Acts 10:35
God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It
seems like at least once a month lately, I have referenced an act of
terror that has been committed somewhere in the world. This week, it
happened in California, where fourteen people were shot and killed, and
another 21 were injured. When it happens on American soil, it’s
personal. We react with a mixture of anger, sadness, and fear.
I
opened today’s newspaper and read a headline that reported the death of
16 people and injuries to three more in a firebomb attack on a small
nightclub in Cairo, Egypt. Early reports are that this incident was the
result of a dispute between some patrons and the nightclub staff, and
Molotov cocktails were thrown at the entrance. I’m sure it was a
horrific, tragic scene for all who were involved. This event is equally
tragic and significant…but will we give it more than a passing glance?
The
point I am making is that both of these instances – happening “a world
apart” – are heartbreaking to God. We have become so accustomed to
hearing accounts of violence - particularly in the Middle East - that we
barely pay any attention to them. And we are well on our way to
growing as complacent about such horrific events in our own country.
Worse yet, we jump to conclusions and readily assume that a certain
religious faction is responsible in some way…and we lump everyone of
that faith into one big ball of guilty parties. If Christians were so
readily blamed for the sins of a handful of people, we would be
outraged.
We need to all take a collective breath. We need to
stop fearing every person who is different from us in some way. Too
many “Christians” are pretty well afraid of their own shadow. They fear
those whose politics are different…they fear those of other races and
ethnic backgrounds…they fear those who have a different sexual
orientation…and they certainly fear those who do not openly share their
particular “brand” of Christian faith. Read this scripture passage
again…”God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from."
This
scripture is referring to something bigger than just nationality. God’s
word tells us that He loves everyone who worships Him. God’s desire is
that ALL people would seek salvation in the blood of Jesus Christ and
become His disciples. When we give others a poor impression of what it
means to follow Jesus, we have failed in our service to God - and in our
own discipleship.
We need to show outrage and concern for what
happened in San Bernardino. But we also need to be equally upset over
what happened in Cairo…and what happens in other parts of our nation and
throughout the world on a seemingly regular basis these days. Our hearts need to be
broken for ALL of what breaks God’s…not just what happens to “our
people.” We need to demonstrate love and trust in God to handle the
things we cannot…and kick fear to the curb. We need to pray for the
victims of these senseless tragedies…but also the perpetrators and their
families. And we need to start today.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label fearmongering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fearmongering. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 16, 2014
Mark 16:17-18
“And those who believe shall use my authority to cast out demons, and they shall speak new languages. They will be able even to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them; and they will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It seems that much of the world is presently in a tizzy over the Ebola virus. And yes, those who are directly involved with people who have come in contact with this potentially deadly illness – or who have been to countries where the sickness is prevalent – should be cautious and concerned. But those of us who live hours and days away from this contagion truly have little to nothing to fear. Moreover, we should be thankful that there are medical personnel who are specifically trained to treat those with this virus, which will help to contain it and prevent further spread, while aiding those who are infected.
Here’s how I see this...Jesus told us over and again in Scripture that He came to earth, suffered, bled and died, so that we might live! Through His sacrifices, God has granted us not only the assurance of safety and security, but also the wisdom to know how to survive! So when this passage talks of “handling snakes” and “drinking poison”...don’t take this so literally. The “snakes and poisons” of life are all around us – physical dangers, relationship difficulties, temptations, challenges, sins of all kinds – and yes, deadly viruses. But we have the ultimate “Hazmat Suit” of all...the healing power Jesus Christ!
Because of Jesus’s healing power, we don’t have to operate in fear...about anything. And honestly, when you boil this all down...that’s what is happening. “Fearmongering” is at an all-time high these days...in current events, politics, and even the latest “health news”. Just watch The Dr. Oz Show, and you will feel like you have failed your own body in more than a dozen ways with each episode!
We need to pull out our Bibles, find a quiet place to read and reflect, and CALM DOWN!!! We need to call on the authority of Jesus to cast out these demons of fear...to operate in the confidence of His healing power...and to lead by example and “heal” others as we interact with them each day. This is “Christian Discipleship 101”, people! Have you read The Book and taken notes from the Teacher? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“And those who believe shall use my authority to cast out demons, and they shall speak new languages. They will be able even to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them; and they will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It seems that much of the world is presently in a tizzy over the Ebola virus. And yes, those who are directly involved with people who have come in contact with this potentially deadly illness – or who have been to countries where the sickness is prevalent – should be cautious and concerned. But those of us who live hours and days away from this contagion truly have little to nothing to fear. Moreover, we should be thankful that there are medical personnel who are specifically trained to treat those with this virus, which will help to contain it and prevent further spread, while aiding those who are infected.
Here’s how I see this...Jesus told us over and again in Scripture that He came to earth, suffered, bled and died, so that we might live! Through His sacrifices, God has granted us not only the assurance of safety and security, but also the wisdom to know how to survive! So when this passage talks of “handling snakes” and “drinking poison”...don’t take this so literally. The “snakes and poisons” of life are all around us – physical dangers, relationship difficulties, temptations, challenges, sins of all kinds – and yes, deadly viruses. But we have the ultimate “Hazmat Suit” of all...the healing power Jesus Christ!
Because of Jesus’s healing power, we don’t have to operate in fear...about anything. And honestly, when you boil this all down...that’s what is happening. “Fearmongering” is at an all-time high these days...in current events, politics, and even the latest “health news”. Just watch The Dr. Oz Show, and you will feel like you have failed your own body in more than a dozen ways with each episode!
We need to pull out our Bibles, find a quiet place to read and reflect, and CALM DOWN!!! We need to call on the authority of Jesus to cast out these demons of fear...to operate in the confidence of His healing power...and to lead by example and “heal” others as we interact with them each day. This is “Christian Discipleship 101”, people! Have you read The Book and taken notes from the Teacher? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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