Friday, December 24, 2010

No Room

NO ROOM
Luke 2:5-7
“He [Joseph] went there [Bethlehem] to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.”

We hear this message every Christmas, and the passage affects people differently. Varied emotions emerge whenever it’s read aloud. Moms image giving birth in a stable—Ugh! Dads image leading a donkey all the way from Nazareth with his pregnant wife in tow—Oh my! Kids often wonder how they ever got where they were headed, with no lights, and going so slowly—Are we there yet?

What always grabs my attention is the Innkeeper. Let’s picture the scene as Joseph stops the donkey in front of the Inn. “Okay Mary” he’d say, lifting her to her feet.

“It’s so good to stand up and walk!” Mary’d comment, stretching her legs. “This looks like a nice place, Joseph.”

Joseph would open the front door, and they would step inside a dimly-lit room. The people congregated there would stop and stare as they walk to the desk. “My good man” Joseph would greet the Innkeeper. “Have you a room where we could stay for a few days?”

The balding Innkeeper probably would sigh when looking at Joseph. When he’d look at Mary, trying to avoid looking at her bulging waist, he’d sigh again before saying, “I am very sorry. We’re full, and most rooms have two to three families cramped inside.” He’d stop speaking to watch their reaction.

Mary bites her lower lip, searching Joseph’s face before turning to the Innkeeper. “Sir, how would you advise us?”

Joseph turns to the Innkeeper, forehead wrinkling in desperation.

The Innkeeper says, looking from Joseph to Mary, “There’s simply no room anywhere in Bethlehem. I am truly sorry…but wait a minute!” he straightens up, raising his brows. “I have a stable out back! A couple cows and sheep eat and stay warm there, but I’ll offer it to you, if you want.”

Joseph looks at Mary, who eagerly nods her head, eyes bright. He says, “Thank you, Sir! We’ll take the stable, if that’s the only place where there’s room.”

Take Home Nugget


The stable worked out very well, indeed! But the point is: Is there room in your heart for Jesus? Or have you rented your heart out to another?

Dearest Jesus, You claim all my days
Where I love and give You highest praise.
You died, taking away my sin and shame—
Oh bless the Savior’s holy name!
MERRY CHRISTMAS, WORLD!
J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Powerful Prayers

POWERFUL PRAYERS
Colossians 1:9-14
vv. 3-6a: “We always thank God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because of your faith in Christ…the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven…the word of truth, the Gospel that has come to you.”

Because God loves us so much, (See devotion Understanding Unconditional Love) we learn to love others. When people say, “I’ll pray for you” what does that mean, really? What’s the best way to pray for another? There is one prayer that covers everything from blessing (approval), protection (safety), to provision (needs). When we pray, speaking to God using Scripture, the conversation contains the authority of the Almighty, Himself.

Beginning in v.9, the prayer in Colossians, chapter 1, seeks God’s wisdom and understanding for the plan of our lives. A searching heart will receive what is needed to follow His way. Verse 10 continues with persons’ lives being consistent with, and worthy of their true spiritual identity (that is, righteous, and holy).

Verse 10 names fruit (good works) as the product of righteous living—very pleasing to God. Then we pray for the person to grow in both facts about God, and an understanding heart. This awareness of Who God is and what He wants produces a believer’s harvest for God’s kingdom.

But relying on our own strength will wear a person out. So verse 11 asks for strength with all power, for every achievement. (This is most effective on our knees, surrendering control to Him). We trust God’s awesome power for endurance and energy to climb every mountain, claim every victory.

Realizing that success comes from God, verse 12 reminds us to thank God. We become grateful for all things. His gifts continue to bless us with our inheritance, or legacy in heaven. Verses 13-14 remind us of being rescued from the darkness, and brought into His light, forgiven and redeemed.

Prayer is vital for believers’ triumphal race to the finish line of their lives. Prayer delivers a vibrant, healthy relationship between the believer and the Father. His unconditional love inspires our love for others. This most powerful prayer model is our gift.
Take Home Nugget


When another says, “I’ll pray for you”, the best response is gratitude. A simple “Thank you” acknowledges their gift of love. Now, we have a way to give back that love with a prayer that covers every circumstance for others. Lifting others up to God’s throne in prayer is the best gift we can offer another. Our prayers produce contentment and joy in our own heart.

Although God knows our every need,
This work He longs to share:
Taking us as partners,
He calls us to prayer.
J.D. Griffith
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Friday, December 17, 2010

Understanding Unconditional Love

UNDERSTANDING UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Many of us have heard from early youth that God loves us. “Jesus Loves Me This I Know” is one of the first songs taught to children. In Nursery classes, kids belt out the song, feeling like the special little people they truly are. It doesn’t take long for God’s kids to wander away, and our Father watches, awaiting cries of distress. He ALWAYS responds, eager to help. When His love stops making sense, it’s time for another lesson.

Because much of our concern for others is conditional, we often project this wrong image onto Jesus. How can someone love me more than I love—especially after what I’ve done! Won’t you allow Him to exchange your anxiety (ang-ZI-I-TEE means worry, concern) for peace? Exchange your depression for joy? Fear for confidence?

Apostle Paul shows us in Ephesians 3:17-19 that the depth of God’s love is beyond our comprehension (com-pre-HEN-shon means understanding). He asks God’s kids to pray for the Father to give us spiritual understanding, so that we experience Him more fully. How can we wrap God’s love around our minds securely, so that we can REST in His love? Abide means to rest in, stand in. God’s love isn’t dependant on our morality (mor-AL-i-tee means goodness), choices, or thoughts.

Recognizing our own sin can make us feel unworthy. The Holy Spirit steps up and urges us to repent. Instantly forgiven, we’re relieved to learn: God promises that there is NO CONDEMNATION for His children.

Whew!

Some feel that this is too easy, and want to earn God’s love. This contradicts divine truth: God loves His children without condition. No one can earn God’s love.
But, how can this love and discipline co-exist? Do your parents stop loving you when giving you a Time Out? Every child needs correction and redirection. (Even adult children). Seen from a different angle, consider that only those who are loved are disciplined.

Take Home Nugget


When you finally get it about God’s unconditional love, does this give you license to sin? Of course not! Just like your parent, teacher, or older sibling, your heavenly Father will discipline every wrong action. It’s wise to learn from it, (instead of rebelling).

God’s love covers our bad behavior, then restores our peace, happiness, and self-worth. When will we allow His love inspire us to be obedient?

Thank You Jesus, for holding me out in Your love
That separates me from others who don’t know
How our heavenly Father showers us from above
With peace, joy, and confidence that I live and show.
J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Significant

SIGNIFICANT
Psalm 139:1-18
v. 13: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

“That’s incorrect, Cassie. Weren’t you listening to the story I just told the class? Who can come up here and write the correct answer on the board?” the fifth-grade teacher said.

Cassie sat down, red-faced. I was listening! Cassie insisted to herself, tears threatening to spill down her face.

When someone pokes fun at you, it’s hard to remember how precious you are to God. There will always be someone who’s more athletic than you, cuter than you, smarter than you. We all want to fit in, be accepted by our peers, and respected by others. But there will always be people who survive on the margins of life. Their life is difficult, and they constantly struggle with self-worth.

Being different can easily result in being bullied, and mocked by others. When people don’t fit into any mold, they’re often ignored. Does anyone see me? compounds their feeling of insignificance. Trivial, the opposite of important, is NOT how God created His kids to be—in any situation! To God, every one of His kids is significant.

We’re so valued that God sent His only Son to pay the price for our salvation. We’re so important that the creator of the entire universe wants to have a relationship with every one of His kids. Specifically fashioned in His image, people are the only created beings that can boast that. He also designed every detail of our lives before we were even born.

So whether you’re too tall, too short, or too different from everyone else around you, rest in the assurance that you’re deeply loved. You’re important. You matter. You were formed specifically for a purpose. As we learned in the devotion, God’s View of You, God’s crazy about you! And in the devotion, Assurance Over Doubt, God wants you to be certain of your place in His family.
You DO matter. While you may not command the applause of everyone, to God, you mean the world.

Take Home Nugget


“Cassie, will you please stay after class for a minute?” Cassie’s fifth-grade teacher requested, as the bell rang.

“I am sorry if I was rash about criticizing your answer, Cassie. The story can have different points of view, and I hadn’t considered the idea you suggested” Cassie’s teacher admitted. “You’re very bright. Won’t you write a short description of why you came to that conclusion? I’ll give you twenty extra-bonus points of you’ll tell the class what you meant by your answer.”
J.D. Griffith
Of all creation’s treasures rare,
Not one compares in worth with man,
In God’s own image we were made
To fill a place in His great plan.

D. De Haan
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Friday, December 10, 2010

Assurance Over Doubt

ASSURANCE OVER DOUBT
Romans 6:21-22
“What benefits did reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

We learned how God feels about His kids—He’s crazy about us! (See 334dev God’s View of You). But we’re human. We cannot help but sin, regardless of how much we try being good.
That’s the whole reason the Father sent Jesus, Who came to save us. There’s nothing we can do on our own; we can never be good enough to not require saving. If we don’t understand that Jesus had to die in our place, and accept His free gift of salvation, we often doubt our salvation.

People have only two options in regard to sin. Either we die in it, and spend eternity separated from God (death), or accept Jesus’ free gift of forgiveness, and spend eternity in God’s presence—in heaven (life). Which do you choose?

Since the Father cannot look upon the filth of sin, when Jesus was hanging on the cross, He took on the sin of all mankind, and the Father had to turn away. From eternity past, the Father and Son had NEVER been apart. Jesus must have been shocked at the horror of the Father’s turning His back when He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

This ought to clue us in about how people will feel, who don’t accept Jesus. Their eternity will be spent in shocked horror. Jesus accepted this ultimate punishment so that we wouldn’t have to. How can we have assurance of salvation? Take the following three-question test:

1. Do I trust Scripture? Acts 16:31 says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Either we believe Jesus died for our sins, or we don’t.

2. Do I believe the Holy Spirit? Romans 8:16 says that the “Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

3. Do I follow Jesus? Those who walk in Christ are a new creation (2Corinthians 5:17), and are being transformed day by day into His likeness.

Take Home Nugget


If you can answer “yes” to all three questions, you can be assured that you’re in God’s family. Any “no” answer points to the issue that needs growth. Christ-followers still sin. But regardless of whatever sin, the Holy Spirit continues to tag us with guilt. He won’t stop until we repent. His insistence is proof that we’re God’s kid!

If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He died for your sins, then you’re saved!
J.D. Griffith

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

God's View of You

GOD’S VIEW OF YOU
Hebrews 2:6-18
v.11: “Both the One Who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family.”

Way too often, people rely on human understanding for how God sees His children. Everything our Father does on earth is guided by His care and love for the human race. Scripture shows God’s viewpoint. It is a reliable, regardless of how we feel from one day to the next.

Created in God’s image. Think about all the creatures God made. Only one, mankind, of all His creation, was made in His image. We have a mind, will, emotions, soul, and spirit that enable us to worship and relate to God. Adam and Eve were perfect and sinless, at first. Their purpose was to live forever in intimate relationship with their Creator.

The corruption of sin spoiled that divine image. When sin crept into human nature, people had no way back to that blissful, perfect union. We became spiritually dead. We had no hope. We were condemned by the very God Who created us so lovingly—so full of hope and promise. We didn’t resemble His original creation at all. But all was not lost. The Father devised a way to bring us back into a loving relationship with Himself.

Worthy of Redemption. Thank You, Father, for considering Your kids worthy to save! Enter Jesus. Jesus was present at creation, and yet He agreed to forsake His divinity, and become human—just so that He could save His siblings—us. Through His atoning work, everyone who believes in Jesus is made spiritually alive again. The Father is so proud of His Son, that He mandates (or commands) that humans embrace Jesus before He has anything to do with us.

This reconciliation (re-kon-SIL-i-A-shon means reunion, ceasefire) between God and His kids is a breathtaking achievement. Jesus’ death on the cross, as a perfect sacrifice, bought our forgiveness for sins. Although horribly expensive, Jesus’ death makes it possible for God’s precious kids to come boldly before Him. Now, God’s view of us is pure and holy.
All because of Jesus. No wonder the Father insist people accept His Son before acknowledging us! God is as crazy about you as He is about Jesus!

Take Home Nugget


Life can be so difficult, that people often lose sight of their worth. The battles we face are ongoing, and we forget Whose we are. In the Father’s view, we’re precious, valued, and beloved. This realization can energize and renew our love for the One Who gave Himself so freely to bring us life from death.
J.D. Griffith
All that we were—our sins, our guilt,
Our death—was all our own;
All that we are we owe to Thee,
Thou God of grace, alone.

Bonar
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Friday, December 3, 2010

Growing Challenge

GROWTH CHALLENGE
Matthew 16:25
v. 25: “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.’”

Jesus proposal takes much courage. Many times during our walk through life following Jesus, we struggle with His directions. We tend to question them. We find ways to distrust whether they really come from God. Often they don’t make sense to our human reasoning. Peter couldn’t accept that His King would be killed, (Matthew 16:21-22). Jesus’ words were counter to Peter’s thinking.

Jesus challenges our thinking today—and that’s the rub.

Bargaining, counter proposal, or compromise is most often our response to His leading. Why do we prefer trying to make a deal rather than agreeing and obeying? In one word, the answer is pride. For humans to submit his or her will to God requires more than most are willing to give. “It’s my life!” people insist. “I want…” and they list personal goals that are more important than what God wants them to do: go where He wants them, do His work. But denying self is Jesus’ first element of following Him.

God’s instructions are not mere suggestions, they’re commands. Humans tend to rebel when given orders. But hesitating, offering what we’re willing to do is really disobedience.
Carrying our own cross is not as heavy as it was for Jesus. His cross was heavy plank wood, Ours could be anything we must live with that disagrees with personal choice. When we decide to obey, God’s kids are given the gift of love for the unlovely, patience for the disagreeable, long-suffering for the ones we serve.

This is called grace. And grace carries us through every storm elegantly. Picking up our cross becomes cheerful, with grace. Following Jesus becomes an honor instead of a burden. Suddenly we’ve fulfilled Jesus’ requirements, and we forgot why we didn’t want to submit to His will. Don’t look now, but you’re Jesus’ disciple!

Following Jesus isn’t guesswork, either. Scripture confirms divine direction. We’ll never be asked to do anything that is contrary to biblical principles. Don’t forget that the Holy Spirit, Who lives inside you, will lead you in all truth. Every time God’s kid seeks direction, He’s pleased to show us exactly what He means.

Take Home Nugget


Peter finally got it, after Jesus scolded him in front of the disciples (Matthew 16:23). The Lord was redirecting his thinking to a life of humble service rather than imagining him exalted to a high position. And Peter did become the rock upon which Jesus built His church (Matthew 16:18).

When God’s kids do as Jesus says, we find that His way is way better than anything we could have dreamed following our own desires.
When we submit to You, to follow and obey, we’ll never have to defend our sinful way.
J.D. Griffith
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