It's Raining - On the Inside! - Cokiesha Robinson

"Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1Peter 5:7

Not long ago, I came home from a busy workday. As soon as I opened the front door, I heard a thunderous sound of water. Exhausted and startled, I dropped my purse. Where was the water sound coming from? I knew I hadn’t left the shower on and I prayed the water pump hadn’t burst. What could that noise be? I walked from room to room searching for the culprit.

Then, water dripped on my head and face. I felt it every time I walked into the living room, down the hallway and into our home office. I soon discovered the sound increased when I walked into the closet in our guest room. To my amazement, water from a neighbor’s condominium upstairs poured into ours on the first floor. I couldn’t stop it! It looked like an indoor waterfall. The more I mopped, the more the water rained down. Water was everywhere. I pulled out every trash can and bucket that we had and placed them throughout the house. I even called my husband who was traveling, as if he could help.

It seemed never ending and I just wanted the problem to go away. Who has ever heard of it raining on the inside? Every drop of water that fell onto our pictures, books, clothes and carpet, represented little drops of trouble.

Do you ever feel that way? Have you ever had a long day only to get home and be confronted with problems? Do you ever feel as though the inside of your life has rain pouring in?

Later in the week, everything dried and we had little damage. What once seemed overwhelming and hopeless was not so bad after all. Who knows why some things happen? The blessing is that God doesn’t allow us to walk alone. In the middle of life’s storms, when the rain pelts us relentlessly, remember Jesus’ command to the storm—“Peace, be still!”

Cokiesha B. Robinson is a graduate of Fisk University where she earned a B.A. degree, and a graduate of Samford University, where she obtained a M.Div. degree. She worked in the field of radio before becoming involved in full-time ministry work. She has served as a missionary to a number of countries and her greatest passions are encouraging others through oral and written expressions. She has contributed to 3 books, one of which she co-authored: Farther In and Deeper Down, This is My Story, and Planting Trust, Knowing Peace, She is a native Texan and currently resides in Yonkers, NY with her husband, Tim. Read Cokeisha's devotions.

God Owns Everything! - Cokeisha B. Robinson

"The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." Psalm 24:1

I am a proud collector. No, not of crystal or porcelain dolls; I collect quotes. I find inspiration by drawing from the words of others—mothers, fathers, children, poets, ministers, presidents, teachers, etc. I gain encouragement from their timeless truths and experiences.

One of my favorite quotes is, "Never 'Own' Anything—Get Rid of the Sense of Possessing!"

A.W. Tozer penned those words many years ago, yet they continue to speak volumes today. We live in a world that encourages us to own everything—our homes, cars, our businesses, etc. As profitable and rewarding as it is to make wise investments, I wonder if our desire to own everything has given us a false sense of entitlement. Perhaps seeing our names on paychecks, business cards and personalized desk or door plates has convinced us we’re responsible for our existence, possessions and the maintenance of the things that we “own.”

God owns everything. Yes, everything from our homes to our hearts. How dare we be possessive over things that are not ours. Children who are learning to share are seen at the toy chest and on the playground shouting, “Mine, it’s mine!” They think everything belongs to them. I wonder where they learned that? We certainly reflect that when it comes to giving back to God.

When it is time to tithe, do we give joyfully or do we think of excuses that prevent us from giving sacrificially?

He wants us to loosen our grip on “His things.” He desires that we remember He is Creator and sustainer of all things. In the words of Dr. Warren Wiersbe, “God is the manufacturer and we are the manger.”

Today, denounce the attitudes of entitlement and develop attitudes of appreciation. Praise God for the blessings of the things He shares.

Father, thank you for being so gracious to us. You have given continuously and freely. Forgive us for taking ownership of your resources and gifts. As you have given us the best in your son, Jesus Christ, please help us to give back to you all that we have, simply because it is yours. Our hands are open. In your name we pray, Amen.


Cokiesha B. Robinson is a graduate of Fisk University where she earned a B.A. degree and a graduate of Samford University, where she obtained a M.Div. degree. She worked in the field of radio before becoming involved in full time ministry work. She has served as a missionary to a number of countries and her greatest passions are encouraging others through oral and written expressions. She has contributed to 3 books, one of which she co-authored: Farther In and Deeper Down, This is My Story, and Planting Trust, Knowing Peace.

She is a native Texan and currently resides in Yonkers, NY with her husband, Tim.
Read Cokeisha's devotions.

New Place ... Same God - Cokiesha B. Robinson

(Photo - Ashley McCue Photography)

"Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow." Hebrews 13:8

I decided to take a walk to Central Park during my lunch break and enjoy the beautiful, chilly afternoon and scenic view.

I saw things that were interesting and funny. Some made me smile, some were frightening. I sat on one of the many pond-side benches and watched as people jogged. People walked their dogs, enthusiastic children fed the birds. Cyclists zoomed past listening to their iPods. Couples walked hand and hand, while friendly passer-byers said hello as they strolled past.

Despite the sound of horns blowing from the cabs near by, it was relaxing and inviting. I was totally captivated by this new place. Then, swarms of noisy ducks, which terrified me, came out of the water and took over the place where I sat to eat my lunch. I soon felt like my captivation had turned into conflict.

Have you ever been captivated one moment and conflicted the next?
This brief outing reminded me of how it feels at times when we move to a new place or even to a new season of life.

My husband and I have found ourselves totally captivated by the newness of being newlyweds. We are captivated by the newness associated with living in a place so different from our southern hometowns. We love our home states, but we enjoy the bright lights, culture and sights associated with living in "The Big Apple." We love it on most days, but then there are times we feel conflicted as we adjust to a new way God has asked us to trust Him.

Many times as Christians we feel conflicted and captivated in our daily walk - conflicted because we become afraid when new people and circumstances come into our lives. We are uncomfortable being sent by God into unfamiliar territory. Yet we are captivated by His ability to take the new and changing things we face and bring familiarity and stability to them. We stand in awe at how the same grace that was extended to us throughout our lives, continues to be with us in new seasons as well.

Isn't it good to know that God never changes? Even when we change our address, God never changes His. He brings His never-changing character into our ever-changing lives.

Cokiesha B. Robinson is a graduate of Fisk University where she earned a B.A. degree and a graduate of Samford University, where she obtained a M.Div. degree. She worked in the field of radio before becoming involved in full time ministry work. She has served as a missionary to a number of countries and her greatest passions are encouraging others through oral and written expressions. She has contributed to 3 books, one of which she co-authored: Farther In and Deeper Down, This is My Story, and Planting Trust, Knowing Peace, She is a native Texan and currently resides in Yonkers, NY with her husband, Tim.

How to Handle a Crisis -- Cokiesha B. Robinson

"...then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet." Mark 5:22 (ESV)

How do you typically handle bad news? Do you go to the mall to over spend? Do you find the nearest buffet to over eat? Do you hide in the house and refuse to get out of bed—call your closest friend to vent?

Everyone has received bad news. Life is comprised of both mountains and valleys. Sometimes it's easier to isolate ourselves when various crisis knock on our door. Other times we find ourselves worrying and placing matters into our own hands. Why? Because in the words of one of my best friends, we decide to "blow up the balloons at our own pity parties."

Today, we must remember that the problems we are faced with may seem all- consuming to us, but they are very manageable to Jesus.

Jairus' daughter was sick. She was at the point of death. Jairus was the local problem solver. He was the local teacher. Yet one day he could not keep his faith in himself or his own abilities. He had to find the one who had all power and place his trust and belief system in His hands. He publicly humiliated himself in order to get the attention of Jesus. As Jesus got out of the boat, Jairus ran and fell at His feet and invited Him to his house.

What makes you and I just like Jairus, the synagogue leader? We also find ourselves desperate for deliverance.

As we are faced with receiving bad news in life may we follow the example of Jairus. He had to swallow his pride—transfer the faith that he had in his own knowledge, his pedigree, his education and his own status and place it in the hands of Jesus. Jesus not only agreed to come to his house, but He restored His daughter as well.

God desires for us to cast our cares on Him through prayer. Before we call our close friend or our parents, He wants us to call on Him. Instead of having an anxiety attack or acting impulsively, let us find Jesus and tell him about our problems in faith.

He wants to come to your house today...find Him and fall at His feet.

Cokiesha B. Robinson is a graduate of Fisk University where she earned a B.A. degree and a graduate of Samford University, where she obtained a M.Div. degree. She worked in the field of radio before becoming involved in full time ministry work. She has served as a missionary to a number of countries and her greatest passions are encouraging others through oral and written expressions. She has contributed to 3 books, one of which she co-authored: Farther In and Deeper Down, This is My Story, and Planting Trust, Knowing Peace, She is a native Texan and currently resides in Yonkers, NY with her husband.

When It Doesn't Make Cents - Cokiesha B. Robinson

"The word of the LORD came to Jonah…but Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish.” Jonah 1:1-3

Years ago there was a popular song that went, "If it don't make money, it don't make sense." You could hear it blasting from boom boxes as kids washed their cars, moving to its soulful beat. In time the song faded from the charts but the lyrics remained etched into the psyche of our youth. Now, it seems, the goal of financial prosperity has become for some a social entitlement.

Yes, it's true, sometimes God does bless us financially, but other times He blesses us in ways that have nothing to do with economic prosperity. When Jonah heard God's call he "went", but in the wrong direction. He ran toward safety, ease and convenient circumstances. Are we any different?

Some time ago my husband and I were offered jobs in a city we love. The job offered a pay increase, a closer commute to our families and a region with a lower cost of living. It seemed like a perfect fit for our situation.

After much prayer, however, we sensed the Lord leading us to remain where we are. We felt the opportunity was God's way of testing us to see if we were committed to serving Him rather than serving money. In the end we said "no" to the job and I confess to thinking to myself, "now God will reward us for our faithfulness."

Instead, we were met with spiritual warfare. We learned that when circumstances don't make "cents" you can bet God's hand is in it, taking control and helping us fight the battles.

Within days we found ourselves asking, "How could this be? Lord, we did what you told us to? Can't you relent just a little?" For a while He was silent and then, in that still small voice we heard him ask, "Will you trust me? Will you be faithful even when it doesn't seem logical? Will you allow me to be the Lord of your heart and of your day-to-day decisions, regardless of the circumstances?"

"Yes, Lord, you know we will."

Soon we were covered with peace. We knew, even though our decision hadn't made financial sense, that we were in the will of God-that He understood His plan even if we didn't.

Jonah got a second chance at saying "yes" to God. He turned and obeyed by going to a country that hated God. And when he did a revival broke out.

Will you trust God with your finances, even when it doesn't make "cents?" Will you say, "Lord, help me to trust your heart when I can't trace your hand?" I pray that you will.

Cokiesha B. Robinson is a graduate of Fisk University where she earned a B.A. degree and a graduate of Samford University, where she obtained a M.Div. degree. She worked in the field of radio before becoming involved in full time ministry work. She has served as a missionary to a number of countries and her greatest passions are encouraging others through oral and written expressions. She has contributed to 3 books, one of which she co-authored: Farther In and Deeper Down, This is My Story, and Planting Trust, Knowing Peace, She is a native Texan and currently resides in Yonkers, NY with her husband.