Tag: Rob Russomano

No Perishable Items Allowed

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“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” ~Matthew 6:19

I spend most of my life fixing things that break of building things with the intention of making it last. I remember once someone was spending too much time on a project and when I asked what was taking so long their response was “This thing is gonna last forever” in which I reminded them “It’s all gonna burn one day”.

I wonder if there’s a sign at the door on the “Pearly Gates” that says “No perishable items allowed?”

When I think about the idea of a place where nothing will be worn out or rotting and there is no need for preservation or maintenance I have a hard time wrapping my head around that. On the other hand I also struggle with people who treat material possessions as if it will last forever and neglect the opportunity to invest in the eternal.

I have to categorize things as to what’s really important, material things are only for a short time but the human soul is eternal. How many times have I found myself with the wrong motive and having my priorities out of order? When for the sake of a perishable item I neglect to minister to someone and invest in the eternal.

When I look at the life of Jesus, who by the way was a carpenter like me, I never read about a single thing He made or fixed. Instead, He always references to the things eternal. We know why He came, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus makes this statement to the jews in John 7:38 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” To this the crowds were divided. I think the same is true today, the dividing line shows the strength of our faith and what we really believe.

Knowing we have life everlasting in the Kingdom of God should give us strength for today. The conversation that Jesus had with the woman at the well is a good picture of eternity, “Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water” John 4:10.

If I can make the distinction between just plain old water and Living water, my life will be much more fruitful for eternal purposes then just temporal.

This isn’t to say that we should neglect our earthly responsibilities but to put things in perspective and not to miss a chance to invest in the eternal.

I pray that today you would be able to see what’s really important and prioritize your life to make the most for the things that will last forever. If nothing you’re working for today will be in heaven then hold on to them loosely but hold on tightly to the things that matter.

Rob_FF 2016Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events.

 

 

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 144; Proverbs 26

Daily Quote: “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.” –Max Lucado

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

25 I have been young, and now am old,
    yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
    or his children begging for bread. ~Psalm 37:25

Man Your Post

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Man Your Post

“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” ~Nehemiah 6:3b

I love to play volleyball, but it seems there’s always that guy who feels the need to leave his position and save the day by stepping in front of someone who may not be as good. The problem is being out of position leaves an empty spot in which the other team will “hit it where they ain’t”.

I find that when I’m outside of the will of God I’m vulnerable and put myself in harms way. I become a weak link in a chain that allows the enemy a foothold which in turn hurts the body of believers.

If each one of us was to stand in the gap when it comes to being a part of a healthy spiritual relationship with other believers, we become stronger by number then being alone. Nehemiah had begun a great work by bringing together a group of likeminded people to complete a task that depended upon everyone doing his own work.

When tempted by the enemy Nehemiah quickly recognized that they wanted him to leave his post and in doing so abandon his position. Verse 2 of chapter 6 reads “Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm”. I think the first sign of danger was they wanted to meet in the villages in the plain of Ono, in which Nehemiah said “OH NO!

Our “post” is not only a physical position but can also be a spiritual position. The Bible says in the letter to the Colossians in chapter 3 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth”. Our actions will follow our thoughts in accordance to what we desire. One way to “Man your Post” is to be spiritually minded. If my whole world revolves around me and I allow my selfish ambitions to take over, everything gets filtered through my fleshly thoughts and I develop an unquenchable thirst which leads me to the villages in the plains of Ono. But if my thoughts are fixed on the ways of God thru Christ my filter is pure and my spirit is in tune to the Holy Spirit. Romans chapter 12 is another great chapter to get our “marching orders” verse 16 says “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion”.

So if you’re out of step and you’re not at your post shape up and step up for the ride of a lifetime.

 

Rob_FF 2016

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is married to Terri, a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events.

 

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 137; Proverbs 19

Daily Quote:God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus. ~Max Lucado

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
    He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
    for the Lord holds them by the hand.

 ~Psalm 37:23-24

For The Sake of The Cause

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“Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” ~Hebrews 12:2b

I can still remember when I was a young boy and spending most of my time outside playing with my friends in the woods and open fields. I’d come home and the battle would begin to get me into the bath tub. My Mom would demand that I get my filthy behind in that tub right now. In which I would protest with “I don’t feel like it”. After all the kicking and screaming, once I heard the tub filling up it was just a matter of time. Funny thing is, once I got in, with all my toys and the bubbles I didn’t wanna get out, it’s where I belonged.

Sometimes it’s the same with my walk with the Lord, I know what I’m supposed to be doing and where I’m supposed to be but I don’t always “feel like it”. There’s a misconception I hear when it comes to obedience, I hear people say, “if you can’t do it with a cheerful heart, then don’t do it at all”. I disagree, I know God loves a cheerful giver but if I wait until I’m in the mood to serve God I won’t be doing much. If I only go to Church when I “feel like it” my attendance will be way down.

The example Jesus displays according to Hebrews chapter 12 shows Him putting aside His own desires and going to the cross for “The Sake of The Cause”. We see in the garden where Jesus petitions with the Father “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done” (Matt 26:42b). I know we will never have to do anything to save mankind. It’s an attitude of seeing the big picture and being obedient to what you know God desires of us. I believe when we do this, it’s like the bathtub illustration, we will be where we belong and the joy we desire comes with it. I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t feel like fellowshipping, going to church or attending Bible study but once I got there I didn’t wanna leave.

Even when it comes to service for the Lord, I know that people will say partial obedience is disobedience but I disagree. In Matthew 21:28-31 Jesus uses an example of two brothers when asked to work in the field, the first said “I will not” but later did and the second said “I will” but never did. This is an illustration given to the Jews that represents the ones who confessed to follow God but didn’t and those who didn’t follow God but later did.

The point is even if I don’t “feel it” that there’s a bigger and greater cause that we owe a huge debt to and if I sit around and wait until “the Spirit moves me” there’s not a whole lot gonna get done. We are called to respond when the opportunity arises and stop making excuses, believing that the greater cause is worth it. Then I believe the “joyful heart” will follow. As men we need to be challenged, too many times I’ve allowed excuses to hinder my obedience. It’s not that God will love you more if you do it, it’s a matter of being where you belong, “For The Sake of The Cause”.

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is married to Terri, a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member at America’s Keswick. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 129; Proverbs 11

Daily Quote: “In today’s economy there is little to hope for the future, however, God is never caught off guard or by surprise. God knows the future.”  ~Jack Wellman

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

 ~Psalm 34:17-19

Don’t Just Do Something, Stand There

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Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. ~2nd Thessalonians 2:15

I think I watched too many superhero cartoons as a kid, I have this desire to take on every battle that comes my way. I picture myself in perpetual motion as I single handedly fight for truth, justice and the American way… Then I wake up.

In a world where there is no absolute truth, chaos and confusion are sure to set in. Sometimes it seems like we need to react with every whim or notion that society brings. I feel like a dog chasing his tail, round and round I go and where I stop know body knows.

I can be a bit of a zealot when it comes to right and wrong and although some may say “he is too boisterous”, they have no idea how much constraint I am applying. My flesh wants to scream and battle everything that comes against what I believe to be right.

I thank God for the scriptures that stand out when I need them most. It’s as if my evil thoughts are dissolved by God’s word and I’m directed to what He teaches in large, underlined and bold print.

Paul’s final letter to the Thessalonians comes with an exhortation to “stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle”. He encourages them to not be distracted by the evil around them but to a pillar that is not moved by the works of this world. I think the picture is more of a stationary rock that withstands the blows of wickedness and when the dust settles those in opposition to God’s word will see the strength of those who stand on Truth.

I have seen time and time again a man who is still effected by his old ways and in deep pain lash out at me with everything he has to try me and test the work of God only to fall in exhaustion and surrender to Jesus.

There’s a battle going on that is to be won with prayer and fasting. When those in opposition see a united church that stands for the Truth of God I believe many will also fall to their knees.

Our only hope is to project a banner of faith that will not buckle under the pressure of a way of life where there is no absolute truth and people are living according to their feelings and desires. Those attributes are not built on a foundation but only sand. When the wind and rain of life come crashing down on society I believe a faithful and healthy church of God will be the only ones standing.

So when the fiery darts of the enemy come at you, “Don’t just do something, stand there”!

Paul finishes chapter two with “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work”. Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member at America’s Keswick. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 121; Proverbs 3

Daily Quote: “Let this one great, gracious, glorious fact lie in your spirit until it permeates all your thoughts and makes you rejoice even though you are without strength. Rejoice that the Lord Jesus has become your strength and your song – He has become your salvation. “ ~Charles H. Spurgeon

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them. ~Psalm 34:6-7

Fan Into Flame

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“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” ~2nd Timothy 1:6

Would you say that you have a person in your life that challenges you spiritually? Someone who makes you do things to a point of being uncomfortable.

You may be able to answer with a confident “yes I do” or you could be there thinking to yourself, “I don’t think so”. The first is easier to see the one who has laid his hand on you and sees the way you’ve been stretched. The later my not realize it but if we don’t have an obvious suiter God usually puts people in our life to “Fan into Flame” our gift from God. The problem with the less obvious is we tend to view these people as annoying or bothersome, even getting into conflict with them.

Paul, in this chapter of 2nd Timothy is Timothy’s obvious billow, he’s taken this young man and invested himself in Timothy to bring him up and keep him fresh. Paul seems to be addressing an issue of fear or a better word would be cowardice in Timothy. He isn’t teaching him a new thing, he is reminding him of what he already knows and in a sense “shaking off the dust”.

I wonder if we aren’t guilty of moving into more knowledge before we practice what we already know. Is it possible to have a fear of doing and instead of walking in what we already know we fear what it brings?

We sometimes get comfortable in our surroundings and forget what were called to do. That’s where the object of a person acting as a billow over a smoldering flame comes into play. We need those people who remind us what we already know and challenge us to act. The saying “familiarity breeds contempt” may be accurate here. It’s when we become so familiar with our surroundings that we lose respect for the gifts God has given us. Jesus has a lot to say about this in the Gospels regarding talents and minas.

The typical response when we are affected by fear is to react to our feelings and emotions which are usually wrong. Paul urges Timothy to “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (vs. 13,14). He says in the previous verses that we don’t do this to earn anything with God but because of the testimony of Jesus “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (vs.9,10).

So don’t let the fire go out, allow someone to be able to “Fan it Into Flame”. Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member at America’s Keswick. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 118; Proverbs 27

Daily Quote:“Truth offends everyone outside its definitions. But the irony of truth is that the greater its potential for offense, the greater its potential for giving hope.”  ~David Jeremiah

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

 We wait in hope for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name. ~Psalm 33:20-21

Focus on the Right Target

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“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?”~2 Peter 3:11

There’s an old saying “don’t shoot the messenger” that applies to a person who is speaking a message that comes from someone else. I have a tendency to direct my displeasure at the individual or group from which the message is delivered from.

We are obviously living in perilous times and I don’t know about you by one phrase in particular has been showing up in my prayers more and more, “Come quickly Lord”! It can be exhausting being bombarded with the way things are going in our world and the natural reaction is to lash out at the people and the groups who are directly responsible.

There is spiritual warfare going on and although people don’t understand what they are standing up for they come against the very nature of God, but it’s the God that is being revealed to us, not them. You see I can get myself all worked up about the injustice that is alive and well in the world today but if my anger is directed at the people I become just as guilty as them. My anger has to be directed at the sin that comes from the person, “hate the sin but love the sinner” mentality.

Now this might mean separating myself from the messenger but if I’m attacking the person my “focus is on the wrong target”. It’s like smacking the Dummy in the face when all along it’s the Puppet master that the thoughts are coming from, just like I used to think before coming to a saving knowledge of Christ. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2 “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others”.

I think Peter is writing to help us with our focus, he starts of chapter 3 of his second epistle by telling us “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder)”. The reminder is God is “still in control” and He says “stir up pure minds” which will lead us back to the teaching of the Prophets and Apostles, trusting God with the person delivering the message but certainly showing a displeasure of the message they bring.

Peter reminds us that God did not forget about His promise but in fact is waiting for the scoffers and mockers to come to repentance, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” vs 9, I’m sure glad He waited for me.

So let’s direct or shots at the right target, the true enemy, and maybe begin to pray for the salvation of those that are delivering the sinful blows. Let’s let our life be a testimony. Remember, it’s God who changes the heart not us. I read a billboard in front of a church once that said “God isn’t looking for attorneys, He’ looking for witnesses, Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member at America’s Keswick. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 105; Proverbs 14

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: “The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” ~Rick Warren

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him. ~Psalm 28:7

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The Road less Traveled

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road less traveled

Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. ~Psalm 78:1b

There are times in the symbolic wilderness of life that causes me to think negatively. When things are not going well and that “feeling” of being cast out and abandoned sets in, I tend to view life through cloudy lenses.

It can be in those times that I resort to walking in my own way of thinking and turn my back on God and the road he has laid out for me

In Psalm 78 we have a contemplation of Asaph, a word to the wise and a reminder of what lies ahead of the wide road.

Because there are scriptures that remind me of the path I’m capable of going down and examples of others, I can catch myself from making those same mistakes. There have been countless times that God spoke to me through His word and gave me a glimpse of what lies ahead on the road I’m traveling.

It’s the road less traveled that brings forth victory. It takes humility to turn around and set my mind of the things of God and reject what my situation is causing me to do. Too many times my pride got in the way and even though the sign said “dangerous road ahead” I went forward fueled by self-esteem only to get to the end of myself, turn around and get back on track.

The good news is I never have to go all the way back to where I went wrong, it’s usually that simple turn around and God meets me where I’m at.

The main ingredients that are missing at the start of my calamity are truth and thankfulness. It’s these missing ingredients that when added takes me back. In the letter to the Philippians Paul tells his readers in chapter 4 not to be anxious and to pray. He starts verse 8 out with “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true…” with a list of others and ends with “meditate on these things’.

It seems when life is uncertain my mind tends to create unhealthy scenarios that lead to that dangerous road. I can get caught up into thinking things that don’t exist are true. If I can focus on the things that are true it will lead to seeing that God is good and then thankfulness sets in and “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

So, if you’ve got yourself all worked up because of circumstances in your life and there is no evidence of thankfulness, learn from Psalm 78. Pick up a pen and piece of paper and jot down 10 things your thankful for. Then remember the truth of scripture and meditate on it. Put down your pride and go down that “Road less traveled”

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member at America’s Keswick

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 97; Proverbs 6

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: “Where Love is, God is.” ~Henry Drummond

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid? ~Psalm 27:1

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The Prequel

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Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them, and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.” ~John 2:22

I guess it’s been a number of years ago when a new movie came out and instead of calling it a sequel they called it a prequel. It was then explained to me that the new movie took place before the events of the original movie.

The Gospel of John is my favorite Gospel because of the emphasis on the deity and divine authority of Jesus. It is also written as a prequel as John recounts the experiences he had with Jesus witch seem to all make sense after the resurrection.

As I read certain accounts of John’s gospel I can see the ”hands on” teaching that Jesus does knowing most of what He is teaching isn’t going to make sense until after He is ascended.

It’s not until the power of The Holy Spirit indwells the disciples and becomes the ingredient that brings everything into focus.

I think it’s a good lesson for us as believers to realize that without the help of the Holy Spirit we are just fact finders, able to accumulate knowledge but without the interpretation from the Spirit it’s just information.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26

Have you ever gone through something that is painful and troublesome and it seems like there’s no hope in sight? I’ve developed a saying “The things we are going through today may not be used until tomorrow and then it helps to make sense of yesterday”. That time Jesus spends with His disciples in John 14 didn’t make any sense until much later. We love the idea of accepting Jesus as Savior but it seems we fall short of trusting “The Helper” with the rest.

So if you’ve only been living with the knowledge of your salvation maybe it’s time to watch the prequel, because it’s not just our future with God but His past is now our past.

“For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.” Romans 6:5

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member at America’s Keswick in the maintenance department.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 89; Proverbs 29

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: “How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, in a believer’s ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.” ~John Newton

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah ~Psalm 46:1-3

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Misappropriation of Worship

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“Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth.” ~Isaiah 58:14a

There was a strong sense of fear for me growing up of ever being arrested. I could remember my Father telling me “don’t ever do anything so bad that your name would be in the newspaper”. My Dad had a high regard for our name and didn’t want it to be “dragged through the mud”, and I certainly wasn’t going to be the one to do it. Now I wish I could say I never broke the law but that would be a lie. I was just very good at not getting caught.

The word misappropriation is a strong word that brings with it a condemnation and certainly nothing that I would want any part of. It is usually associated with mishandling money for self-serving or illegal gain.

The 58th chapter of Isaiah is an account of the Prophet proclaiming to the people that their worship is nothing more than self-serving with a hope that God would hear them and bless them because of their efforts. The people’s complaint is ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’

The idea seemed to be “If I fast then I’ll be able to perform my religious duty and God will bless me”. It’s a mentality similar “misappropriation” of funds but instead it’s a “misappropriation of worship”.

God is displeased with His people once again in this potion of scripture and is using Isaiah to bring a warning that this type of behavior only leads to bondage, a type of imprisonment. Similar to what would happen to us if we were to misappropriate funds and get caught.

I’m afraid that I think I can get away with my “acts of worship” and fool God. The truth is I might be able to fool you but not God.

The message from Isaiah is that God desires an authentic attitude when we gather together in His name. I have been thinking about the events leading up to the Easter season and the purpose Jesus had in coming. He not only made away for us to be forgiven but also exposed the idle worship of His people while He was here.

So, at this time of year let’s make the appropriate attempt of worship, placing our worship where it belongs not trying to “work the system”. Isaiah delivers a message to God’s people in verses 13 and 14,

“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath,

From doing your pleasure on My holy day,

And call the Sabbath a delight,

The holy day of the LORD honorable,

And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways,

Nor finding your own pleasure,

Nor speaking your own words,

Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD;

And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth,

And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.

The mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member at America’s Keswick in the maintenance department.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 83; Proverbs 23

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: “Are you facing fear today? Perhaps you are afraid of losing your job, of developing cancer or being left by your spouse. At times all of us experience fear. But don’t allow fear to keep you from being used by God. He has kept you thus far; trust Him for the rest of the way.” ~Dr. Woodrow Kroll (Enjoy Dr. Kroll this Memorial Day Weekend at America’s Keswick

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 

But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;

The future of the wicked shall be cut off. ~Psalm 37:38 (NKJV)

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Let it Roll

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Then the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you”. ~Joshua 5:9a

There seems to be an excitement for some when it comes to the game of chance. If I can pick the “lucky” number I will win, but if not, I lose. I have watched people live their lives gambling on that one hopeful “roll of the dice” that could put them on top.

There is a fine line in Christianity between works and grace, I’m not about to tackle the topic but I do know for me that when I “roll the dice” in my walk with God I’m playing with fire. I know that my salvation is secure and there’s nothing I can do to earn it but when I look at the example of the trek out of the wilderness and into the Promise land that is recorded in the book of Joshua I see a people who have submitted themselves to the will of God and are “walking” in His ways.

It took a long walk in the wilderness and an example of what not to do to get the attention of the children of Israel but in the 5th chapter of Joshua we see God taking a moment to encourage His people by telling them “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you”. It seems they were done gambling on their future and were willing to follow God’s plan.

I think it’s the same way with us, I know I’ve been willing to “roll the dice” with my walk only to be frustrated and having to turn away from my way of thinking because of the conviction of shame. When we begin to get back on the right path and walk in the Spirit we will sense that the reproach of our sin is once again rolled away.

When we come to the reality that we are no longer bound to sin but instead free from it we see that there is “Victory in Jesus”. “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin” Romans 6:6.

This seems to be a continual battle for me as I have to make it a practice to filter my thoughts through the Word of God and stay on His path for my life.

So if you feel the shame because of some bad choices today, put down the dice and “Cross the Jordan” and walk in the assurance of His grace and He will roll away the reproach.

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member in the Maintenance Department at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 75; Proverbs 15

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: The presence of hope in the invincible sovereignty of God drives out fear. ~John Piper

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. ~ Jeremiah 29:11  (NKJV)

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