Joel 2:28-32
“After I have poured out my rains
again, I will pour out my Spirit upon all of you! Your sons and
daughters will prophesy; your old men will dream dreams, and your young
men see visions. And I will pour out my Spirit even on your slaves, men
and women alike, and put strange symbols in the earth and sky—blood and
fire and pillars of smoke.
“The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon to blood before the great and terrible Day of the Lord shall come.
“Everyone
who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved; even in Jerusalem
some will escape, just as the Lord has promised, for he has chosen some
to survive.
The Living
Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All
rights reserved.
Have
you heard about the “Blood Moons?” According to information found at
EarthSky.org…” The first Blood Moon eclipse in a series of four happened
on the night of April 14-15, 2014. The second one took place on the
night of October 7-8, 2014. The third one is coming up on April 4, 2015
and will be visible to North American skywatchers. A series of four
total lunar eclipses is called a tetrad. We in astronomy had not heard
the term Blood Moon used in quite this way before this year, but now the
term has become widespread in the media.”*
Another lunar eclipse
is scheduled to occur on September 28, 2015. There are pastors and
others in the religious community who cite Joel 2:31 – and the rest of
this passage – and try to make a correlation between these events and
the Second Coming of Christ. Books have been written…seminars have been
held and attended…and a general state of unrest has been stirred among
some believers.
I do not mean to belittle anyone’s faith. But
here is my “take” on all of this. The “blood moons” (a phrase coined by
one of those “religious” authors) are beautiful. If you get a chance
to observe one, by all means, do so! But do not panic. If Jesus is just
about ready to return, so what? This is GREAT NEWS! As I told a
neighbor who wanted to talk to me about “End Times” recently…”Bring
‘em! I don’t plan on being here!”
See, I’ve already been
“bought and paid for” by the blood of Jesus. I surrendered my heart to
Him a long time ago, and whenever He is ready for me, I’m ready to go to
heaven. This could happen in the next 30 minutes…or I could still be
here when He returns for His church at large. Either way, I know that
this is not my final destination, but just an important stop along the
way. I have work to do on behalf of my Lord and Savior…and He is going
to provide me with signs, wonders, dreams, visions, and beautiful
phenomena like “blood moons” to enjoy during the journey.
I
don’t have an “exclusive” on salvation. What God has done for me
through Jesus Christ…He will gladly do for you. No one needs operate in
fear for even one minute. This is glorious…amazing…exciting! Embrace
it…embrace Jesus! And revel in the promise that you will LIVE with Him
for all eternity…whenever He decides to call for you!
And let’s
stop scaring folks about the “End Times”. Let’s talk about how
wonderful heaven is…how blessed we are to serve a Risen Savior…and how
glorious it will be to belong to Him for all eternity. We Christians
have operated in fear long enough…and it’s not working for us OR those
we wish to reach for Jesus! Let’s start showing others how joyful and
excited we are to be children of the Most High God…and demonstrate happy
anticipation of all that He has in store for us!
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://earthsky.org
Daily Devotional for April 29, 2015
1 Peter 1:23
For you have a new life. It was not passed on to you from your parents, for the life they gave you will fade away. This new one will last forever, for it comes from Christ, God’s ever-living Message to men.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve been scanning old photographs recently…and taking a trip down “Memory Lane” in the process. As I look back over the years at pictures of my family members, I’ve thought a lot about how certain people have played significant roles in my life…special times we have shared…and the “life lessons” they have provided.
My own parents have been “accomplished” in many ways. My dad was talented and creative…and he never met a stranger. Half of the wrought iron and metal work in this county was probably created by my daddy in his welding shop – and designed on a paper napkin as he ate a bologna sandwich for lunch! He could literally put out fires as a volunteer fireman, or console grieving families in his role as a funeral director. My dad was the ultimate jack-of-all-trades…and I thought there was nothing that he couldn’t do.
Countless children got their “start” at the feet of my mother as she taught kindergarten, both in our home and then in the public schools. She is responsible for the musical foundation of more than one accomplished pianist or organist, including the woman who been the heart and soul our local public school music program for over 40 years. Mother is a well-known and respected writer… author of seven books to date. “Granny”, as the kids call her, is known for her tuna casserole, chicken pie, pimiento cheese and sweet potatoes with marshmallows. And she is a “documented” dog lover. Countless people know her as the lady whose dogs walked HER all over town!
My parents gave me a wonderful start in life…and I am proud of both of them. But they gave me something else that is far more important…an example of what it means to have New Life in Christ. In recent years, I have gained a new appreciation for how both of my parents embraced Jesus and served Him…not only through service to their church and its missions – but in the community at large. None of us is perfect, but my parents both have reputations for loving and encouraging others, demonstrating tremendous faith and courage in the face of crises and difficulties, and recognizing that their New Life in Christ is the one that truly matters.
Here’s the thing…we can have great parents who give us tremendous examples of how to live well. We can be nurtured, encouraged, trained and inspired by them and other “parental figures” in our lives…and we can turn out to be pretty great people, by all accounts. But if we are not reborn in Christ Jesus, none of it matters. You can have the best parents in the world, but if you don’t claim your place as a child of the Most High God, you can’t truly “live”. And we must “pay this forward” and encourage others to invite Jesus to live in our hearts…and join His heavenly family, as well.
I am so very grateful for all that my parents have given me. But at the same time, I am even more indebted to Jesus for what HE did for me…how He suffered, bled and died for my sins…how He came to earth to show us how to truly live. And I am convicted that we who are His children are called to tell others about the New Life that Jesus offers…to encourage others to be reborn in Him and secure THEIR place at His heavenly table forever and ever.
The question we have to ask ourselves is which life we are living…the one our natural parents gave us…or the one secured for us by Jesus Christ. Your answer matters…for all Eternity. Which “life” will you choose?
©2015 Debbie Robus
For you have a new life. It was not passed on to you from your parents, for the life they gave you will fade away. This new one will last forever, for it comes from Christ, God’s ever-living Message to men.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve been scanning old photographs recently…and taking a trip down “Memory Lane” in the process. As I look back over the years at pictures of my family members, I’ve thought a lot about how certain people have played significant roles in my life…special times we have shared…and the “life lessons” they have provided.
My own parents have been “accomplished” in many ways. My dad was talented and creative…and he never met a stranger. Half of the wrought iron and metal work in this county was probably created by my daddy in his welding shop – and designed on a paper napkin as he ate a bologna sandwich for lunch! He could literally put out fires as a volunteer fireman, or console grieving families in his role as a funeral director. My dad was the ultimate jack-of-all-trades…and I thought there was nothing that he couldn’t do.
Countless children got their “start” at the feet of my mother as she taught kindergarten, both in our home and then in the public schools. She is responsible for the musical foundation of more than one accomplished pianist or organist, including the woman who been the heart and soul our local public school music program for over 40 years. Mother is a well-known and respected writer… author of seven books to date. “Granny”, as the kids call her, is known for her tuna casserole, chicken pie, pimiento cheese and sweet potatoes with marshmallows. And she is a “documented” dog lover. Countless people know her as the lady whose dogs walked HER all over town!
My parents gave me a wonderful start in life…and I am proud of both of them. But they gave me something else that is far more important…an example of what it means to have New Life in Christ. In recent years, I have gained a new appreciation for how both of my parents embraced Jesus and served Him…not only through service to their church and its missions – but in the community at large. None of us is perfect, but my parents both have reputations for loving and encouraging others, demonstrating tremendous faith and courage in the face of crises and difficulties, and recognizing that their New Life in Christ is the one that truly matters.
Here’s the thing…we can have great parents who give us tremendous examples of how to live well. We can be nurtured, encouraged, trained and inspired by them and other “parental figures” in our lives…and we can turn out to be pretty great people, by all accounts. But if we are not reborn in Christ Jesus, none of it matters. You can have the best parents in the world, but if you don’t claim your place as a child of the Most High God, you can’t truly “live”. And we must “pay this forward” and encourage others to invite Jesus to live in our hearts…and join His heavenly family, as well.
I am so very grateful for all that my parents have given me. But at the same time, I am even more indebted to Jesus for what HE did for me…how He suffered, bled and died for my sins…how He came to earth to show us how to truly live. And I am convicted that we who are His children are called to tell others about the New Life that Jesus offers…to encourage others to be reborn in Him and secure THEIR place at His heavenly table forever and ever.
The question we have to ask ourselves is which life we are living…the one our natural parents gave us…or the one secured for us by Jesus Christ. Your answer matters…for all Eternity. Which “life” will you choose?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 28, 2015
Psalm 91:14-16
The Lord says,
“If you love me
and truly know who I am,
I will rescue you
and keep you safe.
When you are in trouble,
call out to me.
I will answer and be there
to protect and honor you.
You will live a long life
and see my saving power.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A new catch-phrase has emerged in our culture for times when people are in a dire situation and call on help “from a higher power”. We call this the “Come to Jesus” moment. If you were to be in a car wreck or suffering some other sudden crisis or emergency…if you found yourself facing the wrath of a tornado – or someone who was angry and about to assault you…if you were in a desperate situation, such as the breakdown of a relationship or the loss of a loved one…you might cry out, “Help me, Jesus!”
Would God/Jesus hear you? Certainly. Would He rescue you? Perhaps. Am I saying that God does not always answer our prayers? Absolutely not! What I am saying is that a lot of people cry out to God or Jesus when there is trouble…but when the crisis passes, they return to their old way of living and leave Him out of the equation. We’ve all done this at one point or another, and I can tell you from personal experience that the attitude and intention with which we call on God for help makes all the difference.
When I was a young adult, particularly during my college years, I called on God often. I used my little green (school color) Gideon New Testament to find scriptures to help with various situations, and I read them often and talked to God about them. And God saw me through each time of need. So, what was missing?
Today, I see that the difference in my relationship has to do with my heart. I loved God and believed in Him. I would have to say that my “trust” in Him to answer then was more of the “I sure hope You will” kind of trust than the “I know that You hear me and will address this perfectly” variety. Today, I have a deep, abiding confidence that I truly know who God is…and a much clearer understanding of how much He cares for me – and how He operates! My trust is not just that God will answer…but that He will do so in His timing – and perfectly – whether this is what I asked for or not.
So IF I were to have a “Come to Jesus” moment today, I would rest in the comfort and peace of knowing that God heard me – and that He was “on it”…making everything work together flawlessly for HIS purposes – which would ultimately be perfect for me. God will rescue you and keep you safe…if you truly love Him and know who He is. Do YOU have this sort of relationship with your Heavenly Father? Isn’t it time you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
The Lord says,
“If you love me
and truly know who I am,
I will rescue you
and keep you safe.
When you are in trouble,
call out to me.
I will answer and be there
to protect and honor you.
You will live a long life
and see my saving power.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A new catch-phrase has emerged in our culture for times when people are in a dire situation and call on help “from a higher power”. We call this the “Come to Jesus” moment. If you were to be in a car wreck or suffering some other sudden crisis or emergency…if you found yourself facing the wrath of a tornado – or someone who was angry and about to assault you…if you were in a desperate situation, such as the breakdown of a relationship or the loss of a loved one…you might cry out, “Help me, Jesus!”
Would God/Jesus hear you? Certainly. Would He rescue you? Perhaps. Am I saying that God does not always answer our prayers? Absolutely not! What I am saying is that a lot of people cry out to God or Jesus when there is trouble…but when the crisis passes, they return to their old way of living and leave Him out of the equation. We’ve all done this at one point or another, and I can tell you from personal experience that the attitude and intention with which we call on God for help makes all the difference.
When I was a young adult, particularly during my college years, I called on God often. I used my little green (school color) Gideon New Testament to find scriptures to help with various situations, and I read them often and talked to God about them. And God saw me through each time of need. So, what was missing?
Today, I see that the difference in my relationship has to do with my heart. I loved God and believed in Him. I would have to say that my “trust” in Him to answer then was more of the “I sure hope You will” kind of trust than the “I know that You hear me and will address this perfectly” variety. Today, I have a deep, abiding confidence that I truly know who God is…and a much clearer understanding of how much He cares for me – and how He operates! My trust is not just that God will answer…but that He will do so in His timing – and perfectly – whether this is what I asked for or not.
So IF I were to have a “Come to Jesus” moment today, I would rest in the comfort and peace of knowing that God heard me – and that He was “on it”…making everything work together flawlessly for HIS purposes – which would ultimately be perfect for me. God will rescue you and keep you safe…if you truly love Him and know who He is. Do YOU have this sort of relationship with your Heavenly Father? Isn’t it time you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 27, 2015
The Lord Most High
is your fortress.
Run to him for safety,
and no terrible disasters
will strike you
or your home.
God will command his angels
to protect you
wherever you go.
They will carry you
in their arms,
and you won’t hurt your feet
on the stones.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, I spent a lot of time in my grandmother’s storm cellar. We did not have sophisticated weather radar, so when the skies started to look threatening, the women and children of the neighborhood would gather in the storm cellar…and the men would stand on my grandparents’ screened porch and “watch the clouds”. I don’t really know how long we were in that cellar at one stretch, but it seemed like hours…and often it was at night.
 |
| My dad and me - 1958. I was almost a year old. |
So when I think of God protecting me…I think of these “men” in my life who sheltered me and carried me as a child. I am the 5-year-old little girl who needs to be wrapped in a quilt and shielded from the wind and rain of life’s storms…carried from one place to the next without my feet ever touching the ground. God is strong, brave, and able to ensure my safety. In His arms, I am safe, loved, and nurtured.
This is a bittersweet, but comforting image for me. What I wouldn’t give to be that little girl one more time…to have my cousins and my dad standing on the porch at my grandmother’s…ready, willing and able to wrap their arms around me and shield me from harm. The GOOD NEWS is that I can experience this each and every day with my Heavenly Father…and I do. I imagine God carrying me…nestling me in His strong arms…telling me that I am safe, and that He will take care of me. And He does this – and so much more - every single day!
Life’s storms will come for all of us. But we can all enjoy the protection and comfort of God’s shelter and care. His arms are always open…He is always ready to meet our needs. God is standing beside you, “quilt” in hand…ready to wrap you up and carry you wherever you need to go. Are you ready to let Him?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 26, 2015
April 26 ~ Psalms 91:1-6
We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods.
This I declare, that he alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he rescues you from every trap and protects you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don’t need to be afraid of the dark anymore, nor fear the dangers of the day; nor dread the plagues of darkness, nor disasters in the morning.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I still remember the day that I marched into my principal’s office and said, “I will not be back as a teacher next year.” Talk about a scary moment! I knew that this was right for me…but after 9 years in the classroom, I was also nervous and frightened about admitting – to myself and others – that I needed to go in another direction. I remember the day I gave notice in another job that I had held for more than three years. Again, I knew it was the right thing to do, but saying those words was not easy. I remember the day I messaged all of the members of my church’s Praise Team and told them that I had just spent my last Sunday helping to lead worship. I knew that God was moving me…but after eight years of serving in this capacity, the finality of saying, “I’m done” was daunting, to say the least.
Every day, people do courageous things. Some take brave steps, like uttering the phrase, “My name is XYZ, and I am an alcoholic.” Or perhaps they tell their friends and family members that they are gay. Maybe someone in an abusive relationship says, “Enough!” and contacts authorities or a shelter and pursues physical safety and support. Maybe you have admitted to someone that you are in over your head financially and need help figuring out what to do next. Or perhaps you have admitted that your marriage or relationship is not working…and something has to change.
Maybe you have told your parents that you are flunking out of school – or that you don’t want to return to college next year. Or maybe you told your coach or band director - or another group sponsor - that you are quitting the team/band/club.
This scripture passage is particularly important for each of us, because at one point or another, we will all face something that scares the pants off us. It may be one of the things I mentioned. Or it may be another personal crisis – like losing a loved one, physical illness or injury…or even facing your own mortality. We’ve all been in a situation where our heart raced and pounded and we dreaded the day or night and whatever it might bring.
But no more! We must remind ourselves that we do indeed stand within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods. We must remember that He alone is our refuge, our place of safety; He is our God, and we must trust Him. We must feel the shelter of His wings and seek refuge there.
When fears come – and they will – we must call on God to help us…and fully believe that He will do just that. Whatever you are facing today…whatever fears are troubling you…give them to God. Let the armor of His loving arms embrace and embolden you with courage and peace. Put one foot in front of the other, and keep on going. God’s got this…you have nothing to fear!
©2015 Debbie Robus
We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods.
This I declare, that he alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he rescues you from every trap and protects you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don’t need to be afraid of the dark anymore, nor fear the dangers of the day; nor dread the plagues of darkness, nor disasters in the morning.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I still remember the day that I marched into my principal’s office and said, “I will not be back as a teacher next year.” Talk about a scary moment! I knew that this was right for me…but after 9 years in the classroom, I was also nervous and frightened about admitting – to myself and others – that I needed to go in another direction. I remember the day I gave notice in another job that I had held for more than three years. Again, I knew it was the right thing to do, but saying those words was not easy. I remember the day I messaged all of the members of my church’s Praise Team and told them that I had just spent my last Sunday helping to lead worship. I knew that God was moving me…but after eight years of serving in this capacity, the finality of saying, “I’m done” was daunting, to say the least.
Every day, people do courageous things. Some take brave steps, like uttering the phrase, “My name is XYZ, and I am an alcoholic.” Or perhaps they tell their friends and family members that they are gay. Maybe someone in an abusive relationship says, “Enough!” and contacts authorities or a shelter and pursues physical safety and support. Maybe you have admitted to someone that you are in over your head financially and need help figuring out what to do next. Or perhaps you have admitted that your marriage or relationship is not working…and something has to change.
Maybe you have told your parents that you are flunking out of school – or that you don’t want to return to college next year. Or maybe you told your coach or band director - or another group sponsor - that you are quitting the team/band/club.
This scripture passage is particularly important for each of us, because at one point or another, we will all face something that scares the pants off us. It may be one of the things I mentioned. Or it may be another personal crisis – like losing a loved one, physical illness or injury…or even facing your own mortality. We’ve all been in a situation where our heart raced and pounded and we dreaded the day or night and whatever it might bring.
But no more! We must remind ourselves that we do indeed stand within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods. We must remember that He alone is our refuge, our place of safety; He is our God, and we must trust Him. We must feel the shelter of His wings and seek refuge there.
When fears come – and they will – we must call on God to help us…and fully believe that He will do just that. Whatever you are facing today…whatever fears are troubling you…give them to God. Let the armor of His loving arms embrace and embolden you with courage and peace. Put one foot in front of the other, and keep on going. God’s got this…you have nothing to fear!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 25, 2015
John 3:1-7
After dark one night a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus, a member of the sect of the Pharisees, came for an interview with Jesus. “Sir,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miracles are proof enough of this.”
Jesus replied, “With all the earnestness I possess I tell you this: Unless you are born again, you can never get into the Kingdom of God.”
“Born again!” exclaimed Nicodemus. “What do you mean? How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”
Jesus replied, “What I am telling you so earnestly is this: Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven; so don’t be surprised at my statement that you must be born again!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Clean enough.” That’s become my motto in recent years. I’ve said before that I used to be something of a “clean freak”. Everything had to be scrubbed every week…from the kitchen to the bathrooms to dusting the furniture and vacuuming the floors. I even had a little entryway floor in one home that I stripped and re-waxed on a regular basis…polishing it to a high sheen!
When Timothy first came along, I thought I had to really clean before he visited. Then as his visits grew more frequent – and for a longer time span – I realized that I could not keep up with this schedule…and that it was more important to spend time playing with him than making sure every crumb was off our floors! Certainly by the time Zola and Nathan arrived, I had “lowered my standards” tremendously!
I know a woman who was so obsessed with cleaning that she almost cried when someone made “tracks” across the carpet after she had vacuumed. She loved those “carpet marks” that the vacuum makes! She also mopped her floors every night before bedtime…and she scrubbed the fixtures in her bathroom so much that the cleaner she used literally ate through the chrome and began to disintegrate them!
Now I know you are wondering what this has to do with being born again! See, we can be super clean…but that doesn’t make us better people – better mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, aunts, Sure, it doesn’t hurt to be “good”…and we are called to be moral and upright, kind and loving, and all of those other things that fit this description.
But what truly marks us…what really matters…is that we are “born again” with the spirit of God in our heart. How do we do this? We stop and ask Jesus to forgive our sins…we recognize that HE ALONE has the power to do this…and we admit that we cannot accomplish this of our own accord. We invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts…to live and breathe in and through us…to guide us and walk with us each step of every day. We take on a “New Life in Christ Jesus”…and we surrender to His will and ways.
This is easy AND complicated, all at once! But this step is what is missing in the lives of so many “good” people who just cannot seem to get it together – and don’t know why. I am asking you today to surrender completely to the love and power of Almighty God through the blood of Jesus Christ. Let Him fill your heart, mind and soul…be “born again” in Him and truly become a child of the Most High God. Your house won’t instantly be spotless…but your heart and soul will be!
Spotless houses are highly overrated…but pure hearts that belong to Christ are to die for…and that’s exactly what Jesus did for you and me. Won’t you give Him your heart today…and secure your place in God’s Kingdom for all Eternity?
©2015 Debbie Robus
After dark one night a Jewish religious leader named Nicodemus, a member of the sect of the Pharisees, came for an interview with Jesus. “Sir,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miracles are proof enough of this.”
Jesus replied, “With all the earnestness I possess I tell you this: Unless you are born again, you can never get into the Kingdom of God.”
“Born again!” exclaimed Nicodemus. “What do you mean? How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”
Jesus replied, “What I am telling you so earnestly is this: Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. Men can only reproduce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven; so don’t be surprised at my statement that you must be born again!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Clean enough.” That’s become my motto in recent years. I’ve said before that I used to be something of a “clean freak”. Everything had to be scrubbed every week…from the kitchen to the bathrooms to dusting the furniture and vacuuming the floors. I even had a little entryway floor in one home that I stripped and re-waxed on a regular basis…polishing it to a high sheen!
When Timothy first came along, I thought I had to really clean before he visited. Then as his visits grew more frequent – and for a longer time span – I realized that I could not keep up with this schedule…and that it was more important to spend time playing with him than making sure every crumb was off our floors! Certainly by the time Zola and Nathan arrived, I had “lowered my standards” tremendously!
I know a woman who was so obsessed with cleaning that she almost cried when someone made “tracks” across the carpet after she had vacuumed. She loved those “carpet marks” that the vacuum makes! She also mopped her floors every night before bedtime…and she scrubbed the fixtures in her bathroom so much that the cleaner she used literally ate through the chrome and began to disintegrate them!
Now I know you are wondering what this has to do with being born again! See, we can be super clean…but that doesn’t make us better people – better mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, aunts, Sure, it doesn’t hurt to be “good”…and we are called to be moral and upright, kind and loving, and all of those other things that fit this description.
But what truly marks us…what really matters…is that we are “born again” with the spirit of God in our heart. How do we do this? We stop and ask Jesus to forgive our sins…we recognize that HE ALONE has the power to do this…and we admit that we cannot accomplish this of our own accord. We invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts…to live and breathe in and through us…to guide us and walk with us each step of every day. We take on a “New Life in Christ Jesus”…and we surrender to His will and ways.
This is easy AND complicated, all at once! But this step is what is missing in the lives of so many “good” people who just cannot seem to get it together – and don’t know why. I am asking you today to surrender completely to the love and power of Almighty God through the blood of Jesus Christ. Let Him fill your heart, mind and soul…be “born again” in Him and truly become a child of the Most High God. Your house won’t instantly be spotless…but your heart and soul will be!
Spotless houses are highly overrated…but pure hearts that belong to Christ are to die for…and that’s exactly what Jesus did for you and me. Won’t you give Him your heart today…and secure your place in God’s Kingdom for all Eternity?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 24, 2015
Romans 13:11-14
You know what sort of times we live in, and so you should live properly. It is time to wake up. You know that the day when we will be saved is nearer now than when we first put our faith in the Lord. Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light. So behave properly, as people do in the day. Don’t go to wild parties or get drunk or be vulgar or indecent. Don’t quarrel or be jealous. Let the Lord Jesus Christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear. Then you won’t try to satisfy your selfish desires.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were a child and you visited your grandparents or a friend…and you never wanted the visit to end? When Timothy, Zola and Nathan visit our house, of course it’s the same thing. They are never ready to go home! Often, they waste precious minutes of play time standing around protesting how they wish they had more time and/or don’t want to leave!
This is what we are being told in this scripture passage. We are wasting time on things that are not important, when we should be focused on God and living for Him. The adage, “Tomorrow is another day” may have worked for Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With The Wind, but it has no place in the life of a faith-filled Christian. We cannot “play today” and serve God tomorrow.
Just as much as some people want to do as they please today and “turn over a new leaf” to live for Jesus another day…there are people who are so busy serving God and living for Him that it seems like they never rest! Have you ever heard someone say that they will sleep when they get to Heaven? These folks have heard the words of Paul to the Romans…they are serving God now…on this earth and in this lifetime. And this is what we should all be doing.
Timothy stayed with us last night, and he asked several times, “When is it going to be day?” Finally, I asked him, “What are you going to do tomorrow when it’s day again?” He replied, “I don’t know.” I’m afraid that this is the answer for a lot of us. We really don’t know what we will do with the day we are given…and often we waste a large part of it on things that do not serve God, build our faith, or share the Good News of Jesus with others.
We don’t know when our “earthly visit” will end…how much time we will be given. But we must not waste a minute of it. We often tell the children, “Get busy playing!” It’s time for us to wake up and “get busy” living in the light of Christ! This is the day that the LORD has made…how will you spend yours?
©2015 Debbie Robus
You know what sort of times we live in, and so you should live properly. It is time to wake up. You know that the day when we will be saved is nearer now than when we first put our faith in the Lord. Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light. So behave properly, as people do in the day. Don’t go to wild parties or get drunk or be vulgar or indecent. Don’t quarrel or be jealous. Let the Lord Jesus Christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear. Then you won’t try to satisfy your selfish desires.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were a child and you visited your grandparents or a friend…and you never wanted the visit to end? When Timothy, Zola and Nathan visit our house, of course it’s the same thing. They are never ready to go home! Often, they waste precious minutes of play time standing around protesting how they wish they had more time and/or don’t want to leave!
This is what we are being told in this scripture passage. We are wasting time on things that are not important, when we should be focused on God and living for Him. The adage, “Tomorrow is another day” may have worked for Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With The Wind, but it has no place in the life of a faith-filled Christian. We cannot “play today” and serve God tomorrow.
Just as much as some people want to do as they please today and “turn over a new leaf” to live for Jesus another day…there are people who are so busy serving God and living for Him that it seems like they never rest! Have you ever heard someone say that they will sleep when they get to Heaven? These folks have heard the words of Paul to the Romans…they are serving God now…on this earth and in this lifetime. And this is what we should all be doing.
Timothy stayed with us last night, and he asked several times, “When is it going to be day?” Finally, I asked him, “What are you going to do tomorrow when it’s day again?” He replied, “I don’t know.” I’m afraid that this is the answer for a lot of us. We really don’t know what we will do with the day we are given…and often we waste a large part of it on things that do not serve God, build our faith, or share the Good News of Jesus with others.
We don’t know when our “earthly visit” will end…how much time we will be given. But we must not waste a minute of it. We often tell the children, “Get busy playing!” It’s time for us to wake up and “get busy” living in the light of Christ! This is the day that the LORD has made…how will you spend yours?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 23, 2015
Psalms 80:1
O Shepherd of Israel who leads Israel like a flock; O God enthroned above the Guardian Angels, bend down your ear and listen as I plead. Display your power and radiant glory.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
How often do you plead with God about something? If you are like most people, the answer is…”Pretty often!” Now here’s the bigger question…how often do you trust Him to answer? I mean REALLY BELIEVE that God will hear your prayer and act on it. Notice I didn’t say that He will hear and do whatever you asked…because often what we ask for is not what is really needed.
I don’t think I am all that different from a lot of people, and I know that there have been many times that I begged and pleaded with God to DO SOMETHING (translation: make this work out like I want it to, LORD!)…but I didn’t really expect any results.
The time has come for us to stop offering hollow prayers. God may not answer us immediately…or in the way that we expect or desire…but He will answer. He does hear us, and if we earnestly call on Him to display His power and radiant glory, He will do so!
I am learning to talk to God about everything…to give Him my burdens and my desires…and to WAIT on Him to answer. I know that He will…and that He will answer YOU, also. Are you ready to pray expectantly - with faith and intention…or will you just keep telling God your problems and hoping He fixes them?
©2015 Debbie Robus
O Shepherd of Israel who leads Israel like a flock; O God enthroned above the Guardian Angels, bend down your ear and listen as I plead. Display your power and radiant glory.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
How often do you plead with God about something? If you are like most people, the answer is…”Pretty often!” Now here’s the bigger question…how often do you trust Him to answer? I mean REALLY BELIEVE that God will hear your prayer and act on it. Notice I didn’t say that He will hear and do whatever you asked…because often what we ask for is not what is really needed.
I don’t think I am all that different from a lot of people, and I know that there have been many times that I begged and pleaded with God to DO SOMETHING (translation: make this work out like I want it to, LORD!)…but I didn’t really expect any results.
The time has come for us to stop offering hollow prayers. God may not answer us immediately…or in the way that we expect or desire…but He will answer. He does hear us, and if we earnestly call on Him to display His power and radiant glory, He will do so!
I am learning to talk to God about everything…to give Him my burdens and my desires…and to WAIT on Him to answer. I know that He will…and that He will answer YOU, also. Are you ready to pray expectantly - with faith and intention…or will you just keep telling God your problems and hoping He fixes them?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 22, 2015
Psalms 25:1-5
I offer you my heart, Lord God,
and I trust you.
Don’t make me ashamed
or let enemies defeat me.
Don’t disappoint any
of your worshipers,
but disappoint all
deceitful liars.
Show me your paths
and teach me to follow;
guide me by your truth
and instruct me.
You keep me safe,
and I always trust you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our great-niece Erin, a high school junior, plays varsity softball. We attended a game that would probably decide the conference championship. The opponents were very good…and the game was a tight one. With a 3-3 tie in the last inning, the game went into extra innings. The opposing coach vehemently protested a called out at first base. The home plate umpire told the coach to take it up with the outfield umpire (who made the call)…and he did. For several minutes, they argued…but ultimately, the call stood.
There was a runner on third base, and next batter hit a ball directly to the pitcher - who threw the hitter out at first base. The first “baseman” threw the ball back to home plate, and from all indications, the runner from third base was tagged “out” at the plate. But the umpire declared her “safe”…and the runner scored for this team to take the lead.
Our girls were able to get the third out without any more scoring by the opponents, and it was our team’s turn to bat in the bottom of the 8th inning. We managed to score a run to tie the score once again…and to make successive hits that moved Erin to third base. With the next hit, Erin was able to sprint over home plate – and secure the win for our team! I don’t have to tell you that we were all excited about this…and so happy for our girl and her teammates!
Here’s what this has to do with us as Christians. The coach did what coaches do…he complained about one call in hopes of getting the next call to go his way…and it appeared to have worked! But in the end, this tactic did not win him the game. I’m not in any way saying that this coach or the opposing team did anything wrong. In fact, it was a really good, fun game in which both teams played very hard.
I also do not mean to imply that God impacted the victory in our team’s favor…or that God cares all that much about high school girls’ softball in the first place! But God does care about our efforts. He cares that we do our very best in every endeavor…that we keep our heads down and persevere, just as our team did yesterday. It would have been so easy to fold after the opponents took the lead on that controversial call. And in life, there are plenty of times when we could give up, based on what others have said about us or done toward us. Honestly, in many instances, no one would blame us.
But God doesn’t operate like the world. He calls us to “keep on keepin’ on”…to live with integrity, faith - and confidence that He will guide us in truth and keep us safe. How we handle adversity – even on a varsity softball field – says a lot about us as Christian disciples. Our actions – and reactions – matter. They can make a point – or make a difference. We can decide whether we want to be champions with God…or give up when things get tough and muddle through with an attitude of defeat. God will love us either way. But what will this say about our heart – and our level of faith?
I wish you could have seen our Erin after she scored. She jumped up and down behind home plate with exuberance – then ran into the arms of a volunteer coach who spun her around with sheer exhilaration. And this is how I picture God welcoming us when we offer Him our heart and our very best.
What about you…how are you operating these days? Are you offering God your best and trusting Him to do amazing things? Are you “sprinting across home plate” in victory and enjoying the thrill of His delight? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
I offer you my heart, Lord God,
and I trust you.
Don’t make me ashamed
or let enemies defeat me.
Don’t disappoint any
of your worshipers,
but disappoint all
deceitful liars.
Show me your paths
and teach me to follow;
guide me by your truth
and instruct me.
You keep me safe,
and I always trust you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our great-niece Erin, a high school junior, plays varsity softball. We attended a game that would probably decide the conference championship. The opponents were very good…and the game was a tight one. With a 3-3 tie in the last inning, the game went into extra innings. The opposing coach vehemently protested a called out at first base. The home plate umpire told the coach to take it up with the outfield umpire (who made the call)…and he did. For several minutes, they argued…but ultimately, the call stood.
There was a runner on third base, and next batter hit a ball directly to the pitcher - who threw the hitter out at first base. The first “baseman” threw the ball back to home plate, and from all indications, the runner from third base was tagged “out” at the plate. But the umpire declared her “safe”…and the runner scored for this team to take the lead.
Our girls were able to get the third out without any more scoring by the opponents, and it was our team’s turn to bat in the bottom of the 8th inning. We managed to score a run to tie the score once again…and to make successive hits that moved Erin to third base. With the next hit, Erin was able to sprint over home plate – and secure the win for our team! I don’t have to tell you that we were all excited about this…and so happy for our girl and her teammates!
Here’s what this has to do with us as Christians. The coach did what coaches do…he complained about one call in hopes of getting the next call to go his way…and it appeared to have worked! But in the end, this tactic did not win him the game. I’m not in any way saying that this coach or the opposing team did anything wrong. In fact, it was a really good, fun game in which both teams played very hard.
I also do not mean to imply that God impacted the victory in our team’s favor…or that God cares all that much about high school girls’ softball in the first place! But God does care about our efforts. He cares that we do our very best in every endeavor…that we keep our heads down and persevere, just as our team did yesterday. It would have been so easy to fold after the opponents took the lead on that controversial call. And in life, there are plenty of times when we could give up, based on what others have said about us or done toward us. Honestly, in many instances, no one would blame us.
But God doesn’t operate like the world. He calls us to “keep on keepin’ on”…to live with integrity, faith - and confidence that He will guide us in truth and keep us safe. How we handle adversity – even on a varsity softball field – says a lot about us as Christian disciples. Our actions – and reactions – matter. They can make a point – or make a difference. We can decide whether we want to be champions with God…or give up when things get tough and muddle through with an attitude of defeat. God will love us either way. But what will this say about our heart – and our level of faith?
I wish you could have seen our Erin after she scored. She jumped up and down behind home plate with exuberance – then ran into the arms of a volunteer coach who spun her around with sheer exhilaration. And this is how I picture God welcoming us when we offer Him our heart and our very best.
What about you…how are you operating these days? Are you offering God your best and trusting Him to do amazing things? Are you “sprinting across home plate” in victory and enjoying the thrill of His delight? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 21, 2015
Psalms 122:1-2
When they said, “Let’s go to the house of God,”
my heart leaped for joy.
And now we’re here, O Jerusalem,
inside Jerusalem’s walls!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When we picked the children up from Sunday school, Timothy met us at the door, excitedly saying over and over…“We had a special guest today - his name was PAUL!” Another child’s dad had portrayed the Apostle Paul and “visited” the K-1 class. As we drove home, Timothy told us all about Paul…how he had been tossed into the sea…then he wandered the desert…soldiers “punched him” and threw him in jail…and he wrote letters to another boy named Timothy! OUR Timothy was so impressed and excited…and he has since told his mom and others about the “special guest” who came to visit on Sunday.
I have no doubt that this little guy will be eager to return to the house of God. He will be anxious to learn more about Paul and his friends. This dad and the Sunday school teacher made the Bible come alive for these children…and this makes MY heart leap for joy!
It seems like we often forget just how interesting and exciting God’s word can be. We fail to fully grasp the inspiration of the stories of faith and courage as demonstrated by people like Moses, Ruth and Naomi, Daniel, and Paul. We overlook the “human” examples of how others struggled – and sinned – and experienced the grace, mercy, forgiveness and blessings of God…people like David, Mary Magdalene, Nicodemus, and Peter. We fail to recognize the lessons in patience and hope that were demonstrated by people like Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth, Abraham, and John the Baptist.
I promise you…there is nothing new under the sun. If you will only open your Bible and start looking, you will discover this for yourself. And you will also see how God has cared for His people all along…how He cares about YOU and me…and how we can tap into His strength and power to overcome anything and everything.
We get so bogged down in things that really don’t matter. We wallow in self-pity and fumble through life wondering about “the answers”. And all the while, they are right in front of us. We don’t know about Paul and Jeremiah and Queen Esther, because we are not focused on God’s word and seeking His truth. We lack the eagerness of an almost-six-year-old to find out more about God and what He offers. And the end result is that we simply “lack” in general – in every area of our lives.
It’s time for a “spiritual makeover”. God has equipped us with everything we need to serve Him, to serve others, and to do this thing we call “life”. He beckons us to “come home”…to seek Him and discover the joy of dwelling “in His house”…to invite Jesus into our hearts and minds and make a place for Him there. We can experience the eagerness of kindergartners and first-graders as we build our faith.
A “special guest” may not appear in our office, classroom – or even the living room! But if we genuinely seek God, He will show up and make our hearts leap. Let us go into the house of the LORD…are you coming with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
When they said, “Let’s go to the house of God,”
my heart leaped for joy.
And now we’re here, O Jerusalem,
inside Jerusalem’s walls!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When we picked the children up from Sunday school, Timothy met us at the door, excitedly saying over and over…“We had a special guest today - his name was PAUL!” Another child’s dad had portrayed the Apostle Paul and “visited” the K-1 class. As we drove home, Timothy told us all about Paul…how he had been tossed into the sea…then he wandered the desert…soldiers “punched him” and threw him in jail…and he wrote letters to another boy named Timothy! OUR Timothy was so impressed and excited…and he has since told his mom and others about the “special guest” who came to visit on Sunday.
I have no doubt that this little guy will be eager to return to the house of God. He will be anxious to learn more about Paul and his friends. This dad and the Sunday school teacher made the Bible come alive for these children…and this makes MY heart leap for joy!
It seems like we often forget just how interesting and exciting God’s word can be. We fail to fully grasp the inspiration of the stories of faith and courage as demonstrated by people like Moses, Ruth and Naomi, Daniel, and Paul. We overlook the “human” examples of how others struggled – and sinned – and experienced the grace, mercy, forgiveness and blessings of God…people like David, Mary Magdalene, Nicodemus, and Peter. We fail to recognize the lessons in patience and hope that were demonstrated by people like Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth, Abraham, and John the Baptist.
I promise you…there is nothing new under the sun. If you will only open your Bible and start looking, you will discover this for yourself. And you will also see how God has cared for His people all along…how He cares about YOU and me…and how we can tap into His strength and power to overcome anything and everything.
We get so bogged down in things that really don’t matter. We wallow in self-pity and fumble through life wondering about “the answers”. And all the while, they are right in front of us. We don’t know about Paul and Jeremiah and Queen Esther, because we are not focused on God’s word and seeking His truth. We lack the eagerness of an almost-six-year-old to find out more about God and what He offers. And the end result is that we simply “lack” in general – in every area of our lives.
It’s time for a “spiritual makeover”. God has equipped us with everything we need to serve Him, to serve others, and to do this thing we call “life”. He beckons us to “come home”…to seek Him and discover the joy of dwelling “in His house”…to invite Jesus into our hearts and minds and make a place for Him there. We can experience the eagerness of kindergartners and first-graders as we build our faith.
A “special guest” may not appear in our office, classroom – or even the living room! But if we genuinely seek God, He will show up and make our hearts leap. Let us go into the house of the LORD…are you coming with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 20, 2015
Jeremiah 33:14
Yes, the day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good I promised them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite television programs is CBS Sunday Morning. We record it each week to watch at our convenience…and I am never disappointed. The program offers a good mix of feature stories that are timely and interesting, on subjects from history to sports, art and entertainment, and some great profiles of fascinating people – both famous and obscure.
The latest edition of this program included a feature on a group of “ordinary” folks who have declared themselves to be atheists. The reasons for choosing this path were varied…some were former Christians who left their faith, while others never grew up in the church or found “mainstream religion” appealing. All were drawn to the atheist camp because they found the tenets meshed well with their way of thinking.
Our natural reaction as Christians is 1) to want to tell these people how wrong they are; and 2) to fear them. Studies show that approximately 7% of the American population does not believe in God…but only 2.4% of them claim to be “atheists”. One of the men interviewed for the piece said that atheists are treated as if they are evil. Another said that once one declares to be an atheist, “doors close”.
When a few of the self-proclaimed atheists interviewed for this piece were asked what they wanted people to know about atheists and what they believe, this is how they responded… “People can make the world a better place if they work together. People can be good. Believe what can be proven...love other people...treat them with love, and they will treat you back that way. Live a life of integrity...be honest.”
The Rev. Dr. Luke Powery, Dean of Duke University Chapel, was interviewed for this CBS story. He maintains that…”Doubt is part of faith.” He says that questions such as, “God are you there?" are found throughout the Hebrew scriptures and Psalms. Powery maintains that there can be anger against God…and a journey of doubt and questioning. But he explains that this is actually part of building our faith…admitting to God that we want to believe - but we need help with our “unbelief”.
As I watched this story, I asked myself…”In reacting and responding to this…how do I reflect my own Christian faith?” Do I try to make a point with un-believers (some of whom now call themselves “Openly Secular”)…or do I make a difference by how I demonstrate my love and devotion to Jesus Christ? If you read through the comments I shared about what atheists/Openly Secular people want others to know about them, you will see that many of these sentiments are the very tenets that Jesus gave us…love one another…treat others as you wish to be treated…do not lie, cheat, or steal.
I have to wonder…in our “zeal” to share the Gospel of Jesus, are we often more concerned with proving that we are right – or are we truly interested in preparing ourselves and others for Heaven and Christ’s return for His church? When we invest so much time and energy in fights to put physical copies of the Ten Commandments in public places, rather than demonstrating our obedience to these laws in our everyday living, what are we really saying? When we are so vocal about “returning prayer to public schools” (it never left, you know!) instead of falling to our knees and sincerely praying for others, what have we accomplished?
When we are so busy fighting for our personal agendas that we don’t have time to tend to those who are sick, suffering and in need…what does this tell those who say that God does not exist? Are we really showing them that He does? When “church” is a show (in every sense of the word) rather than a gathering of the body of Christ to worship and serve…are we truly creating an atmosphere that welcomes others and gives them hope and promise in Jesus Christ – and a reason to turn to Him?
I have to say that I am glad this segment aired – and that I saw it. I have a new perspective on the “Openly Secular” and how I respond to them. The Rev. Dr. Luke Powery was asked whether he believed that these unbelievers would go to hell, and he replied, “I am not God.” He explained that it is not up to him to decide who goes to hell – or to heaven, for that matter. It is also not our job to condemn the very people we wish to reach. We must start seeking God’s will in every situation…demonstrating the teachings of Jesus…and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and guide our outward words and actions.
With all my heart, I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that He is preparing an eternal home for me…and that He will someday return for His church at large. I want to live for Him in such a way that others say, “I want in on this!” And that means that I have to carefully consider my words and actions and determine whether they make a difference for the Kingdom of Heaven…or an “extra point” in my personal “Christian playbook”. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Yes, the day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good I promised them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite television programs is CBS Sunday Morning. We record it each week to watch at our convenience…and I am never disappointed. The program offers a good mix of feature stories that are timely and interesting, on subjects from history to sports, art and entertainment, and some great profiles of fascinating people – both famous and obscure.
The latest edition of this program included a feature on a group of “ordinary” folks who have declared themselves to be atheists. The reasons for choosing this path were varied…some were former Christians who left their faith, while others never grew up in the church or found “mainstream religion” appealing. All were drawn to the atheist camp because they found the tenets meshed well with their way of thinking.
Our natural reaction as Christians is 1) to want to tell these people how wrong they are; and 2) to fear them. Studies show that approximately 7% of the American population does not believe in God…but only 2.4% of them claim to be “atheists”. One of the men interviewed for the piece said that atheists are treated as if they are evil. Another said that once one declares to be an atheist, “doors close”.
When a few of the self-proclaimed atheists interviewed for this piece were asked what they wanted people to know about atheists and what they believe, this is how they responded… “People can make the world a better place if they work together. People can be good. Believe what can be proven...love other people...treat them with love, and they will treat you back that way. Live a life of integrity...be honest.”
The Rev. Dr. Luke Powery, Dean of Duke University Chapel, was interviewed for this CBS story. He maintains that…”Doubt is part of faith.” He says that questions such as, “God are you there?" are found throughout the Hebrew scriptures and Psalms. Powery maintains that there can be anger against God…and a journey of doubt and questioning. But he explains that this is actually part of building our faith…admitting to God that we want to believe - but we need help with our “unbelief”.
As I watched this story, I asked myself…”In reacting and responding to this…how do I reflect my own Christian faith?” Do I try to make a point with un-believers (some of whom now call themselves “Openly Secular”)…or do I make a difference by how I demonstrate my love and devotion to Jesus Christ? If you read through the comments I shared about what atheists/Openly Secular people want others to know about them, you will see that many of these sentiments are the very tenets that Jesus gave us…love one another…treat others as you wish to be treated…do not lie, cheat, or steal.
I have to wonder…in our “zeal” to share the Gospel of Jesus, are we often more concerned with proving that we are right – or are we truly interested in preparing ourselves and others for Heaven and Christ’s return for His church? When we invest so much time and energy in fights to put physical copies of the Ten Commandments in public places, rather than demonstrating our obedience to these laws in our everyday living, what are we really saying? When we are so vocal about “returning prayer to public schools” (it never left, you know!) instead of falling to our knees and sincerely praying for others, what have we accomplished?
When we are so busy fighting for our personal agendas that we don’t have time to tend to those who are sick, suffering and in need…what does this tell those who say that God does not exist? Are we really showing them that He does? When “church” is a show (in every sense of the word) rather than a gathering of the body of Christ to worship and serve…are we truly creating an atmosphere that welcomes others and gives them hope and promise in Jesus Christ – and a reason to turn to Him?
I have to say that I am glad this segment aired – and that I saw it. I have a new perspective on the “Openly Secular” and how I respond to them. The Rev. Dr. Luke Powery was asked whether he believed that these unbelievers would go to hell, and he replied, “I am not God.” He explained that it is not up to him to decide who goes to hell – or to heaven, for that matter. It is also not our job to condemn the very people we wish to reach. We must start seeking God’s will in every situation…demonstrating the teachings of Jesus…and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and guide our outward words and actions.
With all my heart, I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that He is preparing an eternal home for me…and that He will someday return for His church at large. I want to live for Him in such a way that others say, “I want in on this!” And that means that I have to carefully consider my words and actions and determine whether they make a difference for the Kingdom of Heaven…or an “extra point” in my personal “Christian playbook”. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 19, 2015
Isaiah 64:1-8
Rip the heavens apart! Come down, Lord; make the mountains tremble. Be a spark that starts a fire causing water to boil. Then your enemies will know who you are; all nations will tremble because you are nearby. Your fearsome deeds have completely amazed us; even the mountains shake when you come down. You are the only God ever seen or heard of who works miracles for his followers. You help all who gladly obey and do what you want, but sin makes you angry. Only by your help can we ever be saved.
We are unfit to worship you; each of our good deeds is merely a filthy rag. We dry up like leaves; our sins are storm winds sweeping us away. No one worships in your name or remains faithful. You have turned your back on us and let our sins melt us away.
You, Lord, are our Father. We are nothing but clay, but you are the potter who molded us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Seattle's Gravity Payments CEO, Dan Price, recently did something that astounded a lot of people. He announced that he was slashing his annual salary by approximately 1 million dollars...and giving all of his employees a raise. He pledged that each employee will immediately jump to at least $50,000 in annual salary...and gradually move to the $70K mark within the next three years. The end goal will be for no one to work at Gravity Payments for less than $70,000 per year.
Price, a 30-year-old single man who runs Gravity Payments - a company that helps businesses process credit cards and offers business analytics, solutions and support - realized that there was a tremendous inequality in the pay among the employees of his firm. He could see that some of his staff struggled to make ends meet, pay off student loans, and put food on the table - all while Price was paid well over one million dollars annually. Essentially, he asked himself, "Who do you think you are?" and realized that he was only as successful and productive as the members of his team. This young business executive understood that life was about something much larger than Dan Price.
If you research Gravity Payments, you will see that they do a lot of community work and philanthropic projects...giving 10% of annual profits to charitable organizations and reaching out to the community to help in a variety of ways. It sounds like a pretty great place to work…a company that truly is striving to make a difference in the lives of others – beginning with their own employees.
The question “Who do you think you are?” is one that we should all be asking on a daily basis. Because honestly, we are nothing without the power and presence of Almighty God. Without His blessings and care, we are 100% ineffective – in anything and everything we do…at least in ways that really matter! God is truly the potter…we are merely the clay. Without salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are no better than filthy rags. And certainly none of us is superior to the next guy.
This is a question that deserves to be answered by each of us. Who DO we think we are? What are we doing in the name of Jesus? If Jesus ripped open the heavens and returned today for His church, what would we have to say for ourselves? Are we making a point - or making a difference? And what are we willing to do about it?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Rip the heavens apart! Come down, Lord; make the mountains tremble. Be a spark that starts a fire causing water to boil. Then your enemies will know who you are; all nations will tremble because you are nearby. Your fearsome deeds have completely amazed us; even the mountains shake when you come down. You are the only God ever seen or heard of who works miracles for his followers. You help all who gladly obey and do what you want, but sin makes you angry. Only by your help can we ever be saved.
We are unfit to worship you; each of our good deeds is merely a filthy rag. We dry up like leaves; our sins are storm winds sweeping us away. No one worships in your name or remains faithful. You have turned your back on us and let our sins melt us away.
You, Lord, are our Father. We are nothing but clay, but you are the potter who molded us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Seattle's Gravity Payments CEO, Dan Price, recently did something that astounded a lot of people. He announced that he was slashing his annual salary by approximately 1 million dollars...and giving all of his employees a raise. He pledged that each employee will immediately jump to at least $50,000 in annual salary...and gradually move to the $70K mark within the next three years. The end goal will be for no one to work at Gravity Payments for less than $70,000 per year.
Price, a 30-year-old single man who runs Gravity Payments - a company that helps businesses process credit cards and offers business analytics, solutions and support - realized that there was a tremendous inequality in the pay among the employees of his firm. He could see that some of his staff struggled to make ends meet, pay off student loans, and put food on the table - all while Price was paid well over one million dollars annually. Essentially, he asked himself, "Who do you think you are?" and realized that he was only as successful and productive as the members of his team. This young business executive understood that life was about something much larger than Dan Price.
If you research Gravity Payments, you will see that they do a lot of community work and philanthropic projects...giving 10% of annual profits to charitable organizations and reaching out to the community to help in a variety of ways. It sounds like a pretty great place to work…a company that truly is striving to make a difference in the lives of others – beginning with their own employees.
The question “Who do you think you are?” is one that we should all be asking on a daily basis. Because honestly, we are nothing without the power and presence of Almighty God. Without His blessings and care, we are 100% ineffective – in anything and everything we do…at least in ways that really matter! God is truly the potter…we are merely the clay. Without salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are no better than filthy rags. And certainly none of us is superior to the next guy.
This is a question that deserves to be answered by each of us. Who DO we think we are? What are we doing in the name of Jesus? If Jesus ripped open the heavens and returned today for His church, what would we have to say for ourselves? Are we making a point - or making a difference? And what are we willing to do about it?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 18, 2015
1 Thessalonians 3:9-10
What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you? We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters.
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 try to visit our local aquatic center three days per week to work out. As I jog around the pool and do “high-knees” and “crossover kicks”, I talk to God and thank Him for my incredible blessings. As I stretch, lunge, do bicep curls and anvil curls, I pray - and lift my family, friends, those who are sick and suffering, world leaders, our church and its leaders…and more “praises and concerns”. In the course of 45 minutes to an hour, God and I can cover a lot of ground! This is one way that I can offer thanksgiving to Him for all of the joy that He – and these people – bring to my life.
Several of my cousins and my best friend live four hours away in another Arkansas town. I rarely see them in person. But I “talk” to a few of them on Facebook and via e-mail…and sometimes even by phone…several times a week. I know that they “have my back,” and I have theirs. I pray for them and encourage them…and many of these people do the same for me. I find this connection to be a joy and a comfort…and I count it a privilege to be able to pray for them and share in their lives via modern technology. They bless me in ways I cannot even count.
What’s my point? (Because you KNOW that I’m trying to make one!) I believe there is one factor that strengthens each and every one of my relationships…and this is prayer! Let’s be clear…my prayer life is a work in progress. But I cannot tell you how many times I have encountered a friend or loved one who needs encouragement, and I am able to say, “I’ve been praying for you” or “I prayed for you this morning/afternoon.” It strengthens the bond – between us, and with God – to know that we are sharing and caring in this manner.
Just yesterday, I read a CaringBridge report about a lifelong acquaintance who is slowly and steadily recovering from a serious illness that nearly killed her several months ago. As I read about the tremendous milestone that she accomplished yesterday, I smiled and thanked God. I thought of the prayers I have offered (along with those of countless others)…and I knew that our persistence and faithfulness made a difference. Let me hasten to add that, even if this dear woman’s results were less positive – or if she were to be called to heaven today – our prayers on her would still matter. They would still have strengthened our bond and cultivated our faithfulness.
The bottom line is that we have to be active and present in our relationships with God – and with others. Prayer matters…it really does! Communion with God strengthens our interaction with friends, acquaintances and family members. God-given technology enables us to keep in touch and encourage in amazing ways…to engage with one another and “be the hands and feet of Jesus” even when we cannot literally be in close physical proximity. And when an actual reunion does occur, the bond is made even sweeter because of what we have shared through a faith-filled dialog with God.
Make this the day that you figure out how to incorporate prayer into your routine. You don’t have to schedule a “pool workout” time for prayer. Pepper brief conversations with God throughout your day. As you think of someone you know/love, whisper a prayer of gratitude for your relationship – and ask God to bless and care for this person…to encourage him/her as needed…and to fill each heart with joy and peace. Your relationships will strengthen…your bonds will deepen…and you will see a difference. I’m praying for you today…who are YOU praying for?
©2015 Debbie Robus
What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you? We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters.
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 try to visit our local aquatic center three days per week to work out. As I jog around the pool and do “high-knees” and “crossover kicks”, I talk to God and thank Him for my incredible blessings. As I stretch, lunge, do bicep curls and anvil curls, I pray - and lift my family, friends, those who are sick and suffering, world leaders, our church and its leaders…and more “praises and concerns”. In the course of 45 minutes to an hour, God and I can cover a lot of ground! This is one way that I can offer thanksgiving to Him for all of the joy that He – and these people – bring to my life.
Several of my cousins and my best friend live four hours away in another Arkansas town. I rarely see them in person. But I “talk” to a few of them on Facebook and via e-mail…and sometimes even by phone…several times a week. I know that they “have my back,” and I have theirs. I pray for them and encourage them…and many of these people do the same for me. I find this connection to be a joy and a comfort…and I count it a privilege to be able to pray for them and share in their lives via modern technology. They bless me in ways I cannot even count.
What’s my point? (Because you KNOW that I’m trying to make one!) I believe there is one factor that strengthens each and every one of my relationships…and this is prayer! Let’s be clear…my prayer life is a work in progress. But I cannot tell you how many times I have encountered a friend or loved one who needs encouragement, and I am able to say, “I’ve been praying for you” or “I prayed for you this morning/afternoon.” It strengthens the bond – between us, and with God – to know that we are sharing and caring in this manner.
Just yesterday, I read a CaringBridge report about a lifelong acquaintance who is slowly and steadily recovering from a serious illness that nearly killed her several months ago. As I read about the tremendous milestone that she accomplished yesterday, I smiled and thanked God. I thought of the prayers I have offered (along with those of countless others)…and I knew that our persistence and faithfulness made a difference. Let me hasten to add that, even if this dear woman’s results were less positive – or if she were to be called to heaven today – our prayers on her would still matter. They would still have strengthened our bond and cultivated our faithfulness.
The bottom line is that we have to be active and present in our relationships with God – and with others. Prayer matters…it really does! Communion with God strengthens our interaction with friends, acquaintances and family members. God-given technology enables us to keep in touch and encourage in amazing ways…to engage with one another and “be the hands and feet of Jesus” even when we cannot literally be in close physical proximity. And when an actual reunion does occur, the bond is made even sweeter because of what we have shared through a faith-filled dialog with God.
Make this the day that you figure out how to incorporate prayer into your routine. You don’t have to schedule a “pool workout” time for prayer. Pepper brief conversations with God throughout your day. As you think of someone you know/love, whisper a prayer of gratitude for your relationship – and ask God to bless and care for this person…to encourage him/her as needed…and to fill each heart with joy and peace. Your relationships will strengthen…your bonds will deepen…and you will see a difference. I’m praying for you today…who are YOU praying for?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 17, 2015
1 Corinthians 1:3
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you all of his blessings, and great peace of heart and mind.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In her memoir by the same name, television personality Robin Roberts quotes her mother, Lucimarian Tolliver, who often reminded her that… "Everybody’s Got Something"*. And Lucimarian was exactly right. Every single one of us has joys, sorrows, successes, failures, incredible “highs”…and equally profound “lows”.
You might think this is the ultimate “common denominator” for each of us…but there is something else. We are all flawed in some way…but we all have the potential to be flawless. I’m not talking about wrinkle creams or hair dye…plastic surgery or years of intense therapy! We can all experience God’s blessings - and great peace of heart and mind - through salvation in Jesus Christ. Each one of us can become “flawless” when we surrender to Christ and strive to walk in His ways.
You may be familiar with the Mercy Me, the Christian band that is best known for their hit, “I Can Only Imagine." This group has just released a video for their latest song, “Flawless”.** I encourage you to take a few minutes and watch this video…to consider what “flaws” others feel they possess – and to think about how God can remove these – and so much more…and truly make us “flawless!”
Everybody has indeed got "something"...but not everyone experiences God’s blessings, and “great peace of heart and mind”. Don’t you want to be “flawless” in His eyes? Each of us can be…and we can start today…here...now…in this very moment! I’m all in…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* Everybody's Got Something
**Flawless by Mercy Me
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you all of his blessings, and great peace of heart and mind.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In her memoir by the same name, television personality Robin Roberts quotes her mother, Lucimarian Tolliver, who often reminded her that… "Everybody’s Got Something"*. And Lucimarian was exactly right. Every single one of us has joys, sorrows, successes, failures, incredible “highs”…and equally profound “lows”.
You might think this is the ultimate “common denominator” for each of us…but there is something else. We are all flawed in some way…but we all have the potential to be flawless. I’m not talking about wrinkle creams or hair dye…plastic surgery or years of intense therapy! We can all experience God’s blessings - and great peace of heart and mind - through salvation in Jesus Christ. Each one of us can become “flawless” when we surrender to Christ and strive to walk in His ways.
You may be familiar with the Mercy Me, the Christian band that is best known for their hit, “I Can Only Imagine." This group has just released a video for their latest song, “Flawless”.** I encourage you to take a few minutes and watch this video…to consider what “flaws” others feel they possess – and to think about how God can remove these – and so much more…and truly make us “flawless!”
Everybody has indeed got "something"...but not everyone experiences God’s blessings, and “great peace of heart and mind”. Don’t you want to be “flawless” in His eyes? Each of us can be…and we can start today…here...now…in this very moment! I’m all in…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* Everybody's Got Something
**Flawless by Mercy Me
Daily Devotional for April 16, 2015
Mark 11:22-25
Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
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.
Sunday in the church nursery, an almost 2-year-old named Stella lost her shoe. I retrieved the sandal and handed it to her. She wanted to put it on by herself. There was an ankle strap with a buckle, and she fussed at me as I took the shoe from her to unfasten the buckle. When I tried to help her put it on her foot, she would kick and squeal.
This little red-headed “ginger snap” got so frustrated as she worked to put on her shoe…but she would not accept any help in buckling the strap or getting it on correctly. She finally just walked around with one shoe on and the other foot bare! She would rather do that than allow someone to help her…to trust that we grownups knew more than she did about how the shoe should go on her foot and fasten!
Stella will figure it out. But when it comes to our prayer life and faith in God, a lot of us are still walking around wearing only one shoe! We still don’t fully understand that we need to pray about everything…and believe that God hears us and answers. Does this mean that we will all drive Maseratis and be dripping in diamonds and furs…that we will never have to work another day in our lives and God will make every single second hunky-dory forever, just because we asked Him to do so? Absolutely not!
What this scripture tells us is that God will meet all of our needs…all the time and in every way. It also tells us that God knows what these needs are…and how best to meet them. So when we pray and ask God for help and guidance, we can relax and rest in the confidence that He will answer… that whatever He gives us will be perfect. So if you tell God you need a car to get to school or work or wherever, and He provides you with a clunker that looks horrible but runs fine, you can trust that this is what you need to be driving.
If you ask God to bring you a soulmate, and the person who comes into your life doesn’t exactly look like a model from the pages of Victoria’s Secret or one of the men in GQ Magazine - but he/she loves Jesus and treats you royally – consider that God has chosen the perfect companion for you, based on His plans and not your selfish desires. When troubles come and you ask God to help you through them…yet the road is rough and rocky…don’t ask “Why me, LORD?” Instead, ask, “What are You showing me? How do You want me to handle this? How can I glorify You in my reactions and responses?”
It’s time for us to accept God’s help…to trust His answers…and to let Him show us how to “put on the other shoe” and live fully in His plans and abundance. This seems like a pretty good day to get started…wouldn’t you agree?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
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.
Sunday in the church nursery, an almost 2-year-old named Stella lost her shoe. I retrieved the sandal and handed it to her. She wanted to put it on by herself. There was an ankle strap with a buckle, and she fussed at me as I took the shoe from her to unfasten the buckle. When I tried to help her put it on her foot, she would kick and squeal.
This little red-headed “ginger snap” got so frustrated as she worked to put on her shoe…but she would not accept any help in buckling the strap or getting it on correctly. She finally just walked around with one shoe on and the other foot bare! She would rather do that than allow someone to help her…to trust that we grownups knew more than she did about how the shoe should go on her foot and fasten!
Stella will figure it out. But when it comes to our prayer life and faith in God, a lot of us are still walking around wearing only one shoe! We still don’t fully understand that we need to pray about everything…and believe that God hears us and answers. Does this mean that we will all drive Maseratis and be dripping in diamonds and furs…that we will never have to work another day in our lives and God will make every single second hunky-dory forever, just because we asked Him to do so? Absolutely not!
What this scripture tells us is that God will meet all of our needs…all the time and in every way. It also tells us that God knows what these needs are…and how best to meet them. So when we pray and ask God for help and guidance, we can relax and rest in the confidence that He will answer… that whatever He gives us will be perfect. So if you tell God you need a car to get to school or work or wherever, and He provides you with a clunker that looks horrible but runs fine, you can trust that this is what you need to be driving.
If you ask God to bring you a soulmate, and the person who comes into your life doesn’t exactly look like a model from the pages of Victoria’s Secret or one of the men in GQ Magazine - but he/she loves Jesus and treats you royally – consider that God has chosen the perfect companion for you, based on His plans and not your selfish desires. When troubles come and you ask God to help you through them…yet the road is rough and rocky…don’t ask “Why me, LORD?” Instead, ask, “What are You showing me? How do You want me to handle this? How can I glorify You in my reactions and responses?”
It’s time for us to accept God’s help…to trust His answers…and to let Him show us how to “put on the other shoe” and live fully in His plans and abundance. This seems like a pretty good day to get started…wouldn’t you agree?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 15, 2015
John 14:11-14
“Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see — these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.
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.
Arkansas Razorbacks basketball forward Bobby Portis announced that he will not return to college for his junior year. Instead, he has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft this summer. Portis weighed the pros and cons of this decision, and in the end, the need to provide for his family probably proved to be the tipping point. Portis has already done wonderful things in his college career. He set school records as a Razorback…received national accolades…and won the hearts of Arkansans in particular – and Razorbacks fans in general. I am sure that his mother would tell you that his accomplishments far exceed her own – or anyone else’s in the Portis family.
Parents will often say, “I want better for my own kids than I had.” I don’t think too many parents would say, “I want my children to be mediocre,” or even, “If they do half as well as I have done, I’ll be happy!” So when we read this scripture and think about what Jesus is saying, it seems to me that He isn’t expecting us to literally turn water into wine or cast out demons. He most certainly does not expect us to be nailed to a cross for the sins of man, because HE has already covered that detail! I believe that Jesus wants us to “take a page from His book”, so to speak…and do all that we can to continue His work.
What are the works of Jesus? I made a mental list of some of them…and I am sure I have missed many. But in part, Jesus: demonstrated honor and glory to God, humility, kindness, mercy and compassion, respect for others, tolerance and forgiveness…fed the hungry…healed the sick and the injured…ministered to the poor…consoled the grieving and “poor in spirit”…and taught us how to pray – and to love one another.
Clearly, we cannot literally heal the sick and injured (unless we are physicians and nurses)…but we can do our best to minister to those who are experiencing these conditions. We can meet their needs to the best of our ability – and with the strength and power of God Almighty. We can feed the hungry – both literally and figuratively…we can show respect, tolerance, forgiveness, humility, kindness, mercy, and compassion. We can minister to the poor…we can console and encourage those who are grieving and hurting. We can pray…and love one another as God loved us. And in all of these things, we can give glory and honor to God!
At the end of the day, we will be doing what is best for our “family” – the body that we are a part of as believers in Jesus Christ and children of the Most High God. If we humbly do the works of Jesus according to God’s guidance and wisdom…and we call on Him to equip us… we will “do greater things” – not because WE are so wonderful, but because God is empowering our efforts.
We cannot all be NBA players and support our families in this manner. But we can serve on “Team Jesus” and do great things for the family of God. This should be our daily goal…to trust God to equip us to do whatever He ordains. We should confidently ask Him to give us these abilities, knowing that whatever we ask for that He has sanctioned will be accomplished.
There is no doubt that Bobby Portis would have garnered many more accolades in the next two years as an Arkansas Razorbacks basketball star. And I am sure he will receive a lot of recognition in the NBA. But at the end of the day, Bobby had to decide whether to make a difference and provide for his family now…or to stick around and make more of a name for himself in his home state. We have to decide the same thing – in a different way. Will we focus on what feels good to us…what promotes OUR agenda…or will we do the work of Jesus, and give God the glory? Will we make a point…or will we make a difference?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see — these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.
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.
Arkansas Razorbacks basketball forward Bobby Portis announced that he will not return to college for his junior year. Instead, he has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft this summer. Portis weighed the pros and cons of this decision, and in the end, the need to provide for his family probably proved to be the tipping point. Portis has already done wonderful things in his college career. He set school records as a Razorback…received national accolades…and won the hearts of Arkansans in particular – and Razorbacks fans in general. I am sure that his mother would tell you that his accomplishments far exceed her own – or anyone else’s in the Portis family.
Parents will often say, “I want better for my own kids than I had.” I don’t think too many parents would say, “I want my children to be mediocre,” or even, “If they do half as well as I have done, I’ll be happy!” So when we read this scripture and think about what Jesus is saying, it seems to me that He isn’t expecting us to literally turn water into wine or cast out demons. He most certainly does not expect us to be nailed to a cross for the sins of man, because HE has already covered that detail! I believe that Jesus wants us to “take a page from His book”, so to speak…and do all that we can to continue His work.
What are the works of Jesus? I made a mental list of some of them…and I am sure I have missed many. But in part, Jesus: demonstrated honor and glory to God, humility, kindness, mercy and compassion, respect for others, tolerance and forgiveness…fed the hungry…healed the sick and the injured…ministered to the poor…consoled the grieving and “poor in spirit”…and taught us how to pray – and to love one another.
Clearly, we cannot literally heal the sick and injured (unless we are physicians and nurses)…but we can do our best to minister to those who are experiencing these conditions. We can meet their needs to the best of our ability – and with the strength and power of God Almighty. We can feed the hungry – both literally and figuratively…we can show respect, tolerance, forgiveness, humility, kindness, mercy, and compassion. We can minister to the poor…we can console and encourage those who are grieving and hurting. We can pray…and love one another as God loved us. And in all of these things, we can give glory and honor to God!
At the end of the day, we will be doing what is best for our “family” – the body that we are a part of as believers in Jesus Christ and children of the Most High God. If we humbly do the works of Jesus according to God’s guidance and wisdom…and we call on Him to equip us… we will “do greater things” – not because WE are so wonderful, but because God is empowering our efforts.
We cannot all be NBA players and support our families in this manner. But we can serve on “Team Jesus” and do great things for the family of God. This should be our daily goal…to trust God to equip us to do whatever He ordains. We should confidently ask Him to give us these abilities, knowing that whatever we ask for that He has sanctioned will be accomplished.
There is no doubt that Bobby Portis would have garnered many more accolades in the next two years as an Arkansas Razorbacks basketball star. And I am sure he will receive a lot of recognition in the NBA. But at the end of the day, Bobby had to decide whether to make a difference and provide for his family now…or to stick around and make more of a name for himself in his home state. We have to decide the same thing – in a different way. Will we focus on what feels good to us…what promotes OUR agenda…or will we do the work of Jesus, and give God the glory? Will we make a point…or will we make a difference?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 14, 2015
James 4:1-3
What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it because there is a whole army of evil desires within you? You want what you don’t have, so you kill to get it. You long for what others have, and can’t afford it, so you start a fight to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it. And even when you do ask you don’t get it because your whole aim is wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For more than a year, we’ve gone out to eat with the children after church on Sunday. There are about five restaurants that we have rotated through…and of course, the children have their favorites – Pizza Hut® and Burger King®, for starters! Timothy and Zola “campaigned” for one of these two options every Sunday, so Greg would say, “Okay, today is Zola’s day to choose,” or “It’s Grandma E’s day to choose,” and we would rotate through the five of us in just over a “month of Sundays”!
One Sunday, Timothy chose Pizza Hut® - and the next week, it was Uncle Greg’s turn. Timothy asked, “Uncle Greg…where do you want to eat? I think Pizza Hut® would be a great choice…don’t you? Wouldn’t you like to eat at Pizza Hut®, Uncle Greg?” We had to laugh at his “diplomatic” attempt to manipulate the choice.
This is cute when one is five years old. It’s not cute at all when you are our age…and we are trying to manipulate God for what we want, rather than what He has in store for us. We sometimes pray in specifics…as we should. But our motives are often misguided at best…if not downright selfish. So instead of asking God to guide our interview for a new job and to work in the hearts of those who decide which person to hire, we say, “LORD, please help me get this job.” We give no consideration to whether this is the place God wants us to be, because it’s where we desire to work!
Or we pray for God to heal us…or to fix a relationship…or to help us get a new car or pass a particular class…or to save a loved one from dying…or whatever is on our heart. And we never even ask God what He desires. Because you see…that really doesn’t matter to us, quite often.
Several weeks ago, our pastor asked us “Are you making a difference…or making a point?” It’s a valid question for all of us. I know that learning to ask God for His will over our own is a hard practice for many of us to master. We are not wired to submit to the will of another – not even to God! So we “campaign” for whatever our “Pizza Hut®” desire is…even to the point of trying to manipulate God into doing it. “LORD, it would be great if You could take this cancer from me…don’t You think that I could do so many wonderful things if I wasn’t sick?!” Or, “LORD, I really need a new house/car/job/relationship…so that I can do even more for YOU!” Pah-lease! (insert eye-roll here!) God is not fooled for even one second!
If we will learn to pour our hearts out to God…and even tell Him what we want (like He doesn’t already know!)…He will listen. But we must humbly and genuinely submit to Him that what we really want – and need – is His will for our lives…and we are ready to accept this and eagerly abide in whatever He designs for us. We can stomp our 5-year-old “spiritual feet” and demand our own way…or we can surrender to God’s will and actually make a difference. The choice is ours…what will you decide?
©2015 Debbie Robus
What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it because there is a whole army of evil desires within you? You want what you don’t have, so you kill to get it. You long for what others have, and can’t afford it, so you start a fight to take it away from them. And yet the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it. And even when you do ask you don’t get it because your whole aim is wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For more than a year, we’ve gone out to eat with the children after church on Sunday. There are about five restaurants that we have rotated through…and of course, the children have their favorites – Pizza Hut® and Burger King®, for starters! Timothy and Zola “campaigned” for one of these two options every Sunday, so Greg would say, “Okay, today is Zola’s day to choose,” or “It’s Grandma E’s day to choose,” and we would rotate through the five of us in just over a “month of Sundays”!
One Sunday, Timothy chose Pizza Hut® - and the next week, it was Uncle Greg’s turn. Timothy asked, “Uncle Greg…where do you want to eat? I think Pizza Hut® would be a great choice…don’t you? Wouldn’t you like to eat at Pizza Hut®, Uncle Greg?” We had to laugh at his “diplomatic” attempt to manipulate the choice.
This is cute when one is five years old. It’s not cute at all when you are our age…and we are trying to manipulate God for what we want, rather than what He has in store for us. We sometimes pray in specifics…as we should. But our motives are often misguided at best…if not downright selfish. So instead of asking God to guide our interview for a new job and to work in the hearts of those who decide which person to hire, we say, “LORD, please help me get this job.” We give no consideration to whether this is the place God wants us to be, because it’s where we desire to work!
Or we pray for God to heal us…or to fix a relationship…or to help us get a new car or pass a particular class…or to save a loved one from dying…or whatever is on our heart. And we never even ask God what He desires. Because you see…that really doesn’t matter to us, quite often.
Several weeks ago, our pastor asked us “Are you making a difference…or making a point?” It’s a valid question for all of us. I know that learning to ask God for His will over our own is a hard practice for many of us to master. We are not wired to submit to the will of another – not even to God! So we “campaign” for whatever our “Pizza Hut®” desire is…even to the point of trying to manipulate God into doing it. “LORD, it would be great if You could take this cancer from me…don’t You think that I could do so many wonderful things if I wasn’t sick?!” Or, “LORD, I really need a new house/car/job/relationship…so that I can do even more for YOU!” Pah-lease! (insert eye-roll here!) God is not fooled for even one second!
If we will learn to pour our hearts out to God…and even tell Him what we want (like He doesn’t already know!)…He will listen. But we must humbly and genuinely submit to Him that what we really want – and need – is His will for our lives…and we are ready to accept this and eagerly abide in whatever He designs for us. We can stomp our 5-year-old “spiritual feet” and demand our own way…or we can surrender to God’s will and actually make a difference. The choice is ours…what will you decide?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 15, 2015
Romans 3:21-24
But now God has shown us a different way to heaven — not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us —declare us “not guilty”— if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Timothy is often a serious child…and when things don’t go well, he will sometimes ask, “Are you disappointed in me?” And more than once, he has told me, “Aunt Debbie, I’m so disappointed in you” – usually when I tell him “No” about something!
I’m afraid that God is often “so disappointed” in me…like every day at one point or another. And I’ll let you in on a little secret…He’s disappointed in you, too! Feeling a little “disappointed” now? I know I am…along with embarrassed, frustrated - and a healthy dose of “why can’t I get it right?”!
Hear the words of Romans 3:23…”all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal.” Now hear the GREATER news that follows…”yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.” So while we disappoint God often, He still loves us and forgives us. We must strive to get it right…to do better…to please Him. We should want to do this! But the times that we fall short…God is still there.
When children disappoint us or misbehave, we may detach from them for a few minutes. There may be a “time out” involved in which we do not communicate. Or if the child is angry or upset with us, he/she may walk away and ignore us momentarily. But this is usually short lived. And while we may feel like God has left us for a while, the truth is that He never leaves us. He may let us simmer in our misgivings for a bit, but He is right there whenever we are ready to make things right and try again.
So today as you go about your routine, remind yourself often that God is with you…that He loves you more than you can ever imagine – much less deserve. Remember that the only thing you could ever do to disappoint God irreparably is to deny Him completely…and even then, He would fight tooth and nail to remain in your life! Doesn’t that kind of love make you want to do all you can to please Him? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
But now God has shown us a different way to heaven — not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us —declare us “not guilty”— if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Timothy is often a serious child…and when things don’t go well, he will sometimes ask, “Are you disappointed in me?” And more than once, he has told me, “Aunt Debbie, I’m so disappointed in you” – usually when I tell him “No” about something!
I’m afraid that God is often “so disappointed” in me…like every day at one point or another. And I’ll let you in on a little secret…He’s disappointed in you, too! Feeling a little “disappointed” now? I know I am…along with embarrassed, frustrated - and a healthy dose of “why can’t I get it right?”!
Hear the words of Romans 3:23…”all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal.” Now hear the GREATER news that follows…”yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.” So while we disappoint God often, He still loves us and forgives us. We must strive to get it right…to do better…to please Him. We should want to do this! But the times that we fall short…God is still there.
When children disappoint us or misbehave, we may detach from them for a few minutes. There may be a “time out” involved in which we do not communicate. Or if the child is angry or upset with us, he/she may walk away and ignore us momentarily. But this is usually short lived. And while we may feel like God has left us for a while, the truth is that He never leaves us. He may let us simmer in our misgivings for a bit, but He is right there whenever we are ready to make things right and try again.
So today as you go about your routine, remind yourself often that God is with you…that He loves you more than you can ever imagine – much less deserve. Remember that the only thing you could ever do to disappoint God irreparably is to deny Him completely…and even then, He would fight tooth and nail to remain in your life! Doesn’t that kind of love make you want to do all you can to please Him? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 12, 2015
Romans 12:1-2
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in 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.
A few days ago, I flipped on the television while preparing our lunch, and a daytime soap opera was just ending. I wasn’t paying close attention, but I caught enough of a glimpse of the program that I actually checked the channel to make sure I wasn’t actually on a “cable” channel. I admit, a few decades ago I watched soap operas every day…but it’s been awhile…and things have obviously changed! I could not believe what I was seeing in this “bedroom scene” on a local television station during the early afternoon!
Along the same lines, I was discussing suitable television channels for children with the nursery workers at church this morning, and they pointed out quite a few “cartoon channels” that are now airing all sorts of programs that are not suitable for little ones. Certain four-letter words that would NEVER have been uttered in public even a few years ago are now commonplace on television and movie screens…across social media…and in the general public.
I say all of this to illustrate that many of us have indeed become so well-adjusted to our culture that we fit into it without even thinking. And the key words here are “fit into it.” Nobody wants to be considered different. Certainly none of us want others to think of us as pious. But you don’t have to be condescending or condemning toward others in order to take a stand for God. You don’t have to make a show of “going against the grain”, so to speak, in order to please God and live for Him.
If we focus on living for God…listening for His voice and acting as He directs, we won’t have to worry about any of this…it won’t even be on our radar. People who pepper their language with obscenities and foul words will fade from our “circles”. We’ll turn the TV off – or change the channel – more often. We will thoughtfully choose everything from our words to our company to our clothing and extracurricular activities. And the world will notice…maybe not that we don’t participate in the things that others do…so much as they will see that there is something different about us - but in a good way.
We must tune into God’s word and will for our lives. We must be more awake and alert – for God’s presence, and for the everyday things of our culture that we are absorbing and accepting without truly giving them consideration. Whatever we must do to be able to operate more clearly and consciously aware in each moment…let’s do it! Let’s ask God to show us how to live for Him…to grow in His wisdom and maturity...to care less about fitting in and more about pleasing Him. We can do this! Are you ready?
©2015 Debbie Robus
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in 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.
A few days ago, I flipped on the television while preparing our lunch, and a daytime soap opera was just ending. I wasn’t paying close attention, but I caught enough of a glimpse of the program that I actually checked the channel to make sure I wasn’t actually on a “cable” channel. I admit, a few decades ago I watched soap operas every day…but it’s been awhile…and things have obviously changed! I could not believe what I was seeing in this “bedroom scene” on a local television station during the early afternoon!
Along the same lines, I was discussing suitable television channels for children with the nursery workers at church this morning, and they pointed out quite a few “cartoon channels” that are now airing all sorts of programs that are not suitable for little ones. Certain four-letter words that would NEVER have been uttered in public even a few years ago are now commonplace on television and movie screens…across social media…and in the general public.
I say all of this to illustrate that many of us have indeed become so well-adjusted to our culture that we fit into it without even thinking. And the key words here are “fit into it.” Nobody wants to be considered different. Certainly none of us want others to think of us as pious. But you don’t have to be condescending or condemning toward others in order to take a stand for God. You don’t have to make a show of “going against the grain”, so to speak, in order to please God and live for Him.
If we focus on living for God…listening for His voice and acting as He directs, we won’t have to worry about any of this…it won’t even be on our radar. People who pepper their language with obscenities and foul words will fade from our “circles”. We’ll turn the TV off – or change the channel – more often. We will thoughtfully choose everything from our words to our company to our clothing and extracurricular activities. And the world will notice…maybe not that we don’t participate in the things that others do…so much as they will see that there is something different about us - but in a good way.
We must tune into God’s word and will for our lives. We must be more awake and alert – for God’s presence, and for the everyday things of our culture that we are absorbing and accepting without truly giving them consideration. Whatever we must do to be able to operate more clearly and consciously aware in each moment…let’s do it! Let’s ask God to show us how to live for Him…to grow in His wisdom and maturity...to care less about fitting in and more about pleasing Him. We can do this! Are you ready?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 11, 2015
Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is God’s powerful method of bringing all who believe it to heaven. This message was preached first to the Jews alone, but now everyone is invited to come to God in this same way. This Good News tells us that God makes us ready for heaven—makes us right in God’s sight—when we put our faith and trust in Christ to save us. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scripture says it, “The man who finds life will find it through trusting God.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A dear friend of mined recently posed two questions on Facebook that were intended to spark a conversation…”When it's all said and done...what is the meaning of life? What is the purpose of living?” One person replied…”One of my questions is…why is Jesus delaying his return? This world is a big mess.” This is a valid question. And I believe we find at least part of the answer in this passage from the first chapter of Romans.
In my opinion, our job is not to question why Jesus is taking so long…or even why “bad things happen to good people”. Will the answers really make us feel any better or change what is happening? I believe the more important question to ask is, “What would You have me do with this, LORD?”…and then we must trust His answer.
I know people who have endured unspeakable challenges…and done so without complaining. They have exhibited amazing calm and peace…incredible grace and courage. They have trusted God…and He has sustained them. I’ve even heard others ask of them, “How can you be so calm and collected?” Let me assure you, these people may be crushed on the inside. They may be hurting deeply - and crying out to God for His wisdom and comfort when no one else is around. But they are also trusting God to answer. And they are finding life – and its true meaning – in the process. My answer to my friend’s question would have to be, at least in part, that we are living to love and serve Christ…to further God’s kingdom and fulfill His plans – and this includes any and all “bumps in the road”.
We need look no further than the life of Jesus Christ…His torture, crucifixion, death and resurrection…to see that “bad things happen” to even the most Perfect One. So this cannot be our crutch or excuse. Clearly our faith in God sustains us – and makes us right with Him. I’m ready to go “full in” with God – to trust Him completely. I’ve seen evidence in my own life of how He is always with me…how God handles EVERYTHING when I calm down and let Him have control.
I am learning to find joy, peace and contentment in any situation through my faith and trust in God. I know that He is “making ready” my place in Heaven…and my job is to patiently and faithfully serve Him on this earth until He calls for me. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is God’s powerful method of bringing all who believe it to heaven. This message was preached first to the Jews alone, but now everyone is invited to come to God in this same way. This Good News tells us that God makes us ready for heaven—makes us right in God’s sight—when we put our faith and trust in Christ to save us. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scripture says it, “The man who finds life will find it through trusting God.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A dear friend of mined recently posed two questions on Facebook that were intended to spark a conversation…”When it's all said and done...what is the meaning of life? What is the purpose of living?” One person replied…”One of my questions is…why is Jesus delaying his return? This world is a big mess.” This is a valid question. And I believe we find at least part of the answer in this passage from the first chapter of Romans.
In my opinion, our job is not to question why Jesus is taking so long…or even why “bad things happen to good people”. Will the answers really make us feel any better or change what is happening? I believe the more important question to ask is, “What would You have me do with this, LORD?”…and then we must trust His answer.
I know people who have endured unspeakable challenges…and done so without complaining. They have exhibited amazing calm and peace…incredible grace and courage. They have trusted God…and He has sustained them. I’ve even heard others ask of them, “How can you be so calm and collected?” Let me assure you, these people may be crushed on the inside. They may be hurting deeply - and crying out to God for His wisdom and comfort when no one else is around. But they are also trusting God to answer. And they are finding life – and its true meaning – in the process. My answer to my friend’s question would have to be, at least in part, that we are living to love and serve Christ…to further God’s kingdom and fulfill His plans – and this includes any and all “bumps in the road”.
We need look no further than the life of Jesus Christ…His torture, crucifixion, death and resurrection…to see that “bad things happen” to even the most Perfect One. So this cannot be our crutch or excuse. Clearly our faith in God sustains us – and makes us right with Him. I’m ready to go “full in” with God – to trust Him completely. I’ve seen evidence in my own life of how He is always with me…how God handles EVERYTHING when I calm down and let Him have control.
I am learning to find joy, peace and contentment in any situation through my faith and trust in God. I know that He is “making ready” my place in Heaven…and my job is to patiently and faithfully serve Him on this earth until He calls for me. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 10, 2015
Psalm 46:10
Our God says, “Calm down,
and learn that I am God!
All nations on earth
will honor me.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Lord, it’s me again! Do you remember that thing that I’ve been talking about to You? Well, Lord, it’s still not fixed! Lord, what are we going to do about this? I need your help! I can’t do this on my own. But it needs to be fixed. Lord? Lord?? LORD???”
How many times have we all done this? I know I have done it more times than I care to count. There is quite a difference between reminding God about a need or concern…lifting someone to Him in prayer for help, healing or general care… and wearing Him out with persistent pestering! But some of us want to badger God with our constant petitions. And this where we need to insert Psalm 46:10. “Calm down, and learn that I am God!” Know that God will answer when – and how – best suits His plans. It will be perfect! Trust me…I’ve learned this the hard way!
In the King James Version of the Bible, this verse begins, “Be still, and know that I am God…” Engrave this on your heart…write it on the wall or the back of your hand. Hang this verse on your refrigerator or post a note on the bathroom mirror. But do not forget to “be still”…and recognize who God is. Understand the fact that He is present in your life…ready, willing and able to do all things according to His will – perfectly and in the right time.
Aren’t you tired of badgering and nagging? Aren’t you ready to “calm down” and KNOW that God is with you and in complete control. Wouldn’t this be the perfect day to begin? Are you ready to “be still and know”?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Our God says, “Calm down,
and learn that I am God!
All nations on earth
will honor me.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Lord, it’s me again! Do you remember that thing that I’ve been talking about to You? Well, Lord, it’s still not fixed! Lord, what are we going to do about this? I need your help! I can’t do this on my own. But it needs to be fixed. Lord? Lord?? LORD???”
How many times have we all done this? I know I have done it more times than I care to count. There is quite a difference between reminding God about a need or concern…lifting someone to Him in prayer for help, healing or general care… and wearing Him out with persistent pestering! But some of us want to badger God with our constant petitions. And this where we need to insert Psalm 46:10. “Calm down, and learn that I am God!” Know that God will answer when – and how – best suits His plans. It will be perfect! Trust me…I’ve learned this the hard way!
In the King James Version of the Bible, this verse begins, “Be still, and know that I am God…” Engrave this on your heart…write it on the wall or the back of your hand. Hang this verse on your refrigerator or post a note on the bathroom mirror. But do not forget to “be still”…and recognize who God is. Understand the fact that He is present in your life…ready, willing and able to do all things according to His will – perfectly and in the right time.
Aren’t you tired of badgering and nagging? Aren’t you ready to “calm down” and KNOW that God is with you and in complete control. Wouldn’t this be the perfect day to begin? Are you ready to “be still and know”?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 9, 2015
Psalm 119:1-10
Happy are all who perfectly follow the laws of God. Happy are all who search for God and always do his will, rejecting compromise with evil and walking only in his paths. You have given us your laws to obey - oh, how I want to follow them consistently. Then I will not be disgraced, for I will have a clean record.
After you have corrected me, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey! Oh, don’t forsake me and let me slip back into sin again.
How can a young man stay pure? By reading your Word and following its rules. I have tried my best to find you—don’t let me wander off from your instructions.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Answer this question honestly…have you ever turned and looked the other way when something was happening that you knew would not please God? Maybe you observed activity at a party that was wrong – or illegal. Maybe you knew that a friend was cheating in some manner, and you did not confront him/her. Perhaps you literally looked away when someone told a joke that was off-color, racist, or derogatory in some manner. Maybe you shared gossip about someone, even though you knew in your heart that it was wrong to do so. Or perhaps you knew that your boss or co-workers were stealing from the company or mistreating other employees…and you kept your mouth shut, because you felt... a) it wasn’t any of your business; and/or 2) confrontation could cost you the job – or your relationship with this person.
In all of these instances…and countless more…we compromise with evil. We may even justify this by saying, “It’s just this once. I’ll do more for God later.” Or we say, “I’m sowing my wild oats. I’ll settle down and live for God someday.” But let me ask you this…how do you feel afterward?
If you truly love God, I’m betting you feel pretty lousy on some level. These types of negotiations with God do not make us happy – at least not in the long run. While it’s not always easy to do the right thing…nothing else will truly make us happy. To some degree, we will operate with a guilty conscience…and this is never really pleasant or fun!
Hear the good news…there is a “way out” of this mess. We can ditch the devil, once and for all - and run as fast as we can back to God. We may think we have tried our best to find Him...but in truth, He’s been here all along. His guidelines are clear…His Word contains every answer we will ever need…if only we will study it. Then we must do what God asks of us…even those things we find difficult – or unpopular.
If you find your life unsettled…if you are often uneasy, worried, or frustrated...open your Bible, sit quietly with God, and let Him speak to you. James 4:8 tells us that “when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you.” God is waiting for you to kick the devil to the curb and draw near to Him – and STAY there! Are you ready to make the move?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Happy are all who perfectly follow the laws of God. Happy are all who search for God and always do his will, rejecting compromise with evil and walking only in his paths. You have given us your laws to obey - oh, how I want to follow them consistently. Then I will not be disgraced, for I will have a clean record.
After you have corrected me, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey! Oh, don’t forsake me and let me slip back into sin again.
How can a young man stay pure? By reading your Word and following its rules. I have tried my best to find you—don’t let me wander off from your instructions.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Answer this question honestly…have you ever turned and looked the other way when something was happening that you knew would not please God? Maybe you observed activity at a party that was wrong – or illegal. Maybe you knew that a friend was cheating in some manner, and you did not confront him/her. Perhaps you literally looked away when someone told a joke that was off-color, racist, or derogatory in some manner. Maybe you shared gossip about someone, even though you knew in your heart that it was wrong to do so. Or perhaps you knew that your boss or co-workers were stealing from the company or mistreating other employees…and you kept your mouth shut, because you felt... a) it wasn’t any of your business; and/or 2) confrontation could cost you the job – or your relationship with this person.
In all of these instances…and countless more…we compromise with evil. We may even justify this by saying, “It’s just this once. I’ll do more for God later.” Or we say, “I’m sowing my wild oats. I’ll settle down and live for God someday.” But let me ask you this…how do you feel afterward?
If you truly love God, I’m betting you feel pretty lousy on some level. These types of negotiations with God do not make us happy – at least not in the long run. While it’s not always easy to do the right thing…nothing else will truly make us happy. To some degree, we will operate with a guilty conscience…and this is never really pleasant or fun!
Hear the good news…there is a “way out” of this mess. We can ditch the devil, once and for all - and run as fast as we can back to God. We may think we have tried our best to find Him...but in truth, He’s been here all along. His guidelines are clear…His Word contains every answer we will ever need…if only we will study it. Then we must do what God asks of us…even those things we find difficult – or unpopular.
If you find your life unsettled…if you are often uneasy, worried, or frustrated...open your Bible, sit quietly with God, and let Him speak to you. James 4:8 tells us that “when you draw close to God, God will draw close to you.” God is waiting for you to kick the devil to the curb and draw near to Him – and STAY there! Are you ready to make the move?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 8, 2015
Psalm 119:20-24
What I want most of all
and at all times
is to honor your laws.
You punish those boastful,
worthless nobodies
who turn
from your commands.
Don’t let them sneer
and insult me
for following you.
I keep thinking about
your teachings, Lord,
even if rulers plot
against me.
Your laws are my greatest joy!
I follow their advice.
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.
Two of my favorite television shows are "MasterChef"…and especially "MasterChef Junior". This program has featured “future chefs” as young as age eight who can cook gourmet dishes that would rival those prepared in a 5-star restaurant.
Now here’s the thing…I consider myself to be an okay cook. And there are dishes that I know how to make without a recipe. But this program puts cooks in a kitchen and says, “Make XYZ”. They have no recipe…sometimes they don’t even have a basic collection of ingredients…and they have to gather their items “from scratch” in the “Master Chef Pantry”. So obviously, before this program aired, these home cooks spent hours/days/weeks/months – or even YEARS – studying cookbooks and recipes, practicing in their home kitchens, and memorizing the ingredients and steps in a vast array of culinary creations.
On each season of these programs, there always tends to be at least one cook who thinks he/she knows more than the others. This person is sometimes a “renegade” of sorts who feels that the regular rules don’t apply to him/her. The instructions call for a dish to be done a certain way, but “I’m going to give it my own twist,” the cook will announce. This person seems to almost sneer at the others for being so literal…or he/she will make fun of the way another cook performs tasks...and/or call out the competitor’s apparent lack of knowledge or ability in a certain area. But almost to a person, this sort of behavior has backfired.
The old adage that “slow and steady wins the race” applies in many situations. And slow and steady faithfulness to God’s word and the teachings of Jesus will take you places as a Christian! Don’t get bogged down by those who want to tell you that their way is better – or that your ideas and opinions are wrong, just because they are different from the other guy’s. Listen to God and follow what He sows into your heart. Trust His teachings…make sure your words and actions line up with scripture, and let the others make a mess of things if they choose.
I could never be a Master Chef…probably not even with my cookbooks and recipes. Certainly nobody would want to eat what I prepared! And I can’t be the Christian disciple that God has called me to be without His word and teachings. I trust Him to walk with me every day and guide my steps…and I’m doing all I can to listen for His voice – often above the din and distraction of others’. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
What I want most of all
and at all times
is to honor your laws.
You punish those boastful,
worthless nobodies
who turn
from your commands.
Don’t let them sneer
and insult me
for following you.
I keep thinking about
your teachings, Lord,
even if rulers plot
against me.
Your laws are my greatest joy!
I follow their advice.
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.
Two of my favorite television shows are "MasterChef"…and especially "MasterChef Junior". This program has featured “future chefs” as young as age eight who can cook gourmet dishes that would rival those prepared in a 5-star restaurant.
Now here’s the thing…I consider myself to be an okay cook. And there are dishes that I know how to make without a recipe. But this program puts cooks in a kitchen and says, “Make XYZ”. They have no recipe…sometimes they don’t even have a basic collection of ingredients…and they have to gather their items “from scratch” in the “Master Chef Pantry”. So obviously, before this program aired, these home cooks spent hours/days/weeks/months – or even YEARS – studying cookbooks and recipes, practicing in their home kitchens, and memorizing the ingredients and steps in a vast array of culinary creations.
On each season of these programs, there always tends to be at least one cook who thinks he/she knows more than the others. This person is sometimes a “renegade” of sorts who feels that the regular rules don’t apply to him/her. The instructions call for a dish to be done a certain way, but “I’m going to give it my own twist,” the cook will announce. This person seems to almost sneer at the others for being so literal…or he/she will make fun of the way another cook performs tasks...and/or call out the competitor’s apparent lack of knowledge or ability in a certain area. But almost to a person, this sort of behavior has backfired.
The old adage that “slow and steady wins the race” applies in many situations. And slow and steady faithfulness to God’s word and the teachings of Jesus will take you places as a Christian! Don’t get bogged down by those who want to tell you that their way is better – or that your ideas and opinions are wrong, just because they are different from the other guy’s. Listen to God and follow what He sows into your heart. Trust His teachings…make sure your words and actions line up with scripture, and let the others make a mess of things if they choose.
I could never be a Master Chef…probably not even with my cookbooks and recipes. Certainly nobody would want to eat what I prepared! And I can’t be the Christian disciple that God has called me to be without His word and teachings. I trust Him to walk with me every day and guide my steps…and I’m doing all I can to listen for His voice – often above the din and distraction of others’. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 7, 2015
Psalm 119:18
Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This verse from Psalm 119 became the inspiration for a treasured hymn, Open My Eyes, That I May See, written by Clara H. Scott, and published in 1895. The first verse and chorus (refrain) say:
Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Refrain 1:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Google this hymn and read the other verses. The language may seem a little “stiff” and unfamiliar to you today…but the message is crystal clear. If we will only open our eyes and ears, God will speak to us. He will “illumine” and enlighten us and give us the key to unlock His will for our lives!
Recently, I’ve been struggling (again) with a dilemma for which I could see no solution. I’ll admit…I am so stubborn that I have to practically beat a situation to death like an old dirty rug before I somewhat collapse and surrender it fully to God. And every time, He reveals His answer. It’s almost like He is saying to me…”I was wondering when you were going to stop wrestling this and let me handle it for you!” Yes, I am a work in progress…and I suspect you are, as well.
So let’s agree to stop this nonsense…to open our eyes that we may see…to open our ears that we may hear…to allow God to illumine us – His will to see! God has been with us all along – we just haven’t always recognized Him. Isn’t it time we did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This verse from Psalm 119 became the inspiration for a treasured hymn, Open My Eyes, That I May See, written by Clara H. Scott, and published in 1895. The first verse and chorus (refrain) say:
Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Refrain 1:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Google this hymn and read the other verses. The language may seem a little “stiff” and unfamiliar to you today…but the message is crystal clear. If we will only open our eyes and ears, God will speak to us. He will “illumine” and enlighten us and give us the key to unlock His will for our lives!
Recently, I’ve been struggling (again) with a dilemma for which I could see no solution. I’ll admit…I am so stubborn that I have to practically beat a situation to death like an old dirty rug before I somewhat collapse and surrender it fully to God. And every time, He reveals His answer. It’s almost like He is saying to me…”I was wondering when you were going to stop wrestling this and let me handle it for you!” Yes, I am a work in progress…and I suspect you are, as well.
So let’s agree to stop this nonsense…to open our eyes that we may see…to open our ears that we may hear…to allow God to illumine us – His will to see! God has been with us all along – we just haven’t always recognized Him. Isn’t it time we did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 6, 2015
Psalm 119:105-112
By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
If you have spent any time at all with little kids, you know that a favorite question is “What’s next?” “What are we going to do when we finish this?” they will often ask…or “Where are we going next?” And these are really good questions for us to ask ourselves this day after Easter Sunday. What IS next for us? The candy has been eaten, the Easter finery has been worn, the eggs have all been hunted, and many of us have shared a family dinner and/or get-together. In spiritual terms, we have studied and celebrated Jesus’ birth, life, death by crucifixion, and resurrection. So the logical next question to ask is, “Where do we go from here?”
Jesus - the Light of the World - is illuminating our way along the path of righteousness. He has given us the instructions…and a “map” for staying on course. Now all we have to do is follow Him…walk in His light…listen for His voice…and carry His Holy Spirit in our heart. Will there be times of hardship, struggle, sadness and disappointment? Probably. Will we be tempted to go another direction…to venture down other paths? Most likely! Will the devil and his agents try to throw us off track? Definitely! Can we withstand these trials and temptations and remain faithful to Jesus? Absolutely!
Easter Sunday may be over, but life in Christ is just revving up! It’s time to apply all we have been taught…to be the hands and feet of Jesus each and every day…to walk in faith and stand on His promises. We have been told that Jesus is preparing a place for us for all Eternity…that Heaven is our real home – not this earth. We have been given His Holy Spirit to guide us every step of the way until we are called to our eternal Home, once and for all. And by the power and grace of God Almighty through Jesus Christ…we.can.do.this!
Are you ready to walk in the Light?
©2015 Debbie Robus
By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
If you have spent any time at all with little kids, you know that a favorite question is “What’s next?” “What are we going to do when we finish this?” they will often ask…or “Where are we going next?” And these are really good questions for us to ask ourselves this day after Easter Sunday. What IS next for us? The candy has been eaten, the Easter finery has been worn, the eggs have all been hunted, and many of us have shared a family dinner and/or get-together. In spiritual terms, we have studied and celebrated Jesus’ birth, life, death by crucifixion, and resurrection. So the logical next question to ask is, “Where do we go from here?”
Jesus - the Light of the World - is illuminating our way along the path of righteousness. He has given us the instructions…and a “map” for staying on course. Now all we have to do is follow Him…walk in His light…listen for His voice…and carry His Holy Spirit in our heart. Will there be times of hardship, struggle, sadness and disappointment? Probably. Will we be tempted to go another direction…to venture down other paths? Most likely! Will the devil and his agents try to throw us off track? Definitely! Can we withstand these trials and temptations and remain faithful to Jesus? Absolutely!
Easter Sunday may be over, but life in Christ is just revving up! It’s time to apply all we have been taught…to be the hands and feet of Jesus each and every day…to walk in faith and stand on His promises. We have been told that Jesus is preparing a place for us for all Eternity…that Heaven is our real home – not this earth. We have been given His Holy Spirit to guide us every step of the way until we are called to our eternal Home, once and for all. And by the power and grace of God Almighty through Jesus Christ…we.can.do.this!
Are you ready to walk in the Light?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 5, 2015
John 14:2-3
There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am. If this weren’t so, I would tell you plainly.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, I substituted for the teacher in the pre-K Sunday school class at our church. Eleven three- and 4-year-olds arrived in their Easter finery to hear this weeks’ Bible lesson. Our scripture verse was part of John 14:2…”I go to prepare a home for you.”[paraphrased for the little ones] The teacher’s guide instructed us to discuss the crucifixion and the resurrection and burial of Jesus. Our art project was to color a picture of a tomb/cave…and attach a “stone” with a little brass “brad”, so that the stone could be “rolled away.”
The hole in the cave – or “portal”, as one 4-year-old described it – contained the words, “He is risen.” This was a fairly heavy lesson for this age group, but some of the older children had a decent grasp of the story and helped to guide the conversation. And as I talked with Timothy, Zola and Nathan at lunch and thought about what they gleaned from their morning Sunday school classes, I asked myself…”What is the “take-away” for ALL of us on this Easter Sunday?”
The people who developed our church’s Sunday school curriculum seemed to want us to remember two things: 1)“Jesus Christ is risen”; and 2) He has gone to prepare a home for us – with Him – in Heaven. The children and I talked about how glorious heaven with Jesus will be. During our lunch, Timothy expressed concern about dying and going to heaven, and I assured him that it will be wonderful – that we will have a mansion to live in with Jesus, and all sorts of amazing things await us.
I told Timothy that we don’t know what all will be in heaven, but we might even have swimming pools, trampolines and skating rinks. He instantly replied, “Man, I bet those dogs and Mam-ma are having a GOOD time!” He was referring to my mom and sister’s dogs who both died within the last year…and my grandmother who left this earth two years ago. In his five-year-old thinking, Timothy instantly connected with the only breathing beings he knew who had died. And he pictured them in heaven with Jesus…”having a GOOD time.” He had trouble understanding why we cannot see Jesus if He is indeed alive. I told him that Jesus lives in our hearts, and we can feel Him with us each and every day…and he clutched his heart and said, “He’s right here!”
So today, as we celebrate how Christ rose from the grave…how He lives in our hearts and is preparing amazing rooms and mansions for us where we will live with Him for all eternity…let us be joyful. We should each picture Jesus and those loved ones who gave their hearts to Him and have gone to heaven ahead of us “having a GOOD time.” We must desire to live in such a way that we will be ready to join them when our “room” is ready!
The tomb was empty…the “portal” was open and angels had rolled away a stone so heavy that even Superman or Iron Man could not have moved it singlehandedly! Only Jesus – or one of God’s angels – could do such a thing! He suffered and died because He loves us…He rose because a mere grave for mortal men cannot hold Him…and He rose to heaven to live with God and prepare a place for us. It’s a lot to take in…almost too much to consider…but such an incredible message for each of us.
I’ve heard other people say this, but the longer I live, the sweeter the thoughts of heaven become…and the more I appreciate what Jesus did so that I can live there someday. Easter Sunday is a time to celebrate…and shout…and praise God for His amazing gift of Jesus. He is risen! Jesus is preparing a permanent home for those who give their hearts to Him and invite Him into their hearts. I am one of them…are you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am. If this weren’t so, I would tell you plainly.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, I substituted for the teacher in the pre-K Sunday school class at our church. Eleven three- and 4-year-olds arrived in their Easter finery to hear this weeks’ Bible lesson. Our scripture verse was part of John 14:2…”I go to prepare a home for you.”[paraphrased for the little ones] The teacher’s guide instructed us to discuss the crucifixion and the resurrection and burial of Jesus. Our art project was to color a picture of a tomb/cave…and attach a “stone” with a little brass “brad”, so that the stone could be “rolled away.”
The hole in the cave – or “portal”, as one 4-year-old described it – contained the words, “He is risen.” This was a fairly heavy lesson for this age group, but some of the older children had a decent grasp of the story and helped to guide the conversation. And as I talked with Timothy, Zola and Nathan at lunch and thought about what they gleaned from their morning Sunday school classes, I asked myself…”What is the “take-away” for ALL of us on this Easter Sunday?”
The people who developed our church’s Sunday school curriculum seemed to want us to remember two things: 1)“Jesus Christ is risen”; and 2) He has gone to prepare a home for us – with Him – in Heaven. The children and I talked about how glorious heaven with Jesus will be. During our lunch, Timothy expressed concern about dying and going to heaven, and I assured him that it will be wonderful – that we will have a mansion to live in with Jesus, and all sorts of amazing things await us.
I told Timothy that we don’t know what all will be in heaven, but we might even have swimming pools, trampolines and skating rinks. He instantly replied, “Man, I bet those dogs and Mam-ma are having a GOOD time!” He was referring to my mom and sister’s dogs who both died within the last year…and my grandmother who left this earth two years ago. In his five-year-old thinking, Timothy instantly connected with the only breathing beings he knew who had died. And he pictured them in heaven with Jesus…”having a GOOD time.” He had trouble understanding why we cannot see Jesus if He is indeed alive. I told him that Jesus lives in our hearts, and we can feel Him with us each and every day…and he clutched his heart and said, “He’s right here!”
So today, as we celebrate how Christ rose from the grave…how He lives in our hearts and is preparing amazing rooms and mansions for us where we will live with Him for all eternity…let us be joyful. We should each picture Jesus and those loved ones who gave their hearts to Him and have gone to heaven ahead of us “having a GOOD time.” We must desire to live in such a way that we will be ready to join them when our “room” is ready!
The tomb was empty…the “portal” was open and angels had rolled away a stone so heavy that even Superman or Iron Man could not have moved it singlehandedly! Only Jesus – or one of God’s angels – could do such a thing! He suffered and died because He loves us…He rose because a mere grave for mortal men cannot hold Him…and He rose to heaven to live with God and prepare a place for us. It’s a lot to take in…almost too much to consider…but such an incredible message for each of us.
I’ve heard other people say this, but the longer I live, the sweeter the thoughts of heaven become…and the more I appreciate what Jesus did so that I can live there someday. Easter Sunday is a time to celebrate…and shout…and praise God for His amazing gift of Jesus. He is risen! Jesus is preparing a permanent home for those who give their hearts to Him and invite Him into their hearts. I am one of them…are you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 4, 2015
Luke 23:48-55
A crowd had gathered to see the terrible sight. Then after they had seen it, they felt brokenhearted and went home. All of Jesus' close friends and the women who had come with him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched.
There was a man named Joseph, who was from Arimathea in Judea. Joseph was a good and honest man, and he was eager for God’s kingdom to come. He was also a member of the council, but he did not agree with what they had decided.
Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. He took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in fine cloth. Then he put it in a tomb that had been cut out of solid rock and had never been used. It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and watched how Jesus' body was placed in the tomb. Then they went to prepare some sweet-smelling spices for his burial. But on the Sabbath they rested, as the Law of Moses commands.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
After we buried our beloved cat Lucy four weeks ago, we ambled around the house rather aimlessly. We had done all we could do…there was nothing left except to sit and allow the profundity of what had just happened to soak in. Those were sad, heartbreaking hours. Each day has gotten a little easier, although we still look for our precious Tuxedo cat. I think I hear her sometimes…or that I spot her out of the corner of my eye – lying in her favorite chair in my office.
When my grandmother died two years ago, there was a sense of joy and relief that her struggle had ended…that her longing to be with Jesus in heaven had become her reality. But the very next morning, we sprung into action…arranging her funeral, writing her obituary, answering phone calls and questions, sorting through pictures for her memorial video. There was so much to do initially that the time to sit and “soak it all in” didn’t come right away. In fact, it was about two weeks before it truly hit me that my grandmother was really gone - and I was able to reflect on all that had happened.
Unless you are a pet owner, you may think it in bad taste that I have shared references to the death of my fur baby and my grandmother in the same devotional. Please stick with me!
I tell you all of this to explain how empty, exhausted, and numb the entourage at the cross must have felt after Jesus’ death. Momentarily, they must have sat in silence…somewhat dumbfounded and bewildered. “What do we do now?” they must have wondered. “Where do we go? How will we ever be happy again?” These are normal questions after the loss of any loved one. And the “busyness” that follow – preparation for burial and the actual interment – are cathartic…healing…a way to do something, which is a real human need.
But I must also tell you that the numbness fades…rest comes...the heart swells with memories and good thoughts…and joy returns. Jesus rose from the grave. He lives! The tomb could not hold Him! And because of this, we can move forward in confidence and peace. Because Jesus lives, I know that my grandmother (and yes, my cat Lucy) are safe with Him in heaven. We have to go through this “numb” day/time to get to the “Resurrection Day”…but it is coming!
So wherever you are today…whatever has caused your “numbness” or grieved you…whatever trials you are enduring…whatever heartaches you are experiencing…know that a better day is coming, because Jesus will make it so. Sit and weep if you must…take in what is happening and process it. But call on Jesus to get you past this day and into the light of resurrection in Him! Believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, and know that joy truly does come in the morning for all who trust in Him.
Because of Jesus, we are a lot stronger than we think! Sit and talk with Him today…share EVERYTHING…and remember to thank Him for His amazing sacrifices on our behalf. I often tell people who are grieving…”You just have to get through today.” Easter is coming…let Jesus help you get through today - and handle all of your tomorrows.
©2015 Debbie Robus
A crowd had gathered to see the terrible sight. Then after they had seen it, they felt brokenhearted and went home. All of Jesus' close friends and the women who had come with him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched.
There was a man named Joseph, who was from Arimathea in Judea. Joseph was a good and honest man, and he was eager for God’s kingdom to come. He was also a member of the council, but he did not agree with what they had decided.
Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. He took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in fine cloth. Then he put it in a tomb that had been cut out of solid rock and had never been used. It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and watched how Jesus' body was placed in the tomb. Then they went to prepare some sweet-smelling spices for his burial. But on the Sabbath they rested, as the Law of Moses commands.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
After we buried our beloved cat Lucy four weeks ago, we ambled around the house rather aimlessly. We had done all we could do…there was nothing left except to sit and allow the profundity of what had just happened to soak in. Those were sad, heartbreaking hours. Each day has gotten a little easier, although we still look for our precious Tuxedo cat. I think I hear her sometimes…or that I spot her out of the corner of my eye – lying in her favorite chair in my office.
When my grandmother died two years ago, there was a sense of joy and relief that her struggle had ended…that her longing to be with Jesus in heaven had become her reality. But the very next morning, we sprung into action…arranging her funeral, writing her obituary, answering phone calls and questions, sorting through pictures for her memorial video. There was so much to do initially that the time to sit and “soak it all in” didn’t come right away. In fact, it was about two weeks before it truly hit me that my grandmother was really gone - and I was able to reflect on all that had happened.
Unless you are a pet owner, you may think it in bad taste that I have shared references to the death of my fur baby and my grandmother in the same devotional. Please stick with me!
I tell you all of this to explain how empty, exhausted, and numb the entourage at the cross must have felt after Jesus’ death. Momentarily, they must have sat in silence…somewhat dumbfounded and bewildered. “What do we do now?” they must have wondered. “Where do we go? How will we ever be happy again?” These are normal questions after the loss of any loved one. And the “busyness” that follow – preparation for burial and the actual interment – are cathartic…healing…a way to do something, which is a real human need.
But I must also tell you that the numbness fades…rest comes...the heart swells with memories and good thoughts…and joy returns. Jesus rose from the grave. He lives! The tomb could not hold Him! And because of this, we can move forward in confidence and peace. Because Jesus lives, I know that my grandmother (and yes, my cat Lucy) are safe with Him in heaven. We have to go through this “numb” day/time to get to the “Resurrection Day”…but it is coming!
So wherever you are today…whatever has caused your “numbness” or grieved you…whatever trials you are enduring…whatever heartaches you are experiencing…know that a better day is coming, because Jesus will make it so. Sit and weep if you must…take in what is happening and process it. But call on Jesus to get you past this day and into the light of resurrection in Him! Believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, and know that joy truly does come in the morning for all who trust in Him.
Because of Jesus, we are a lot stronger than we think! Sit and talk with Him today…share EVERYTHING…and remember to thank Him for His amazing sacrifices on our behalf. I often tell people who are grieving…”You just have to get through today.” Easter is coming…let Jesus help you get through today - and handle all of your tomorrows.
©2015 Debbie Robus
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