians 3:23-24 advises us to do all work as though we’re working for God, and He’ll reward us. Proverbs 10:6a says, “Blessings crown the head of the righteous.” Jeremiah 17:10 says, “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”

Not every deed is reward-worthy, however. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 tells that all works will be tested with fire. Some will survive; others will burn up. While believers won’t lose salvation, they will “escape through the flames.” Whew!—But while we’re here, the devil won’t stop his attacks.

Jesus Himself says in Revelation 2:10: “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” These people never give in (bargain with evil), lose heart, or give up. (This is the same Crown of Life earned from persevering through trials in Service Rewards devotion).

The devil cannot trump God’s rewards like people’s happiness, approval, respect, satisfaction, or abundance. How sweet to have God’s approval! Romans 8:1a says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (that means believers are spared God’s wrath). How’s that for a reward?

While 1 Corinthians 9:25 assures that crowns the Father rewards will last forever, the best reward is salvation. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives will spend eternity in heaven face-to-face with Jesus and our Father.

Take Home Nugget

Satan loves to mess with believers. His lies intend to discourage those who’re serving God with good deeds. Whoever quits, believes his lies. Everyone who begs unworthiness, or not being qualified—excusing them from service—believes his lies.

The devil tricks people into believing his lies, because nothing is farther from the truth. Those who “feel” inferior to others prove that feelings are untrustworthy. God provides everything His kids need to complete every assigned task!

The devil’s lies fill minds with strife

So that some resist doing their part

For a rich service-filled life—

That God equipped from the start.

J.D. Griffith


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Friday, August 10, 2012

Service Rewards

SERVICE REWARDS


#7 of 7 in SUCCESS-SERVICE-REWARDS series

Hebrews 6:10

“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”

Our heavenly Father understands that people love being rewarded for their work.

Ten year-old Jeremy dabbed his sweaty face, checking out the yard he just mowed. His mom peeked outside to see him clipping grass from the edges of the sidewalk. She smiled. She brought out a dish from the cabinet.

The Bible teaches that God rewards us for service, too. While good works cannot get anyone into heaven, service is what we were created to do (Ephesians 1:11). (See Life’s Goal—Salvation, Daily Maintenance, It Was for This, Baptism Debut, and Born Again devotions to learn how to achieve salvation.)

Check out five crowns the Bible says the faithful receive:

The Crown of Incorruption (in-kor-UP-shon means honest, upright—the opposite of corruption) is given to those who control their bodies, minds, and spirits. 1 Corinthians 9:25 describes: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” These people strive their whole lives for victory at the finish line.

1 Thessalonians 2:19 describes the Crown of Rejoicing: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ when He comes?” This is given to those whose words, art, dance, song or work reflects joy in Christ.

James 1:12 explains the Crown of Life. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that Gad has promised to those who love Him.”

The Crown of Glory is presented to those who care for others, illustrated in1 Peter 5:2-4. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

2 Timothy 4:8 explains that the Crown of Righteousness is awarded to those who preach God’s Word. “Now there is in store for me [Apostle Paul] the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.”

Jeremy rested on the back steps when his mom handed him a banana split. 

“Wow, thanks, Mom!”

“Thank you, Jeremy. Good job!”

Take Home Nugget

Crowns can be lost! 2 John 1:7-8 says, “Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ is coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.”

Our service to others serves up rewards now and in the life to come!

J.D. Griffith


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Tuesday, August 7, 2012

God's Fullness: Service

GOD’S FULLNESS: SERVICE

#6 of 7 in SUCCESS-SERVICE-REWARDS series

Galatians 5:13

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather, serve one another in love.”

World Upside Down devotion showed how Jesus’ disciples’ life-view rotated from pleasing self to serving others. Watching Jesus ascend to heaven was a wake-up call for them. Jesus really is God’s Son, and heaven is for real! They began lives of service immediately. No one paid attention to the blessings of service. Their concerns were never to receive praise or get credit.

Nor is it ours. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:4b says “It is the Lord who judges me.” Our focus is our tasks, not comparing ourselves to anyone else. When we trust God to direct our work, we must also entrust all judgment and glory to Him. Service fills people with God’s love.

Service often involves sacrifice. We’re challenged to love people who’re undeserving. (Who’s judging now?) Jesus shows us perfect service. When God became human in the person of Jesus, He humbled Himself to serve people (healing and preaching). He even showed love to those who rejected and betrayed Him (Matthew 26:48-50). One Passover (John 13:5), Jesus washed His disciples’ feet—the lowest task for servants.

Wherever/however we’re called to serve, “It is the Lord Christ we’re serving.” (Colossians 3:24b).

Christians often turn other’s worlds upside down while serving them. Despite work that may seem fruitless, we’re to complete tasks with purpose. (Feelings don’t count because they’re untrustworthy.) Work through trials and hardships—as Paul did—like a good soldier of Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3). One thing is for sure: Following Jesus leads us on paths we never expected, succeeding in ways we never dreamed. We serve others with a glass of water, forgiving someone who wronged us, or settle a friend’s dispute.

We show others mercy, like in Luke 10:29-37. Check out service avenues in Leviticus 19:13-18. Ephesians 4:32 demonstrates forgiving others completely, as Christ forgave us. Christians ought to be the best neighbors—EVER. Our love for others wells up from grateful hearts because of Jesus’ gift of salvation.

Take Home Nugget

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” Colossians 2:9 shows that Jesus is the sum of God’s supernatural powers and attributes. Disciples of Jesus have fullness from Christ. John 10:10b says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The indwelling Spirit gives us peace, power, and joy as we serve others.

We’re God’s tools

Servicing those in need.

He fills us, His jewels

Following Jesus’ lead.

J.D. Griffith


 
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Friday, August 3, 2012

World Upside Down

WORLD UPSIDE DOWN

#5 of 7 in SUCCESS-SERVICE-REWARDS series

Luke 22:24

“Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be the greatest.”

Luke 22:21-23 shows Jesus telling His disciples that one of them would betray Him. Competition for “who’s the best” disciple surfaced. People still compete for who’s the best today.

“Who’s your favorite son, Mom?” Benjy and Danny, 8 year-old twins asked.

The twin’s mom, Eileen, looked into her sons’ questioning eyes. “Let me think about this” she said.”

“Remember who was born first, Mom!” Danny hinted.

Why is it important to know if we’re special, and exactly how special?

Human beings are wired to have certain needs. Being loved is one. Another is to feel relevant (REL-e-vant means important, significant, useful, necessary. Because God created each person for a specific purpose, we’re both loved and significant. Jesus challenges us to stretch and grow past comfort zones by turning our worlds upside down. Can present values become eternal ones?

As Jesus’ disciples watched Him ascend (Luke 24:51)—disappearing from their view—the fact that Jesus is God, and heaven is for real sharpened their focus. They abandoned pride-fueled arguments about who was the greatest. They got down to the serious business of dying to self, and living for God. They learned humility. They tasted hunger. They braved desertion by friends. AND when the Holy Spirit arrived, (Acts 2), they were indwelt with supernatural power.

The Holy Spirit counseled them, reminding them of Jesus’ words. He taught them righteous fear (reverence for the living God). He led them onto the path that they’d been chosen for. Jesus’ apostles became “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1).

Jesus’ disciples understood that servants serve their master (Jesus). The steward cares for the master’s property (people). The mysteries of God are what believers understand and what unbelievers don’t get.1 Who can explain sanctification (see Special & Sanctified devotion), justification (see Not Guilty devotion), or salvation (see Life Goal—Salvation devotion)?

Those who make Jesus Lord of their lives grow spiritually. Growth can be measured by their new “view of success” yardstick. As we grow beyond craving earthly success (fame and fortune), we learn to strive for eternal victory (service to Christ).

Jesus’ original disciples finally “got it” after following the resurrected Christ another 40 days. True success cares more about others than ourselves. Becoming Jesus’ disciple is serious business. ... You’re Jesus’ disciple! Your world will turn upside down when focusing on honoring others instead of yourself.

Take Home Nugget

Eileen circled her arms around both sons. “I love you both equally. Your question isn’t relevant! Now run outside and play.”

Those who keep eyes on the Lord don’t lose sight of their purpose.

1 NIV/The Message Parallel Study Bible, (Michigan: Zondervan, 2008), 1 Corinthians 4:1, notes. 2264.

J.D. Griffith



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