Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Knee-Jerk Reactions

KNEE-JERK REACTIONS
Titus 3:5-8
The Message: “It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, He saved us from all that. It was all His doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with Him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.”

How many people figured that Every Believer’s Calling devotion (Jesus’ Great Commission command, in Matthew 28:19-20) was something trivial or unimportant? Talking about Jesus isn’t what they do. Maybe this is you. Maybe you bought into that age-old adage that “politics” and “religion” should never be discussed. I agree that there’s a time and a place for everything. When a neighbor’s ranting, now isn’t the time to challenge him to look in the mirror. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.

Fifth-grader Brad pulled Ronnie’s arm and yelled, “Stop hitting Keith, he’s only in third grade!”

“He made fun of my boots!” Ronnie said defending himself.

“They’re ugly!” Keith insisted.

Brad’s gripped Ronnie’s arm tighter. “That’s not your business, Keith. Apologize to Ronnie…So what if you don’t like his boots? They’re his, not yours.”

Keith looked down, mumbling, “Sorry.”

Brad looked at Ronnie. “Your turn, Ron....Guys, this isn’t that big of a deal, it’s only boots!”

“These boots are hot” Ronnie asserted. Then he added, “It’s OK, squirt.”

Serving the Lord is really that simple. Brad didn’t’ have to lecture or preach to these guys. He only had to do the right thing. Just because “going into the world and telling others about Jesus” sounds difficult, it’s no excuse not to obey His command. We can serve God right where we are. We can show others who we serve by right behavior—every time.

God’s gifts His children with everything we need to accomplish every command given. There is no limit to what God can do with a willing helper. But when we refuse to obey God, obeying ourselves—or our feelings—won’t cut it in the real world.

Take Home Nugget


Forget excuses when it comes to serving the Lord. He won’t listen. But He does promise to empower us for whatever He calls us to do—and then reward us for our obedience.

Anything that takes God’s rightful place is an idol. Is your idol pride, stubbornness, excuses?
J.D. Griffith
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Friday, March 4, 2011

Every Believer's Calling

EVERY BELIEVER’S CALLING
Acts 1
V. 11: “‘Men of Galilee’ they [two men dressed in white] said, ‘Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who was taken from you into the heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.’”

Apostle Peter said to John, “WOW! I wonder when?”

John stopped staring into the sky, sure that Jesus had really disappeared. He answered his fellow disciple. “Don’t know, Peter…But I miss Him already!”

“He’s gone, John…I guess we’d better get going, too.”

“Right” John said. “Hey, James, Phil, Andrew, Alphaeus, Bart, Matt, Simon, Tom, Judas—let’s go! Or do you want to hang around here looking stupid all day?”

“Where to?” James wondered. “I suppose we ought to hang together for awhile, though. The helper that Jesus promised us will come soon." (Acts 1:4-5).

Thomas said, “Then our work will really start! Aren’t we commanded to give everyone in the whole world our Good News?” (Acts 1:8).

“Jerusalem’s a whole day’s walk from here—we’d better get started” John suggested. (They were at the Mount of Olives, Acts 1:12).

None of Jesus’ disciples lacks a story to tell about knowing our Master. Paul’s Damascus story really rocked me! (See Committed Zeal devotion, or read for yourselves Acts 9:1-15). The point is that every believer has a story to tell. Our personal experiences with Jesus motivate us to tell stories about Him—right where we are.

This is His command—and we ought to take it seriously.

Every believer’s highest calling, is to tell others about Jesus. Your story is the most interesting and exciting one to tell. Although Jesus’ Great Commission task is overwhelming to many of His kids, it’s our job to obey (Matthew 28:19-20). Remember His last words in verse 20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Do His reassuring words give you power to share Jesus with another? The world surely needs the power of Christ. The Holy Spirit will guide you—putting words into your mouth—that will rock others.

Take Home Nugget


What will we do, while waiting for the Counselor that You promised, Jesus? Philip prayed as they walked. After a little while he announced, “When we get to Jerusalem, we could find a twelfth disciple. Judas Iscariot—that traitor—is gone!”
We, too, gather inspiration when we surrender to God. When we see His hand at work in our lives, the stronger our passion grows to share with others what He has done.
What often seems coincidence
As we add life chapters to our story
Is really God at work, behind the scenes—
To Him be all the glory!
J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Brain Vs. Feet & Mouths

BRAIN VERSUS FEET & MOUTHS
Genesis 6
The Message vv.5-8: “God saw that human evil was out of control. People thought evil, imagined evil—evil, evil, evil from morning to night. God was sorry that He had made the human race in the first place; it broke His heart. God said, ‘I’ll get rid of my ruined creation, make a clean sweep: people, animals snakes and bugs, birds—the works. I’m sorry I made them.’
“But Noah was different. God liked what He saw in Noah.”

Apostle Paul got how awesome is Jesus’ gift of salvation. He did what many people don’t do—he set out to proclaim the Gospel of Christ immediately after his conversion (see Committed Zeal devotion). Paul didn’t waste time communicating what his brain knew to his feet and mouth. After regaining his sight, he spent time with disciples in Damascus. Then he began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 9:18-22, 18:5-6).

As a Pharisee, Paul knew the Old Testament (Acts 26:4-5). Did Paul remember Noah’s obedience to God as he began his ministry? Noah shows people how to live by faith instead of sight. When God instructed Noah to build an ark, (because He was going to send a flood to the earth and destroy all life in Genesis 6:17), Noah obeyed. Never mind that he’d never seen one drop of rain, nor had any idea what an ark is.

Both these men display what it means to walk with the Lord. Instead of thinking, and doubting, they got to work immediately. Noah built an ark, despite ridicule from family and neighbors. Paul was so grateful for Jesus’ gift of salvation—that he never shut up—talking about Jesus being the Messiah for the rest of his life.

We know, as God’s kids, that His Spirit indwells us permanently. We’re assured of our salvation. Do we get it that there’s a difference between having salvation and walking with the Lord? Does having eternal security prompt us to feel privileged for that walk? Using our feet and mouths to share our faith doesn’t have to be monumental—like Noah’s having saved all life from destruction.

Most likely, our lives will appear common. We’ll probably live godly lives in the midst of people who don’t agree with our priorities. But in crisis (KRI-sis means emergency) situations, the difference will be obvious—to even the most casual observer.

Take Home Nugget


Both the simple and hectic lives show who’s (or what’s) peoples’ Master. God’s kids are taught to give God their problems, providing us much peace. The world applauds complicated, clawing-to-get-ahead lives where people are often frantic. Who do you think God will entrust with more?

Enlarge my faith, Lord, so that I trust;
Obeying you whenever, wherever I must.
J.D. Griffith
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Friday, February 25, 2011

Passionate Zeal

PASSIONATE ZEAL
Romans 6:5-14
The Message vv. 2-5: [This happens in baptism] “When we go under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came out of the water, we entered into a new country of grace—a new life in a new land! That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going into our new grace-sovereign country.”

Our heavenly Father wants His kids to focus passionately on His plan (Matthew 28:19). The Great Commission is the motive for whoever’s a member of Jesus’ Universal Church (see Universal Church of Individuals devotion).

Regardless of whether a baby, child, or adult is baptized by the sprinkling of water, or total immersion, baptism is new life. The opening Scripture defines and explains what baptism means: Dead to sin, alive in Christ! This is reinforced at salvation—when believers accept Jesus as Savior—and are born again (John 3:7).

Apostle Paul planted a seed for us in Committed Zeal devotion. His life-changing conversion fueled passionate zeal because he was: Grateful for the amazing undeserved gift of salvation, Positive that the Gospel message is true, and that on the Cross, sin was utterly defeated.

Before salvation we are all slaves to sin, unable to break free. Being united with Jesus in his death and resurrection, gives us power to reject sin. Paul understood this better than anyone. He never forgot how he enthusiastically brought believers to Jerusalem, cheering their death for believing in Jesus. After his conversion, sin lost all power over him. Jesus’ love fueled passionate zeal for Paul to live for Christ, spreading the Gospel of Christ throughout the known world (Galatians 2:20).

Like Paul, we’re called to live a crucified life, one that’s passionate for Christ. Our zeal can be seen in our thinking, attitudes, and actions by making Jesus 1st in our lives. We embrace living by faith, standing firm against temptation.

Paul’s passionate zeal propelled him forward, even through times of great adversity (ad-VERS-i-tee means hardship, misfortune). He knew that salvation labeled him blameless before the Father. This badge of courage allowed Paul to complete his task, and cross his finish line in victory (Acts 20:24).

Does Paul inspire you to live your life with passionate zeal for King Jesus?
Take Home Nugget

While we’re unable to say “No” to temptations on our own strength, our indwelling Holy Spirit empowers us for godly living.

Victorious living in Christ blazes God’s grace brightest.
J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Committed Zeal

COMMITTED ZEAL
Acts 9:1-18
The Message vv. 1-5: “All this time [after Jesus’ ascension, and Holy Spirit arrived to the disciples who were going out to the world], Saul [who was later renamed Paul] was breathing down the necks of the Master’s disciples, out for the kill. He went to the Chief Priest and got arrest warrants to take to the meeting places in Damascus so that if he found anyone there belonging to The Way [what the first Christian faith was called], whether men or women, he could arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem.

“He set off. When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: ‘Saul, Saul, why are you out to get Me?’

“He said, ‘Who are You, Master?’

“‘I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you’ll be told what to do next.’”

Pretty convincing, isn’t it? Paul’s conversion experience on the road to Damascus changed his life forever. Today, people may say that God speaks to them, but we don’t imagine that their experience is as dramatic as when Jesus blew Paul’s mind. Even Paul’s travelling companions were speechless (verse 7). Paul’s commitment exploded with zeal (ZEEL means eager enthusiasm)—grateful for Jesus’ grace—a second chance for his salvation.

Jesus became the central motivating force in Paul’s life (see Christocentric devotion). Regardless of whether he was bound with chains in prison, preaching to a crowd, or repairing a tent—Paul never stopped talking about Jesus—as his having authored many New Testament books prove. One visit from the resurrected Christ consumed Paul, positive that the Gospel message is the only thing that matters in life.

Paul’s right.

On the cross, Jesus shouldered all our sins—past, present and future (1Peter 2:24). He suffered beatings, whippings, and separation from the Father so that His death would buy our forgiveness. Our salvation brings us to the very throne of the Father, Who sees us as blameless, holy, and welcomes us as His kids. By faith in Jesus—we’re born again—and the indwelling Holy Spirit equips, teaches, and strengthens us every day of our lives.

This demonstrates Jesus’ committed zeal for us!
Take Home Nugget

Won’t you offer Jesus your committed zeal? What awesome power we’d have as one body in Christ—if every believer were committed with zeal! (See Universal Church of Individuals and Explaining One Body devotions). The more we learn about Jesus, the more intense our faith and zeal.

Awesome Savior, keep me humble,
Fill me with committed zeal.
Pick me up whenever I stumble,
Proclaiming the Gospel as the real deal.

J.D. Griffith
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Friday, February 18, 2011

Explaining One Body

EXPLAINING ONE BODY
Isaiah 61:1-2
The Message: “The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of His grace—a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—and to comfort all who mourn.”

Bobby challenged Greg and Timmy to a roller-skating race. (See Universal Church of Individuals devotion). Sitting down for an ice-cream break, fourth-grader, Bobby had a question.

“What did you mean about our being one body, Timmy?”

“I was looking for a common link, so that we could have fun—despite our differences” Timmy said.

“What differences?

“Well, Jehovah’s Witness believers think differently from Methodists, or Episcopalians, for example.” Timmy explained.

“How so?”

“How we worship God is one difference…But that you embrace Jesus makes us one body in Christ.”

Timmy’s correct. As we learned in Universal Church of Individuals devotion, all believers of Christ around the world form one body. 1Corinthians 10:17 says, “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.” (This concerns Holy Communion. The bread, or loaf, and the wine, or grape juice represent Jesus’ body and blood, in verse 16). Jesus is the head of our one body. He’s the glue that holds the Universal Church together, as Master of believers’ lives.

At salvation, (after trusting Jesus as Savior), we’re made one with Him. Regardless of individual church memberships, believers are linked together as living, breathing, active parts of Christ in His Universal Church. Followers of Jesus perform His work on earth as different parts of His body. His Gospel message is carried by our tongues, feet, and writing hands. (Internet carries it far and wide). As His arms, we uphold the weak, caring for those in need. His love is spread through our hearts.

The Universal Church body members are linked and united by our common mission through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel cannot be spread except through the strength and wisdom of Jesus Christ, the head.

I embrace you, reader, as another member of our body in Christ.

Take Home Nugget


The Universal Church’s body cannot expect an easy existence, however. Representing Jesus to a world which rejects Him isn’t easy. We expect ridicule and sacrifice because sin and accountability aren’t popular messages. If they were popular, our work would already be done…and Christ would be reigning on earth!

Finishing up their ice-cream, Bobby smiled at his new third-grade friends. “I didn’t realize the fun and friendship I could have with younger kids!”
Yes, our work is just beginning.

Embracing Christ is informational AND transformational.

J.D. Griffith
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