International Prayer Day First Monday each month 10 am

Joel Griffith 12/23/23 Joel Griffith 12/23/23

A silent night.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Luke 2:8

To really appreciate what it must have been like on the night that Jesus was born you need to drive out into the country, away from all of the lights of your village. Back in the day, there were nights when I lived in Sandhills of Western Nebraska when the night was so still that I could literally hear my heart beat and listened to goose bumps ‘pop’ on my neck. The stars appeared to be bright shining diamonds hanging in the sky and that is a time when God is so close that one can almost reach out and touch His hand. While living in Petionville, a suburb of Port-au-Prince; it was possible to go onto the roof of my apartment and gaze at the stars since there was no electricity; and there too, the stars seemed so close that a person could almost reach out and rub against them and feel the closeness of our Heavenly Father, Creator.

The Son of God came to earth on a still, quiet night; oblivious to many. Too many in our world today will not spend time considering the importance of His birth, His life, His death and resurrection. It seems so difficult at times to separate ourselves from the activities of this world to stop for a few moments and give thanks for His coming to be our Savior. I close today’s devotion closes with the words to the hymn ‘Silent Night’ that was written by Joseph Mohr in 1818.

“Silent night! Holy night! All is calm; all is bright, round yon Virgin Mother and Child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing, Alleluia. Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born! Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love's pure light radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.”

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, 8not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

May God be with you,

Jay

Joel Griffith 12/22/23 Joel Griffith 12/22/23

A humble child.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7

The prophet Isaiah told of somebody really special coming to earth. If you had been standing in a crowd listening to him give the details of this child who would be coming what would you have been searching for in the coming days and years? Surely not a humble child like the one in the attached photo that lives near Gonaives; the world was not expecting such a humble figure who would judge the world…who would be our Savior.

Today our world has been told of His birth, His ministry, His sacrifice, His victory and have been told that He will return one day and judge this world; too many in this world are still looking for something ‘better’ to meet their needs. You needn’t look any further than the manger of Bethlehem and the cross of Calvary; share the message of this Savior with the world that is around you, along your journey and in your family. I close with the words from the hymn ‘What child is this’ that was written by William C. Dix in 1642.

“What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the king, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary! Why lies he is such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce him through, the cross he borne for me, for you; hail, hail the word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary! So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, peasant, king, to own him. The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him. Raise, raise the song on high, the virgin sings her lullaby; joy, joy, for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!”

May God be with you,

Jay

Joel Griffith 12/21/23 Joel Griffith 12/21/23

The nobody's.

“God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,” 1 Corinthians 1:28 (ESV)

God sent His only Son to this world to be the only Savior that we can turn to and find the forgiveness that we so badly need. We have hope because Jesus came to seek and save the lost souls of this world. There are some in this world that believe it would be wonderful for our Heavenly Father to use only the ‘famous’ people of our time to use their fame, fortune, reputation and deeds to spread the Holy Gospel. Might be a good plan in the eyes of this fallen world but instead God delights in using people like you, me and these small children who attend Bon Berger Lutheran School in Caredeux to accomplish His work.

Our Heavenly Father uses the ‘nobody’s’ of this world to seek and save the lost and proclaim the Holy Gospel to their closed ears. He transforms ‘nobody’s’ like you, me and these little Haitian missionaries into ‘somebodies’ as we go about doing His business of bringing more souls into the Kingdom. I close with the words to the hymn ‘Jesus came, the Heavens adoring’ which was written by Godfrey Thring in 1864.

“Jesus came, the heavens adoring, came with peace from realms on high; Jesus came for man's redemption, lowly came on earth to die; Alleluia! Alleluia! Came in deep humility. Jesus comes again in mercy when our hearts are bowed with care; Jesus comes again in answer to an earnest, heartfelt prayer; Alleluia! Alleluia! Comes to save us from despair. Jesus comes to hearts rejoicing, bringing news of sins forgiven; Jesus comes in sounds of gladness, leading souls redeemed to heaven. Alleluia! Alleluia! Now the gate of death is riven. Jesus comes in joy and sorrow, shares alike our hopes and fears; Jesus comes, whate'er befalls us, glads our hearts, and dries our tears; Alleluia! Alleluia! Cheering e'en our failing years. Jesus comes on clouds triumphant when the heavens shall pass away; Jesus comes again in glory. Let us, then, our homage pay, Alleluia! ever singing till the dawn of endless day.”

May God be with you,

Jay

Joel Griffith 12/20/23 Joel Griffith 12/20/23

Angels near us.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14 (KJV)

After watching church last Sunday online, the group Alabama sang the song ‘Angels Among Us’ on Alexa and this brought me to think once again about the ‘Angels’ that were there near Bethlehem and are near us today.

The ‘learned’ historians of this world may tell you that the angels that appeared to the Shepherds were actually aliens…from another world; yes, they were from another world. God did create Heaven and Earth and the Angels were from another world…Heaven; but it is hard to believe that they would need to come to earth in some type of a spaceship to proclaim the birth of our Savior born in Bethlehem.

The children in the attached photo attend the Lutheran school in Dondon which is located in the Cap Haitian District. They are protected by Angels as their lives are attacked by the evil spirits sent by the vodou priest to frighten them and cause them harm and also gangs. The Holy Spirit is always in their lives and your life, watching, guiding and providing assurance that we have a Savior who was born in Bethlehem and has prepared a home for us in Heaven and that is the best news we could ever receive while living in a world that would have us believe that we have no hope. I close with the words to ‘Angels Among Us.’

“I was walking home from school on a cold winter day; took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way. It was getting late, and I was scared and alone but then a kind old man took my hand and led me home. Mama couldn't see him, oh but he was standing there and I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers. Oh well I believe there are angels among us sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give and to guide us with the light of love. When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees; there's always been someone to come along and comfort me. A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand, a phone call from a friend, just to say I understand and ain't it kind of funny at the dark end of the road that someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope. They wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places to grace us with their mercy, in our time of need. Oh well I believe there are angels among us sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give and to guide us with the light of love.”

May God be with you,

Jay

Joel Griffith 12/19/23 Joel Griffith 12/19/23

Waiting...

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2: 10-11 (KJV)

A friend sent me a link to a YouTube segment recently that was about the Advent season in North America; with the opening word ‘Waiting’ on a black screen. While the photos of people rushing through their daily activities in a busy city as the tune ‘Silent Night’ was playing in the background and the following message was delivered.

“Waiting; it is not an attractive word. It seems boring. What if you were waiting for something that would change your life; how would you get ready for it? Would you make yourself busy filling your life with noise and distraction; rushing to get gratification? Would you spend all your time doing everything but slowing down? NO? Well, this is what we do each year we have an opportunity to dramatically change our life. But most of the time we miss it. We spend our time running around trying to get everything done in time; when most of us forget to get the most important thing ready is our heart. This is what Advent is all about; slowing down and waiting, to get our heart ready to bring Jesus into our life a bit more fully than before. Advent; take time, slow down, open up.”

Slow down, there is a Savior named Jesus desiring to be closer to you. In just five days we will hear the song Silent Night sung on Christmas Eve in our home congregations. So, between now and them, slow down, take time and wait. I thought that closing with the words from the hymn ‘It came upon a midnight clear’ would be a good way to pack it in today; this was written by Edmund Hamilton Sears in 1849.

“It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth, to touch their harps of gold: "Peace on the earth, goodwill to men from heavens all gracious King!" The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing. Still through the cloven skies they come, with peaceful wings unfurled; and still their heavenly music floats
O'er all the weary world: above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wing, and ever o'er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing. O ye beneath life's crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way with painful steps and slow; look now, for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing; oh rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing. For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophets seen of old, when with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold, when the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace, their King, and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.”

May God be with you,

Jay

Joel Griffith 12/18/23 Joel Griffith 12/18/23

Important lesson.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Isaiah 49:15

Several years ago, the Saturday morning Men’s Bible study group that I attended had been working through the Lutheran Hour series ‘Joseph, carpenter of steel’ and had given much thought to what Joseph and Mary were going through as they came to Bethlehem with the unborn Savior of this world. How many doors would you have knocked on to find a place for your pregnant wife and unborn child to stay in so they would not have had to spend the night in a stable?

The important lesson to consider is that God was in control of that journey, is in control of your journey and has not forgot about you, me and the over 62,000 children who attend Lutheran schools throughout Haiti. The truly important thing to dwell upon this Advent is that our Heavenly Father will never forget about you; you and I may at times seek the temptations of this sinful world, but He will never turn away from you. Today’s devotion will close with the words from the hymn ‘Christians, Awake, Salute the Happy Morn’ that was written by John Byrom in 1749.

“Christians, awake, salute the happy morn whereon the Savior of the world was born. Rise to adore the mystery of love which hosts of angels chanted from above; with them the joyful tidings first begun of God Incarnate and the Virgin's Son. Then to the watchful shepherds it was told, who heard the angelic herald's voice, "Behold, I bring good tidings of a Savior's birth to you and all the nations upon earth; this day hath God fulfilled His promised word; this day is born a Savior, Christ the Lord." He spake; and straightway the celestial choir in hymns of joy, unknown before, conspire; the praises of redeeming love they sang, and heaven's whole orb with alleluias rang. God's highest glory was their anthem still, peace upon earth, and unto men good will. To Bethlehem straight th' enlightened shepherds ran to see the wonder God had wrought for man and found, with Joseph and the blessed maid, her Son, the Savior, in a manger laid; then to their flocks, still praising God, return. And their glad hearts with holy rapture burn. Oh, may we keep and ponder in our mind God's wondrous love in saving lost mankind! Trace we the Babe, who hath retrieved our loss, from His poor manger to His bitter cross, tread in His steps, assisted by His grace, till man's first heavenly state again takes place. Then may we hope, th' angelic hosts among, to sing, redeemed, a glad triumphal song. He that was born upon this joyful day around us all His glory shall display. Saved by His love, incessant we shall sing eternal praise to heaven's almighty King.”

May God be with you,

Jay

Joel Griffith 12/16/23 Joel Griffith 12/16/23

The real reason.

“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” Matthew 3:1-3

I no longer am able to drive at night so I look at the outdoor Christmas displays in the daytime. After reading the above verses, I wonder what John the Baptist would have said if he was sitting next to me on a heated leather seat while it was 27 outside and looked at all the displays on a cold winter day.

His message to me and you would probably have been the same, ‘repent for the kingdom of heaven is near’. This is still the appropriate message for us, for the children attending Lutheran schools in Haiti and for this world that we live in today. Until Christ Jesus lives in our hearts by faith and our hopes rest on the forgiveness of sins then this and every Christmas a is phony, shallow sentimentality and only make-believe. We must see Bethlehem’s manager in the shadow of the cross and completely understand that the Christ child was stretched out on the cross for our sins; See How Much I Love You. I close today with the words to the hymn ‘Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel’ that was written by an unknown servant around 1100 and was later translated by John M. Neale, 1851.

“Oh, come, Oh, come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. Oh, come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny; from depths of hell Thy people save and give them victory o'er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. Oh, come, Thou Dayspring from on high, and cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. Oh, come, Thou Key of David, come and open wide our heavenly home: make safe the way that leads on high and close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.”

May God be with you,

Jay

Joel Griffith 12/15/23 Joel Griffith 12/15/23

Guiding your life.

“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.” Psalm 139:15

When was the last time that you were blessed to have sat with either your child or grandchild in your lap? Do you recall a time when you sat in your parents or grandparents lap? I still remember sitting in my grandmother Brinkmeyer’s lap in her rocking chair listening to her read to me from the Portals of Prayer when I was in kindergarten. I assume that she had other things to do but it always seemed that she carved out some time for me.

Was there a person in your life that spent time sharing their faith with you? Are there people in your life now that you share your faith with? The child in the attached photo attends the Lutheran school in Ouanaminthe and she had just received a hug from me and I hope that it meant as much to her as it did to me. We were both placed on this earth for a purpose. I don’t have a clue what will become of her walk with Christ or how many opportunities she will have to share her faith with others as she grows. How many more opportunities do you have to share your faith with another?

Our Triune God’s hand is guiding your life, taking you places where He needs your hand to be placed on another soul or perhaps feeding a child like this. There is absolutely nothing accidental about your journey yesterday, today or tomorrow; He is there with you as you walk with Jesus each day. You are not alone; your witness is seen, heard and needed.

“I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to Thee. Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea, daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be. Through this world of toil and snares, if I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee. When my feeble life is o’er, time for me will be no more; guide me gently, safely o’er to Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.”

May God be with you,

Jay

Joel Griffith 12/14/23 Joel Griffith 12/14/23

The message of Calvary.

“…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

On Facebook recently, I saw a photo of the Bethlehem manger standing under the shadow of the cross of Calvary; the journey for our Savior was not easy. He came to serve and be a ransom for our sins. The painful journey of many believers brings a glimpse of people being tempted over and over to choose power over love, full control of things over the cross and needing to be a leader instead of being led. Our society seems to be slowly desiring to be served by government and the world and fewer and fewer people step humbly forward to serve.

The woman in the attached photo lives in Gonaives and she and her two daughters are going about their daily routine preparing to cook some rice and beans and sell their food amongst the vendors along the street. The children have never gone to school and do not go to Church; lives that are lost without direction, without hope. Thank you for helping to prepare children in the Lutheran Schools in Gonaives whose lives will bring the message of the manger in Bethlehem and also the cross of Calvary to souls such as these. I close today with words from the hymn ‘Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord!’ which was written by Martin Luther.

“Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord! Be all Thy graces now out poured on each believer's mind and heart; Thy fervent love to them impart. Lord, by the brightness of Thy light, Thou in the faith dost men unite of every land and every tongue; this to Thy praise, O Lord, our God, be sung. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Thou holy Light, Guide Divine, oh, cause the Word of Life to shine! Teach us to know our God aright and call Him Father with delight. From every error keep us free; let none but Christ our Master be that we in living faith abide, in Him, our Lord, with all our might confide. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Thou holy Fire, Comfort true, grant us the will Thy work to do and in Thy service to abide; let trials turn us not aside. Lord, by Thy power prepare each heart and to our weakness strength impart that bravely here we may contend, through life and death to Thee, our Lord, ascend. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!”

May God be with you,

Jay

Joel Griffith 12/13/23 Joel Griffith 12/13/23

Just imagine...

“Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty; He is the King of glory.” Psalm 24:9-10

Imagine that you were born to the richest man in this world, grew up in a palace and got accustomed to having the very best of everything. Whatever your heart desired was what you received; the finest garments and the best nourishment that money could buy and your life was seemingly perfect. Then your dad took you aside and told you about a plan that he had in mind for you. He was going to send you to Gonaives Haiti and the boy in the attached photo would be your brother and when you were old enough the white shorts he is wearing would become your only article of clothing.

Our Savior left Heaven to come to earth and be born in a stable in Bethlehem to a young couple with few resources; and after three decades He was nailed to a cross by the people He came to save. We have so much to be thankful for this Advent season; prepare the way for the King of glory; give thanks for all that He has done. I will close the devotion today with the words from the hymn ‘Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates’ that was written by Georg Weissel in 1624.

“Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold, the King of Glory waits; the King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here. Life and salvation He doth bring, wherefore rejoice and gladly sing: we praise Thee, Father, now, Creator, wise art Thou! A Helper just He comes to thee, His chariot is humility, His kingly crown is holiness, His scepter, pity in distress, the end of all our woe He brings; wherefore the earth is glad and sings: we praise Thee, Savior, now, mighty in deed art Thou! O blest the land, the city blest, where Christ the Ruler is confessed! O happy hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes! The cloudless Sun of joy He is, who bringeth pure delight and bliss. We praise Thee, Spirit, now, our Comforter art Thou! Fling wide the portals of your heart; make it a temple set apart from earthly use for Heaven's employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy. So shall your Sovereign enter in and new and nobler life begin. To Thee, O God, be praise for word and deed and grace! Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to Thee; here, Lord, abide! Let me Thy inner presence feel, Thy grace and love in me reveal; Thy Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won. Eternal praise and fame we offer to Thy name.”

May God be with you,

Jay