December 23, 2019

Yesterday at church, both Melanie and Cherri said they had received suspicious text messages that had my name but a strange phone number. I asked that the texts be sent to me. They both did. This is what Melanie sent:

Pastor Tom, Because my technological skills are lacking, this is the only way I could share that text. The phone number it came from is 1(210) 742-3579

It said: Hi Melanie I need a favor from you, please text me back as soon as possible.

Pastor Tom Robbins

I replied: Hi Pastor Tom. What’s up?

Response: Thanks for your response Melanie, I need to get an eBay gift card for a friend of mine going through cancer in the hospital but I can’t do this now. Can you get it from any grocery store around you now? I’ll reimburse you as soon as I can.

~Pastor Tom Robbins

It concerned me so I called Amanda and asked her about it’s authenticity. She assured me, you would never ask for an eBay gift card.

Thanks, Today’s sermon was one of the best on record.

Merry Christmas,

Melanie

We live in a world filled with scam artists who will take advantage of other people. From fake phone calls from the IRS, to banks in Nigeria saying we are owed huge sums of money, to fraudulent text message like the ones Melanie and Cherri received, it is enough to make you a skeptic.

Luckily, the Bible never says, “Be ye stupid.” We have a responsibility to act wisely and not allow others to take advantage of us or those we love.

Jesus taught, “Look, I’m sending you as sheep among wolves. Therefore, be wise as snakes and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 CEB)

But in the midst of such a depressing situation, remember what this season is about. God loves this broken world so much that he sent his only Son to save us. That’s the reason we always have hope. In the end, the con artists of this world will lose. Through Jesus, God wins.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please give me the wisdom to avoid the many traps and manipulations of life. Give me the joy, peace, and comfort that comes from knowing true love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

So if you get a text from me asking for money, don’t reply. It’s just some sad person trying to take advantage of you for personal gain. Don’t let them.

Just for the record, I kept the part of Melanie’s text about my great sermon – because she’s right.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins