HomeWord - Apr. 21, 2008
A Standing "O"
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long, we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:35-37
As a Christian youth speaker it had been one of those crummy days. I walked off the platform of a high school auditorium, feeling depressed and dejected. I did not connect. Basically, what I thought would work at the assembly fell flat. I mumbled an apology to the principal and walked to my car, feeling broken and downcast. The entire day, I let this bomb of an assembly get to me.
That night my sleep was interrupted by a dream (I believe God gave me this dream). I found myself in the same auditorium as earlier in the day. It was empty except for one person sitting in the front row - Jesus. As I walked to the platform Jesus rose to his feet and gave me a standing ovation! He cheered, he whistled, he applauded with enthusiasm before I even spoke. When I awoke I remember smiling so big, my face hurt. God loves me not for what I do but for who I am... his child.
What about you? Did you know Jesus daily gives you a standing ovation? He loved you enough to die for you. I have this feeling if he carries a wallet in heaven, your picture and mine are in that wallet. Isn't it nice to be loved?
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GOING DEEPER:
1. When was there a time in your life when you could have used a standing ovation from God?
2. How do you feel when you read Romans 8:35-37?
FURTHER READING:
The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised. Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me; you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim. I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life; and your house will be my home as long as I live.
Psalm 23
"From Spirit Wings by Jim Burns, 1992. Published by Servant Publications, Box 8617, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48107. Used with permission."
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