God's Compensation

GOD’S COMPENSATION

 

Fourth of seven devotions in World Stage Series

Galatians 5:16-25 

Galatians 5:16-17:  “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.  They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.”

 

            God’s Way devotion said, “The best decision is always God’s way.  Until people learn how to discern God’s will, it’s not good enough to just go with one’s gut feeling.  Instinct is natural—the way of the flesh.  God’s way is Spirit-led.  People can only recognize things of the Spirit by freely surrendering one’s will to God’s Spirit.”  

            But people resist surrendering our will to anyone.  We feel empowered with free will.  We want control over our lives.  But there are times when we admit needing help.  God’s Way devotion shows that Michael needs answers now.   His eleventh grade classes are intended to steer him toward his future.  (Michael’s God-given gifts and desires will enable him to succeed in God’s plan for his life). 

            Will Michael surrender his will to God’s Spirit?  How else can he choose his subjects correctly? 

            How can any of God’s kids grow into the people God created us to be and achieve His plan for our lives without being led by His Spirit?  When believers put off surrendering our will to God, He will send us pain and suffering.  That gets our attention, and we cry out to Him for help.   

            Surrendering to God’s will is cool!  Really.  Believers who trust how much our heavenly Father loves us know two things:  He wants our best.  He rewards obedience.  Freely surrendering our will to His Spirit has awesome rewards, too.  Galatians 5:22-23 promises that the fruit of God’s Spirit is love, joy,  peace, patience (!!), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

            Those are wonderful compensation for losing “control” over our own lives, (which is—by the way—bogus assumption on our part).  Wouldn’t you agree?  Other compensations we’ll figure out the longer we’re led by God’s Sprit is: that our confidence is strengthened, and we’re free from selfish pursuits and earthly attachments.  We’ll see God’s hand at work when we operate under His power and authority! 

            Others will recognize that we’ve got something they want to live victoriously on the world stage.                                    

Take Home Nugget

            Michael read that he can pursue playing basketball at the Air Force Academy.  His problem solved, he checked algebra, physics and ROTC on the form he has to return to school on Monday.  Whew!  God’s Spirit to his rescue! 

          

God’s Spirit leads with compensations that bring His kids victory.

J.D. Griffith

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God's Way

GOD’S WAY 

Third of seven devotions in World Stage Series

Psalm 119:105:  “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and light for my path.”

 

            “I think this decision will determine the rest of my life,” Michael said to his ten year old brother Jeremy.  “I’m at a crossroads.  I want to play basketball, but I also want to join the Air Force.”  Michael’s brow furrowed by indecision.  His eleventh grade school course form lay on the desk, waiting to be returned before summer recess begins in June. 

            God gave people free will so that we could make our own decisions.  He needed to know which of His kids would choose to love and obey Him.    He loves it when His kids choose to follow His way rather than the world’s way. 

            Not every decision has eternal significance.

            We’re often faced with less important concerns: Choosing which juice accompanies breakfast or which sweater to wear takes just a microsecond to resolve.  And life doesn’t take a wrong turn afterwards.  But other choices are difficult to evaluate—like what Michael is facing now.

            Jeremiah 9:23-24a teaches, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me…’ declares the Lord.”

            Knowing the Lord has eternal significance.

            People need to figure out how to make the best decision when life pauses at a crossroads.  The best decision is always God’s way.  Until people learn how to discern God’s will, it’s not good enough to just go with one’s gut feeling.  Instinct is natural—the way of the flesh.  God’s way is Spirit-led.  People can only recognize things of the Spirit by freely surrendering one’s will to God’s Spirit.

            Believer’s indwelling Holy Spirit explains Scripture to us when we seek understanding.  And James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

            Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command first in Genesis 3:6, and sin was woven into the human fabric from then on.  Every individual person must use his free will to decide whether to live God’s way or the way of the world.

            And this decision does have eternal significance (See lesson linked below for guidance towards living God’s way). 

Take Home Nugget

            Let’s consider following God’s wisdom, God’s truth and God’s direction with every choice we make.  Then believer’s lives will be recognized as God’s way on the world stage.

  Free will is so impressive because God allows people to choose our own eternal destiny.

J.D. Griffith

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Grace of Humility

GRACE OF HUMILITY

Second of seven devotions in World Stage Series

 

1 Timothy 1:12-13:  “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service.  Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.”

            Apostle Paul wants to share his story:  

            “Originally named Saul, I, Paul, am a Pharisee.  Read my impressive autobiography in Philippians 3:3-11.  Jesus blew me away when He said that He’s God’s Son!

            I approved Stephen’s stoning.  His death spurred me to try destroying every trace of the man we crucified—sending many men and women who believed in Jesus to prison.  Luke wrote about me in Acts 8-9.  But let me tell you what changed my life: 

             

            On my way to Damascus, an impossibly bright light flashed.  I fell down, hearing,   “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”

            “‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked.”

            “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

            Oh, NO!  My mind screamed, Jesus is alive!  Jesus commanded me to go into the city.  When I looked around, I was blind.  My companions had to LEAD me.  ME!  So embarrassed, I was no different from a blind beggar!  

            We found Ananias in Damascus.  He already knew about me.  Jesus commanded him to restore my sight, and he didn’t want to.  But he did, anyway.  Ananias told me that I would suffer as Jesus’ instrument when taking His Word into the world. 

            I began preaching ‘Jesus IS God’s Son, who suffered and died for forgiveness of sins’ in the synagogue.  There was power in my words like never before.  My fellow Jews were confused hearing me preach the exact opposite what I used to say, and planned to kill me.

            I felt unworthy of God’s love, ashamed of my previous actions. I admitted being ignorant when persecuting followers of Jesus.  I didn’t believe the truth until I met Jesus.  But, I repented immediately and turned 180 degrees in the opposite direction.  I discovered God’s Spirit within me that strengthens me to preach so boldly.”

            Paul shows how righteous love of self appears through the grace-of-humility lens on the world’s stage.  

Take Home Nugget

            Listed below are seven “Ds” that teach how to achieve the same grace of humility:

Die to Self-Refuse to put ourselves first.

Devoted-We’re to be share God’s truth as we serve others.

Delight-Rejoice when God blesses others.

Depend-Wholly depend on God in every circumstance.

Direct-Attitude adjustment of gratitude for Christ’s grace and goodness.

Distance-Ourselves from pride and all its enchantments, like wealth.

Determined-Obey God in every way, regardless of worldly consequences.

  Holy Lord, teach grace of humility like Paul shows, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

J.D. Griffith

 

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Righteous Love

RIGHTEOUS LOVE

First of seven devotions in World Stage Series

1 John 4:7-12 

1 John 4:8-11:  “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  This is how He 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.  Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

  

            “She is sooo hot!” ten year old Brad exclaimed.  Watching a young lady eat a burger in the Picnic Place at the mall, Brad sighed, “I’m in love.”

            “You’re not in love, dude.  You’re in lust!” his classmate and best friend Jeremy corrected.

            It usually takes many years before people understand the difference.  Sometimes true romantic love begins when “kids” like each other’s appearance.   That first attraction can grow into a righteous love.  Righteous love is pure.  Righteous love is blameless.  Honest.  Unconditional.

            Unconditional? 

            Can you accept that God loves you unconditionally? 

            God doesn’t love you any more when you’re “good.”  He doesn’t love you any less when you’re “bad.”  Those are people’s conditions for love.  That’s how believers get off the “righteous love” track.  We have a hard time believing that God loves us unconditionally.  Even parents’ love varies, depending on how their kids act.  That’s what people see and what our brains are programmed to believe.

            When believers sin, we imagine that God is disappointed, even angry.  We envision Him watching the sun set, timing how long it takes us to confess and ask forgiveness.  Our self-worth fades a little each day.

            But God wants to build a relationship with us!  Who wants to approach a Father who’s angry—especially when we feel unworthy?

            It’s time to reprogram our brains.  (See lesson, linked below).

            Believers’ position in Christ never changes.  To imagine that somehow we blew it [salvation, God’s love] after we sin, cheapens God’s grace.

            Righteous love isn’t conditional! 

            God still wants to have a relationship with us.  He equips us with unique gifts and talents.  God’s plan is for every person to zoom ahead accomplishing good works that He’s prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).  God’s indwelling Spirit agrees that you are extremely valuable.

            God wants people to love ourselves with a righteous love.  We’re to care because we’re created in God’s image and sealed for salvation.     

Take Home Nugget

            No one is worthy or deserving of God’s love.  But God can’t help Himself.  God is love.  God’s righteous love for you is unconditional.  Why not program your brain with that?

            Then maybe we can love others with that same righteous love?

 Unrighteous love is not love at all.

J.D. Griffith

 

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Messianic Reign

MESSIANIC REIGN

Revelation 19:11-13:  “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.  With justice He judges and makes war.  His eyes are blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns.  He had a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself.  He is dressed in s robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God.”

  

            “Good-bye, darlings,” ten year old Jeremy’s grandmother said, waving at the family as grandpa drove them home.  She watched them wave back in her rear-view mirror until she couldn’t see them anymore.  Saying “good-bye” to loved ones is such sweet sorrow.

            It wasn’t easy for the disciples to witness Jesus’ ascension into heaven, either.  (See the lesson linked below).  Mark 16:19 says, “After the Lord had spoken to them, He was taken up to heaven and He sat at the right hand of God.”  So now—Jesus is High Intercessory Priest—HIP—at the Father’s right hand!  

            Our heavenly Father is sovereign.  (Acts 1:6-7).   God’s kingdom calendar is not altered by believer’s prayers.  Jesus showed us that when He prayed for the cup to be removed in Matthew 26:39.  He humbled Himself before His Father’s will.  Then He suffered and died as a substitute for people’s sins.

            Thank You, Jesus!

            Jesus had to ascend to the Father before the Holy Spirit would be released into believers.  Jesus had to ascend before He can return again.  Jesus’ second coming is what the whole earth is groaning in anticipation—including believers (Romans 8:22).  Who doesn’t long to hear the trumpet blast, see Jesus coming back to earth in the clouds, and join Him in the air wearing new glorified bodies? (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

            His Messianic reign is going to be awesome!  Isaiah 11 shows glimpses of life when Christ is King on earth:  His judgment will be righteous, the poor will have justice, He’ll slay the wicked with His mouth.  He will rule the nations with an iron scepter (Psalm 2:9, Revelation 19:15).

            Every person on earth will acknowledge Jesus as Lord.  There will be total harmony and peace.                                               

Take Home Nugget

            We live in a totally broken world now.  Dysfunctional families, unfairness and discord make people live in fear and pain today.  For whomever reveres Jesus, “the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing on His wings.” (Malachi 4:2). 

            Wild animals will not threaten human beings or each other.  “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6). 

  Final justice will be in the hands of a just God.

J.D. Griffith

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Succession

SUCCESSION 

Fifth of five devotions in Intimate Whisper series 

1 Kings 1:19, 2 Kings 2:1-10

 

1 Kings 19:19:  “So Elijah went up from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat.  He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair.  Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him.”

 

            Elisha knew immediately that he was to succeed Elijah as God’s prophet to Israel.  Oh wow. 

            Even Moses had a successor.  Joshua completed Moses’ work, leading the Israelites into their promised land.  People are mortal, imperfect and flawed.  But God’s will WILL be done.   Even peoples’ names tell God’s purpose:  The name Moses means “I drew him out of the water.” (Exodus 2:10) ^a.  His name foreshadowed Moses’ drawing the Hebrews out of Egypt.

            The name Joshua means “The Lord saves.”   (Numbers 13:16).  The name Jesus also means “the Lord saves.”  (The name Joshua is Greek, Jesus is the equivalent Hebrew name.).

            Elijah’s name means “The Lord is my God.” (2 Kings 17:1).  Elisha’s name means “God is salvation,” or “God saves.”  Elisha’s next-generation mission was to judge and carry covenant blessings to Israel’s faithful. 

 

            “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  God asked twice in 1 Kings 19:10 and 14.  Elijah gave God the same answer both times:  “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty.  The Israelites have rejected Your covenant, broken down Your altars, and put Your prophets to death with the sword.  I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

            After the first answer, God told Elijah to go stand on the mountain in 1 Kings 19:11.  The windstorm, earthquake and fire stood for God’s righteous judgment of Israel.  (But Elijah didn’t understand).  In hearing God’s “gentle whisper” in 1 Kings 19:12-13, Elijah “pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood in the mouth of the cave.”

            That’s what people do when hearing God’s gentle whisper.  It’s   intimate.  God’s whisper is so near and dear, people naturally respond with worship. 

            The second time Elijah gave God that same answer, God commanded him to anoint two people as kings, and then anoint Elisha to succeed him as prophet.  God patiently explained to Elijah—with words instead of forces of nature—how He was going to judge Israel.  (1 Kings 19:15-18—see the lesson linked below).    

            Our indulgent heavenly Father explained His will to Elijah!  Every whisper people receive from God is intimate. 

             

Take Home Nugget

Elisha never left Elijah’s side from that moment until…

2 Kings 2:11says, “a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated” them, and “Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.”  

  Did you see that coming?  Who can read the mind of God?

 ^aMeanings of names in the Bible were given in the notes section under the Scripture reference in the NIV/The Message Parallel Study Bible.  Copyright in 2008 by Zondervan.  Michigan.

J.D. Griffith

 

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Walking

 

WALKING

Forth of five devotions in Intimate Whisper series

1 Kings 19:13-16

 

“When Elijah heard it [the Lord’s voice as a gentle whisper], he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood in the mouth of the cave.”

“When a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’

 

“He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty: the Israelites have rejected Your covenant, broken down Your altars, and put Your prophets to death with the sword.  I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.’”

 

“The Lord said to him, ‘Go back the way you came and go to the Desert of Damascus.  When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram.’

“‘Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholeh to succeed you as prophet.’”

 

            WHAT?  Why does Elijah have to anoint Elisha to succeed him as prophet?

            This Intimate Whisper series was written so that readers would learn the difference between being saved as a believer in Christ and actually walking with God through life.  We saw that Elijah is guilty of the same people-flaws that we are.  (Whine, pout, brag).  When was your last pity party?

            How many years has it taken God to get your full attention?

            Did crazy encouragement convince you that God is a heavenly Father with whom you can relate?  Do you admit that God knows you better than anyone?  Can you trust God to achieve the impossible to get you out of any trouble when you feel helpless?

            Good!  Let’s begin walking WITH the Lord every minute of every day.  This is a walk of faith.   Remember that a believer is positioned in Christ.  God’s indwelling Spirit steers believers to remain tapped into the vine of Christ.  Slurping up His sap of righteousness and growing in His Word keeps branches producing fruit for God’s kingdom. 

            The whole world is watching.  Do you display anger or love, peace and kindness?  Do you throw tantrums when denied getting your way, or are you patient, gentle and self-controlled?  Do you imitate God’s faithfulness and goodness with joy every minute of every day?

            Remember: there is no better mirror that shows one’s true character than pain, trouble or disaster. 

             

Take Home Nugget

            Elijah had no idea why God commanded him to anoint Elisha to succeed him.  But he didn’t ask questions.  He trusted God.  He carried out every one of God’s commands.  That shows that Elijah had sure confidence in the only One who is sovereign over all.  Elijah knew that God had something better in mind for him.

Could you obey God as confidently?

             

  Confusing times call for confident trust.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!  Dedicated to my grandmother, Midge, who walked with the Lord every day.

J.D. Griffith

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