Joshua 4:21-24
Then Joshua told the people:
Years
from now your children will ask you why these rocks are here. Tell
them, “The Lord our God dried up the Jordan River so we could walk
across. He did the same thing here for us that he did for our people at
the Red Sea, because he wants everyone on earth to know how powerful he
is. And he wants us to worship only him.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last
night during our now-likely-“traditional” Christmas Eve pizza dinner, I
looked up and noticed that the almost-full moon had risen and was
brightly shining over the valley. We called the little ones to the
window and had them look at the big, bright orb. “There hasn’t been a
full moon at Christmas since 1977!” we commented. “The next one will
happen in about 30 years.” I looked it up today, and actually, it will
be 2034, so that is only 19 years away. However, I remarked to the
children’s parents, “By the time we see this again, you all will likely
be grandparents!”
Both mother and father were taken aback by
this thought! We laughed and suggested that they “do the math.”
Timothy will be 36 years old…and even in 19 years, he will be the same
age as his mother is today – and only 2 years younger than his dad is
presently. So the possibility that they could be grandparents when we
have another “Christmas moon” is something that could definitely happen!
Now,
as humorous and thought-provoking as the idea of our little ones having
children of their own by the next “Christmas moon,” is…the more
interesting point in my mind is that we actually are anticipating this
phenomenon again in the year 2034. There are many things that occur in
nature with a fair degree of regularity – and we simply take them for
granted. We never consider that they represent a consistency in God’s
promises. We sing “The Sun Will Come Out…Tomorrow” and we totally take
for granted that God will turn the earth on its axis and cause the sun
to “rise” in our neck of the woods.
We even take for granted a
lot of events and circumstances that God has made a point to promise to
us. We look at the rainbow and remember briefly that God sent the first
one to Noah as a symbol of His promise to never again destroy the earth
and its people because of their sins. When you think about it, Jesus’
birth in a lowly manger was yet another symbol of this promise. In
essence, Jesus Christ is a powerful, profound, and everlasting “rainbow”
Who has taken our sins once and for all.
And so, I am watching
and waiting for tonight’s “Christmas moon”…and maybe I’ll be around to
see the next one in 2034. If so, I will once again be reminded of God’s
love and care, because I know that in a span of 19 years, He will show
me over and again how important I am to Him. I know that He will “dry
the river” or “part the sea” for me and those I love more times than I
can count – in ways that I can’t begin to imagine or explain. And
should I miss the next “Christmas moon,” it will only mean that God has
made a place for me at His feet and fully in His presence…which will
fulfill another promise that He has made to me.
I don’t know
where you will watch the next “Christmas moon” – or if you will see it
in the flesh. My prayer is that either way, you are fully, confidently
“walking” in the promises of God…enjoying His incredible love and care
and delighting in His abundant blessings…all while worshipping only Him
and giving Him all the glory and adulation!
Even when there are
no rainbows, parted seas, dried rivers, or “Christmas moons,” god
continually demonstrates His faithfulness to us. Are you giving Him
your full worship in return? Will this “Christmas moon” serve as a
reminder to give God your very best at all times? Don’t you think it
should?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label recognizing God's care and power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recognizing God's care and power. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for November 21, 2014
Psalm 35:9
I will celebrate and be joyful
because you, Lord,
have saved me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
No doubt you have watched at least one football game where a player broke free from the blocks and tackles of defenders and sprinted down the field for a touchdown…perhaps with an opponent or two hot on his heels - yet unable to catch him. When the ball carrier realizes that he is going to make it safely into the end zone, you can almost read the sense of “wild abandon” in his body language. It is as if he sees an imaginary “savior” waiting for him…arms outstretched…saying, “Come to Poppa!” The runner scores…the crowd goes wild with celebration and exuberance…and the opponents lick their wounds and regroup for another play!
Maybe it’s because we’re in the throes of football season, but this was the image I got as I read this verse from Psalm 35. I pictured myself running toward God… arms outstretched to receive me…the worries and pressures of the world nipping at my heels from behind – yet unable to take me to the ground. I know that the “enemy” is continually regrouping…plotting and planning his next move. But I also know that God is always several steps ahead of the opponent!
So I celebrate my rescue and redemption by the blood of Jesus Christ. I thank God for His wisdom, protection, grace, mercy, love and care…for planning for my future and always keeping me safe from the schemes and snares of the devil and his cohorts. For me, every day represents “touchdowns” and “extra points”…a veritable “party in the end zone” with God Almighty!
Recently, the Arkansas Razorbacks celebrated a victory over the LSU Tigers…breaking a 17-game losing streak in conference play. When the game ended, Razorback fans stormed the field, reveling in the joy, relief and release of this monumental win. If only we could celebrate God’s victories in our lives half as much!
It says something about us as Christians that we can’t seem to muster even a portion of this excitement over something so precious and vital in our lives. We will talk about a big sports play for days/weeks/months. We will replay it on “highlight reels” for years to come. Yet we can hardly mention God’s name and acknowledge His importance in our lives…much less give Him even a portion of the praise and recognition that He so richly deserves.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying a good football game…or with celebrating a great play. These happy moments are blessings from God just as much as any other. But we need to take inventory of our priorities and make sure that God is at the forefront…that in our jubilation over things of this world, we don’t neglect our gratitude for Him.
Sometimes only the length of an outstretched arm separates us from a tackle by the devil…and the grip of God’s grace. Won’t you thank God today for giving you that last burst of energy to sprint toward the “end zone” and the safety of His love and care? Isn’t it time to celebrate our victory in Jesus Christ? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
I will celebrate and be joyful
because you, Lord,
have saved me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
No doubt you have watched at least one football game where a player broke free from the blocks and tackles of defenders and sprinted down the field for a touchdown…perhaps with an opponent or two hot on his heels - yet unable to catch him. When the ball carrier realizes that he is going to make it safely into the end zone, you can almost read the sense of “wild abandon” in his body language. It is as if he sees an imaginary “savior” waiting for him…arms outstretched…saying, “Come to Poppa!” The runner scores…the crowd goes wild with celebration and exuberance…and the opponents lick their wounds and regroup for another play!
Maybe it’s because we’re in the throes of football season, but this was the image I got as I read this verse from Psalm 35. I pictured myself running toward God… arms outstretched to receive me…the worries and pressures of the world nipping at my heels from behind – yet unable to take me to the ground. I know that the “enemy” is continually regrouping…plotting and planning his next move. But I also know that God is always several steps ahead of the opponent!
So I celebrate my rescue and redemption by the blood of Jesus Christ. I thank God for His wisdom, protection, grace, mercy, love and care…for planning for my future and always keeping me safe from the schemes and snares of the devil and his cohorts. For me, every day represents “touchdowns” and “extra points”…a veritable “party in the end zone” with God Almighty!
Recently, the Arkansas Razorbacks celebrated a victory over the LSU Tigers…breaking a 17-game losing streak in conference play. When the game ended, Razorback fans stormed the field, reveling in the joy, relief and release of this monumental win. If only we could celebrate God’s victories in our lives half as much!
It says something about us as Christians that we can’t seem to muster even a portion of this excitement over something so precious and vital in our lives. We will talk about a big sports play for days/weeks/months. We will replay it on “highlight reels” for years to come. Yet we can hardly mention God’s name and acknowledge His importance in our lives…much less give Him even a portion of the praise and recognition that He so richly deserves.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying a good football game…or with celebrating a great play. These happy moments are blessings from God just as much as any other. But we need to take inventory of our priorities and make sure that God is at the forefront…that in our jubilation over things of this world, we don’t neglect our gratitude for Him.
Sometimes only the length of an outstretched arm separates us from a tackle by the devil…and the grip of God’s grace. Won’t you thank God today for giving you that last burst of energy to sprint toward the “end zone” and the safety of His love and care? Isn’t it time to celebrate our victory in Jesus Christ? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 11, 2014
James 5:19-20
Dear brothers, if anyone has slipped away from God and no longer trusts the Lord and someone helps him understand the Truth again, that person who brings him back to God will have saved a wandering soul from death, bringing about the forgiveness of his many sins.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A friend of mine shared a blog post today from Jamie Jones*, a Christian speaker who is heartsick over world events. The title of her post was “The Reason I Don’t Pray for the Genocide in Iraq...” Jones acknowledged that events around the world have made her “numb”...and she doesn’t even know how to pray about them. But she points out in her post that in Romans 8:26, the scripture says that the Holy Spirit “prays for us with groanings” when we have no words to express our thoughts and feelings. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul describes us as “fragile clay jars” containing the treasure of God’s power. In other words...we don’t have to have all of the answers - we just have to trust God for them.
Here’s how this applies to the scripture passage in James 5...God doesn’t call on us to specifically do or say any particular thing to someone else about salvation, our faith, or sin – theirs or ours. He calls on us to be the “fragile clay jars”...then He supplies the power to evoke change. We are to operate in love, grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness...all of the blessings and gifts that Jesus bestows to us through His Holy Spirit...then give Him room to work.
So when your friend tells you over and again that he/she is an atheist, keep on loving and operating in kindness. Instead of hounding others to come to church with you, cook a meal for them – or invite them to dine with you. Be a friend in whatever way the other person needs – lend a listening ear, help with an errand, babysit, offer an occasional ride to work or school, pitch in to help with housekeeping or yard work, or do whatever you determine could make a difference for this person at the moment. Be available in ways great and small – and make sure the other person sees your willingness to love them and help however - and whenever - you can. Smile! Speak positively, and operate with a spirit of confidence, hopefulness and faith. Nobody sees the love and mercy of Jesus in someone who is always negative and critical.
I don’t want to cite specific examples, but trust me when I say that I have known more than a couple of people in my life who claimed there was no God...or renounced Him in some manner. Instead of chastising them, “preaching” to them, or even talking much about God in their presence, I have chosen to love them...to pray for them. I have not backed away from opportunities to share the GOOD NEWS with them...to include a scripture reference in a personal note or to mention how God blessed me or saw me through a specific situation. But I have tried very hard to be the “fragile clay jar” – and to allow God to handle the rest in his infinite wisdom and omnipotent power.
Here’s the thing...more than one of the people that I’ve referenced has started to come around. Some have made huge transformations and are now boldly declaring their devotion to Jesus. Others are starting to show chinks in the armor...their hardline attitudes have softened...talk of a “Higher Power” or “Christian love” finds its way into their conversations. And so I persevere...I offer myself as a disciple of Christ...His servant and “fragile clay jar” to be used to reach others.
Before you add stars to my crown, know that I don’t always get this right. None of us do! And the state of world affairs on any given day is enough to make any of us throw up our hands and say, “I simply don’t know what to do with this...or how to even pray about it!” The GOOD NEWS is that we don’t have to...we know a Potter who can work miracles with sinful lumps of clay! He can turn us in to “fragile jars” and fill us with His Holy Spirit, which has power that we cannot begin to comprehend. If we will remain steady and persistent...committed and willing love others with grace and mercy, He will handle the rest.
We have one job...to continually love others in Jesus name and to give Him a vessel from which to work. My question to you today is, “How are you using your jar?”
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://jamiejones.org/the-reason-i-dont-pray-for-the-genocide-in-iraq/
Dear brothers, if anyone has slipped away from God and no longer trusts the Lord and someone helps him understand the Truth again, that person who brings him back to God will have saved a wandering soul from death, bringing about the forgiveness of his many sins.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A friend of mine shared a blog post today from Jamie Jones*, a Christian speaker who is heartsick over world events. The title of her post was “The Reason I Don’t Pray for the Genocide in Iraq...” Jones acknowledged that events around the world have made her “numb”...and she doesn’t even know how to pray about them. But she points out in her post that in Romans 8:26, the scripture says that the Holy Spirit “prays for us with groanings” when we have no words to express our thoughts and feelings. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul describes us as “fragile clay jars” containing the treasure of God’s power. In other words...we don’t have to have all of the answers - we just have to trust God for them.
Here’s how this applies to the scripture passage in James 5...God doesn’t call on us to specifically do or say any particular thing to someone else about salvation, our faith, or sin – theirs or ours. He calls on us to be the “fragile clay jars”...then He supplies the power to evoke change. We are to operate in love, grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness...all of the blessings and gifts that Jesus bestows to us through His Holy Spirit...then give Him room to work.
So when your friend tells you over and again that he/she is an atheist, keep on loving and operating in kindness. Instead of hounding others to come to church with you, cook a meal for them – or invite them to dine with you. Be a friend in whatever way the other person needs – lend a listening ear, help with an errand, babysit, offer an occasional ride to work or school, pitch in to help with housekeeping or yard work, or do whatever you determine could make a difference for this person at the moment. Be available in ways great and small – and make sure the other person sees your willingness to love them and help however - and whenever - you can. Smile! Speak positively, and operate with a spirit of confidence, hopefulness and faith. Nobody sees the love and mercy of Jesus in someone who is always negative and critical.
I don’t want to cite specific examples, but trust me when I say that I have known more than a couple of people in my life who claimed there was no God...or renounced Him in some manner. Instead of chastising them, “preaching” to them, or even talking much about God in their presence, I have chosen to love them...to pray for them. I have not backed away from opportunities to share the GOOD NEWS with them...to include a scripture reference in a personal note or to mention how God blessed me or saw me through a specific situation. But I have tried very hard to be the “fragile clay jar” – and to allow God to handle the rest in his infinite wisdom and omnipotent power.
Here’s the thing...more than one of the people that I’ve referenced has started to come around. Some have made huge transformations and are now boldly declaring their devotion to Jesus. Others are starting to show chinks in the armor...their hardline attitudes have softened...talk of a “Higher Power” or “Christian love” finds its way into their conversations. And so I persevere...I offer myself as a disciple of Christ...His servant and “fragile clay jar” to be used to reach others.
Before you add stars to my crown, know that I don’t always get this right. None of us do! And the state of world affairs on any given day is enough to make any of us throw up our hands and say, “I simply don’t know what to do with this...or how to even pray about it!” The GOOD NEWS is that we don’t have to...we know a Potter who can work miracles with sinful lumps of clay! He can turn us in to “fragile jars” and fill us with His Holy Spirit, which has power that we cannot begin to comprehend. If we will remain steady and persistent...committed and willing love others with grace and mercy, He will handle the rest.
We have one job...to continually love others in Jesus name and to give Him a vessel from which to work. My question to you today is, “How are you using your jar?”
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://jamiejones.org/the-reason-i-dont-pray-for-the-genocide-in-iraq/
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