1 John 5:13-15
My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.
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.
Timothy and our cousin Owen (who is six weeks younger than Timothy) both visited us one day last summer. I had to laugh at them. Owen has not spent nearly as much time at our house as Timothy has…and Timothy made sure Owen knew that! He demonstrated his familiarity by helping himself to his “owie bags” from the freezer and more. Timothy knew where we kept his favorite snacks…what items and areas of our house were off limits, and more. And he felt quite comfortable making himself at home and asking for anything…confident that we were listening and would answer (and hopefully give him whatever he requested)!
Timothy wasn’t ugly about it, but he clearly let Owen knew that he “belonged” at our house…and this gave him special advantages! He was kind and shared his toys (for the most part)…and in the end, I am sure Owen thought our house was a pretty neat place to visit, too.
What about us? Do we let others know that a relationship with God through Jesus Christ is pretty neat? Do we live in such a way that others see the “perks” of belonging to Jesus? Do we share His gifts and blessings…love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and understanding with others? Or are we selfish with them…even smug and arrogant about our salvation and the relationship we have with Jesus? Do we let others know that they can enjoy the same bond with Christ that we have?
Do we demonstrate the power of prayer…by offering to pray for others and letting them know how God has answered us? Or are we embarrassed – or even too lazy or ashamed – to share our faith with others? Do we keep our blessings in Christ to ourselves? Do others even know we are a Christian?
Isn’t it time that we started claiming God’s amazing gift and blessings in our life…and freely communicating with Him in full confidence that His will is perfect – and anything we ask for that aligns with His will, He will grant us? Shouldn’t we be demonstrating our hope and confidence in Christ to others? Shouldn’t they be readily able to discern Whose we are…and shouldn’t they desire this same salvation and access to God for themselves?
Just how familiar are you with God? Are you comfortable making yourself at home with Him and asking for anything? How often do you give others a reason to desire these same advantages for themselves? Isn’t it time you started “representing” Jesus? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 30, 2014
Ephesians 5:15-16
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
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 short twenty-seven years ago, my husband and I embarked on a new business venture. We purchased a state-of-the-art Apple Macintosh computer and a couple of printers, including a laser printer that cost $4000 on its own. Today the same printer would probably cost a little more than $100! There was no cell phone…or World Wide Web…certainly nothing like Skype or FaceTime. Yes…things have certainly changed in a short period of time! We had plenty of opportunities for distraction…but they didn’t include playing “Candy Crush” or “Angry Birds” on a smart phone, communicating via social media, or texting. And none of these are bad past-times, if conducted wisely and in moderation.
Facebook is the perfect example. This social media vehicle can become a time waster…or a wonderful medium for sharing friendship, love and concern with others. A good case in point came in recent weeks when Buffy, a woman with whom I attended school and church as a teenager, became ill with the flu and double pneumonia. Her family members began to post prayer requests on Facebook. In turn, I shared these requests with my Facebook friends – many of whom had also been classmates and friends. Buffy died earlier this week. As her brother said to me, “thru your posts, thousands of folks prayed for Buff.” He thanked me for contributing to “this avalanche of love that's covered all of us.”
Every day, we have opportunities to spend our time wisely… or to waste it. Our choices matter…more than we may ever realize. The thirty minutes you spend writing cards of encouragement to someone or visiting with a friend or acquaintance on the phone may give them exactly the lift they needed to get through another day. The hour you turn off the computer or television and take a walk with your spouse, family member or friend… play in the floor with a child…or visit a neighbor…may generate results and blessings beyond your wildest imagination – for that person AND for you! The time you spend reading this devotional may give God an opportunity to provide you with insights you had not considered…and help you to serve more fully and effectively as one of Christ’s disciples!
The point is that everyone has the same amount of time each day. The difference comes in how we choose to use our time…where we place priorities…our ability to create balance between the demands of others and the world, our own desires, and God’s will. The best way to accomplish a successful equilibrium is to earnestly seek God each day…to start with the question, “What do YOU want from me in the next 24 hours?” We must listen to God’s voice and direction and schedule our activities accordingly. We must leave room on our calendar for the unexpected…and not fill our days so chock full that we are totally thrown into a tizzy when something happens that we did not anticipate and/or could not predict.
Opportunities to serve others…to share the love and compassion of Jesus with them…are all around us. I don’t know what new gadgets, gizmos and inventions the coming years will bring - or what means they will offer for serving others (and potential distractions) will accompany them. But I do know that God can show us how to keep balance in our lives and spend our time wisely. Are you willing to listen and let Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
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 short twenty-seven years ago, my husband and I embarked on a new business venture. We purchased a state-of-the-art Apple Macintosh computer and a couple of printers, including a laser printer that cost $4000 on its own. Today the same printer would probably cost a little more than $100! There was no cell phone…or World Wide Web…certainly nothing like Skype or FaceTime. Yes…things have certainly changed in a short period of time! We had plenty of opportunities for distraction…but they didn’t include playing “Candy Crush” or “Angry Birds” on a smart phone, communicating via social media, or texting. And none of these are bad past-times, if conducted wisely and in moderation.
Facebook is the perfect example. This social media vehicle can become a time waster…or a wonderful medium for sharing friendship, love and concern with others. A good case in point came in recent weeks when Buffy, a woman with whom I attended school and church as a teenager, became ill with the flu and double pneumonia. Her family members began to post prayer requests on Facebook. In turn, I shared these requests with my Facebook friends – many of whom had also been classmates and friends. Buffy died earlier this week. As her brother said to me, “thru your posts, thousands of folks prayed for Buff.” He thanked me for contributing to “this avalanche of love that's covered all of us.”
Every day, we have opportunities to spend our time wisely… or to waste it. Our choices matter…more than we may ever realize. The thirty minutes you spend writing cards of encouragement to someone or visiting with a friend or acquaintance on the phone may give them exactly the lift they needed to get through another day. The hour you turn off the computer or television and take a walk with your spouse, family member or friend… play in the floor with a child…or visit a neighbor…may generate results and blessings beyond your wildest imagination – for that person AND for you! The time you spend reading this devotional may give God an opportunity to provide you with insights you had not considered…and help you to serve more fully and effectively as one of Christ’s disciples!
The point is that everyone has the same amount of time each day. The difference comes in how we choose to use our time…where we place priorities…our ability to create balance between the demands of others and the world, our own desires, and God’s will. The best way to accomplish a successful equilibrium is to earnestly seek God each day…to start with the question, “What do YOU want from me in the next 24 hours?” We must listen to God’s voice and direction and schedule our activities accordingly. We must leave room on our calendar for the unexpected…and not fill our days so chock full that we are totally thrown into a tizzy when something happens that we did not anticipate and/or could not predict.
Opportunities to serve others…to share the love and compassion of Jesus with them…are all around us. I don’t know what new gadgets, gizmos and inventions the coming years will bring - or what means they will offer for serving others (and potential distractions) will accompany them. But I do know that God can show us how to keep balance in our lives and spend our time wisely. Are you willing to listen and let Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 29, 2014
2 Corinthians 5:16-20
Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other.
God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend 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.
My friend Tiger “lamented” (tongue-in-cheek) the “leisurely driver” in a recent Facebook post. He said in part…”Today we salute you, mister leisurely driver…ye who could drive anytime…however choose to trek at rush hour and lunch time!! Go, you warrior of intersection indecision! We bow and pause for you…after all, what choice do we have - you're blocking the street! We know each stop sign is a major decision!”
I suggested to Tiger that he and I may very likely be that “leisurely driver” soon enough! But I was also reminded of how we used to plead with my grandmother and great-aunt to run their errands at an earlier hour, when traffic wasn’t as heavy. Instead, they chose to go to the grocery store at the busiest hour of the day…usually on Friday afternoon around 3:30, just as school closed for the weekend! In truth, they did this so that they could see more people…and get in a good visit with a few of them. Their “mission” was more about socializing than shopping! They were not interested in hearing about traffic. It never bothered them that others had to be extra watchful for their “senior driving” or poke along behind them at intersections. They had a right to shop whenever they pleased… and they exercised it! And all of the talking in the world could not change their minds.
I still remember taking my Mam-ma Polly home from the beauty shop on Friday afternoons and unpacking the groceries that I had purchased for her while she got her hair done. Then she and her best friend, Ruby, would practically beat me back to the store, where I had returned to purchase my own groceries! Mam-ma would sometimes make up some excuse about picking up some item she forgot to put on the list when I shopped for her…but I knew the real reason these ladies were there at that hour!
My point in sharing this is two-fold …1) as I pointed out to Tiger, we very well may be this “leisurely driver” someday; and 2) we can encourage others to come around to our way of thinking… but the ultimate decision is theirs. And it’s the same with our Christian faith. As we share the love of Christ with others and demonstrate Christian discipleship and service, we must do so without judgment. We must recognize that on any given day, we are all stubborn and rebellious – and maybe a “leisurely driver”…and none of us are perfect. Still, God loves us! And if we are new creatures in Christ, we are called to find a way to reconcile differences, overcome our desires to be critical and judgmental…and learn to get along.
Moreover, we must understand that our job is not to force Jesus on others…but to share His GOOD NEWS and love with others… then let Him do the heavy lifting of changing hearts and minds. If you really study this scripture passage, you will find that the message is loud and clear to “move over and let God run the show!” So the next time you encounter a “leisurely driver” on the streets – or in the aisles at Wal-Mart – remember the words of Paul to the Corinthians. Remind yourself that “we’re Christ’s representatives”…and we share His love by offering forgiveness, compassion and understanding to the other guy.
Try to “look inside” others’ hearts and see what God sees. You are blessed to enjoy His friendship…offer the same to others. Set the stage for God to work…then move over and “give Him the wheel”!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other.
God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend 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.
My friend Tiger “lamented” (tongue-in-cheek) the “leisurely driver” in a recent Facebook post. He said in part…”Today we salute you, mister leisurely driver…ye who could drive anytime…however choose to trek at rush hour and lunch time!! Go, you warrior of intersection indecision! We bow and pause for you…after all, what choice do we have - you're blocking the street! We know each stop sign is a major decision!”
I suggested to Tiger that he and I may very likely be that “leisurely driver” soon enough! But I was also reminded of how we used to plead with my grandmother and great-aunt to run their errands at an earlier hour, when traffic wasn’t as heavy. Instead, they chose to go to the grocery store at the busiest hour of the day…usually on Friday afternoon around 3:30, just as school closed for the weekend! In truth, they did this so that they could see more people…and get in a good visit with a few of them. Their “mission” was more about socializing than shopping! They were not interested in hearing about traffic. It never bothered them that others had to be extra watchful for their “senior driving” or poke along behind them at intersections. They had a right to shop whenever they pleased… and they exercised it! And all of the talking in the world could not change their minds.
I still remember taking my Mam-ma Polly home from the beauty shop on Friday afternoons and unpacking the groceries that I had purchased for her while she got her hair done. Then she and her best friend, Ruby, would practically beat me back to the store, where I had returned to purchase my own groceries! Mam-ma would sometimes make up some excuse about picking up some item she forgot to put on the list when I shopped for her…but I knew the real reason these ladies were there at that hour!
My point in sharing this is two-fold …1) as I pointed out to Tiger, we very well may be this “leisurely driver” someday; and 2) we can encourage others to come around to our way of thinking… but the ultimate decision is theirs. And it’s the same with our Christian faith. As we share the love of Christ with others and demonstrate Christian discipleship and service, we must do so without judgment. We must recognize that on any given day, we are all stubborn and rebellious – and maybe a “leisurely driver”…and none of us are perfect. Still, God loves us! And if we are new creatures in Christ, we are called to find a way to reconcile differences, overcome our desires to be critical and judgmental…and learn to get along.
Moreover, we must understand that our job is not to force Jesus on others…but to share His GOOD NEWS and love with others… then let Him do the heavy lifting of changing hearts and minds. If you really study this scripture passage, you will find that the message is loud and clear to “move over and let God run the show!” So the next time you encounter a “leisurely driver” on the streets – or in the aisles at Wal-Mart – remember the words of Paul to the Corinthians. Remind yourself that “we’re Christ’s representatives”…and we share His love by offering forgiveness, compassion and understanding to the other guy.
Try to “look inside” others’ hearts and see what God sees. You are blessed to enjoy His friendship…offer the same to others. Set the stage for God to work…then move over and “give Him the wheel”!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 28, 2014
Ephesians 5:21
Honor Christ and put others first.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my favorite television sitcoms is “The Big Bang Theory”. It showcases four nerdy geeks who are geniuses in the scientific world…but almost literally cannot get in out of the rain in everyday life. One of the nerdiest is a character named Sheldon Cooper. According to a fan website… http://the-big-bang-theory.com - “Sheldon is the uber geek, he possesses a Master's degree and 2 PhDs, and conducts string theory research at Caltech.” Sheldon is also an egomaniac, and when he’s particularly proud of something he has said or done, he shouts, “Bazinga!” Here are a few examples of “Sheldon quotes” from various episodes…
You get the picture…it’s all about Sheldon – all the time. And for the record, this character’s background includes a devoutly Christian mother from Texas - and Sheldon often makes references to his church upbringing. While he sometimes cites moral dilemmas…such as claiming not to drink coffee because his mother admonished him “not to do drugs”, his focus does not appear to be on honoring Christ – and he most certainly would not choose to put others first!
“Sheldon Cooper” is an extreme example…but don’t we all know some version of him? Maybe you are even one of these people. When someone is sick, you have to tell them about YOUR ailments rather than offer empathy for theirs. It’s one thing to say, “I had that once, and it is miserable”… or “I remember how sad I felt when MY mother died…and I am so very sorry”…or “Losing my job was the catalyst for me to go back to school and start a new career...I am praying that you will find a new beginning, as well.” It’s quite another to launch into a dissertation about your litany of illnesses and/or injuries, or to go on and on about how you are mired in your own grief…or to be flippant about a job loss, disappointment, or challenge. It’s even worse to turn these into opportunities to toot your own horn – or to appeal to others for sympathy or commiseration on your own behalf.
I’ve quoted my pastor several times, but “there is a heartache on every pew”. I am pretty sure for everything you and I think we are enduring in the course of a day…someone else has it worse! Yes, we are important…our feelings matter – especially to God. But the way we glorify God and demonstrate His love to others is to step outside of ourselves…and into the shoes of the other guy…and to focus on his/her needs.
Use the experiences of your life to minister to others. If you’ve had the same illness, you know best how to encourage someone as he/she convalesces. If you have lost a parent, grandparent, sibling or other loved one – or even a beloved pet – you can offer first-hand understanding and condolence to someone else enduring the same loss. Whether it’s a happy occurrence or a tragic one, you have actual, personal familiarity with a variety of situations that equips you to minister to others in the same boat. And in doing so, you honor Christ.
There are an awful lot of “Sheldon Coopers” among us…people who have the intellect and capacity for showing compassion to others – and sharing the love of Christ in the bargain…but choose instead to place the focus of pretty much everything on themselves. Don’t be one of these people. Open your eyes and ears – and your heart – and see who needs you today. Then get busy blessing them in Jesus’ name…and give God a reason to shout, “Bazinga!”
©2014 Debbie Robus
Honor Christ and put others first.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my favorite television sitcoms is “The Big Bang Theory”. It showcases four nerdy geeks who are geniuses in the scientific world…but almost literally cannot get in out of the rain in everyday life. One of the nerdiest is a character named Sheldon Cooper. According to a fan website… http://the-big-bang-theory.com - “Sheldon is the uber geek, he possesses a Master's degree and 2 PhDs, and conducts string theory research at Caltech.” Sheldon is also an egomaniac, and when he’s particularly proud of something he has said or done, he shouts, “Bazinga!” Here are a few examples of “Sheldon quotes” from various episodes…
- Sheldon: Why are you crying?
Penny: Because I'm stupid!
Sheldon: That's no reason to cry. One cries because one is sad. For example, I cry because others are stupid, and that makes me sad. - Sheldon: I assure you, you'll be sorry that you wasted your money on an iPod when Microsoft comes out with theirs.
Rajesh: Do you have an opinion about everything?
Sheldon: Yes.
Howard: And you just assume you're right?
Sheldon: It's not an assumption. - Sheldon: Howard, you know me to be a very smart man. Don't you think that if I were wrong, I'd know it?
You get the picture…it’s all about Sheldon – all the time. And for the record, this character’s background includes a devoutly Christian mother from Texas - and Sheldon often makes references to his church upbringing. While he sometimes cites moral dilemmas…such as claiming not to drink coffee because his mother admonished him “not to do drugs”, his focus does not appear to be on honoring Christ – and he most certainly would not choose to put others first!
“Sheldon Cooper” is an extreme example…but don’t we all know some version of him? Maybe you are even one of these people. When someone is sick, you have to tell them about YOUR ailments rather than offer empathy for theirs. It’s one thing to say, “I had that once, and it is miserable”… or “I remember how sad I felt when MY mother died…and I am so very sorry”…or “Losing my job was the catalyst for me to go back to school and start a new career...I am praying that you will find a new beginning, as well.” It’s quite another to launch into a dissertation about your litany of illnesses and/or injuries, or to go on and on about how you are mired in your own grief…or to be flippant about a job loss, disappointment, or challenge. It’s even worse to turn these into opportunities to toot your own horn – or to appeal to others for sympathy or commiseration on your own behalf.
I’ve quoted my pastor several times, but “there is a heartache on every pew”. I am pretty sure for everything you and I think we are enduring in the course of a day…someone else has it worse! Yes, we are important…our feelings matter – especially to God. But the way we glorify God and demonstrate His love to others is to step outside of ourselves…and into the shoes of the other guy…and to focus on his/her needs.
Use the experiences of your life to minister to others. If you’ve had the same illness, you know best how to encourage someone as he/she convalesces. If you have lost a parent, grandparent, sibling or other loved one – or even a beloved pet – you can offer first-hand understanding and condolence to someone else enduring the same loss. Whether it’s a happy occurrence or a tragic one, you have actual, personal familiarity with a variety of situations that equips you to minister to others in the same boat. And in doing so, you honor Christ.
There are an awful lot of “Sheldon Coopers” among us…people who have the intellect and capacity for showing compassion to others – and sharing the love of Christ in the bargain…but choose instead to place the focus of pretty much everything on themselves. Don’t be one of these people. Open your eyes and ears – and your heart – and see who needs you today. Then get busy blessing them in Jesus’ name…and give God a reason to shout, “Bazinga!”
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 27, 2014
Galatians 5:22-23
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.
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.
Recently, I spoke with several girls who are members of a “small group” ministry hosted by my church. Since these girls are all high school seniors, the girls’ leaders had asked me to address the question, “What do you wish you had known when you were 18?” The first thing I listed was how I wished I had understood more fully just how much God loves me…that I had truly comprehended His grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion for me. While those who nurtured me in the first 18 years of my life loved God and meant well, much of my teaching was based in fear and an image of God – at least in my mind - as a strong disciplinarian (think lion tamer with a chair in one hand and a whip in the other!) who was watching and waiting to cast me into hell at the first misstep. The girls got quite a laugh when I said that the phrase “You’ll go to hell for that!” rang in my head much of the time.
It wasn’t until much later in life that I truly learned just how much God loves me… even when I screw things up – as we all do from time to time. I told the girls I wish I had understood that people make mistakes in life…it’s part of how we grown and learn. While this is not a license to sin or do things we shouldn’t…it is important that we realize that God can forgive and restore us…He has no desire to see any of us punished…much less condemned to hell for all eternity. By the same token, I didn’t have a clear understanding of how the Holy Spirit works. Most of my childhood, we heard of the “Holy Ghost”…and it was in a vague, sometimes eerie context. I did not understand that the Holy Spirit’s presence in our hearts equips us with compassion, holiness, affection for others, the ability to discern God’s wisdom…and so much more.
I shared with the girls how I have come to recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence… how He has calmed me in situations that almost literally took my breath…how He has shrouded me in peace and confidence when there was no “legal” – or human – explanation for the presence of either one! And I tried to convey to them how helpful it would have been to fully understand – and acknowledge – the Holy Spirit’s manifestation in my life when I was their age. It would have made a lot of situations easier…answered a lot of questions…and equipped me to handle many things far better than I did.
We talked about how so many people have opinions these days about what the girls should do with the rest of their lives…which college they should attend…what they should choose for a major…even which dress they should wear to the prom! Everyone has an opinion…and while many are offered in love and genuine care, the ultimate decisions reside with these girls. I encouraged them to think for themselves… to listen to the advice of others - but to lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance…and to understand that they don’t have all of the answers yet – and they aren’t supposed to at this age!
In short, my message to these girls is the same missive I give to each of you today…and serves as a reminder to myself, as well: The “world” can tell you a lot of things. The “legalism” of right and wrong can serve us just fine. Etiquette and a societal “moral code” can help us figure out what to say and do in many situations. But ultimately, the guidance that will supply us best comes from God…often through the manifestation of His Holy Spirit in our lives. When we listen to the Holy Spirit and operate in God’s will, we don’t have to operate in fear or uncertainty. We are equipped with a true sense of “affection for others, exuberance about life…and serenity.” We truly develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of gentleness and compassion in the heart, and a true understanding of holiness and self-control.
While I wish I had fully understood some of these things when I was eighteen, I honestly have no regrets. God has directed each day of my journey. Even when I didn’t fully recognize His presence – or that of the Holy Spirit – He was with me. But I could have been more compassionate and caring at times…I could have been less fearful and more confident…and “marshaled my energies” more wisely. And this is my challenge for all of us…to take whatever time we have left on this earth and make the most of it as we live God’s way.
If we start every day by asking God to show us what He wants us to do…and call on His Holy Spirit to fill us and guide our steps…we can proceed with confidence that we are operating in His will – and producing “good fruit” in the process.
Whose “laws” are guiding you today? Will you listen to the “legalism” of today’s society…or will you be guided by the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit? Will you operate in God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion…and share these “fruits” with others? Or will you strike out on your own…and take your chances?
©2014 Debbie Robus
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.
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.
Recently, I spoke with several girls who are members of a “small group” ministry hosted by my church. Since these girls are all high school seniors, the girls’ leaders had asked me to address the question, “What do you wish you had known when you were 18?” The first thing I listed was how I wished I had understood more fully just how much God loves me…that I had truly comprehended His grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion for me. While those who nurtured me in the first 18 years of my life loved God and meant well, much of my teaching was based in fear and an image of God – at least in my mind - as a strong disciplinarian (think lion tamer with a chair in one hand and a whip in the other!) who was watching and waiting to cast me into hell at the first misstep. The girls got quite a laugh when I said that the phrase “You’ll go to hell for that!” rang in my head much of the time.
It wasn’t until much later in life that I truly learned just how much God loves me… even when I screw things up – as we all do from time to time. I told the girls I wish I had understood that people make mistakes in life…it’s part of how we grown and learn. While this is not a license to sin or do things we shouldn’t…it is important that we realize that God can forgive and restore us…He has no desire to see any of us punished…much less condemned to hell for all eternity. By the same token, I didn’t have a clear understanding of how the Holy Spirit works. Most of my childhood, we heard of the “Holy Ghost”…and it was in a vague, sometimes eerie context. I did not understand that the Holy Spirit’s presence in our hearts equips us with compassion, holiness, affection for others, the ability to discern God’s wisdom…and so much more.
I shared with the girls how I have come to recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence… how He has calmed me in situations that almost literally took my breath…how He has shrouded me in peace and confidence when there was no “legal” – or human – explanation for the presence of either one! And I tried to convey to them how helpful it would have been to fully understand – and acknowledge – the Holy Spirit’s manifestation in my life when I was their age. It would have made a lot of situations easier…answered a lot of questions…and equipped me to handle many things far better than I did.
We talked about how so many people have opinions these days about what the girls should do with the rest of their lives…which college they should attend…what they should choose for a major…even which dress they should wear to the prom! Everyone has an opinion…and while many are offered in love and genuine care, the ultimate decisions reside with these girls. I encouraged them to think for themselves… to listen to the advice of others - but to lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance…and to understand that they don’t have all of the answers yet – and they aren’t supposed to at this age!
In short, my message to these girls is the same missive I give to each of you today…and serves as a reminder to myself, as well: The “world” can tell you a lot of things. The “legalism” of right and wrong can serve us just fine. Etiquette and a societal “moral code” can help us figure out what to say and do in many situations. But ultimately, the guidance that will supply us best comes from God…often through the manifestation of His Holy Spirit in our lives. When we listen to the Holy Spirit and operate in God’s will, we don’t have to operate in fear or uncertainty. We are equipped with a true sense of “affection for others, exuberance about life…and serenity.” We truly develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of gentleness and compassion in the heart, and a true understanding of holiness and self-control.
While I wish I had fully understood some of these things when I was eighteen, I honestly have no regrets. God has directed each day of my journey. Even when I didn’t fully recognize His presence – or that of the Holy Spirit – He was with me. But I could have been more compassionate and caring at times…I could have been less fearful and more confident…and “marshaled my energies” more wisely. And this is my challenge for all of us…to take whatever time we have left on this earth and make the most of it as we live God’s way.
If we start every day by asking God to show us what He wants us to do…and call on His Holy Spirit to fill us and guide our steps…we can proceed with confidence that we are operating in His will – and producing “good fruit” in the process.
Whose “laws” are guiding you today? Will you listen to the “legalism” of today’s society…or will you be guided by the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit? Will you operate in God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion…and share these “fruits” with others? Or will you strike out on your own…and take your chances?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 26, 2014
Galatians 6:1-3
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
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 messed up…made a big mistake. Maybe you broke the law, or you broke a promise. You hurt someone deeply…you betrayed family members, friends, co-workers. And now you are paying for your offense…in more ways than you ever imagined. The “obvious consequences” are bad enough…citations, court appearances – maybe even jail, loss of a job, getting kicked out of school, the break-up of a marriage or relationship - to name a few. But you didn’t expect the alienation and loneliness that has come with it. You didn’t realize that people would treat you like a pariah…or worse! Where are your friends? Why has your family distanced themselves from you? What happened to all of those co-workers or team mates who always wanted to socialize – at work and afterward?
There are consequences for mistakes…sometimes big ones. And many people do not consider the cost until after the fact. But the Bible tells us that as Christians, we have an obligation not to pile trouble upon trouble. In fact, we are to reach out to those who are hurting…those who have fallen…the ones on whom the rest of the world has turned its back. This doesn’t mean we are to condone their misdeeds. But we are to remind them that Jesus has not left them…and neither will we.
Think of yourself driving down the highway. You are cruising along - maybe even daydreaming a little. You top a hill and see the blue lights of a police car that has another car pulled over, and instinctively, you apply your brakes. You look at your speedometer and realize that YOU were speeding, too. Admit it…as you pass the two cars on the side of the road, you look at the poor guy who has gotten caught, and you shake your head – at least a little. And you probably say, “That easily could have been me.”
See, this is the thing. We are all one misstep away from needing mercy and grace from others…and honestly, we are all in need of daily mercy from Jesus – if not minute-by-minute! Jesus would never shun us. There are plenty of times when we disappoint Him – even anger Him – with our thoughts, words and actions. But Jesus never leaves us. He still visits us in the “jail cell” of our guilt and embarrassment – if not literally. Jesus still demonstrates love, compassion, and caring – even when we don’t deserve it. And we must do this for others.
So the person who hurt you so badly or caused great difficulties for others in his/her job, family life, friendships, athletic team – or church group – doesn’t deserve a “free pass”. But he/she does need our compassion…a smile…a hug…an “I love you and I’m praying for you”…and maybe even an “I forgive you.” The person who “got pulled over” needs to know that you still care about him/her…that nothing is too big for Jesus to forgive…and that we are seeing the person – not their sin. If we can do this, at least two things will happen: 1) our act of compassion may be the very catalyst for a change in this person; and 2) we will have helped to set the stage for our own mercy and understanding if/when we need it.
As this scripture points out, none of us is “that important!” Certainly none of us is above reproach…and there isn’t a single one of us who deserves Jesus’ mercy and compassion more than another. Jesus would never play favorites...so why would we?
Who needs to hear from you today? Where do you need to step forward…be bold…and approach someone on whom others have turned their backs? How will you help someone shoulder a burden today? What is Jesus calling you to do - and will you answer?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
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 messed up…made a big mistake. Maybe you broke the law, or you broke a promise. You hurt someone deeply…you betrayed family members, friends, co-workers. And now you are paying for your offense…in more ways than you ever imagined. The “obvious consequences” are bad enough…citations, court appearances – maybe even jail, loss of a job, getting kicked out of school, the break-up of a marriage or relationship - to name a few. But you didn’t expect the alienation and loneliness that has come with it. You didn’t realize that people would treat you like a pariah…or worse! Where are your friends? Why has your family distanced themselves from you? What happened to all of those co-workers or team mates who always wanted to socialize – at work and afterward?
There are consequences for mistakes…sometimes big ones. And many people do not consider the cost until after the fact. But the Bible tells us that as Christians, we have an obligation not to pile trouble upon trouble. In fact, we are to reach out to those who are hurting…those who have fallen…the ones on whom the rest of the world has turned its back. This doesn’t mean we are to condone their misdeeds. But we are to remind them that Jesus has not left them…and neither will we.
Think of yourself driving down the highway. You are cruising along - maybe even daydreaming a little. You top a hill and see the blue lights of a police car that has another car pulled over, and instinctively, you apply your brakes. You look at your speedometer and realize that YOU were speeding, too. Admit it…as you pass the two cars on the side of the road, you look at the poor guy who has gotten caught, and you shake your head – at least a little. And you probably say, “That easily could have been me.”
See, this is the thing. We are all one misstep away from needing mercy and grace from others…and honestly, we are all in need of daily mercy from Jesus – if not minute-by-minute! Jesus would never shun us. There are plenty of times when we disappoint Him – even anger Him – with our thoughts, words and actions. But Jesus never leaves us. He still visits us in the “jail cell” of our guilt and embarrassment – if not literally. Jesus still demonstrates love, compassion, and caring – even when we don’t deserve it. And we must do this for others.
So the person who hurt you so badly or caused great difficulties for others in his/her job, family life, friendships, athletic team – or church group – doesn’t deserve a “free pass”. But he/she does need our compassion…a smile…a hug…an “I love you and I’m praying for you”…and maybe even an “I forgive you.” The person who “got pulled over” needs to know that you still care about him/her…that nothing is too big for Jesus to forgive…and that we are seeing the person – not their sin. If we can do this, at least two things will happen: 1) our act of compassion may be the very catalyst for a change in this person; and 2) we will have helped to set the stage for our own mercy and understanding if/when we need it.
As this scripture points out, none of us is “that important!” Certainly none of us is above reproach…and there isn’t a single one of us who deserves Jesus’ mercy and compassion more than another. Jesus would never play favorites...so why would we?
Who needs to hear from you today? Where do you need to step forward…be bold…and approach someone on whom others have turned their backs? How will you help someone shoulder a burden today? What is Jesus calling you to do - and will you answer?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 25, 2014
Matthew 6:14-15
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A few months ago, I got a serger…a “sewing machine” of sorts that is used to finish seams with an “overlock” stitch, so there is a neat appearance and no raveling. Turn virtually any “store-bought” garment inside out and look at the seams, and you will see examples of serging. Everyone talks about the number one drawback of sergers – they are terribly hard to thread. In fact, it is recommended that you tie “new” threads onto “old” threads and gently pull them through the machine in order to prevent having to do this manually. Sounds great in theory… but the very first time I tried it, at least one of the four threads broke – and I had no choice but to get out the manual and try to figure out how to thread this complicated contraption!
I tried several times to thread the machine…I followed all of the manual’s instructions (or so I thought)…and still the threads would break. Greg suggested I consult YouTube and see if there were any videos that could help. While there was nothing for my specific machine, I did find a video for a similar serger…and in just a few minutes, mine was properly threaded, and I was on my way! There was one little missing step that the manual could not adequately describe. A visual image on video was just what I needed. That missing part of the puzzle made all the difference in the world…and today, I consider myself something of a pro when it comes to threading the serger!
In our life with Christ, a lot of us have MOST of the puzzle pieces figured out. We think we pretty well know how to “thread the serger”. We understand that we are called to love God and serve Him…and in fact, we truly WANT to do this! We want to love others as we love God…to meet their needs in His name…to think more of other people than we do ourselves. We want to forgive others in order to get forgiveness from God. But there is still a “broken thread” for many of us…something that cuts us off from God’s part and keeps us from completing the circle between us. For many of us, we have done all we need to do except for one thing…we have failed to forgive ourselves.
Think about how many times you say, “If only I had done such-and-such”… or “I really should have called So-and-so”…or “I should have been nicer to him/her – I should have spoken in the grocery store or in the hallway at school or church.” Do you go over things like this in your mind wish you could have a “do-over”? Are you painfully critical of yourself? Do you beat yourself up for every little transgression…long after you have begged forgiveness from God and anyone else you might have offended? Could this be the “missing step” that you have been unable to see?
You are not alone. Many people don’t make this important connection. We fail to see what God sees…His creation…His child…someone who He loves very much. We do not recognize the full potential that God sees in us…and in essence, we don’t fully accept His forgiveness. God wants us to be humble, obedient – and remorseful when we fall short – but He also wants us to come before Him and ask for restoration…then get over ourselves and get on with it!
Think of when adults say to little children, “Tell me what you did and why you had to go to time out!” Then remind yourself that this is often followed by a hug and a “now go and play” as all is forgiven and the ugly business is over and done. The child doesn’t stand around and say, “But I shouldn’t have hit my sister” or “I feel so bad for breaking that dish.” The child moves on…and hopefully tries to do better…and the parents are pleased with the child’s “lesson”.
What is the “missing piece of the puzzle” in your life that causes you to have a “broken thread” in your relationship with God? Could it be that you are able to ask for God’s forgiveness and that of others – and even fairly good at granting forgiveness to others…but when it comes to forgiving yourself, you’re all thumbs? Isn’t it time to “properly thread the machine” and complete your circle with God? Don’t you think this is a great time to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A few months ago, I got a serger…a “sewing machine” of sorts that is used to finish seams with an “overlock” stitch, so there is a neat appearance and no raveling. Turn virtually any “store-bought” garment inside out and look at the seams, and you will see examples of serging. Everyone talks about the number one drawback of sergers – they are terribly hard to thread. In fact, it is recommended that you tie “new” threads onto “old” threads and gently pull them through the machine in order to prevent having to do this manually. Sounds great in theory… but the very first time I tried it, at least one of the four threads broke – and I had no choice but to get out the manual and try to figure out how to thread this complicated contraption!
I tried several times to thread the machine…I followed all of the manual’s instructions (or so I thought)…and still the threads would break. Greg suggested I consult YouTube and see if there were any videos that could help. While there was nothing for my specific machine, I did find a video for a similar serger…and in just a few minutes, mine was properly threaded, and I was on my way! There was one little missing step that the manual could not adequately describe. A visual image on video was just what I needed. That missing part of the puzzle made all the difference in the world…and today, I consider myself something of a pro when it comes to threading the serger!
In our life with Christ, a lot of us have MOST of the puzzle pieces figured out. We think we pretty well know how to “thread the serger”. We understand that we are called to love God and serve Him…and in fact, we truly WANT to do this! We want to love others as we love God…to meet their needs in His name…to think more of other people than we do ourselves. We want to forgive others in order to get forgiveness from God. But there is still a “broken thread” for many of us…something that cuts us off from God’s part and keeps us from completing the circle between us. For many of us, we have done all we need to do except for one thing…we have failed to forgive ourselves.
Think about how many times you say, “If only I had done such-and-such”… or “I really should have called So-and-so”…or “I should have been nicer to him/her – I should have spoken in the grocery store or in the hallway at school or church.” Do you go over things like this in your mind wish you could have a “do-over”? Are you painfully critical of yourself? Do you beat yourself up for every little transgression…long after you have begged forgiveness from God and anyone else you might have offended? Could this be the “missing step” that you have been unable to see?
You are not alone. Many people don’t make this important connection. We fail to see what God sees…His creation…His child…someone who He loves very much. We do not recognize the full potential that God sees in us…and in essence, we don’t fully accept His forgiveness. God wants us to be humble, obedient – and remorseful when we fall short – but He also wants us to come before Him and ask for restoration…then get over ourselves and get on with it!
Think of when adults say to little children, “Tell me what you did and why you had to go to time out!” Then remind yourself that this is often followed by a hug and a “now go and play” as all is forgiven and the ugly business is over and done. The child doesn’t stand around and say, “But I shouldn’t have hit my sister” or “I feel so bad for breaking that dish.” The child moves on…and hopefully tries to do better…and the parents are pleased with the child’s “lesson”.
What is the “missing piece of the puzzle” in your life that causes you to have a “broken thread” in your relationship with God? Could it be that you are able to ask for God’s forgiveness and that of others – and even fairly good at granting forgiveness to others…but when it comes to forgiving yourself, you’re all thumbs? Isn’t it time to “properly thread the machine” and complete your circle with God? Don’t you think this is a great time to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 24, 2014
John 6:35-37
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go.
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.
There is presently a Facebook challenge circulating where “friends” are posting: “To start this year off in a loving way I'm participating in the Pay-it-Forward initiative...The first FIVE people who comment on this status with ‘I'm in’ will receive a surprise from me at some point in this calendar year…anything from a book, something homemade, a postcard, absolutely any surprise! There will be no warning and it will happen when the mood comes over me and I find something that I believe would suit you and make you happy. These five people must make the same offer in their FB status and distribute their own joy.”
This idea sounds great…five people do something nice for five people who do something nice for five more people…you get the idea. But why stop there? Why only do something nice for the first five people who comment? Are they truly the ones who need a “nice surprise” in their life? Why not look around your everyday situations and find people who could use a lift…a note of encouragement…a phone call “buddy check”…a meal…help with an errand or chore…or another gesture that says, “I care about you!”…and put Christian love and compassion into action?
In this scripture passage, Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever.” Jesus adds that once that person is with Him, He will hold on and never let go. I keep hearing Jesus say, “I am for EVERYONE! What I offer one, I offer ALL! I will never EVER let you go…you can always count on me to love you and care about your every need! I know you don’t seem to always believe this, but I am telling you…take this to the BANK!”
Are we like Jesus? Are we modeling His discipleship and compassion? Are we offering His “Bread of Life” to others in the form of conscious efforts to make their day better introduce them to His love and care in action? Or are we waiting for people to come to us and say, “I could use a hug…a handout…support in some manner…”? Have we made a convincing demonstration of love and compassion to others? Do they believe that we really care…or do we only meet the needs of those select few who raise their hands and voices and say, “I’m in!”?
Suppose Jesus said, “I will meet the needs of the first five people who come to Me and say, “I’m in”…and His efforts to “feed the sheep” stopped there? Suppose He never expended any energy to pursue those “on the fringes”…those with great needs who never asked for help – for whatever reasons. Suppose His salvation, love and care were not all-encompassing…or eternal! Because we have been so blessed…because of the heritage we are given in Christ Jesus…we should be eager to share our gifts with others. In doing so, we essentially say, “I love you and care for you with the love of Christ, which is fully and equally available to you!”
If you want to participate in this Facebook challenge, by all means… go for it! I do not mean to criticize this concept. But I dare you to go even further… to embrace the love of Christ that has been extended to you… and to “pay it forward” to those who may least suspect that someone else cares - but are the ones who need to know this the most! In doing so, you will truly extend Jesus’ offering of the “Bread of Life”. In return, you will “hunger and thirst no more” for His love and blessings. Whaddya say…are you “in”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go.
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.
There is presently a Facebook challenge circulating where “friends” are posting: “To start this year off in a loving way I'm participating in the Pay-it-Forward initiative...The first FIVE people who comment on this status with ‘I'm in’ will receive a surprise from me at some point in this calendar year…anything from a book, something homemade, a postcard, absolutely any surprise! There will be no warning and it will happen when the mood comes over me and I find something that I believe would suit you and make you happy. These five people must make the same offer in their FB status and distribute their own joy.”
This idea sounds great…five people do something nice for five people who do something nice for five more people…you get the idea. But why stop there? Why only do something nice for the first five people who comment? Are they truly the ones who need a “nice surprise” in their life? Why not look around your everyday situations and find people who could use a lift…a note of encouragement…a phone call “buddy check”…a meal…help with an errand or chore…or another gesture that says, “I care about you!”…and put Christian love and compassion into action?
In this scripture passage, Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever.” Jesus adds that once that person is with Him, He will hold on and never let go. I keep hearing Jesus say, “I am for EVERYONE! What I offer one, I offer ALL! I will never EVER let you go…you can always count on me to love you and care about your every need! I know you don’t seem to always believe this, but I am telling you…take this to the BANK!”
Are we like Jesus? Are we modeling His discipleship and compassion? Are we offering His “Bread of Life” to others in the form of conscious efforts to make their day better introduce them to His love and care in action? Or are we waiting for people to come to us and say, “I could use a hug…a handout…support in some manner…”? Have we made a convincing demonstration of love and compassion to others? Do they believe that we really care…or do we only meet the needs of those select few who raise their hands and voices and say, “I’m in!”?
Suppose Jesus said, “I will meet the needs of the first five people who come to Me and say, “I’m in”…and His efforts to “feed the sheep” stopped there? Suppose He never expended any energy to pursue those “on the fringes”…those with great needs who never asked for help – for whatever reasons. Suppose His salvation, love and care were not all-encompassing…or eternal! Because we have been so blessed…because of the heritage we are given in Christ Jesus…we should be eager to share our gifts with others. In doing so, we essentially say, “I love you and care for you with the love of Christ, which is fully and equally available to you!”
If you want to participate in this Facebook challenge, by all means… go for it! I do not mean to criticize this concept. But I dare you to go even further… to embrace the love of Christ that has been extended to you… and to “pay it forward” to those who may least suspect that someone else cares - but are the ones who need to know this the most! In doing so, you will truly extend Jesus’ offering of the “Bread of Life”. In return, you will “hunger and thirst no more” for His love and blessings. Whaddya say…are you “in”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 23, 2014
Matthew 7:12
“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.
In her book The Glass Castle, author Jeanette Walls provides us with a vivid picture of her childhood. Walls’ mother and father were somewhat the “poster children” for dysfunctional parenting. If you read this book, you will wonder how Walls and her siblings ever wanted to have anything to do with their parents. And yet, they cared for their father as he lay dying when the rigors of alcoholism ravaged his body – and ultimately took his life. Walls opens her book with a description of pulling up alongside her mother, who was dumpster diving on the streets of New York City, and inviting her into the car for a conversation.
Many people would have looked the other way and pretended that this was not their mother…or they would have rushed her into the car and ridiculed her for embarrassing them in such a manner. But Walls did neither. She does not speak of a faith in Christ in her books, but surely she has developed an understanding of the basic tenet of what we know as “The Golden Rule” somewhere…somehow. She is able to put aside her own humiliation…what would be understandable resentment for the way she, her brother and sister were reared – neglected and mistreated, if not downright abused. Jeanette Walls is able to consider the person before her and ask a simple question, “How would I want to be treated?” And this is how she responds.
Surely you have had at least one instance in your life where someone has essentially – if not literally – slapped you in the face. You’ve been the brunt of an embarrassing or derogatory gesture…you’ve been called an ugly name, experienced a betrayal, or someone has treated you so unkindly that you felt like the breath was sucked from your lungs. Maybe you have been lonely, sick or injured…and no one bothered to even call to check on you – much less visit and offer to help. Maybe you have had to figure out how to manage what seemed like an impossible task all by yourself, while those around you acted like you were virtually invisible. Either they were too busy, too disinterested, or truly didn’t care enough to help you…but the result was pretty much the same. You were left feeling insignificant and unloved.
I could list other situations…but you get the picture. We’ve all “been there, done that” at one time or another. So we should all understand how terrible this feels. We should all be ready to take a look at “the other guy” and ask, “How would I feel in his/her shoes?” But time after time – for whatever reason – we seem to be too busy to exercise this “rule-of-thumb behavior” that sums up all of the laws and teachings of Jesus.
We can do better. We MUST do better! We should take a page from Jeanette Wall’s book (no pun intended!) and put aside our own feelings to consider the other person…to meet his/her needs as we feel led by the LORD… and to let HIM handle the rest. We must get to a point in our own Christian discipleship where we focus on treating others as we would like to be treated (and as God directs us)…and we allow God handle how others treat us! I get it…this is far easier said than done. But again, nothing about being a disciple of Christ is necessarily easy!
So how do we proceed? Leo Babauta, author of the blog “Zen Habits”, posted “18 Practical Tips for Living the Golden Rule”.* It’s worth a look, and I encourage you to click on the link and read through them. There is so much more that each of us can do to share love and compassion with others…and to honor the teachings of Jesus and His amazing gift of grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion in our own lives. This may not come easily at first, but practice truly does “make perfect”…and in time, we can become far more adept at exercising this tenet in our daily living.
Babauta encourages us to do this so that we will be happier and “a better person”…so that our community will be a better place. I believe we must do this “because Jesus said so!” He has demonstrated this principle for each and every one of us. If we want to truly be His disciples, we will “pay it forward” to others...and trust Him to give us the wisdom, strength and courage to accomplish these things for His glory. I know I’m in… what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*http://zenhabits.net/18-practical-tips-for-living-the-golden-rule/
“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.
In her book The Glass Castle, author Jeanette Walls provides us with a vivid picture of her childhood. Walls’ mother and father were somewhat the “poster children” for dysfunctional parenting. If you read this book, you will wonder how Walls and her siblings ever wanted to have anything to do with their parents. And yet, they cared for their father as he lay dying when the rigors of alcoholism ravaged his body – and ultimately took his life. Walls opens her book with a description of pulling up alongside her mother, who was dumpster diving on the streets of New York City, and inviting her into the car for a conversation.
Many people would have looked the other way and pretended that this was not their mother…or they would have rushed her into the car and ridiculed her for embarrassing them in such a manner. But Walls did neither. She does not speak of a faith in Christ in her books, but surely she has developed an understanding of the basic tenet of what we know as “The Golden Rule” somewhere…somehow. She is able to put aside her own humiliation…what would be understandable resentment for the way she, her brother and sister were reared – neglected and mistreated, if not downright abused. Jeanette Walls is able to consider the person before her and ask a simple question, “How would I want to be treated?” And this is how she responds.
Surely you have had at least one instance in your life where someone has essentially – if not literally – slapped you in the face. You’ve been the brunt of an embarrassing or derogatory gesture…you’ve been called an ugly name, experienced a betrayal, or someone has treated you so unkindly that you felt like the breath was sucked from your lungs. Maybe you have been lonely, sick or injured…and no one bothered to even call to check on you – much less visit and offer to help. Maybe you have had to figure out how to manage what seemed like an impossible task all by yourself, while those around you acted like you were virtually invisible. Either they were too busy, too disinterested, or truly didn’t care enough to help you…but the result was pretty much the same. You were left feeling insignificant and unloved.
I could list other situations…but you get the picture. We’ve all “been there, done that” at one time or another. So we should all understand how terrible this feels. We should all be ready to take a look at “the other guy” and ask, “How would I feel in his/her shoes?” But time after time – for whatever reason – we seem to be too busy to exercise this “rule-of-thumb behavior” that sums up all of the laws and teachings of Jesus.
We can do better. We MUST do better! We should take a page from Jeanette Wall’s book (no pun intended!) and put aside our own feelings to consider the other person…to meet his/her needs as we feel led by the LORD… and to let HIM handle the rest. We must get to a point in our own Christian discipleship where we focus on treating others as we would like to be treated (and as God directs us)…and we allow God handle how others treat us! I get it…this is far easier said than done. But again, nothing about being a disciple of Christ is necessarily easy!
So how do we proceed? Leo Babauta, author of the blog “Zen Habits”, posted “18 Practical Tips for Living the Golden Rule”.* It’s worth a look, and I encourage you to click on the link and read through them. There is so much more that each of us can do to share love and compassion with others…and to honor the teachings of Jesus and His amazing gift of grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion in our own lives. This may not come easily at first, but practice truly does “make perfect”…and in time, we can become far more adept at exercising this tenet in our daily living.
Babauta encourages us to do this so that we will be happier and “a better person”…so that our community will be a better place. I believe we must do this “because Jesus said so!” He has demonstrated this principle for each and every one of us. If we want to truly be His disciples, we will “pay it forward” to others...and trust Him to give us the wisdom, strength and courage to accomplish these things for His glory. I know I’m in… what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*http://zenhabits.net/18-practical-tips-for-living-the-golden-rule/
Daily Devotional for January 22, 2014
Romans 8:1-2
With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.
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 have been blessed with the good fortune to live on a bluff with a panoramic view to the east and northeast… across the river valley – and on a good day, into the next county. So as the weather fronts pass through our area, we are sometimes treated to a stark - and literal - visual image of low-lying black clouds that are cleared away by strong winds. I have stood at the windows and watched a dark cloud band literally be blown farther and farther east until it disappeared over the horizon. When I read this passage, I immediately could picture this in my mind, and it gave me pause to consider my new life in Christ in this context.
If you backtrack to Romans 7 and read the last few verses, you see where Paul is wrestling with his human dilemma of wanting to be sinless and do what God desires…yet doing the opposite much of the time. The sinful mind and the Christian heart seem to be locked in some sort of battle. Paul says in Romans 7:21-23: “It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.” In verse 24, he says, “I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?” And in verse 25, we find the response…”The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.”
So in the first two verses of Romans 8, we are presented with the incredible compassion of God through Jesus Christ…so much love and empathy for us that he sacrificed Jesus and allowed Him to suffer “brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death” so that the “low-lying black cloud” of our sins could be blown away by the strong wind of Christ’s Holy Spirit! If you really stop and think of it… if you truly form that mental image of the black storm cloud being forcefully blown away and completely out of view…this is almost overwhelming. We are not truly capable of imagining a love such as this! And yet…this is what Jesus offers to each of us.
Now here’s the thing…we are not Jesus. We cannot possibly love like He does…nor are we as individuals capable of the powerful things that Christ accomplishes. But with His power and through His Holy Spirit, we are able to offer grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion… and love…even when our sinful head says “That is the last thing you want to do!” So the question becomes…are you operating in the strong wind of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit? Or are you allowing the sinful rationale of the devil’s dark cloud to control you? Are you sharing the tremendous gift of compassion that Christ extends to you with others in your midst…and honoring your commitment and gratitude to Him in the process?
Many in your midst are operating under a dark cloud of some sort. If Christ found you worth the sacrifice…worth the “redeeming wind” of His love and compassion…don’t you think you should pay this forward to others in His name? Isn’t this a good day to stir up the breeze?
©2014 Debbie Robus
With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.
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 have been blessed with the good fortune to live on a bluff with a panoramic view to the east and northeast… across the river valley – and on a good day, into the next county. So as the weather fronts pass through our area, we are sometimes treated to a stark - and literal - visual image of low-lying black clouds that are cleared away by strong winds. I have stood at the windows and watched a dark cloud band literally be blown farther and farther east until it disappeared over the horizon. When I read this passage, I immediately could picture this in my mind, and it gave me pause to consider my new life in Christ in this context.
If you backtrack to Romans 7 and read the last few verses, you see where Paul is wrestling with his human dilemma of wanting to be sinless and do what God desires…yet doing the opposite much of the time. The sinful mind and the Christian heart seem to be locked in some sort of battle. Paul says in Romans 7:21-23: “It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.” In verse 24, he says, “I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?” And in verse 25, we find the response…”The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.”
So in the first two verses of Romans 8, we are presented with the incredible compassion of God through Jesus Christ…so much love and empathy for us that he sacrificed Jesus and allowed Him to suffer “brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death” so that the “low-lying black cloud” of our sins could be blown away by the strong wind of Christ’s Holy Spirit! If you really stop and think of it… if you truly form that mental image of the black storm cloud being forcefully blown away and completely out of view…this is almost overwhelming. We are not truly capable of imagining a love such as this! And yet…this is what Jesus offers to each of us.
Now here’s the thing…we are not Jesus. We cannot possibly love like He does…nor are we as individuals capable of the powerful things that Christ accomplishes. But with His power and through His Holy Spirit, we are able to offer grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion… and love…even when our sinful head says “That is the last thing you want to do!” So the question becomes…are you operating in the strong wind of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit? Or are you allowing the sinful rationale of the devil’s dark cloud to control you? Are you sharing the tremendous gift of compassion that Christ extends to you with others in your midst…and honoring your commitment and gratitude to Him in the process?
Many in your midst are operating under a dark cloud of some sort. If Christ found you worth the sacrifice…worth the “redeeming wind” of His love and compassion…don’t you think you should pay this forward to others in His name? Isn’t this a good day to stir up the breeze?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 21, 2014
Jeremiah 9:1-2
I wish my head were a well of water
and my eyes fountains of tears
So I could weep day and night
for casualties among my dear, dear people.
At times I wish I had a wilderness hut,
a backwoods cabin,
Where I could get away from my people
and never see them again.
They’re a faithless, feckless bunch,
a congregation of degenerates.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Yesterday we had an unseasonably warm January day. Greg and his lifelong friend, Rick, took a 250-mile motorcycle ride through the remote forests of the Ozarks and ate lunch in a little town called Jasper. Greg said the scenery was beautiful, serene…with long stretches where they saw absolutely no sign of human life. In one 60-mile-plus stretch, they met two cars. There are a lot of areas like this within a short drive of our community. When I’ve experienced personal challenges, I’ve often threatened (jokingly) to move to one of them…in particular, a scenic, pastoral mountain spot north of us called Prim. We all have times when we wish we could simply run away from everything that is difficult, sad, upsetting or unpleasant…and that is where I go – at least in my mind!
There are times when our hearts are so heavy and full for the concerns of our lives – and the lives of others – that we feel as if we actually could weep day and night. This morning, I opened my e-mail and Facebook accounts and learned that a church friend’s mother died suddenly last night, the 19-year-old great-grandson of my mother’s church friends is critically ill with the flu and pneumonia, a childhood friend buried her father yesterday, two friends are battling the flu, and another friend voiced an “un-spoken” prayer request. There were others, but you get the idea. On my desk, I have a list of at least ten people who need a card of encouragement, sympathy, get-well sentiments, and more.
Most days, I could spend a good chunk of my time praying for others and addressing their concerns…and yes, there are times when I really do wish I could “run away and move to Prim!” If you go back and read the chapters before and after this scripture passage, you will see that Jeremiah was crying out to God about the people of Judah. They were not living right…they had a zillion problems – mostly of their own making – and they didn’t appear to have any desire to change or do better! Jeremiah was heartsick for them… and fed up, at the same time. And essentially, he asked God, “What am I to do?”
As Christians, this must be our question. How do we show love, compassion and concern for others without drowning in their problems or becoming so frustrated when they don’t respond as we desire that we are ready to “run away and move to Prim”? If you continue reading in the 9th chapter of Jeremiah, you will see in verse 24 that God tells us not to get “high and mighty” or smug. He says, “If you brag, brag of this and this only: That you understand and know me. I’m God, and I act in loyal love. I do what’s right and set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things. These are my trademarks.” In other words, we are to do what we can…love others, pray for them, extend compassion as God directs…and then step aside and let God to the “heavy lifting”.
I know that this is a lot easier said than done for many of us. But God wants us to exercise balance in our lives as His servants. He wants us to show compassion and concern for others…but He doesn’t want us to get so worked up about all of this that we feel we need to run away to a backwoods cabin and never see people again! My challenge today for each of us is that we would ask God to show us balance…to give us a heart for others and their needs…to show us how, when and where to address these…and then to give us the wisdom and discernment to get out of His way and let Him work.
©2014 Debbie Robus
I wish my head were a well of water
and my eyes fountains of tears
So I could weep day and night
for casualties among my dear, dear people.
At times I wish I had a wilderness hut,
a backwoods cabin,
Where I could get away from my people
and never see them again.
They’re a faithless, feckless bunch,
a congregation of degenerates.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Yesterday we had an unseasonably warm January day. Greg and his lifelong friend, Rick, took a 250-mile motorcycle ride through the remote forests of the Ozarks and ate lunch in a little town called Jasper. Greg said the scenery was beautiful, serene…with long stretches where they saw absolutely no sign of human life. In one 60-mile-plus stretch, they met two cars. There are a lot of areas like this within a short drive of our community. When I’ve experienced personal challenges, I’ve often threatened (jokingly) to move to one of them…in particular, a scenic, pastoral mountain spot north of us called Prim. We all have times when we wish we could simply run away from everything that is difficult, sad, upsetting or unpleasant…and that is where I go – at least in my mind!
There are times when our hearts are so heavy and full for the concerns of our lives – and the lives of others – that we feel as if we actually could weep day and night. This morning, I opened my e-mail and Facebook accounts and learned that a church friend’s mother died suddenly last night, the 19-year-old great-grandson of my mother’s church friends is critically ill with the flu and pneumonia, a childhood friend buried her father yesterday, two friends are battling the flu, and another friend voiced an “un-spoken” prayer request. There were others, but you get the idea. On my desk, I have a list of at least ten people who need a card of encouragement, sympathy, get-well sentiments, and more.
Most days, I could spend a good chunk of my time praying for others and addressing their concerns…and yes, there are times when I really do wish I could “run away and move to Prim!” If you go back and read the chapters before and after this scripture passage, you will see that Jeremiah was crying out to God about the people of Judah. They were not living right…they had a zillion problems – mostly of their own making – and they didn’t appear to have any desire to change or do better! Jeremiah was heartsick for them… and fed up, at the same time. And essentially, he asked God, “What am I to do?”
As Christians, this must be our question. How do we show love, compassion and concern for others without drowning in their problems or becoming so frustrated when they don’t respond as we desire that we are ready to “run away and move to Prim”? If you continue reading in the 9th chapter of Jeremiah, you will see in verse 24 that God tells us not to get “high and mighty” or smug. He says, “If you brag, brag of this and this only: That you understand and know me. I’m God, and I act in loyal love. I do what’s right and set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things. These are my trademarks.” In other words, we are to do what we can…love others, pray for them, extend compassion as God directs…and then step aside and let God to the “heavy lifting”.
I know that this is a lot easier said than done for many of us. But God wants us to exercise balance in our lives as His servants. He wants us to show compassion and concern for others…but He doesn’t want us to get so worked up about all of this that we feel we need to run away to a backwoods cabin and never see people again! My challenge today for each of us is that we would ask God to show us balance…to give us a heart for others and their needs…to show us how, when and where to address these…and then to give us the wisdom and discernment to get out of His way and let Him work.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 20, 2014
Daniel 9:9
But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I still remember when my Mam-ma Polly told me that she had shoveled the ice off her driveway…”so that people could pull in safely.” She did this despite our most earnest pleas to stay inside…and stay OFF the ice! I cannot honestly say that she never fell doing this (because she probably would not have told us!), but thankfully, she never suffered any significant injuries as a result. And while we did not like her “rebellious” actions and behaviors at times, we always loved her and forgave her.
Parents have been doing this with children for generations. My cousins were telling recently of their now-adult daughter sticking something into the electrical outlet as a child – TWICE - despite their admonitions…”Don’t do that!” Of course, they loved her and cared for her afterward…but they still did not want her to put anything in the electrical outlets!
Every single day, we do things that displease God. We may be fully conscious of our rebellion…or it may be something that we do so automatically that we don’t realize what we have done. We may also rebel against God by charging ahead without asking for His guidance and seeking His wisdom. We have to do better at responding to God and obeying His commands. Thankfully, God is merciful, forgiving…and relatively patient with us in the meantime. Hopefully we can make daily progress as we grow closer to Him through prayer, Bible study, and the fellowship and sharing of encouragement with other believers.
As part of our Christian discipleship, we are called to show mercy, forgiveness and compassion to others. Let’s be honest…people are going to rebel against us…betray us…insult us…ignore us…or show us disrespect and/or mistreatment in some manner more than once in our lifetimes. Maybe you feel like this is a daily occurrence in your life! Truly, this is not what God desires for us. But then, He doesn’t desire that we treat Him in this manner, either. And in God, we see the perfect example of how to treat others. We don’t have to like their actions and behaviors…we don’t have to be their personal doormat…but we do have to offer them mercy and forgiveness, just as God offers each of us.
How do you maintain boundaries, stand up for yourself and what is right…yet let someone know that you do not condone rebellious actions and behaviors? We have been perfect examples of this all throughout scripture. There are consequences for bad behavior. God does not dole out blessings and “free passes” to those who disobey or disrespect Him. But He never stops loving them. God is always available to hear from His children…He makes sure basic needs are met, and He offers opportunities for restoration and reconciliation.
A cousin of mine once said of a mutual acquaintance…”When you get on his list – there is no eraser.” We may have to take a “time out” from someone…or step away from certain situations. We may have to practice “tough love” for a season. But we never stop sharing God’s love. We never stop praying – or caring. And when the person sincerely asks for our forgiveness…we must offer it. Imagine how you would feel if you were cut off from God…if you felt you had messed up so badly that He could never love you again. Thankfully, this will never happen! But we must still imagine how a person would feel if he/she thought this were the case…or how it would be for them to feel as if we had permanently and completely rejected them.
God wants us to love others as He loves us…so we must stand ready to offer mercy and forgiveness. To do otherwise is also an act of rebellion! This is a big challenge…but we serve a MIGHTY God…and He will give us the strength and wisdom to accomplish this! Are you ready to pay His mercy and forgiveness forward? Isn’t this a good day to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I still remember when my Mam-ma Polly told me that she had shoveled the ice off her driveway…”so that people could pull in safely.” She did this despite our most earnest pleas to stay inside…and stay OFF the ice! I cannot honestly say that she never fell doing this (because she probably would not have told us!), but thankfully, she never suffered any significant injuries as a result. And while we did not like her “rebellious” actions and behaviors at times, we always loved her and forgave her.
Parents have been doing this with children for generations. My cousins were telling recently of their now-adult daughter sticking something into the electrical outlet as a child – TWICE - despite their admonitions…”Don’t do that!” Of course, they loved her and cared for her afterward…but they still did not want her to put anything in the electrical outlets!
Every single day, we do things that displease God. We may be fully conscious of our rebellion…or it may be something that we do so automatically that we don’t realize what we have done. We may also rebel against God by charging ahead without asking for His guidance and seeking His wisdom. We have to do better at responding to God and obeying His commands. Thankfully, God is merciful, forgiving…and relatively patient with us in the meantime. Hopefully we can make daily progress as we grow closer to Him through prayer, Bible study, and the fellowship and sharing of encouragement with other believers.
As part of our Christian discipleship, we are called to show mercy, forgiveness and compassion to others. Let’s be honest…people are going to rebel against us…betray us…insult us…ignore us…or show us disrespect and/or mistreatment in some manner more than once in our lifetimes. Maybe you feel like this is a daily occurrence in your life! Truly, this is not what God desires for us. But then, He doesn’t desire that we treat Him in this manner, either. And in God, we see the perfect example of how to treat others. We don’t have to like their actions and behaviors…we don’t have to be their personal doormat…but we do have to offer them mercy and forgiveness, just as God offers each of us.
How do you maintain boundaries, stand up for yourself and what is right…yet let someone know that you do not condone rebellious actions and behaviors? We have been perfect examples of this all throughout scripture. There are consequences for bad behavior. God does not dole out blessings and “free passes” to those who disobey or disrespect Him. But He never stops loving them. God is always available to hear from His children…He makes sure basic needs are met, and He offers opportunities for restoration and reconciliation.
A cousin of mine once said of a mutual acquaintance…”When you get on his list – there is no eraser.” We may have to take a “time out” from someone…or step away from certain situations. We may have to practice “tough love” for a season. But we never stop sharing God’s love. We never stop praying – or caring. And when the person sincerely asks for our forgiveness…we must offer it. Imagine how you would feel if you were cut off from God…if you felt you had messed up so badly that He could never love you again. Thankfully, this will never happen! But we must still imagine how a person would feel if he/she thought this were the case…or how it would be for them to feel as if we had permanently and completely rejected them.
God wants us to love others as He loves us…so we must stand ready to offer mercy and forgiveness. To do otherwise is also an act of rebellion! This is a big challenge…but we serve a MIGHTY God…and He will give us the strength and wisdom to accomplish this! Are you ready to pay His mercy and forgiveness forward? Isn’t this a good day to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 19, 2014
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In a January 3, 2014, report for the DailyMail.com, correspondent Melissa Kite describes donning a “fat suit” made in the United States for the Peterborough City Hospital in England, to the tune of over $1600US. Kite, a svelte 119 pounds (8½ stone in British terms), donned a “bariatric suit” that elevated her weight to 40 stone…or 560 pounds. The hospital is using this suit to help provide nurses with empathy for the obese patients they treat in their facility. Hite points out that over a million people are classified as “morbidly obese” in Great Britain. Given the added health risks that come with obesity, it’s a sure bet that more than handful of these folks will visit the hospital for some sort of treatment. I encourage you to read this thought-provoking report for yourself.*
I chose a fairly “mainstream” example of “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes”…but only because this is one we can physically imagine and envision. We can also visualize simulating homelessness for a weekend, restraining an arm or leg or wearing a blindfold and trying to imagine what it would be like to function without a limb or our eyesight. But how do we gain insight into the more “invisible” lives - and burdens - of others? Are we able to imagine what it would be like to be bullied? Can we truly understand the emotional anguish of someone who has suffered the loss of a child? Do you know what it feels like to be mistreated because of the color of your skin, your sexual orientation, something that happened to you in the past, your ethnicity, or your social status?
Can you possibly imagine what it is like to suffer from some form of mental illness? Have you considered the challenges that come to the family members of those who do? Are you able to truly understand what it is to wake up hungry every day… and go to bed wondering whether you will survive another? Can you relate to the terminally ill person who is facing his/her own mortality, and all of the worries and concerns for those left behind? Do you have any idea the mental and emotional torment that may plague an addict, adulterer, prostitute, gang member, or psychopath? Do you know firsthand the heartache of parents who are filled with worry and anguish over delinquent children or a child with mental, physical or emotional issues? Have you personally been charged with responsibilities of caring for an aging loved one…and had to make difficult “life decisions” in the process?
I do not believe that Paul is calling on us to literally become one of these people…even for a short term experience. But in essence, He is telling us to stop for just a minute and try to envision their world…to “put on their fat suit” in our minds and hearts…and to see what – and who – God sees. Then…and only then…will we have a shot at truly sharing the compassion – and Good News – of Christ with them. There is an adage that is attributed to several people that essentially says, “People don’t care what you know…until they know that you care.” This is what Paul is trying to share with us in this passage of scripture. So my question today for all of us is…do people know that we care? Isn’t it time they did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*Wearing fat suits can make you sympathise with the obese...
Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In a January 3, 2014, report for the DailyMail.com, correspondent Melissa Kite describes donning a “fat suit” made in the United States for the Peterborough City Hospital in England, to the tune of over $1600US. Kite, a svelte 119 pounds (8½ stone in British terms), donned a “bariatric suit” that elevated her weight to 40 stone…or 560 pounds. The hospital is using this suit to help provide nurses with empathy for the obese patients they treat in their facility. Hite points out that over a million people are classified as “morbidly obese” in Great Britain. Given the added health risks that come with obesity, it’s a sure bet that more than handful of these folks will visit the hospital for some sort of treatment. I encourage you to read this thought-provoking report for yourself.*
I chose a fairly “mainstream” example of “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes”…but only because this is one we can physically imagine and envision. We can also visualize simulating homelessness for a weekend, restraining an arm or leg or wearing a blindfold and trying to imagine what it would be like to function without a limb or our eyesight. But how do we gain insight into the more “invisible” lives - and burdens - of others? Are we able to imagine what it would be like to be bullied? Can we truly understand the emotional anguish of someone who has suffered the loss of a child? Do you know what it feels like to be mistreated because of the color of your skin, your sexual orientation, something that happened to you in the past, your ethnicity, or your social status?
Can you possibly imagine what it is like to suffer from some form of mental illness? Have you considered the challenges that come to the family members of those who do? Are you able to truly understand what it is to wake up hungry every day… and go to bed wondering whether you will survive another? Can you relate to the terminally ill person who is facing his/her own mortality, and all of the worries and concerns for those left behind? Do you have any idea the mental and emotional torment that may plague an addict, adulterer, prostitute, gang member, or psychopath? Do you know firsthand the heartache of parents who are filled with worry and anguish over delinquent children or a child with mental, physical or emotional issues? Have you personally been charged with responsibilities of caring for an aging loved one…and had to make difficult “life decisions” in the process?
I do not believe that Paul is calling on us to literally become one of these people…even for a short term experience. But in essence, He is telling us to stop for just a minute and try to envision their world…to “put on their fat suit” in our minds and hearts…and to see what – and who – God sees. Then…and only then…will we have a shot at truly sharing the compassion – and Good News – of Christ with them. There is an adage that is attributed to several people that essentially says, “People don’t care what you know…until they know that you care.” This is what Paul is trying to share with us in this passage of scripture. So my question today for all of us is…do people know that we care? Isn’t it time they did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*Wearing fat suits can make you sympathise with the obese...
Daily Devotional for January 18, 2014
Matthew 9:35-38
Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”
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 many other people across America, I’ve become a huge fan of the PBS Masterpiece Theater mini-series Downton Abbey. I am intrigued with this program on many levels. The writing is compelling…the costuming and set design are both like art in motion…and the character development is complex and compelling. I find the “class structure” particularly interesting…how serving as a butler or footman – or working in the kitchen – is considered better than working as a clerk in a village shop…something that is spoken of with such disdain by the servants that you would think this type of work was unbelievably humiliating and degrading! Apparently in early 20th-Century England, the definition of an “honest day’s work” was relative!
Another thing that I find interesting is how the whole household panics when they are “short” a servant or two. If one footman falls ill or gets injured and cannot serve dinner, there is a mad scramble to find someone to replace him. When a “ladies maid” or valet moves to another house to serve another matriarch or “lord”, the whole place goes into a tailspin! They all fret and stew about how they will manage… who will dress Lady So-and-So? How will they juggle the dinner service and attending to “Lord” Grantham? In the little world of “Downton Abbey”, there are sometimes not enough “harvest hands”!
I know…this sounds ridiculous – and it is, to us. But these were very real problems for these manors “back in the day”. And while this was not a serious problem in the scheme of things, a true need for “harvest hand workers” is right under our noses – and many of us don’t even see it. I could list several instances of people I know personally who are battling unimaginable problems…terminal illness…incredible struggles and worries of all sorts…bruised and hurt lives. To all who observe them, there is often no outward indication that something is amiss.
A friend blogged that during a recent cab ride to an appointment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, the cabbie asked her and her husband, “Which one of you is the patient?” See, they both looked so “normal” and well that he was unable to determine this. And that’s the way it is for so many. We cannot tell “which one is the patient” just by looking…but this doesn’t mean that there aren’t great needs. The question is…are we even looking for these “lost sheep”?
When Jesus looked out over the crowds of bruised and hurting people, His heart broke. Does ours? Are we attuned to the problems around us…and do we really care about those who are confused, aimless, sick, injured and hurting? Are we seeking those who need a “harvest” and ministering to them? This goes well beyond reaching un-believers and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with them. Certainly there is a great need for this type of witness and ministry. But winning souls to Christ is not enough. It’s a “been there, done that…now what?” situation. Are we leaving people in the dust and failing to share Jesus with them at the very core? Are we saying, “You’ve been saved by the blood of Jesus…the rest is up to you!”…or are we saying, “Welcome to the family…how can I help you?” There IS a difference!
Everywhere we turn, people are in need of something that only Jesus can offer. But He is counting on each of us to serve as His vehicle for delivery. Perhaps we could learn something from Downton Abbey and care a little more about having enough “servants” to handle the workload. Unlike the characters in this mini-series, no task performed in the name of Jesus is beneath our “station”…no ministry and/or service is too great or small for us to gladly execute.
Do you truly have Christian compassion for others? Are you doing your part as a member of Christ’s body? Look around…see who needs to feel the love of Christ through your “harvest hands”. It’s time for all of us to get busy and go to work!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”
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 many other people across America, I’ve become a huge fan of the PBS Masterpiece Theater mini-series Downton Abbey. I am intrigued with this program on many levels. The writing is compelling…the costuming and set design are both like art in motion…and the character development is complex and compelling. I find the “class structure” particularly interesting…how serving as a butler or footman – or working in the kitchen – is considered better than working as a clerk in a village shop…something that is spoken of with such disdain by the servants that you would think this type of work was unbelievably humiliating and degrading! Apparently in early 20th-Century England, the definition of an “honest day’s work” was relative!
Another thing that I find interesting is how the whole household panics when they are “short” a servant or two. If one footman falls ill or gets injured and cannot serve dinner, there is a mad scramble to find someone to replace him. When a “ladies maid” or valet moves to another house to serve another matriarch or “lord”, the whole place goes into a tailspin! They all fret and stew about how they will manage… who will dress Lady So-and-So? How will they juggle the dinner service and attending to “Lord” Grantham? In the little world of “Downton Abbey”, there are sometimes not enough “harvest hands”!
I know…this sounds ridiculous – and it is, to us. But these were very real problems for these manors “back in the day”. And while this was not a serious problem in the scheme of things, a true need for “harvest hand workers” is right under our noses – and many of us don’t even see it. I could list several instances of people I know personally who are battling unimaginable problems…terminal illness…incredible struggles and worries of all sorts…bruised and hurt lives. To all who observe them, there is often no outward indication that something is amiss.
A friend blogged that during a recent cab ride to an appointment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, the cabbie asked her and her husband, “Which one of you is the patient?” See, they both looked so “normal” and well that he was unable to determine this. And that’s the way it is for so many. We cannot tell “which one is the patient” just by looking…but this doesn’t mean that there aren’t great needs. The question is…are we even looking for these “lost sheep”?
When Jesus looked out over the crowds of bruised and hurting people, His heart broke. Does ours? Are we attuned to the problems around us…and do we really care about those who are confused, aimless, sick, injured and hurting? Are we seeking those who need a “harvest” and ministering to them? This goes well beyond reaching un-believers and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with them. Certainly there is a great need for this type of witness and ministry. But winning souls to Christ is not enough. It’s a “been there, done that…now what?” situation. Are we leaving people in the dust and failing to share Jesus with them at the very core? Are we saying, “You’ve been saved by the blood of Jesus…the rest is up to you!”…or are we saying, “Welcome to the family…how can I help you?” There IS a difference!
Everywhere we turn, people are in need of something that only Jesus can offer. But He is counting on each of us to serve as His vehicle for delivery. Perhaps we could learn something from Downton Abbey and care a little more about having enough “servants” to handle the workload. Unlike the characters in this mini-series, no task performed in the name of Jesus is beneath our “station”…no ministry and/or service is too great or small for us to gladly execute.
Do you truly have Christian compassion for others? Are you doing your part as a member of Christ’s body? Look around…see who needs to feel the love of Christ through your “harvest hands”. It’s time for all of us to get busy and go to work!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 17, 2014
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I still cannot get over the news story this week about the young father of a three-year-old who was allegedly killed by a retired police officer in a movie theater. During the movie previews, this man refused to stop texting a message to his young daughter via the child’s babysitter. The former policeman sitting behind him apparently instigated an argument over this that escalated to his pulling out a gun and shooting this man, who later died. The man’s wife was also shot and received a non-life-threatening wound to her hand. The theater’s website lists prohibited items and actions…among them, any use of a cell phone inside the theater’s auditorium (including texting) - and possession of any weapons.
We rarely go to see a movie in the theater, because we inevitably are distracted by someone who is talking, eating too loudly, or otherwise creating a distraction. However, we would never let things escalate to this level. After all, it is just a movie. And while a theater experience isn’t cheap these days…I cannot imagine any disruption that could present a cause for “war” – much less murder! Yet these days, this seems to be where we have come to in the world as we know it. To quote this scripture passage, “It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair.”
The next sentence of this passage is incredibly profound and important: “But we don’t live or fight our battles that way – never have and never will.” As Christians, we are equipped with what this scripture passage refers to as “God-tools.” Just what are some of our God-tools? These include love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, encouragement, and responsive obedience. Does this mean that we sit back and let “the world” walk all over us? Not at all! But we are commanded to demonstrate a better way of solving problems and dealing with conflict.
We recently watched a documentary on our local PBS station about Woodruff Elementary School… a neighborhood institution of learning that was once part of the Little Rock School district. Woodruff was located in a truly dangerous part of the city…the principal and guidance counselor claimed that the “Crips” gang actually “met” on school grounds. Violence and murder were familiar to the fabric of life in this neighborhood…even among the young children who were brought up in this culture. The principal, Pat Higginbotham, and counselor Shirley Davis, developed a “plan” to challenge the children to go a set number of days without a single fight occurring at school. At the end of this time period, there would be a reward.
It took a lot of setbacks and restarts, but the children finally made it twenty days without a fight…and they were rewarded with a huge “play day”. From there, the school staff started again…and the time frame extended – eventually reaching 300 days without a single fight at school. Along the way, victories were rewarded with field trips, play days, and more. These administrators, and a subsequent principal, Janice Wilson, credited the children and teachers with making this concept work. They claimed that as new children came into the school, the others would teach them that “we don’t behave like that here.” Daily mantras were recited to remind the children to solve problems with words and cool-headed thinking…not heated actions and reactions.
Other educators repeatedly came to study the school and its success… and to “get a copy of the program.” They were all told, “There is no ‘program’…we are simply instilling a sense of personal worth and values into these children and showing them that fighting is not the answer.” Key in their approach was to emphasize to the children that the school was a “family”…and that families take care of each other, do not solve problems with fighting, and genuinely regard each other with respect.
Do you realize that we are a family in Christ Jesus? As such, don’t you think we owe it to each other to get along without violence, unkindness, and disrespect? How handy are your “God-tools”…and do you use them often? Do you treat others with love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, and encouragement? Do you practice “responsive obedience” by putting God’s commands and the teachings of Jesus into practice in your daily living? Are you quick to “fly off the handle” and make snap judgments about others…or worse yet, react in a way that belies your Christian faith and witness? Do you let the little things in life get to you in such a way that you are ready to “pull the trigger and shoot somebody”… if only figuratively?
Does it make sense to you that we can use these “God-tools” (with the backing strength of God Almighty) to bring the thoughts and actions of others around without the senseless “spilling of blood”? How long can YOU go without a fight…literally and figuratively? Are you truly operating within the structure of a life shaped by Christ? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I still cannot get over the news story this week about the young father of a three-year-old who was allegedly killed by a retired police officer in a movie theater. During the movie previews, this man refused to stop texting a message to his young daughter via the child’s babysitter. The former policeman sitting behind him apparently instigated an argument over this that escalated to his pulling out a gun and shooting this man, who later died. The man’s wife was also shot and received a non-life-threatening wound to her hand. The theater’s website lists prohibited items and actions…among them, any use of a cell phone inside the theater’s auditorium (including texting) - and possession of any weapons.
We rarely go to see a movie in the theater, because we inevitably are distracted by someone who is talking, eating too loudly, or otherwise creating a distraction. However, we would never let things escalate to this level. After all, it is just a movie. And while a theater experience isn’t cheap these days…I cannot imagine any disruption that could present a cause for “war” – much less murder! Yet these days, this seems to be where we have come to in the world as we know it. To quote this scripture passage, “It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair.”
The next sentence of this passage is incredibly profound and important: “But we don’t live or fight our battles that way – never have and never will.” As Christians, we are equipped with what this scripture passage refers to as “God-tools.” Just what are some of our God-tools? These include love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, encouragement, and responsive obedience. Does this mean that we sit back and let “the world” walk all over us? Not at all! But we are commanded to demonstrate a better way of solving problems and dealing with conflict.
We recently watched a documentary on our local PBS station about Woodruff Elementary School… a neighborhood institution of learning that was once part of the Little Rock School district. Woodruff was located in a truly dangerous part of the city…the principal and guidance counselor claimed that the “Crips” gang actually “met” on school grounds. Violence and murder were familiar to the fabric of life in this neighborhood…even among the young children who were brought up in this culture. The principal, Pat Higginbotham, and counselor Shirley Davis, developed a “plan” to challenge the children to go a set number of days without a single fight occurring at school. At the end of this time period, there would be a reward.
It took a lot of setbacks and restarts, but the children finally made it twenty days without a fight…and they were rewarded with a huge “play day”. From there, the school staff started again…and the time frame extended – eventually reaching 300 days without a single fight at school. Along the way, victories were rewarded with field trips, play days, and more. These administrators, and a subsequent principal, Janice Wilson, credited the children and teachers with making this concept work. They claimed that as new children came into the school, the others would teach them that “we don’t behave like that here.” Daily mantras were recited to remind the children to solve problems with words and cool-headed thinking…not heated actions and reactions.
Other educators repeatedly came to study the school and its success… and to “get a copy of the program.” They were all told, “There is no ‘program’…we are simply instilling a sense of personal worth and values into these children and showing them that fighting is not the answer.” Key in their approach was to emphasize to the children that the school was a “family”…and that families take care of each other, do not solve problems with fighting, and genuinely regard each other with respect.
Do you realize that we are a family in Christ Jesus? As such, don’t you think we owe it to each other to get along without violence, unkindness, and disrespect? How handy are your “God-tools”…and do you use them often? Do you treat others with love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, and encouragement? Do you practice “responsive obedience” by putting God’s commands and the teachings of Jesus into practice in your daily living? Are you quick to “fly off the handle” and make snap judgments about others…or worse yet, react in a way that belies your Christian faith and witness? Do you let the little things in life get to you in such a way that you are ready to “pull the trigger and shoot somebody”… if only figuratively?
Does it make sense to you that we can use these “God-tools” (with the backing strength of God Almighty) to bring the thoughts and actions of others around without the senseless “spilling of blood”? How long can YOU go without a fight…literally and figuratively? Are you truly operating within the structure of a life shaped by Christ? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 16, 2014
Hebrews 10:25
Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were eating dinner with family members this week, and cousins who attend another church began to tell us about their pastor and a sermon he preached shortly before Christmas Day. They said that this was the most moving worship service they had ever experienced. Let’s be honest…there are worship services, and there are worship services. And maybe you’ve never experienced the latter. Maybe you cannot recall a service or sermon that truly moved you. And that’s okay. If you look closely at this scripture passage, you will see that the goal of corporate worship is not necessarily to be inspired or physically “moved”.
In The Purpose Driven Life, pastor Rick Warren tells that we should not attend worship services expecting God to “move” us…that this really is not the reason for us to gather together. He says…“If you have ever said, ‘I didn't get anything out of worship today,’ you worshiped for the wrong reason. Worship isn't for you. It's for God.” Pastor Warren also reminds us that…“The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, trusting Him during a trial, surrendering while suffering, and loving Him when He seems distant.”
Let me break this down a little further…we may feel like we would rather do a zillion things with our Sunday (or whatever day you attend worship)…and getting up and out the door to attend a church service is not one of them. We may not like the music…the pastor’s sermons may be boring and uninspiring...we may feel like there is too much emphasis placed on adding new members, the church’s public image - or money. We may sit and tap our toe, check our watch, fidget and wish we were someplace else. We may even be accused of coming to church “to see and be seen”!
In this scripture verse, we see two things: 1) meeting for corporate worship is a habit one can develop; and 2) we must keep attending and encouraging one another. Pastor Warren reminds us that we can find “worship” in many of the circumstances – and even distractions – of our routine attendance…if we look hard enough! The concept of attending worship “to see and be seen” can be both positive and negative. If we are merely showing up and going through the motions so that people will think we are truly “good” Christians…or they will patronize our business…or so that our friends will include us in their social circles…we are meeting for the wrong reasons.
However, if we use our attendance as an opportunity to greet friends and fellow believers with the love and peace of God…to learn of the needs and concerns of others that we might be able to address in some manner…to add our voice to the “choir” of attendees who praise God with song and recitation…to share in Holy Communion with others…we have demonstrated the compassion of Christ. And in doing so, we have worshipped. This may not give you the warm fuzzy feeling you seek…or even a jolt of energy or a spine-tingle from the Holy Spirit…but it does demonstrate obedience and service to God…and it serves as an act of encouragement to the body of Christ.
So yes, we can worship on a riverbank, in the deer woods, or while driving to the nearest shopping center. Most certainly we can worship in the privacy of our own home. But in order to truly encourage others and share compassion in the name of Jesus, we often have to get up and out of our comfort zone and physically come together as a group. You may not hear the best sermon of your life or even feel glad that you attended afterward…but that is really not the point. Corporate worship is a Biblically sanctioned act of obedience…and Christian service and compassion. Don’t go for “the show”. Go to show your love for Christ to others…and to allow others an opportunity to share His love with you.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were eating dinner with family members this week, and cousins who attend another church began to tell us about their pastor and a sermon he preached shortly before Christmas Day. They said that this was the most moving worship service they had ever experienced. Let’s be honest…there are worship services, and there are worship services. And maybe you’ve never experienced the latter. Maybe you cannot recall a service or sermon that truly moved you. And that’s okay. If you look closely at this scripture passage, you will see that the goal of corporate worship is not necessarily to be inspired or physically “moved”.
In The Purpose Driven Life, pastor Rick Warren tells that we should not attend worship services expecting God to “move” us…that this really is not the reason for us to gather together. He says…“If you have ever said, ‘I didn't get anything out of worship today,’ you worshiped for the wrong reason. Worship isn't for you. It's for God.” Pastor Warren also reminds us that…“The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, trusting Him during a trial, surrendering while suffering, and loving Him when He seems distant.”
Let me break this down a little further…we may feel like we would rather do a zillion things with our Sunday (or whatever day you attend worship)…and getting up and out the door to attend a church service is not one of them. We may not like the music…the pastor’s sermons may be boring and uninspiring...we may feel like there is too much emphasis placed on adding new members, the church’s public image - or money. We may sit and tap our toe, check our watch, fidget and wish we were someplace else. We may even be accused of coming to church “to see and be seen”!
In this scripture verse, we see two things: 1) meeting for corporate worship is a habit one can develop; and 2) we must keep attending and encouraging one another. Pastor Warren reminds us that we can find “worship” in many of the circumstances – and even distractions – of our routine attendance…if we look hard enough! The concept of attending worship “to see and be seen” can be both positive and negative. If we are merely showing up and going through the motions so that people will think we are truly “good” Christians…or they will patronize our business…or so that our friends will include us in their social circles…we are meeting for the wrong reasons.
However, if we use our attendance as an opportunity to greet friends and fellow believers with the love and peace of God…to learn of the needs and concerns of others that we might be able to address in some manner…to add our voice to the “choir” of attendees who praise God with song and recitation…to share in Holy Communion with others…we have demonstrated the compassion of Christ. And in doing so, we have worshipped. This may not give you the warm fuzzy feeling you seek…or even a jolt of energy or a spine-tingle from the Holy Spirit…but it does demonstrate obedience and service to God…and it serves as an act of encouragement to the body of Christ.
So yes, we can worship on a riverbank, in the deer woods, or while driving to the nearest shopping center. Most certainly we can worship in the privacy of our own home. But in order to truly encourage others and share compassion in the name of Jesus, we often have to get up and out of our comfort zone and physically come together as a group. You may not hear the best sermon of your life or even feel glad that you attended afterward…but that is really not the point. Corporate worship is a Biblically sanctioned act of obedience…and Christian service and compassion. Don’t go for “the show”. Go to show your love for Christ to others…and to allow others an opportunity to share His love with you.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 15, 2014
Luke 10:30-35
Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’"
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.
My friend Teresa has entirely taken the term “Good Samaritan” to another level. She serves in outreach ministry through her local division of the Arkansas Dream Center, a church-supported group whose website lists their mission as…”to serve, love, and build relationships with the people in these communities in order that they would Dream Again. It’s a simple ...an after-school program to provide kids with snacks…homework help and fun activities…feeding pre-school and some of the elderly and disabled lunches twice a week during the school year…filling backpacks with food for kids to eat on weekends…annual coat and shoe drives, and perhaps their most ambitious project - a Christmas Mall, where close to 250 families were able to provide more than 500 toys to children who would otherwise receive nothing for Christmas.
Additionally, Teresa frequently puts out the call on Facebook to help someone… family of four lost everything in house fire – here are sizes and needs…elderly friend fell on the ice and needs a welfare check…looking for a queen size bed for a single mom who has no bed…electricity is due to be shut off TODAY - two children in home - one with special needs…family with two toddlers has NO FOOD - they have nothing to serve for Thanksgiving and no food in their house. You get the picture. And every time, someone comes through…usually with donations of goods and services to spare!
I know what you are thinking…that there are special people among us who truly are “Good Samaritans” like Teresa… and this is their “calling”…that ordinary folks like you and I could not be this effective. My answer is that Teresa is an “ordinary” single mother of two with a full-time job. She is not an heiress with an unlimited bank account or a paid employee of this organization. She is simply an obedient servant of Christ with a heart for others. In most cases, she doesn’t know the people she is serving…and it doesn’t matter. When I think of this story in Luke, I cannot imagine that Teresa would pass by the man traveling to Jericho…much less cross the street to avoid him. She would be like the Samaritan…she would go out of her way to kneel before him, assess his needs, and meet them. And if you continue reading in the 37th verse of this passage, Jesus tells the religious scholars – and us – to “go and do the same.”
Please understand that I am not suggesting that we all become involved in a ministry like the Arkansas Dream Center… or that we should strive to be involved to the same extent as my friend Teresa (but wouldn’t it be great if we were?!). What I am saying is that in many instances, we have honed the fine art of saying, “That’s not my problem!” and crossed to the other side of the road. Some of us have a fleeting hope that another person will pick up the slack and help out…while others never give it a second thought. Either way, we have failed to operate in obedience to Jesus’ commands.
My challenge to you – and to myself – is to set aside our own desires and agendas for just a few moments each day. Ask God, “Who, where and how do you want me to serve today?” And when He shows you His answer…make sure you pay attention. Be ready and willing to…”go and do the same.” If God has called you to it, He will enable you to accomplish it all...and then some!
©2014 Debbie Robus
http://arkansasdreamcenter.tv
Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’"
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.
My friend Teresa has entirely taken the term “Good Samaritan” to another level. She serves in outreach ministry through her local division of the Arkansas Dream Center, a church-supported group whose website lists their mission as…”to serve, love, and build relationships with the people in these communities in order that they would Dream Again. It’s a simple ...an after-school program to provide kids with snacks…homework help and fun activities…feeding pre-school and some of the elderly and disabled lunches twice a week during the school year…filling backpacks with food for kids to eat on weekends…annual coat and shoe drives, and perhaps their most ambitious project - a Christmas Mall, where close to 250 families were able to provide more than 500 toys to children who would otherwise receive nothing for Christmas.
Additionally, Teresa frequently puts out the call on Facebook to help someone… family of four lost everything in house fire – here are sizes and needs…elderly friend fell on the ice and needs a welfare check…looking for a queen size bed for a single mom who has no bed…electricity is due to be shut off TODAY - two children in home - one with special needs…family with two toddlers has NO FOOD - they have nothing to serve for Thanksgiving and no food in their house. You get the picture. And every time, someone comes through…usually with donations of goods and services to spare!
I know what you are thinking…that there are special people among us who truly are “Good Samaritans” like Teresa… and this is their “calling”…that ordinary folks like you and I could not be this effective. My answer is that Teresa is an “ordinary” single mother of two with a full-time job. She is not an heiress with an unlimited bank account or a paid employee of this organization. She is simply an obedient servant of Christ with a heart for others. In most cases, she doesn’t know the people she is serving…and it doesn’t matter. When I think of this story in Luke, I cannot imagine that Teresa would pass by the man traveling to Jericho…much less cross the street to avoid him. She would be like the Samaritan…she would go out of her way to kneel before him, assess his needs, and meet them. And if you continue reading in the 37th verse of this passage, Jesus tells the religious scholars – and us – to “go and do the same.”
Please understand that I am not suggesting that we all become involved in a ministry like the Arkansas Dream Center… or that we should strive to be involved to the same extent as my friend Teresa (but wouldn’t it be great if we were?!). What I am saying is that in many instances, we have honed the fine art of saying, “That’s not my problem!” and crossed to the other side of the road. Some of us have a fleeting hope that another person will pick up the slack and help out…while others never give it a second thought. Either way, we have failed to operate in obedience to Jesus’ commands.
My challenge to you – and to myself – is to set aside our own desires and agendas for just a few moments each day. Ask God, “Who, where and how do you want me to serve today?” And when He shows you His answer…make sure you pay attention. Be ready and willing to…”go and do the same.” If God has called you to it, He will enable you to accomplish it all...and then some!
©2014 Debbie Robus
http://arkansasdreamcenter.tv
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