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Bible reflection

After the Storm

by Esther Griggs April 5, 2024

written by Esther Griggs

It took time for the earth to dry out, but eventually, God told Noah to come out and bring every living thing with him. Perhaps it was the feel of earth beneath his feet, and the warmth of the sun on his skin which moved Noah to build an altar and offer sacrifices to the God who delivered them. To God, the soothing aroma of the sacrifice, caused Him to act. He made a covenant with the earth, changed a few things, and set a reminder in the clouds.

A Covenant with the Earth

God made a covenant with the earth. Previously He cursed the earth when Adam and Eve disobeyed. Here again in Noah’s day, the earth was cursed for the sin of mankind. God saw the imaginations of man’s heart were evil from youth, but never again would He curse the ground for man’s sake. Instead He set stability into the rhythms of the earth;

“Seedtime and harvest

Cold and heat

Winter and summer

Day and night.”

And God blessed Noah and his sons, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.”

Made Changes

But God made changes. For one, He set the dread and fear of man into the beasts of the earth, the birds of the sky and the fish of the sea. For another, God no longer restricted man to a vegetarian diet, but allowed them meat without blood. In addition, accountability was required from man and beast, for taking the life of man because man was made in God’s image. Finally, He established His covenant with man and the earth to never again send a flood to destroy it.

A Reminder in the Clouds

God then placed a reminder in the clouds, a sign of the covenant between Himself, man and every living creature. He set His rainbow in the clouds. When He sees His rainbow, He remembers His covenant, that the waters would never again flood the earth to destroy it. In response to Noah’s act of worship, God made a covenant with the earth, changed a few things, and set a reminder in the clouds.

April 5, 2024 0 comments

Bible reflection Body of Christ victorious living

Another Letter

by Esther Griggs August 18, 2023

written by Esther Griggs

We don’t write letters the same anymore but in the apostle’s time, it provided communication over the distance. Although never adequate, it served a purpose that still ministers to us centuries later. When John wrote his second letter, he ensured each part carried the depths of his heart whether in the greeting, the body of the letter or its closing. His letter gave a promise in the greeting, solid teaching in the body and expressed his heart in its conclusion.

In the Greeting

In the greeting there is a promise. First he refers to himself as the elder and then addresses the elect or chosen lady and her children. I like to think he is referring to the bride of Christ spoken of in Revelation, “the bride, the Lamb’s wife ,” or the Spirit and the bride who extend the grand invitation “Come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” for he loves her in truth as do all who know the truth which dwells within the believer forever.

There is a promise next. In his greeting he writes, “Grace, mercy and peace,” but not just as a greeting but as a promise, “will be with you, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ,” To receive the things we don’t deserve, to not receive the things we do deserve and to know a peace we will never understand, are promised in truth and love.

The Body

The meat of his letter, good solid teaching, comes in the body. He had received encouraging news that her children followed the truth. To further strengthen them he admonishes, “Love one another,” “This is love that we walk according to His commandments.”

Then he warns them, “Many deceivers have gone out into the world.” They deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. You worked hard he tells them, coming to faith in Jesus in perilous times took hard work physically and spiritually. John desired that they remain faithful and not lose their reward. Stay in the doctrine of Christ, let it be where you live. If anyone comes to you with a different doctrine don’t take part in it by allowing them even into your home, he writes.

The Conclusion

In the conclusion, John’s expresses his heart to see them. Letters just aren’t good enough he wants to see them face to face. It is fulfillment of joy for both he and those he instructs. He has so much to share with them.

His letter gave a promise in the greeting, solid teaching in the body and expressed his heart in its conclusion.

August 18, 2023 0 comments

Bible reflection peace

Jesus, the Answer to “Noise Pollution”

by Esther Griggs January 29, 2021

written by Esther Griggs

Noise implies a multitude of distractions which clutter our souls and disrupt our peace. Raging storms have become a metaphor for noise. Essentially, noise is anything that steals our peace. Jesus is the answer to “Noise Pollution.” He gives us not only a place to hide, but the gift of peace, and He is above the storm.

A Place to Hide

The Psalmist knew God as a refuge. In times of trouble which he described in scenes of the earth being removed, the earth being thrown into the sea, roaring waters and shaking mountains, he writes, “He is a very present help in trouble.” He refers to God also as his hiding place. He knows God will preserve him in trouble and provide songs of deliverance. God’s word to him and to us? “Be still and know that I am God.”

The Gift of Peace

Jesus became one of us. He knows the fears of our hearts, the things that trouble us, the noise that disrupts our peace. Therefore, he tells us, “Let not your heart be troubled, You believe in God, believe also in Me.” “Peace I leave with you.” He says, “My peace I give to you.” It isn’t the peace the world gives, it is eternal. Amidst a perfect storm, we can experience what Isaiah calls a “perfect peace” as we keep our mind on Him and trust Him.

He is Above the Storm

Remember when Jesus was asleep in the boat with his disciples and the storm came? These men knew these waters and the storms that haunted them. They aroused Jesus, and then they accused Him of not caring for them. Jesus arose, rebuked the wind and told the sea, “Peace, be still!” Because He is above the storm, we need only trust. The Psalmist describes trust for himself by saying, “I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother.” Zephaniah states, “The King of Israel, the Lord is in your midst,… He will quiet you with His love.”

When you tire of the noise, remember that Jesus is the answer to noise pollution. Find the Hiding Place, rest in His peace, and remember He is above the storm.

January 29, 2021 4 comments

Bible reflection praise

Against All Odds

by Esther Griggs November 20, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

We become participants in one of the greatest praise celebrations in history when we read Exodus 15. Moses and the children of Israel had just crossed the Red Sea on dry land. Then only moments later the same dry land became a watery grave to Pharaoh and his army. Finally safe, and freed from their Egyptian captors, the children of Israel turned their faces to the Lord, who against all odds, triumphed gloriously to become their salvation. This is the song they sang,

“I will sing to the Lord, For He has triumphed gloriously!”

“The horse and its rider He has overthrown into the sea!”

I Will Sing

This song was the first act of their praise. Moses sang a great song of victory. It not only declared the victory, but praised He who had won it. His song of praise rose to his God, and the God of his father. The song caused others to lift their praise. His declarations of the victory and of the Victor caused a rippling affect. For afterward, his sister Miriam, followed by the women, took up the song of praise. There was singing, dancing and the shaking of the tambourines. Their minds, hearts, and actions aligned to offer praise to the Lord who had triumphed.

To the Lord

It was not to some unknown God they sang their praises. Moses claimed Him not only as the centre of his own worship but that of his father. There was a relationship here with history. Moses knew the Lord as a man of war. By His right hand He fought for His people, defeating their enemies. Moses had seen God’s victory in each of the plagues. The enemy had his plans. Pharaoh’s desire was to wipe out the Israelites, but the Lord used those plans. They were His opportunity to show forth His glorious holiness. He led forth His people in mercy, those He had redeemed out of Egypt and was guiding them to dwell in the mountain of His inheritance, the place where He would dwell.

He Has Triumphed Gloriously

When Moses and the children of Israel faced the Red Sea, they felt the ground shake as Pharaoh, his mighty horses and chariots raced toward them. They cried out to God and murmured at Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?” Fear gripped them. They could only see the present situation. The message it sent foretold annihilation. God, however, had a plan to reveal His power not only to the Egyptians but to the other nations into which He was sending His people to inherit their land. God worked powerfully on behalf of His people. He got them through on dry land, then destroyed their enemies. The battle they faced was but a foreshadowing of the greatness of the victory.

God did a mighty work! Throughout history, men have tried to explain it away. The children of Israel were there. He had done it for them. They sang a song to the Lord, who had triumphed gloriously. He was the glorious victor who did it against all odds! Today, remember what marvellous things God has done for you and raise your songs of praise.

November 20, 2020 0 comments

Bible reflection Missions

A Faithful Minister

by Esther Griggs October 30, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

Paul completes his letter to the Ephesian believers. It is replete with instruction and encouragement. Though the letter is complete, something is yet missing. Paul knows they need more than a letter. Because he can’t go, he considers Tychicus. What do we know about this man Paul calls Tychicus, for what reasons is he being considered and what will be his purpose?

*Learning About an Orphanage in Honduras*

What Do We Know About Tychicus?

We first hear of Tychicus in the book of Acts. When Paul was travelling in Greece, a few men accompanied him to Asia. There was Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, Gaius of Derbe, along with Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. These men went ahead to Troas and waited for Paul. Tychius was a fellow traveller on Paul’s mission’s trip to Asia.

For What Reason is He Being Considered?

We know a bit about Timothy, but not much about the others. So why would Paul consider this fellow? Paul tells the Ephesians Tychicus is “a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord.” Paul knew Tychicus. He was there when Eutychus fell asleep under Paul’s preaching and fell out of a third-story window. Tychicus would have seen the man considered being dead come back to life. He was a steady fellow. They broke bread together, prayed together, and experienced the journey together. They were part of a brotherhood, those bonded as one in Christ Jesus with a mission to preach the gospel. Because of such knowledge, Paul could count on Tychicus.

What Will Be His Purpose?

Paul’s letter had been intense. Yet, there was more he wanted to communicate. To do so required someone Paul could trust. He needed someone who knew what he was going through and his affairs. Beyond that, Paul could trust Tychicus to not only give them accurate information, but he would also comfort them. He would do so not with simple platitudes, but from the truth of God’s word and his knowledge of God’s work on the mission. Therefore, he chose Tychicus.

Sometimes the message needs human interaction. A text message doesn’t always cut it. There are times actual faces need to show up where fellow pilgrims ask questions and gain information about the work of God in spreading the gospel. Words don’t always communicate the complete story. It is these times God needs people like Tychicus, men and women beloved and faithful. Then those not on the mission journey can take part by learning the needs to pray for and to find comfort from the stories told of God’s work in the world.

October 30, 2020 0 comments

Bible reflection spiritual battle

Who Are You Fighting?

by Esther Griggs August 28, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

Paul throughout his letter to the Ephesians has admonished them in what their walk with God should look like. Perhaps by this time in the letter, a keen awareness of their own reflection in the light of his words has left them feeling like they don’t, or worse, can’t measure up. Paul comforts them by returning their thoughts to the place of their strength. He encourages them by informing them and us we are not fighting flesh and blood; we have a formidable foe, but also the provision of Christ.

We Are Not Fighting Flesh and Blood

Paul writes, “We do not wrestle with flesh and blood.” Our fight is not with our spouse or our children. Our fight is not with your neighbours or the government. The natural eye does not see the plain on which we fight our battles. Something far more sinister and destructive wages war against the people of God.

We Have A Formidable Foe

Our fight is against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. From Rev. 12, we understand further. We see the Devil and Satan, who deceives the entire world. It is he who stands before the Father and accuses us. But now, they have cast him down to the earth. Therefore, he is angry. He knows he has only a little time. As a result, he is making war with those who have the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. It is he that we hear about in John 10 who comes to steal, kill and destroy. He and his angels are the enemy we fight.

The Provision of Christ in the Fight

“Be strong in the Lord.” “For now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ have come.” Christ reigns as victor. He has disarmed principalities and powers. He made a spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. If God is for us, who can be against us? We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. God always leads us in triumph in Christ. In 1 John 5:4 we read, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world? It is he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Revelations tells us, “They overcame him.” How did they do so? It was by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony.

He encourages them by informing them and us we are not fighting flesh and blood; we have a formidable foe, but also the provision of Christ.

August 28, 2020 0 comments

Bible reflection shine

Live the Contrast Jesus Exemplified

by Esther Griggs August 7, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

Light breaks into our days as a gift from God. It began with Genesis 1:3, when God declared, “Let there be light.” and continued till Jesus proclaims in John 8:12,

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

As we walk with Jesus, the light of the world, we live the contrast Jesus exemplified. There is fruit in our lives and the contrasting light exposes the darkness.

Jesus is the Light of the World

Jesus invites us to walk in the light as He is in the light. Our fellowship with Him happens in the light of who He is.

He says,

“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Paul in his letter to the Romans explains how darkness took over when mankind exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshipped the creature instead of the creator. It darkened their foolish hearts. Jesus is the light of the world, we live the life Jesus exemplified.

Fruit in Our Lives

Paul tells the reader that fruit follows when one walks in the light. Here he mentions goodness, righteousness and truth. It proves what is acceptable to God. In his letter to the Galatians, he states, “For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” When we walk in the Spirit of Jesus, his Spirit changes us. The evidence shows up. There is fruit in our lives.

Exposes the Unfruitful Works

Evil hides. It works in the cover of darkness and in hidden allies. When the fruit of the Spirit casts its light, it exposes the dead, unfruitful works.

In John 3:20&21 we read,

“For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

“Does the truth,” intrigues me. It implies a way of life, a working out of truth in our behaviour. Much more than the opposite of a lie; as a long, soft rain, it satiates all of life. It is light over darkness, integrity over double mindedness.

When Jesus said,

“I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.”

Pilate asked, “what is truth?”. He did not realize Jesus claimed to be the truth. Jesus is truth. He is the light of the world. His Spirit produces fruit in our lives and His light exposes unfruitful works.

Paul says it is shameful to even talk about the evil that happens in secret. The light, however, shines on it and shows it for what it is.

“Awake you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”

As we walk with Jesus, the light of the world, we live the contrast Jesus exemplified. There is fruit in our lives and the contrasting light exposes the darkness.

Hear Isaiah 60:1;

“Arise, shine;

For your light has come!

And the glory of the Lord

is risen upon you.”

August 7, 2020 0 comments

Bible reflection Gratitude

Follow As Dear Children

by Esther Griggs July 31, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

I have a brother eighteen months younger than me. In my mind’s eye, I can see him with his toy shovel, digging the snow beside our dad, right in step. He imitated his father, whom he loved. Perhaps Paul envisions a similar picture as he writes these words to the Ephesians. “Be followers of God as dear children.” There are family values here. We must follow as dear children by the manner in which we conduct ourselves, how we communicate and what we allow to influence us. It gives off the fragrance of Jesus to the Father.

Our boys learning the love of reading — *Follo*w as dear children: *Our boys imitating the love of reading*

The Manner in Which We Conduct Ourselves

Is it named among us? Paul says it shouldn’t be. He mentions fornication and uncleanness. He also mentions covetousness. Perhaps he remembers the words of Jesus.

“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

These behaviours give off the smell of dissatisfaction. Onlookers interpret incorrectly that God is not sufficient.

How We Communicate

“Is it fitting?” he writes. Again, perhaps the words of Jesus ring in Paul’s ears.

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”

Instead, he writes, give thanks. Reflect on the goodness of God in your heart and mind.

What We Allow to Influence Us

“Let no one deceive you with empty words.”

Paul reminds the reader that these things have caused the wrath of God on those who do not obey His word, those who are not part of the family. Empty, unfruitful, destructive talk distracts from the goodness of who He is. Don’t play any part in it. Don’t listen, don’t laugh, walk away.

Jesus, also known as our elder brother, broke down the dividing wall between the Father and mankind by offering Himself as a sacrifice and an offering to God. Therefore we must follow as dear children by the manner in which we conduct ourselves, how we communicate and what we allow to influence us. Does it illustrate a dear child imitating his much-loved Father?

July 31, 2020 2 comments

Bible reflection Body of Christ new creation

What Should It Look Like Now?

by Esther Griggs July 24, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

Paul speaks to the Ephesians, a mix of Jews and Gentiles. They are born anew to a life of right living, set apart for God. Paul continues to instruct them how to put off the old man and put on the new. Things have changed. What should it look like now? They are part of one another, one body in Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and it looks different.

My brother Jim baptizing my husband Dave into newness of life in Christ. — *My brother Jim baptizing my husband David into newness of life in Christ.*

One Body in Christ

His readers are now part of a body. One’s actions affect the whole. Self-centred living no longer reigns. So don’t be telling lies, half truths, fibs; tell the truth instead. When you are angry, deal with it before you go to sleep. Take it to God in prayer. Leave it with Him. Don’t allow room for the devil to get in. In addition, don’t be a thief. Work hard at good honest labour to make enough money so you can help those in need. Finally, watch what you say. You want to build up the body of which you are apart, not tear it down. Every word counts.

Sealed by The Holy Spirit

As a redeemed people there is a seal, a promise of eternal life. It is the life of the Holy Spirit within us. Paul tells his readers not to grieve Him. Awareness of this sacred life entwined with our own demands honour and respect. It is the Spirit of the Lord Jesus. Live your life in such a way that does not weary or sadden Him.

It Looks Different

What should it look like now? They are part of one another, one body in Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and it looks different. To those in Christ who have received, “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness”, life has changed. Therefore, put off, throw away, cast off; futile, destructive behaviours. Paul writes of them. Get rid of all bitterness. When it takes root, the devil can use it to defile many. It doesn’t hurt just you, it also hurts those around you. It weakens the body of Christ. Don’t entertain wrath or anger. Loud quarrelling and speaking evil don’t belong here. Malicious, hostile behaviour has no place.

Meditate on Jesus. Think about His dealings with you. Treat others the same way. Be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving. What should it look like now? They are part of one another, one body in Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and it looks different.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psa. 19:14.

July 24, 2020 0 comments

Bible reflection

How Did You Learn Christ?

by Esther Griggs July 17, 2020

written by Esther Griggs

Paul continues in Ephesians 4:17 – 24 to admonish his readers about their walk with God. He discusses the way they used to walk, and how it should look now. Between the two, he talks about how they learned “Christ”. We learn Christ through hearing Him speak and responding. His Spirit leads us as we put off the old life and put on the new.

Learning Christ

Learning Christ is very personal. He speaks to individuals. To know Christ is to have heard His voice and responded. In addition, His Spirit is our teacher and guides us into all truth. The truth is in Jesus just as He proclaimed, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” His truth teaches us to put aside the old man and put on the new man. The new man is created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.

Putting Off

“You should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk.” Paul tells them. He is referring to a life without God, where thinking is futile, barren, without purpose or fruit. As a result, their thinking has darkened their understanding and alienated them from the life of God. They have become ignorant because they hardened their hearts. Too many times they have closed the curtain of their mind to the light of God’s truth. Now they no longer can tolerate it. The consequences of a life shut off from God is death. There is no longer any feeling. They live without restraint, with their hearts and minds full of greed and their lives unclean. They grow corrupt as they follow deceitful lusts; those desires that promise a satisfaction they can never deliver. Such is the life Paul tells his readers to put off.

Put On

In contrast, he tells them, “Put on the new man.” Then he explains how it is possible. “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” he says. In other letters Paul says it differently. To the Romans he says it this way. ” … present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind …” It is an active process. There is a putting off and putting on. It happens in our thought life. “Take every thought captive.” Paul tells the Corinthians.

We are new creations in Christ Jesus. We eat spiritual food, which will give us life. It is a life of gratitude to the God and Father who has redeemed us from the stench of death and dying. In addition, we experience the life of God working in us. We long to please Him and be close to Him, so we put off the old ways, and look to His Spirit for guidance. How did you learn Christ? Was it by hearing and answering as He spoke to your heart and your mind? Stay close to Him through reading His word and prayer. Spend time with fellow travellers. Your life’s walk will become a living out of your love for Him.

July 17, 2020 0 comments

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