Crazy Encouragement

CRAZY ENCOURAGEMENT

Third of five devotions in Intimate Whisper series 

Deuteronomy 7:6-9 

Deuteronomy 7:5b-6:  “…burn their idols in the fire.  For you are a people holy to the Lord your God.  The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession." 

            Elijah did worse than burn Jezebel’s idol Baal in the fire.  He slaughtered all its prophets!  (1 Kings 18:40)  This Intimate Whisper series wants believers to grasp how intimately God loves us.  Just as He chose the Hebrews as His treasured possession in the Bible’s Old Testament, He chose Christians today “before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight” (Ephesians 1:4). 

            That’s crazy!  How does God do that? 

            God is omniscient; [om-NEESH-i-ent] means all-knowing.  God predestined your adoption into His family “as His sons through Jesus Christ!”  (See lesson liked below).

            God knows what’s happening in your life right now.  He cares when you’re unhappy, confused, frustrated or angry.  God is a faithful Father.  He   delivers on every promise He makes in Scripture.  He loves it when His kids ask for something, then patiently wait on His timing to deliver it.  He will even strengthen believers’ weak faith.

            How else can a faithful God win your love? 

            God keeps every covenant promise.  (But He NEVER tells when the promise will come—what drives believers crazy!)  Abraham and Sarah waited, and waited.  Decades later, Isaac was born.  God kept His covenant promise that Abraham’s descendants would be more than the number of stars in the sky. …That all nations on earth would be blessed through him (Genesis 15:5, 22:18). 

            Now that’s crazy!  How can God do what sounds impossible? 

            God is omnipotent; [om-NIP-o-tent] means all-powerful.  He can—and will accomplish the impossible in your life, too. 

            No matter how dark the valley you may be plowing through, how ferocious the lions or how hopeless your trouble, God loves you.  He wants your best.  He promises to never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).  God chose the Hebrew nation as His treasured possession because He loved them!  He loved them because He swore to their forefathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) that He would be their God (Deuteronomy 7:7-9).  That’s encouraging.

            That’s crazy.                  

Take Home Nugget

            The awful season that you may be enduring now will end.  The seasons of our lives change, just as people change.

            But God never changes. 

His faithfulness endures forever.  He’s with you right now.  That’s crazy encouragement for whomever thinks that victory is impossible for them.

            1 Kings 19:12:  “After the earthquake came a fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

  Ahhh, there you are, Lord!

J.D. Griffith

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Full Attention

FULL ATTENTION 

Second of five devotions in Intimate Whisper series

1 Corinthians 2:9-14 

1 Corinthians 2:9:  “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has perceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

             

            Elijah teaches believers that God is someone to whom we can relate—and trust.  When Elijah led Israel in the sacrifice consumption contest, God showed His power to be superior to the idol Baal’s.  (1 Kings 18).  The Israelites fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—He is God!”  

            God finally had their full attention.

            God wants believers to comprehend, or understand His truths.  The Bible’s Old Testament prophets, like Elijah, are people dedicated to serve as God’s mouthpiece to the people.  Prophets hear directly from God, often seeing visions of the future.  They speak God’s truths. 

            People continued to hunger for God’s truths at the end of the Bible’s Old Testament.  The New Testament shows Jesus filling the void that prophets left vacant.  His disciples continued teaching God’s truths.  1 Corinthians 2:6-7 says, “We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not of the wisdom of this age of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.  No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.” 

            What does that mean? 

            John 16:13 promises that the Holy Spirit will “guide us in all truth.”  The mature are Christians who have grown in Christ.  God’s “secret” wisdom is that salvation comes to all who believe in Jesus as God’s Son—the mystery of Christ that was once hidden.  God’s wisdom allows believers to share in Christ’s glory one day.

            Does that get your full attention?

            God’s goal is for believers to conform to, or imitate His Son Jesus.  Because only Jesus is perfect, He’s the best hero to wanna be like.  Again, it is God’s Spirit who targets specific Scripture phrases that we’re to conform to. Compassion toward others, warning of wrong thinking—or whatever God’s Spirit knows will impact our growth is highlighted as we read God’s Word.  Usually these phrases POP, getting our full attention.

            John 16:13 says that Jesus spoke only what His Father taught Him.  This is also how believers are to conform to Christ.  We’re to communicate to others only what God’s Spirit conveys, or tells us.               

Take Home Nugget

            The “good news” of salvation through Christ is believer’s “great commission” assignment to communicate to the world.  (Matthew 28:19-20) see lesson linked below.  When God’s Spirit comes on a person, He gets that person’s full attention. 

            1 Kings 19:11c:  “After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake.”

  I’m still searching, Lord.

J.D. Griffith

 

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Pity Party

PITY PARTY

 

First of five devotions in Intimate Whisper series

1 Kings 16:28-32, 19:1-13 

1 Kings 19:3-5:  “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life.  When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the desert.  He came to a broom tree, sat down under it, and prayed that he might die.  ‘I have had enough, Lord.’ he said.  ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’  Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.”

 

            The prophet Elijah is a Biblical giant.  But Elijah was also flawed.  His strength was understanding that God is a person with whom he could relate.  The opening Scripture shows Elijah wanting to die.  See the lesson linked below for Elijah leading for God’s great victory over the idol Baal.  The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob proved sovereign.    

            Israel’s King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, led him and Israel to idol worship of her god Baal—whose prophets Elijah slaughtered in 1 Kings 18:40.  Incensed Jezebel threatened Elijah in 1 Kings 19:20, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by tomorrow I do not make our life like one of them.” 

            Elijah ran away. 

            His forty day-and-night-journey ended at Mount Horeb (alternate name for Mount Sinai).  There, he spent the night in a cave.  God found Elijah there, and inquired, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  (1 Kings 19:8-9).  The point was that God didn’t send Elijah to Mount Sinai.  Elijah went there on his own misguided reasoning.

            The reference to Moses’ 40-day stay on Sinai when the Israelites broke God’s Sinai covenant—having constructed and worshipped a golden calf during Moses’ extended absence (Exodus 43:11-13)—is intended. 

            Elijah was angry because the Israelites broke God’s covenant by worshipping Baal…pouted that he was fruitless in interceding for the Israelites covenant-breaking, where Moses succeeded…and whined that he was the only one of God’s prophets left alive (1 Kings 18:22).  In the opening Scripture, Elijah says that he “is no better than his ancestors.”  He admits feeling ineffective compared to Moses’ successful interceding for the Israelites.               

Take Home Nugget

            Have you ever been where Elijah is—scared, angry, pouting, whining?  Believer’s faith enables us to pile up on God’s lap and receive comfort when life is tough.  This short series intends to show God’s mercy and compassion during trying times. 

            1 Kings 19:11a,b:  “The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’”  Once there, “a powerful wind tore the mountain apart, and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.”

  Where are You, Lord?

J.D. Griffith

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Four Calls

                                                        

FOUR CALLS

1 Samuel 3:1-21

1 Samuel 3:1:  “The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli.  In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.”

            Samuel heard God’s calling as a small boy serving Eli the priest.  A grown-up prophet, Samuel admits that “in those days the word of the Lord was rare.”  (See lesson linked below to learn God’s message to Samuel, and much more). 

            It’s cool to hear from God.  “How may I serve You today, Lord?” will definitely elicit a spiritual—or a Scriptural response.  But what every believer should know is that God calls people four specific ways.  First, God calls people to salvation. 

            “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16).  God’s first call is to invite people into His family.  People were created in God’s image in order for Him to enjoy relationship with us.  Jesus died so that people’s sins could be forgiven and reconcile us to our heavenly Father.  Belief in Jesus offers believers salvation—or eternal life.

            Believers are adopted sons and daughters of God.  His gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit goes to work immediately.  This brings God’s second call to sanctification.  The Spirit’s work transforms believers into a close resemblance to Jesus.  Minds and hearts are softened, tweaked and pruned into Christlikeness.  We’re set apart from the world.  God’s kids are special.  Holy. 

            The first two of God’s calling to believers are entwined.  Saved people are set apart from the world for God’s third calling of service.  Kngdom work includes spreading the good news of salvation through belief in Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 2:10 spells out believer’s service:  “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” 

            God has specific and important tasks for His kids to complete.  His Spirit supplies everything we need—including supernatural strength.  If you don’t know what task you’re assigned, ask God. 
 

Take Home Nugget

            God’s fourth call is to each person—believers and unbelievers—that we all must stand before God and give account for our lives.  Words and deeds will be judged.  Some people will be rewarded.  (Matthew 12:36, 16:27).  Romans 8:1 promises, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

            BUT:

            “He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on His left.” …“Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”  (Matthew 25:33, 41).

Hear, O hear, for the Lord your God is calling.

J.D. Griffith

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Vroom!

Vroom!                                             

Luke 24:49 

“I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

 

            Supernatural power and authority from almighty God enables believers to serve Him.  Through the Holy Spirit, God empowers people to complete tasks on His, never on their own strength.  But, there is a difference between God’s Spirit indwelling believers and His releasing supernatural power.  The car that indwells believers isn’t a sedan.  It’s a racecar.       

            Believer’s racecar is parked as we sleep.  Waking up, we smile.  Then we pray, “Good morning, Lord.  What’s Your agenda for me today?”  We sing God praises as we stir into full consciousness.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 reminds us:  “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

            The racecar starts up.

            The unknown day ahead is uncertain.  We feel inadequate.  No way can we expect to complete God’s tasks on our own strength!  Believer’s racecar isn’t “The Little Engine That Could” car story we learned in kindergarten.  Kingdom work is not for those who only “think they can.”  

            Believers admit needing God’s Supernatural power to accomplish the work He’s given us to do.  Climbing out of bed, we say, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength,” from Philippians 4:13.

            What’s that?  The racecar revves up its motor behind closed doors. 

     

            Oops.  We just remembered having cursed yesterday.  Believers confess sin immediately, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned against You.  I harbor no ill will against anyone.”  1 John 1:9 guarantees that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  Emphasis mine.  Now our hearts are pure.  Our relationship with God is tight.

            Garage doors open as believers shower.  Drying off, we consider the day ahead.  Pulling on clothes, we check the mirror.  We mentally tick off praying for guidance, admit needing supernatural strength, confessing sin and clothed with power from our “start day” list—that’s now complete.

            How do believer’s appear in the mirror when clothed with power?

            Our racecar’s transmission shifts into drive.

Take Home Nugget

            Breakfast feeds believers’ confidence.  Now we’re ready to win the day. 

The racecar pulls onto the driveway.  Idling. 

The horn honks 

            When believers trust God to provide everything required to complete tasks He sets before us, we depend on His supernatural power. 

            Strapping on driver’s goggles, we climb behind the wheel.   

            Buckling our seat belt, we pull onto the freeway

Vroom!  We’re off!

Human strength cannot achieve the daily win,

Human strength cannot secure the race;

Empowered believers are purified from sin.

Victory is only promised through grace.

J.D. Griffith

 

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Holiness

HOLINESS                     

Ephesians 5 

            Ephesians 5:3:  “But among you there must not be a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.”

             Ten year old Brad admitted to his Sunday school class, “I am a long way from holy!”    

            The other fifth graders snickered nervously.  Age ten is just the beginning of human’s raging hormones.  Discussing sexual immorality was a hot topic.  Teacher Mr. Robbins expected lively discussion.  He said, “God is clear: sex is reserved for after marriage between a man and woman in Ephesians 5:22-33.”

            Phillip blurted out, “but girls are everywhere, looking directly at classmates Melanie and Darby.” 

            Mr. Robbins nodded his head and said, “You aren’t the first kids going through puberty.  Prevailing through bodily changes is challenging—I remember well.  But you’re in my classroom, so I know that ‘you are God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.’  That’s from Colossians 3:12.”

            “Phillip, please read Ephesians 5:4-5.”

            “Okay.  ‘Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather of thanksgiving.  For of this you can be sure:  No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.’” 

            Mr. Robbins said, “Thanks.  Remember that ‘the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.’ from 1 John 1:7.  Now turn to 1 Peter 2:11.  What wars against our souls?”

            Melanie answered, “Sinful desires?” 

            “Right, Melanie.”

            Accepting Jesus as Savior starts believers’ amassing spiritual gifts as they grow in Christ.  Salvation, adoption into God’s family and indwelling Holy Spirit are immediate.  But what people usually ignore is that accepting Jesus as Savior ALSO accepts him as Lord of their lives.  Creds devotion showed how God master’s people’s lives for their good "who are called according to His purpose." 

            Wills yielded to God is the only way that believers are perceived as holy to the watching world.  God must be in charge.  Believers are taught to live our lives by faith (not by sight), led by God’s Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:5&7). 

            Mr. Robbins continued, “being holy is also a command.  1 Peter 1:14-16 says, ‘As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” 

Take Home Nugget

            Believers devotion taught:  Children of God are not called “sinners,” but “saints.”  Saints are holy people saved by grace and set apart from the world for God’s purposes. 

Help me to yield my will to you, Oh Lord.  Develop holiness in me, Jesus.  Amen.

 

                                                                                                                        J.D. Griffith

 

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Believers

          BELIEVERS       

 

John 16:1-5 

John 16:2:  “They will put you out of the Synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.”

 

            Ten year old Jeremy joined fifth grade classmates Brad and Cassie at recess.  “Did you hear what ISIS did?” he asked.

            Cassie exclaimed, “Yes!  ISIL, or ISIS beheaded Christians!”   

            “How many?” Brad wondered.

            “21.” Jeremy answered.

            “What is the world coming to?” Brad asked, shaking his head.

            Wow, ten year old kids wonder what the world’s coming to!  But these aren’t regular kids.  They’re God’s kids.  They’re believers.   

            What’s special about believers?

            Believers-in-Christ are children of God.  God’s kids know that prayer accesses God’s throne room.  Prayer is Christians’ “911” emergency call to all-powerful, sovereign God of the universe.   We’re sure of God’s everlasting faithfulness.  He hears prayers.  His promises are guaranteed. 

            Children of God are not called “sinners,” but “saints.”  Saints are holy people saved by grace and set apart from the world for God’s purposes.  Saints still sin while on earth.  But saints confess and turn away from sin quickly.  Saints are forgiven.  Saints never lose their identity as God’s kids.

            Sinners are everyone who does not trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

            Believers are positioned in Christ.   John 15:1-2, 5-6 shows believers’ exact position in Jesus’ own words:  “I am the true vine, and My father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful.”

            “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

            The Father’s purpose is for believers to show Christ to the world.   The fruit believers bear is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control, from Galatians 5:22-23.  This attracts people to believers.  Others see Jesus’ nature and the beauty of a relationship with the Lord. 

            This relationship is what attracts other people to Christ.

Take Home Nugget

            ISIL murders and kidnaps people who profess faith in minor religions in the Middle East.  Craving world headlines, ISIL preys on women, children and the elderly.  Outraged nations condemn ISIL—what the Islamic State calls itself.  They do not represent Islam.  They’re fanatic lunatics that beg for world validation.

            Jesus warned that these times were coming over 2,000 years ago.  See the lesson linked below.             

Believers are like pollen to a bee attracting others to Jesus.

J.D. Griffith

 

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