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Listen while you read: "Have You Any Room For Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
I am not a doctor or a nurse. I am an English major with a minor in journalism, and I received my master's degree in counselling and psychology. I went the education route and ended up working as a newspaper reporter for more than two decades. My credentials aren't in the medical field.
But anytime I am sick — with a little sniffle or a little ping or pain — I have already diagnosed my medical issue before even getting a doctor's appointment.
I see you nodding. You've done that yourself, huh? We have all searched the Internet for answers to our medical ailments. And no matter what our doctor or nurse practitioner says, we know better!
Or do we? Nope. Doctors and nurses go to school and spend hours and years studying to be who they become, so that they can keep us healthy.
A doctor wouldn't do the job of a police officer, and a police officer wouldn't do the job of a garbage man. A reporter wouldn't do the job of a baker. Or at least we shouldn't.
Similarly, we shouldn't do God's job where salvation — or anything like that — is concerned.
Our salvation from a fate worse than death is explained in this verse:
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)
Paul points out that salvation is a gift of God's grace — not from anything that we can do ourselves:
Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV)
Author and pastor, Max Lucado, once explained grace as being "the voice that calls us to change and gives us the power to do so." That is such a true definition of the term.
That gracious gift of salvation comes only from God — not from us. God is in control of everything, and salvation and His promises of goodness can be found only in Him.
Matthew 19:26 – But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (KJV)
Therefore, let's let God be God in our lives. He can handle the job. He created it all.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for directing us, for giving us instructions, and for loving us in spite of ourselves. Amen.
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Saturday, September 7, 2024 – In Angola — In June, Sahel Academy had its closing assemblies to celebrate the year and say our farewells. Pray as we said goodbye well even though it was hard: for those who are leaving to look ahead with excitement and those staying to have a renewed sense of purpose amid a changing community. Pray for the graduates to remember their calling and to take their faith back to their families
terminal illness: "Update September 5, 2024: Gisele had the biopsy done yesterday but will not get the results for..." 
Great devotional.
Thanks for the good word, Becky.
Good advice, Becky, and so hard to do!
Amen, Becky!!
Thank you!
But God enables us to share our Faith – God loves you, me, us.
I appreciate your devotional today, Becky. Thank you for sharing with us.
Just as Martin Luther proclaimed 500 years ago is still great wisdom.
Blessings.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today. To God be the glory! Blessings.
Dear Becky,
Thank you for your meaningful words today!
(Ontario, Canada)
Thanks, Becky, for your words this morning. Yes, we have to accept God’s direction in our lives and be thankful that He cares for us in the best way each and every day. Blessings for your writings.
Your gift in journalism certainly shows up in this beautifully written piece. We are so eager to take charge instead of letting God be God. We forget that with man it is impossible but with God anything is possible. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Becky,
“His promises of goodness can be found only in Him.” … The point of your Devotional is noteworthy. Also, English major or no, it’s a delight for me to notice when ‘only’ is placed adjacent to the word modified.
Wow! You really hit the nail on the head! It’s so easy to find answers on the internet, but “face-to-face” with a highly trained MD is the best diagnosis.
I went through trials for a year, too, but my condition improved with my family doctor, prayer, and the Word. Bless you for writing about it!
(BC, Canada)
An excellent way of describing our tendency to think that “WE” are responsible for the salvation of our stubborn friends and relations!! I still struggle with knowing how long to keep trying to persuade or explain. I’ve actually settled on just watching for appropriate opportunities, and otherwise just keep on praying for them … as you say, letting God lead and ‘do’ His work without my interference. Thank you for this clear picture. Somehow it relieves some of my burden.
Good morning, Becky,
I appreciate the good passages you used from the Bible to reinforce your thoughts and remind us that “God is God” and He is always there for us and in control. My favourite passage from the Bible is “Be still and know that I am God”. It is similar to your title. It calms me down and reminds me that God is in charge and cares for me no matter what is going on in my life at that moment.
Thanks for sharing some of your journey and encouraging others. Blessings.
What a blessing you are for sharing through your devotional writing! Blessings.