Personal Megaphone Gospel

PERSONAL MEGAPHONE GOSPEL
Romans 10:13-17, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Romans 10:12-13: "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the name of the Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him."

We see much emotion from the apostles in the Bible. St. Paul’s exuberance almost dances off the pages in 1 Thessalonians when he rejoices in the young congregation’s passion for telling the world about Christ. We’re all familiar with exuberant sports fans yelling their spirit through megaphones.

Often, cheerleaders use them so the crowd can get involved with

cheering along.

If Paul had a megaphone, I am quite sure he would have blasted his praise for the people of Thessalonica:

“1,2,3,4—Who do we adore?”
And the crowd yells its response, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Christ!”
Paul would ask through his megaphone, “Who Is Jesus Christ?”
Their response would be, “My Lord, my Savior!”
Can you hear the exchange?

In John 3:16 in the Bible, we study the words that need to be shouted through a megaphone, because it’s our personal gospel. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not die, but have everlasting life.”

This promise is specifically for me and for you. We are “the world”. When you hear this passage, substitute the words, “For God so loved ME…”

Now that’s the spirit. Don’t you feel like yelling that through a megaphone?

Yet many believers don’t feel passion and intensity of God’s love by the emotion of their faith. Paul said the word of the Lord had “sounded forth” from the church of Thessalonica.

This powerful word picture gives us a clear impression of their passion.

Thessalonica was a busy seaport, and these people had the ear of the whole world—at that time. Travelers would hear the gospel from the folks there and spread it to others when they got back home.

Do you see how this great gospel news spread like wildfire throughout the world?

You and I must also take this great gospel message to our world. We are commissioned by Jesus Christ Himself to go into the world. (Matthew 28:19-20). Our world is our neighbors. We don’t have to go anywhere, we’re already there.

Take Home Nugget

It’s not beyond our abilities to proclaim this fantastic gospel to our playmates, our teammates, our schoolmates. We can embrace this small world through earnest prayer, as we consider lost individuals we know.

Then, as we seek to live the good news, we expect God to harvest the fruit we’ve sown—just by our actions.

As a fan of Jesus, we have this great opportunity to shout the gospel from the rooftops!

Jesus died to bring salvation
For the rich and for the poor;
Those of every tribe and nation—
He includes the ones next door.—Anon.

J.D. Griffith

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Less is More

LESS IS MORE
Psalm 81:6-16

v. 10: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."

Brian was having a great year playing baseball. He was hitting a home run every game. He was the team’s fastest runner, and had the most stolen bases. His uncle, the Grizzly’s coach, showed his Dad the stat sheet. Brian had the most runs scored and his name was engraved on a plaque in the school’s awards display case.

Everybody thought Brian was so blessed. Besides, he was well-liked—by kids and teachers. He had everything going his way. Then, in the championship game, he slid home. His spiked athletic shoe gripped the plate, instead of gliding over it. His momentum carried him forward, crushing his ankle. Spikes are necessary when needing to grip the turf. Brian didn't do anything wrong.

We tend to think of blessings as new benefits God showers on us for us to enjoy. In our minds, “blessing” has become synonymous with “gift”, hasn’t it? Many believers may be surprised to learn that sometimes God blesses us by taking things away. How can God bless me by giving me LESS?

These thoughts reveal a problem. Our pride boasts to us that we know what’s best. We constantly reach for more of the good things. It worked before, so continue doing what has worked. Don’t coaches tell players to practice correct form so that the technique grows consistent? Before long, your batting stroke feels natural, something you can do without thinking.

This perspective works well for some things, but can also be short sighted. We cannot see the whole picture. God knows our past as well as our future, and only He knows particular things that will bless rather than curse us. Sometimes, the best thing He can “give” is to take something away.

Brian’s ankle healed. It became stronger because of the careful physical therapy his doctor prescribed. He spent his summer going to Vacation Bible School and growing closer to his Savior. He made a new friend at VBS who had moved into the area. They became allies, going out for football in the fall.

Did God ever remove something from you? Did you learn to thank Him in your disappointment?

Take Home Nugget

The Lord isn’t Santa Claus. Sometimes, in His wisdom He chooses to bless with less, or by taking something away. It’s not easy to thank Him in our disappointment, but that is the best thing we can do—despite our uncertainty.

As we said previously, God works in our best interest. The constant is God’s goodness and faithfulness—our challenge is to trust and obey Him. Trusting Him will build our faith. May God bless you and keep you. May He smile on you and keep you in His peace.

There are times when things are taken away.
Disappointment bubbles up; hearts show weakness.
Thanking God holds anger at bay,
Replacing our pride with meekness.

J.D. Griffith

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How to Get on God's Good Side

HOW TO GET ON GOD’S GOOD SIDE
Genesis 12:1-13, 15:6, 22:2, Proverbs 10:22

Genesis 12:3: "I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse;" Proverbs 10:22: "The blessings of the Lord bring wealth, and He adds no trouble to it."

Ever what to get on someone’s good side? The most popular kid has lots of “friends” who just want to be close by. Those with whom we assosiate is how we are known. Offering candy and other bribes can work in making friends, but God is different. He can’t be bribed, but He can be won.

Everyone talks about God’s blessings. Just like being around the popular kid, we all love being blessed. Some people seem to be blessed by God, and others don’t. What’s the difference, and how can we stay in God’s good graces? Someone sneezes. Someone else says, “God bless you”. What does that mean? Gesundheit is another thing some folks say to someone who sneezes. That is German for good health. In essence, blessings are just that: good health.

Good health, good finances, good position in society is often be taken for granted. Do people who have these things earn them?

The answer is No.


The answer is Yes.

Nothing we can do earns God’s blessings. He smiles at some and they have honor, wisdom, emotional security. Every good thing comes from God.


He smiles at people who obey Him and have faith that He can do all things. They pray for Him to lead them, and they believe He will do just that. They try hard to follow all His commandments, and ask for His help in keeping them. Here is an example of how God blesses, and why:

Genesis chapter 12, in the Bible, tells a story about Abram. God promised to make Abram into a great nation. Abram’s wife Sarah couldn’t conceive, so how would God make Abram into a great nation? Wouldn’t that have to start with a child? When God blesses someone, it’s a promise to intervene in that person’s life in a mighty, obvious way.

After many years, God gave them a son—whom they named Isaac. Then God tested Abram’s faith by wanting him to sacrifice Isaac. Can you see Abram’s confusion? But he obeyed and took Isaac to a mountain.
As Abram proceeded to kill his son, God intervened again. Suddenly, an angel stopped Abram. A ram was caught in a thicket.

Can you hear Abram’s sigh of relief when a suitable sacrifice was found?

This shows us that God honors our obedience and our faith—in things unseen. So, while we cannot DO anything that wins God’s favor, when His children believe in Him and obey His commands, He blesses them.

Take Home Nugget

God wants to bring abundance into the lives of His children. He blesses richly, and adds no sorrow to it. Staying on God’s good side is as easy as believing in Him and obeying His commandments. Can you do that? He’ll make it worth your while.

Everyone wants to be liked and loved.
Wasting time with sweet treats
May work to win some friends.
Only our faith and obedience God’s approval meets.

J.D. Griffith

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Jesus Attraction

JESUS ATTRACTION
John 6:66-69, 14:6

John 6:67-68: "'You do not want to leave too, do you?' Jesus asked the twelve. Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.'"

Some people say exactly what’s on their mind—no matter how it sounds. Engage brain before opening mouth to speak is sometimes advice that we all could heed. St. Peter was the one disciple who always seemed to have his foot in his mouth. Peter was impetuous, spontaneous, and reckless. He was also a hot head. He cut off the soldier’s ear who came to arrest Jesus. (Matthew 26:51).

But Jesus called Peter the rock. Peter would be the one on whom Jesus would build His church. (Matthew 16:18).

Jesus fed the 5,000, walked on water, and showed the power of faith. Peter learned the faith lesson—when he began sinking after walking on water. (Mark 6:39-42, 48, Matthew 14:29-31)

Still Peter was the one who got it right. Jesus wasn’t a genie who did wondrous things; He is the Son of the living God!

Like parents and grandparents, Jesus wanted the disciples’ love. Not for what He could do or what He could give them, He wanted their adoration. Jesus ministry isn’t about giving the faithful a free lunch. He said to the disciples, “Don’t come to Me for what you can get. Come to Me because I am the One.”

From that moment, many of His disciples turned back and no longer accompanied Him.” (John 6: 66-67). Jesus asked the twelve who remained, “Will you also go away?”

Peter blurted out what He was thinking, “We believe and know that You are the Christ, the Holy One of God.” V. 69.

Can you see Jesus smiling at Peter’s answer? Jesus wants us in this same place; where we understand there is no other way, but Jesus. (John 14:6). Love for Jesus wins our Father’s approval. This is where we stop wandering in the wilderness. There is no one else, or nothing else that can do for us what only Jesus, the One, God’s Son, can do.

Like the prodigal, we can come back to Jesus again and again. Understand deep within that only He has the words of eternal life.

Take Home Nugget

For many years, I chased after wrong things, only to return confused, shamed and distressed in defeat at Jesus’ feet. I will never leave, because my Savior never leaves.

When you’re tempted, will you learn from my mistakes and stay with your Savior?

Throughout my wanderings Lord,
I found there is only one true place
Where peace surrounds my heart
And I’m saved from my disgrace.

J.D. Griffith

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Shower of Forgiveness

SHOWER OF FORGIVENESS
Psalm 32:1

"Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."

One night, a girl was saying her nightly prayers with her mother kneeling down beside her. Suddenly, she said, “Mom, please leave me alone. I want to pray by myself.”

As her Mom tucked the little girl in bed she asked, “Is there anything you’d like to say to me?”

The girl smiled sheepishly before responding, “No.” As her mother snuggled the blanket under her chin, the girl said, “You’d just scold me. God will forgive me and forget about it.”

Did you hear what she said?

She’s absolutely right!

We should never get the idea in our heads that God takes our sins lightly. But when we acknowledge our guilt before the Lord and sincerely repent, we know that God forgives us.

Many people take a shower before bedtime; others shower when they

get up in the morning. Taking a shower is a great metaphor for washing
away sins, don’t you think? (A metaphor is something that symbolizes
something else.)

Washing away daily grime is also done when taking a bath. That way, the grime, (or sins) are sucked down the drain. If you use bubble bath when bathing, it’s easy to think of the bubbles as making you bright and clean after scrubbing away your sins.

Just like St. John says in the Bible, in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

What a great way to get a peaceful sleep after being totally forgiven of all sins committed throughout the day! Ever have trouble getting to sleep? Sometimes your conscience just won’t shut up. You know things are not right. The best thing to do when realizing this is to repent right away. Then, by asking Jesus to adjust your wants to fit with His Will replaces your unrest with peace. Immediately. Now those bubbles clean clear through!

The Bible says that “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:14.) That little girl understood this—one of the greatest salvation benefits of all!

Take Home Nugget
The apostle Paul says that salvation provides added benefits. Romans 3:24 says that we are justified by faith and are at peace with God (5:1).

This means we are tucked into God’s family as surely as we’re tucked into bed. Forever. May your sleep always be peaceful after washing away your sins.

Kids often have a full day of grime
Layered on skin’s top clear through.
Being dirty is not a crime.
Jesus Christ makes all things new!

Dedicated to F.D. Dorse and all mothers who cleanse kids.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! By J.D. Griffith

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Ascension

ASCENSION
Psalm 16:7-9, Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51, John 20:17, Acts 1:1-11

“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also shall rest in hope.” Psalm 16:9.

Jesus said to Mary as she ran to embrace Him, “Touch Me not; for I have not yet ascended to my Father…I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God and your God.”

Can you imagine her not flying into His arms? Last time she saw Jesus He was dying on a cross! I see Him backing off slightly, holding His hand up like a stop sign as He warned her to not touch Him.

Forty days after His resurrection, Jesus knew it was time. Time to go back from whence He’d come. (Ephesians 4:10).
Can you sense His excitement? We’ve all been eager for an awaited occasion. Time moves like molasses on a cold day. Intense anticipation finds us biting our lips, giddy, or babbling enthusiastically. Jesus did none of these things. He was ready to return to the Father since His birth—clothed in a human body. The worst was past; only one more thing to fulfill—His return to paradise.

This is serious business. His delight was pure; He earned eternal life for us—His children. He promised to not leave us as orphans; a helper was coming. (John 14:16-18). He ascended slowly, visibly. His glorified human body entered Heaven, and sat down on the Father’s right hand. (Acts 2:33).

Even today, Jesus is at the Father’s right hand. He’s busy interceding for us—that is, pleading our prayer requests before the Father. (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). Because He permeates the whole universe with His spiritual presence and power, we have courage and confidence to live our lives with the assurance of spending eternity in Heaven. He will come for us one day. (John 14:2-3). We eagerly await His coming.

Our hearts beat with joy because we can be certain of our hope. (Colossians 1:15-23). With Jesus at our right hand, we will not be moved (away from His grasp during troubled times).

Just like looking forward to Mom returning home from the grocery store with goodies, kids can look forward to goodies in paradise.

Take Home Nugget
When trouble confronts us and we grow weary, we can think of Jesus’ words of comfort. Joshua 1:5 in the Old Testament of the Bible talks to the Israelites, God’s chosen people. It says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Like Father, like Son. These are Jesus’ words to us today.

We miss people we love when they depart.
Looking forward to the next time
We’re together gladdens our heart.
Anticipating Heaven is no crime.

J.D. Griffith

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Transfiguration/Transformation

TRANSFIGURATION/TRANSFORMATION
Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-12, Luke 9:28-36

Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him high up on a mountain to pray. While there, Jesus was transfigured before their eyes.

What does this mean?

After praying, Jesus’ face shone like the sun. “What’s happening, Lord?” they may have exclaimed. Jesus’ clothes dazzled white, like snow. They may have backed off slightly—not believing their eyes. Then suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared.

“Wow!” We can almost hear them cry out.

We wouldn’t be frightened seeing dead people if Jesus were in our midst. He’s our living God! He has all things in control. Peter wanted to build three shelters so they could all stay awhile. Peter’s nervous energy made him want to DO SOMETHING.

Then a bright cloud enveloped them. Out from the cloud a voice emerged, saying clearly, “This is My Son, whom I love; with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

Hearing the Father’s voice, the disciples found themselves face down on the ground. I suppose this is a typical reaction when in the presence of Almighty God.

Has anything startled you to this much that you found yourself face down on the ground? Me neither. But then, I’ve never been face to face with the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

Jesus’ transfiguration was His whole body—skin and clothes—changing from normal to brilliant white. The disciples observed what is impossible—to human eyes. I suppose each of them were transformed—just witnessing the event. Speechless, their brains scrambled trying to make sense of what they’d just witnessed—sight and sound.

Why did Moses and Elijah appear in this private party with Jesus? They knew what lay ahead: Jesus’ torture—physical and emotional duress, humiliation, and certain death in the most horrifying way imaginable—cried out to the Father. Elijah and Moses were physical manifestations of the promise of life after death.

Jesus would live after His dreadful demise. He never doubted that, but how would He teach His disciples? How would He get them to grasp that promise? This event begs to transform us. From sinful children to believing followers of Christ.

Jesus willingly went to this dreadful death so that we could have eternal life! His transfiguration inspires our transformation, not conformation to the world. (Romans 12:2).

What does the bell mean? The butterflies?

Take Home Nugget
Jesus instructed His disciples to keep silent about what they’d just seen until He is raised from the dead. How hard is it for you to not talk about a wondrous event? Can you keep silent today about Jesus being alive?

Things arise where I am gripped with fear,
And the world spins too fast.
Keeping my eyes on Jesus keeps things clear
Sure that life’s problems won’t last.

Dedicated to M.A. Matz, by J.D. Griffith

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