Proverbs 22:1
A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I could easily name two dozen people who are (or were) both well-recognized and wealthy – and I would get two dozen different impressions of these people. Let me give you a few examples… Elvis Presley, Robert Redford, Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd, Bobby Knight, Ken Hatfield, Billy Graham, Ted Haggard, Donald Trump, and Bill Gates. When you think of each of these people, their reputation comes to mind, doesn’t it?! You may think of how successful – or “powerful” they are (or were)… what they accomplished, and how much money they have made.
But let me ask you a question… do you respect all of these people equally? Have they conducted themselves in the same manner… and with the same integrity? Has money brought them happiness… have they utilized their wealth and “position” well? Now let me ask you another question… in the scheme of things, don’t you know people in your own community or circle of influence who have done as much – or more – with far less? Don’t you know people in your own back yard who you respect far more than any celebrity… and whose reputation is beyond reproach?
Reputation DOES matter. Take some time to think about your own life… and how you believe people see you. When your name is spoken, do others envision someone with integrity… a person worthy of their respect? Do they see a reflection of Jesus in your behavior and accomplishments? Or do they see someone known as a gossip, a party animal (and not in a good sense)… someone with loose morals and poor business practices… someone who drinks too much or spews foul language… someone who neglects their children and family members and blows money at every turn?
Money can buy reputation… but not necessarily a good one. Money cannot buy genuine respect. A close relationship with God… an earnest desire to serve Him and please Him with the gifts and resources He has provided builds the kind of reputation we should hope people will remember. Reputations that are less than stellar can be changed… especially for those who will draw close to God and ask Him to help them accomplish this. It may take time – and it will most certainly take effort – but it can be done.
What sort of reputation do you have? Does your reputation earn you the respect of others… or merely the notoriety that grabs their attention? Are there areas in which you need to improve? Isn’t it time to get started?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label buying favor with God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buying favor with God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 13, 2011
Psalm 49:7-9
You cannot buy back your life or pay off God! It costs far too much to buy back your life. You can never pay God enough to stay alive forever and safe from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
More than one person has tried to make something – or someone – go away by writing a big check. More than one parent has told a child, “If you will do this… be good… make good grades (or whatever the parent wants done at the moment), I will buy you a new toy… give you money… make your favorite dinner… get you new sneakers (or whatever will impress the child). Human nature frequently operates in the realm of “name your price.”
When it comes to our Heavenly Father, money does not “talk.” We didn’t do anything to earn our salvation in Christ Jesus – and we never can. It was a gift… given to us freely out of love we can never possibly fathom.
So when we try to bargain with God… “Lord, do this for me, and I promise, I will do such-and-such” or “Lord, I will give all I can to an orphanage or a mission if You will bless me in a specific manner” or “Lord, just let me have this one night to do whatever I please, and then I will follow You forever”… God just shakes His head (and possibly rolls His eyes) at our inability to understand how He operates.
We cannot pay off God… we can’t bargain with Him for what we want – at least not with any real hope of getting it! We can’t tell God what to do – or how to do it. And we can never pay God back for all He has given to us and done for us. And the best part is… He doesn’t want our payment. He just wants our love… our faith… our trust… and our service in His name – all freely given to Him. God doesn’t want us to love Him or serve Him out of obligation – any feeling we might have to do this to get to Heaven. He wants us to want Him as much as He wants us. Sounds like a no-brainer to me! It’s definitely the deal of a lifetime… and one I want in on forever – don’t you?
What are you waiting for? Isn’t it time to drop the pretenses and get real with God? Isn’t it time to lay your cards on the table and say, “Here I am, Lord… warts and all. I’m ready to love You and serve You… no matter what… will You have me?” My guess is that His arms are already open.
©2011 Debbie Robus
You cannot buy back your life or pay off God! It costs far too much to buy back your life. You can never pay God enough to stay alive forever and safe from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
More than one person has tried to make something – or someone – go away by writing a big check. More than one parent has told a child, “If you will do this… be good… make good grades (or whatever the parent wants done at the moment), I will buy you a new toy… give you money… make your favorite dinner… get you new sneakers (or whatever will impress the child). Human nature frequently operates in the realm of “name your price.”
When it comes to our Heavenly Father, money does not “talk.” We didn’t do anything to earn our salvation in Christ Jesus – and we never can. It was a gift… given to us freely out of love we can never possibly fathom.
So when we try to bargain with God… “Lord, do this for me, and I promise, I will do such-and-such” or “Lord, I will give all I can to an orphanage or a mission if You will bless me in a specific manner” or “Lord, just let me have this one night to do whatever I please, and then I will follow You forever”… God just shakes His head (and possibly rolls His eyes) at our inability to understand how He operates.
We cannot pay off God… we can’t bargain with Him for what we want – at least not with any real hope of getting it! We can’t tell God what to do – or how to do it. And we can never pay God back for all He has given to us and done for us. And the best part is… He doesn’t want our payment. He just wants our love… our faith… our trust… and our service in His name – all freely given to Him. God doesn’t want us to love Him or serve Him out of obligation – any feeling we might have to do this to get to Heaven. He wants us to want Him as much as He wants us. Sounds like a no-brainer to me! It’s definitely the deal of a lifetime… and one I want in on forever – don’t you?
What are you waiting for? Isn’t it time to drop the pretenses and get real with God? Isn’t it time to lay your cards on the table and say, “Here I am, Lord… warts and all. I’m ready to love You and serve You… no matter what… will You have me?” My guess is that His arms are already open.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 8, 2010
Acts 8:18-24
Simon noticed that the Spirit was given only when the apostles placed their hands on the people. So he brought money and said to Peter and John, "Let me have this power too! Then anyone I place my hands on will also be given the Holy Spirit.
Peter said to him, “You and your money will both end up in hell if you think you can buy God’s gift! You don’t have any part in this, and God sees that your heart isn’t right. Get rid of these evil thoughts and ask God to forgive you. I can see that you are jealous and bound by your evil ways.
Simon said, “Please pray to the Lord, so that what you said won’t happen to me.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The first thought I had when I read this scripture passage was of the old Beatles song, “Can’t Buy Me Love.” There are probably very few of us who don’t think about money at some point in the day … from whether we have enough to pay bills, to how much more we need to save to buy something new, to how we will survive in retirement and more. But for some, money (or something in lieu of money) has become the answer to everything.
The truth of the matter is that God cannot be bought! I’m not saying we shouldn’t fund missions and think about money. I’m not saying that the system of exchanging payment for services rendered and items purchased doesn’t work. But when it comes to God, the only “payment” He will accept is raw faith. And really, this is great news, because it means that everyone is equal with God. Nobody can plunk down money and gain favor. We can’t give money to the church, family and friends, and never give any of our time and energy. Your possessions and wealth don’t make you better than your friends, classmates or co-workers, and God does not play favorites based on income level.
God wants our time, talents, service and faithfulness … and yes, our money. But only in that order, and only if the money is given to further His kingdom, not to buy His approval. The Holy Spirit is free to any and all who wish to receive Him. The woman in Luke 8:43-48 had it right. Sick for over twelve years, she saw Jesus in a crowd of people and barely touched the hem of his clothes, and instantly she was healed. Jesus said in the last part of verse 46, “Someone touched me, and I felt the power going out from me.” The woman didn’t give Jesus as much as one penny, yet she received His power and healing because of her faith. The disciples laid down their jobs, walked away from their homes and families and all of their belongings, and followed Jesus. And when He died and ascended into heaven, He gave them the power of the Holy Spirit to continue ministering and witnessing.
The question becomes, what are we doing to receive the Holy Spirit? Are we like Simon, wanting to throw some money or another form of payment toward God and buy our relationship with Him? Or are we humbly believing in His power and offering our service in whatever manner He desires? Are we pulling out our wallets for a payoff, or are we touching the hem of His clothes and serving faithfully? The difference is huge, and the consequences are eternal. How big is your faith and commitment today? Is your heart right before God?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Simon noticed that the Spirit was given only when the apostles placed their hands on the people. So he brought money and said to Peter and John, "Let me have this power too! Then anyone I place my hands on will also be given the Holy Spirit.
Peter said to him, “You and your money will both end up in hell if you think you can buy God’s gift! You don’t have any part in this, and God sees that your heart isn’t right. Get rid of these evil thoughts and ask God to forgive you. I can see that you are jealous and bound by your evil ways.
Simon said, “Please pray to the Lord, so that what you said won’t happen to me.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The first thought I had when I read this scripture passage was of the old Beatles song, “Can’t Buy Me Love.” There are probably very few of us who don’t think about money at some point in the day … from whether we have enough to pay bills, to how much more we need to save to buy something new, to how we will survive in retirement and more. But for some, money (or something in lieu of money) has become the answer to everything.
The truth of the matter is that God cannot be bought! I’m not saying we shouldn’t fund missions and think about money. I’m not saying that the system of exchanging payment for services rendered and items purchased doesn’t work. But when it comes to God, the only “payment” He will accept is raw faith. And really, this is great news, because it means that everyone is equal with God. Nobody can plunk down money and gain favor. We can’t give money to the church, family and friends, and never give any of our time and energy. Your possessions and wealth don’t make you better than your friends, classmates or co-workers, and God does not play favorites based on income level.
God wants our time, talents, service and faithfulness … and yes, our money. But only in that order, and only if the money is given to further His kingdom, not to buy His approval. The Holy Spirit is free to any and all who wish to receive Him. The woman in Luke 8:43-48 had it right. Sick for over twelve years, she saw Jesus in a crowd of people and barely touched the hem of his clothes, and instantly she was healed. Jesus said in the last part of verse 46, “Someone touched me, and I felt the power going out from me.” The woman didn’t give Jesus as much as one penny, yet she received His power and healing because of her faith. The disciples laid down their jobs, walked away from their homes and families and all of their belongings, and followed Jesus. And when He died and ascended into heaven, He gave them the power of the Holy Spirit to continue ministering and witnessing.
The question becomes, what are we doing to receive the Holy Spirit? Are we like Simon, wanting to throw some money or another form of payment toward God and buy our relationship with Him? Or are we humbly believing in His power and offering our service in whatever manner He desires? Are we pulling out our wallets for a payoff, or are we touching the hem of His clothes and serving faithfully? The difference is huge, and the consequences are eternal. How big is your faith and commitment today? Is your heart right before God?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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