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Who I am – my personal testimony

on Friday, February 21, 2014

Recently one Sunday morning at church I was asked by a friend to give my testimony that night during our evening service. I am always glad to share the assurance I have in Jesus and how God is working in my life, so of course I agreed. I also had a few other things on my mind that I wanted to share with the church, so I asked our pastor what direction I should go with my talk. He said to just tell why you are the way you are. Well I think I know what he meant, but it really got me to thinking how I got to be the way I am. Those who know me know that I am a bit different. But then again – so is everybody else I know!

So how did I get to be the way I am? The accounts that follow will provide some insight…

I was raised in a Christian home, and my family was in church on a regular basis. I grew up in a Methodist church, went through the Confirmation class at 12 years old, and at the end of the class we prayed to receive Christ into our hearts. Was I saved at that time – I am not certain. But I do know that when I was 18 years old I went to FCA Camp in Maryville, TN and I knew God was working in my heart that weekend. I also knew I could not give a certain answer of where I would go if I was to die that day of May 5th of 1984. Through the message given by Rev. Jerry Upton, the Holy Spirit convicted me that I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus, and I responded by coming forward during one of the services and knelt down at the altar to asked Jesus into my heart. I knew then in my heart for certain that I had: repented of my sins, told Jesus I believed He died on a cross and was raised on the third day as a sacrifice to cover my sins, I asked Him to save me, and told Jesus I would follow Him with my life.

I have in no way lived a perfect or sinless life since then, but know in my heart that I can always ask God for forgiveness and it is granted. And I know that because that night I received salvation, and by the assurance in His Word, that I will be forgiven of things I do (sin) that disappoint Him.

Now it was not long after I accepted Jesus into my heart that I realized satan was really tempting me in a lot of different ways that I had not experienced before. I went to college and the US Army facing attacks from satan, and I hate to say it but he won a lot of those battles. I remember carrying my little green Gideon Bible in my cargo pants every day I was in the Army uniform, but I did not make reading it a part of my daily life. I was a worldly Christian giving way to Jesus and the world at the same time. So of course I experienced failures and disappointments as I tried to follow Jesus.

My wife was the catalyst to bring me to a closer walk with Jesus. I knew in my heart that Jesus connected us for her to be my mate and to bring me closer to Him. I saw in her something I wanted more of in my life – an active growing personal relationship with Jesus. I am delighted to say that since our wedding I have been on a slow path of growing closer to Him!

As I grow older my faith increases through the trials I continually face and how I am able to handle them. You have to know that satan will not leave you alone if you are trying to live for Jesus. I am slowly becoming more obedient to Jesus by daily denying satan and the attacks he sends. I am not always successful, but slowly getting better as I grow in my faith. I know I will never live a sinless life until I leave this body in the grave and enter into my eternal home in Heaven!

I am amazed and humbled by the way God has used me over the years. I have enjoyed serving Him in many leadership roles such as a youth minister and Sunday School director. He has molded me through the daily trials as a leader, husband and father. I have been fortunate to lead individuals to receive Jesus as their Savior in Guatemala, during camps and Bible Schools, even by phone with my cousin in Ohio.

Jesus has led me on so many adventures, and they all started with a single step of obedience of saying yes – I will follow You and I will go where You send!

Adventure Bible Wisdom

Free Book: 90-Day devotion

on Friday, February 7, 2014

I was fortunate to be asked to participate as a contributing author of a new Bible devotional book called All Time Verses: 90-Day Scripture Journey by the student ministers at First Baptist Woodstock. I submitted two devotions for the project.

Since this is the first time I have been included in a book publication I wanted to celebrate by giving a copy away to one my blog readers. So I thought I would have a little contest.

I will select one person to receive a free book who #1_will read the devotion and #2_tells me the most unique place they will read this devotion. (yes – points added for creativity)

Simply fill out the information below to be considered. You do not have to be a follower of my blog, but will be entered by submitting the form from this page. Only one entry per person. I will not give or sale your information to anyone – just using it as a reference.

Contest begins NOW and will end at noon on Sunday, February 16th. You must be a valid reader of the English language and the declared winner will need to provide a physical mailing address upon request.

Congratulations!

Terri Brooks is the winner of the free book contest! Terri said she would read the devotion the first thing in the morning in her sun room.

You can find out more about Terri at http://facebook.com/theimprintdoctor

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest.

If you would like to buy your own personal copy of the book it is available on Amazon at All Time Verses: 90-Day Scripture Journey

Bible Wisdom

How to find a “10” for a wife: 10 qualities of a good potential wife

on Monday, January 13, 2014

I had the opportunity to talk about dating and potential wives with my son and a man I consider a real good friend last week. In preparation to talk with them I determined a list of qualities to look for in a potential wife. We agreed this is a pretty good list of qualities a man should look for in a potential wife.

I believe if the girl you are dating and intend to marry encompasses these qualities, then you are on the right track.

1. She shares your beliefs

She should understand the Biblical role of a husband and a wife and be willing to fulfill.

Your potential wife should have the same beliefs you have. Now, you may think you can do some missionary dating, and turn that situation around so she will believe everything you do. You’re probably going to be very disappointed with some bad side effects. You need to understand your core beliefs first, then be sure she shares them with you. If you don’t have the same core beliefs….you will be unequally yoked – not a good scenario for either person.

2. She loves you unconditionally

If she’s trying to change you to be another person, it’s time to move on. Your future wife should love you just as you are. There are certain core characteristics that must be avoided, and you should identify those before you become too involved in a relationship.

3. She is trustworthy

Can you trust her with her time, money, secrets, and most importantly – your heart.

If you have trust issues in your relationship then I feel you are not ready to move forward with any commitment. Trust can be destroyed and built back, but you both should be in agreement with how trustworthy you feel with each other. Also, once trust has been broken it takes a long time to restore. You may trust each other, but in the back of the mind the offense will linger.

4. She has ambition

Does she set goals? Does she work hard?

She should have strength in character and carry herself with confidence. She should be a hard worker just like you. That doesn’t mean having a job is a requirement. I know women who are a stay-at-home wife with kids, and they work just as hard as some people with careers.

5. She is selfless

She should have a servant heart and giving of her time, talents and treasures

She should care about others. Look at the way she treats her family and her friends. If she’s not close with her family, and doesn’t have any good friends, that’s not a good sign. Watch how they treat a waiter/waitress – that tells you a lot about how somebody treats people down deep in their heart. Does she care about causes? Does she volunteer? Does she give change to the needy or buy them a meal? These are important characteristics to consider.

6. She is attractive

In your eyes, she should be downright attractive – I mean put together! Personality plays into attractiveness as well. Just remember, “charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting.” She should be beautiful down to her soul because that kind of beauty lasts forever. Physical beauty will change with time.

7. She is wise

Wisdom means to have good knowledge, and then to know what to do with it.

She should be wise, smart, and give you good advice. Her woman’s intuition should be strong. I look to my wife all the time for advice. She is financially smarter than me, and helps guide me where I am weak.

8. She makes you a better man

Your potential wife should elevate you to new heights. She should inspire you to make yourself better so you can serve her. You can get a good idea from your friends and family. What do they say about you when you are around her?

9. She is modest

She should be modest in her dress, conduct and words. I don’t want my wife advertising what others can’t buy. It is good for a woman to believe her private body parts are to be seen only by her husband.

10. She gets along with your family and friends

She shouldn’t be critical of the people who you love and have been trusted by you. She should be a good fit with the people in your life, and approved by your family – mostly your mom and dad. Marriage is a joining of two totally different lives that existed prior to your meeting, but will become one after you two join them.

Reference:

I would be interested in hearing if you agree or have different ideas. Shoot them to me if you please to john@johndgrigsby.com.

Bible Wisdom

Mary pondered these things in her heart: the art of pondering

on Monday, December 23, 2013

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Luke 2:7-20 (NASB)

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is that part in verse 19 where it said that Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.

What did it mean for her to ponder in her heart?

Ponder means to consider. It means to take what you know, and consider what might be.

So what do you think Mary may have pondered in her heart?

I think she pondered the fact that God had spoke to her and that she would no doubt hear Him again. God had been silent in the Bible for 400 years until the arrival of Jesus. So the God of the universe had spoke to Mary, gave her a baby, and now these shepherds were witnesses to the authenticity. I think she just pondered what would be next. Where would these events take her life next? Who else would come to visit the baby and how did they know of Him? Would there be a different way of raising this God child? She had no idea what would be next, but I think her mind would race with expectations.

I think she pondered on the fact that the birth of our Savior was real. The witness of the shepherds certainly provided a much needed witness. She had no doubt heard the reading of the scripture about the promise of the Savior. She had to have known He would come, but now realizing that those promises were fulfilled in her. If those parts of the scripture were now confirmed, how much more of the scripture she knew must have totally new meaning. It was not just tradition and religion, but now it was real! He was REAL!

I also think she certainly pondered on what the future of Jesus would hold. With what she knew from the scripture, she knew what was told to her by the angel, and she also knew what had happened with Elizabeth and Zacharia’s son John. She knew that His life would be much different than any of the other children she knew. Would they someday live in a different lifestyle? What would God do with Him? What exactly would become of this son of hers? What would be required of him?

What a wonder as Mary pondered and treasured all those things in her heart.

May this Christmas allow you the time to ponder what wonder Jesus holds for your your life!

Bible Wisdom

Christmas lessons from the shepherds

on Monday, December 16, 2013

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Luke 2:7-20 (NASB)

The Shepherds

During Christmas time I like to read the story given to us in the Gospel of Luke. He tells of the story giving a highlight to the shepherds who were watching over their flock at night. We are not told how many there were, but I picture three to five shepherds of sheep.

I noticed the shepherds did three things during this event that I believe would do us all well to follow.

First we see that when the angel appeared they were afraid. Can you blame them?!? Here are these shepherds doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing when an angel appears with the glory of the Lord shining, and of course they have never seen this their life! I can imagine how they probably wanted to run for their lives. But the angel spoke and said to not be afraid – good news was to follow. What a tense moment they had to have experienced as they decided in their minds to stay still and listen to the angel.

We see next that the shepherds did in fact stay still and listen to what the angel had to say. These are startled shepherds and I am sure that the details of what was being said had to be hard for them to remember in their state of uncertainty. I think the angel waited long enough for them to gain composure and listen intently. We are not told, but I have my thoughts.

Then after the angel had told them the good news of the Savior’s birth, they were obedient. They got up and went in search of this baby in Bethlehem. Notice they did not get their affairs in order, but the went just as they were told.

Two lessons from the Shepherds

I think there are two lesson we can learn from the actions of these untrained shepherds.

We all become afraid at times. Some people do not like to admit this emotion, but we all have times we fear for our health, finances, death, family or future. Some people fear these kind of situations on a constant unhealthy basis and some of us just fear them quietly in our heads. I think the key is to recognize the emotion and determine it’s source.

Then like the shepherds we should take these fears and let the glory of the Lord shine on them. For us that simply would look like committing it to prayer. Ask God just what I need to do with this fear. Is there truth in the sources of the emotion?

Once we consult and hear from God, then we need to follow the example of these shepherds and take action. Take positive action just as God lays out for you. Don’t add your thoughts to it, but be obedient to the Lord.

I think if we follow these two steps from a time of fear, then we also would be blessed by our actions. The shepherds were blessed beyond measure by being a witness to Mary about the message they heard from the angel about the baby Jesus. Then they were one of the first on this planet to lay eyes on God who had come in the form of a human to be it’s Savior! Wow – how they were blessed!

Bible Positive Attitude Wisdom

The Rest We All Need

on Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2:1-3

I read this scripture again a few weeks ago and realized something significant – God rested. Wow! The creator of our universe, who is without boundaries or limitations rested. Why on earth would God do that?

I think he rested to provide an example for us to follow in our lives. We have to rest or our body will shut down on its own. Sometimes we think there is no time for rest because there is so much to do. Or does that just happen to me?

I’ll admit, I have so much to do at times that I really feel rest is a waste of time. It doesn’t get me anywhere. It just lets me, well ……. wind down – recharge – refocus. Oh yeah … rest.

I need rest in my life for no other reason that to refocus at times. I get so wound up with the things in my life I think must be accomplished. I also am a bit of a perfectionist at times. I think some things I do have to be absolutely finished and completely right before I can stop or let it go. Now sometimes that is a good thing of course, but sometimes it just drives me to the end of my physical and mental usefulness.

Three kinds of rest we need

Daily

I don’t know about you, but my body needs 7.5 to 8 hours of sleep every day. It would be awesome if I could keep a consistent rhythm of getting that much sleep every day, but I usually don’t. And when I get behind on a good night sleep it seems to affect me in a lot of ways. I find it hard at times to just quit what I am doing and go to bed – I have so much more to do! But what I make up in productive activity … I lose in rest. My body will suffer as a result. So only when I get wise do I lay things down and get a good nights rest.

Weekly

Here is the Biblical example we are given – to take a weekly rest. Some call it a Sabbath day, the Lord’s day or even the day of rest. For my family it is Sunday. That is the day we set aside to rest from work and worship our Savior. I will do everything I can to keep this day set aside and not work. I don’t like to do business on this day if I can help it. I also like to spend Sundays visiting with family. We usually eat lunch with family members on Sunday and it is so good to recharge those relationships during those times. I also like to get in a good Sunday afternoon nap. For me that nap gives my body that extra rest that I missed during the week. It also gives me peace knowing all is well with my family that I can check out for an hour or so to just rest.

Yearly

One of the best ways we rest is with a good vacation.

Think about the best vacation you have ever had. Was it a fun vacation? Was it a restful vacation? Usually the two are not the same. During the season of our lives when we have young kids – rest is the furthest thing from a vacation. However, I have felt the releasing of tension from work and my hustle/bustle life. I may not have rested in the sense I would like, but my mind let go long enough to recalibrate the priorities in life. Like spending time with family.

So for six days God worked. I hope I showed you last week that work is actually a good thing. Then God rested. So let’s think about a couple of things. God cannot be a part of anything evil. So if God is in rest, then it must be a wonderful thing. Notice that God blessed and sanctified the seventh day. What God did was declare the seventh day good and set apart. Since work was also good, God gave a separate time and weight to resting.

For me God speaks to me and says that I need that same time of rest. I need a break from work to let my mind and body separate the activities. Both work and rest are good and they both are something we all need.

Note to reader: I finished this blog one night and thought I had it complete. I went to bed and after resting had some more insight to this topic. So I included it this morning before posting. The overnight rest gave me a more clear picture to describe rest. I hope this topic is as beneficial to you as it has been for me.

Bible Positive Attitude Wisdom

Are you heartily at work?

on Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men – Colossians 3:23

Before sin came to our world there was work. Did you ever think of that?

In Genesis 2:15 we see that God put man in the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. This means that gathering fruit and vegetables was work, but in a good way. Imagine loving to do work! It brought Adam joy, food for life and a sense of accomplishment.

Then when sin came along that same work became toilsome. In Genesis 3:17-19 God said that the ground then would produce thorns and thistles. You know what they are – competition for healthy plants. God also said that work then would cause us to sweat and make us exert a lot of effort. Sometimes work is physically hard and sometimes it is just mentally draining.

Most people in our American society look at work as something that is hard and a duty they don’t look forward to. Commercials, TV shows and movies all give work a bad name. But we should realize that God created us for work, and by realizing that is part of our human design accept work as a way of glorifying God!

In Colossians 3:23 we are instructed to work heartily – just as if working for the Lord instead of humans. To work heartily means with all your heart, to work genuinely, sincerely and warmly. Is there anything in your life you do this way? I know of people with a commitment to a team or cause with this kind of zeal, but not usually to work. If you think of it, the matter comes down to a heart issue. I think we need to work from our heart just as we love, play, sing or dance.

So when you work in retail you are obviously serving a customer, but you are also working to please God. If your job is to make widgets, then make them as if God paid you. At staff meetings, sales conferences, deliveries and while answering the phone see to it that you are pleasing God with your efforts. If mowing, cleaning, chores and the like is your thing – then do them all in a way that would be pleasing to God!

One of my favorite quotes gives a great description of what somebody looks like who is working heartily:

The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both. – James A. Michener

So – how heartily are you at your work today?

Bible Positive Attitude Wisdom

Yes, Work is good

on Monday, November 4, 2013

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters

Colossians 3:23

Before sin came to our world there was work. Did you ever realize that?

In Genesis 2:15 we read that God put man in the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. I think God intended Adam to gather fruit and vegetables daily to provide for nutritional needs. Harvesting was work, but in a good way. Imagine loving to do work! Work brought Adam joy, food for life and a sense of accomplishment.

Then we see that when sin came along that same work became toilsome. In Genesis 3:17-19 God said that the ground then would produce thorns and thistles – competition in several ways for healthy plants. God also said that work then would cause us to sweat – to make us give a lot of effort. Those same fruits and vegetables now became more difficult to harvest because of the weeds choked them out.

Most people in our lifetime look at work as something that is hard and a duty they don’t look forward to doing. Commercials, TV shows and movies all give work a bad name. But we should realize that God created us for work, and by realizing that is part of our human design accept work as a way of glorifying God! Work is another way to worship God!

So if you work in retail you are serving a customer, but you are working to please God – that’s how He designed you. If you stack, ship, move or manage for a living – do your tasks to please God. If your job is to make widgets, then make them as if God paid you. If mowing, cleaning, chores and the like is your thing – do them all to be pleasing God!

Below is one of my favorite quotes that gives a great description of what somebody looks like that loves working and is bringing glory to God.

“The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.”

James A. Michener

Adventure Bible Positive Attitude Wisdom

Anticipation

on Monday, October 21, 2013

My son planned a cookout and bond fire at our home this past Friday night. He contacted his friends and made food plans with his mom. Then he and I prepared the yard and fire pit for the evening.

A couple of his buddies came over early to help us finish off the last details of moving cinder blocks and gathering wood. Each of them were giddy and willing to do just about anything I asked them to do as we prepared. Why? Anticipation

They each anticipated who would show up for the event. What conversations they would have. Maybe a new friendship would develop. For sure, somebody was going to do something so funny that the whole school would be talking about it Monday morning! That’s the beauty of anticipation – it is hoping for something great that is unseen and uncompleted.

Their anticipation reminded me of two great anticipations that I have on my mind:

1st – I am anticipating the new acquaintances, friendships and adventures I will have as a result of writing and maturing this blog. The ability to purposefully share my thoughts and adventures makes me just giddy! God is giving me wisdom as I journey, and I am so glad to share with anyone who will listen.

2nd – I am also anticipating the glorious meeting I will have in Heaven with my Savior! I know in Heaven there will be a great reward for the things I do for the glory of God here on earth. Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” I have never seen Heaven, but I sure do have faith that it will be a wonderful place to be for the rest of eternity!

_____________________________________________________________

My son and his buddies did not know for sure who was coming to the cookout or what kind of fun it would be. But they anticipated a really good time.

This blog and eventual book journey are certainly uncharted for me, and I know will include many highs and lows. But I do anticipate how it will change me and my future.

My personal journey toward Heaven will be tough at times, but will also include many mountain top experiences. Best of all I anticipate the final reward when I meet Jesus face to face!!!

So how about you? What are you giddy about or greatly anticipating in your life?

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1. She shares your beliefs

2. She loves you unconditionally

3. She is trustworthy

4. She has ambition

5. She is selfless

6. She is attractive

7. She is wise

8. She makes you a better man

9. She is modest

10. She gets along with your family and friends

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The Shepherds

Two lessons from the Shepherds

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Three kinds of rest we need

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