Matthew 7:7-12
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?
“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.
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.
This is the day that children across America look forward to all year…for several reasons. Chief among them? Candy! The kids (and some grown-ups!) dress up in cute and/or scary costumes, knock on doors and say, “Trick-or-treat!”… and expect to receive candy to put in their sack, bag, plastic pumpkin – or even a pillowcase! According to news reports, a woman in West Fargo, North Dakota, has decided to substitute “fat letters” for candy as her “treat” to those children she decides are “obese”. The letter will tell their parents that this child should not be consuming sugar… and encourage them to ration the child’s candy consumption.
While I am all for combatting childhood obesity… can you imagine the heartbreak of a child who rings the doorbell on Halloween - expecting a sweet treat - when he/she receives this letter? Who would do such a thing to a child? There is a time and place for everything… and this is neither the time – nor the place! This woman is playing a game - and using unsuspecting children as the pawns. This is exactly the point that Jesus is making in the book of Matthew… that most parents would never do this - and God most certainly would not!
Yes, God is our Heavenly Father. Yes, He has standards… and expectations… for each of us. But God would never play games with us. He would never disrespect us or make promises He can’t – or won’t – keep. God doesn’t lie, cheat or steal. He doesn’t ignore us because He isn’t in the mood to talk to us (as we often do with friends and family members). He would never try to con us or manipulate us. God would never disrespect our relationship… He would never talk about us to others behind our backs, call us names, or speak hatefully or unkindly toward us. God would never slam a door in our face… or lead us to expect one thing – and give us something else.
God offers us the perfect model for how to treat others in His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was never unkind or disrespectful toward anyone… not even His enemies. And none of us wants to be mistreated or disrespected. So why would we think it was okay to act this way toward anyone else? This passage reminds us to think about how we want others to treat us… and beat them to the punch!
We are called to treat others in the same way that we wish to be treated – or better! When trick-or-treaters ring your doorbell tonight, give them your best candy and treats. And make a vow to give others your best each and every day. Let the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus be your daily “costume” as you strive to emulate Him in your interactions with others. Savor the goodness of living in a way that pleases Him… as a child savors the best piece of chocolate in his/her bag. Operate in the confidence that you have “represented” well.
Whether it’s Halloween or any other day of the year, operate in the “treats” of God… and leave the tricks and disrespect to the devil.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 30, 2013
Philippians 2:1-4
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
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.
When Greg and I returned to our hometown in 1987 to start our own then-home-based-business, we purchased some very expensive (to us) equipment. In order to stay on budget, I took on extra work in graphic design… creating letterhead, business cards, menus for local restaurants, and more. Remember…this was before everyone became an “expert” at creating such documents for themselves. Personal computers were just coming on the scene in a big way… and the printer that cost us $4000 in 1987 would probably sell for less than $400 today!
As I branched out and sought more avenues for generating income, I began to offer a public relations service… creating newsletters for several area businesses and groups, including a manufacturing plant, a bank, and a country club. I attended social events and took photographs, wrote articles about the happenings, and put it all together into a publication to distribute to employees or mail to members and guests. I even became the publicity director for a locally-owned company that produced decorative room fragrance products to sell around the world. In that capacity, I photographed events and produced newsletters for the company employees and the gift shop customers who sold these products in their stores. I also “called on” magazine and newspaper editors and reporters across the country in an effort to get them to mention or feature the company’s products in their publications.
Let’s just say that in the course of about five years, I “rubbed elbows” with some very interesting people… from line crew chiefs at a manufacturing facility to world-famous interior designers… and even former-President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary. I traveled from coast to coast and stayed in four-star hotels, dressed up in fancy clothes and attended high-dollar dinners, and photographed a lot of “beautiful people”. I also worked very hard behind the scenes, handled menial details for my employer (like ironing the dresses for models before a big “launch” party), and stood on the sidelines at dozens of events. And here’s what I learned from all of this… 1) I have no desire to live a “jet-setting” lifestyle; and 2) people are people… regardless of their station in life, and each deserves respect and kindness.
See, the “garden-club ladies” in Los Angeles to treated me to lunch one day had families and life challenges. They needed Jesus just as much as the cook at the country club who had worked so hard all of her life…standing on her feet in a hot kitchen creating dishes that suited her employer while worrying about her children and how she juggle all of the trials and tasks that made up her life. I discovered that the interior designer whose creations were in demand around the world was eager to talk about his latest ailments and his daily life in a way that told me just how lonely and sad he truly was. The people who seemed to “have it all” were not immune from cancer, heart disease, divorce, family scandals, and so much more. They were no different than the people in my own hometown who appeared to live simple lives… and they needed Jesus just as much as the next person.
In realizing this, I came to understand that the words of Ecclesiastes 5:15 are quite profound…”They came into this world naked, and when they die, they will be just as naked. They can’t take anything with them, and they won’t have anything to show for all their work.” (CEV) We can’t take our money, our position, or even our earthly reputation or “good name” with us when God calls us home. All we will have when we stand before Him is our record of service and obedience in His name. All God will care about is whether we treated others with the same kindness, respect, love, grace and mercy that He offers to each of us.
God will want to know if we were kind to the homeless and the needy… and equally respectful toward those who were dripping in diamonds. Did we care as much about those who seemed to flaunt their affluence as much as the humble orphan? Did we try to be something – or someone – we weren’t… in order to fit in? Did we “dumb down” to some people and “put on airs” to others? Did we treat those with more than us as if they owed us a handout… and did we look down our noses as we gave to the needy? Were we eager to truly get to know others… not because of who they were or what they had, but because every person brings something of value to the table?
We need to all “come clean” with God and with ourselves about how we treat others. We need to recognize that we truly do all come into this world naked and equal – at least in God’s eyes. We must make a concerted effort to love each person we encounter and treat him/her with respect. It’s time to put our own personal agendas aside and focus on God’s commands. Has God’s love made a difference in your life? Are you truly ready to show it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
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.
When Greg and I returned to our hometown in 1987 to start our own then-home-based-business, we purchased some very expensive (to us) equipment. In order to stay on budget, I took on extra work in graphic design… creating letterhead, business cards, menus for local restaurants, and more. Remember…this was before everyone became an “expert” at creating such documents for themselves. Personal computers were just coming on the scene in a big way… and the printer that cost us $4000 in 1987 would probably sell for less than $400 today!
As I branched out and sought more avenues for generating income, I began to offer a public relations service… creating newsletters for several area businesses and groups, including a manufacturing plant, a bank, and a country club. I attended social events and took photographs, wrote articles about the happenings, and put it all together into a publication to distribute to employees or mail to members and guests. I even became the publicity director for a locally-owned company that produced decorative room fragrance products to sell around the world. In that capacity, I photographed events and produced newsletters for the company employees and the gift shop customers who sold these products in their stores. I also “called on” magazine and newspaper editors and reporters across the country in an effort to get them to mention or feature the company’s products in their publications.
Let’s just say that in the course of about five years, I “rubbed elbows” with some very interesting people… from line crew chiefs at a manufacturing facility to world-famous interior designers… and even former-President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary. I traveled from coast to coast and stayed in four-star hotels, dressed up in fancy clothes and attended high-dollar dinners, and photographed a lot of “beautiful people”. I also worked very hard behind the scenes, handled menial details for my employer (like ironing the dresses for models before a big “launch” party), and stood on the sidelines at dozens of events. And here’s what I learned from all of this… 1) I have no desire to live a “jet-setting” lifestyle; and 2) people are people… regardless of their station in life, and each deserves respect and kindness.
See, the “garden-club ladies” in Los Angeles to treated me to lunch one day had families and life challenges. They needed Jesus just as much as the cook at the country club who had worked so hard all of her life…standing on her feet in a hot kitchen creating dishes that suited her employer while worrying about her children and how she juggle all of the trials and tasks that made up her life. I discovered that the interior designer whose creations were in demand around the world was eager to talk about his latest ailments and his daily life in a way that told me just how lonely and sad he truly was. The people who seemed to “have it all” were not immune from cancer, heart disease, divorce, family scandals, and so much more. They were no different than the people in my own hometown who appeared to live simple lives… and they needed Jesus just as much as the next person.
In realizing this, I came to understand that the words of Ecclesiastes 5:15 are quite profound…”They came into this world naked, and when they die, they will be just as naked. They can’t take anything with them, and they won’t have anything to show for all their work.” (CEV) We can’t take our money, our position, or even our earthly reputation or “good name” with us when God calls us home. All we will have when we stand before Him is our record of service and obedience in His name. All God will care about is whether we treated others with the same kindness, respect, love, grace and mercy that He offers to each of us.
God will want to know if we were kind to the homeless and the needy… and equally respectful toward those who were dripping in diamonds. Did we care as much about those who seemed to flaunt their affluence as much as the humble orphan? Did we try to be something – or someone – we weren’t… in order to fit in? Did we “dumb down” to some people and “put on airs” to others? Did we treat those with more than us as if they owed us a handout… and did we look down our noses as we gave to the needy? Were we eager to truly get to know others… not because of who they were or what they had, but because every person brings something of value to the table?
We need to all “come clean” with God and with ourselves about how we treat others. We need to recognize that we truly do all come into this world naked and equal – at least in God’s eyes. We must make a concerted effort to love each person we encounter and treat him/her with respect. It’s time to put our own personal agendas aside and focus on God’s commands. Has God’s love made a difference in your life? Are you truly ready to show it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 29, 2013
Philippians 4:16-19
Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
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.
You’ve no doubt heard something about the “pay it forward” trend that has taken hold in several areas of our country in recent months. One person will pull up at a restaurant drive-thru or get in line at the coffee shop and pay for his/her bill… and the person who is next in line. Or someone will get their bill at a restaurant, and the server says, “The couple who just left has paid your bill already.” I even heard of a drive-thru dry cleaning business where someone paid for the customer behind them in line… and set off a chain reaction of these payments! And maybe you have wondered, “Why did they do this? Are they rich? Do they have ‘money to burn’? Or are they on some sort of ego trip?” The answer to all three questions is most likely, “No, no, and NO!” I believe these people have figured out what Paul is telling the people of Philippi… that the kindness and generosity we show to others pleases God – and in turn, He meets all of our needs and blesses us in ways we cannot even imagine.
Greg and I have friends who do this sort of thing quite often. She will pay the bill for someone who is getting a manicure alongside her. They will pay the restaurant bill for a family with small children that they do not even recognize. They are the first on the scene when a plea for help goes out… and they are always ready to do whatever is necessary for someone else. This couple is not wealthy… at least not in the way we conventionally think! They are “ordinary” hard-working people who enjoy helping others and serving God. They do this out of respect for all that God has given to them. And let me tell you, they are blessed beyond measure in return!
“But I can barely pay my own bills… I can’t afford to pay someone else’s!” you may say. And that’s okay. Look around you… what CAN you give? Do you have a few minutes you could spare to help a friend… or listen to his/her problems? Did you have an extra serving from dinner that you could share with an elderly neighbor? Do you have some clothing or household items you no longer use that could be donated to charity? Could you send a note or e-mail message of encouragement to someone who is having a rough time? Could you stop someone in the aisle at the store – or the hallway at school – and ask, “How are you doing?”… then stick around to hear their answer? If you have been helped or blessed in some way, have you repaid that kindness – at least with respect toward the giver, if he/she was not anonymous? Have you “paid it forward” in some way… ever?
Gratitude comes in many forms… and they all involve respect for what we have been given. If someone has treated you kindly, encouraged you, or helped you in some way… whether monetarily or otherwise …God is calling on you to extend gratitude and appreciation to them for being so generous. If you know the person who has blessed you, offer this kindness directly. If the offerings were anonymous, do something nice for someone else as a way of “paying it forward”. There are plenty of opportunities to help others and serve God in the process… if only we will look for them.
The bottom line is that God is pleased when we love and serve others… and He is equally pleased when we humbly show gratitude and respect for all that we have been given. The questions for today are… “Who do you need to bless and serve in God’s name?” and “In addition to God, who do you need to thank for extending generous blessings in your direction?” If you will do these things, God will meet all of your needs… and more. He is continually “paying it forward”… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
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.
You’ve no doubt heard something about the “pay it forward” trend that has taken hold in several areas of our country in recent months. One person will pull up at a restaurant drive-thru or get in line at the coffee shop and pay for his/her bill… and the person who is next in line. Or someone will get their bill at a restaurant, and the server says, “The couple who just left has paid your bill already.” I even heard of a drive-thru dry cleaning business where someone paid for the customer behind them in line… and set off a chain reaction of these payments! And maybe you have wondered, “Why did they do this? Are they rich? Do they have ‘money to burn’? Or are they on some sort of ego trip?” The answer to all three questions is most likely, “No, no, and NO!” I believe these people have figured out what Paul is telling the people of Philippi… that the kindness and generosity we show to others pleases God – and in turn, He meets all of our needs and blesses us in ways we cannot even imagine.
Greg and I have friends who do this sort of thing quite often. She will pay the bill for someone who is getting a manicure alongside her. They will pay the restaurant bill for a family with small children that they do not even recognize. They are the first on the scene when a plea for help goes out… and they are always ready to do whatever is necessary for someone else. This couple is not wealthy… at least not in the way we conventionally think! They are “ordinary” hard-working people who enjoy helping others and serving God. They do this out of respect for all that God has given to them. And let me tell you, they are blessed beyond measure in return!
“But I can barely pay my own bills… I can’t afford to pay someone else’s!” you may say. And that’s okay. Look around you… what CAN you give? Do you have a few minutes you could spare to help a friend… or listen to his/her problems? Did you have an extra serving from dinner that you could share with an elderly neighbor? Do you have some clothing or household items you no longer use that could be donated to charity? Could you send a note or e-mail message of encouragement to someone who is having a rough time? Could you stop someone in the aisle at the store – or the hallway at school – and ask, “How are you doing?”… then stick around to hear their answer? If you have been helped or blessed in some way, have you repaid that kindness – at least with respect toward the giver, if he/she was not anonymous? Have you “paid it forward” in some way… ever?
Gratitude comes in many forms… and they all involve respect for what we have been given. If someone has treated you kindly, encouraged you, or helped you in some way… whether monetarily or otherwise …God is calling on you to extend gratitude and appreciation to them for being so generous. If you know the person who has blessed you, offer this kindness directly. If the offerings were anonymous, do something nice for someone else as a way of “paying it forward”. There are plenty of opportunities to help others and serve God in the process… if only we will look for them.
The bottom line is that God is pleased when we love and serve others… and He is equally pleased when we humbly show gratitude and respect for all that we have been given. The questions for today are… “Who do you need to bless and serve in God’s name?” and “In addition to God, who do you need to thank for extending generous blessings in your direction?” If you will do these things, God will meet all of your needs… and more. He is continually “paying it forward”… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 28, 2013
Proverbs 25:6
Don’t demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great.
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.
Greg and I took my mother-in-law, a.k.a. “Grandma E”, to a nearby city for a routine eye exam. While the two of them went into an exam, I sat in the waiting area and read a book… or rather, I tried to read. A little man came in - huffing and puffing - and practically collapsed in a chair near mine… as if he could not go a step farther. He was short, with hunched shoulders and rather long, wildly flowing “salt-and-pepper” hair - and a full beard. His khaki pants looked like they would fit a man six times his size, and he had them cinched with a belt that was equally large and swung from his waist as he shuffled along. His oversized shirt further emphasized his slight frame…and his dirty fingernails underscored his rather unkempt – appearance. He looked like he might be on his last leg…yet when he stood at the receptionist’s window to sign in, he was jovial and bright as he eagerly signed in, saying…“You gave me two good eyes last time… how about a third one this time?”
Returning to sit near me, the man began to breath heavily – and steadily, as if he was asleep… and occasionally he groaned and grunted almost as if he were snoring – or talking in his sleep! I tried to keep my eyes on my Kindle and continue reading. When the nurse came to get another patient, we both looked up at the now-empty waiting room, and the man said, “I guess you and I are next!” I explained that I was merely waiting for someone and that “You’re next!” He replied, “Doesn’t matter… I’m 71 and retired… I don’t get in a hurry about anything!” (This man looked every day of NINETY-one, if he looked a day!) And then, he began to talk!
He told me that he had stayed up all night watching very good old movies… and now he was tired. He asked where I live, and he told me he had moved to this city recently because he thought renting would be cheaper than owning his own home. I listened politely to what he was saying… and soon he had picked up a magazine and settled in to read it (somewhat aloud and under his breath!).
He told me that he had stayed up all night watching very good old movies… and now he was tired. He asked where I live, and he told me he had moved to this city recently because he thought renting would be cheaper than owning his own home. I listened politely to what he was saying… and soon he had picked up a magazine and settled in to read it (somewhat aloud and under his breath!).
When the nurse came for the man, she treated him especially kindly and with respect… as if he were the most important person to her at that moment. And it struck me… shouldn’t we treat everyone this way? Why do we reserve our best for those we feel are “royalty” or celebrities? Why is it such a big deal to us to have our picture made with some people… or to get their autograph… when we might not give their family members…or most certainly their neighbors… the time of day? What makes them so much more special?
For all I know, this man was a retired professor from the university in the city we were visiting. He might have acquired his hunched appearance from bending over patients in a dental office or surgery table… or from assembling parts in a factory or shoveling garbage or soil. He might have once had a wife and children and a lively family life…but from all accounts, he now appeared to be fairly alone in the world. The point is… why would we desire his presence any less than that of a famous athlete, musician, movie star or politician? Why would we treat him with any less importance or respect? Why would we shy away from such a person in favor of someone we deem more “worthy”?
How would you feel if God treated you this way? What if He said, “You’ve not done as much as So-and-So…you’re not as important as he/she is to me. What you do with your life doesn’t really matter to me, because it will never measure up or be as good.” One of my dearest friends dropped out of college to start a family. She reared two amazing sons and practically ran her father’s construction business for nearly 30 years. She loved God and served Him in her home church and her community. And one day she said to me, “I never did anything with my life. I was just a mom.” It nearly broke my heart.
You see, God doesn’t see who we are in the world or what we have accomplished… at least not in the way we see it. God sees us as His precious creations… each one with the potential He gave us to accomplish what He desires for us in this earthly lifetime. He designed some of us to be Olympic athletes… and others to do incredible things without arms or legs. He created moms and dads who stay home and rear children... and people who never have children of their own – but parent and mentor countless others along the way. God made the well-dressed businessman sitting in the waiting area… and the disheveled, sleepy little man who sat beside me. And none is better than the next.
So think about WHO you are… and who you think you are. What are your aspirations? Are you striving to be a celebrity or hang out with kings? Or are you focused on being who God wants you to be? Are you treating others differently, according to who – or what – you think they are? Isn’t it time you treated each person as you desire for God to treat you… with respect, kindness, grace and mercy?
There is a popular television show called “Who Do You Think You Are?” that features “celebrities” who trace their family’s ancestry. They discover all sorts of things about their ancestors… some good, and some not so good. The question I have for you today is, “Who do you think you are?” We would all do well to consider this question as it relates to our own aspirations… and how we treat others in our midst. Who do you think you are… and how are you behaving as a result?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 27, 2013
Romans 12:9-11
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
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.
In case you didn’t know this already, I really, really, REALLY love my little great-niece and nephews, Zola, Timothy and Nathan. I would do just about anything for them. Yes, I shower them with “things” – clothes, toys, and treats, to name a few. But I also try to show genuine affection as often as I can… hugs, kisses, snuggles, applause for accomplishments, praise for good behavior… and lots and lots of time spent together doing all sorts of things. I’ve cooked their meals, changed their diapers, bathed them, rocked them to sleep… and most importantly, I have prayed for them. Even though they are toddlers and small children, I respect them, so I try to listen to their opinions about which foods they like, their protests at naptime or bedtime, and even their choice of the toys with which they would like to play.
But because I love these children so much, I have rules they must follow. I want them to learn to be strong, morally upright, independent people who respect others… and themselves. So I insist that they at least help clean up the messes they make… that they don’t splash water out of the tub and all over me… that they don’t spit or throw food…that they use an “inside voice” and don’t yell and scream when we are inside… that they mind me and their Uncle Greg when we ask them to do something…and that they treat others with kindness and respect. They know that when they disobey these rules, there are consequences… and they are discovering that the consequences are no fun!
If I didn’t love and care for Timothy, Zola and Nathan so much, I might ditch the rules and let them have a free-for-all. Or I might just say, “Call me when you are a grown-up” and go my merry way for the next 18 years or so. I could telephone and send cards occasionally… see them on holidays for an hour or two… and tell everyone how much I love them. But this would be neither good, nor right. Real love involves action as much as words… maybe more! Real love involves respect and reverence for the other guy… and a demonstration of this through genuine affection and honor. And real love requires effort!
Our love and respect for God is no different. We can say we love Him… we can go through the motions and give Him lip service. But if we don’t show Him genuine affection… if we disrespect and dishonor Him… if we disobey His laws and try to have it our way… we have not really loved Him. Furthermore, when we treat others in this manner, we have not loved God… because to dishonor, disrespect, and mistreat one of God’s creatures is to do the same to Him. And the consequences of mistreating God are no fun, either. When we fail to show God real love, we form a separation between us and Him… we block His blessings and short-change everyone involved.
I encourage you to take a long hard look at your life. Who do you really love…and who do you pretend to love? Who do you shower with genuine affection and honor… and who do you disrespect and disobey? Where are you lazy in your efforts to love others? Where do you need to work harder to demonstrate real love? Isn’t it time you figured all of this out and started making better choices? Are you holding tightly to what is good and hating what is wrong...in your relationships with God - and with others? Do you really love God… and others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
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.
In case you didn’t know this already, I really, really, REALLY love my little great-niece and nephews, Zola, Timothy and Nathan. I would do just about anything for them. Yes, I shower them with “things” – clothes, toys, and treats, to name a few. But I also try to show genuine affection as often as I can… hugs, kisses, snuggles, applause for accomplishments, praise for good behavior… and lots and lots of time spent together doing all sorts of things. I’ve cooked their meals, changed their diapers, bathed them, rocked them to sleep… and most importantly, I have prayed for them. Even though they are toddlers and small children, I respect them, so I try to listen to their opinions about which foods they like, their protests at naptime or bedtime, and even their choice of the toys with which they would like to play.
But because I love these children so much, I have rules they must follow. I want them to learn to be strong, morally upright, independent people who respect others… and themselves. So I insist that they at least help clean up the messes they make… that they don’t splash water out of the tub and all over me… that they don’t spit or throw food…that they use an “inside voice” and don’t yell and scream when we are inside… that they mind me and their Uncle Greg when we ask them to do something…and that they treat others with kindness and respect. They know that when they disobey these rules, there are consequences… and they are discovering that the consequences are no fun!
If I didn’t love and care for Timothy, Zola and Nathan so much, I might ditch the rules and let them have a free-for-all. Or I might just say, “Call me when you are a grown-up” and go my merry way for the next 18 years or so. I could telephone and send cards occasionally… see them on holidays for an hour or two… and tell everyone how much I love them. But this would be neither good, nor right. Real love involves action as much as words… maybe more! Real love involves respect and reverence for the other guy… and a demonstration of this through genuine affection and honor. And real love requires effort!
Our love and respect for God is no different. We can say we love Him… we can go through the motions and give Him lip service. But if we don’t show Him genuine affection… if we disrespect and dishonor Him… if we disobey His laws and try to have it our way… we have not really loved Him. Furthermore, when we treat others in this manner, we have not loved God… because to dishonor, disrespect, and mistreat one of God’s creatures is to do the same to Him. And the consequences of mistreating God are no fun, either. When we fail to show God real love, we form a separation between us and Him… we block His blessings and short-change everyone involved.
I encourage you to take a long hard look at your life. Who do you really love…and who do you pretend to love? Who do you shower with genuine affection and honor… and who do you disrespect and disobey? Where are you lazy in your efforts to love others? Where do you need to work harder to demonstrate real love? Isn’t it time you figured all of this out and started making better choices? Are you holding tightly to what is good and hating what is wrong...in your relationships with God - and with others? Do you really love God… and others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 26, 2013
Romans 13:3-7
Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.
That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.
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.
Greg and I were driving home the other day, and we pulled up to the stoplight at a major intersection. There was a car in front of us when the green arrow began flashing… indicating that we were cleared to “go”! The driver sat stock-still, until Greg honked the horn. Just as we suspected, this man was talking on his cell phone and not paying attention to his driving! We see this so often. We hear about the dangers of texting and driving… of becoming distracted by our phone, the radio, eating or some other non-driving-related activity. I kid you not… we passed a woman on a bridge approaching the Arkansas River entering Little Rock yesterday, and she had a pen and pad in her hands. She was making notes to herself as she drove along this incredibly busy stretch of interstate. The irony is that the traffic had just begun to move in this area again, following a major accident! Still, we always seem to think that calamity will strike “the other guy” and never ourselves.
In many areas of life, we try to “skate by” and dance around the fringe of the law… and reckless driving is only one of them. We fail to recognize that we are not only “breaking the rules”… we are also disrespecting God-sanctioned government and its officers. While there may be laws and rules with which we disagree, none of us is above them. Speed limits are not for the other guy. The payment of taxes is not arbitrary. Can you imagine checking out at Wal-Mart and telling the cashier…”Just leave off the sales tax today… I don’t feel like paying it!”? No! The privilege of living in a city/state/country comes with some conditions… and taxation is one of them! Respect for the laws and those who create and enforce them is another.
On a more personal level, we have to pay for what we purchase and/or consume. God calls us to show respect for those who employ us… and those whom we must pay, including our landlords, our lending agents, storekeepers, and persons who provide us with services. We should not expect anyone to be at our beck and call out of the goodness of their heart. People may do kind and generous things for us along the way, but to “ride their coat-tails” is incredibly disrespectful. And God is not pleased. I always go back to the family of a student I taught who depended on the assistance of Social Services for the basic necessities – food, clothing and shelter. The father told his caseworker one day that he needed a car – and he told her this in an “I-expect-you-to-get-this-for-me” voice. The caseworker calmly asked, “What color would you like?”
See, the demand was so preposterous… so disrespectful on every level imaginable, that the caseworker couldn’t help but answer with a ridiculous statement. I wonder how often we are telling God, in essence, “I need a car!” – and expecting Him to deliver? How often are we disobeying and disrespecting Him and those He has placed in our path? How frequently do we take everything that God has granted us and pretty well throw it back at Him and say, “I need more!”? When and where have you essentially said to God, “I deserve everything You do for me…but don’t expect me to do anything for You in return.”?
Do you see that this is about so much more than obeying law enforcement officers, paying taxes… and paying your bills in general? Do you understand that God has blessed us exceedingly above all that we could ever deserve… that the very least we can offer Him in return is our respect and appreciation? Does it make sense to you that anytime you disrespect someone else, you have insulted God? What do you have to say for yourself? How can you rectify this situation going forward? Are you ready to humble yourself before God and thank Him for His many blessings… are you ready to live in obedience and reverence – to honor Him and behave responsibly in all things? Isn’t today the perfect day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.
That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.
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.
Greg and I were driving home the other day, and we pulled up to the stoplight at a major intersection. There was a car in front of us when the green arrow began flashing… indicating that we were cleared to “go”! The driver sat stock-still, until Greg honked the horn. Just as we suspected, this man was talking on his cell phone and not paying attention to his driving! We see this so often. We hear about the dangers of texting and driving… of becoming distracted by our phone, the radio, eating or some other non-driving-related activity. I kid you not… we passed a woman on a bridge approaching the Arkansas River entering Little Rock yesterday, and she had a pen and pad in her hands. She was making notes to herself as she drove along this incredibly busy stretch of interstate. The irony is that the traffic had just begun to move in this area again, following a major accident! Still, we always seem to think that calamity will strike “the other guy” and never ourselves.
In many areas of life, we try to “skate by” and dance around the fringe of the law… and reckless driving is only one of them. We fail to recognize that we are not only “breaking the rules”… we are also disrespecting God-sanctioned government and its officers. While there may be laws and rules with which we disagree, none of us is above them. Speed limits are not for the other guy. The payment of taxes is not arbitrary. Can you imagine checking out at Wal-Mart and telling the cashier…”Just leave off the sales tax today… I don’t feel like paying it!”? No! The privilege of living in a city/state/country comes with some conditions… and taxation is one of them! Respect for the laws and those who create and enforce them is another.
On a more personal level, we have to pay for what we purchase and/or consume. God calls us to show respect for those who employ us… and those whom we must pay, including our landlords, our lending agents, storekeepers, and persons who provide us with services. We should not expect anyone to be at our beck and call out of the goodness of their heart. People may do kind and generous things for us along the way, but to “ride their coat-tails” is incredibly disrespectful. And God is not pleased. I always go back to the family of a student I taught who depended on the assistance of Social Services for the basic necessities – food, clothing and shelter. The father told his caseworker one day that he needed a car – and he told her this in an “I-expect-you-to-get-this-for-me” voice. The caseworker calmly asked, “What color would you like?”
See, the demand was so preposterous… so disrespectful on every level imaginable, that the caseworker couldn’t help but answer with a ridiculous statement. I wonder how often we are telling God, in essence, “I need a car!” – and expecting Him to deliver? How often are we disobeying and disrespecting Him and those He has placed in our path? How frequently do we take everything that God has granted us and pretty well throw it back at Him and say, “I need more!”? When and where have you essentially said to God, “I deserve everything You do for me…but don’t expect me to do anything for You in return.”?
Do you see that this is about so much more than obeying law enforcement officers, paying taxes… and paying your bills in general? Do you understand that God has blessed us exceedingly above all that we could ever deserve… that the very least we can offer Him in return is our respect and appreciation? Does it make sense to you that anytime you disrespect someone else, you have insulted God? What do you have to say for yourself? How can you rectify this situation going forward? Are you ready to humble yourself before God and thank Him for His many blessings… are you ready to live in obedience and reverence – to honor Him and behave responsibly in all things? Isn’t today the perfect day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 25, 2013
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A lot of people are hurting today. Some of you lost loved ones this week… others faced life-threatening health issues… while others continued to cling to life. Some of you feel like you are in such a heap of trouble that nothing can save you. Some of you have worries and concerns about family members and friends… and some even feel like it’s all just too much… that you are simply drowning in despair and impossibilities.
The Good News of this passage is that God is merciful. He will comfort us… and in turn, we can comfort others. Who can better reassure a wife whose husband is facing serious heart surgery than a wife who has stood in her place already? Who knows the heartache of losing a spouse better than a grieving widow or widower? Who can better offer solace and hope to a friend who has lost his/her job and faces eviction because the rent cannot be paid than someone who has “been there, done that”?
See, God doesn’t waste our experiences… even the troubles and terrible sufferings – the heartaches and our grief. He uses these to help others in similar situations… if/when we will allow it. Christ suffered and died on our behalf, and as we share His story with others, we must own our part in this as sinners for whom He gave His very life. But we can also acknowledge the fact that Jesus offers each of us comfort and the promise of heaven – if only we will accept Him.
I don’t know what this week has brought you specifically, but I know that God can use everything that you have experienced for His good. He will comfort you and give you mercy and peace… and He will show you how to extend what you have received to someone else. Will you be paying attention? Will you recognize – and accept – His gifts of consolation and hope? Are you willing to share in both the sufferings and the wonderful comfort He offers?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A lot of people are hurting today. Some of you lost loved ones this week… others faced life-threatening health issues… while others continued to cling to life. Some of you feel like you are in such a heap of trouble that nothing can save you. Some of you have worries and concerns about family members and friends… and some even feel like it’s all just too much… that you are simply drowning in despair and impossibilities.
The Good News of this passage is that God is merciful. He will comfort us… and in turn, we can comfort others. Who can better reassure a wife whose husband is facing serious heart surgery than a wife who has stood in her place already? Who knows the heartache of losing a spouse better than a grieving widow or widower? Who can better offer solace and hope to a friend who has lost his/her job and faces eviction because the rent cannot be paid than someone who has “been there, done that”?
See, God doesn’t waste our experiences… even the troubles and terrible sufferings – the heartaches and our grief. He uses these to help others in similar situations… if/when we will allow it. Christ suffered and died on our behalf, and as we share His story with others, we must own our part in this as sinners for whom He gave His very life. But we can also acknowledge the fact that Jesus offers each of us comfort and the promise of heaven – if only we will accept Him.
I don’t know what this week has brought you specifically, but I know that God can use everything that you have experienced for His good. He will comfort you and give you mercy and peace… and He will show you how to extend what you have received to someone else. Will you be paying attention? Will you recognize – and accept – His gifts of consolation and hope? Are you willing to share in both the sufferings and the wonderful comfort He offers?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 24, 2013
Romans 13:2
So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
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.
The quote on my calendar for today said:
As we grow and develop, we become more independent – in both thoughts and actions. And this is a good thing, for the most part. But we also seem to grow more rebellious. Many of us decide that we want to completely control our own destiny… often with disastrous results.
I saw a recent news report about motorcyclists who have made a game out of driving recklessly on public streets and highways. They call themselves “stunters”. One 33-year-old husband and father of three, who calls himself “Krash” said, “This is my rush.” When asked about the fact that riding down the highway on one wheel is illegal, he said he didn’t feel like a lawbreaker… that “I believe it can be controlled.” The reporter asked him what could be done to make him stop, and he said, “… really, nothing.” Obviously “Krash” has decided that the rules do not apply to him. He does not respect the laws - or those who enforce them – even at risk of arrest, serious personal injury, or possible death!
Where in our daily living are we behaving like “stunters”? Where have we forgotten that we are sunk without God and His authority and all-powerfulness? How have we failed to recognize that when we rebel against earthly authority, we are doing the same thing to God?
It is time for us to examine our thoughts and actions toward others and determine where we lack respect for them. We must ask God to show us how change…to develop a new mindset about the influence and mandates of everyone from our parents and teachers to our bosses…our spouses…and our leaders in everything from the community to our nation. We need to review how we are treating people and property at every “level”. If we are rebelling against authority – or showing disrespect – we have done the same to God. Timothy is right… God is in charge of everything. And as the little boy told Him in prayer… if we lose His blessing, we truly are sunk! Is this a risk you are willing to take?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
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.
The quote on my calendar for today said:
A little boy ended a lengthy prayer that had included everyone he could think of by saying: “And dear God, take care of Yourself. If anything happens to You, we’re all sunk!”Whoever this little boy was… he totally “got it!” I’m reminded of the last time I said night-time prayers with our Timothy, and he said, “God, thank You… for EVERYTHING!” How is it that little kids understand the omnipotence and authority of God better than we adults? “Terrible Twos” and an occasional attempt to “test the waters” aside…most children respect authority in general far better than any other age group!
As we grow and develop, we become more independent – in both thoughts and actions. And this is a good thing, for the most part. But we also seem to grow more rebellious. Many of us decide that we want to completely control our own destiny… often with disastrous results.
I saw a recent news report about motorcyclists who have made a game out of driving recklessly on public streets and highways. They call themselves “stunters”. One 33-year-old husband and father of three, who calls himself “Krash” said, “This is my rush.” When asked about the fact that riding down the highway on one wheel is illegal, he said he didn’t feel like a lawbreaker… that “I believe it can be controlled.” The reporter asked him what could be done to make him stop, and he said, “… really, nothing.” Obviously “Krash” has decided that the rules do not apply to him. He does not respect the laws - or those who enforce them – even at risk of arrest, serious personal injury, or possible death!
Where in our daily living are we behaving like “stunters”? Where have we forgotten that we are sunk without God and His authority and all-powerfulness? How have we failed to recognize that when we rebel against earthly authority, we are doing the same thing to God?
It is time for us to examine our thoughts and actions toward others and determine where we lack respect for them. We must ask God to show us how change…to develop a new mindset about the influence and mandates of everyone from our parents and teachers to our bosses…our spouses…and our leaders in everything from the community to our nation. We need to review how we are treating people and property at every “level”. If we are rebelling against authority – or showing disrespect – we have done the same to God. Timothy is right… God is in charge of everything. And as the little boy told Him in prayer… if we lose His blessing, we truly are sunk! Is this a risk you are willing to take?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 23, 2013
Romans 2:12-16
If you sin without knowing what you’re doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you’re doing, that’s a different story entirely. Merely hearing God’s law is a waste of your time if you don’t do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God.
When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The Message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences.
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.
On ABC television show, “The Middle,” husband Mike Fleck (played by Neil Flynn) enters the kitchen and asks his wife, Frankie (played by Patricia Heaton) if she signed them up to drive a float in an upcoming Centennial parade. “Frankie” says no… then realizes that she might have actually agreed to this at a party earlier where she and “Mike” were a little drunk. “Frankie” says to “Mike”… “See, this is what happens when we drink.”
On multiple levels, the characters are excusing their “sins” by blaming their inebriation. They didn’t know what they were doing. And while you may never touch a drop of alcohol or take anything stronger than an aspirin, I’m betting that you have had some sort of handy excuse at one time or another for your “sins”. “I was just a little kid… I didn’t know that helping myself to the neighbors’ watermelon patch was stealing”… or “I am old and absentminded… I totally forgot that I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone about such-and-such!” And while there are children who don’t know better in some situations… and aging adults who suffer dementia and truly don’t remember or realize what they are doing… most of us fall into the category of knowing what we are doing – but blaming something or someone else for our transgressions and shortcomings. And this is disrespectful to God… and to others.
Everyone seems to at least “know of” someone who appears to be successful in his/her personal and professional life… is upstanding in the community and always seems to behave in a respectful and respectable manner... and yet this person will readily tell you that he/she does have a personal relationship with God. He/she may even say, “I really don’t believe in God” or “I’m not all that religious”… or one of my favorites – “I just like to find God in nature.” And maybe you have wondered how this person managed to fare so well. Or perhaps you have seen people who seem to skate through life and make all sorts of mistakes and sort of “fly by the seat of their pants”… and yet they appear to have an easier, less stress-filled life in many regards than you do. You might have even said, “If *I* lived that way – or did this or that – I would be in all sorts of trouble.”
Can I tell you something? These people are not fooling anyone… least of all, God. They are not “getting by” with anything, because He will hold them accountable at some point. And the “nice guy” who doesn’t seem to need God in his/her life probably has the influence of someone who does have a relationship with our Heavenly Father that resonates with them in some way. Do not underestimate God’s power and ability to permeate even the hardest heart… or the most uninformed mind… and plant seeds of His grace, mercy, love and authority there.
We need to be certain that we are respectful toward God… and others… because we have heard the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ. We are presented at every turn with opportunities to hear, study, and internalize His commands. And by any and all measures available, we are to share this message with others, so that they may also have a full understanding of God and all that He offers. We may never get drunk at a party and promise to participate in a parade, but we still need to keep a check on our words and actions - in every area of our lives. Our example may be the very echo of God into another’s heart!
How are you showing respect to God for His gift of wisdom, grace and mercy? You’ve heard His voice…how will are responding?
©2013 Debbie Robus
If you sin without knowing what you’re doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you’re doing, that’s a different story entirely. Merely hearing God’s law is a waste of your time if you don’t do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God.
When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The Message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences.
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.
On ABC television show, “The Middle,” husband Mike Fleck (played by Neil Flynn) enters the kitchen and asks his wife, Frankie (played by Patricia Heaton) if she signed them up to drive a float in an upcoming Centennial parade. “Frankie” says no… then realizes that she might have actually agreed to this at a party earlier where she and “Mike” were a little drunk. “Frankie” says to “Mike”… “See, this is what happens when we drink.”
On multiple levels, the characters are excusing their “sins” by blaming their inebriation. They didn’t know what they were doing. And while you may never touch a drop of alcohol or take anything stronger than an aspirin, I’m betting that you have had some sort of handy excuse at one time or another for your “sins”. “I was just a little kid… I didn’t know that helping myself to the neighbors’ watermelon patch was stealing”… or “I am old and absentminded… I totally forgot that I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone about such-and-such!” And while there are children who don’t know better in some situations… and aging adults who suffer dementia and truly don’t remember or realize what they are doing… most of us fall into the category of knowing what we are doing – but blaming something or someone else for our transgressions and shortcomings. And this is disrespectful to God… and to others.
Everyone seems to at least “know of” someone who appears to be successful in his/her personal and professional life… is upstanding in the community and always seems to behave in a respectful and respectable manner... and yet this person will readily tell you that he/she does have a personal relationship with God. He/she may even say, “I really don’t believe in God” or “I’m not all that religious”… or one of my favorites – “I just like to find God in nature.” And maybe you have wondered how this person managed to fare so well. Or perhaps you have seen people who seem to skate through life and make all sorts of mistakes and sort of “fly by the seat of their pants”… and yet they appear to have an easier, less stress-filled life in many regards than you do. You might have even said, “If *I* lived that way – or did this or that – I would be in all sorts of trouble.”
Can I tell you something? These people are not fooling anyone… least of all, God. They are not “getting by” with anything, because He will hold them accountable at some point. And the “nice guy” who doesn’t seem to need God in his/her life probably has the influence of someone who does have a relationship with our Heavenly Father that resonates with them in some way. Do not underestimate God’s power and ability to permeate even the hardest heart… or the most uninformed mind… and plant seeds of His grace, mercy, love and authority there.
We need to be certain that we are respectful toward God… and others… because we have heard the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ. We are presented at every turn with opportunities to hear, study, and internalize His commands. And by any and all measures available, we are to share this message with others, so that they may also have a full understanding of God and all that He offers. We may never get drunk at a party and promise to participate in a parade, but we still need to keep a check on our words and actions - in every area of our lives. Our example may be the very echo of God into another’s heart!
How are you showing respect to God for His gift of wisdom, grace and mercy? You’ve heard His voice…how will are responding?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 22, 2013
Romans 2:9-11
If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you’re from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs, again without regard to where you are from or how you were brought up. Being a Jew won’t give you an automatic stamp of approval. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind.
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.
Like a lot of young children, Timothy has become interested lately in getting married. He wants to marry me, his grandmother, and his mom. He knows he can’t, and he told Greg and me (and his Sunday school teachers) that… “Someday, I’m going to marry a nice lady!” My niece told me that last week, Timothy “got married” at pre-K to one of his classmates. A few days later when Timothy’s mom dropped him off for school, the little girl who had won his heart was entering the building. My niece said to Timothy… “There’s your ‘wife’… don’t you want to give her a hug?” He replied, “No, she’s not my wife… we’re not married anymore.” My niece feigned surprise and asked, “Oh, really? What happened?” Timothy’s answer… “She’s not wearing a hair bow today!” What can I say? Four-year-olds apparently have high standards!
Don’t we do the same thing? We make assumptions about others based on their appearance…the opinions (and gossip) of others…or their lineage. A friend of my grandmother’s used to make a point to tell me that one of her grandchildren was a doctor… and she told me this nearly every time I saw her! That was more important to her than the fact that this person was a parent, a spouse, and an active volunteer in church activities! We assume people are wonderful… or awful… based on what we think we know about them – or their public accolades, accomplishments… or shame.
Conversely, we tend to “trade” on certain attributes ourselves. When was the last time you tried to “pull rank” somehow because of who you thought you were… or what you thought you knew? It could be anything from saying, “Let me talk to So-and-so… he/she will listen to me,” to “I don’t have to worry about getting a speeding ticket… I’m friends with the police officers,” to “I can say what I want… I’m a senior citizen and I’ve earned the right!”
If we are honest, we have to admit that a lot of times we base our respect for others – and we command respect for ourselves – while “going against the grain”. We act entitled… we bank on the “good name” of our parents or other family members or friends to gain us a “foot in the door”… or we try to “get away with murder” by claiming special privilege. Worse yet, we try this with God… “But LORD… look at what all I’ve done for you! Surely you can fix this for me” or “LORD, why are you doing this to me – or letting this happen to me? Everyone says I’m such a good, faithful Christian… why are you punishing ME?”
I have to tell you… it’s time we got over ourselves! We truly are not “all that and a bag of chips”… in anyone’s eyes – at least not in the way we think. The time has come for us to operate with humility and respect… to recognize that our true value and stature is not measured as we think… but rather by how we conduct ourselves in all things – and how genuinely we serve God and others. You might fool a few people some of the time, but you will never bamboozle God… and the very idea that you might even try disappoints Him greatly!
So the message for us today is to truly embrace God and His teachings. Honor and respect Him in everything we say and do… to every person we encounter. Make a concerted effort to keep your thoughts, words and actions above reproach at all times. Serve the LORD with gladness and a pure heart, and make His glory your primary focus. Bask in the payoffs He provides… not because that is your goal, but because it is your joy and reward for faithful obedience. Like Timothy, we must learn that choosing a suitable mate is important… but maintaining high standards for God is tantamount. But if your friend doesn’t wear a hair bow every day, it’s probably okay to let that one go!
©2013 Debbie Robus
If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you’re from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs, again without regard to where you are from or how you were brought up. Being a Jew won’t give you an automatic stamp of approval. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind.
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.
Like a lot of young children, Timothy has become interested lately in getting married. He wants to marry me, his grandmother, and his mom. He knows he can’t, and he told Greg and me (and his Sunday school teachers) that… “Someday, I’m going to marry a nice lady!” My niece told me that last week, Timothy “got married” at pre-K to one of his classmates. A few days later when Timothy’s mom dropped him off for school, the little girl who had won his heart was entering the building. My niece said to Timothy… “There’s your ‘wife’… don’t you want to give her a hug?” He replied, “No, she’s not my wife… we’re not married anymore.” My niece feigned surprise and asked, “Oh, really? What happened?” Timothy’s answer… “She’s not wearing a hair bow today!” What can I say? Four-year-olds apparently have high standards!
Don’t we do the same thing? We make assumptions about others based on their appearance…the opinions (and gossip) of others…or their lineage. A friend of my grandmother’s used to make a point to tell me that one of her grandchildren was a doctor… and she told me this nearly every time I saw her! That was more important to her than the fact that this person was a parent, a spouse, and an active volunteer in church activities! We assume people are wonderful… or awful… based on what we think we know about them – or their public accolades, accomplishments… or shame.
Conversely, we tend to “trade” on certain attributes ourselves. When was the last time you tried to “pull rank” somehow because of who you thought you were… or what you thought you knew? It could be anything from saying, “Let me talk to So-and-so… he/she will listen to me,” to “I don’t have to worry about getting a speeding ticket… I’m friends with the police officers,” to “I can say what I want… I’m a senior citizen and I’ve earned the right!”
If we are honest, we have to admit that a lot of times we base our respect for others – and we command respect for ourselves – while “going against the grain”. We act entitled… we bank on the “good name” of our parents or other family members or friends to gain us a “foot in the door”… or we try to “get away with murder” by claiming special privilege. Worse yet, we try this with God… “But LORD… look at what all I’ve done for you! Surely you can fix this for me” or “LORD, why are you doing this to me – or letting this happen to me? Everyone says I’m such a good, faithful Christian… why are you punishing ME?”
I have to tell you… it’s time we got over ourselves! We truly are not “all that and a bag of chips”… in anyone’s eyes – at least not in the way we think. The time has come for us to operate with humility and respect… to recognize that our true value and stature is not measured as we think… but rather by how we conduct ourselves in all things – and how genuinely we serve God and others. You might fool a few people some of the time, but you will never bamboozle God… and the very idea that you might even try disappoints Him greatly!
So the message for us today is to truly embrace God and His teachings. Honor and respect Him in everything we say and do… to every person we encounter. Make a concerted effort to keep your thoughts, words and actions above reproach at all times. Serve the LORD with gladness and a pure heart, and make His glory your primary focus. Bask in the payoffs He provides… not because that is your goal, but because it is your joy and reward for faithful obedience. Like Timothy, we must learn that choosing a suitable mate is important… but maintaining high standards for God is tantamount. But if your friend doesn’t wear a hair bow every day, it’s probably okay to let that one go!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 21, 2013
Romans 2:5-8
You’re not getting by with anything. Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire. The day is coming when it’s going to blaze hot and high, God’s fiery and righteous judgment. Make no mistake: In the end you get what’s coming to you—Real Life for those who work on God’s side, but to those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire!
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.
The first house my husband and I bought was a “fixer-upper”. We painted walls, put in new flooring, and gave the lone bathroom a total re-do - with the help of family and friends. My dad had started a cultured marble manufacturing business, and he made an oversized shower stall that had a tall threshold…allowing us to create a small bath tub effect, if desired. As Daddy helped Greg install the marble walls and panels, he cracked one. It was on the inside of the threshold, so he quickly glued it together and said to Greg, “I hope she (meaning me!) doesn’t see that!”
I’ll admit… Daddy was between a rock and a hard place. He was 90 miles from home, trying to fix our only bathroom in one weekend, and he had just broken one of the components. Nobody ever saw that crack except us if we sat down to take a “bath”… and it was reparable. So we moved on with the project and laughed about it later. But how many times in life do we “break” things and hope that nobody will notice… even God?
How often do we put a patch over our mistakes and shortcomings… and forge ahead, thinking – or hoping – that we won’t be discovered? How many of us are mired in baggage from this type of behavior… yet pretending to others that nothing is the least bit amiss? How many of us are trying to hide from God?
Do you see that avoiding God and trying to cover up your blunders and lapses in judgment is disrespectful? Do you understand that you really aren’t fooling anyone… especially God? Sadly, some of us have gotten so good at running from God… masking the truth and covering up our messes… that this pattern has become a way of life. And the damage has accumulated in the process. At this point, some can no longer distinguish reality from the fantasy life they have created. But God knows the truth!
We won’t get away with this… and this shouldn’t even be part of our mindset. We may fool some of our friends and acquaintances – some of the time – but we aren’t fooling God for one minute! And all of this is incredibly disrespectful… especially to God. The scriptures tell us in Galatians 6:7-8… “Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.”
Is God’s Spirit growing in you? When you make a mistake or fall short in some area, do you readily acknowledge this and ask for forgiveness? Are you respectful in your living… toward others - and especially toward God… or are you piling up “fuel for the fire”?
I do not like to operate in threats and fearful suggestions… but I don’t believe that this message delivers either. Instead, I see an opportunity for us to respect God and His presence and influence in our lives… to “come clean” with Him and in our daily living… and to make every effort to be whoever He has called us to be. Rather than try to get by with something, why not make a careful and concerted effort to do things right on the front end?
Are you showing the proper reverence and respect to God… and to others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
You’re not getting by with anything. Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire. The day is coming when it’s going to blaze hot and high, God’s fiery and righteous judgment. Make no mistake: In the end you get what’s coming to you—Real Life for those who work on God’s side, but to those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire!
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.
The first house my husband and I bought was a “fixer-upper”. We painted walls, put in new flooring, and gave the lone bathroom a total re-do - with the help of family and friends. My dad had started a cultured marble manufacturing business, and he made an oversized shower stall that had a tall threshold…allowing us to create a small bath tub effect, if desired. As Daddy helped Greg install the marble walls and panels, he cracked one. It was on the inside of the threshold, so he quickly glued it together and said to Greg, “I hope she (meaning me!) doesn’t see that!”
I’ll admit… Daddy was between a rock and a hard place. He was 90 miles from home, trying to fix our only bathroom in one weekend, and he had just broken one of the components. Nobody ever saw that crack except us if we sat down to take a “bath”… and it was reparable. So we moved on with the project and laughed about it later. But how many times in life do we “break” things and hope that nobody will notice… even God?
How often do we put a patch over our mistakes and shortcomings… and forge ahead, thinking – or hoping – that we won’t be discovered? How many of us are mired in baggage from this type of behavior… yet pretending to others that nothing is the least bit amiss? How many of us are trying to hide from God?
Do you see that avoiding God and trying to cover up your blunders and lapses in judgment is disrespectful? Do you understand that you really aren’t fooling anyone… especially God? Sadly, some of us have gotten so good at running from God… masking the truth and covering up our messes… that this pattern has become a way of life. And the damage has accumulated in the process. At this point, some can no longer distinguish reality from the fantasy life they have created. But God knows the truth!
We won’t get away with this… and this shouldn’t even be part of our mindset. We may fool some of our friends and acquaintances – some of the time – but we aren’t fooling God for one minute! And all of this is incredibly disrespectful… especially to God. The scriptures tell us in Galatians 6:7-8… “Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.”
Is God’s Spirit growing in you? When you make a mistake or fall short in some area, do you readily acknowledge this and ask for forgiveness? Are you respectful in your living… toward others - and especially toward God… or are you piling up “fuel for the fire”?
I do not like to operate in threats and fearful suggestions… but I don’t believe that this message delivers either. Instead, I see an opportunity for us to respect God and His presence and influence in our lives… to “come clean” with Him and in our daily living… and to make every effort to be whoever He has called us to be. Rather than try to get by with something, why not make a careful and concerted effort to do things right on the front end?
Are you showing the proper reverence and respect to God… and to others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 20, 2013
Titus 2:7
And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.
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.
A fellow church member phoned me this week and asked if I would help with a sewing project for one of our local ministries. I questioned her about the details to make sure this was something I could handle. It involved recovering some chair cushions. My friend asked, “Couldn’t we just wrap the new fabric around the cushions and staple them?” I told her we could do this… but 1) it would not look nice, and 2) it would not hold up to the wear and tear these cushions will receive. When she brought me the cushions and fabric, she stressed that… “This does not have to look good.” Her words said one thing, but I also knew that she and the others working on redecorating a room for this ministry were anxious for everything to have a pretty appearance.
I won’t say that I am particularly proud of the finished result… but I know I did my very best to make the cushions look nice. I am a “details person,” and yes, I can be picky. But I also know that anything worth doing is worth doing right… as “old-fashioned” and trite as that may sound. So I try to always be respectful of whatever task I have been given… even those that seem mundane or insignificant. By the same token, I always try to be respectful of others, regardless of who they are or how they have treated me in return.
Consider this…suppose that God did not show respect for you. Certainly He would be justified. We are not worthy of God’s respect. When it comes to caring for us when we are in need, He might just as well “throw a piece of fabric over us and staple us together”! We truly don’t deserve more meticulous attention! And as for how He treats us in general… by all rights, He should do everything possible to embarrass, demean and disgrace us. We are in no way/shape/form worthy of God’s respect. And yet, He offers us this with love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. He treats us like precious jewels… even when we act like a dirty pile of trash.
Today, I want you to think about how God treats you… and how you treat Him in return. More than this, I want you to think about how you treat others… and how you handle your words and actions – and your daily activities. Are you respectful toward others? Do you treat even the most mundane activities with care and give them the attention that you should? Do your words demonstrate respect – for God and for all He has created? Do you realize that others are watching – and noticing – how you treat your relationships with God and those around you? Do you fully get it that others notice whether you give a task 100% of your effort… or treat it with disregard and contempt? Does it compute with you that everything you say and do is a reflection of your true bond with God… and it could make the difference not only in how you are treated, but whether or not the other guy wants a relationship with God for himself?
So many things in life are “only a chair cushion”… but how we handle them is immeasurably significant. Are you respectful of God and the life with which He has blessed you? What sort of example are you setting for His Kingdom? Is there seriousness in your model of Christian discipleship? Are you “teaching” others anything that they would truly want to experience for themselves? Isn’t this a good day to start making any necessary adjustments?
©2013 Debbie Robus
And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.
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.
A fellow church member phoned me this week and asked if I would help with a sewing project for one of our local ministries. I questioned her about the details to make sure this was something I could handle. It involved recovering some chair cushions. My friend asked, “Couldn’t we just wrap the new fabric around the cushions and staple them?” I told her we could do this… but 1) it would not look nice, and 2) it would not hold up to the wear and tear these cushions will receive. When she brought me the cushions and fabric, she stressed that… “This does not have to look good.” Her words said one thing, but I also knew that she and the others working on redecorating a room for this ministry were anxious for everything to have a pretty appearance.
I won’t say that I am particularly proud of the finished result… but I know I did my very best to make the cushions look nice. I am a “details person,” and yes, I can be picky. But I also know that anything worth doing is worth doing right… as “old-fashioned” and trite as that may sound. So I try to always be respectful of whatever task I have been given… even those that seem mundane or insignificant. By the same token, I always try to be respectful of others, regardless of who they are or how they have treated me in return.
Consider this…suppose that God did not show respect for you. Certainly He would be justified. We are not worthy of God’s respect. When it comes to caring for us when we are in need, He might just as well “throw a piece of fabric over us and staple us together”! We truly don’t deserve more meticulous attention! And as for how He treats us in general… by all rights, He should do everything possible to embarrass, demean and disgrace us. We are in no way/shape/form worthy of God’s respect. And yet, He offers us this with love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. He treats us like precious jewels… even when we act like a dirty pile of trash.
Today, I want you to think about how God treats you… and how you treat Him in return. More than this, I want you to think about how you treat others… and how you handle your words and actions – and your daily activities. Are you respectful toward others? Do you treat even the most mundane activities with care and give them the attention that you should? Do your words demonstrate respect – for God and for all He has created? Do you realize that others are watching – and noticing – how you treat your relationships with God and those around you? Do you fully get it that others notice whether you give a task 100% of your effort… or treat it with disregard and contempt? Does it compute with you that everything you say and do is a reflection of your true bond with God… and it could make the difference not only in how you are treated, but whether or not the other guy wants a relationship with God for himself?
So many things in life are “only a chair cushion”… but how we handle them is immeasurably significant. Are you respectful of God and the life with which He has blessed you? What sort of example are you setting for His Kingdom? Is there seriousness in your model of Christian discipleship? Are you “teaching” others anything that they would truly want to experience for themselves? Isn’t this a good day to start making any necessary adjustments?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 19, 2013
Romans 6:22-23
But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
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.
Someone posted a link on Facebook to a short video by Phil Robertson, creator of Duck Commander – now known by most via A&E’s television show, “Duck Dynasty”. If you have a chance, go to http://vimeo.com/75972095 and view this video for yourself. Robertson tells of the day when he answered his own phone, and the caller said he wanted to order a duck call. The conversation went something like this…
The customer said he needed to order a duck call. Robertson asked the guy, “Okay...What do you need?” Phil says, “In process of guy ordering the duck call, he used God's name in vain about five times... just while ordering a duck call.” He asked the man…”Why would you keep using God's name to curse this, that and the other... He's the only one who can save you from death... why invoke His name like that?” There was silence.
The man ordered his duck call and hung up… then about 10 minutes later, he called back and told Robertson that he had never considered this question before… and he asked if he could come over and visit. A week later, Robertson received a visit from this man and a friend, and the conversation continued. Robertson implies that the visit ended with an impromptu baptism in a nearby river. Several years later, Robertson was speaking at an event in Alabama, where he discovered that this customer was now a leader in the church that was serving as hosts.
The point of the video is that Robertson used his marketplace as a ministry. If you know anything at all about the Robertson family and “Duck Dynasty”, you know that they truly have built an empire. They have catapulted a simple idea into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, and the “Duck Dynasty” brand is now on everything from books, videos, clothing and fleece throws… to jewelry and yes - duck calls! There is even a “Duck Dynasty” department at Wal-Mart! Still, the Robertsons make frequent appearances across the country to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. From all accounts, they are the “real deal” for Jesus…and their “wealth” in Him far outweighs any monetary gain or fame they might have acquired.
“But I won’t ever be rich and famous like the Robertsons,” you may be thinking. “I won’t ever have the kind of national platform that they have… much less their wealth.” And you might be right! But don’t miss this… you are every bit as affluent as any one of the Robertsons when it comes to the riches of salvation! You can share in God’s gift equally with anybody else on the planet! And as someone who enjoys the “put-together life” in Christ, you have the ability to accomplish as much – or more - for the Kingdom of heaven as Phil Robertson and his family members!
But here’s the kicker… you have to choose to work hard for God’s real life instead of the life of sin… AND… you have to make a conscious effort to “share the wealth” with others. If you do this, you will be as “rich and famous” in God’s eyes as any of the “Duck Dynasty” clan ever thought about being. You will be wealthy and influential in a way that truly matters. If you turn every aspect of your life into a mission field, you won’t be able to spend all that God gives you! But the choice is totally yours. In the words of Phil Robertson, will you choose to be “Happy! Happy! Happy!” for Jesus? Or will you end up being just another “dead duck”?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
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.
Someone posted a link on Facebook to a short video by Phil Robertson, creator of Duck Commander – now known by most via A&E’s television show, “Duck Dynasty”. If you have a chance, go to http://vimeo.com/75972095 and view this video for yourself. Robertson tells of the day when he answered his own phone, and the caller said he wanted to order a duck call. The conversation went something like this…
The customer said he needed to order a duck call. Robertson asked the guy, “Okay...What do you need?” Phil says, “In process of guy ordering the duck call, he used God's name in vain about five times... just while ordering a duck call.” He asked the man…”Why would you keep using God's name to curse this, that and the other... He's the only one who can save you from death... why invoke His name like that?” There was silence.
The man ordered his duck call and hung up… then about 10 minutes later, he called back and told Robertson that he had never considered this question before… and he asked if he could come over and visit. A week later, Robertson received a visit from this man and a friend, and the conversation continued. Robertson implies that the visit ended with an impromptu baptism in a nearby river. Several years later, Robertson was speaking at an event in Alabama, where he discovered that this customer was now a leader in the church that was serving as hosts.
The point of the video is that Robertson used his marketplace as a ministry. If you know anything at all about the Robertson family and “Duck Dynasty”, you know that they truly have built an empire. They have catapulted a simple idea into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, and the “Duck Dynasty” brand is now on everything from books, videos, clothing and fleece throws… to jewelry and yes - duck calls! There is even a “Duck Dynasty” department at Wal-Mart! Still, the Robertsons make frequent appearances across the country to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. From all accounts, they are the “real deal” for Jesus…and their “wealth” in Him far outweighs any monetary gain or fame they might have acquired.
“But I won’t ever be rich and famous like the Robertsons,” you may be thinking. “I won’t ever have the kind of national platform that they have… much less their wealth.” And you might be right! But don’t miss this… you are every bit as affluent as any one of the Robertsons when it comes to the riches of salvation! You can share in God’s gift equally with anybody else on the planet! And as someone who enjoys the “put-together life” in Christ, you have the ability to accomplish as much – or more - for the Kingdom of heaven as Phil Robertson and his family members!
But here’s the kicker… you have to choose to work hard for God’s real life instead of the life of sin… AND… you have to make a conscious effort to “share the wealth” with others. If you do this, you will be as “rich and famous” in God’s eyes as any of the “Duck Dynasty” clan ever thought about being. You will be wealthy and influential in a way that truly matters. If you turn every aspect of your life into a mission field, you won’t be able to spend all that God gives you! But the choice is totally yours. In the words of Phil Robertson, will you choose to be “Happy! Happy! Happy!” for Jesus? Or will you end up being just another “dead duck”?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 18, 2013
Romans 3:23-26
But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.
God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured. This is not only clear, but it’s now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.
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.
One of my all-time favorite television shows is “I Love Lucy”. Every episode, Lucy gets herself into some kind of mess… and she usually recruits Ethel to help her figure out how to get out of it! She tries very hard to cover up her mistakes… she especially tries to keep her husband Ricky from finding out what has happened. But in the end, she usually needs rescuing… and often it is at the hands and mercy of Ricky Ricardo!
Many of us are a lot like Lucy and Ethel. We have these grand schemes of how we think everything ought to work out… or we see something we want – or want to happen – and we start plotting and planning how we can make it so. We may involve others in our shenanigans… or we may try to do things completely on our own. But in the end, we have one royal mess on our hands… and then we need someone to mercifully save us.
Lest you think this doesn’t apply to you, let me ask you a question or two. Have you ever wondered how on earth you were going to pass a test for which you had not adequately studied and prepared? Do you ever make big promises to someone that, going in, you know you will not be able to deliver…but you hope you can figure it all out later on and no one will be the wiser? Do you ever lie… even a little or about seemingly small things… so that people will see you in a particular light – or things will go your way? Have you ever cheated (or as Lucy might describe it “fibbed a little”) in order to achieve a desired outcome? Have you ever tried to make yourself look good at another’s expense?
These are just some of the thousands of ways that we make messes of our lives each and every day…and then wonder how we will work our way out of them. Sometimes, we have a “go-to” person who helps us make amends and mop up the trouble. Other times, we have to muddle through on our own. And more times than we care to admit, we just pretend it never happened and move on…never realizing that our disorder and disobedience accumulates into a cluttered jumble of a life.
And that’s where God comes into the picture. He stands ready and able to help us fix things, once and for all. God knows us and the sorry state of affairs we are capable of creating on our own. Yet He loves us and desires to rescue us from a life that is so messy and chaotic. He can equip us to right all of the wrongs… to ask forgiveness where necessary… and to set things right wherever possible. More importantly, with God’s help – and because of His incredible love, grace, mercy and forgiveness – we don’t have to keep on repeating the same old mistakes.
Our lives are not perpetual episodes of “I Love Lucy”! Without her continual escapades, the show would cease to exist. But the end of our “antics” can be the beginning of our life in Christ… and it can be far better than anything we ever could imagine or create on our own. We know what God offers… we know what He sacrificed through Jesus Christ in order for us to attain it. The choice is ours whether to accept Him and allow Him to operate in and through us… or not. How will you decide?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.
God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured. This is not only clear, but it’s now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.
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.
One of my all-time favorite television shows is “I Love Lucy”. Every episode, Lucy gets herself into some kind of mess… and she usually recruits Ethel to help her figure out how to get out of it! She tries very hard to cover up her mistakes… she especially tries to keep her husband Ricky from finding out what has happened. But in the end, she usually needs rescuing… and often it is at the hands and mercy of Ricky Ricardo!
Many of us are a lot like Lucy and Ethel. We have these grand schemes of how we think everything ought to work out… or we see something we want – or want to happen – and we start plotting and planning how we can make it so. We may involve others in our shenanigans… or we may try to do things completely on our own. But in the end, we have one royal mess on our hands… and then we need someone to mercifully save us.
Lest you think this doesn’t apply to you, let me ask you a question or two. Have you ever wondered how on earth you were going to pass a test for which you had not adequately studied and prepared? Do you ever make big promises to someone that, going in, you know you will not be able to deliver…but you hope you can figure it all out later on and no one will be the wiser? Do you ever lie… even a little or about seemingly small things… so that people will see you in a particular light – or things will go your way? Have you ever cheated (or as Lucy might describe it “fibbed a little”) in order to achieve a desired outcome? Have you ever tried to make yourself look good at another’s expense?
These are just some of the thousands of ways that we make messes of our lives each and every day…and then wonder how we will work our way out of them. Sometimes, we have a “go-to” person who helps us make amends and mop up the trouble. Other times, we have to muddle through on our own. And more times than we care to admit, we just pretend it never happened and move on…never realizing that our disorder and disobedience accumulates into a cluttered jumble of a life.
And that’s where God comes into the picture. He stands ready and able to help us fix things, once and for all. God knows us and the sorry state of affairs we are capable of creating on our own. Yet He loves us and desires to rescue us from a life that is so messy and chaotic. He can equip us to right all of the wrongs… to ask forgiveness where necessary… and to set things right wherever possible. More importantly, with God’s help – and because of His incredible love, grace, mercy and forgiveness – we don’t have to keep on repeating the same old mistakes.
Our lives are not perpetual episodes of “I Love Lucy”! Without her continual escapades, the show would cease to exist. But the end of our “antics” can be the beginning of our life in Christ… and it can be far better than anything we ever could imagine or create on our own. We know what God offers… we know what He sacrificed through Jesus Christ in order for us to attain it. The choice is ours whether to accept Him and allow Him to operate in and through us… or not. How will you decide?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 17, 2013
Romans 10:8-10
It’s the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us. This is the core of our preaching. Say the welcoming word to God—“Jesus is my Master”—embracing, body and soul, God’s work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That’s it. You’re not “doing” anything; you’re simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you. That’s salvation. With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: “God has set everything right between him and me!”
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.
In her book, Just Give Me Jesus, Anne Graham Lotz tells the story of a mother and son who enjoy a glorious day together at the beach. They soak up the son, revel in each other’s company, and relax in the quietness of the ocean waves. As the sun begins to set, they hear screaming in the distance, and they realize that a woman is drowning down the beach a ways… pulled under by the current of a rip tide. The son swims out to rescue the woman and pulls her to safety, but when she emerges from the water, he is nowhere to be found. The mother is understandably distraught. The rescued woman walks over and tells the mother that her son didn’t have to do anything – and he certainly did not have to die… that she would have somehow managed on her own.
Lotz makes the suggestion that this is how many of us are with Jesus. He quietly and bravely suffered and died on our behalf, and all we offer in return is indignation. We were doing just fine… we didn’t need “saving”. We seem to somehow manage pretty well on our own… who says we need a redeemer? Besides, we’ve really not done anything to earn God’s favor. In fact, we’ve been pretty rotten at times. Why would Jesus want to risk His own life for ours? What’s in it for Him?
The answer to these questions encompasses the beauty of our relationship with Jesus. We are not expected to “do” anything… Jesus didn’t die for us out of anything but a deep sense of love and concern. Just as the young son who rushed into the water to rescue a woman he did not know in the least, Jesus comes after us. The young son didn’t have a clue about this woman. She might have been a horrible person… a hardened criminal… an abusive parent…a truly hateful individual. The young man didn’t consider any of this… he just saw a woman in peril, and he rushed to save her. Jesus knows each of us… our past, present and future… and still, He gave His life for ours. All we have to do is accept His hand… His offer of salvation… His “rescue plan”.
Here’s where our story differs from the woman’s. Once we have been saved by faith… rescued by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ… we are called to “name it and claim it.” Unlike the woman who disavowed her deliverance from the treacherous ocean waters, we are called to embrace our new life in Christ… to declare Him as our LORD and Savior… and to live in such a way that all can see that we belong to Him… and to be grateful.
As Lotz noted, many have accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation… but with something of a dismissive attitude. We’ve either failed to share Jesus with others through our words and actions… or we have essentially scorned Him by acting as if we were managing perfectly well on our own. And we are all guilty of this in one form or another at times. We should all take a long, hard look at our Christian faith… and how we are treating Jesus. Have we truly chosen to follow Him? If so, have we fully committed to acknowledging Him in every aspect of our lives… and are we grateful for His amazing sacrifice?
Are you in need of a Christian “attitude adjustment” these days? God has done His part to set things right … have YOU?
©2013 Debbie Robus
It’s the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us. This is the core of our preaching. Say the welcoming word to God—“Jesus is my Master”—embracing, body and soul, God’s work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That’s it. You’re not “doing” anything; you’re simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you. That’s salvation. With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: “God has set everything right between him and me!”
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.
In her book, Just Give Me Jesus, Anne Graham Lotz tells the story of a mother and son who enjoy a glorious day together at the beach. They soak up the son, revel in each other’s company, and relax in the quietness of the ocean waves. As the sun begins to set, they hear screaming in the distance, and they realize that a woman is drowning down the beach a ways… pulled under by the current of a rip tide. The son swims out to rescue the woman and pulls her to safety, but when she emerges from the water, he is nowhere to be found. The mother is understandably distraught. The rescued woman walks over and tells the mother that her son didn’t have to do anything – and he certainly did not have to die… that she would have somehow managed on her own.
Lotz makes the suggestion that this is how many of us are with Jesus. He quietly and bravely suffered and died on our behalf, and all we offer in return is indignation. We were doing just fine… we didn’t need “saving”. We seem to somehow manage pretty well on our own… who says we need a redeemer? Besides, we’ve really not done anything to earn God’s favor. In fact, we’ve been pretty rotten at times. Why would Jesus want to risk His own life for ours? What’s in it for Him?
The answer to these questions encompasses the beauty of our relationship with Jesus. We are not expected to “do” anything… Jesus didn’t die for us out of anything but a deep sense of love and concern. Just as the young son who rushed into the water to rescue a woman he did not know in the least, Jesus comes after us. The young son didn’t have a clue about this woman. She might have been a horrible person… a hardened criminal… an abusive parent…a truly hateful individual. The young man didn’t consider any of this… he just saw a woman in peril, and he rushed to save her. Jesus knows each of us… our past, present and future… and still, He gave His life for ours. All we have to do is accept His hand… His offer of salvation… His “rescue plan”.
Here’s where our story differs from the woman’s. Once we have been saved by faith… rescued by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ… we are called to “name it and claim it.” Unlike the woman who disavowed her deliverance from the treacherous ocean waters, we are called to embrace our new life in Christ… to declare Him as our LORD and Savior… and to live in such a way that all can see that we belong to Him… and to be grateful.
As Lotz noted, many have accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation… but with something of a dismissive attitude. We’ve either failed to share Jesus with others through our words and actions… or we have essentially scorned Him by acting as if we were managing perfectly well on our own. And we are all guilty of this in one form or another at times. We should all take a long, hard look at our Christian faith… and how we are treating Jesus. Have we truly chosen to follow Him? If so, have we fully committed to acknowledging Him in every aspect of our lives… and are we grateful for His amazing sacrifice?
Are you in need of a Christian “attitude adjustment” these days? God has done His part to set things right … have YOU?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 16, 2013
Psalm 127:1-2
Without the help of the Lord
it is useless to build a home
or to guard a city.
It is useless to get up early
and stay up late
in order to earn a living.
God takes care of his own,
even while they sleep.
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.
Ever since I was a small child, I’ve had occasional bouts with allergic reactions – particularly hives. We never could determine what triggered them, but in high school, I suffered a serious reaction after taking an antibiotic treatment for a sore throat. The hives and swelling became so severe that I had to be hospitalized for four days. A few years later, the school nurse where I taught rushed me to a medical clinic for a shot of epinephrine when swelling and hives I was experienced required immediate attention. But it would be another twenty years – and several bouts with hives and other symptoms of an allergic reaction – before we determined that my apparent culprits are corn …and possibly chocolate.
Apparently, as my “minor” bouts with hives and other allergic reactions occurred over the years, my body accumulated the affects. So while people sometimes “grow out of” allergies… mine actually escalated to the point that the reactions became more frequent and severe. My physician prescribed three things… an oral antihistamine, a medical alert bracelet that I wear anytime I leave the house, and “epi-pens” that I carry with me in case of a life-threatening reaction. Thankfully, I have not had what I would consider a serious allergic reaction in a very long time… and I have never had to use the epi-pens. I attribute this to diligence about encounters with products containing corn and chocolate. I am also persistent about keeping my medications with me and wearing the alert bracelet.
I am so grateful that my allergy is controllable – and not nearly as severe as those other people experience. I had students who were so severely allergic that even a whiff of their allergen could evoke a reaction. One child with a peanut allergy lay on his living room floor where a sibling had earlier dropped a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and the entire side of his face swelled. But by the same token, I would never be so dismissive as to help myself to corn chips or a chocolate bar… or to use products on my skin that I know contain cornstarch. My Mam-ma Polly used to tell me, “If you would just ignore all of that and eat what you want and forget about it, you’d be just fine.” That was simply not a true statement… and to do such a thing would be incredibly reckless!
I wonder how many of us are this reckless about our daily living. We know how important God’s care and protection are… how vital it is that we always carry the Holy Spirit in our heart. Yet far too often, we are careless and irresponsible with God. We step out into life on our own and test the waters. One little sample of “life” can’t hurt… can it? A little lie here… some gossip there… and an occasional bout with cheating might make us uncomfortable and “itchy” for a little while. But the symptoms will subside and we’ll move on… and we think we are no worse for wear. What we fail to realize is how these actions and consequences are accumulating…how the results can one day escalate into an “epic fail” of some sort that leaves us wondering what went wrong and how we got to that point!
We cannot afford to be without God… even for a minute. We cannot chance even a tiny taste of sin and disobedience. We can’t risk “leaving God at home” – not even for a few hours! He must be present and operating in and through us at all times. Even though I feel I am thoroughly protected, I will occasionally encounter something that apparently has a trace of my allergens in it. Thankfully, I have an arsenal of protective measures that I can utilize to attack this and keep me safe. We need God “on the clock” at all times, because the devil is waiting for even the tiniest opportunity to slip in and give us trouble!
I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t think much about my allergies… and staying alert for the culprits has become somewhat second nature. I don’t take them for granted, but I know that I’m doing all I can to stay protected. GOD is our protection against the attacks of the devil and the sins of the world. Through His wisdom, we have the best chance of recognizing potential dangers and pitfalls – and avoiding them in the first place. With His grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and strength, we are redeemed in the instances when we do slip and stumble. We must never take His care for granted…but under His watch, we can live in confidence and peace.
God’s care and protection is readily available… but always optional. We must choose to accept Him… we must invite His Holy Spirit to live in our hearts. We must put forth the effort to keep the lines of communication with Him open. I can’t imagine why anyone would elect to “leave home without God”… can you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Without the help of the Lord
it is useless to build a home
or to guard a city.
It is useless to get up early
and stay up late
in order to earn a living.
God takes care of his own,
even while they sleep.
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.
Ever since I was a small child, I’ve had occasional bouts with allergic reactions – particularly hives. We never could determine what triggered them, but in high school, I suffered a serious reaction after taking an antibiotic treatment for a sore throat. The hives and swelling became so severe that I had to be hospitalized for four days. A few years later, the school nurse where I taught rushed me to a medical clinic for a shot of epinephrine when swelling and hives I was experienced required immediate attention. But it would be another twenty years – and several bouts with hives and other symptoms of an allergic reaction – before we determined that my apparent culprits are corn …and possibly chocolate.
Apparently, as my “minor” bouts with hives and other allergic reactions occurred over the years, my body accumulated the affects. So while people sometimes “grow out of” allergies… mine actually escalated to the point that the reactions became more frequent and severe. My physician prescribed three things… an oral antihistamine, a medical alert bracelet that I wear anytime I leave the house, and “epi-pens” that I carry with me in case of a life-threatening reaction. Thankfully, I have not had what I would consider a serious allergic reaction in a very long time… and I have never had to use the epi-pens. I attribute this to diligence about encounters with products containing corn and chocolate. I am also persistent about keeping my medications with me and wearing the alert bracelet.
I am so grateful that my allergy is controllable – and not nearly as severe as those other people experience. I had students who were so severely allergic that even a whiff of their allergen could evoke a reaction. One child with a peanut allergy lay on his living room floor where a sibling had earlier dropped a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and the entire side of his face swelled. But by the same token, I would never be so dismissive as to help myself to corn chips or a chocolate bar… or to use products on my skin that I know contain cornstarch. My Mam-ma Polly used to tell me, “If you would just ignore all of that and eat what you want and forget about it, you’d be just fine.” That was simply not a true statement… and to do such a thing would be incredibly reckless!
I wonder how many of us are this reckless about our daily living. We know how important God’s care and protection are… how vital it is that we always carry the Holy Spirit in our heart. Yet far too often, we are careless and irresponsible with God. We step out into life on our own and test the waters. One little sample of “life” can’t hurt… can it? A little lie here… some gossip there… and an occasional bout with cheating might make us uncomfortable and “itchy” for a little while. But the symptoms will subside and we’ll move on… and we think we are no worse for wear. What we fail to realize is how these actions and consequences are accumulating…how the results can one day escalate into an “epic fail” of some sort that leaves us wondering what went wrong and how we got to that point!
We cannot afford to be without God… even for a minute. We cannot chance even a tiny taste of sin and disobedience. We can’t risk “leaving God at home” – not even for a few hours! He must be present and operating in and through us at all times. Even though I feel I am thoroughly protected, I will occasionally encounter something that apparently has a trace of my allergens in it. Thankfully, I have an arsenal of protective measures that I can utilize to attack this and keep me safe. We need God “on the clock” at all times, because the devil is waiting for even the tiniest opportunity to slip in and give us trouble!
I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t think much about my allergies… and staying alert for the culprits has become somewhat second nature. I don’t take them for granted, but I know that I’m doing all I can to stay protected. GOD is our protection against the attacks of the devil and the sins of the world. Through His wisdom, we have the best chance of recognizing potential dangers and pitfalls – and avoiding them in the first place. With His grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and strength, we are redeemed in the instances when we do slip and stumble. We must never take His care for granted…but under His watch, we can live in confidence and peace.
God’s care and protection is readily available… but always optional. We must choose to accept Him… we must invite His Holy Spirit to live in our hearts. We must put forth the effort to keep the lines of communication with Him open. I can’t imagine why anyone would elect to “leave home without God”… can you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 15, 2013
Psalm 139:13-18
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.
Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I’ll never comprehend them!
I couldn’t even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
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.
If you visited my laundry/craft room, you would see stacks of projects. In my head, I can see how they will look when they are finished. When I complete a garment… or a greeting card or whatever I am making, I know every stitch or piece of paper that went into it. I see every seam… each layer… and all the steps that went into its creation. Sometimes my projects work out as planned… sometimes they don’t. Once in a while, something turns out so badly that I have to totally scrap it and start over! And more than once, I’ve made something for myself that I disliked so much that it rarely – if ever – was worn. Every time I put it on, I saw all of the flaws… or it just didn’t look and feel right.
Maybe you have had a similar experience. Many of us have envisioned a recipe in our heads that sounded delicious. I recently read a recipe on Pinterest for a pumpkin smoothie. It sounded wonderful! I could almost taste it as I read through the ingredients and process. But I have to tell you, I was terribly disappointed with the finished product, and I don’t care to make another one… ever!
It’s a beautiful thing to know that God planned and envisioned us long before we were ever conceived. He designed, planned, and created every “seam” in the garment that is our body – each “layer” that is the greeting card of our personality – all of the ingredients that make up the “recipe” of our lives. And the coolest part of all is that He loves every single thing about us. There may be “stitches” that are a little uneven…a crooked “caption” here or there… or even an off-putting “taste” occasionally. Still, God loves us. He looks past the flaws and imperfections and says, “This is My creation. Perfection and purpose lie within him/her. There may be bumps in the road and even a few wrong turns… but at the end of the day, I know how this ends - and I am in love with My handiwork.”
No one will ever love you like God. Your parents may have planned for your birth. They may have thought about you and dreamed of your conception and delivery. They may have nurtured you and given you every advantage as you grew and developed. You may have friends, relatives and/or a significant other who adore you and make you feel important each and every day. But none of these compares to the immeasurable, unconditional love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance that God offers us every single minute of the day.
God would never “scrap” us like an ill-fitting garment or a distasteful recipe… yet many of us are ready to toss Him to the side at every turn. Our “justifications” run the gamut from disappointments over events in our lives and prayers we felt were unanswered – or answered in a way we did not like… a desire to have our own way in all things – at all times…or accession to outside forces that convince us that God is not real – that He could not possibly love us so amazingly. Regardless of the reasons, we can choose to correct our course. We can acknowledge God’s presence – and His power. We can say, “Thank You, LORD… for everything!”
One of my favorite things to do is to take an old garment that has begun to show wear – or has been donated to the thrift store – and repurpose it to create something new and useful. You may have somehow fallen into the “thrift store bin. You may feel useless, unloved… or separated from God. The good news is that He can repurpose you… He planned for this and knows exactly what to do to get you back on track. All you have to do is to choose Him… to ask GOd to let you rise in the morning and live always with Him. He will handle the rest.
God choose you… have you chosen Him in return?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.
Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I’ll never comprehend them!
I couldn’t even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
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.
If you visited my laundry/craft room, you would see stacks of projects. In my head, I can see how they will look when they are finished. When I complete a garment… or a greeting card or whatever I am making, I know every stitch or piece of paper that went into it. I see every seam… each layer… and all the steps that went into its creation. Sometimes my projects work out as planned… sometimes they don’t. Once in a while, something turns out so badly that I have to totally scrap it and start over! And more than once, I’ve made something for myself that I disliked so much that it rarely – if ever – was worn. Every time I put it on, I saw all of the flaws… or it just didn’t look and feel right.
Maybe you have had a similar experience. Many of us have envisioned a recipe in our heads that sounded delicious. I recently read a recipe on Pinterest for a pumpkin smoothie. It sounded wonderful! I could almost taste it as I read through the ingredients and process. But I have to tell you, I was terribly disappointed with the finished product, and I don’t care to make another one… ever!
It’s a beautiful thing to know that God planned and envisioned us long before we were ever conceived. He designed, planned, and created every “seam” in the garment that is our body – each “layer” that is the greeting card of our personality – all of the ingredients that make up the “recipe” of our lives. And the coolest part of all is that He loves every single thing about us. There may be “stitches” that are a little uneven…a crooked “caption” here or there… or even an off-putting “taste” occasionally. Still, God loves us. He looks past the flaws and imperfections and says, “This is My creation. Perfection and purpose lie within him/her. There may be bumps in the road and even a few wrong turns… but at the end of the day, I know how this ends - and I am in love with My handiwork.”
No one will ever love you like God. Your parents may have planned for your birth. They may have thought about you and dreamed of your conception and delivery. They may have nurtured you and given you every advantage as you grew and developed. You may have friends, relatives and/or a significant other who adore you and make you feel important each and every day. But none of these compares to the immeasurable, unconditional love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance that God offers us every single minute of the day.
God would never “scrap” us like an ill-fitting garment or a distasteful recipe… yet many of us are ready to toss Him to the side at every turn. Our “justifications” run the gamut from disappointments over events in our lives and prayers we felt were unanswered – or answered in a way we did not like… a desire to have our own way in all things – at all times…or accession to outside forces that convince us that God is not real – that He could not possibly love us so amazingly. Regardless of the reasons, we can choose to correct our course. We can acknowledge God’s presence – and His power. We can say, “Thank You, LORD… for everything!”
One of my favorite things to do is to take an old garment that has begun to show wear – or has been donated to the thrift store – and repurpose it to create something new and useful. You may have somehow fallen into the “thrift store bin. You may feel useless, unloved… or separated from God. The good news is that He can repurpose you… He planned for this and knows exactly what to do to get you back on track. All you have to do is to choose Him… to ask GOd to let you rise in the morning and live always with Him. He will handle the rest.
God choose you… have you chosen Him in return?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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