April 30 ~ 1 Corinthians 12:19-24
But I also want you to think about how this keeps your significance from getting blown up into self-importance. For no matter how significant you are, it is only because of what you are a part of. An enormous eye or a gigantic hand wouldn't be a body, but a monster. What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place. No part is important on its own. Can you imagine Eye telling Hand, "Get lost; I don't need you"? Or, Head telling Foot, "You're fired; your job has been phased out"? As a matter of fact, in practice it works the other way - the "lower" the part, the more basic, and therefore necessary. You can live without an eye, for instance, but not without a stomach. When it's a part of your own body you are concerned with, it makes no difference whether the part is visible or clothed, higher or lower. You give it dignity and honor just as it is, without comparisons. If anything, you have more concern for the lower parts than the higher. If you had to choose, wouldn't you prefer good digestion to full-bodied hair?
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Have you ever watched cheerleaders at a sporting event build a pyramid? Everyone seems to focus on the people at the top… the ones who climb higher and higher on the backs and legs of others to stand several feet in the air, often on one foot or another. Or maybe you’ve watched as a strong young man lifts the petite female cheerleader up over his head with one hand, and then with a slight toss, she is airborne until he catches her safely near the ground. Amazingly, these feats usually work smoothly, but once in awhile, there is a mishap, and someone falls – and sometimes the injuries are quite serious.
We seem to glorify the person at the top… the young girl who climbs to the head of the tower or is flipped high in the air by her cheerleading partner. The truth of the matter is that the base of the pyramid and the strong partner on the ground are the real heroes of this spectacle. Without a strong base, none of these formations and routines would be possible. None of these are solo acts!
And this is how it is for Christians. We are NOTHING without the support underneath us – Jesus Christ. He is the base of our pyramid… the support that lifts us into the air and flips us… and more importantly… catches us as we fall. By the same token, we are no more important than any other Christian. Together, we do great things for Christ - we support one another. On our own, we often crumble or lose our footing. We need the encouragement, empathy, wisdom, courage, and yes… “back” of other brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.
Without a base, there would be no pyramid. Without support, there would be no aerial flips. Without Jesus, we would fall – and fail. Without our brothers and sisters in Christ, we would accomplish far less for the Kingdom of God. Be thankful for the support of Jesus – and others… and lend your support whenever possible. It’s all about the Foundation!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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April 29 ~ 1 Corinthians 9:23
Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized - whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ - but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
If you have ever watched Miami Ink or L.A. Ink, you know that Kat Von D is a beautiful dark-haired woman who is also a tattoo artist. Her body is covered in elaborate tattoos… including the face of Beethoven (because she studied classical music as a child), stars around her eyes, and many other characters and embellishments. Tattoos have become quite popular these days, and you may even have one or two. So… do I need to get a tattoo in order to fit in and be a more effective Christian? Do I need to modify my appearance, my hobbies and interests, the kind of car I drive, and even my street address so that others “accept” me more and are more receptive to my witness?
The answer to all of these questions is a very emphatic “NO!” But I do need to have an understanding and a general knowledge of things outside my comfort zone… and so do you. I need to know about the interests and lifestyles of those I wish to reach. I need a general understanding of other religious beliefs. I cannot be grossed out or outwardly put off by the appearance of someone else or their choices. I can’t cross to the other side of the street to avoid contact with someone whose lifestyle or culture I find offensive or different. Many “Christian” white people did exactly this to avoid passing African-Americans on the sidewalks of Little Rock and other cities when I was a little girl. Today, some of us still cut a wide berth for those who appear to be Middle Eastern, and yes, even Hispanic and African-American… not to mention those we assume are poor, addicted to drugs, gay, or even physically different/handicapped.
Paul says we need to be “in the world,” but not conformed to it. That means that as Christians, we must pay attention to world events and “know what’s happenin’,” – but we don’t have to be a physical part of that happening! We don’t have to change the way we dress, our lifestyle, our hobbies or our beliefs to “fit in” with others so that they will see Jesus in us. But we absolutely cannot be judgmental of others, either, or we’ve blown it big time.
While I don’t plan to tattoo the face of Beethoven, The Beatles, or anyone else on my body any time soon, I don’t mind those who have “body art.” The only “tattoo” I ever plan to have is the “mark” of Jesus upon my heart, but that is right for me. The only piercings for me (aside from a couple of holes in my ears) are those of my Saviour on the cross. But that doesn’t make me better than those who are covered in piercings… and that doesn’t mean that THEY are not Christians. I don’t know what “makes them tick,” but I know that God does – and He loves them, just as He loves me. So my message today is Paul’s message… be aware of the things of this world, but don’t change to try and fit in with others. Be yourself… and all that God has made you to be. People who are the “real deal” will win more souls for Christ than phony wannabes any day of the week!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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April 28 ~ 1 Corinthians 8:8-9
But fortunately God doesn't grade us on our diet. We're neither commended when we clean our plate nor reprimanded when we just can't stomach it. But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a fellow believer still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
This passage continues the thread of yesterday’s passage about becoming new creatures in Christ, and how we all get there in different ways and on different time tables. The 6th graders at my church have been taking “Confirmation” classes. The official website of United Methodist Churches describes this as “Confirmation preparation” classes, and says…” It is the first public affirmation of the grace of God in one's baptism and the acknowledgment of one's acceptance of that grace by faith. This moment includes all the elements of conversion-repentance of sin, surrender and death of self, trust in the saving grace of God, new life in Christ, and becoming an instrument of God's purpose in the world. The profession of Christian faith, to be celebrated in the midst of the worshiping congregation, should include the voicing of baptismal vows as a witness to faith and the opportunity to give testimony to personal Christian experience.”
A very important part of this explanation comes next… “Two things should be noted here: One, confirmation is not becoming a member of the church. Baptism already celebrated that! Two, confirmation is a person's first public affirmation of the faith of the church as being his or her own faith. In other words, the confirmand is taking responsibility for living as a member of the body of Christ and for fulfilling God's purposes.” These classes are usually conducted for pre-teens who are old enough to accept responsibility for their behavior and their choice to follow Jesus. And with Confirmation comes an obligation not to throw others off track – to live in a way that is pleasing to God and honors Him and the sacrifices He made for us.
Some who are reading this devo were “Confirmed” in their pre-teens. Many others have “confirmed” their faith in Jesus Christ at some point in time through a personal profession of faith in Him, inviting His Holy Spirit to live within you, and committing to serve Him in everything you say and do. God doesn’t care if we take Confirmation classes or not… but He does care that we surrender to Him – AND… that we conduct our lives in a way that “represents” Him to others appropriately and respectfully.
I remember well my niece’s Confirmation about seven years ago. I remember how amazing it was to feel the power of the Holy Spirit as we placed our hands on her and the pastor immersed her head in water and baptized her. I remember going last summer to Sandy Beach and witnessing the total immersion baptism of several children I have loved since before they were born. It was a holy, humbling time, as we realized the impact of this demonstration of faith and the responsibilities it carried. Please pray for children throughout the world who will be Confirmed in the next few weeks. Pray for their families and friends – and pray that they will all be strong and courageous in their faith – and always “represent” their life in Christ to others in a way that pleases God. And as a “confirmed” Christian already… be sure you also “represent” Christ well.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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April 27 ~ 1 Corinthians 8:7
In strict logic, then, nothing happened to the meat when it was offered up to an idol. It's just like any other meat. I know that, and you know that. But knowing isn't everything. If it becomes everything, some people end up as know-it-alls who treat others as know-nothings. Real knowledge isn't that insensitive.
We need to be sensitive to the fact that we're not all at the same level of understanding in this. Some of you have spent your entire lives eating "idol meat," and are sure that there's something bad in the meat that then becomes something bad inside of you. An imagination and conscience shaped under those conditions isn't going to change overnight.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Have you ever met someone who became a Christian and almost immediately seemed to “get it” and have an incredible grasp and command of scripture knowledge? Maybe this person appeared to have a very deep relationship with the Holy Spirit, and maybe this person intimidated you just a little. I think we all know someone like this, and maybe we are even caused to question why our faith/Bible knowledge/spiritual relationship is not as strong as that of others.
I don’t know why some people gain a quicker understanding of how Jesus took our sins on the cross. We all “understand” what happened for us on the cross, but I find that I sometimes still fail to “leave it at the cross” – to leave my past sins behind and move ahead. Others seem to do that far better than I. There are so many people who know a whole lot more scripture than I do… and they can spout chapter and verse and have incredible recall for this. I, on the other hand, am left to say, “Somewhere in the Bible it says ‘such-and-such’” and paraphrase, offering to look it up later.
The point is that we are all human. And some of us have spent a lifetime dragging out our past sins and bemoaning them… some of us have faster recall for scripture… some of us come to a quicker understanding and deep relationship with the Holy Spirit. But that doesn’t mean we are superior to those who don’t… or inferior to those who do! God isn’t tapping a wristwatch and setting a time limit on how quickly we fully develop our relationship with him. He understands that, for some of us, “old habits die hard,” and we are not going to change overnight.
Yes, the transformation of salvation changes us into new creatures, and we should leave our old sinful lives behind. But even babies take awhile to develop fully. The have difficulty focusing their eyes at first, and they are unable to walk and talk for several months to a few years. So it is with us. We don’t fully develop as Christians overnight. But we must always be sensitive as Christians… never judgmental, and certainly never “know-it-alls” about Jesus. Above all, we must keep working and trying – and learning and growing – and heading toward the day when our old ways are just that – old ways – and we live our “best lives” … fully embracing and understanding our new life in Christ.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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April 26 ~ 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
It seems to me that God has put us who bear his Message on stage in a theater in which no one wants to buy a ticket. We're something everyone stands around and stares at, like an accident in the street. We're the Messiah's misfits. You might be sure of yourselves, but we live in the midst of frailties and uncertainties. You might be well-thought-of by others, but we're mostly kicked around. Much of the time we don't have enough to eat, we wear patched and threadbare clothes, we get doors slammed in our faces, and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living. When they call us names, we say, "God bless you." When they spread rumors about us, we put in a good word for them. We're treated like garbage, potato peelings from the culture's kitchen. And it's not getting any better.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Nobody likes rejection. Nobody likes to have doors slammed in their faces. Did you ever sell something like Girl Scout Cookies or tickets to a school fundraiser, and you had to go door-to-door and ask people to buy what you were selling? Do you remember how awful it felt when they said “No,” but your parents and teachers and leaders had said, “Smile and be nice, even if they don’t buy from you.” It was hard, wasn’t it?
Now think about your Christian life. Think about how many times you reach out to people and they either say, “No, thanks!” or they snicker at you as you walk away (or do it to your face!) or sometimes they are downright rude! It hurts, doesn’t it? And it probably doesn’t make you feel one bit better to be reminded that this has been going on since the early churches of Jesus’ disciples!
But here’s the deal… the hurt and rejection we face as Christians is so, so minor, compared to what Jesus suffered for us. The mockery and rudeness we have to “endure” for Him can’t begin to compare to what He endured for our sins. It almost seems embarrassing to even mention our indignities in the face of those done to Christ, doesn’t it?
So the next time you feel you are mistreated because of your faith, remember The One who endured far and above what we will ever face – and all on our behalf. Smile and say, “God bless you,” and move on… confident that God will bless YOU greatly for even your smallest efforts to share His love – and the Gospel – with another.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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April 25 ~ 1 Corinthians 2:3-5
I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Sometimes people ask me questions for which I have no clear answer… questions about faith and why God allows certain things. I have been asked, “How will I know when I hear from God?” and even “What should I do about this?” Talk about a challenge! I feel so inadequate to answer these questions – and indeed, on my own, I AM totally inadequate. So my first move is to stop and ask God to give me the words… the wisdom and the courage to steer each person in the right direction. And sometimes, He tells me to say, “I don’t know.”
But more often, God clearly shows me what to say and how to proceed. I know it comes from Him, because I often take a step back and ask myself, “Where did that come from?” – and then I realize that I KNOW the answer to that question! There is no way that I could come up with all of the messages for these devotionals… the encouragement for friends… the guidance for those who ask questions... without God giving me the words and wisdom. I know my own limitations and inadequacies… and they are HUGE! I am not an authority on the Bible or any matters of faith… but I do know Jesus… and HE has ALL of the answers! And what He does for me, He will surely do for you.
When someone asks you a question or challenges your faith, don’t try to tackle the answer on your own. You will bomb bigger than Dallas and fall flat on your face. Stop – for a few minutes, hours, or even days – take a deep breath, and ask God to equip you to handle the situation. When you are confident that you are moving under HIS leadership, forge ahead. You will be amazed at what you are able to say and do… and you’ll know that GOD did it… He just used you as the vehicle!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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April 24 ~ 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
A friend told me recently about visiting with a pastor in another community. The man was impeccably dressed, drove a nice car, and appeared to be fairly wealthy. He made the comment, “I plan to claim this community!” He did not add… “for Jesus.” He stopped at the declaration that HE would claim the community. It left those to whom he was speaking wondering… what was he claiming the community FOR – his own political gain, personal wealth? Hopefully, he felt those listening understood he meant he would claim the city for Jesus – and hopefully that IS what he meant! But so often, we inadvertently say what we really mean even when we mean to say something else!God doesn’t mind if we have nice things… if we work hard and earn them. But He wants us to give back to HIM first – and to give HIM the credit for all we have - before treating ourselves to luxuries. God doesn’t care what kind of car we drive, what we wear or where we live. He doesn’t care about pedigree… or even your past! God cares about your heart – and Who gets the credit in your life – for everything!
Tooting your own horn will get you nowhere with God. Remember, without Him, we can do nothing! With God, ALL things are possible! Now tell me, Who really deserves the glory?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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April 23 ~ Romans 15:1-2
Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Sometimes I see a post on Facebook or hear a comment from someone that tells me that this person is hurting… something has happened to cause them to feel helpless – or hopeless. They wonder what is coming next, why this is happening, and how they will survive it all. As a Christian, I have three choices… 1) I can jump in with them and commiserate all the way and wonder and worry with them, or 2) I can ignore their comments and pretend it is of no concern to me, or 3) I can ask God to give me helpful thoughts and deeds to share with this person.
In so many situations, well-meaning, loving, kind-hearted Christian people totally freeze and do not know how to react to others. And often, this “inaction” is perceived by those who need us as apathy. We inadvertently make them feel as if: 1) we don’t care about them, and 2) neither does anybody else, especially God.
Strength is indeed given to us for service to others – not for status so that others can see how wonderful and strong we are. So the next time you see a friend who is in need… or even a friend to whom something GOOD has happened, let them know that you noticed… and that you care. If there is a need, ask how you can help? At the very least, tell them, “I care about you and I’m praying for you.” And mean it – do it! If you can do more, go for it. After all, tomorrow, YOU may be the one in need.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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April 22 ~ Romans 14:1-4
Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with - even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When I was in elementary school, we had fish sticks at school nearly every Friday. Why was this? It stemmed from a religious custom. For centuries, it has been a universal Christian custom (not all Christians practice this custom) to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays… and in religious circles, “fasting” means no meat in the diet. In Jesus’ day, meat was a luxury (and by meat, I mean something other than fish, which was easy to catch and readily available). “Meat” became a rich man’s food, while fish was a poor man’s food… and fasting came to mean omitting meat and substituting fish! To this day, many restaurants and cafeterias still serve some type of fish on Fridays.
Does fasting make us more holy? Not necessarily. Fasting may take the focus off of filling our stomachs and put it on filling our hearts with the Holy Spirit. But I seriously doubt that many of us give much thought to eating fish on Friday and consider it a “holy” act of fasting! Does that mean it is wrong for those who take this custom seriously? It absolutely does not – nor is it wrong for Christians to fast and pray at any time. If this ritual brings a person closer to God and makes him/her more in tune with the Holy Spirit, we have no business questioning or criticizing. The same goes for criticizing women who feel they must wear long dresses, or certain congregations who dance and sing with hands raised in praise to God. These customs may seem strange to us, but they do not give us license to question a brother or sister’s faith.
I am working hard on this sin of judging others. I am not a judgmental person, but I have to admit, human nature kicks in more often than I would like, and I realize that I have indeed judged someone for their beliefs or actions. One of the ways I am trying to handle this is to remind myself that this person is just as much a child of God as I am. And if I believe he/she is a Christian, this person is also my brother or sister in Christ… heir to everything that I am… and just as precious to God as I will ever be. For me to be critical or judgmental is to deny who I am - or who I want to be - in Christ Jesus. I know I am a work in progress, but by God’s grace, I can treat my brothers and sisters better along the way - and leave the judging to Him.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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