Day of the Lord

DAY OF THE LORD
2Timothy 3:1-5
V. 1: “But mark this: there will be terrible times in the last days.”

(PARENTS: You may want to consider whether this devotion is suitable for your very young children.)

“Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1Thessalonians 5:1-2). “Day of the Lord” is not referring to a 24-hour period, but rather, a season. Sprinkled throughout the Bible—in Ezekiel, Daniel, Matthew, Luke, 1Thessalonians, 2Timothy, 2Peter, and Revelation, believers are forewarned about the future. The point is not to frighten God’s children—but to maintain proper perspective, knowing that these things will happen—forewarning is both knowledge and comfort.

Jesus said many times in the Bible, “I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:7). This present participle statement implies present time. Each passing day brings us closer to His coming. The season He’ll usher in will be marked by the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).

First: believers who have died will rise from the dead. Then those believers who are alive will be caught up in the clouds, uniting with Jesus in the air (1Thessalonians 4:13-18). This event is called the rapture by many. (That label is not found anywhere in the Bible).

In those days, the Antichrist will rise to power 1John 2:18. There will be a seven year great tribulation in which unparalleled trials and hardship will spread around the world (Revelation 7:14). This future worsening days are signs that God’s Kingdom calendar is right on time (2Peter 3:3-18).

We must not sleep during this time. Our job is vigilance. To be sober and awake in a world ruled by Satan, inhabited by fallen men, affords us front-row seats—with theater guide (the Bible) in hand. Devastating world events are not frightening when viewed through the lens of Biblical prophecy.

The church (body of believers)—need not endure the tribulation—for we are destined for salvation, rather than wrath (1Thessalonians 5:9).

Take Home Nugget

Though no one knows the exact time of Jesus’ coming, our job is to pay attention. We’re to continue working diligently through this season (Matthew 24:36, Luke 21:13, 1Thessalonians 5:2).

Jesus didn’t provide us dates, only signs of widespread trouble (Matthew 24:6-14).

Every day brings news that’s worse than before,
As I peer skywards outside my door.
“Come soon, Lord Jesus, come soon”, I cry!
I look for You to come—either before or after I die.

J.D. Griffith

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Eternity Instinct

ETERNITY INSTINCT
Ecclesiastes 3:9-17
V. 11: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

On July 12, 1997, I witnessed a boat load of people stare in hushed reverence. A grown humpback whale swam toward our boat from the open sea. Her young calf frolicking by her side, curious by our boat. Mom, patiently tolerant, hesitated for a moment before surging near. When her calf dove deep into the water, she swam next to our boat, her eyes peering into ours.

When my eyes locked hers, I felt a developing bond. I hoped that my eyes telepathed awe and thanks to her. Validating my thrill, a tingle spiraled up my spine. She must have peered into the eyes of each person on our boat.

She played with us, swimming back and forth, waving her fin, both right side up and upside down. Cameras clicked before our new friends disappeared from sight. Was everyone as thrilled as I was at this awesome gift? Was anyone unchanged after this delight?

The author of Ecclesiastes, possibly Israel’s King Solomon, around 1000, B.C., saw the world’s beauty with dazzling clarity. Noticing the awesome creation around him, he wrote that God “has set eternity in the hearts of men.” How astute of King Solomon! He not only wondered at God’s creation, but also forecast long-term human experience.

We humans thrive when living life as fully as possible—so that when death takes us—we have no regrets. How many humans find life’s pleasures so alluring that they devote every living moment in their pursuit? How many chase sinful enjoyment rather than wholesome delights? Is eternity blotted out in their hearts?

When does it dawn on mankind that worldly pleasures ultimately do not satisfy? God’s creation is too breathtaking for humans to absorb in one lifetime. Only by living godly lives do God’s kids secure His promises—not only in this life, but in the life to come (1Timothy 4:8).

Valuing sinful desires yield lives that are unfulfilled and anguished.

Take Home Nugget

I disembarked the boat that day in July a changed individual. My instinct to eagerly experience the magnificence of eternity’s delight is driving my earthly pursuit of righteousness.

Do you think that having eternity in your heart is a spiritual experience?

J.D. Griffith

Amid the measured music
What watchful ear to hear
God’s voice amidst the garden?
Yet hush! For He is here!

Charles

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Dethroned Rivals

DETHRONED RIVALS
James 4:7-10
V. 10: “Humble yourselves before the lord, and He will lift you up.”

Red words are the Lord’s.

Let's compare credentials between the Lord and ourselves: He is the Creator; we’re the created. He provides everything that we need; we tell Him what we want. He forgives our sins; we try to be good.

(That sounds more like a contrast than a comparison.) Hold on! It’s scary giving God control over my life! I want to control my own life. And what if God wants me to do what I don’t want to do? Piercing thoughts encircle my heart.

After my fear subsides, I reconsider: He is holy and sinless. He is infinite. He is wise beyond measure, He’s perfect in everything, and His perspective is eternal. Besides, He weaves all things together for my good. (Romans 8:28).

OK, You got me, Lord. I agree that You make a better master of my life than me, I concede the debate.

“Great! What control do you think you really have, anyway?”

Gulp... No fair! You’re God!

“Besides, when people are masters of their own lives, they remain enslaved to sin. My Spirit won’t tolerate sin.”

So, what’s Your plan, Lord?”

“I promise to cover your transgressions with My grace. But when you continue in sin, that’s disobedience.”

What’s the bottom line, Lord? My thoughts challenge the Almighty.

“Discard all My rivals,” the Lord cuts to the chase. “Make a deal with Me. I don’t usually do this, but I love you, and want your trust.”

WOW, You’d do this for me?

“I sent My one and only Son to die for you! You’re my beloved, and I can’t wait until you grow into the person I created you to be.”

Me, too. What’s next, Lord?

“All my rivals must be dethroned. I’m jealous, and won’t tolerate second-place in anyone’s life. But I will not force you to give up anything you won’t willingly surrender.”

Like what?

“For instance, how much does your new bike mean to you? Are you addicted to pills, alcohol, or smoking? Does your pride prevent you to humble yourself before Me?”

Oh, that.

“Yeah. What, or Who is first in your life?”

Take Home Nugget

No one is absolutely free. We obey, and are slaves to that which is first-place in our hearts. Most people hesitate to submit their will to the Lord. But when we seize that opportunity, we’ll soon discover true freedom (from enslavement) and pure peace—from the most amazing Master.

J.D. Griffith

Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
Naught of this world’s delusive dream;
I have renounced all sinful pleasure,
Jesus is mine; there’s nothing between.

Tindley

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Enormous Significance

ENORMOUS SIGNIFICANCE
Ephesians 5:15-21
Vv. 15-16: “Be very careful then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

“Know what?” Trevor asked Jesse, “I feel different—somehow.”

Eating grilled hamburgers on the outside picnic table, Trevor became a staple at Jesse’s house for dinner. While Jesse just looked at Trevor when he made this comment, Jesse’s Dad had a reply. (See 196 devotion Holy Thinking).

“Trevor, believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. He is the deposit that guarantees our eternal life (Ephesians 1:14). So He’s been at work in you for a couple days now.”

“What’s He doing?” Trevor’s forehead crinkled.

“He’s teaching, guiding, and leading you into the person God designed you to be.”

“Really?...So that’s why…”

“Why what, Trev? Finish what you began saying” Jesse prodded.

Trevor blushed, clearing his throat. “Well, I was thinking about writing my Mom a nasty letter—for leaving me…but I don’t know where…" his voice trailing off.

Jesse’s Mom laid a hand on Trevor’s. “She is hurting as badly as you are now, Trevor. I pray every day for your family to be reunited again—and soon!”

“I’m glad that you didn’t write that letter” Jesse’s Dad said. “The Holy Spirit will never leave you, but refusing to follow His guidance limits His work.” (John 14:16).

“What if I ignore Him?”

Laughter erupted around the table. Swatting a fly, Jesse’s Dad continued, “The Holy Spirit woos us to follow His lead every day. God gave us free will so that following Him is a choice, Trevor. That’s why there’s so much bad in the world today. Believers would have enormous significance in our world if we all were to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance.”

Our Father patiently waits for us to seek His power to overcome sin. When we become the persons He intended, we accomplish the work that He calls us to do. The Holy Spirit provides this supernatural life. When we fail to yield to Him, our lives are filled with discouragement and defeat.

Jesse said, “Let’s shoot for the Holy Spirit’s gold every day, Trevor!”

Take Home Nugget

The Holy Spirit is ready to fill believers with this supernatural power of living. But we must be willing to relinquish our will, and submit to God’s will. Humans do not easily surrender anything; we cling to maintaining control. (No matter that our control is imagined). This is why we hesitate to give our will to another—even if it’s God.

What are you waiting for?

Each small step of faith manifests itself as a giant leap of growth.

J.D. Griffith

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Masterpiece

MASTERPIECE
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

“How’s Trevor?” Jesse’s Mom asked when he got home after swimming.

“Well, at first he was depressed. But we found Scripture that lifted his spirits.” (See 198 devotion Uplifted).

“That’s great, Jesse. I’m proud that you’re the dependable friend he can count on.”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about how I’d feel if you and Dad were getting divorced, and it freaks me out.”

“Me too, honey. The men in my life are real treasures—just as we all are in God’s eyes.”

“Yeah, Mom. But sometimes I forget that.”

Do you sometimes forget that you’re treasured? You are: priceless, cherished, beloved, a prize beyond measure.

Our Father is an artist, and His creation is unspeakably magnificent. No two people are alike. Even identical twins have different fingerprints. We are not created to be idle like treasures shelved in a museum. Neither are we created to sit silently in the museum of worship. We were created in the likeness of God (Genesis1:27), to do good works, to the glory of the Father. (Matthew 5:16).

God redeemed us so that our good works would showcase the brilliance of His grace. Our redemption is God’s most awesome work—His greatest masterpiece—but it cost Jesus His life. While we were dead in our sins, He made us alive in His Son, Jesus Christ. It is by His grace that we are saved! (Ephesians 2:1,5).

You can believe that God’s finger pointed to the Scriptures for Jesse to read for lifting his friend’s spirits. Jesse’s practical good works brought much glory to the Father that day. Image God’s smiling face while they swam at the pool afterwards.

When despair threatens, remind yourself how treasured you are to the One Who created you—and bought your redemption with the death of His only Son.

Take Home Nugget

Paul reminded the Ephesians that they were God’s “workmanship.” He probably used the Greek word, poiema, which means “poem”, or a “work of art.” We’re God’s works of art in His museum—earth—filled with billions of his masterpieces—pointing a dark world to His light of love.

Dedicated to Mary Louise Randolph, 1932-2009. A magnificent masterpiece of God’s workmanship; she never forgot whose she was. Her good works touched many, including her extensive family. We miss you, Mom!

J.D. Griffith

Sing, O sing of my Redeemer;
With His blood He purchased me;
On the cross He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt and made me free.

Blis

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Uplifted

UPLIFTED
Psalm 40:2
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”

(Indications of despair)

Jesse parked his bike and ran onto Trevor’s front porch. “Hey Trev. Want to go swimming?”

“Na.” (Disinterested in life)

“What do you want to do?” Jesse wondered.

“Don’t know, Jess.” Trevor shrugged his shoulders. (Unable to think, distracted)

“What happened, Trev?”

Trevor’s chin quivered as he admitted, “I’ve got to talk to someone…Mom’s gone, Jesse!”

“What?”

“She just split…But she promised to stay in touch with me.”

“Why did she leave?”

“It’s all Dad’s fault! They argued, and he threw her out of the house.” (Blaming someone)

“No way!”

“I haven’t slept, I can’t eat. It’s my fault, Jesse. I am a bad kid…She’d still be here if I hadn’t…” (Little self-worth)

Jesse swallowed hard, shaking his head. “Mom told me that you’d blame yourself, Trev. She wants me to hang tight.”

“I am not a charity case, Jesse!” Trevor yelled. “I don’t want you here on your Mom’s orders!” (Daring to end relationship)

“I WANT to be here, Trevor. You’re my best friend! Things are wrong when you’re not right. You’re very special, and I won’t let you forget that.”

“If you want to hang out with a loser, I’m your man.” (Critical, self-hating)

“Stop that, Trev! You’re not a loser! Have you prayed about this, buddy?”

“Yeah, sure. No answer at God’s place, either.” (God seems distant, absent) “Please leave me alone, Jesse.” (Building walls to protect self)

Jesse sighed. “Please don’t kick me out, Trev. I won’t leave, and God won’t abandon you, either. Let’s walk through this together…Do you have a Bible?

Take Home Nugget

Jesse opened the Bible at random, and began reading: 2Corinthians 6:18, 7:6: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters”…“God comforts the downcast“… Psalm 27:10: “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” Last, Jesse found Joshua 1:5: “I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Then they went swimming. (Friends are God’s ambassadors.)

Dedicated to my SISter and friend, Ellen Hasbrouck—who gifted me a laptop computer—that has allowed me to post devotions for BibleStudyForKids.com around the country these past two years. On this, my second anniversary of writing devotions for children, I lift up praises and thanks to God for providing me everything I need—motivated by His peace—that passes all understanding.
Thank you, Ellen, for loving me as God’s ambassador of eternal friendship!

J.D. Griffith

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Watching Over Me

WATCHING OVER ME (Part 3 of 3)
Matthew 10:31
“So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Trevor’s chin trembled, his eyes closed. “What’s wrong, Trev…you’ve just been saved, man!” (See 196 devotion, Holy Thinking).

Hands covering his eyes, Trevor wept openly. Jesse sat on the floor in front of his friend, offering him tissues. Jesse’s Mom and Dad gave the boys privacy.

“I’m sorry, man.” Trevor’s voice broke. He tossed a tissue into the trash, and dabbed his eyes with a new one. “I’m really glad, but…now what? What’s going to happen to me, with my folks splitting?”

“I don’t know, Trev…but I am relieved that you’re in God’s family now, anyway. Jesus is bigger than your problems—that much I know. Ask Him to help you, answer your questions.”

Jesse’s Mom sat down. “Mind if I butt in, guys?”

Jesse looked at her, thankful. “Course not, Mom! Trev’s terrified.”

“I get that, Trevor” Jesse’s Mom began. “Who wouldn’t be in your situation? Let me tell you what Matthew 10 says. You are precious. God weeps when you’re sad. He doesn’t want His children to be unhappy, and promises to help. Jesus walks us through every trial, and in the end, we find victory beyond the sorrow.”

“Really?” Trevor sniffed.

“Jesus was sending out His twelve disciples into the world to teach His Word, heal sickness, and drive out evil spirits. They were scared out of their wits. Know what I mean?”

Trevor and Jesse, eyes wide, nodded together.

“First he told them to travel light, don’t go far, stay with regular people, not in Inns. And work for their host’s hospitality. He said in Matthew 10:16, ‘I am sending you out as sheep among wolves…therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.’”

The boys couldn’t take their eyes off her.

“Continuing in verse 29, ‘Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.’”

She added, “Even the hairs on your head are numbered…you are worth more than many sparrows” Matthew 10:30.

Take Home Nugget

Trevor threw away his last tissue. “Thanks. I feel better. Of course I’m worth more than sparrows!”

Jesse said, “I know that God will replace your worry with His peace!”

“You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3.

J.D. Griffith

If God sees the sparrow’s fall,
Paints the lilies short and tall,
Gives the skies their azure hue,
Will He not care for you?

Anonymous

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