Daily Devotional for June 20, 2024 – Yelling a loud “no” to the Devil- and saying a quite “yes” to God…it’s time for a change and a dose of humility

James 4:4-10
You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.

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.

I just watched a news report about Amazon’s move to replace plastic packing “bubbles” with recyclable paper. There are several reasons for this…the “bubbles” are difficult to recycle and must be popped…the paper is actually softer and wraps and cushions the products better…and of course, paper is readily recyclable and more environmentally friendly than plastic. I have no illusions about this retail giant…I am sure there is an economical component to this move, as well. Still, this represents a giant shift in attitude that will hopefully result in a positive impact – on many fronts.
 
I share this story to say that change can be a good thing – even when it’s hard to enact.  When it comes to our relationship with God – and flirting with the world and it’s wiles and ways – we often have an arsenal of excuses at the ready. We frequently start with these…“It’s too hard”…“Everybody’s doing it”…or “I’ll do it later after I’ve had some fun.” We assume that God will be sitting in the corner twiddling His thumbs waiting for us to decide to come to Him, as if you and I are “all that and a bag of chips.” 
 
Yes, we are precious to God. Yes, God is jealous and wants us to love and serve Him over the devil and all the world offers. Yes, God is also patient and forgiving. But why would we want to miss out on even a minute of His goodness? The real abundance and blessings are showered on those who humbly serve God. You probably know someone who has said of another, “I would do so much more for him if only he would treat me with respect,” or “I would be willing to help with XYZ if those involved were committed to God’s commands rather than peer pressure.” Do you honestly believe God is going to pour out His very best on someone who operates in hatred, divisiveness, deceit, and selfishness?
 
Sometimes, you and I are like the plastic packing “bubbles.” We somewhat “get the job done,” as we go through the motions of our lives. But things get broken…we aren’t as “environmentally or spiritually sound” as we think we are – or as God wants us to be. We don’t quite represent the commands of Jesus Christ to love others as He loves us, and God is not glorified by our words and actions. But we can change. James tells us how to do this in these verses. He reminds us that it may require a “breakup” with the Devil…and some heartfelt, gut-wrenching repentance on our part. But we can do it! And God will be waiting for us with open arms and a myriad of ways to help us make a fresh start!
 
My favorite part of this passage is in verses seven and eight…“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” (KJV)  I’ve told you before that we taught our kids at a young age that when they even whisper the name of Jesus, the Devil shrinks away. You and I may have to add some time on our knees in tearful repentance to the whispers…but God will draw near and help set us upright! Let’s ask God to show us where and how we need to change, then make this the day we get started. It’s time to say “yes” to God…and let Him change us once and for all. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 28, 2022 – People are watching, and the devil is waiting…how will you react and respond?

Proverbs 17:17
Friends love through all kinds of weather,
and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

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.

“At your highest moment, be careful – because that’s when the devil comes for you.” – Denzel Washington to Will Smith at the 94th Academy Awards

I almost didn’t watch “the Oscars” last night. Sadly, I had turned back to the program when comedian Chris Rock made what was obviously an unkind (at best) and hurtful comment aimed at Jada Pinkett Smith, who suffers from a condition known as Alopecia. Smith all but shaved her head over a year ago to cope with hair loss. It appeared at first that her husband, Will, was laughing off the comment. But in case you didn’t see it Will Smith stepped up onto the stage moments later and slapped Chris Rock across the face. He then uttered a hateful declaration, complete with a foul expletive. The whole room – and the world at large – gasped. Some thought it was a staged stunt…but it appears this was the real result of a gut reaction from an angry husband.

Ironically, Smith was later awarded the Oscar for “Best Actor”…and he offered a tearful speech in which he apologized to many (although not to Chris Rock) and claimed he acted out of love. He noted that “love will make you do crazy things.” He also shared the quote I have offered from fellow actor, Denzel Washington… “At your highest moment, be careful – because that’s when the devil comes for you.”

In a moment where the world has so many genuine problems, I realize this is not one of them…or is it? People are influenced by celebrities, politicians…and even Christian disciples who claim to operate in the will and love of Jesus Christ. Yes, people are literally fighting for their lives all over this planet, and we would do well to focus on their plight and ask God to protect and rescue them. But I believe this is also a moment for us to collectively take a minute and consider that the devil is after all of us! And if you find yourself in a situation where “life” is pretty good at the moment – or you are “on top of your game” in some way – be assured that he is not happy!

As Christ’s disciples, you and I cannot afford to have moments where we step on a stage and slap someone. The world is watching…and the devil is whispering into the ears of all who will listen, “Watch this! I’m about to make this one lose his/her mind! You will see how followers of Jesus really react when provoked!” I get it…we are human, and we will all make mistakes at some point. We will say and do things we should not…and people will see our “ugly side.” But we must make every single effort we can to avoid this. We must continually ask God to guard and guide us…to give us Supernatural strength and resolve…and to help us react and respond in His love at all times.

People on both sides of this kerfuffle will stand up for their opinions…and I have no doubt that Will Smith will continue to defend his words and actions as gestures of a family sticking together in all kinds of trouble. But consider the words of Denzel Washington. The devil is always watching and waiting. He will come for us when we least expect it – especially at our “highest moments.” Be on guard…draw close to God and stay there! Remember that people are watching, and call on God to always be with you as you react and respond to this world. Do all you can in every situation to bring glory and honor to your relationship with Him. Love will indeed make you do crazy things at time. Our job as Christians is to make sure they are “crazy good” and always honor our commitment to Jesus Christ! Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus