Where is He Who is Born as King?

WHERE IS HE WHO IS BORN KING?

Matthew 2:2:  “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? ...”

            So calm.  So matter-of-fact.  So, how come you don’t already know?  Wouldn’t you have loved being present when the Magi faced King Herod when announcing their mission coming to Jerusalem—and then watch him freak out?  Scholars often get caught up in their own world.  People in the “real world” aren’t even a blip on a scholar’s radar.    

            With their languages being light-years apart, it’s a wonder that these two worlds can even communicate.  But King Herod heard “king of the Jews” loudly and clearly.  He knew that they weren’t talking about him! 

            How come Herod’s scribes and chief priests, whose whole existence is Scripture-immersed, didn’t give Herod a “heads-up” warning?  Can you imagine Herod’s bulging neck veins when he confronted them and they admitted, “Yeah, Bethlehem, in Judah, what’s the big deal?”

            Maybe they read Micah 5:2 to Herod, “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be shepherd of My people Israel.” 

            The years preceding Jesus were a dark time for Israel.  And before God’s light would shine into their world, it would get even darker.  If Israel thought they suffered under Roman oppression, they hadn’t seen anything yet. 

            Herod’s fury would not quench until every child two years and under was killed.  He ordered hundreds killed just to blot out that one baby who is born to unseat him as king.  He groped around the darkness of his self-made prison, lashing out at every imagined threat. 

            How their question haunted Herod!  “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?”

            Many people today exist this way.  Whatever or whomever is their god, shines no light into their dark world.  Where is He who is born King in their lives?  Who, and where is their Lord?  We might ask ourselves that same question when we’re down and out. 

            Who can predict where God’s Spirit leads?  Who understands the depth of love our Heavenly Father has for His children?  Have we yet reached the point that apostle Paul bewailed in Romans 7:24, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?”

Take Home Nugget

            Only Jesus can.  Only He got a new star as a heavenly birth announcement.  Only He got a chorus of angelic hosts worshipping His birth.  Only He humbled Himself to come as a man.  Only He suffered and died for human sin.  Only He is the One who was born to be King. 

             

Be King of my life, Jesus.  You were born to be my Lord, King Jesus!

This devotion is adapted from We Saw His Star from 2015 Advent Devotions. Lutheran Indian Ministries. Sternbeck.  December 24, 2015. Wisconsin. 

       

J.D. Griffith

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Perfect Powerful Prayer Pattern

PERFECT POWERFUL PRAYER PATTERN

Sixth of six devotions in Let’s Talk series

Colossians 1:9-14

Colossians 1:9:  “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, 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.”

            Let’s Chat series of devotions winds up with what I think is the most powerful prayer we can offer anyone who asks, “Will you please pray for me?” They don’t always say why they’re troubled; we don’t always ask for specifics.  Mostly, it’s just too hard to pry into another’s heartache.  We never want to be intrusive. 

            If someone should ask you, “How can I pray for you?” would you have an answer?  This series intended to from angles from which you seize control over prayer.  What’s left to learn about prayer?  Readers ought to have lifted up their own prayer asking our Father, “What prayer role would You have me fill?”

            Effective and powerful prayer is deliberate.  Good intentions can’t match knowing specific tools to use fulfilling God’s commands.  While the Bible includes several effective prayer patterns, Paul’s epistle to fellow believers in Colossae is my favorite.

 

            The opening Scripture sets the stage.  Day by day, God fills us with knowledge of His will as we grow spiritually wise.  We understand what pleases God and deliver fruit of good works.  “What God brings you to, He’ll bring you through” confirms strengthening us with His glorious might. 

            God’s power, not ours.

            We endure patiently and joyfully lift up thanks and praise to God throughout our day.  Why?  Because we qualify to share in the inheritance with other saints in the kingdom of light. 

             

            Apostle Paul was on a roll, and we can benefit from this advice.  This prayer pattern addresses every possible human condition.  Healing, provision, and peace is our inheritance.  God rescued us from kingdom of darkness (eternal death).  We are with Christ in the kingdom of light (eternal life). 

            Believers are loved, redeemed and forgiven.  And now, we can copy a perfect, powerful prayer pattern to use for anyone in any situation.  God’s Spirit empowers us to pray powerfully. 

Take Home Nugget

            Believers can pray Colossians 1:9-14 for ourselves, too.  When the life of a believer looks impossible, chaotic or disastrous from the outside, people are attracted to our inner peace.  Because we trust the Lord is working in and through our lives, we display His peace and holiness on the world’s stage. 

“Will you pray for me?”

Is what Believers often hear,

“Of course” is what we say

To those who are so dear.

We need not be dismayed

Should some ask for prayer.

“I got this!” Everything’s okay.

God Spirit is who we share.

This devotion is adapted from A Pattern of Powerful Prayer from In Touch magazine.  Dr. Charles Stanley.  May 7, 2014. Georgia. 

       

J.D. Griffith

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Soul Food (Corrected from original)

SOUL FOOD

Fifth of six devotions in Let’s Talk series

Genesis 28:11:  “When he [Jacob] reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set.  Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.”

            Like food feeds the body, prayer feeds the soul.  People are accustomed to eating three meals of food a day; perhaps we can squeeze in three meals of prayer a day?  It’s simple to remember: Grace before food, “Grace” is prayer-food time. 

            Shacharit for morning, mincha for afternoon prayer, and ma’ariv for evening are Jewish names for daytime prayers.  Jewish teaching shows that each one of the Christian patriarchs inspire a specific time of day for prayer. 

            Abraham’s prayer wakes up the morning in Genesis 19:27.  “Early the next morning Abraham got up and went to the place where he stood before the Lord.”  Morning times are bright and sunny (shining).  We thank our Father for the hope He provides with this new day.  We can agree to rejoice and be glad in this new day (when everything is good; and especially when things are bad). 

            Abraham brings shacharit breakfast hope and joy.

           

            Isaac inspires afternoon prayer.  “He [Isaac] went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching.” Genesis 24:63.  Afternoons are busiest.  However, Isaac offers inner strength to our days.  He purposely disconnects from busy and spends private time with the Father.  He reminds us that we’re never too busy to NOT spend time before our Lord in prayer.

            Isaac delivers our bagged mincha “lunchtime to go” of breakaway time with the Father.       

            The opening Scripture passage shows Jacob’s accidental-on-purpose   divinely-inspired place to sleep.  He “just happened” to stop at the holy site of Mount Mariah as darkness fell.  A hidden meaning suggests that Jacob endured the most hardship, gravity and uncertainty in life.  After bribing twin brother Esau out of his birthright for food, Jacob later tricked his father into giving him Esau’s blessing.  Sow-Reap: Jacob hadn’t heard from a prophet of God because his life was spent grieving after being deceived of the death of his favorite son Joseph. (Genesis 37:3-35).

            Jacob teaches us to pray during the darkest time of the day.  But dinner time is also restful time that is labelled ma’ariv.  We praise the Father for seeing us safely through our day.           

Take Home Nugget

            Certainly, God wants to hear from His kids anytime.  It is people who carve out the tiniest sliver of time dedicated only for Him.  Altogether, our Judeo-Christian faith was shaped by these patriarchs.  Perhaps they could inspire us to pray more often?

Patriarchs teach prayer time throughout each day.

This devotion is adapted from Food for the Soul from “Holy Land Moments Daily”  Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.  November 19, 2015.

J.D. Griffith

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R U In?

R U IN?

Fourth of six devotions in Let’s Talk series

1 Timothy 2:5,6, and 8:  “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given at the proper time. …I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”

           

            Interceding Believers devotion showed Jesus’ job in Heaven is to intercede for Believers.  Of ALL the things to do in the universe, interceding for Believers is Jesus’ prayer assignment.  Aren’t you relieved that Jesus is devoted to that job on your behalf?

            He is looking for boy and girl partners to intercede on behalf of family and friends in prayer.    

            R U In?

            This partnership offer ought to thrill Believers to the max.  If not, consider the following: Cassie and Jeremy are twelve years old now, promoted to middle school. 

            Twelve year old girls and boys are no longer equal in physical strength and endurance.  But having been friends since—forever—they cling to those friendships growing up.  Instead of playing together at recess, their interaction is limited to classrooms and passing each other in the halls.

            Cassie and Jeremy share biology class.  Meeting in a laboratory, the kids don safety goggles and get busy.  Today, bugs are studied through a microscope. 

            Ms. Lester advised, “Cassie, keep both eyes open and look through the eye piece.  Study the cricket through the magnifying glass. You may use the forceps for closer inspection.  Count and identify body parts.”  Cassie stared through the eye piece hearing, “Memorize what you see, then draw what you remember on the paper at your desks.  I’ll be right back, class.  No horsing around!”

            Hearing the door close, Scotty shoved Cassie away.  “My turn!” 

            Lasiandra asked Jeremy, lining up behind him to view a beetle at a

second station, “Are you and Cassie ‘an item?’”

Take Home Nugget

            Every day, believers are left “in the Earth” trying to avoid becoming “of the Earth.”  Clearly Cassie was bulled out of the way.  Obviously, Lasiandra wants Jeremy to like her.

            Everyone encounters similar events in our daily lives.  They barely register to us that they’re potential intercessory prayer opportunities.  Can you see how broken this Earth has become with sin’s influence seeping into everyone and everything? 

            Can you agree to partner with Jesus interceding for others to the Father?

            Complete the lesson below for an important warning on intercessory prayer, and why this ministry is vital for people’s’ welfare.

Because You take Intercessory prayer this seriously, Lord, I AM IN after learning that You “want all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

This devotion is adapted from “We Must Intercede for Others” from

Word of the Week.  Rev. Toni Randolph. November 7, 2015.       

             

J.D. Griffith

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Interceding Believers

INTECEDING BELIEVERS

Third of six devotions in Let’s Talk series

1 Timothy 2:1-2:  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

           

            Enteuxus is a Greek noun that means intercession [in-ter-SESH-on].  That Greek word for Intercession means “meeting with.”  Intercession is simply praying on behalf of others. 

            Personally, Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede in every prayer you lift up to God.  Believers are on the receiving end of God who is meeting with Himself on our behalf.  Three persons of God are one.

            The triune God meets with us—our hearts—pleading for our good.  Using appropriate worship (Jesus), groaning what words cannot utter (Holy Spirit), reverent believers’ prayers have the Father’s full attention. 

            Prayer is a very big deal!  We should pray more often.

            God created us in his own image for this very purpose.  (Genesis 1:26-27).  He doesn’t enjoy being ignored.  Prayer is such a big deal because it’s how we sit on God’s lap and chat.  We all know that people love to talk to one another.  Let’s not exclude our loving Father in heaven from our conversations, our very lives.

            And now, we learn that we can give back the help we automatically get from God whenever we pray.  Instead of remaining on the receiving end of God’s meeting with us for our benefit, we’re asked to perform that same service to others.  

            Isn’t interceding for others in prayer an awesome privilege?  Can you see how the Father enjoys sharing kingdom privileges with His kids?  Earthly dad’s love to shower privileges upon his kids.  Dad learned that from our heavenly Father.

            Jesus is the best intercessor.  Isaiah 53:12 predicts, “There I will give Him a portion of the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered among the transgressors.  For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

            Hanging between two thieves on the cross in Luke 23:34, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  Soldiers mocked him, and were at the feet of the cross gambling for his robe.  Jesus offers us forgiveness of sins when we believe in Him as Lord. 

            Check out the lesson linked below as proof of Jesus’ intercessory job. 

           

Take Home Nugget

            Matching the colors above, you see how Jesus certainly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy.  Jesus’ intercedes for us every time we pray.  Don’t we feel obligated to help others like this?

Our job is to intercede for others, because the Godhead meets to intercede for us!

           

This devotion is adapted from “We Must Intercede for Others” from

Word of the Week.  Rev. Toni Randolph. November 7, 2015.       

J.D. Griffith

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Prayer Help

PRAYER HELP

Second of six devotions in Let’s Talk series

Romans 8:26-27:  “In the same way, [groaning as we wait for redemption] the [Holy] Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes with the saints according to God’s will.”

            Okay.  Today I set apart private time for praying to my heavenly Father.  Eager to draw closer to my Creator, I kneel down beside my bed. This is exactly what I’ve been asking for.   “Uh,” was all that came out of my mouth.  My mind went blank.

            That’s why this series began with P.R.A.Y. devotion.  The acronym is easy to begin to pray AND pray appropriately.  Praise.  Repent.  Ask.  Yield.  Even I can think of words to say that lead me to my point for this specific prayer.  All bases covered. 

            (Maybe Jesus won’t have to completely rephrase our prayers with His intercessory prayer if we follow the model?)

            There are times when we’re sick, and just ask for healing before drifting off to sleep.  Other times, we’re overwhelmed by life circumstances, and can’t find a place to start praying that would make any sense.  People are quick to advise, “Don’t force prayer.  It’ll come when you “feel” like praying.” 

            We’re wise not to trust that advice.

            The Holy Spirit tugs at my heart, “Give setting-aside-prayer-time a try.  I promise to show up.”

            And sure enough, He did!

            Believers know that every need—down to the smallest detail---is our Father’s concern.  Ever so grateful, we’re humbled to remember the needs of others—also down to the last detail.  Selfless prayer isn’t natural to people, but where God’s Spirit leads, we can follow.  God’s indwelling Spirit actively transforms Believers day by day into Christlikeness.

            Our heavenly Father urges every one of His kids to copy-cat our big Brother Jesus.  And Jesus is proud of every one of us who strives to achieve His standard of excellence of living by His Spirit.

           

           

Take Home Nugget

            Even living by God’s indwelling Spirit isn’t natural for humans.  Cooperating with the Spirit challenges proud, self-sufficient people to turn over ourselves to His authority.  Then we submit to His leadership.  We yield to His holiness and glory.

            Handing our future into His hands teaches us trust.  Then, SURPRISE! We no longer stress over stuff.  We’re at peace.  Truly happy.

Yielding is hard for me.

Help me to surrender to You.

Freedom from worry is what I see,

With extra benefits of joy and peace added too!

           

This devotion is adapted from “Our Help in Prayer” from In Touch Magazine.  September 7, 2015.  Georgia.     

J.D. Griffith

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P.R.A.Y.

P.R.A.Y.

First of six devotions in Let’s Talk series

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:  “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

            Believers argue that prayer is not a means to control God; rather it opens up hearts for God to control us.  Reverent and yielding is believers' approach.  We know that we’re welcome into God’s throne room.  (Hebrews 4:16).  What a privilege!  Our heavenly Father’s door stands open.  He is eager for His kids to pile up on his lap, pouring out our hearts to Him. 

            We learned that Jesus ascended into heaven after his resurrection, and is at the Father’s right hand, ready to intercede for us now.  Believers have confidence to approach God anywhere, anytime.  Jesus lifts up prayers—uttered from our lips or spoken silently inside our hearts—and delivers our petitions appropriately to our Father.  (Hebrews 7:25-26). 

            When we don’t have the words, the Holy Spirit groans on our behalf.  He knows both our hearts and God’s will.  We wait patiently, confident that our Father is working out everything to our good.  (Hebrews 8:26-28).  Cooperating with Holy Spirit’s leading, believers grow to understand God’s mind more as we mature into Christlikeness.

When God’s kids invite Him into our everyday lives, we can purposely remain in constant conversation with Him.

            We’re to pray everywhere we go, with every breath we take.  Here is an easy acronym to remember: PRAY.  Are you thankful?  Praise.  What was that fleeting sinful thought?  Repent.  What do you want?  Ask.  Whose will be done?  Yield. 

            Speak clearly.  Be specific.  Go into detail.  That’s how much God loves you.  Check this out:  Twelve year old Cassie is troubled when overhearing classmates at lunch.  She hears, “Here’s my cool cheat sheet.  I can hide it when taking the biology test Friday.”

            She prays silently on-the-spot: “Thank You, Father, for friends and cool school to attend.  Forgive our wrong actions.  Encourage us to study instead of cheating at tests.  Lead us to live according to Your will, Lord.”

            Most prayers concern family and friends.  Next often, people ask for help with our own problems.  Believe it or not, the next most-often prayer requests are for our enemies.  Silly, seemingly trivial prayers are least offered up to God.  

But, believers are also selective about for whom we pray!  If we were truly open to His Spirit, our opinions about people should not matter.  God is fair and just to all.

Take Home Nugget

            Maybe we ask God for a better understanding of prayer.  Maybe we can choose to make time for prayer a top priority in our lives. 

 Holy Father, teach me to keep You in the forefront of my thoughts throughout each day.  May prayer become my priority, in Jesus’ name, amen. 

                                      

This devotion is adapted from Pray Powerfully, aired in October 2015 from Ed Young Television Devotional.  It can be found under the topic “Prayer” in www.oneplace.com/devotionals. 

J.D. Griffith

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