1 Peter 2:21-25
This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.
He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss.
They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
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.
I found this quote on a website today… “I love everybody. Some I love to be around, some I love to avoid, and others I would love to punch in the face.” On any given day, this could pretty well describe all of us. Our definition of “love” is often a little skewed, at best. We find the perfect example of how to love others in Jesus Christ… Who loved us with His whole heart and carried our sins to the cross so that we could be healed and complete. Yet, we choose to love selectively.
So we rant at the referees at our favorite sporting event for every call we deem as “poor”… forgetting completely that these same men and women are husbands, wives, sons, daughters, aunts and uncles –precious children of the Most High God. We lash out at those who disappoint us or anger us in some way. We criticize those who don’t conform to our standards or ideals. We say and do hurtful things without so much as a backward glance. We are very quick to react… and to retaliate.
I urge you to read this scripture passage again… several times. I have done this, and I am truly convicted by the message here. Jesus “never did one thing wrong… not once said anything amiss.” Picture Him carrying the cross to Calvary… with every sin and wrongdoing of yours and mine upon it. Imagine Him taking the wounds of the thorns, spikes and the spear, so that we could be healed and forgiven. We could not carry the burdens that would fit on a toothpick by comparison. Without the power and strength of God behind us, we are unable to do anything. Without the grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus to heal and sustain us, we would sink to the depths of despair… we would be an epic failure in the making.
Read this scripture passage several times. Let it soak in that the One who never did one thing wrong or said anything amiss took all of our missteps and unkind comments, so that we could live freely from the burden of our sins. He did all of this out of a love so strong that we cannot begin to fathom it… an uncanny desire to preserve us so that we can join Him for all eternity in Heaven!
Who does this? Who loves like this? Only JESUS! Don’t you want to be more like Him? Don’t you want to learn His rhythms and how to walk in His ways? Isn’t this a great place to begin… by checking our thoughts, words and actions… and offering grace, mercy and forgiveness to others who would speak and act against us? I wish I could say that we will never again wish to avoid some people… or to punch others in the face. I know that we will never be that much like Jesus. It doesn’t mean we can’t try. Aren’t you willing to give it a shot?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 30, 2013
Matthew 18:21-22
At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”
Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.
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.
A few years ago, I backed my car out of a parking spot one afternoon… and promptly hit the back of another car that had just pulled into a slot directly behind me. I never saw the other car until I heard the awful crash. The only damage was a broken tail light on that car…no one was hurt. However, my grandmother was a passenger in my car, and she made sure I knew that I was making her late for her beauty shop appointment… and that she surely hoped I had not hurt my husband’s car! Let’s just say she was less than forgiving that I had inconvenienced everyone!
As it turns out, the car I hit was a foreign model, and that “little tail light” cost $1600 to repair. My insurance agent called with the estimate from the body shop, and my heart sank. However, she said, “Since you have a clean driving record and have never had an accident before, this is considered a ‘forgiven one.’ It will not count against your deductible. We’ll take care of everything.” I was more relieved than I can put into words. And I have been incredibly careful since then, because 1) I do not want to have another accident; and 2) there are no second “forgiven ones” with my insurance company!
Aren’t you glad that Jesus doesn’t berate us about the ways we inconvenience Him? Aren’t you thrilled to know that Jesus does not limit His forgiveness to one offense? Don’t you think that we should forgive others as Jesus forgives us? In fact, He has told us that we must forgive seventy times seven! It’s pretty clear to me that we are not supposed to impose a forgiveness quota on others!
The next time you are irritated with someone and tempted to say, “That’s it! I’m done for good!” - consider Jesus’ words to Peter. If you continue reading in Matthew 18, you will see that Jesus makes it clear that we cannot be unforgiving toward others and expect God to forgive us. Furthermore, your “forgiveness” cannot be mere lip service. Jesus tells us to forgive from the heart. I know this is really hard… and God knows this, too. But nobody said the life of a Christian was easy!
Insurance companies may not forgive seventy times seven… but Christian discipleship is nothing like State Farm, Allstate, Geico or Aflac! We are given much by our Heavenly Father. When it comes to how we treat others, much is expected in return. God will strengthen you and give you the courage - and the capacity to forgive over and again, if only you will call on Him. Who needs to be a “forgiven one” in your circle today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”
Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.
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.
A few years ago, I backed my car out of a parking spot one afternoon… and promptly hit the back of another car that had just pulled into a slot directly behind me. I never saw the other car until I heard the awful crash. The only damage was a broken tail light on that car…no one was hurt. However, my grandmother was a passenger in my car, and she made sure I knew that I was making her late for her beauty shop appointment… and that she surely hoped I had not hurt my husband’s car! Let’s just say she was less than forgiving that I had inconvenienced everyone!
As it turns out, the car I hit was a foreign model, and that “little tail light” cost $1600 to repair. My insurance agent called with the estimate from the body shop, and my heart sank. However, she said, “Since you have a clean driving record and have never had an accident before, this is considered a ‘forgiven one.’ It will not count against your deductible. We’ll take care of everything.” I was more relieved than I can put into words. And I have been incredibly careful since then, because 1) I do not want to have another accident; and 2) there are no second “forgiven ones” with my insurance company!
Aren’t you glad that Jesus doesn’t berate us about the ways we inconvenience Him? Aren’t you thrilled to know that Jesus does not limit His forgiveness to one offense? Don’t you think that we should forgive others as Jesus forgives us? In fact, He has told us that we must forgive seventy times seven! It’s pretty clear to me that we are not supposed to impose a forgiveness quota on others!
The next time you are irritated with someone and tempted to say, “That’s it! I’m done for good!” - consider Jesus’ words to Peter. If you continue reading in Matthew 18, you will see that Jesus makes it clear that we cannot be unforgiving toward others and expect God to forgive us. Furthermore, your “forgiveness” cannot be mere lip service. Jesus tells us to forgive from the heart. I know this is really hard… and God knows this, too. But nobody said the life of a Christian was easy!
Insurance companies may not forgive seventy times seven… but Christian discipleship is nothing like State Farm, Allstate, Geico or Aflac! We are given much by our Heavenly Father. When it comes to how we treat others, much is expected in return. God will strengthen you and give you the courage - and the capacity to forgive over and again, if only you will call on Him. Who needs to be a “forgiven one” in your circle today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 29, 2013
1 Peter 3:8-9
Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Be honest… when someone says something unkind to you – or behaves in a way that is hateful or insults you – don’t you sometimes wish you could retaliate? We’ve probably all at least secretly wished we could make the person who hurt us feel just as badly – if only so he/she would know how we felt! Or maybe someone has mistreated you in some way, and then something unpleasant happened to them. Were you even a little glad inside? Did you feel like he/she got what was coming?
It is terribly hard for us as human beings to fully implement this scripture passage. We are simply not programmed to turn the other cheek, so to speak, and to love those who are hateful and insult us. And the devil is right there to whisper in our ear that the other guy deserves whatever we dish out in return. It would be so easy to strike back when we are “wronged.” We would find it so easy to give the other person a hefty dose of whatever he/she doled out in our direction.
We must work diligently to implement the teachings of this scripture passage. After all… look how terribly we have treated Jesus, yet he offers us love and kindness. He does not retaliate… Jesus never treats us hatefully or insults us.
How badly do you want to be a disciple of Christ? Do you truly desire to be like Him… to be His hands and feet to others…to love unconditionally and demonstrate His grace, mercy and forgiveness? If so, you must do everything you can to express kindness and humility… to treat others better than they sometimes deserve… and to love even those who would mistreat you in some way.
This is a tall order… but one that is extremely important to God. He will give you the strength and courage to implement these behaviors – if only you will ask Him. Don’t get caught up in the “tit for tat” game. Take the high road… share the love of Christ with everyone – even those who treat you hatefully and insult you. Let God handle those who behave this way… and glorify Him with YOUR behavior. Don’t do this because He will bless you – although He surely will! Treat others with respect, dignity and kindness because of Jesus, who loved us enough to give His very life. He would never treat us this way. Love others as Jesus would… and let God handle the rest.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Be honest… when someone says something unkind to you – or behaves in a way that is hateful or insults you – don’t you sometimes wish you could retaliate? We’ve probably all at least secretly wished we could make the person who hurt us feel just as badly – if only so he/she would know how we felt! Or maybe someone has mistreated you in some way, and then something unpleasant happened to them. Were you even a little glad inside? Did you feel like he/she got what was coming?
It is terribly hard for us as human beings to fully implement this scripture passage. We are simply not programmed to turn the other cheek, so to speak, and to love those who are hateful and insult us. And the devil is right there to whisper in our ear that the other guy deserves whatever we dish out in return. It would be so easy to strike back when we are “wronged.” We would find it so easy to give the other person a hefty dose of whatever he/she doled out in our direction.
We must work diligently to implement the teachings of this scripture passage. After all… look how terribly we have treated Jesus, yet he offers us love and kindness. He does not retaliate… Jesus never treats us hatefully or insults us.
How badly do you want to be a disciple of Christ? Do you truly desire to be like Him… to be His hands and feet to others…to love unconditionally and demonstrate His grace, mercy and forgiveness? If so, you must do everything you can to express kindness and humility… to treat others better than they sometimes deserve… and to love even those who would mistreat you in some way.
This is a tall order… but one that is extremely important to God. He will give you the strength and courage to implement these behaviors – if only you will ask Him. Don’t get caught up in the “tit for tat” game. Take the high road… share the love of Christ with everyone – even those who treat you hatefully and insult you. Let God handle those who behave this way… and glorify Him with YOUR behavior. Don’t do this because He will bless you – although He surely will! Treat others with respect, dignity and kindness because of Jesus, who loved us enough to give His very life. He would never treat us this way. Love others as Jesus would… and let God handle the rest.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 28, 2013
Matthew 7:1-5
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I were watching a sitcom recently in which a couple was getting ready for a party. One partner was criticizing the other… or rather, gently pointing out faults and puffing himself up… and the other was sick and tired of it. So he let his partner know that he was done with the “suggestions.” When he turned around to get something out of a dresser drawer, he had a pair of underwear hanging out of the waistband of his pants. The other guy thought about saying something… but then he remembered how he had just been chastised. He said nothing, and this guy ended up at the party… his extra pair of underwear hanging from his waistband for everyone to see.
This may be a goofy analogy… but hang with me here. First, we don’t know what is truly in another person’s heart …or his/her life. A few months ago, a friend’s pastor called and asked me to sub for her as pianist at a church in a nearby community. My friend was having some medical treatments and needed a little time off. I so wanted to help her… but at the same time, I was terribly busy with my own family, and felt I could not commit to this. I think the pastor called three times… and then my friend called. I explained to her that I plan “in pencil” these days, because we never know when we will be called upon to help with my grandmother or my niece’s family, which includes three babies. And sure enough, "life happened," and I would not have been able to sub for this friend.
I know women who seem to be superhuman… serving on half a dozen committees in their church and community while holding down a fulltime job and managing the care of more than one child and a husband. I used to do a lot more when I was in my twenties and thirties than I can accomplish now in my fifties. But at the same time… I am more cognizant of doing a better job on fewer tasks than trying to spread myself too thinly. AND… what I choose to do is really my business. But we all like to judge… to look at the other guy and say, “He/she could have said that so much better,” or “He/she could be doing a lot more…” or “He/she must not care about XYZ.” And all the while, our underwear is hanging out of our waistband.
We must be careful to consider our judgments of others… to ask ourselves, “What are my own shortcomings?” and to use this moment to rein in our own critical attitudes. At the same time, we cannot totally discount what others say to us… or about us. Use these moments to assess where you are in life... to serve as a checkpoint to determine if you truly are on course and operating in God’s will. If the answer is “Yes,” you can proceed with peace and assurance. If, however, you discover that someone was trying to tell you that your underwear is hanging out of your waistband, it might be time to wash the smudges of arrogance from your face and pay attention!
The bottom line is that we need to be more careful about what we say and do… more willing to give the other guy the benefit of the doubt… more forgiving. We need to offer more grace and mercy to others, because we probably need hefty doses for ourselves! We need to ask God for strength and wisdom… and the presence of His hand over our mouth more often than we care to admit! Otherwise, we’re liable to walk out the door with our underwear hanging out of our waistband… and nobody to blame but ourselves.
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I were watching a sitcom recently in which a couple was getting ready for a party. One partner was criticizing the other… or rather, gently pointing out faults and puffing himself up… and the other was sick and tired of it. So he let his partner know that he was done with the “suggestions.” When he turned around to get something out of a dresser drawer, he had a pair of underwear hanging out of the waistband of his pants. The other guy thought about saying something… but then he remembered how he had just been chastised. He said nothing, and this guy ended up at the party… his extra pair of underwear hanging from his waistband for everyone to see.
This may be a goofy analogy… but hang with me here. First, we don’t know what is truly in another person’s heart …or his/her life. A few months ago, a friend’s pastor called and asked me to sub for her as pianist at a church in a nearby community. My friend was having some medical treatments and needed a little time off. I so wanted to help her… but at the same time, I was terribly busy with my own family, and felt I could not commit to this. I think the pastor called three times… and then my friend called. I explained to her that I plan “in pencil” these days, because we never know when we will be called upon to help with my grandmother or my niece’s family, which includes three babies. And sure enough, "life happened," and I would not have been able to sub for this friend.
I know women who seem to be superhuman… serving on half a dozen committees in their church and community while holding down a fulltime job and managing the care of more than one child and a husband. I used to do a lot more when I was in my twenties and thirties than I can accomplish now in my fifties. But at the same time… I am more cognizant of doing a better job on fewer tasks than trying to spread myself too thinly. AND… what I choose to do is really my business. But we all like to judge… to look at the other guy and say, “He/she could have said that so much better,” or “He/she could be doing a lot more…” or “He/she must not care about XYZ.” And all the while, our underwear is hanging out of our waistband.
We must be careful to consider our judgments of others… to ask ourselves, “What are my own shortcomings?” and to use this moment to rein in our own critical attitudes. At the same time, we cannot totally discount what others say to us… or about us. Use these moments to assess where you are in life... to serve as a checkpoint to determine if you truly are on course and operating in God’s will. If the answer is “Yes,” you can proceed with peace and assurance. If, however, you discover that someone was trying to tell you that your underwear is hanging out of your waistband, it might be time to wash the smudges of arrogance from your face and pay attention!
The bottom line is that we need to be more careful about what we say and do… more willing to give the other guy the benefit of the doubt… more forgiving. We need to offer more grace and mercy to others, because we probably need hefty doses for ourselves! We need to ask God for strength and wisdom… and the presence of His hand over our mouth more often than we care to admit! Otherwise, we’re liable to walk out the door with our underwear hanging out of our waistband… and nobody to blame but ourselves.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 27, 2013
1 Peter 4:7-11
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
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.
Yesterday, when I visited my niece and her family, I noticed a box of homemade cookies sitting on their kitchen table. My niece said her husband brought them home from a handyman job he had done for a lady who belongs to my church. It was such a simple act…baking a box of cookies for a young couple and their three small children. But I can tell you for certain… that box was filled with a whole lot more than cookies! This woman is a generous, loving person who sees the big picture. She knows the impact of a single act of love and kindness. It wasn’t about the cookies at all… it was about saying, “I love you and care about you… you matter… remember this with every bite!” Even at 3½, Timothy was talking about Mrs. Pierce, the nice lady who had made cookies for them – and they had CHOCOLATE kisses! He felt her love… and he won’t forget it!
Think about the possibilities if each and every believer loved others as if their very lives depended on it… giving meals to the hungry and beds to the homeless – not because there was a church program in place to do this, but because a need existed and a believer met it. And let’s not be as literal as a meal or a bed. What if you see a young mother struggling in line at the store to fish out another dollar for the cashier while two little kids tug on her and whimper… and you are standing there with an extra dollar in your open wallet? Have you considered the impact you might make if you handed the cashier YOUR dollar?
Suppose you notice a friend wearing the same clothing virtually every single day, and you have more clothes in your closet than you can possibly wear. Imagine what might happen if you handed him a t-shirt or an extra pair of sneakers and said, “I almost never wear these, and I thought you might be able to put them to good use.” Do you have half a dozen jackets and coats that you rarely put on? Could you share one with someone who has nothing? When was the last time you spoke to your neighbor? Have you ever called an elderly friend or relative, just to ask how they are getting along and see if there is anything they need? How often do you offer others a spontaneous hug when you greet them?
I don’t know what opportunities you will have to serve. I have no clue whether your schedule will permit you to get involved in organized ministries at your church… or if you are tapped out already and in need of a little ministry for yourself! But I do know that we all miss out on opportunities each and every day to offer love to others. I’m not talking about huge, grand gestures… but small, seemingly insignificant ones. They don’t necessarily take a lot of time or energy, but their impact packs a wallop! In essence, we need to be sure we are plugged in to God and His incredible capacity to forgive us…His astounding desire to shower us with love.
When you lay your head on the pillow tonight, ask yourself how you showed love to someone else today. Did you grab opportunities to be generous with the gifts God gave you… to make His presence known to another by your gesture of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness – or a combination of all of these? Did you love as if your life depended on it… and did Jesus get the credit? Are you attuned to God’s voice? Do you hear Him leading you to opportunities to love others on His behalf? Just how connected are you with God? Isn’t it time you plugged in again?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
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.
Yesterday, when I visited my niece and her family, I noticed a box of homemade cookies sitting on their kitchen table. My niece said her husband brought them home from a handyman job he had done for a lady who belongs to my church. It was such a simple act…baking a box of cookies for a young couple and their three small children. But I can tell you for certain… that box was filled with a whole lot more than cookies! This woman is a generous, loving person who sees the big picture. She knows the impact of a single act of love and kindness. It wasn’t about the cookies at all… it was about saying, “I love you and care about you… you matter… remember this with every bite!” Even at 3½, Timothy was talking about Mrs. Pierce, the nice lady who had made cookies for them – and they had CHOCOLATE kisses! He felt her love… and he won’t forget it!
Think about the possibilities if each and every believer loved others as if their very lives depended on it… giving meals to the hungry and beds to the homeless – not because there was a church program in place to do this, but because a need existed and a believer met it. And let’s not be as literal as a meal or a bed. What if you see a young mother struggling in line at the store to fish out another dollar for the cashier while two little kids tug on her and whimper… and you are standing there with an extra dollar in your open wallet? Have you considered the impact you might make if you handed the cashier YOUR dollar?
Suppose you notice a friend wearing the same clothing virtually every single day, and you have more clothes in your closet than you can possibly wear. Imagine what might happen if you handed him a t-shirt or an extra pair of sneakers and said, “I almost never wear these, and I thought you might be able to put them to good use.” Do you have half a dozen jackets and coats that you rarely put on? Could you share one with someone who has nothing? When was the last time you spoke to your neighbor? Have you ever called an elderly friend or relative, just to ask how they are getting along and see if there is anything they need? How often do you offer others a spontaneous hug when you greet them?
I don’t know what opportunities you will have to serve. I have no clue whether your schedule will permit you to get involved in organized ministries at your church… or if you are tapped out already and in need of a little ministry for yourself! But I do know that we all miss out on opportunities each and every day to offer love to others. I’m not talking about huge, grand gestures… but small, seemingly insignificant ones. They don’t necessarily take a lot of time or energy, but their impact packs a wallop! In essence, we need to be sure we are plugged in to God and His incredible capacity to forgive us…His astounding desire to shower us with love.
When you lay your head on the pillow tonight, ask yourself how you showed love to someone else today. Did you grab opportunities to be generous with the gifts God gave you… to make His presence known to another by your gesture of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness – or a combination of all of these? Did you love as if your life depended on it… and did Jesus get the credit? Are you attuned to God’s voice? Do you hear Him leading you to opportunities to love others on His behalf? Just how connected are you with God? Isn’t it time you plugged in again?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 26, 2013
Matthew 6:14-15
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
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.
“Hello, God! It’s me again. I really made a big mess of things this time! Can you please help me? I so need your forgiveness. I promise… I’ve learned my lesson. If you will please forgive me, I will do better… I truly will.”
“So… you’re ready to forgive Paul for that thing he said about you to your friends?”
“Well…um… not exactly. That was a terrible, horrible thing to say about me. What he said was not true… and it damaged my reputation. I lost a lot of friends because of him… and it nearly cost me my job!”
“Are you ready to stop posting negative, derogatory comments and images on Facebook about other people and let go of your beef with those whose views or lifestyles have offended you?”
“Well now really, LORD… I have to stand up for my beliefs, don’t I? If we don’t speak out, the ‘other guy’ will trample all over us! I just need You to forgive ME so I can get back on track here.”
“Are you at least ready to show grace, mercy and forgiveness to your family and friends for minor irritations, rather than griping and grumbling and making them pay for aggravating you… even when they don’t know what they did?”
“You know, LORD…I really just came to you today with a need to be forgiven for this thing I’ve done. It’s weighing on me, and I honestly can’t move forward until You do. These other things are not the issue.”
“Oh, but they ARE! I didn’t send my only Son to die on the cross for your sins so that you could treat others however you pleased. Because of His blood and sacrifice, your sins can be forgiven. But by acceptance of this gift of salvation, you also accepted the call to serve as Jesus’ disciple… to allow Him to operate in and through you and minister to others in His name. This means, as He forgave you… now YOU must forgive others. Before I can do anything more for you, I’m going to have to see some proof that you are truly sincere about your discipleship.”
“Does this mean that you won’t love me if I don’t forgive others?”
“I will always love you. Nothing can separate you from my love. But that doesn’t mean that I am always pleased with you. Do you see the difference? When you do your best to follow the commandments of Jesus and become more like Him… I am pleased. It’s your effort and your obedience that I seek. I know you won’t get it right every time… but if you genuinely try to follow the teachings of Jesus… if you offer forgiveness, grace, mercy and love to others in His name – even when it doesn’t feel good – I am satisfied.”
“So let me get this straight… in order to ask for your forgiveness, I must be willing to forgive others… right? You will always love me… and as long as I do my best to humbly serve You and follow Your commandments, you will be pleased with my efforts…correct? I ask You to help me forgive these who have offended me in some way… will you then forgive ME for my mistakes and sins?”
“Now you get it! I will strengthen you and give you sufficient grace – for yourself AND for those who have hurt you or offended you in some way. All you have to do is ask… I am always here. It’s good to hear from you… call on me again soon! Now get busy with your day… as you have forgiven others, so have I forgiven you!”
©2013 Debbie Robus
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
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.
“Hello, God! It’s me again. I really made a big mess of things this time! Can you please help me? I so need your forgiveness. I promise… I’ve learned my lesson. If you will please forgive me, I will do better… I truly will.”
“So… you’re ready to forgive Paul for that thing he said about you to your friends?”
“Well…um… not exactly. That was a terrible, horrible thing to say about me. What he said was not true… and it damaged my reputation. I lost a lot of friends because of him… and it nearly cost me my job!”
“Are you ready to stop posting negative, derogatory comments and images on Facebook about other people and let go of your beef with those whose views or lifestyles have offended you?”
“Well now really, LORD… I have to stand up for my beliefs, don’t I? If we don’t speak out, the ‘other guy’ will trample all over us! I just need You to forgive ME so I can get back on track here.”
“Are you at least ready to show grace, mercy and forgiveness to your family and friends for minor irritations, rather than griping and grumbling and making them pay for aggravating you… even when they don’t know what they did?”
“You know, LORD…I really just came to you today with a need to be forgiven for this thing I’ve done. It’s weighing on me, and I honestly can’t move forward until You do. These other things are not the issue.”
“Oh, but they ARE! I didn’t send my only Son to die on the cross for your sins so that you could treat others however you pleased. Because of His blood and sacrifice, your sins can be forgiven. But by acceptance of this gift of salvation, you also accepted the call to serve as Jesus’ disciple… to allow Him to operate in and through you and minister to others in His name. This means, as He forgave you… now YOU must forgive others. Before I can do anything more for you, I’m going to have to see some proof that you are truly sincere about your discipleship.”
“Does this mean that you won’t love me if I don’t forgive others?”
“I will always love you. Nothing can separate you from my love. But that doesn’t mean that I am always pleased with you. Do you see the difference? When you do your best to follow the commandments of Jesus and become more like Him… I am pleased. It’s your effort and your obedience that I seek. I know you won’t get it right every time… but if you genuinely try to follow the teachings of Jesus… if you offer forgiveness, grace, mercy and love to others in His name – even when it doesn’t feel good – I am satisfied.”
“So let me get this straight… in order to ask for your forgiveness, I must be willing to forgive others… right? You will always love me… and as long as I do my best to humbly serve You and follow Your commandments, you will be pleased with my efforts…correct? I ask You to help me forgive these who have offended me in some way… will you then forgive ME for my mistakes and sins?”
“Now you get it! I will strengthen you and give you sufficient grace – for yourself AND for those who have hurt you or offended you in some way. All you have to do is ask… I am always here. It’s good to hear from you… call on me again soon! Now get busy with your day… as you have forgiven others, so have I forgiven you!”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 26, 2013
Matthew 6:14-15
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
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.
“Hello, God! It’s me again. I really made a big mess of things this time! Can you please help me? I so need your forgiveness. I promise… I’ve learned my lesson. If you will please forgive me, I will do better… I truly will.”
“So… you’re ready to forgive Paul for that thing he said about you to your friends?”
“Well…um… not exactly. That was a terrible, horrible thing to say about me. What he said was not true… and it damaged my reputation. I lost a lot of friends because of him… and it nearly cost me my job!”
“Are you ready to stop posting negative, derogatory comments and images on Facebook about other people and let go of your beef with those whose views or lifestyles have offended you?”
“Well now really, LORD… I have to stand up for my beliefs, don’t I? If we don’t speak out, the ‘other guy’ will trample all over us! I just need You to forgive ME so I can get back on track here.”
“Are you at least ready to show grace, mercy and forgiveness to your family and friends for minor irritations, rather than griping and grumbling and making them pay for aggravating you… even when they don’t know what they did?”
“You know, LORD…I really just came to you today with a need to be forgiven for this thing I’ve done. It’s weighing on me, and I honestly can’t move forward until You do. These other things are not the issue.”
“Oh, but they ARE! I didn’t send my only Son to die on the cross for your sins so that you could treat others however you pleased. Because of His blood and sacrifice, your sins can be forgiven. But by acceptance of this gift of salvation, you also accepted the call to serve as Jesus’ disciple… to allow Him to operate in and through you and minister to others in His name. This means, as He forgave you… now YOU must forgive others. Before I can do anything more for you, I’m going to have to see some proof that you are truly sincere about your discipleship.”
“Does this mean that you won’t love me if I don’t forgive others?”
“I will always love you. Nothing can separate you from my love. But that doesn’t mean that I am always pleased with you. Do you see the difference? When you do your best to follow the commandments of Jesus and become more like Him… I am pleased. It’s your effort and your obedience that I seek. I know you won’t get it right every time… but if you genuinely try to follow the teachings of Jesus… if you offer forgiveness, grace, mercy and love to others in His name – even when it doesn’t feel good – I am satisfied.”
“So let me get this straight… in order to ask for your forgiveness, I must be willing to forgive others… right? You will always love me… and as long as I do my best to humbly serve You and follow Your commandments, you will be pleased with my efforts…correct? I ask You to help me forgive these who have offended me in some way… will you then forgive ME for my mistakes and sins?”
“Now you get it! I will strengthen you and give you sufficient grace – for yourself AND for those who have hurt you or offended you in some way. All you have to do is ask… I am always here. It’s good to hear from you… call on me again soon! Now get busy with your day… as you have forgiven others, so have I forgiven you!”
©2013 Debbie Robus
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
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.
“Hello, God! It’s me again. I really made a big mess of things this time! Can you please help me? I so need your forgiveness. I promise… I’ve learned my lesson. If you will please forgive me, I will do better… I truly will.”
“So… you’re ready to forgive Paul for that thing he said about you to your friends?”
“Well…um… not exactly. That was a terrible, horrible thing to say about me. What he said was not true… and it damaged my reputation. I lost a lot of friends because of him… and it nearly cost me my job!”
“Are you ready to stop posting negative, derogatory comments and images on Facebook about other people and let go of your beef with those whose views or lifestyles have offended you?”
“Well now really, LORD… I have to stand up for my beliefs, don’t I? If we don’t speak out, the ‘other guy’ will trample all over us! I just need You to forgive ME so I can get back on track here.”
“Are you at least ready to show grace, mercy and forgiveness to your family and friends for minor irritations, rather than griping and grumbling and making them pay for aggravating you… even when they don’t know what they did?”
“You know, LORD…I really just came to you today with a need to be forgiven for this thing I’ve done. It’s weighing on me, and I honestly can’t move forward until You do. These other things are not the issue.”
“Oh, but they ARE! I didn’t send my only Son to die on the cross for your sins so that you could treat others however you pleased. Because of His blood and sacrifice, your sins can be forgiven. But by acceptance of this gift of salvation, you also accepted the call to serve as Jesus’ disciple… to allow Him to operate in and through you and minister to others in His name. This means, as He forgave you… now YOU must forgive others. Before I can do anything more for you, I’m going to have to see some proof that you are truly sincere about your discipleship.”
“Does this mean that you won’t love me if I don’t forgive others?”
“I will always love you. Nothing can separate you from my love. But that doesn’t mean that I am always pleased with you. Do you see the difference? When you do your best to follow the commandments of Jesus and become more like Him… I am pleased. It’s your effort and your obedience that I seek. I know you won’t get it right every time… but if you genuinely try to follow the teachings of Jesus… if you offer forgiveness, grace, mercy and love to others in His name – even when it doesn’t feel good – I am satisfied.”
“So let me get this straight… in order to ask for your forgiveness, I must be willing to forgive others… right? You will always love me… and as long as I do my best to humbly serve You and follow Your commandments, you will be pleased with my efforts…correct? I ask You to help me forgive these who have offended me in some way… will you then forgive ME for my mistakes and sins?”
“Now you get it! I will strengthen you and give you sufficient grace – for yourself AND for those who have hurt you or offended you in some way. All you have to do is ask… I am always here. It’s good to hear from you… call on me again soon! Now get busy with your day… as you have forgiven others, so have I forgiven you!”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 25, 2013
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life would be so much easier if we never had personal disagreements. Unfortunately, we’re all human… and things will be said and done from time to time that irritate – or even offend – us and/or the other guy. When this happens, the best thing to do is to quickly make amends – or to at least try. Sadly, even when we apologize for our part in a misunderstanding, the other party may refuse to offer forgiveness.
I am so glad that I don’t have to worry about God holding a grudge against me. If I genuinely and humbly ask Him to forgive me, He does exactly that! He doesn’t refuse to speak to me, or ignore me in public or on social media. He would never fail to answer or return a phone call. He continues to offer me grace and mercy… even when He feels I don’t deserve it. I can count on God to always love me… and to cast my sins as far as East is from West - if I only ask Him to do so.
We really have no control on how another person treats us. It’s pretty much up to him/her to decide whether to offer us grace, mercy, love and forgiveness. We certainly cannot count on these gifts, because no human can love us like Almighty God. But if we want to be a disciple of Christ… if we want to operate in the love of Jesus…we must make a concerted effort to forgive others as God forgives us. So while you cannot control the grudges others may hold against you…resentments, bitterness, and hatred have no business being a part of your makeup.
The next time you find yourself operating in a spirit of unforgiveness… whenever you feel bitterness, anger, resentment, or ill will creeping into your life… think of God and how He offers us immeasurable grace and mercy – even when we don’t deserve it. Then forgive whoever has offended you. Do this to honor God – and for yourself - even if the other guy never admits his/her part in the offense. If someone has wronged you and never asks you to forgive him/her, do it anyway. Joyce Meyer and others have characterized unforgiveness as spiritual poison. Do not allow this destructive tool of the devil to be present in your life for a single minute!
At the end of the day, we are responsible only for our personal behavior. To fail to forgive another person when God has so generously forgiven us would be incredibly hypocritical. I urge you to talk to God… tell Him how you feel. Ask Him to forgive you for any spirit of unforgiveness you have toward others… and thank Him for such a generous pardon when we acknowledge our own faults and shortcomings. Thank God for the incredible gifts of His grace and mercy… and trust Him to always be available to answer your call.
©2013 Debbie Robus
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life would be so much easier if we never had personal disagreements. Unfortunately, we’re all human… and things will be said and done from time to time that irritate – or even offend – us and/or the other guy. When this happens, the best thing to do is to quickly make amends – or to at least try. Sadly, even when we apologize for our part in a misunderstanding, the other party may refuse to offer forgiveness.
I am so glad that I don’t have to worry about God holding a grudge against me. If I genuinely and humbly ask Him to forgive me, He does exactly that! He doesn’t refuse to speak to me, or ignore me in public or on social media. He would never fail to answer or return a phone call. He continues to offer me grace and mercy… even when He feels I don’t deserve it. I can count on God to always love me… and to cast my sins as far as East is from West - if I only ask Him to do so.
We really have no control on how another person treats us. It’s pretty much up to him/her to decide whether to offer us grace, mercy, love and forgiveness. We certainly cannot count on these gifts, because no human can love us like Almighty God. But if we want to be a disciple of Christ… if we want to operate in the love of Jesus…we must make a concerted effort to forgive others as God forgives us. So while you cannot control the grudges others may hold against you…resentments, bitterness, and hatred have no business being a part of your makeup.
The next time you find yourself operating in a spirit of unforgiveness… whenever you feel bitterness, anger, resentment, or ill will creeping into your life… think of God and how He offers us immeasurable grace and mercy – even when we don’t deserve it. Then forgive whoever has offended you. Do this to honor God – and for yourself - even if the other guy never admits his/her part in the offense. If someone has wronged you and never asks you to forgive him/her, do it anyway. Joyce Meyer and others have characterized unforgiveness as spiritual poison. Do not allow this destructive tool of the devil to be present in your life for a single minute!
At the end of the day, we are responsible only for our personal behavior. To fail to forgive another person when God has so generously forgiven us would be incredibly hypocritical. I urge you to talk to God… tell Him how you feel. Ask Him to forgive you for any spirit of unforgiveness you have toward others… and thank Him for such a generous pardon when we acknowledge our own faults and shortcomings. Thank God for the incredible gifts of His grace and mercy… and trust Him to always be available to answer your call.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 24, 2013
Matthew 6:12
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
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.
A couple of months ago, I was talking with my grandmother one day… sharing what I thought would be good news with her about something my husband and I were doing. She burst into tears. I could not figure out what was wrong. Finally, she managed to say, “Oh… I’ve told you things.” I smiled and said, “Yes, you have… and I’ve listened!” This did not console her. What I did not know until a few weeks later was that she was trying to apologize for unkind things she might have said or done. In essence, she was asking for my forgiveness. With our communication barrier, I not only acknowledged her “confession”… I validated it! I have since corrected this. I thought my grandmother and I long ago forgave each other for anything we might have said or done that was harsh or unkind… or that we perceived as such. But in her last days/weeks/months of life, her “transgressions” are weighing on her… and she is desperately seeking to “make things right” with everyone she knows.
One of the hardest things for any of us to do is to forgive others. We seem to enjoy hanging onto our grudges. “But you have no idea what he/she did to me,” you may say. “I can’t just let people walk all over me.” Or, “I am so deeply hurt by what was said or done that I just don’t think I could ever forgive him/her.” Hello! Have you read the New Testament? Do you know what people did to Jesus? Have you taken a look in the mirror? Do you know the things you say and do to others every single day?
If you have asked Jesus to forgive you, then you must forgive others. We read this over and again in the New Testament. Jesus has reminded us many times that we must “take up the cross” if we wish to follow Him and be His disciple. Too many people are more than willing to accept the forgiveness of Jesus and salvation through His blood and sacrifice on the cross… but totally unwilling to offer forgiveness and mercy to others. You can’t have it both ways and claim to be a true disciple of Christ.
Where do you stand on this? Are you a “taker” and not a “giver?” Do you call yourself a Christian, yet continue to hold grudges? Do you strive to be a true disciple of Christ… to offer grace, mercy and forgiveness to others, whether they deserve it or not? Do you realize that this is what Jesus does for you every single minute of the day? Stop and ask God to help you with this. Pray for a spirit of kindness, love, mercy, and forgiveness. Operate fully in the blessings of Jesus… pay forward His forgiveness to others. If you can’t do it from your heart, do it in His name! Ask God to keep you forgiven… and to strengthen you to forgive others in kind. Now, who do you need to forgive today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
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.
A couple of months ago, I was talking with my grandmother one day… sharing what I thought would be good news with her about something my husband and I were doing. She burst into tears. I could not figure out what was wrong. Finally, she managed to say, “Oh… I’ve told you things.” I smiled and said, “Yes, you have… and I’ve listened!” This did not console her. What I did not know until a few weeks later was that she was trying to apologize for unkind things she might have said or done. In essence, she was asking for my forgiveness. With our communication barrier, I not only acknowledged her “confession”… I validated it! I have since corrected this. I thought my grandmother and I long ago forgave each other for anything we might have said or done that was harsh or unkind… or that we perceived as such. But in her last days/weeks/months of life, her “transgressions” are weighing on her… and she is desperately seeking to “make things right” with everyone she knows.
One of the hardest things for any of us to do is to forgive others. We seem to enjoy hanging onto our grudges. “But you have no idea what he/she did to me,” you may say. “I can’t just let people walk all over me.” Or, “I am so deeply hurt by what was said or done that I just don’t think I could ever forgive him/her.” Hello! Have you read the New Testament? Do you know what people did to Jesus? Have you taken a look in the mirror? Do you know the things you say and do to others every single day?
If you have asked Jesus to forgive you, then you must forgive others. We read this over and again in the New Testament. Jesus has reminded us many times that we must “take up the cross” if we wish to follow Him and be His disciple. Too many people are more than willing to accept the forgiveness of Jesus and salvation through His blood and sacrifice on the cross… but totally unwilling to offer forgiveness and mercy to others. You can’t have it both ways and claim to be a true disciple of Christ.
Where do you stand on this? Are you a “taker” and not a “giver?” Do you call yourself a Christian, yet continue to hold grudges? Do you strive to be a true disciple of Christ… to offer grace, mercy and forgiveness to others, whether they deserve it or not? Do you realize that this is what Jesus does for you every single minute of the day? Stop and ask God to help you with this. Pray for a spirit of kindness, love, mercy, and forgiveness. Operate fully in the blessings of Jesus… pay forward His forgiveness to others. If you can’t do it from your heart, do it in His name! Ask God to keep you forgiven… and to strengthen you to forgive others in kind. Now, who do you need to forgive today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 23, 2013
1 John 3:14-15
The way we know we’ve been transferred from death to life is that we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who doesn’t love is as good as dead. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know very well that eternal life and murder don’t go together.
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.
I really enjoy Facebook… most of the time. This social media venue is great for keeping up with our friends’ daughter and grandchildren – and my cousins – who live in northwest Arkansas. I’ve reconnected with cousins in Texas that I have not seen since childhood. I can share photos of my niece’s three babies with family members and friends who live out of town and rarely, if ever get to see them. We can see pictures of our great nieces and nephew who live in Tennessee and Missouri. AND…I can keep up with former students from Texas to Iowa to Japan, relatives and friends scattered all over the country… and I can even participate in some online garage sales!
However, I have to wade through some pretty nasty posts a lot of the time. This venue has provided some people with a platform for spewing venom and hatred… and more than a few have thoroughly honed their skills. The worst part is that many of these people spout hatred in one breath… and claim Jesus in the next!
We all need to take a good, hard look at 1 John 3:14-15 today. Do you see the line that says “anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer”? Do you get that when you speak so insufferably about another human being – and encourage your “friends” to join you – that you are as good as wishing them dead? Where in the life of a Christian does this fit? How did you become an officer in the courts of Heaven?
We all have the right of free speech… and the liberty to have - and voice - our opinions. But we cannot claim the name of Jesus and harbor hatred in our heart…even if we never speak it aloud or post a comment on a social media outlet. The minute you start to feel anything that approaches loathing toward another living soul, you need to stop in your tracks and ask God to strengthen you… to give you a spirit if love, forgiveness, grace, mercy and tolerance.
If someone behaves in a way you do not like, talk to God about it. Don’t ask Him to correct this person – you are not the judge and jury. Ask God to touch this person’s heart… to guide him/her according to HIS will… to give them a spirit of receptiveness to His wisdom and teachings. And ask God to give you a spirit of love and acceptance… maybe not of the person’s behaviors – but most certainly of the person.
I know this is hard… we have become a society of haters, it seems. “Oh, but I don’t HATE anybody,” you may say. And maybe you don’t. But you have to admit that we have all found it pretty easy to embrace – and sometimes express – some pretty awful thoughts about others. I don’t want to operate this way… I don’t want to have murderous thoughts or feelings… and that’s exactly what scripture says a spirit of hatred encompasses.
This is really heady stuff, and we need to stop today and take a moment to consider how we think and feel… where we have fallen short of the tremendous power that God grants us through His gifts of grace, mercy and forgiveness. We need to revisit His command to love one another and share these gifts with those in our path. Are you operating in a spirit of hatred? Are you, in essence, a murderer? Don’t you want to change this? Ask God to help you begin your transformation TODAY! Transfer from death to life and operate in the love of Jesus toward everyone. Don’t be one of “those people.” Instead, choose a genuine, loving life in Christ… and let grace, mercy and tolerance of others be your constant hallmark.
©2013 Debbie Robus
The way we know we’ve been transferred from death to life is that we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who doesn’t love is as good as dead. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know very well that eternal life and murder don’t go together.
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.
I really enjoy Facebook… most of the time. This social media venue is great for keeping up with our friends’ daughter and grandchildren – and my cousins – who live in northwest Arkansas. I’ve reconnected with cousins in Texas that I have not seen since childhood. I can share photos of my niece’s three babies with family members and friends who live out of town and rarely, if ever get to see them. We can see pictures of our great nieces and nephew who live in Tennessee and Missouri. AND…I can keep up with former students from Texas to Iowa to Japan, relatives and friends scattered all over the country… and I can even participate in some online garage sales!
However, I have to wade through some pretty nasty posts a lot of the time. This venue has provided some people with a platform for spewing venom and hatred… and more than a few have thoroughly honed their skills. The worst part is that many of these people spout hatred in one breath… and claim Jesus in the next!
We all need to take a good, hard look at 1 John 3:14-15 today. Do you see the line that says “anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer”? Do you get that when you speak so insufferably about another human being – and encourage your “friends” to join you – that you are as good as wishing them dead? Where in the life of a Christian does this fit? How did you become an officer in the courts of Heaven?
We all have the right of free speech… and the liberty to have - and voice - our opinions. But we cannot claim the name of Jesus and harbor hatred in our heart…even if we never speak it aloud or post a comment on a social media outlet. The minute you start to feel anything that approaches loathing toward another living soul, you need to stop in your tracks and ask God to strengthen you… to give you a spirit if love, forgiveness, grace, mercy and tolerance.
If someone behaves in a way you do not like, talk to God about it. Don’t ask Him to correct this person – you are not the judge and jury. Ask God to touch this person’s heart… to guide him/her according to HIS will… to give them a spirit of receptiveness to His wisdom and teachings. And ask God to give you a spirit of love and acceptance… maybe not of the person’s behaviors – but most certainly of the person.
I know this is hard… we have become a society of haters, it seems. “Oh, but I don’t HATE anybody,” you may say. And maybe you don’t. But you have to admit that we have all found it pretty easy to embrace – and sometimes express – some pretty awful thoughts about others. I don’t want to operate this way… I don’t want to have murderous thoughts or feelings… and that’s exactly what scripture says a spirit of hatred encompasses.
This is really heady stuff, and we need to stop today and take a moment to consider how we think and feel… where we have fallen short of the tremendous power that God grants us through His gifts of grace, mercy and forgiveness. We need to revisit His command to love one another and share these gifts with those in our path. Are you operating in a spirit of hatred? Are you, in essence, a murderer? Don’t you want to change this? Ask God to help you begin your transformation TODAY! Transfer from death to life and operate in the love of Jesus toward everyone. Don’t be one of “those people.” Instead, choose a genuine, loving life in Christ… and let grace, mercy and tolerance of others be your constant hallmark.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 22, 2013
Matthew 5:43-47
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
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.
Yesterday, we inaugurated Barack Obama for a second term as our 44th President of the United States. During the inauguration ceremonies, Myrlie Evers-Williams delivered an invocation. On June 12, 1963, Myrlie Evers-Williams’ then husband, Medgar Evers, was gunned down on the front lawn of their Mississippi home. Myrlie and her three children were inside when a sniper shot Medgar in the back as he got out of his car and walked toward the house. The bullet ricocheted and entered the home, as the children dove for cover. Myrlie ran outside to attend to her dying husband. Medgar died less than an hour later at a local hospital.
After her husband’s murder, Myrlie Evers continued to fight for civil rights, and she lodged a more-than-30-year battle to bring her husband’s killer to justice. She went back to college and got a degree in sociology, and she worked diligently for the NAACP. She also co-wrote For Us, the Living, a book that chronicled the life and work of her civil-rights-activist husband, Medgar.
I am deeply touched by the story of Medgar and Myrlie Evers. They lived with such conviction and concern for the rights of men and women who felt powerless to speak out themselves. The image of this daddy lying in his own front yard, bleeding to death while his small children cowered inside in complete terror brings tears to my eyes. Yet Myrlie Evers got up and got going… and she let her enemies bring out the best in her… not the worst.
I think of people who rub me the wrong way… those who get on my last nerve and really are unpleasant to be around… and I am ashamed of my attitude toward them. This scripture passage is a really hard one for me. I hear myself saying, “But, God…! Do you know how irritating this person is? Do you know what he/she has said/done to me or someone I care about? Do you know how unkind and unloving this individual is… the ugly, distasteful way he/she treats others and behaves in general?” And I hear God, through this scripture, saying… “Love him/her anyway. I love you, don’t I? You’re not so nice yourself on any given day. Yet I continue to meet your needs. Should I not offer the same to this person? Love them anyway.”
We have no time to waste. Life is short, and the first thing you know, that person you treated poorly or failed to love out of your true self… to pray for and be kind to even when it was truly a challenge… will be gone. At the end of the day, you want to be able to say, “That person gave me a hard time or was really difficult to love… but I did it anyway. With God’s strength behind me, and because He loves even me, I chose to love the unlovable in His name.” Serve the LORD obediently... and with no regrets.
Today is a good day to take inventory. Look around at the people you encounter and ask yourself who is lovable… and who isn’t. Are you treating all of these people equally? Are you merely offering run-of-the-mill-sinner lip service to those you find difficult to love – or to even be around? Isn’t it time to put your Christian faith and love into action… to show them kindness beyond what you feel they deserve? My prayer is that we will never have to face challenges on the same scale as Myrlie Evers-Williams… but that we will live with the same courage and conviction. I pray that we will love our enemies and always give our best in the name of Jesus. He gave us the ultimate example of how to love the unlovely. How well have you demonstrated His lesson?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
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.
Yesterday, we inaugurated Barack Obama for a second term as our 44th President of the United States. During the inauguration ceremonies, Myrlie Evers-Williams delivered an invocation. On June 12, 1963, Myrlie Evers-Williams’ then husband, Medgar Evers, was gunned down on the front lawn of their Mississippi home. Myrlie and her three children were inside when a sniper shot Medgar in the back as he got out of his car and walked toward the house. The bullet ricocheted and entered the home, as the children dove for cover. Myrlie ran outside to attend to her dying husband. Medgar died less than an hour later at a local hospital.
After her husband’s murder, Myrlie Evers continued to fight for civil rights, and she lodged a more-than-30-year battle to bring her husband’s killer to justice. She went back to college and got a degree in sociology, and she worked diligently for the NAACP. She also co-wrote For Us, the Living, a book that chronicled the life and work of her civil-rights-activist husband, Medgar.
I am deeply touched by the story of Medgar and Myrlie Evers. They lived with such conviction and concern for the rights of men and women who felt powerless to speak out themselves. The image of this daddy lying in his own front yard, bleeding to death while his small children cowered inside in complete terror brings tears to my eyes. Yet Myrlie Evers got up and got going… and she let her enemies bring out the best in her… not the worst.
I think of people who rub me the wrong way… those who get on my last nerve and really are unpleasant to be around… and I am ashamed of my attitude toward them. This scripture passage is a really hard one for me. I hear myself saying, “But, God…! Do you know how irritating this person is? Do you know what he/she has said/done to me or someone I care about? Do you know how unkind and unloving this individual is… the ugly, distasteful way he/she treats others and behaves in general?” And I hear God, through this scripture, saying… “Love him/her anyway. I love you, don’t I? You’re not so nice yourself on any given day. Yet I continue to meet your needs. Should I not offer the same to this person? Love them anyway.”
We have no time to waste. Life is short, and the first thing you know, that person you treated poorly or failed to love out of your true self… to pray for and be kind to even when it was truly a challenge… will be gone. At the end of the day, you want to be able to say, “That person gave me a hard time or was really difficult to love… but I did it anyway. With God’s strength behind me, and because He loves even me, I chose to love the unlovable in His name.” Serve the LORD obediently... and with no regrets.
Today is a good day to take inventory. Look around at the people you encounter and ask yourself who is lovable… and who isn’t. Are you treating all of these people equally? Are you merely offering run-of-the-mill-sinner lip service to those you find difficult to love – or to even be around? Isn’t it time to put your Christian faith and love into action… to show them kindness beyond what you feel they deserve? My prayer is that we will never have to face challenges on the same scale as Myrlie Evers-Williams… but that we will live with the same courage and conviction. I pray that we will love our enemies and always give our best in the name of Jesus. He gave us the ultimate example of how to love the unlovely. How well have you demonstrated His lesson?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 21, 2013
1 John 3:18-20
My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.
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.
It’s been one of those days! So when my mother e-mailed me tonight and asked, “Are you sick? I have not had a devo from you today nor heard from you this afternoon”… I laughingly replied that the devo was coming, and I feel fine! There was a time when I would have been beside myself with frustration and self-criticism for not getting the devotional written earlier in the day. But God has shown me a lot of valuable lessons in recent months… and one of them is to cut down on the “worried heart syndrome” that has plagued me for much of my life.
Last October, my husband and I felt a call from God to help my niece and her family move back to Arkansas from Texas. Part of our offer to help included being available when needed to assist with her three children… Timothy, age 3½; Zola, now 20 months; and Nathan, almost 6 months. To say we have learned more than we ever thought possible about “practicing real love” in the last few weeks/months would be an understatement. These babies and their parents are now a vital part of our lives…and frequent visitors at our house!
So this weekend, while both boys were under the weather, we kept Zola for a couple of days/nights. I took her home this morning, just in time to return home and grab a shower, then head to the funeral of a dear friend of my maternal grandmother. Mrs. Evelyn also happened to be a table mate of my Mam-ma Polly at the assisted living facility – and one of the matriarchs of my church. I was blessed by the service and all of the wonderful memories that were shared about this dear soul and her lifetime of practicing real love and her commitment to her family, which extended to three great-great-grandchildren. After the service, I visited my grandmother at the assisted living facility and took her a copy of Mrs. Evelyn’s funeral program.
This evening, we attended a junior high girls’ basketball game to watch my husband’s great-niece play for the local team. We don’t attend all of her games, but we try to make as many of those in the home gym as possible. It is important that she know we love her and support her activities.
So now you know why the devotional is late today. I was busy “practicing real love.” And while I could have set my alarm and gotten up before everyone else this morning – or skipped watching a movie tonight with my husband in order to write this earlier – I chose otherwise. I could have even opted not to write a devo today… and the world would not have come to an end!
The point of this is not to “make more of myself than I ought to,” as my grandmother would say. But I think we need to recognize the acts of “real love” that we practice… and to cut ourselves some slack when we are not superhuman! Even something as seemingly insignificant as caring for a toddler while her brothers were sick, or attending the funeral of someone we knew and loved – and showing concern and support for the family members who survive him/her, is putting love into real practice. Going to a junior high ballgame to cheer for a friend or family member is practicing real love. Writing a note to someone just to say “Hello!” …“Get well soon!” …or “I’m thinking about you” is a gesture of love in action.
It is important that we tell others we love them. It’s more important that we show them. It is also important that we give ourselves a break once in a while and stop all of the negative self-criticism. Sometimes we need to take a step backward and recognize that we are doing the best we can in the moment. We need to learn to trust God to make the difference and realize that He loves us no matter how much we do. Some of us are so worried about disappointing God or others that we fail to stop and practice a little real love on ourselves!
When you read this devo, stop and take a quick inventory of your day. Where are you practicing real love? Have you criticized yourself harshly and operated with a worried heart? How effective were your efforts to love others when you were feeling this way? Isn’t it time to ask God to bless you and keep you… to give you strength and courage to make acts of love – toward others AND yourself – your top priority of the day? If you do this, God will see that everything else that needs to get done is accomplished. After all…He just helped me finish this devotional, didn’t He?!
©2013 Debbie Robus
My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.
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.
It’s been one of those days! So when my mother e-mailed me tonight and asked, “Are you sick? I have not had a devo from you today nor heard from you this afternoon”… I laughingly replied that the devo was coming, and I feel fine! There was a time when I would have been beside myself with frustration and self-criticism for not getting the devotional written earlier in the day. But God has shown me a lot of valuable lessons in recent months… and one of them is to cut down on the “worried heart syndrome” that has plagued me for much of my life.
Last October, my husband and I felt a call from God to help my niece and her family move back to Arkansas from Texas. Part of our offer to help included being available when needed to assist with her three children… Timothy, age 3½; Zola, now 20 months; and Nathan, almost 6 months. To say we have learned more than we ever thought possible about “practicing real love” in the last few weeks/months would be an understatement. These babies and their parents are now a vital part of our lives…and frequent visitors at our house!
So this weekend, while both boys were under the weather, we kept Zola for a couple of days/nights. I took her home this morning, just in time to return home and grab a shower, then head to the funeral of a dear friend of my maternal grandmother. Mrs. Evelyn also happened to be a table mate of my Mam-ma Polly at the assisted living facility – and one of the matriarchs of my church. I was blessed by the service and all of the wonderful memories that were shared about this dear soul and her lifetime of practicing real love and her commitment to her family, which extended to three great-great-grandchildren. After the service, I visited my grandmother at the assisted living facility and took her a copy of Mrs. Evelyn’s funeral program.
This evening, we attended a junior high girls’ basketball game to watch my husband’s great-niece play for the local team. We don’t attend all of her games, but we try to make as many of those in the home gym as possible. It is important that she know we love her and support her activities.
So now you know why the devotional is late today. I was busy “practicing real love.” And while I could have set my alarm and gotten up before everyone else this morning – or skipped watching a movie tonight with my husband in order to write this earlier – I chose otherwise. I could have even opted not to write a devo today… and the world would not have come to an end!
The point of this is not to “make more of myself than I ought to,” as my grandmother would say. But I think we need to recognize the acts of “real love” that we practice… and to cut ourselves some slack when we are not superhuman! Even something as seemingly insignificant as caring for a toddler while her brothers were sick, or attending the funeral of someone we knew and loved – and showing concern and support for the family members who survive him/her, is putting love into real practice. Going to a junior high ballgame to cheer for a friend or family member is practicing real love. Writing a note to someone just to say “Hello!” …“Get well soon!” …or “I’m thinking about you” is a gesture of love in action.
It is important that we tell others we love them. It’s more important that we show them. It is also important that we give ourselves a break once in a while and stop all of the negative self-criticism. Sometimes we need to take a step backward and recognize that we are doing the best we can in the moment. We need to learn to trust God to make the difference and realize that He loves us no matter how much we do. Some of us are so worried about disappointing God or others that we fail to stop and practice a little real love on ourselves!
When you read this devo, stop and take a quick inventory of your day. Where are you practicing real love? Have you criticized yourself harshly and operated with a worried heart? How effective were your efforts to love others when you were feeling this way? Isn’t it time to ask God to bless you and keep you… to give you strength and courage to make acts of love – toward others AND yourself – your top priority of the day? If you do this, God will see that everything else that needs to get done is accomplished. After all…He just helped me finish this devotional, didn’t He?!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 20, 2013
Matthew 5:11-12
“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
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.
I once worked for someone who did not see eye to eye with me about some aspects of a particular project. Despite her best efforts to convince me that I was wrong and she was right, I finally told her that we would have to respectfully agree to disagree. She killed the project. I was momentarily wounded by her reaction. But in the long run, it didn’t hurt me as deeply as she had anticipated. In fact, a series of blessings followed that “course-changer,” and I’ve never looked back. There was a moral dilemma at play here… I could compromise my values and opinions – and my loyalty to my community at large - and fall into her camp, or I could “suffer the consequences.” I refused to budge.
Was this a hard decision? Maybe in some ways. Do I regret it? Not in the least! Have I seen the hand of God in many circumstances because of the choice I made? You betcha! Have I forgiven this person? Absolutely! To do anything else would be contrary to everything I believe and all that God teaches.
Here’s the deal…we are not the judge and jury. It’s not up to us to decide who is punished… or where or how. We are called to love others as we love ourselves… and that means to forgive them when they ridicule us or cause us pain in any form. Yes, your faith may cost you a job, a significant other, or any friends all. Yes, your allegiance to God could very well cost your very life. But what is the alternative? It’s certainly nothing I wish to consider… do you?
Read this scripture passage again… count your blessings every time people put you down, throw you out or speak lies about you because you are doing what God has told you to do. If you can, be glad when this happens. I know this is a tall order… but try to find joy in this “suffering.” And hear the applause of Heaven. Know that God is saying, “He/she passed the test with flying colors!” Realize that you are not the first… nor will you be the last… to be treated this way. And most importantly, your actions have pleased God. Isn’t that really all that matters?
Stand ready today to be who and what God called you to be… at all times… regardless of how others react or treat you. Be willing to step up and step out in His name, despite the cost. Prepare to hear the roar of Heaven as your grace, mercy, faithfulness and forgiveness in the name of Jesus are commended. Bask in the confidence that you have pleased the only One who really matters… His rewards blessings are the ultimate compensation.
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
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.
I once worked for someone who did not see eye to eye with me about some aspects of a particular project. Despite her best efforts to convince me that I was wrong and she was right, I finally told her that we would have to respectfully agree to disagree. She killed the project. I was momentarily wounded by her reaction. But in the long run, it didn’t hurt me as deeply as she had anticipated. In fact, a series of blessings followed that “course-changer,” and I’ve never looked back. There was a moral dilemma at play here… I could compromise my values and opinions – and my loyalty to my community at large - and fall into her camp, or I could “suffer the consequences.” I refused to budge.
Was this a hard decision? Maybe in some ways. Do I regret it? Not in the least! Have I seen the hand of God in many circumstances because of the choice I made? You betcha! Have I forgiven this person? Absolutely! To do anything else would be contrary to everything I believe and all that God teaches.
Here’s the deal…we are not the judge and jury. It’s not up to us to decide who is punished… or where or how. We are called to love others as we love ourselves… and that means to forgive them when they ridicule us or cause us pain in any form. Yes, your faith may cost you a job, a significant other, or any friends all. Yes, your allegiance to God could very well cost your very life. But what is the alternative? It’s certainly nothing I wish to consider… do you?
Read this scripture passage again… count your blessings every time people put you down, throw you out or speak lies about you because you are doing what God has told you to do. If you can, be glad when this happens. I know this is a tall order… but try to find joy in this “suffering.” And hear the applause of Heaven. Know that God is saying, “He/she passed the test with flying colors!” Realize that you are not the first… nor will you be the last… to be treated this way. And most importantly, your actions have pleased God. Isn’t that really all that matters?
Stand ready today to be who and what God called you to be… at all times… regardless of how others react or treat you. Be willing to step up and step out in His name, despite the cost. Prepare to hear the roar of Heaven as your grace, mercy, faithfulness and forgiveness in the name of Jesus are commended. Bask in the confidence that you have pleased the only One who really matters… His rewards blessings are the ultimate compensation.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 19, 2013
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Like many others, my husband and I have been Arkansas Razorbacks fans for decades. I like to think we are fans whether they win or lose. But let’s be honest… it’s a whole lot more fun when they are winning! We cheer, “call the Hogs,” and sing “Oh, Lord, It’s Hard to be Humble” with the best of them at games. There is something incredibly energizing and refreshing about the drumbeat of the band and hearing the U of A Fight Song. And who can beat the exhilaration of yelling “Woo Pig Sooie!”? Even though we both graduated from Arkansas Tech, we support the Razorbacks wholeheartedly… they are forever “our team.”
There was a time when we took our fan support of the Razorbacks more seriously than we do these days… and we know some fairly rabid fans even now! They practically live and die by the ups and downs of our beloved Hogs – especially when it comes to football, basketball, baseball and track. We have settled into what I believe is a healthy loyalty… a recognition that these are just sporting events played by young men and women. We are still exuberant over victories… but far less devastated by the defeats.
I have to wonder, do we give the same allegiance to God that we give to our athletic teams? After all, He supports US like no other. He is always there for us… always winning victories on our behalf… always singing and rejoicing over our triumphs. His love refreshes and energizes us each and every day. God is much more than the “wind beneath our wings.” He is our refuge, our strength… our everything! But do we treat Him with appropriate regard?
Do we give God the same “fan support” that we give to our beloved Arkansas Razorbacks? Are we ready to praise Him and maintain a relationship with Him when the chips are down and things are not going so well in our lives? Or maybe that’s the only time we ARE in close contact… when things go badly and we need God to bail us out! We can’t have it both ways, you know. We’re either in all the way… or we’re not in at all. Faith should not be fickle… and neither should our relationship with God.
We need to recognize God’s presence and power in our lives… His ability to secure victory after victory for us… to lift us up when we are sinking… and to celebrate when we are at the top of the heap! How refreshed are you by God’s presence in your life? Do you have a “fair weather fan” relationship… or have you gone “whole hog?” Isn’t it time you gave Him your “full fan support?” God is always with YOU… can you say the same in return?
©2013 Debbie Robus
The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Like many others, my husband and I have been Arkansas Razorbacks fans for decades. I like to think we are fans whether they win or lose. But let’s be honest… it’s a whole lot more fun when they are winning! We cheer, “call the Hogs,” and sing “Oh, Lord, It’s Hard to be Humble” with the best of them at games. There is something incredibly energizing and refreshing about the drumbeat of the band and hearing the U of A Fight Song. And who can beat the exhilaration of yelling “Woo Pig Sooie!”? Even though we both graduated from Arkansas Tech, we support the Razorbacks wholeheartedly… they are forever “our team.”
There was a time when we took our fan support of the Razorbacks more seriously than we do these days… and we know some fairly rabid fans even now! They practically live and die by the ups and downs of our beloved Hogs – especially when it comes to football, basketball, baseball and track. We have settled into what I believe is a healthy loyalty… a recognition that these are just sporting events played by young men and women. We are still exuberant over victories… but far less devastated by the defeats.
I have to wonder, do we give the same allegiance to God that we give to our athletic teams? After all, He supports US like no other. He is always there for us… always winning victories on our behalf… always singing and rejoicing over our triumphs. His love refreshes and energizes us each and every day. God is much more than the “wind beneath our wings.” He is our refuge, our strength… our everything! But do we treat Him with appropriate regard?
Do we give God the same “fan support” that we give to our beloved Arkansas Razorbacks? Are we ready to praise Him and maintain a relationship with Him when the chips are down and things are not going so well in our lives? Or maybe that’s the only time we ARE in close contact… when things go badly and we need God to bail us out! We can’t have it both ways, you know. We’re either in all the way… or we’re not in at all. Faith should not be fickle… and neither should our relationship with God.
We need to recognize God’s presence and power in our lives… His ability to secure victory after victory for us… to lift us up when we are sinking… and to celebrate when we are at the top of the heap! How refreshed are you by God’s presence in your life? Do you have a “fair weather fan” relationship… or have you gone “whole hog?” Isn’t it time you gave Him your “full fan support?” God is always with YOU… can you say the same in return?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 18, 2013
January 18 ~ Romans 5:3-5
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I wish I had a dollar for every time we have watched “Frosty the Snowman” at our house in the last month! I have to say… I had forgotten how “deep” this little story really is until we started watching it with Timothy before Christmas. Now do not misunderstand me… I am not elevating “Frosty” to the status of Jesus in the least. But at the same time, I believe we can use the lessons of this jovial snowman to begin to introduce our children to the strength, love, grace and mercy of God… and maybe learn a few things for ourselves in the bargain.
Hear me out on this…
Santa Claus essentially shuts down the magician… admonishing him to go away and leave Frosty and the children alone… and outlining serious consequences if he does not. He tells the children that Frosty is going away with him to the North Pole, but that they will see him again someday… and it is at least implied that the “spirit of Christmas” will live in their hearts each and every day.
There is so much we do not understand about Jesus… how He could love us enough to come to earth and sacrifice His very life for ours. We often have trouble accepting that God could care about us enough to send His Son to die for our sins… then leave His Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage us each and every day. Just as surely as that evil magician kept popping up in “Frosty the Snowman”… the devil keeps rearing his ugly head and giving us troubles and trials. But God is still with us, persistently offering protection and fortitude… giving us hope and confidence.
Maybe it’s time we became more like little children… readily trusting in a magical snowman who came to life when he donned an old black magician’s hat. Perhaps it’s time to recognize the presence, care and strength of our Heavenly Father in the form of His Holy Spirit… to fully embrace how much He loves us and the amazing care we are offered each and every day. Isn’t it possible that we need to step out in faith and open our hearts and minds to the power of Jesus in our daily living… to renew our resolve to believe in Him and respect His abundant and profound attention to every detail of our lives?
I have to tell you, I have developed a new perspective on “Frosty the Snowman.” Someday soon, we will be able to use this little story to help our toddlers understand how God sent Jesus to earth to guide and protect us… and how He will return someday. We will most certainly instill in them the understanding that Jesus is far more important, powerful and loving than Frosty... how He cares about every single aspect of our lives and stands ready to help us with all of them.
Maybe you and I need to become a little more childlike today in our faith and understanding of the presence and impact of God in our lives. Do you truly grasp how much you are loved by God? Do you really “get it” that Jesus gave up His very life for yours? Are you confident that you will see Him again someday… and that He is available to you every minute of the day in the meantime? Have you tapped into the supernatural power and strength He offers? Wouldn’t this be a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I wish I had a dollar for every time we have watched “Frosty the Snowman” at our house in the last month! I have to say… I had forgotten how “deep” this little story really is until we started watching it with Timothy before Christmas. Now do not misunderstand me… I am not elevating “Frosty” to the status of Jesus in the least. But at the same time, I believe we can use the lessons of this jovial snowman to begin to introduce our children to the strength, love, grace and mercy of God… and maybe learn a few things for ourselves in the bargain.
Hear me out on this…
- When Frosty first comes to life, the children are all eager to follow him.
- There is an “evil magician” who is continually trying to destroy Frosty and hurt those who choose to love the jovial snowman.
- In an effort to stay frozen, Frosty and Hocus Pocus (the rabbit with a hefty fur coat) board a refrigerated train car with the little girl, Karen, in tow… and head for the North Pole. Karen gets very cold, and at his own expense, Frosty departs the train car and starts to seek a way to keep Karen warm. He enlists the forest animals to build a warming fire for her.
- When the evil magician stomps out the fire, Frosty takes Karen to a nearby greenhouse used for growing poinsettias, so that she can get warm. He knows that doing this will cause him great personal harm… but he sacrifices his own life for Karen’s.
- Frosty melts, and Karen is heartbroken. Santa Claus arrives and assures Karen that Frosty will come back to life… and he does.
- Frosty goes to the North Pole to live with Santa Claus. While Karen and the others are sad to see him go, they are reassured that he will be back again someday.
Santa Claus essentially shuts down the magician… admonishing him to go away and leave Frosty and the children alone… and outlining serious consequences if he does not. He tells the children that Frosty is going away with him to the North Pole, but that they will see him again someday… and it is at least implied that the “spirit of Christmas” will live in their hearts each and every day.
There is so much we do not understand about Jesus… how He could love us enough to come to earth and sacrifice His very life for ours. We often have trouble accepting that God could care about us enough to send His Son to die for our sins… then leave His Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage us each and every day. Just as surely as that evil magician kept popping up in “Frosty the Snowman”… the devil keeps rearing his ugly head and giving us troubles and trials. But God is still with us, persistently offering protection and fortitude… giving us hope and confidence.
Maybe it’s time we became more like little children… readily trusting in a magical snowman who came to life when he donned an old black magician’s hat. Perhaps it’s time to recognize the presence, care and strength of our Heavenly Father in the form of His Holy Spirit… to fully embrace how much He loves us and the amazing care we are offered each and every day. Isn’t it possible that we need to step out in faith and open our hearts and minds to the power of Jesus in our daily living… to renew our resolve to believe in Him and respect His abundant and profound attention to every detail of our lives?
I have to tell you, I have developed a new perspective on “Frosty the Snowman.” Someday soon, we will be able to use this little story to help our toddlers understand how God sent Jesus to earth to guide and protect us… and how He will return someday. We will most certainly instill in them the understanding that Jesus is far more important, powerful and loving than Frosty... how He cares about every single aspect of our lives and stands ready to help us with all of them.
Maybe you and I need to become a little more childlike today in our faith and understanding of the presence and impact of God in our lives. Do you truly grasp how much you are loved by God? Do you really “get it” that Jesus gave up His very life for yours? Are you confident that you will see Him again someday… and that He is available to you every minute of the day in the meantime? Have you tapped into the supernatural power and strength He offers? Wouldn’t this be a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 17, 2013
Psalm 27:1
You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe.
I am not afraid of anyone.
You protect me, and I have no fears.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Timothy and I were driving home, and he said, “I had a bad dream at Paw-Paw’s. A bear was after me.” We talked about how dreams are scary, but they can’t really hurt us… how grownups can protect children and keep them safe from scary things. And I said, “If I was scared, you would protect me… right?” Timothy said, “I can’t protect YOU… you’re BIG!” So I asked him what he would do if his little sister, Zola, was scared. He said, “I would hug her and protect her and keep her safe!” I hope this big brother remembers his vow as he gets older!
Not all of us have an older brother or sister… or anyone who is “bigger” that we trust to protect us. But each and every one of us can call on Jesus. We can rely on His strength and protection. He will keep us safe… He will calm our fears.
I have no doubt that it comforts little children greatly to think that they can trust their parents and other adults to allay their fears and keep them safe. We all need a “parental figure” we can turn to when the chips are down. But more importantly, we need to fully comprehend the strength of God… how HE protects us and keeps us safe… how He can calm our fears… how He sent Jesus Christ to be the light of the world and save us from all “darkness.” And we need to put our trust in our Heavenly Father to do exactly this for us – each and every day.
Whether you are three and a half, twenty-three, or well into your eighties or nineties, you know that the dark can be a scary place… and nightmares are no fun for anyone! Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have the light of Jesus to keep us safe in all situations… to protect us and remove our fears? Are you trusting Him to do this in your life? Shouldn’t you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe.
I am not afraid of anyone.
You protect me, and I have no fears.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Timothy and I were driving home, and he said, “I had a bad dream at Paw-Paw’s. A bear was after me.” We talked about how dreams are scary, but they can’t really hurt us… how grownups can protect children and keep them safe from scary things. And I said, “If I was scared, you would protect me… right?” Timothy said, “I can’t protect YOU… you’re BIG!” So I asked him what he would do if his little sister, Zola, was scared. He said, “I would hug her and protect her and keep her safe!” I hope this big brother remembers his vow as he gets older!
Not all of us have an older brother or sister… or anyone who is “bigger” that we trust to protect us. But each and every one of us can call on Jesus. We can rely on His strength and protection. He will keep us safe… He will calm our fears.
I have no doubt that it comforts little children greatly to think that they can trust their parents and other adults to allay their fears and keep them safe. We all need a “parental figure” we can turn to when the chips are down. But more importantly, we need to fully comprehend the strength of God… how HE protects us and keeps us safe… how He can calm our fears… how He sent Jesus Christ to be the light of the world and save us from all “darkness.” And we need to put our trust in our Heavenly Father to do exactly this for us – each and every day.
Whether you are three and a half, twenty-three, or well into your eighties or nineties, you know that the dark can be a scary place… and nightmares are no fun for anyone! Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have the light of Jesus to keep us safe in all situations… to protect us and remove our fears? Are you trusting Him to do this in your life? Shouldn’t you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 16, 2013
Psalm 23:4
I may walk through valleys as dark as death,
but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod
makes me feel safe.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I took a walk one recent evening, shortly before dusk. There is a hiking trail near our house, with an access road for vehicular traffic that runs parallel to it. We have hiked the trail, but most of the time we take the access road. The trail runs underneath the side of a tall bluff and is steep in spots, rocky - and in certain areas – fairly dark. At one end of the trail, there is also an observation deck.
As we approached the overlook, we encountered a family… a father, mother, pre-teen and toddler. We said “Hello,” and the parents asked if the access road would take them back to the Visitor Center, where we assumed they had parked their car. We detected a foreign accent… perhaps German…and we decided maybe they were tourists. My husband and I pointed in the direction we were walking and gestured for them to follow us. But they were still taking in the view from the overlook, and as we trekked ahead at a steady gait, we lost sight of the group.
By the time we got to the Visitor Center, it was starting to get dark… and cold… and we could not see this family. We both agreed that surely they took the access road and had not gotten back on the trail. And soon enough, as we circled back to head home, we met all four of them walking toward us. We had been fairly certain the clan was safe. But I have to tell you, I wasn’t relishing the thought of a night-time rescue mission on that cold, precipitous hiking trail!
Isn’t it wonderful to know that God is always with us? Even when we set out on unknown trails in the dark, He is there to guide our steps. Just as this verse says…the mere thought of our Shepherd’s strong hook at the ready - should we need protection - gives us comfort. We truly have nothing to fear. The image of the strength and power of God combined with His incredible love and gentle care for us gives me goose bumps! NO ONE ELSE can do this for us! There is no other who can provide us with all of these things in anything near the measures that God does.
The next time you walk through a valley as dark as death - and you will - think about this scripture passage. Remind yourself WHO is walking alongside you. Picture God shielding and guiding you with one arm… fighting off your enemies with a shepherd’s rod in His other hand. It’s a powerful image… and He’s a powerful God. Do you recognize His presence by your side? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
I may walk through valleys as dark as death,
but I won’t be afraid.
You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod
makes me feel safe.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I took a walk one recent evening, shortly before dusk. There is a hiking trail near our house, with an access road for vehicular traffic that runs parallel to it. We have hiked the trail, but most of the time we take the access road. The trail runs underneath the side of a tall bluff and is steep in spots, rocky - and in certain areas – fairly dark. At one end of the trail, there is also an observation deck.
As we approached the overlook, we encountered a family… a father, mother, pre-teen and toddler. We said “Hello,” and the parents asked if the access road would take them back to the Visitor Center, where we assumed they had parked their car. We detected a foreign accent… perhaps German…and we decided maybe they were tourists. My husband and I pointed in the direction we were walking and gestured for them to follow us. But they were still taking in the view from the overlook, and as we trekked ahead at a steady gait, we lost sight of the group.
By the time we got to the Visitor Center, it was starting to get dark… and cold… and we could not see this family. We both agreed that surely they took the access road and had not gotten back on the trail. And soon enough, as we circled back to head home, we met all four of them walking toward us. We had been fairly certain the clan was safe. But I have to tell you, I wasn’t relishing the thought of a night-time rescue mission on that cold, precipitous hiking trail!
Isn’t it wonderful to know that God is always with us? Even when we set out on unknown trails in the dark, He is there to guide our steps. Just as this verse says…the mere thought of our Shepherd’s strong hook at the ready - should we need protection - gives us comfort. We truly have nothing to fear. The image of the strength and power of God combined with His incredible love and gentle care for us gives me goose bumps! NO ONE ELSE can do this for us! There is no other who can provide us with all of these things in anything near the measures that God does.
The next time you walk through a valley as dark as death - and you will - think about this scripture passage. Remind yourself WHO is walking alongside you. Picture God shielding and guiding you with one arm… fighting off your enemies with a shepherd’s rod in His other hand. It’s a powerful image… and He’s a powerful God. Do you recognize His presence by your side? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 15, 2013
Psalm 18:32-34
God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Since I was a very small child, I have been able to play the piano “by ear.” This means that if I hear a song once or twice, I can play it – or at least parts of it – from memory. Because I can play by ear, I can jump in on jam sessions, recall a song I heard in a movie or on the radio – then sit down at the piano, and play a few measures, or someone who hums a few bars of a tune and says, “Can you play this one?”.
Honestly, until I was an adult, I truly thought every musician could play by ear – at least to some degree. I did not realize what a strength this is musically. But as with any “muscle,” I can tell you that this “natural ability” requires bolstering. So all of the hours my sister and I sat in child-sized rocking chairs behind my mother as she taught piano lessons - marking up old music books in an imitation of her - we were strengthening and developing our musical abilities. When we sat for hours at the piano as teenagers, playing and singing the latest tunes from the radio, we were building our “musical muscle.”
Additionally, we were guided by an incredibly gifted piano teacher named Barbara Little, who taught us not only to play with technical accuracy – but more importantly, to actually “feel” the music and give it life. She trained our hands and strengthened our arms... and accepted nothing less than our very best.
As I read this passage today, I thought of all the ways God strengthens and trains us for our daily living. This is an incredible gift… and some of us have decided that we have “natural ability” and can manage on our own. The truth is… we need His instruction and guidance. We need the honing of our proficiencies that can only come from God. We accomplish nothing on our own… God’s strength and training is necessary in order for us to do our very best.
I am grateful for the gifts that God has given me – including the ability to “play by ear.” I am even more grateful that He continues to strengthen and train me in all areas of life… from the seemingly insignificant tasks to my most daunting challenges. I am able to overcome obstacles, become more capable, and learn new things through the strength of God.
You have just as many strengths and abilities as the next guy… maybe more! God has equipped each of us with the potential to be everything He planned for us… if only we will tap into His “strength training.” Who is your Personal Trainer today? Who gives you strength and teaches you new skills? Are you doing all you can to build your “muscles” and give your very best at all times? Isn’t this a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Since I was a very small child, I have been able to play the piano “by ear.” This means that if I hear a song once or twice, I can play it – or at least parts of it – from memory. Because I can play by ear, I can jump in on jam sessions, recall a song I heard in a movie or on the radio – then sit down at the piano, and play a few measures, or someone who hums a few bars of a tune and says, “Can you play this one?”.
Honestly, until I was an adult, I truly thought every musician could play by ear – at least to some degree. I did not realize what a strength this is musically. But as with any “muscle,” I can tell you that this “natural ability” requires bolstering. So all of the hours my sister and I sat in child-sized rocking chairs behind my mother as she taught piano lessons - marking up old music books in an imitation of her - we were strengthening and developing our musical abilities. When we sat for hours at the piano as teenagers, playing and singing the latest tunes from the radio, we were building our “musical muscle.”
Additionally, we were guided by an incredibly gifted piano teacher named Barbara Little, who taught us not only to play with technical accuracy – but more importantly, to actually “feel” the music and give it life. She trained our hands and strengthened our arms... and accepted nothing less than our very best.
As I read this passage today, I thought of all the ways God strengthens and trains us for our daily living. This is an incredible gift… and some of us have decided that we have “natural ability” and can manage on our own. The truth is… we need His instruction and guidance. We need the honing of our proficiencies that can only come from God. We accomplish nothing on our own… God’s strength and training is necessary in order for us to do our very best.
I am grateful for the gifts that God has given me – including the ability to “play by ear.” I am even more grateful that He continues to strengthen and train me in all areas of life… from the seemingly insignificant tasks to my most daunting challenges. I am able to overcome obstacles, become more capable, and learn new things through the strength of God.
You have just as many strengths and abilities as the next guy… maybe more! God has equipped each of us with the potential to be everything He planned for us… if only we will tap into His “strength training.” Who is your Personal Trainer today? Who gives you strength and teaches you new skills? Are you doing all you can to build your “muscles” and give your very best at all times? Isn’t this a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 14, 2013
Psalm 119:17-24
Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life; not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road. Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders. I’m a stranger in these parts; give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—insatiable for your nourishing commands. And those who think they know so much, ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it! Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;
I’ve been careful to do just what you said. While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me, I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel. Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight; I listen to them as to good neighbors!
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.
We recently watched the Golden Globe Awards program…partly in an attempt to get some ideas for movies and television series that might interest us. There were several nominated productions that left us looking at each other and saying, “I don’t think so.” One was a mini-series that we had already tried and found so violent and depressing we could barely make it through the first episode. Another we tried was simply uninteresting. While recommended and heralded by some, these were not for us.
Just because someone recommends a movie or television series doesn’t mean that we will like it – or that we have to watch it. We have the capability of deciding for ourselves what is right – and enjoyable – and we don’t have to listen to the opinions of others. In much the same way, we get a lot of opinions and ideas from others… our “neighbors,” if you will… about how we should live, what we should think, who we should support with our vote and our allegiance, and how we should spend our time and our money. But this doesn’t mean we have to listen to – much less heed – these opinions.
The pressure can be pretty strong at times… you may feel like an outsider if you don’t agree on certain issues with those in your social circle, your class, your neighborhood, your family, or even your church! But sometimes our heads and our hearts don’t align… times when God tells us (through scripture, prayer and meditation) that we should feel one way… and people tell us something different. These are the times that we must rely on God’s strength. When we feel that God is giving us good counsel, we need to trust Him… not cave to the influence of others.
If we rent a movie or mini-series that someone recommends, and we don’t like it, we’ve not suffered a great loss. But in many instances where we allow the advice of others to influence us without first conferring with God, we put ourselves – and possibly those in OUR circle of influence – at great risk. We need to be hungry… ravenous… for the commands of God. We need to learn to rely on Him for answers both large and small… to keep our eyes squarely focused on the path toward our Heavenly Father. His directions are clear… His voice is readily detectable… His words are true – if only we will pay attention.
Are you listening? Are you watching? Do you depend on God for answers… and do you rely on His strength when He leads you down difficult paths? Have you learned to fully trust Him… to believe that what God commands is always right? Isn’t it time you began to fully operate in His wisdom… and to seek His counsel over all other? Will this be the day you choose to do exactly that?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life; not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road. Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders. I’m a stranger in these parts; give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—insatiable for your nourishing commands. And those who think they know so much, ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it! Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;
I’ve been careful to do just what you said. While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me, I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel. Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight; I listen to them as to good neighbors!
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.
We recently watched the Golden Globe Awards program…partly in an attempt to get some ideas for movies and television series that might interest us. There were several nominated productions that left us looking at each other and saying, “I don’t think so.” One was a mini-series that we had already tried and found so violent and depressing we could barely make it through the first episode. Another we tried was simply uninteresting. While recommended and heralded by some, these were not for us.
Just because someone recommends a movie or television series doesn’t mean that we will like it – or that we have to watch it. We have the capability of deciding for ourselves what is right – and enjoyable – and we don’t have to listen to the opinions of others. In much the same way, we get a lot of opinions and ideas from others… our “neighbors,” if you will… about how we should live, what we should think, who we should support with our vote and our allegiance, and how we should spend our time and our money. But this doesn’t mean we have to listen to – much less heed – these opinions.
The pressure can be pretty strong at times… you may feel like an outsider if you don’t agree on certain issues with those in your social circle, your class, your neighborhood, your family, or even your church! But sometimes our heads and our hearts don’t align… times when God tells us (through scripture, prayer and meditation) that we should feel one way… and people tell us something different. These are the times that we must rely on God’s strength. When we feel that God is giving us good counsel, we need to trust Him… not cave to the influence of others.
If we rent a movie or mini-series that someone recommends, and we don’t like it, we’ve not suffered a great loss. But in many instances where we allow the advice of others to influence us without first conferring with God, we put ourselves – and possibly those in OUR circle of influence – at great risk. We need to be hungry… ravenous… for the commands of God. We need to learn to rely on Him for answers both large and small… to keep our eyes squarely focused on the path toward our Heavenly Father. His directions are clear… His voice is readily detectable… His words are true – if only we will pay attention.
Are you listening? Are you watching? Do you depend on God for answers… and do you rely on His strength when He leads you down difficult paths? Have you learned to fully trust Him… to believe that what God commands is always right? Isn’t it time you began to fully operate in His wisdom… and to seek His counsel over all other? Will this be the day you choose to do exactly that?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 13, 2013
Philippians 4:13
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Last week I had one of those “what-have-I-gotten-myself-into” moments that we all have occasionally. I discovered that my cousin’s in-laws were coming to Arkansas from Indiana and Tennessee for his wife’s funeral… 20-25 of them or better. I asked my cousin if he needed any food while they were visiting. He sent word that they could use meals for Friday night, Saturday breakfast, and Saturday evening… and possibly Sunday. I had some organizing to do! So I went over to my mom’s house, and she and I sat down and made a menu for three meals… dinner Friday night, breakfast Saturday morning, and dinner again Saturday evening. That wasn’t everything the family had asked for, but it was a good start!
We made a list of people we felt would want to help, and we got out the telephone directory and began calling them. The first half dozen calls we made were unanswered. We made a plan to “divide and conquer” the list, and I headed for the grocery store. Before I left, I told my mom, “I’m not worried about this… I’ve done it before, and we always have a ‘fish and five loaves’ situation. We’ll probably end up with more than enough. I know we will be okay.” On the way to the store, I prayed that God would make it so. And he did!
By Thursday morning, we had so much food coming that we had to scale back and ask some people to provide drinks, ice and paper goods instead. As people began to drop by with desserts, bread and sandwich meat, we reduced the amount of those items on our list. Then the church that hosted the funeral decided to provide the family with an after-service meal… and the family made plans to return home Saturday evening. So we started thinking in terms of what to do with leftovers!
Just as I predicted, God provided more than enough physical sustenance for this family. As He provided for their nourishment and bodily strength, He showed me once again that I can do anything with His help. And whether you are organizing a food committee for a bereaved family or planning a move to another city, God can handle it for you. If you need to overcome an addiction or lose a few pounds, God will give you the strength to do so. When you are grieving, sick, frustrated, frightened, or stressed out over something happy and fun… call on God to meet all of your needs – and He will gladly answer!
This is one of my favorite scriptures, because truly the message of Jesus Christ is fully encompassed. I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength… who died for my sins and took them upon Himself. I can do everything through Christ, who loves me in ways I cannot begin to understand and gives me strength to love others in ways that seem daunting, if not impossible. I can do everything through Christ, who sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in me and be my constant companion until He calls me home to live forever in His glorious presence! Nothing is impossible because of Jesus!
When I have a “what-have-I-gotten-myself-into” moment, I’m learning to remind myself of this… to say, “Okay, LORD, buckle Your seatbelt! It may be a bumpy ride, but if You will drive, I know we will get there in one piece!” I am learning to operate in HIS strength – and believe that all things are possible. Can you say the same?
©2013 Debbie Robus
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Last week I had one of those “what-have-I-gotten-myself-into” moments that we all have occasionally. I discovered that my cousin’s in-laws were coming to Arkansas from Indiana and Tennessee for his wife’s funeral… 20-25 of them or better. I asked my cousin if he needed any food while they were visiting. He sent word that they could use meals for Friday night, Saturday breakfast, and Saturday evening… and possibly Sunday. I had some organizing to do! So I went over to my mom’s house, and she and I sat down and made a menu for three meals… dinner Friday night, breakfast Saturday morning, and dinner again Saturday evening. That wasn’t everything the family had asked for, but it was a good start!
We made a list of people we felt would want to help, and we got out the telephone directory and began calling them. The first half dozen calls we made were unanswered. We made a plan to “divide and conquer” the list, and I headed for the grocery store. Before I left, I told my mom, “I’m not worried about this… I’ve done it before, and we always have a ‘fish and five loaves’ situation. We’ll probably end up with more than enough. I know we will be okay.” On the way to the store, I prayed that God would make it so. And he did!
By Thursday morning, we had so much food coming that we had to scale back and ask some people to provide drinks, ice and paper goods instead. As people began to drop by with desserts, bread and sandwich meat, we reduced the amount of those items on our list. Then the church that hosted the funeral decided to provide the family with an after-service meal… and the family made plans to return home Saturday evening. So we started thinking in terms of what to do with leftovers!
Just as I predicted, God provided more than enough physical sustenance for this family. As He provided for their nourishment and bodily strength, He showed me once again that I can do anything with His help. And whether you are organizing a food committee for a bereaved family or planning a move to another city, God can handle it for you. If you need to overcome an addiction or lose a few pounds, God will give you the strength to do so. When you are grieving, sick, frustrated, frightened, or stressed out over something happy and fun… call on God to meet all of your needs – and He will gladly answer!
This is one of my favorite scriptures, because truly the message of Jesus Christ is fully encompassed. I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength… who died for my sins and took them upon Himself. I can do everything through Christ, who loves me in ways I cannot begin to understand and gives me strength to love others in ways that seem daunting, if not impossible. I can do everything through Christ, who sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in me and be my constant companion until He calls me home to live forever in His glorious presence! Nothing is impossible because of Jesus!
When I have a “what-have-I-gotten-myself-into” moment, I’m learning to remind myself of this… to say, “Okay, LORD, buckle Your seatbelt! It may be a bumpy ride, but if You will drive, I know we will get there in one piece!” I am learning to operate in HIS strength – and believe that all things are possible. Can you say the same?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 12, 2013
Matthew 21:21-22
But Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don’t doubt God, you’ll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you’ll tell, ‘Go jump in the lake,’ and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of 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.
I often refer to our 19-month-old great-niece, Zola, as “our little monkey!” Zola absolutely loves to climb things. One day, as my husband sat on our couch, he put his feet on the ottoman in front of him. Zola wanted to pass by. She could easily have crawled underneath my husband’s legs and been on her way. Instead, she worked, wriggled, huffed and puffed as she attempted to “scale the mountain” and climb up and over. For her, those legs were a huge obstacle… one she faced head-on! I’m not sure where she gets her determination and confidence, but there is nothing she won’t tackle!
My favorite part of this particular translation of Matthew 21:21-22 is…” you’ll not only do minor feats … but also triumph over huge obstacles.” Most of us perform minor feats every single day - from getting to work or school on time… running a household a combination of people of all ages and maybe a pet or two…managing to squeeze in a workout that keeps us healthy.. and much more. Let’s call them “small victories.” I believe God blesses us with these to keep us encouraged and moving forward… to show us that we are strong and capable of “getting it done.”
By the same token, each one of us will likely face huge obstacles at one point or another in our life. Our “mountain” may be something such as finishing college or completing a difficult internship…losing a significant amount of weight (or that last stubborn 10 pounds) and getting in shape to reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure…coping with the grief of losing a loved one…losing our job and/or our home… managing a serious illness (ours or that of a friend or family member)… facing the results of a crisis, such as a natural disaster… or conquering an addiction. But God can equip us with the strength, courage and fortitude to handle these obstacles… if only we will trust Him.
Isn’t it great to know that God can help us with all of this – minor feats, huge obstacles - and everything in between? Wouldn’t it be great if we operated a little more like Zola… in the “No Fear Zone?” We DO know where our determination and confidence lies… in the strength and power of God Almighty. It is up to us to lay hold of Him… to remove all doubt and claim the dominion of God as our believing prayer. Whether He directs us to crawl under or around our hurdle… or to climb to the top and tackle it head-on, we can embrace Kingdom Life and handle anything under God’s power.
Does this mean that we can literally make mountains jump into the lake by telling them to do so? Probably not! But with God’s help, the “mountains” in our individual lives can be seized and managed, captured and dominated… and we can rest in the assurance and protection of a victorious Master who always has our back. Aren’t you ready for this? What “mountain” do you need to move today? Are you ready to lay hold of God and get it done?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 11, 2013
Matthew 17:20
“Because you’re not yet taking God seriously,” said Jesus. “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle.”
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.
Have you ever eaten something with little seeds – poppy seed muffins, blackberries, blueberries or strawberries, etc. – and gotten one stuck in your teeth? It felt like the thing is the size of a marble… right? Yet when the tiny offender was removed, you might have been amazed at how insignificant in size it truly was. Still, it wielded great power – or discomfort – over your life.
Last week, a friend of mine lost her 51-year-old sister to cancer. As I exchanged messages with her, I shared with her how I try to do things for others – to show them kindness, empathy and encouragement – in honor of my brother, Tim, who left us over 14 years ago. I challenged her to honor HER sister in this way… to carry Cindy's amazing legacy for being the hands and feet of Jesus forward to those she encounters.
This week, my cousin’s 42-year-old wife died suddenly from breast cancer. We never even knew she was ill. She masked her rapid decline and talked only of Jesus and how He was allowing her to share in the ministry she and my cousin had founded - and to win countless souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. So in consoling my cousin, I have encouraged him to keep putting one foot in front of the other… to continue the work – and in so doing, to honor Angie as He honors his faith in God.
Neither one of these ladies were community leaders or well-known figures. But mention either name, and you should hear the chatter! You should see Facebook light up with comments about each one and how she blessed others – and how both of these women were on fire for Jesus. They may have been “tiny poppy seeds” on this earth… but their impact was tremendous. God’s power and strength coursing through them could not be contained… it radiated outwardly to everyone they encountered.
What about you? What are you doing with your faith and God’s blessings? Even if you only have “poppy seed faith” – or “mustard seed faith” as many translations of this scripture call it – this is enough to accomplish tremendous things in the name of Jesus. You have Supernatural power and energy running through your veins! How are you using it?
Do you put one foot in front of the other – even when what little faith you may have is tested – and see where God can take you? Isn’t it time you opened your heart to the possibilities He offers? What are you waiting for? There is NOTHING you cannot tackle with God… NOTHING! Are you ready to take Him seriously?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Because you’re not yet taking God seriously,” said Jesus. “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle.”
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.
Have you ever eaten something with little seeds – poppy seed muffins, blackberries, blueberries or strawberries, etc. – and gotten one stuck in your teeth? It felt like the thing is the size of a marble… right? Yet when the tiny offender was removed, you might have been amazed at how insignificant in size it truly was. Still, it wielded great power – or discomfort – over your life.
Last week, a friend of mine lost her 51-year-old sister to cancer. As I exchanged messages with her, I shared with her how I try to do things for others – to show them kindness, empathy and encouragement – in honor of my brother, Tim, who left us over 14 years ago. I challenged her to honor HER sister in this way… to carry Cindy's amazing legacy for being the hands and feet of Jesus forward to those she encounters.
This week, my cousin’s 42-year-old wife died suddenly from breast cancer. We never even knew she was ill. She masked her rapid decline and talked only of Jesus and how He was allowing her to share in the ministry she and my cousin had founded - and to win countless souls for the Kingdom of Heaven. So in consoling my cousin, I have encouraged him to keep putting one foot in front of the other… to continue the work – and in so doing, to honor Angie as He honors his faith in God.
Neither one of these ladies were community leaders or well-known figures. But mention either name, and you should hear the chatter! You should see Facebook light up with comments about each one and how she blessed others – and how both of these women were on fire for Jesus. They may have been “tiny poppy seeds” on this earth… but their impact was tremendous. God’s power and strength coursing through them could not be contained… it radiated outwardly to everyone they encountered.
What about you? What are you doing with your faith and God’s blessings? Even if you only have “poppy seed faith” – or “mustard seed faith” as many translations of this scripture call it – this is enough to accomplish tremendous things in the name of Jesus. You have Supernatural power and energy running through your veins! How are you using it?
Do you put one foot in front of the other – even when what little faith you may have is tested – and see where God can take you? Isn’t it time you opened your heart to the possibilities He offers? What are you waiting for? There is NOTHING you cannot tackle with God… NOTHING! Are you ready to take Him seriously?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)