Resurrection Gratitude

RESURRECTION GRATITUDE
1 Corinthians 15:3-23
Vs. 14: “And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.”

There are people who call the Bible a collection of fairy tales. If Christ is not risen from the dead, as they claim, why are you reading this devotion? Why am I writing this? Our faith would be useless. Loved ones who preceded us in death would have no hope for an afterlife. Where’s our hope? What would be the point of living?

St. Paul has made this point clear to the Corinthians. What is the point of Christ’s being raised from the dead if the dead would not also rise? For if the dead won’t rise to life again, then Christ also, isn’t risen.

If this life is all we have, then we are most pathetic!

But as we know for sure that Christ is alive today, and has become the first fruits of all who are sleeping in death, then we, who are Christ’s, will rise at His coming. The indwelling Holy Spirit is the deposit of things that we know for certain must come.

Pentecost is proof that Christ is alive and well because the Holy Spirit rocks!

How many times do we utter, “Thank God” when something goes our way? Well, THANK GOD for Christ’s resurrection! Can you think of anything more important than the assurance of salvation? Forgiveness of sins? Everlasting life? When you consider that all our hope and faith is bundled up in Christ’s resurrection from the dead, then resurrection gratitude becomes a very big deal!

Take Home Nugget

Take one second to consider how you’d feel if Christ isn’t alive. You are sovereign of your life if God is not alive. You’re alone, living without security of a loving God being in charge of the Universe. The tether securing your life to the One Who gave you life is severed. You float away without purpose or direction.

Did you feel your sail go limp, your rudder stall? That hollow feeling in the center of your being is life without the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.

This is what eternal life will feel like for people whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 20:12). God is life. Without Him, we are dead: Dead in sin—and separated from the Father. Separation from the Father is what Jesus anguished over on the cross: “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me!”

May this separation from God’s embracing love never happen to you.

Thank God for Christ’s Resurrection!
Nothing brings gladness more.
Peace and joy stream from soul’s sanctification,
Secure therein our heart’s store.

J.D. Griffith

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Perhaps Today?

PERHAPS TODAY?
Matthew 28:1-6, 24:36-46, 2 Corinthians 4:7-11, 5:1-10, 1Thessalonians 4:16-17
Matthew 24:36: “No one knows about the day or hour, not even the angles in Heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

The joy of Easter blasts resoundingly throughout the Heavens and the earth. Jesus did what no other could do: three days after dying, He rose from the grave! Ever since then, over 2,000 years now…and counting…God’s children have been awaiting the return of their Savior.

What scene will unfold at the sounding of Archangel’s thunder—God’s trumpet blast? The dead will rise first. Then whoever is living will rise into the air, caught up together to meet the Lord in the clouds. (1Thessalonians 4:14-17).

Jesus urges His children to be prepared, always on the lookout for His return: “for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44).

While we wait eagerly for the exuberant celebration of meeting Jesus in the air, we meditate on the exciting truth of the plan’s practicality: We’re going to require a new body—one that’ll clothe our Spirit in Heaven—and one that will never wear out. God Himself promises to transform us into glorious bodies like the one Christ rose with. (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Our physical bodies will be altered so that we won’t be restricted by time and space. Remember, Jesus didn’t bother with using doors after His resurrection. (John 20:19). Our current bodies simply won’t do! Our new bodies will be perfectly suited for the environment where we’ll dwell forever—an ageless eternity in which all our needs will be met.

Each person will still be himself or herself. Friends and family long separated will recognize each other, unchanged on the surface.

We will never sin again.

So, add to the gifts that the Father supplies when we accept Jesus—His Son—as our savior: We’re Chosen by God, Sanctified—set apart, Justified—made right In God’s sight, Liberated from slavery to sin, Redeemed by Jesus’ blood, United with Him in a relationship as His children, and now Glorified citizens of Heaven and Everlasting life!

Take Home Nugget

At last—in Heaven, we’ll be the persons that God intended us to be when He formed us in our mother’s womb. (Jeremiah 1:5). We’ll be housed in a body fashioned like Christ’s—perfect and forever whole.

J.D. Griffith

The darkness deepens! Yes, but dawn is nearer!
The Lord from heaven may soon be on His way;
The “blessed hope” in these dark days grows dearer;
Our Savior Christ will come—perhaps today!

Smith

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The Cross--Mirror of God

THE CROSS-MIRROR OF GOD
John 10:17-18
“The reason My Father loves Me is that I lay down My life—only to pick it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father.”

Lots of people wear a cross. Their reasons for choosing this particular piece of jewelry are many and as varied as the colors of the rainbow. Fact: the cross represents what is arguably the most painful method of execution. Crucifixion usually began with the criminal’s flogging—both front and back. Soldiers used a strip of leather split into three cords, each imbedded with bone.

The whipping tore a person’s flesh to ribbons. No wonder the criminal couldn’t carry his own cross up Golgotha’s hill!

At the dreaded site, soldiers would hammer a square nail into the hands or wrists; another nail secured the ankles onto the timber. As the soldiers raised the plank, it slammed into the hole with a deafening “thud.” In order to breathe, the convicted man had to push up on his bloody ankles. His death by suffocation came slowly and was excruciating.

Jesus is God, but fully man. He endured this physical agony, plus emotional and spiritual anguish willingly. His people rejected Him. His disciples denied Him and fled. His Father turned away from His suffering when He took our sin upon Himself. (Matthew 27:46, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

And yet, Jesus didn’t see Himself as a victim. He shed His blood on our behalf freely, considering it pure joy. (Hebrews 12:2). No greater love exists.

From the beginning of time, Father God required a penalty for disobedience to His commands. This means that Jesus knew before He was even born that His death would be required to save mankind from eternal death. Could you have lived 33 years as fervently as Jesus did—all the while knowing what lay ahead—for people who scorned Him, refused to believe Him, and demanded His death?

No greater love exists.

Take Home Nugget

The cross mirrors God as a symbol of supreme Love. It represents forgiveness for our sins—our salvation. It screams God’s love reaching out to His children. In addition, we see His glory in its reflection: perfect love balanced by perfect justice. Perfect truth balanced by perfect grace.

No greater love exists.

J.D. Griffith

“Take up thy cross and follow Me,”
I hear the blessed Savior call;
How can I make a lesser sacrifice
When Jesus gave His all?

Ackley

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Dreams

DREAMS
Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

This truth comes directly from God’s heart. How can we turn His promise into reality—desires which our dreams envision?

Most people dream large, but do they believe that their dreams will come true? The word “dream” is both a noun and a verb. Kristin dreamed that she was a princess. (Verb). She began living out her dream. (Noun). Her friends mocked her, saying she acted “stuck-up.” A few years later, her dream changed—that she was a basketball star. She began living out her dream, and after many years, it came true!

Jeffrey dreamed of being an astronaut. He’d gaze at the night sky through his telescope instead of doing his homework. His Dad locked his telescope away. Awhile later, Jeffrey dreamed of being valedictorian of his class. Imagine his delight at high school graduation when he was named valedictorian—and was awarded a college scholarship!

Throughout their lives, Kristin and Jeffrey continued to dream large. At every stage of their growth, they dreamed new dreams—and succeeded in attaining them. How did they do that?

They believed Psalm 37, and clung to God’s promises. Vs. 3 says, “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture”…Vs. 5 continues, “Commit your ways to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him…Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it only leads to evil…those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land…But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace…” In between these verses are how the wicked plot and fight, but the Lord laughs at them, knowing their day is coming, verse13. “For the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.” Vs.17.

Begin to claim your dreams and realign them with God’s will. His plans and your dreams are usually the same. Talk to Him about your dreams. Let the ones that lose their sparkle fall away, for they are not for you. Thank Him when He blesses your dreams—what He’s made possible for you to attain.
Then press on, “What’s next, Lord?”

Take Home Nugget

God has great plans for us past childhood and the 20s. Our 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s are packed with God’s plans. So, seek God first, then dream large.

A life committed to seeking God exceeds all earthly expectations.

J.D. Griffith

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Drawing Close

DRAWING CLOSE
Colossians 1:9
“…We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”

We hold our most holy and awesome God in utmost reverence. We are enormously privileged that He wants to build a close rapport (ra-PORE) with us. Matthew 1:23 calls the Lord Immanuel which means “God with us.”

As we kids study the Bible, many passages urge drawing close enough to God to form a relationship. Reading His Word shows us Who God is, how He thinks, and what He wants. We connect to Him, establishing mutual trust and appreciation between us.

Intimacy with our God means sitting on Jesus’ lap and whispering our dreams and goals into His ear. Crying out problems to Him, beseeching His help, unburdens the heart and generates peace. God is glorified and flattered by our attention, and eagerly offers His supreme help to untangle problem lives. God longs for our confidence—trusting Him to unburden our hearts, and then be free to live secure, solid lives.

Jesus promised, “I will not leave you as orphans…I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” (John 14:18-20). This is precisely what the word abide means. Being part of someone also means ‘leaning on’ that person for reliability and stability. God truly ‘has your back’ when you abide in Him. Psalm 46:1 declares that God is our “very present help in trouble.” Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross not only won us salvation, but also opened up the road to develop this close, personal relationship with Almighty Father.

Spending quality time in God’s presence is when we’re quiet: meditating on Scripture, or praying. It’s a two-way street; He answers questions that we have, and provides peace when we’re upset. This quality time builds a relationship—a special, individual bond that He actively pursues. Our Father cherishes our closeness so much that this connection is one for which He guarantees respect, protection, and involvement.

Our “rock”, (relationship with God), is where we find shelter, stability, and strength. (Psalm 62:2, 40:31).

Take Home Nugget

God longs to be involved in the details of our lives. He promises to escort us through the journey of sanctification (to set us apart from the world), where He guides us through life circumstances that teach holiness. Abiding in and serving God intensifies our spiritual maturity and belief in Him.

When you admire someone, aren’t you proud to be named his friend?

J.D. Griffith

“The Lord will give you help and strength
For work He bids you do;
To serve Him from a heart of love
Is all He asks of you.”

Fasick

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God''s Majesty

GOD’S MAJESTY
Exodus 33:1-11
(The Message) Vs. 6: “God said to Moses, ‘Tell the Israelites, ‘You’re one hard-headed people. I couldn’t stand being with you for even a moment—I’d destroy you. So take off all your jewelry until I figure out what to do with you.’”

Many believers often ask three questions: Where is God? Why is God silent? Why is God unfair? What questions would you ask about your Father in Heaven?

Consider that the Hebrews weren’t bothered by questions like these as they wandered in the Sinai wilderness—for 40 years—enroute to their promised land. They saw evidence of God daily. They heard Him speak, they ate manna, the food He provided for them every single day, they lived under a contract signed by His hand. This relationship they had with the Father gave us believers today a great gift: we worship one God, and our belief in one sovereign holy Lord is the gift of monotheism. (Mon-o-THEE-izm).

Perhaps we could use a refresher course in God’s majesty. Do we view our sovereign holy God, creator of the universe, as a cosmic “good buddy”?

The Scripture passage today makes God sound like an angry dad. Our parents may become that angry with us—and if all we get is a whipping—at least their discipline won’t destroy us.

When Pastor Gordon MacDonald stopped revering (re-VEER-ing) God, he regretted it. He writes, “I quietly (and insanely) concluded that God didn’t care and most likely wouldn’t intervene were I to risk violation of one of His commandments.”

Today, Pastor Gordon is steadily moving into a closer father/son relationship with God. He’s grasped reverence for God, and in return, God is teaching him the importance of obedience and gratitude. He’s learned how important it is to express sorrow and repent of sin. He seeks quiet time to be alone with God, listening for His whispers. His example teaches us a lesson about pursuing the same relationship with our Father—Who desires our friendship.

Take Home Nugget

Isaiah 55:8 puts it best when we lower God down to our level: “'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord.” Verse 9 is clear: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways…” Although God is not our “good buddy,” Hebrews 4:16 reminds us “to come boldly to the throne of grace.”

As His children, we’re always welcome to sit on God’s lap.

A daily worship is to be ever mindful of our Father’s inestimable majesty, recognizing His supreme worth.

J.D. Griffith

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Wheat/Chaff

WHEAT/CHAFF
Matthew 13:1-30
Vs. 16: “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear…many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

The Parable of the Sower always seemed obvious to me—then I FINALLY got it! See if you get its meaning:

As a farmer scattered seeds, some fell on the path, and birds came and ate them. Never having a chance to sprout into plants, these seeds were lost. This represents someone who hears God’s Word but does not understand its meaning. The evil one snatches it away before it has a chance to nurture inside his heart.

The farmer scattered seeds on rocky places that did not have much soil, so the plants couldn’t grow there, either. This symbolizes someone who hears God’s Word and receives it joyously. But without repetition, or soil, the seed couldn’t develop into a plant and grow roots. The person falls away from faith in God the first sign of trouble.

Some of the farmer’s seed fell among thorns, which choked the seed. It died. This stands for someone who receives God’s Word, but the worries of life drive him to distraction. He ignores the Word of God and never pursues God’s kingdom.

Some seed fell onto good soil. This corresponds to a person who hears God’s Word and understands it. This person eagerly seeks it—reading and listening intently as the Word cultivates deep roots inside his heart. He produces a bountiful crop for God’s kingdom—yielding much more fruit than what was sown.

Still other seeds were sown among the weeds; the plants grew up side by side. The farmer didn’t pull up the weeds, because he didn’t want to yank up the wheat by mistake. At harvest time he separated the wheat from the weeds (chaff).

The chaff he burned up.

Take Home Nugget

Wheat and chaff represent believers and non believers. This is what I missed when growing up: I didn’t realize that my non-Christian friends aren’t going to Heaven. At harvest time, they will be forever lost—instead of being whisked into God’s kingdom.

This gives me (and you) a chance to pray for them who reject Jesus during their lifetime. At death, the separation is decided. We sow God’s seed for His kingdom throughout our lives, and—God harvests the fruit.

J.D. Griffith

Have you thought of where you’re going
When this earthly life is past?
Will the seed that you’re sowing
Bring a harvest that will last?

Jacobson

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