Numbers 9:15-23
As soon as the sacred tent was set up, a thick cloud appeared and covered it. The cloud was there each day, and during the night, a fire could be seen in it. The Lord used this cloud to tell the Israelites when to move their camp and where to set it up again. As long as the cloud covered the tent, the Israelites did not break camp. But when the cloud moved, they followed it, and wherever it stopped, they camped and stayed there, whether it was only one night, a few days, a month, or even a year. As long as the cloud remained over the tent, the Israelites stayed where they were. But when the cloud moved, so did the Israelites. They obeyed the Lord’s commands and went wherever he directed Moses.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I once knew a woman who traveled a lot for work. When she was gone, she left her porch light on, so that her neighbors would know she was away and her house was unattended. When she returned, she turned off the light. This was their “neighborhood watch” system… until the time she came home and didn’t turn out the porch light. The neighbors assumed she was still away. When other friends noted that she was not answering phone calls, or returning messages, her home was searched. She was discovered in her garage, sitting in her car…a victim of suicide. She had circumvented the neighborhood signaling system… and created a truly “epic – and tragic - fail.”
It sounds so good on the surface to think that God would have this “foolproof” system of communicating with us. Storm clouds hanging overhead? Don’t budge! Clouds on the move? Go with them! But here’s the problem with this system… we are not that obedient. We would ultimately decide that we knew better than God’s cloud, and we would set out on our own at some point. I know us! We are a stubborn people! Additionally, we grow impatient and complacent. We would get to the point where we didn’t even really notice that cloud. We would forget to even check to see if it was there or not. And the next thing you know, God would appear – or move – and we would be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Just as you could argue that the devil used my friend’s “porch-light system” with her neighbors to create a diversion and allow her to take her own life, you could conclude with fairly high accuracy that he would at least try to find a way to distract us from God and His signals.
There are a couple of lessons in this passage. We are not obedient enough to operate under such a black and white system… even if we should be. We need the grace and mercy God offers us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We have a far better chance of serving God obediently if we are dependent on a constant dialog and active interaction with Him. We are far more apt to stay awake and alert… and to follow His lead… if we are required to pay attention – to listen and respond. We need the forgiveness of a loving God that results from an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit… because we probably will get busy at some point and lose focus… and the “cloud” will come and go without us.
Does this mean that we have a license to do as we please and ignore God’s “signals”? Absolutely not! Paying attention to God and staying focused on Him is more important than ever. This brings me to the second lesson of this passage. Because God no longer operates in such a “black-and-white” system, we have a choice to make. We can choose to follow Him and do the necessary work to stay in communion with Him… or we can choose to wander off down another path – to be swayed by the persuasions of the devil - and to allow him to distract and dissuade us.
I know that there were a lot of people who felt they missed the signs of distress that my friend displayed. I know that there are dozens of distractions for each of us in any given hour. And I know that it sounds like a simple “cloud/no cloud” system from God would simplify everything. But truly, it would not. There is no short-cut. We must all choose whether to pay attention and listen to God’s signals… or whether to “wing it”, do our own thing, and let outside forces determine our destiny. For me, the latter is simply not an option… what about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label signs from God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label signs from God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 21, 2013
John 14:5-7
Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t even know where you are going! How can we know the way?”
“I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father. If you had known me, you would have known the Father. But from now on, you do know him, and you have seen him.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This week, 78-year-old Christian author Henry Blackaby was reported missing in Atlanta, Georgia. Blackaby is the author of Experiencing God, a best-selling workbook for Christian discipleship that was published in the 1990s. The author’s family reported that he was a diabetic, and he did not have his medication with him. Volunteers combed the Atlanta area in an attempt to assist police in locating Blackaby. Some 29 hours later, he was found.
This updated information was posted on the website for Blackaby Ministries International (www.henryblackaby.com)...
I saw several e-mail reports about this situation throughout the day. While we live over 500 miles from the Atlanta area, we were asked to pray for this family and those who were searching for Henry. Information was given in each update, including a description of his car and the license plate number and the fact that he was a diabetic without his medication - indicating that he might need immediate medical attention, if found. I can’t help but believe that God answered the prayers of many by providing clues such as the credit card purchases, so that Henry could be found.
I know you are wondering… has she lost her mind? What does this have to do with John 14? More than you might think! See, Jesus’ disciples were questioning Him. They wanted physical proof of His true identity… that what He told them was true. It wasn’t enough that He said, “If you have seen me, you have seen my Father!” They wanted Him to show them. Moreover, they seemed clueless about how to follow Him… how to get to Heaven. He kept telling them, “I am the way”… but they wanted a map – or at least some pretty good directions…and maybe more than a few clues and hints.
And here’s the thing… God’s “clues” are all around us. Some are subtle and easily missed… that “still, small voice” you sometimes get…a scripture verse that keeps popping up and you wonder, “Why do I keep seeing this?”…a passing comment from a friend that keeps running through your head. Others are smack-you-in-the-face obvious, like when an elderly friend of mine said that three times in one morning she had an encounter with another driver who pulled in front of her. She told me, “I think God’s trying to get my attention and telling me I need to stop driving!”
The trouble with us is that we’re stubborn! We don’t pay attention. We walk right past God’s equivalent of flashing neon signs and choose to look the other direction. Now maybe we don’t do this deliberately, but in essence, we make choices every day with regard to whether we will pay attention to what God is telling and showing us… or not. God shows us how to follow Him… the direct path to true discipleship and an eternity spent with Him in Heaven… and we are so busy doing what we choose that it often doesn’t even register. I’m not saying that we necessarily make a conscious effort to ignore God. But by choosing to allow ourselves to be preoccupied with other things… or to serve our own interests… we essentially do exactly that!
I don’t know what clues and signals God is sending you today. But I know that we can either choose to pay attention – to look and listen for God’s messages and guidance… or we can choose to ignore the signs and “wing it.” If you ask me, the latter choice is the surest way to end up in your own equivalent of driving aimlessly around Atlanta for twenty-nine hours. Mr. Blackaby’s outcome could have been far more serious… and so could ours, if we don’t figure out who God really is and start following Him. Is this a chance you are willing to take?
What choices have you made that need rethinking? The “search party” is out on your behalf. God wants you found and returned to Him… restored and placed back on the right path. Won’t you recognize His presence and choose to follow His lead?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t even know where you are going! How can we know the way?”
“I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father. If you had known me, you would have known the Father. But from now on, you do know him, and you have seen him.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This week, 78-year-old Christian author Henry Blackaby was reported missing in Atlanta, Georgia. Blackaby is the author of Experiencing God, a best-selling workbook for Christian discipleship that was published in the 1990s. The author’s family reported that he was a diabetic, and he did not have his medication with him. Volunteers combed the Atlanta area in an attempt to assist police in locating Blackaby. Some 29 hours later, he was found.
This updated information was posted on the website for Blackaby Ministries International (www.henryblackaby.com)...
On Thursday, September 19, Henry Blackaby drove his car to pick up his wife Marilynn from an appointment. Henry apparently suffered a heart attack while driving. He became disoriented and unable to find his way back home. He drove for the next 29 hours until finally being found in a small town south of Atlanta. He did not have his cell phone with him nor insulin for his diabetes. As a result, his blood sugar rose and his kidneys began to struggle as well. The family was able to track his movements as he used a credit card to make occasional purchases. He is currently in a hospital undergoing extensive tests. He seems to be in good spirits and lucid. We appreciate your prayers. With Henry disoriented, suffering from a heart attack, and driving for 29 hours throughout the night all over Atlanta, it is clear that GOD HEARD AND ANSWERED THE PRAYERS OF HIS PEOPLE! Thank you to everyone who prayed and helped in the search.Any time someone is missing, there is confusion and uncertainty. Where do you begin the search for them? How do you make sure that someone will recognize them? There are choices to make… when to truly declare a person missing… who are the proper authorities are to which this should be reported… how the search should be handled – and who should be involved. In this case, it all came down to a credit card. By tracing Henry Blackaby’s credit card transactions, searchers could figure out where he was and follow him. You may not find it a stretch that someone thought to check his credit card activity… but that a man in his physical and mental condition actually used said card in his condition is nothing short of miraculous in my mind!
I saw several e-mail reports about this situation throughout the day. While we live over 500 miles from the Atlanta area, we were asked to pray for this family and those who were searching for Henry. Information was given in each update, including a description of his car and the license plate number and the fact that he was a diabetic without his medication - indicating that he might need immediate medical attention, if found. I can’t help but believe that God answered the prayers of many by providing clues such as the credit card purchases, so that Henry could be found.
I know you are wondering… has she lost her mind? What does this have to do with John 14? More than you might think! See, Jesus’ disciples were questioning Him. They wanted physical proof of His true identity… that what He told them was true. It wasn’t enough that He said, “If you have seen me, you have seen my Father!” They wanted Him to show them. Moreover, they seemed clueless about how to follow Him… how to get to Heaven. He kept telling them, “I am the way”… but they wanted a map – or at least some pretty good directions…and maybe more than a few clues and hints.
And here’s the thing… God’s “clues” are all around us. Some are subtle and easily missed… that “still, small voice” you sometimes get…a scripture verse that keeps popping up and you wonder, “Why do I keep seeing this?”…a passing comment from a friend that keeps running through your head. Others are smack-you-in-the-face obvious, like when an elderly friend of mine said that three times in one morning she had an encounter with another driver who pulled in front of her. She told me, “I think God’s trying to get my attention and telling me I need to stop driving!”
The trouble with us is that we’re stubborn! We don’t pay attention. We walk right past God’s equivalent of flashing neon signs and choose to look the other direction. Now maybe we don’t do this deliberately, but in essence, we make choices every day with regard to whether we will pay attention to what God is telling and showing us… or not. God shows us how to follow Him… the direct path to true discipleship and an eternity spent with Him in Heaven… and we are so busy doing what we choose that it often doesn’t even register. I’m not saying that we necessarily make a conscious effort to ignore God. But by choosing to allow ourselves to be preoccupied with other things… or to serve our own interests… we essentially do exactly that!
I don’t know what clues and signals God is sending you today. But I know that we can either choose to pay attention – to look and listen for God’s messages and guidance… or we can choose to ignore the signs and “wing it.” If you ask me, the latter choice is the surest way to end up in your own equivalent of driving aimlessly around Atlanta for twenty-nine hours. Mr. Blackaby’s outcome could have been far more serious… and so could ours, if we don’t figure out who God really is and start following Him. Is this a chance you are willing to take?
What choices have you made that need rethinking? The “search party” is out on your behalf. God wants you found and returned to Him… restored and placed back on the right path. Won’t you recognize His presence and choose to follow His lead?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 22, 2012
Matthew 16:2-4
He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times! Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away.
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.
When you think about it, we’ve come a long, long way in weather technology! Yes, you can still look at a red sky in the early morning and anticipate foul weather later in the day. But aren’t you glad we have such detailed radar now and the ability to pinpoint storms… especially since we live in “Tornado Alley”?
The sad thing is that a lot of us have not come very far in our ability to predict “the signs of the times.” In other words, we can recognize a “hook echo” on the local television station’s sophisticated radar screen, but we fail regularly at recognizing the presence of God… His hand in the events of our lives… how He has knit things together perfectly… and where He is leading us.
Many of us waste a lot of time in life asking God to “show me a sign,” when He has already given us all of the information we need. We grow frustrated, because we just can’t see how things are going to work out… when all we really need to do is calm down, relax, and trust God for the outcome.
So the next time you are tempted to say, “LORD, I need a sign,” stop and take a deep breath. It’s very possible He has already provided you with all of the signals you need. Listen for His voice. Look around at the events of your life and how things are working together. See where God is leading you. Calm down, relax, and rest in the LORD. This may not be a high-tech, newfangled idea, but it works! The signs and wonders of God are already around us… have you taken time to find them?
©2012 Debbie Robus
He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times! Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away.
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.
When you think about it, we’ve come a long, long way in weather technology! Yes, you can still look at a red sky in the early morning and anticipate foul weather later in the day. But aren’t you glad we have such detailed radar now and the ability to pinpoint storms… especially since we live in “Tornado Alley”?
The sad thing is that a lot of us have not come very far in our ability to predict “the signs of the times.” In other words, we can recognize a “hook echo” on the local television station’s sophisticated radar screen, but we fail regularly at recognizing the presence of God… His hand in the events of our lives… how He has knit things together perfectly… and where He is leading us.
Many of us waste a lot of time in life asking God to “show me a sign,” when He has already given us all of the information we need. We grow frustrated, because we just can’t see how things are going to work out… when all we really need to do is calm down, relax, and trust God for the outcome.
So the next time you are tempted to say, “LORD, I need a sign,” stop and take a deep breath. It’s very possible He has already provided you with all of the signals you need. Listen for His voice. Look around at the events of your life and how things are working together. See where God is leading you. Calm down, relax, and rest in the LORD. This may not be a high-tech, newfangled idea, but it works! The signs and wonders of God are already around us… have you taken time to find them?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 2, 2011
Mark 8:11-13
The Pharisees came out and started an argument with Jesus. They wanted to test him by asking for a sign from heaven. Jesus groaned and said, "Why are you always looking for a sign? I can promise you that you will not be given one!" Then he left them. He again got into a boat and crossed over to the other side of the lake.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us have probably heard of “Bill Engvall” – a comedian who gained popularity as part of Jeff Foxworthy’s Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Bill’s claim to fame is the phrase, “Here’s your sign!” His point is that people often say and do stupid things – or ask stupid questions that have obvious answers – and he says to them, “Here’s your sign.” For instance, he said he and his wife had all of their belongings packed in boxes on the driveway and were loading them into a U-haul, and a neighbor came over and asked, “Hey, you moving?” Engvall said he replied, “Nope! We just pack up all our stuff every few weeks to see how many boxes it takes! Here’s your sign!” (The sign says, “I’m stupid!”)
Now, let’s face it, we do need signs to tell us when to stop at an intersection… the speed limit… where to exit the highway, and more. But we don’t often need a sign to tell us when someone is being ridiculous. We do need a sign to tell us when stormy weather is headed our way… but we don’t need a sign to tell us the weather will be nice when the sun is shining.
We may need a sign to tell us when we are headed in the right direction as we choose a career, a mate, a residence, or even a new car. We may look for signs that our health is improving or declining… and make decisions accordingly. But when it comes to our faith in God, so many of us are wasting a lot of time and energy looking for a “sign” where none is needed. “Lord, just give me a sign! Lord, if this is right, make such-and-such happen, and I’ll know.”
I’m not saying that things won’t ever happen that you can take as a sign from God you are on the right track. But if you sit around waiting for Him to rain down smoke, fire and magic tricks to bolster your confidence, you need to re-examine your relationship and get reacquainted with the Heavenly Father and how He operates! The Pharisees tried to trick Jesus. They made fun of Him and wanted Him to prove Himself at every turn.
We are so often modern-day Pharisees. But we have an opportunity to do better. We can change and operate completely in faith and the promises of our Heavenly Father. We can accept any “signs” that might come our way… but only as an afterthought or affirmation of what we already know… that God is powerful and mighty to save. He is in the daily business of performing miracles, rescues, and doling out blessings to His children.
We don’t want a sign that says “I’m stupid.” We don’t need a sign from our Heavenly Father that says “I’m God and I can do anything.” We already have our “sign” … the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ told us everything we ever need to know. Now it’s time for us to act like we believe this – to walk daily in the confidence of God’s promises. I’m in – are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The Pharisees came out and started an argument with Jesus. They wanted to test him by asking for a sign from heaven. Jesus groaned and said, "Why are you always looking for a sign? I can promise you that you will not be given one!" Then he left them. He again got into a boat and crossed over to the other side of the lake.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us have probably heard of “Bill Engvall” – a comedian who gained popularity as part of Jeff Foxworthy’s Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Bill’s claim to fame is the phrase, “Here’s your sign!” His point is that people often say and do stupid things – or ask stupid questions that have obvious answers – and he says to them, “Here’s your sign.” For instance, he said he and his wife had all of their belongings packed in boxes on the driveway and were loading them into a U-haul, and a neighbor came over and asked, “Hey, you moving?” Engvall said he replied, “Nope! We just pack up all our stuff every few weeks to see how many boxes it takes! Here’s your sign!” (The sign says, “I’m stupid!”)
Now, let’s face it, we do need signs to tell us when to stop at an intersection… the speed limit… where to exit the highway, and more. But we don’t often need a sign to tell us when someone is being ridiculous. We do need a sign to tell us when stormy weather is headed our way… but we don’t need a sign to tell us the weather will be nice when the sun is shining.
We may need a sign to tell us when we are headed in the right direction as we choose a career, a mate, a residence, or even a new car. We may look for signs that our health is improving or declining… and make decisions accordingly. But when it comes to our faith in God, so many of us are wasting a lot of time and energy looking for a “sign” where none is needed. “Lord, just give me a sign! Lord, if this is right, make such-and-such happen, and I’ll know.”
I’m not saying that things won’t ever happen that you can take as a sign from God you are on the right track. But if you sit around waiting for Him to rain down smoke, fire and magic tricks to bolster your confidence, you need to re-examine your relationship and get reacquainted with the Heavenly Father and how He operates! The Pharisees tried to trick Jesus. They made fun of Him and wanted Him to prove Himself at every turn.
We are so often modern-day Pharisees. But we have an opportunity to do better. We can change and operate completely in faith and the promises of our Heavenly Father. We can accept any “signs” that might come our way… but only as an afterthought or affirmation of what we already know… that God is powerful and mighty to save. He is in the daily business of performing miracles, rescues, and doling out blessings to His children.
We don’t want a sign that says “I’m stupid.” We don’t need a sign from our Heavenly Father that says “I’m God and I can do anything.” We already have our “sign” … the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ told us everything we ever need to know. Now it’s time for us to act like we believe this – to walk daily in the confidence of God’s promises. I’m in – are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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