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Push! – Scott McCausey

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And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child and while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2: 4-7

“Push!” The doctor stood like a quarterback over center. “Dad, remember your coaching classes and encourage your wife. She’s really close and needs to push when the contractions come.”

Confused, I glanced at the doctor then back at my wife whose eyes shot daggers. I knew if I shouted one command, it would be the last thing I shouted.

“Push,” I whispered with a sheepish grin.

“Good God man,” the doctor stated. “Take charge and encourage your wife.”

Have you ever wondered what ran through poor Joseph’s mind? First he finds out his betrothed wife is pregnant and makes plans to let her off the hook easy through a quiet divorce. Then an angel visits him in a dream so real he changes his own plan to follow God’s. No big deal right? Well if that ain’t enough, Joseph has to load up the mule with everything except… well, he loads up everything to travel the 80 miles with his very pregnant wife. Yeah, I’m sure she was a peach on that smooth donkey ride. I don’t have to remind you, this was no ordinary pregnant wife, nor was this the typical jealousy-filled man. Jesus Christ in Mary’s womb and God’s plans are never denied.

I held Renee’s hand, looked deep into her struggling eyes, and whispered again, “I love you.” A peace was shared between us that had been absent in the past twenty-six hours of labor. The doctor’s thundering declaration that our second son must be delivered via cesarean never worried us. Christ was in control.

God is, was, and ever shall be present. He encouraged his son Joseph to follow his plan. He gave him hope in a culture that said it was okay to divorce for something like this. He assured Joseph that a long trip with Mary would be safe, even in her last stage of pregnancy. And He delivered on a promise that began with his son Abraham as Jesus appeared to the fallen world.

Did Joseph have to yell push? Why don’t you ask him yourself. For those who seek will find. Knock and the door will be opened. For the next promise we are given is eternity through the same Jesus born in a manger.

Invite Christ into your heart this Christmas season.

Scott McCausey lives smack dab in the middle of the Michigan mitten. He has been married to Renee for eighteen years where they home educate their five children. He has worked as a laboratory manager for over twenty years and enjoys his new role as host of the famous blog talk radio show Christian Devotions Speak UP! Read Scott’s devotions.
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Christmas Soup – Scott McCausey

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Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. Psalms 41:1-3

“Bekah, check out the stockings,” Josh shouted. “Go get the rest of the kids!”

The commotion roused Renee and I, but we remained silent in bed. We treasure the moments of excitement each and every Christmas morning. But this morning, Renee suffered from a migraine.

“I’m going to barf!” she said as she raced to the bathroom. There was nothing I could do, so I lay in bed, waiting for the kids to attack.

“Dad, it’s Christmas, time to get up!”

The girls grabbed me by the hands–I snorted and shook away. “Go away, I’m sleeping.”

They tugged at me until I lay face down on the bedroom carpet. The kids giggled and dragged me to my chair in the living room. Renee was on the couch. This would be a tough day for my bride.

I read from the book of Luke, we prayed and passed out gifts. Renee did her best to paint a smile on her face and within a couple hours, she was back in bed. Dinner was now my chore, something that always spelled trouble. After playing doctor for my wife, I threw open the freezer in a desperate search for frozen pizza. Shucks, I thought; nothing. I searched the cupboards for Ravioli. Please God, throw me a bone here.

There was a turkey thawing in the sink, but I had no idea how to make a big turkey dinner. That’s Renee’s gift. Then, in the corner of the cabinet,  I spotted a can of Campbell’s Tomato Soup.

“I can make chicken-noodle soup, with tomato juice.” I tossed the turkey in the fridge and pulled a small chicken from the freezer. While it thawed, I began the task of cutting up carrots, potatoes, and all sorts of veggies. In a couple of hours, the soup aroma filled every room. And boy was it good.

Renee wobbled into the kitchen, threw her arms around my middle, and squeezed. “You’re a good hubby. Merry Christmas and thank you.”

We all will suffer through times of sickness, but it sure stinks when it falls on a holiday. I’ve spent a Thanksgiving on the couch, and also watching over my wife in the hospital. But in our times of trial, God is always there. He promises to deliver us in times of trouble, to protect and preserve, to bless those who are weak. And He did, by sending His son to the weak and the poor. Jesus was born of humble beginnings and He understood better than anyone the hardships and weaknesses of the poor. He understood the need to help others and He did just that.

If you are struggling with illness or know someone who is during this Christmas season, take heart and ask God to fill you with his sweet mercy. Follow the example of Christ and help others as He helped.

Scott McCausey lives smack dab in the middle of the Michigan mitten. He has been married to Renee for eighteen years where they home educate their five children. He has worked as a laboratory manager for over twenty years and enjoys his new role as host of the famous blog talk radio show Christian Devotions Speak UP! Read Scott’s devotions.

Ruined Surprise – Scott McCausey

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He said to them:  “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.  But you  will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:7-8

SAVE!  SAVE!  SAVE! The newspaper was littered with ads selling toys, games, and even Christmas decorations, and it was only July. If you beat the December rush, money can be saved with early purchases.

For a kid, it meant time to start preparing the “I want” list.  “Mom, it sure would be great if I had that Godzilla toy to play with in the sandbox right now,” or…“Look at that pretty dress and how cheap it is!  Mom, if you get that for me now I won’t bug you for anything my entire life!  You can wrap it and put it under the tree.”

As for me and my little brother, we were intent on receiving the new Atari 2600.  It released the Christmas before and all of our friends already had it.  We also knew Mom and Dad always waited for the deals.  So we prodded and bugged and finally snooped.

“Let’s check Mom and Dad’s closet.”

“No,” my brother answered, “cause if we get caught, we’ll be in for a whoopin!”

“Naw, we won’t get caught.  I’ll stand guard by the stairs and will whistle if I hear anyone coming.”

We proceeded as planned and Dave started digging through the closet.  “Scott, I see a big box, but I can’t read the label cause I’m too short.  Get in here quick!”

Frustrated with my brother’s size, I ran to the bedroom.  I gazed where David pointed and there it was.  The big black box had pictures of the games my friends told me about: Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Asteroids…they were all there!

Christmas day arrived and we tore at the wrapping paper to unveil the prize.  We acted surprised and shouted for joy, but deep down I felt like I had let my parents down because I didn’t wait, because I hadn’t trusted.  I wanted to tell them I didn’t deserve it, but I didn’t.

The disciples didn’t want to wait either but they lacked understanding, patience, and the Holy Spirit.  Waiting is hard, but the greatest gift is the one God freely gives in Jesus Christ.  There is no snooping when it comes to Jesus.  His word is enough.

Scott McCausey lives smack dab in the middle of the Michigan mitten. He has been married to Renee for eighteen years where they home educate their five children. He has worked as a laboratory manager for over twenty years and enjoys his new role as host of the famous blog talk radio show Christian Devotions Speak UP! Read Scott’s devotions.

Brain Block – Scott McCausey

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Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

My eldest son took his seat at the piano in the packed-out church. His voice quivered as he announced he’d play Joy to the World, a song that had been rehearsed thousands of times. Nolan’s fingers danced over the ivories and his eyes were fixed on his music. The excellent acoustics in God’s house allowed the notes to hang in midair. I closed my eyes and envisioned God’s pleasure in this joyful melody, when it abruptly came to a stop. I was jerked back to reality. Nolan’s face was crimson red…he’d lost his concentration, lost his place.

I knew too well this emptiness he felt. As a youngster, I crammed all night for an exam only to have my mind go blank on test day. At work, I’ve fielded difficult technical calls from angry customers who demanded immediate answers as I lost my train of thought. These were trials I was forced to work through myself and now my son faced the same. I wanted to shield him from this embarrassment but all I could do was pray. Please God, help him find his course.

Nolan paused for a second that felt like an eternity and then calmly caught my gaze. My nod offered him reassurance. He calmly turned the page of his song book and completed the melody.

Our kids will face tough times. It’s never easy to swallow, but we guide them and remind them how God the Father looked down on his son hanging on the cross as he bore the sin and embarrassment of the world. Jesus bore the pain for our sins and God bore the pain in His heart, but there was a great victory that day. I live with the great faith that my kids will also find their way in this challenging world, but I have to be willing to step back and allow them to learn the lessons God teaches.

How will you prepare your children for the difficult tasks ahead? Cast your cares on the Son and allow Him to light your path.

Scott McCausey lives smack dab in the middle of the Michigan mitten. He has been married to Renee for eighteen years where they home educate their five children. He has worked as a laboratory manager for over twenty years and enjoys his new role as host of the famous blog talk radio show Christian Devotions Speak UP! Read Scott’s devotions.

Mystery Cash – Scott McCausey

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Bring them here to me, he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:18-21

The inevitable had arrived. I’d put this off for weeks There was no more time to delay. I stared at the black ledger poking from a slot in my desk, then dragged it out along with my calculator and the giant stack of envelopes. Bill after bill dropped from the cover of the ledger. I shook my head …electric bill-$86, car loan-$200, car insurance-$75. The more envelopes I opened, the angrier I became. I’d seen enough. I slammed the pen on the desk and walked outside.

My wife had been sick for weeks and out of work for months. My vacation pay ended weeks ago as the hours were spent at her bedside. My boss graciously allowed me to take personal time off, but how would I pay these bills? I barely scraped enough money together to add gas to my car.

God, I’m at the end of my rope. I can’t do this alone but I don’t want charity either. Please send help.

After a walk, I found my way back to my desk with a cooler head and began the chore of sorting through the bills, prioritizing the payments. As I reached the bottom of the stack, there were three envelopes with no return address. Upon opening the first, I discovered a twenty dollar bill. The second contained another twenty dollars. My hands shook as I tore open the last…five more twenty dollar bills!

I picked up the phone and called my mom. “Mom, you know I will not accept charity. I am bringing this money over to you right now.”

“What money?” she asked. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

For the next two months, my anonymous donor continued to send provision. My bills were paid as my wife’s body slowly healed. God provided.

God’s perfect love trickles through his servants. Through two fish and five loaves, about five thousand people were fed. We find God’s love seeping through the lives of skeptics when miracles occur. We see God’s love through the hands of missionaries building shelters or feeding the needy. Later on, I discovered my mystery donor was my grandma. She loved me so much, she took the opportunity to share what little she had to send me mystery money.

I now look for those opportunities God reveals to give back. When I see someone in need, an envelope with provision finds its way to the mailbox. Are you in a position to share God’s provision as a mystery giver? Give.

Scott McCausey lives smack dab in the middle of the Michigan mitten. He has been married to Renee for eighteen years and they home educate their five children. He has worked as a laboratory manager for over twenty years and enjoys his new role as host of the famous blog talk radio show, Christian Devotions Speak UP!  He is a 2010 Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference Devotional Winner.
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Ten Dollars – Scott McCausey

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“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4

She knew the 10% rule but her heart was bigger than “the rule.” This time my eight-year-old taught me. As parents, we are commissioned to teach our kids the skill of saving money. We’ve tried everything from the envelope method and chore charts, to our current method of earning a salary. Our goal is to encourage giving God our first fruits, saving for the future and allocating fun money to spend on a prize. It’s our job to keep our eyes open during this process…to watch for the lessons to be learned. I thought it had worked well and it did. I just wasn’t expecting the teacher to be taught.

My youngest daughter, Rebekah, had saved a fair amount of her birthday and commission money. While most of our kids saved toward a video game, a plastic sword or a CD, Rebekah refrained from any shopping sprees. One Sunday morning, I found out why.

I took my spot on the front pew to serve the congregation. After a short meditation, I helped pass the offering plate. When I reached the chaotic pew my family occupied, I handed the plate to my oldest, who promptly shuffled it toward his mom. Rebekah gingerly took the plate from her mom, then without hesitation, casually tossed in a ten-dollar bill and shoved it to her sister. In an instant, my daughter had not given a portion, she gave everything and, although I wasn’t mad, I wanted to take her ten-spot out of the plate and give it back. My nearsighted view of giving was about to be reformed.

When the services were over, I pulled Rebekah close to me. “That was a very generous thing you did, slam dunking God your whole $10. You realize God doesn’t expect you to give every cent, right?” That’s when she floored me.

“I know about the ten percent rule. But my heart didn’t want to give ten percent. It wanted to give all of it. He needs it more than I do today.” She poked my arm and headed toward the car.

That day, the teacher became the student. I learned from my daughter’s example. I realized I’d spent so much time on the semantics of giving that I’d forgotten the heart of it. In my efforts to be a good parent and teach Godly methods, I myself had missed the point and it took an eight-year-old to drive that home. The gift of generosity comes from the heart. We shouldn’t give just because we have a big bank account or out of obligation, but because we want to serve Christ by giving him our best. I guarantee He stands ready to pour abundance over your obedience. Let Him take control of your finances and lead the way. Trust.

Scott McCausey lives smack dab in the middle of the Michigan mitten. He has been married to Renee for eighteen years where they home educate their five children. He has worked as a laboratory manager for over twenty years and enjoys his new role as host of the famous blog talk radio show Christian Devotions Speak UP! Read Scott’s devotions.