Acts 10:44-48
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit took control of everyone who was listening. Some Jewish followers of the Lord had come with Peter, and they were surprised that the Holy Spirit had been given to Gentiles. Now they were hearing Gentiles speaking unknown languages and praising God.
Peter said, “These Gentiles have been given the Holy Spirit, just as we have! I am certain that no one would dare stop us from baptizing them.” Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For more than a quarter century, our community held a fall festival that included a big parade on Saturday. One year in the 1970s, a Little Rock television station sent a camera man to cover the event from the roof top of a store on Main Street. This was like “free publicity” for our festival. But there was one problem. The camera man was black…and at that time, virtually everyone in our community was white. I am ashamed to say that this man’s presence was the “talk of the town” – for weeks.
Never mind that he was a human being just like every single one of us. Forget that he was here doing a job…and doing it well - and for the benefit of our community. Don’t consider that he might have been a husband, father…and maybe even a faithful member of a church congregation in his own community. All most people saw was the color of his skin…and it was not the same as theirs. And they could not get over it.
Thankfully, we have evolved…a little. There is still much work to be done. We gawk at people and are critical and condescending when they are “different”. We laugh at the “People of Wal-Mart” videos…and we look down our noses at those who enter our sanctuaries looking dirty or disheveled…wearing clothing that is not what we consider appropriate…sporting hairstyles and body art that are “out there”…or smelling a little “off”. We pigeon-hole children at an early age as coming from “one of those families”…and we are scared to death of those who are from certain ethnicities or express a different sexual orientation. And none of this lines up with the teachings of Jesus.
Pay close attention to Peter’s words to the church. God loves these people just as much as He loves you and me – and many of them are fellow believers! I think it’s going to be amazing when we get to heaven and see who all is there. Some of us may be quite shocked!
The time has come for us to open our hearts and minds...to see others as God sees them…to understand that you and I do not corner the market on God’s love – or the promise of eternity in heaven. It is time to open our arms and welcome others…just as Jesus does…to see them as Jesus sees them…and to operate in His love, tolerance and inclusion. God does not discriminate…and neither should we!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label inclusion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inclusion. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for January 5, 2015
Acts 10:34-36
Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.
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.
Greg and I have enjoyed watching the Arkansas Razorbacks teams play – particularly football and basketball – for several decades. Over the years, we have not really had “favorites” on the teams. But I have to say, this year, I am pretty fond of sophomore basketball forward Bobby Portis. This kid is 6'11”, 242 pounds of pure awesomeness on the court. The reports from his coaches are that he is a hard worker who spends endless hours perfecting his skills…and it shows. As of December 23, Portis was the only player in the SEC in the top 4 in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage.
But what impressed me the most about Bobby Portis was his off-court story. In an article published December 30, 2014, on ESPN.go.com*, writer Myron Medcalf tells of how Portis defended himself and his mother against her drunken, abusive boyfriend. He also tells how Portis and his family came home – more than once during his teenage years – to find all of their belongings on the lawn in front of an apartment from which they had been kicked out. At one point, Portis even slept on the floor of a 2-bedroom residence that served as “home” to nine people.
Now, Portis plays basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks and seems destined for a career in the NBA. He credits former Arkansas Razorback stand-out and NBA forward Corliss Williamson, who coached this young man’s AAU basketball team, with giving him more than just good instruction and encouragement on the court. Portis says that Williamson “gave me love” – and that were it not for Williamson, he doesn’t know what he would have done.
There are a lot of people in this world who need love and encouragement. They may not all possess the athletic ability of Bobby Portis…but that doesn’t matter – or make them any less important. Let’s make this the year that we look around and reach out to those who need love and encouragement…people who desperately need to know how much God loves them. Let’s open our hearts and minds – and our arms – to the ones in our midst who need to feel our acceptance and inclusion. Let’s share the Good News that Jesus offers to each and every one of us – and truly give others the idea that THEY are just as significant to Him as the next person.
God plays no favorites…and neither should we. His door is open to everyone who wants a relationship with Him. Are you as tolerant and welcoming? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12092388/arkansas-bobby-portis-overcomes-poverty-violence-prosper
Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.
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.
Greg and I have enjoyed watching the Arkansas Razorbacks teams play – particularly football and basketball – for several decades. Over the years, we have not really had “favorites” on the teams. But I have to say, this year, I am pretty fond of sophomore basketball forward Bobby Portis. This kid is 6'11”, 242 pounds of pure awesomeness on the court. The reports from his coaches are that he is a hard worker who spends endless hours perfecting his skills…and it shows. As of December 23, Portis was the only player in the SEC in the top 4 in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage.
But what impressed me the most about Bobby Portis was his off-court story. In an article published December 30, 2014, on ESPN.go.com*, writer Myron Medcalf tells of how Portis defended himself and his mother against her drunken, abusive boyfriend. He also tells how Portis and his family came home – more than once during his teenage years – to find all of their belongings on the lawn in front of an apartment from which they had been kicked out. At one point, Portis even slept on the floor of a 2-bedroom residence that served as “home” to nine people.
Now, Portis plays basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks and seems destined for a career in the NBA. He credits former Arkansas Razorback stand-out and NBA forward Corliss Williamson, who coached this young man’s AAU basketball team, with giving him more than just good instruction and encouragement on the court. Portis says that Williamson “gave me love” – and that were it not for Williamson, he doesn’t know what he would have done.
There are a lot of people in this world who need love and encouragement. They may not all possess the athletic ability of Bobby Portis…but that doesn’t matter – or make them any less important. Let’s make this the year that we look around and reach out to those who need love and encouragement…people who desperately need to know how much God loves them. Let’s open our hearts and minds – and our arms – to the ones in our midst who need to feel our acceptance and inclusion. Let’s share the Good News that Jesus offers to each and every one of us – and truly give others the idea that THEY are just as significant to Him as the next person.
God plays no favorites…and neither should we. His door is open to everyone who wants a relationship with Him. Are you as tolerant and welcoming? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12092388/arkansas-bobby-portis-overcomes-poverty-violence-prosper
Daily Devotional for April 22, 2011
Luke 10:25-29
An expert in the Law of Moses stood up and asked Jesus a question to see what he would say. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to have eternal life?"
Jesus answered, "What is written in the Scriptures? How do you understand them?" The man replied, "The Scriptures say, `Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.' They also say, `Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself.' “
Jesus said, "You have given the right answer. If you do this, you will have eternal life." But the man wanted to show that he knew what he was talking about. So he asked Jesus, "Who are my neighbors?"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“What’s the catch?” How many times do we ask someone this question? We have become skeptical about so many things. And often, when someone tells us something, we wonder what the hidden agenda is… where is the loophole? There must be an angle… another meaning or motive.
So when this scholar asked Jesus about Eternal Life, he gave the scriptural answer for how to obtain it… and then he basically added, “… but what’s the real answer?” He asked Jesus to define this “neighbor” we are to love as we love ourselves. And if you read the rest of this passage, you will discover the story we know as that of “the Good Samaritan” who treated a complete stranger with love and kindness, just as he would have his own brother.
The point I want us to get today is that we often know the answer, but we still look for the loophole. We know what Jesus wants from us… but we’re looking for a “catch” or an excuse, or another interpretation that better suits our agenda. “Yes, LORD, you told us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves… but you didn’t mean poor people, did you? Surely you didn’t mean people who are gay or those who are Muslim! LORD, you were only talking about upper middle class white Americans, right?” Or we justify our behavior by saying, “But LORD, if I talked to someone the way that person talked to me, I would not feel good about myself… so surely you don’t mean for me to love him/her after the things that were said!”
We justify our sins by saying, “But I do love you, LORD… even if I did do such-and-such. It really has nothing to do with my faith!” What we don’t seem to grasp is that loving God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind means never doing anything that would disappoint Him… or cause our “neighbor” to falter… or showing disrespect for God, His children, or even His planet – in any manner! That’s painting with a broad brush… but that’s exactly what Jesus did! Still, we look for the loophole… we don’t believe He was talking about us… and we attempt to do as we please.
The time has come for us to step up to the plate and really hear what Jesus is saying in this passage… and take it at face value. No more arrogance… no more looking for a way around the truth or claiming that these commandments do not apply to us… they do! And the path to Eternal Life is clearly defined here. The question is… are we on this path? Are we following the commandments? Or are we still busy looking for a loophole?
©2011 Debbie Robus
An expert in the Law of Moses stood up and asked Jesus a question to see what he would say. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to have eternal life?"
Jesus answered, "What is written in the Scriptures? How do you understand them?" The man replied, "The Scriptures say, `Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.' They also say, `Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself.' “
Jesus said, "You have given the right answer. If you do this, you will have eternal life." But the man wanted to show that he knew what he was talking about. So he asked Jesus, "Who are my neighbors?"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“What’s the catch?” How many times do we ask someone this question? We have become skeptical about so many things. And often, when someone tells us something, we wonder what the hidden agenda is… where is the loophole? There must be an angle… another meaning or motive.
So when this scholar asked Jesus about Eternal Life, he gave the scriptural answer for how to obtain it… and then he basically added, “… but what’s the real answer?” He asked Jesus to define this “neighbor” we are to love as we love ourselves. And if you read the rest of this passage, you will discover the story we know as that of “the Good Samaritan” who treated a complete stranger with love and kindness, just as he would have his own brother.
The point I want us to get today is that we often know the answer, but we still look for the loophole. We know what Jesus wants from us… but we’re looking for a “catch” or an excuse, or another interpretation that better suits our agenda. “Yes, LORD, you told us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves… but you didn’t mean poor people, did you? Surely you didn’t mean people who are gay or those who are Muslim! LORD, you were only talking about upper middle class white Americans, right?” Or we justify our behavior by saying, “But LORD, if I talked to someone the way that person talked to me, I would not feel good about myself… so surely you don’t mean for me to love him/her after the things that were said!”
We justify our sins by saying, “But I do love you, LORD… even if I did do such-and-such. It really has nothing to do with my faith!” What we don’t seem to grasp is that loving God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind means never doing anything that would disappoint Him… or cause our “neighbor” to falter… or showing disrespect for God, His children, or even His planet – in any manner! That’s painting with a broad brush… but that’s exactly what Jesus did! Still, we look for the loophole… we don’t believe He was talking about us… and we attempt to do as we please.
The time has come for us to step up to the plate and really hear what Jesus is saying in this passage… and take it at face value. No more arrogance… no more looking for a way around the truth or claiming that these commandments do not apply to us… they do! And the path to Eternal Life is clearly defined here. The question is… are we on this path? Are we following the commandments? Or are we still busy looking for a loophole?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 15, 2010
John 15:19
If you belonged to the world, its people would love you. But you don't belong to the world. I have chosen you to leave the world behind, and that is why its people hate you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We all want to belong. We all want to fit in with our friends and family… and the world at large. This is why many of us go to great lengths to be current with our fashion, hair, makeup… even the décor of our home, the car we drive, where we shop, what music we listen to, which team we root for… and more.
We also want to belong and be included socially. So often, we compromise our faith to do this. We become worldly – participating in off-color or derogatory conversations on everything from politics to race and sexual orientation. We snicker with our friends at someone who is “different” from us or seems a little “off.” We brag about parties and drinking and fighting and more… and others love us! We brush off and ignore the bothersome things we see and hear, because calling attention to them could get us kicked out of the group!
The problem is that we are willing to risk our relationship with God and His pleasure in order to be comfortable. “Taking the high road” and refusing to participate in things we know are displeasing to God takes courage and faith. Walking away from unpleasant or unkind conversations – or challenging those who are speaking rudely or inappropriately – will probably get you ugly looks at best… and maybe cost you a relationship with those who are speaking.
Nobody ever said being a Christian was easy. But the long-term rewards far outweigh any short-term discomfort. The Apostle Paul and others were thrown in prison for standing their ground. It’s highly unlikely we will be subjected to that harsh a consequence… although it may feel like you have been ostracized and “sentenced” to a prison of sorts at times.
Stay focused. Remember WHOSE you are… keep your “eye on the Prize” – the blessings and approval of our Most High God. He chose us… we belong to Him… and nothing is more important than serving Him well. Belong to the One who matters…no matter what you feel it costs in this life. You will be blessed beyond measure… and loved for all eternity.
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you belonged to the world, its people would love you. But you don't belong to the world. I have chosen you to leave the world behind, and that is why its people hate you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We all want to belong. We all want to fit in with our friends and family… and the world at large. This is why many of us go to great lengths to be current with our fashion, hair, makeup… even the décor of our home, the car we drive, where we shop, what music we listen to, which team we root for… and more.
We also want to belong and be included socially. So often, we compromise our faith to do this. We become worldly – participating in off-color or derogatory conversations on everything from politics to race and sexual orientation. We snicker with our friends at someone who is “different” from us or seems a little “off.” We brag about parties and drinking and fighting and more… and others love us! We brush off and ignore the bothersome things we see and hear, because calling attention to them could get us kicked out of the group!
The problem is that we are willing to risk our relationship with God and His pleasure in order to be comfortable. “Taking the high road” and refusing to participate in things we know are displeasing to God takes courage and faith. Walking away from unpleasant or unkind conversations – or challenging those who are speaking rudely or inappropriately – will probably get you ugly looks at best… and maybe cost you a relationship with those who are speaking.
Nobody ever said being a Christian was easy. But the long-term rewards far outweigh any short-term discomfort. The Apostle Paul and others were thrown in prison for standing their ground. It’s highly unlikely we will be subjected to that harsh a consequence… although it may feel like you have been ostracized and “sentenced” to a prison of sorts at times.
Stay focused. Remember WHOSE you are… keep your “eye on the Prize” – the blessings and approval of our Most High God. He chose us… we belong to Him… and nothing is more important than serving Him well. Belong to the One who matters…no matter what you feel it costs in this life. You will be blessed beyond measure… and loved for all eternity.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 19, 2010
April 19 ~ Jude 1:20-25
Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life.
Be helpful to all who may have doubts. Rescue any who need to be saved, as you would rescue someone from a fire. Then with fear in your own hearts, have mercy on everyone who needs it. But hate even the clothes of those who have been made dirty by their filthy deeds.
Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent months the “climate” in our country has taken on a disappointing – and at times nasty – tone. I am sad to see people who publicly proclaim their Christian faith, then cover their car in bumper stickers that express unloving or disrespectful sentiments. It bothers me to see posts on Facebook from fellow believers that express intolerance for others. The message may be subtle and a bit cryptic, but the meaning is clear. I am discouraged when I read the posts that ask me to join a group to “get rid of” a specific politician or organization…or say “I hate my life”…or are so filled with four-letter words that I have to “hide” them. We shouldn’t be joking about the deaths of Al-Qaeda military leaders and administrators or the latest celebrity sex scandal or trip to rehab. Remember, God loves them just as much as He loves you!
Those of you who know me know that one of my mantras is, “People are always watching.” We need to be aware of where we are and with whom we are associating. Additionally, we need to be careful that our attitudes and behaviors do not discredit our Christian faith. People are indeed watching, and they notice when we judge others and invoke the name of Jesus in practically the same sentence. They recognize those of us who claim to be “Christians” as we stand at protest rallies, and they hear us shouting unkind – or even hateful – things. They hear our off-color jokes about the latest celebrity scandal. They see the posts on Facebook and read our editorial comments in the newspaper. They hear our conversations over lunch at the local diner. And we are judged accordingly. While we have every right to voice our opinions, we need to think about what our thoughts and actions convey to others before we do so.
When you publicly express your displeasure with everything from public welfare programs to abortion and a person’s sexual orientation or unhappiness with your government officials, you are certainly within your constitutional rights to do so. But before you speak, consider who will hear your remarks. It doesn’t matter whether others agree with you or not. If they hear you expound on a certain issue in an unkind or even hateful manner – and then they take a seat in the pew next to you on Sunday - how do you think they will view you and your faith? Will they see you as a disciple of Christ who has mercy on those who need it? Or will they see a judgmental, hard-nosed, “my-way-or-the-highway” person who serves God in a rather critical, selective manner? Will they want to serve your Jesus?
I’m not saying you can’t have opinions – or even that you have to keep them to yourself. I am asking you to stop and think before you react and speak. The very person or group you are publicly condemning may be looking to you for an example of Christian faith and mercy. They may be gauging Christianity by your level of grace and love – and how you emulate Jesus in your daily living. It’s the “love the sinner, hate the sin” concept. You don’t have to approve of sinful behavior or any lifestyle or choice you feel doesn’t line up with God’s will. But if you alienate the people to whom you wish to minister, you may never get a second chance to share Jesus’ love with them. Many will never darken the door of the church, much less return for another visit! Don’t be “guilty by association” – in any form. Before you act or speak, ask God if He approves of the message, as our politicians like to say in their campaign ads. Make sure you show love and mercy to those who need it, and keep in step with God throughout each day.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life.
Be helpful to all who may have doubts. Rescue any who need to be saved, as you would rescue someone from a fire. Then with fear in your own hearts, have mercy on everyone who needs it. But hate even the clothes of those who have been made dirty by their filthy deeds.
Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent months the “climate” in our country has taken on a disappointing – and at times nasty – tone. I am sad to see people who publicly proclaim their Christian faith, then cover their car in bumper stickers that express unloving or disrespectful sentiments. It bothers me to see posts on Facebook from fellow believers that express intolerance for others. The message may be subtle and a bit cryptic, but the meaning is clear. I am discouraged when I read the posts that ask me to join a group to “get rid of” a specific politician or organization…or say “I hate my life”…or are so filled with four-letter words that I have to “hide” them. We shouldn’t be joking about the deaths of Al-Qaeda military leaders and administrators or the latest celebrity sex scandal or trip to rehab. Remember, God loves them just as much as He loves you!
Those of you who know me know that one of my mantras is, “People are always watching.” We need to be aware of where we are and with whom we are associating. Additionally, we need to be careful that our attitudes and behaviors do not discredit our Christian faith. People are indeed watching, and they notice when we judge others and invoke the name of Jesus in practically the same sentence. They recognize those of us who claim to be “Christians” as we stand at protest rallies, and they hear us shouting unkind – or even hateful – things. They hear our off-color jokes about the latest celebrity scandal. They see the posts on Facebook and read our editorial comments in the newspaper. They hear our conversations over lunch at the local diner. And we are judged accordingly. While we have every right to voice our opinions, we need to think about what our thoughts and actions convey to others before we do so.
When you publicly express your displeasure with everything from public welfare programs to abortion and a person’s sexual orientation or unhappiness with your government officials, you are certainly within your constitutional rights to do so. But before you speak, consider who will hear your remarks. It doesn’t matter whether others agree with you or not. If they hear you expound on a certain issue in an unkind or even hateful manner – and then they take a seat in the pew next to you on Sunday - how do you think they will view you and your faith? Will they see you as a disciple of Christ who has mercy on those who need it? Or will they see a judgmental, hard-nosed, “my-way-or-the-highway” person who serves God in a rather critical, selective manner? Will they want to serve your Jesus?
I’m not saying you can’t have opinions – or even that you have to keep them to yourself. I am asking you to stop and think before you react and speak. The very person or group you are publicly condemning may be looking to you for an example of Christian faith and mercy. They may be gauging Christianity by your level of grace and love – and how you emulate Jesus in your daily living. It’s the “love the sinner, hate the sin” concept. You don’t have to approve of sinful behavior or any lifestyle or choice you feel doesn’t line up with God’s will. But if you alienate the people to whom you wish to minister, you may never get a second chance to share Jesus’ love with them. Many will never darken the door of the church, much less return for another visit! Don’t be “guilty by association” – in any form. Before you act or speak, ask God if He approves of the message, as our politicians like to say in their campaign ads. Make sure you show love and mercy to those who need it, and keep in step with God throughout each day.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 13, 2010
March 13 ~ Romans 10:11-13
The Scriptures say that no one who has faith will be disappointed, no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. All who call out to the Lord will be saved.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was eleven years old when Dr. Martin Luther King was gunned down in Memphis. Sadly, I remember trips to shop in Little Rock when I was a little girl, and there were still “whites only” water fountains. When I was in the fifth grade, we spent six months in Oklahoma, where there were more Native Americans in my class than Caucasians. My best friend was Leona, a Native American whose last name, I have sadly forgotten. I do remember my brother’s best friend in first grade was Marvin Birdtail. I knew that Leona was poor and could not always afford the mid-morning milk, and I sometimes slipped her the three cents or whatever it cost at that time. I was lucky enough to have a few extra coins in my pocket, and it was important to me that Leona not be left out when we went to the milk room. But I never thought about her as anything but my friend.
For the first time in my life, I encountered African Americans when I went to college, and many of them became my friends… Eunice, Patricia, Elihu, Archie, and others. It honestly did not occur to me that they were black and I was white… they were just good friends and classmates who shared notes, textbooks, a love of music, and time between classes. In fact, because Arkansas Tech was so highly touted for its music department at that time, the “line in the sand” was often more about whether or not you were involved in music than the color of your skin. And because I was a piano student, I was “in!”
I am grateful for my college experiences… and my time shared with Leona and Marvin and the others in Oklahoma. Because of it, I don’t see skin color… I see the person. But I also learned the power of a person’s desire to belong. I have to admit, being part of the “music” crowd who hung out between classes at the Witherspoon building felt pretty good! And by default, those who were with me were “in” too… like my husband, and Eunice’s boyfriend, and others.
Thankfully, with Jesus, EVERYONE is “in” if we want to be. We don’t have to be a music major or an athlete or have a certain skin color. We don’t have to be able to afford certain things or know somebody who knows somebody. All we have to do is ask Jesus to live in and through us and be Lord of our lives, and He will do just that. We can trust Him to be color blind, oblivious to socio-economic status, and downright ambivalent about our talents and abilities. We can rest in the knowledge that He will love us and care for us generously because He LOVES us - and for no other reason.
Isn’t this incredible?! Isn’t this amazing, wonderful, and totally awesome? Don’t you want “in” on this? Whatever is keeping you from being a child of God today, let it go and invite Jesus into your heart. Jesus doesn’t “play favorites” or discriminate… He is not a bigot of any kind. All who call on Him are welcome. This is GOOD NEWS! Be “in” with Jesus…you will not be disappointed.
©2010 Debbie Robus
The Scriptures say that no one who has faith will be disappointed, no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. All who call out to the Lord will be saved.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was eleven years old when Dr. Martin Luther King was gunned down in Memphis. Sadly, I remember trips to shop in Little Rock when I was a little girl, and there were still “whites only” water fountains. When I was in the fifth grade, we spent six months in Oklahoma, where there were more Native Americans in my class than Caucasians. My best friend was Leona, a Native American whose last name, I have sadly forgotten. I do remember my brother’s best friend in first grade was Marvin Birdtail. I knew that Leona was poor and could not always afford the mid-morning milk, and I sometimes slipped her the three cents or whatever it cost at that time. I was lucky enough to have a few extra coins in my pocket, and it was important to me that Leona not be left out when we went to the milk room. But I never thought about her as anything but my friend.
For the first time in my life, I encountered African Americans when I went to college, and many of them became my friends… Eunice, Patricia, Elihu, Archie, and others. It honestly did not occur to me that they were black and I was white… they were just good friends and classmates who shared notes, textbooks, a love of music, and time between classes. In fact, because Arkansas Tech was so highly touted for its music department at that time, the “line in the sand” was often more about whether or not you were involved in music than the color of your skin. And because I was a piano student, I was “in!”
I am grateful for my college experiences… and my time shared with Leona and Marvin and the others in Oklahoma. Because of it, I don’t see skin color… I see the person. But I also learned the power of a person’s desire to belong. I have to admit, being part of the “music” crowd who hung out between classes at the Witherspoon building felt pretty good! And by default, those who were with me were “in” too… like my husband, and Eunice’s boyfriend, and others.
Thankfully, with Jesus, EVERYONE is “in” if we want to be. We don’t have to be a music major or an athlete or have a certain skin color. We don’t have to be able to afford certain things or know somebody who knows somebody. All we have to do is ask Jesus to live in and through us and be Lord of our lives, and He will do just that. We can trust Him to be color blind, oblivious to socio-economic status, and downright ambivalent about our talents and abilities. We can rest in the knowledge that He will love us and care for us generously because He LOVES us - and for no other reason.
Isn’t this incredible?! Isn’t this amazing, wonderful, and totally awesome? Don’t you want “in” on this? Whatever is keeping you from being a child of God today, let it go and invite Jesus into your heart. Jesus doesn’t “play favorites” or discriminate… He is not a bigot of any kind. All who call on Him are welcome. This is GOOD NEWS! Be “in” with Jesus…you will not be disappointed.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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