Romans 5:15-17
Yet the rescuing gift is not exactly
parallel to the death-dealing sin. If one man’s sin put crowds of people
at the dead-end abyss of separation from God, just think what God’s
gift poured through one man, Jesus Christ, will do! There’s no
comparison between that death-dealing sin and this generous, life-giving
gift. The verdict on that one sin was the death sentence; the verdict
on the many sins that followed was this wonderful life sentence. If
death got the upper hand through one man’s wrongdoing, can you imagine
the breathtaking recovery life makes, sovereign life, in those who grasp
with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand
setting-everything-right, that the one man Jesus Christ provides?
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
On
June 1, 2016, at 3:45 a.m., a 28-year-old woman drove on to the
Interstate 430 bridge in Little Rock, Arkansas…traveling in the wrong
direction. She collided with 60-year-old Gary Digiuseppe, who was on
his way to work as an on-air news reporter for radio station KARN 102.9
FM. Both cars caught fire…both drivers were killed. A co-worker
actually reported this crash on-air before he knew that one of the
victims was his friend, Gary. At 3:45 a.m. on June 1, 2016, dozens of
lives were forever impacted – and changed – by this accident.
Police
and highway department officials note that traveling the wrong way on
an Interstate highway happens more often than we realize…people make an
errant turn and find themselves entering on an exit ramp. We will never
know why or how this young woman came to be on the wrong side of the
bridge on this fateful morning. But every day, countless events – and
the decisions of others - change our lives forever. And so it was with
Adam in the Garden of Eden. Because he ate the forbidden fruit
presented by Eve, death became a physical – and possibly spiritual -
reality for all of us today. I would say that this decision had
probably one of the biggest impacts on the most people – EVER!
But
here’s the thing…JESUS made an even bigger impact, because He reversed
the finality of spiritual death. Because of Jesus and His sacrifice on
the cross, our sins can be forgiven. We can enjoy Eternal Life in His
presence. Jesus Christ offers the greatest impact on the most people
forever and ever…hands down! And we can all get in on this and share in
His gift.
There are a lot of situations and circumstances that
we cannot change. We can’t stop the poor decisions of others. We cannot
prevent physical death. Things will happen, people will argue, and
relationships will be broken – possibly for the rest of our mortal
lives. We can’t prevent natural disasters or many illnesses and
injuries. In short, “life” just happens…and it has a tremendous – and
lasting – effect on many of us. But when we focus on Jesus and what He
offers us, we can handle these other “life impacts.” When we trust Him
for our salvation – and focus on serving Him and fulfilling His purpose
for our lives…we can put these other life-changing events into proper
perspective.
My heart breaks for the family and friends of the
two people who lost their lives…and I pray that they both reside in
Heaven with Jesus today. I thank God that because of Him and the blood
of Jesus, we have hope – even in the midst of a tragedy like this one. I
am reminded just how much impact the words, thoughts and actions of one
person can have on so many others…and I am even more determined to make
sure that mine glorify God’s amazing gift through His only Son to the
very best of my ability. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label how others choices affect us. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how others choices affect us. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 20, 2013
Joel 3:14
Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision.
There the day of the Lord will soon arrive.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Recently, a Facebook friend posted an interesting question. In part, she said, “What is with the people on Facebook who literally spill their guts about woes, heartbreaks, and how ‘just when u think u can trust someone... Blah blah blah’?? I seriously don't understand what they believe they will be gaining from it?? AND THEN 150 LIKE THE POST?? What do they like?? Do they like that their ‘friend’ is miserable? Do they like that their ‘friend’ is writing this depressing stuff on here?” She made some valid points. She also mentioned that she has grown weary of posts from people who are “in a relationship” one day, “it’s complicated” the next, and then suddenly there is someone new – and wonderful – in their life.
Now you may be wondering… “What does this have to do with this passage from Joel 3?” I’m glad you asked! Joel is prophesying about the end of the world… when Christ will return and “thousands upon thousands” will gather in the “Valley of Decision” for judgment. I believe this is important… but I also believe that this has relevance in terms of today – and somewhat answers my friend’s Facebook question. Here’s how… we find “safety in numbers”. People want to know that others relate to them… that we care… that someone else has gone through what they are experiencing. Even if others judge us, we want to know that we are not alone.
Now this doesn’t mean I am excusing – or condoning – the kinds of posts my friend mentioned. I’m weary of them, too. But when a friend posts that her brother has been placed on Hospice and dying of cancer, I can respond to her, because I know firsthand what it’s like to have a brother on Hospice who is dying. When someone says, “I am a terrible mother… my 4-year-old cannot use scissors and the pre-K sent a note that we need to work on this”… I can speak to her as a teacher and a “foster-mother” to little ones that he is just not ready – and she is an excellent mother.
When a friend posts that she wants to crawl into bed and pull the covers over her head as she tries to juggle the challenges of a job, marriage, parenthood, ownership of a retail business, and the in-home care of her father… as well as caregiving duties for her aging grandmother…I can commiserate, offer to pray for her, and assure her that she is not alone and that others care.
See, we are all waiting in the Valley of Decision for something… whether even our own self-judgment. We have gathered together with decisions to make, challenges to face, worries, concerns, joys and sorrows. And we eagerly await feedback… just as those on Facebook want others to reassure them that they are not the only person with such-and-such problem or experience. The bottom line is that you are not unique… your challenges, choices, and their outcomes are shared by countless other people. This doesn’t lessen the impact… make you less worried, upset, or important. It just means that you’re not the first person that XYZ has ever happened to… and you won’t be the last.
In the Spiritual sense, you are incredibly unique and valuable to God… while at the same time, He feels this way about millions of others. We will all have to answer to Him for the events and choices of our lives. So why not choose to live for Him every minute… to trust Him for outcomes in all circumstances and act in a way that honors and pleases Him, no matter what happens? Why not choose to be one of those in the crowd on Judgment Day who hears, “Well done, my servant. You weren’t perfect… but you were obedient and faithful… you honored the gift of My Only Son with your conduct.”? Why not bare your soul to God about many of your issues - instead of to your Facebook friends - and live in such a way that the things you DO choose to post reflect a life of faith-filled discipleship?
When the LORD arrives, and you stand among the thousands, it won’t matter how your neighbors chose. God will judge each of us on our own merits. This should affect the choices we make now… how we handle today’s challenges and experiences – and how we respond to others in similar situations. What are your choices? How are you managing the blessings and resources God has given you? Are you ready to stand in the Valley of Decision with a clear conscience? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision.
There the day of the Lord will soon arrive.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Recently, a Facebook friend posted an interesting question. In part, she said, “What is with the people on Facebook who literally spill their guts about woes, heartbreaks, and how ‘just when u think u can trust someone... Blah blah blah’?? I seriously don't understand what they believe they will be gaining from it?? AND THEN 150 LIKE THE POST?? What do they like?? Do they like that their ‘friend’ is miserable? Do they like that their ‘friend’ is writing this depressing stuff on here?” She made some valid points. She also mentioned that she has grown weary of posts from people who are “in a relationship” one day, “it’s complicated” the next, and then suddenly there is someone new – and wonderful – in their life.
Now you may be wondering… “What does this have to do with this passage from Joel 3?” I’m glad you asked! Joel is prophesying about the end of the world… when Christ will return and “thousands upon thousands” will gather in the “Valley of Decision” for judgment. I believe this is important… but I also believe that this has relevance in terms of today – and somewhat answers my friend’s Facebook question. Here’s how… we find “safety in numbers”. People want to know that others relate to them… that we care… that someone else has gone through what they are experiencing. Even if others judge us, we want to know that we are not alone.
Now this doesn’t mean I am excusing – or condoning – the kinds of posts my friend mentioned. I’m weary of them, too. But when a friend posts that her brother has been placed on Hospice and dying of cancer, I can respond to her, because I know firsthand what it’s like to have a brother on Hospice who is dying. When someone says, “I am a terrible mother… my 4-year-old cannot use scissors and the pre-K sent a note that we need to work on this”… I can speak to her as a teacher and a “foster-mother” to little ones that he is just not ready – and she is an excellent mother.
When a friend posts that she wants to crawl into bed and pull the covers over her head as she tries to juggle the challenges of a job, marriage, parenthood, ownership of a retail business, and the in-home care of her father… as well as caregiving duties for her aging grandmother…I can commiserate, offer to pray for her, and assure her that she is not alone and that others care.
See, we are all waiting in the Valley of Decision for something… whether even our own self-judgment. We have gathered together with decisions to make, challenges to face, worries, concerns, joys and sorrows. And we eagerly await feedback… just as those on Facebook want others to reassure them that they are not the only person with such-and-such problem or experience. The bottom line is that you are not unique… your challenges, choices, and their outcomes are shared by countless other people. This doesn’t lessen the impact… make you less worried, upset, or important. It just means that you’re not the first person that XYZ has ever happened to… and you won’t be the last.
In the Spiritual sense, you are incredibly unique and valuable to God… while at the same time, He feels this way about millions of others. We will all have to answer to Him for the events and choices of our lives. So why not choose to live for Him every minute… to trust Him for outcomes in all circumstances and act in a way that honors and pleases Him, no matter what happens? Why not choose to be one of those in the crowd on Judgment Day who hears, “Well done, my servant. You weren’t perfect… but you were obedient and faithful… you honored the gift of My Only Son with your conduct.”? Why not bare your soul to God about many of your issues - instead of to your Facebook friends - and live in such a way that the things you DO choose to post reflect a life of faith-filled discipleship?
When the LORD arrives, and you stand among the thousands, it won’t matter how your neighbors chose. God will judge each of us on our own merits. This should affect the choices we make now… how we handle today’s challenges and experiences – and how we respond to others in similar situations. What are your choices? How are you managing the blessings and resources God has given you? Are you ready to stand in the Valley of Decision with a clear conscience? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 19, 2013
Jeremiah 1:4-10
The Lord said:
“Jeremiah, I am your Creator,
and before you were born,
I chose you to speak for me
to the nations.”
I replied, “I’m not a good speaker, Lord, and I’m too young.”
“Don’t say you’re too young,” the Lord answered. “If I tell you to go and speak to someone, then go! And when I tell you what to say, don’t leave out a word! I promise to be with you and keep you safe, so don’t be afraid.”
The Lord reached out his hand, then he touched my mouth and said, “I am giving you the words to say, and I am sending you with authority to speak to the nations for me. You will tell them of doom and destruction, and of rising and rebuilding again.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were a little kid, and team captains “chose sides” on the playground or in gym class? Do you remember how it felt to stand there, inwardly thinking, “Pick me! Pick me!” and knowing that it was the captain’s choice? Who – and how – he/she chose would affect everyone… but still, the choice was his/hers to make.
Nearly every day, someone will make a choice that is theirs to make… but it will greatly affect your life. Your friend may decide to drink and drive… smoke, do drugs, participate in something illegal or immoral… and you may have to distance – or dissolve – your friendship, if a resolution cannot be reached. Your roommate may fail to study… and flunk out of college. Not only will he/she be affected… you will lose your roomie. Your friends may neglect to pay their bills or show up for work, and the loss of their job, property and more may be devastating to them – and to you. Your aging spouse may refuse to give up driving… and you may have to refuse to ride with him/her any more. Your parents may move to another state… and you may have to go with them. Or your children may move across the country – and take your grandchildren along. OR… you may have to make room in your home for aging relatives who can no longer live alone.
When people make personal choices that are well within their rights – and sometimes when “life” makes choices for them - others still may be greatly affected. And when we are one of those people, how do we handle this? The only answer that makes any sense to me is to trust God for the outcome. If God decides to allow the choice and you are hurt in the bargain, trust Him to comfort you and restore your hope and joy. If God elects to lead the person in the direction that favors your preferences, humbly and gratefully praise Him. When God seems to allow “bad things to happen to good people”, ask Him to show you what He wants you to learn from this… how you can grow – and how you can use the outcome to glorify His name and bless and encourage others.
My mother shared one of her recent devotionals from a book written by Bishop TD Jakes, in which he suggested that when we face adversity or challenge, we throw it at God… that we hurl it as hard and fast as we can toward Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins, and say, “Here you go, LORD… handle THIS for me!” (I’m paraphrasing.) I don’t know about you, but I will probably be doing a lot of throwing in the coming days/weeks/years. The GOOD NEWS is that God can catch – and handle – every test of faith that I toss His way.
What about you… what will you do with your challenges? Are you ready to warm up your “pitching arm”?
©2013 Debbie Robus
The Lord said:
“Jeremiah, I am your Creator,
and before you were born,
I chose you to speak for me
to the nations.”
I replied, “I’m not a good speaker, Lord, and I’m too young.”
“Don’t say you’re too young,” the Lord answered. “If I tell you to go and speak to someone, then go! And when I tell you what to say, don’t leave out a word! I promise to be with you and keep you safe, so don’t be afraid.”
The Lord reached out his hand, then he touched my mouth and said, “I am giving you the words to say, and I am sending you with authority to speak to the nations for me. You will tell them of doom and destruction, and of rising and rebuilding again.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were a little kid, and team captains “chose sides” on the playground or in gym class? Do you remember how it felt to stand there, inwardly thinking, “Pick me! Pick me!” and knowing that it was the captain’s choice? Who – and how – he/she chose would affect everyone… but still, the choice was his/hers to make.
Nearly every day, someone will make a choice that is theirs to make… but it will greatly affect your life. Your friend may decide to drink and drive… smoke, do drugs, participate in something illegal or immoral… and you may have to distance – or dissolve – your friendship, if a resolution cannot be reached. Your roommate may fail to study… and flunk out of college. Not only will he/she be affected… you will lose your roomie. Your friends may neglect to pay their bills or show up for work, and the loss of their job, property and more may be devastating to them – and to you. Your aging spouse may refuse to give up driving… and you may have to refuse to ride with him/her any more. Your parents may move to another state… and you may have to go with them. Or your children may move across the country – and take your grandchildren along. OR… you may have to make room in your home for aging relatives who can no longer live alone.
When people make personal choices that are well within their rights – and sometimes when “life” makes choices for them - others still may be greatly affected. And when we are one of those people, how do we handle this? The only answer that makes any sense to me is to trust God for the outcome. If God decides to allow the choice and you are hurt in the bargain, trust Him to comfort you and restore your hope and joy. If God elects to lead the person in the direction that favors your preferences, humbly and gratefully praise Him. When God seems to allow “bad things to happen to good people”, ask Him to show you what He wants you to learn from this… how you can grow – and how you can use the outcome to glorify His name and bless and encourage others.
My mother shared one of her recent devotionals from a book written by Bishop TD Jakes, in which he suggested that when we face adversity or challenge, we throw it at God… that we hurl it as hard and fast as we can toward Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins, and say, “Here you go, LORD… handle THIS for me!” (I’m paraphrasing.) I don’t know about you, but I will probably be doing a lot of throwing in the coming days/weeks/years. The GOOD NEWS is that God can catch – and handle – every test of faith that I toss His way.
What about you… what will you do with your challenges? Are you ready to warm up your “pitching arm”?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)