Matthew 7:6
“Don’t be flip with the sacred. Banter
and silliness give no honor to God. Don’t reduce holy mysteries to
slogans. In trying to be relevant, you’re only being cute and inviting
sacrilege.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
My brother had a little rat
terrier named Frisker, who lived with my grandparents on their farm.
My grandparents fed Frisker table scraps after each meal…and let me tell
you, that dog ate well! Later on, my sister’s white Labrador retriever,
Otis, ended up living with my parents, and my dad fed him food from the
table…namely ice cream that Otis licked from a spoon. But Daddy
bragged one day that Otis also liked shrimp and steak. Yes, my dad
shared shrimp and steak from his own plate with the family dog!
It probably wasn’t the healthiest idea to feed Frisker the table scraps, but to my grandparents, these were literally the scraps…bits
of leftover food that was of no value to anyone else, so the dog just
as well eat it. This was his “dog food.” But Otis did NOT need shrimp
and steak! If my parents were not going to eat all of the food that was
on their plate, they could have served smaller portions and saved the
rest to create another meal…or they could have invited someone to join
them at their table and enjoy the delicious bounty! Yes, Otis enjoyed
these treats and was “impressed” by them, but honestly, steak and shrimp
were pretty well wasted on him. He was just as happy with what my
mother called “crunchies” dog food!
In many ways, this is what
you and I do with God’s gifts. We waste them in ways that do not truly
glorify Him or further His kingdom. We place emphasis on developing
catchy phrases and “mission statements”…and we neglect the actual
mission. We’re often more concerned with what it says on our t-shirts
than what we are actually doing for others in Jesus’ name. We’re all
about the “production value” of our worship services, while we neglect
the heartache that hangs out on every pew. We surely looked great as we
worshipped…but did we really say anything that shared the Good News of
Jesus or let anyone know how much He cares about us?
In many
translations of this verse, there is a reference to throwing “pearls
before swine.” Our gifts and blessings from God are the pearls…and we
often waste them on those who do not see Jesus in our efforts – and/or
don’t care! We “preach to the choir” and neglect those who really need
to hear from God. We give the “good stuff” to the dogs, so to speak,
while some who could really use it are left hungry. We spend our time
and energy on “looking Godly” and trying to impress our friends and
fellow believers, while those who need us to be the hands and feet of
Jesus are left in the shadows - glad to get as much as a scrap of our
attention or ministry.
We really need to shift our focus and
start paying attention to the mission that God has given us. We need to
be good stewards of His gifts and apply them where He sends us…not
where it feels good or makes a big splash. We need to figure out who is
hungry for God’s word or ministry…and feed this desire with all that He
has given us. And we need to start today. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 29, 2016
 |
| Celebrating my brother's first birthday. |
And why worry about a speck in the eye of a brother when you have a board in your own? Should you say, ‘Friend, let me help you get that speck out of your eye,’ when you can’t even see because of the board in your own? Hypocrite! First get rid of the board. Then you can see to help your brother.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today, I am thinking of my brother, Tim, who was born 55 years ago on June 29, 1961. I am also thinking of a childhood friend, Aaron, who came into this world 2 years later. Both men are in heaven now…Tim left us in 1998 after a lengthy struggle with liver disease…and Aaron fought a valiant battle with cancer that resulted in his death in 2008. Tim was a Registered Nurse (RN) who specialized in cardiac care. Aaron was a well-respected general surgeon. Tim was a gay man who never got to have a spouse and children. Aaron was married – and the father of Colby and Aubrey.
Both Tim and Aaron loved God, medicine – and people. I am confident that neither of them saw others in terms of race, ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, or even gender. They saw people who had medical needs that they could address…God’s creations…someone who had issues that they were capable of mending in some way. Both men were very good at what they did and used the gifts that God gave them well. Both men epitomized the kind of person that I would want to treat me, should I need medical care.
Sadly, as in any profession, I know that there are cases where this is not the norm. I have personally witnessed people in need of medical care who received the “third degree” because of how they looked…what they were wearing…a perceived idea of their socio-economic level or sexual orientation, and more. I saw it happen to my Tim…as if because he was a gay man, he was not worthy of the same treatment, kindness, and courtesy as others. I always found this rather odd, because I have a feeling that those same people would have been GLAD to have Tim’s expertise on their side, should they have experienced cardiac arrest! This even happened to Tim once as he filled out a medical history for two nurses – who both knew that he was an RN and “one of THEM!”
I know there are probably people who think I am something of a “drum-beater” on this issue. But once it happens to you, the perspective shifts dramatically. Once you see firsthand how hurtful, destructive, and hypocritical such criticism of others can be, surely one can’t help but behave differently – and champion the feelings of our fellow man. I feel like God has allowed me to see these things in order to sound the bell for others before similar things happen to them – or they engage in such behaviors. This is my reason for being so vocal about discrimination and mistreatment of others…for any reason. And I hope and pray that I am never guilty of these things myself…although I suspect that at times, I have indeed been critical - and even hurtful.
Not all of us are called to be surgeons and nurses. Thankfully, we won’t all have to live out our Christian witness via terminal illness. God has given each one of us a unique purpose on this earth…but each one of us also has our own “plank in the eye.” None of us is perfect. We will all have moments where we speak without thinking…and say or do things that are hurtful to others – and detrimental to our Christian witness.
God has called us to further His kingdom…not just by TELLING others about Jesus – but also by demonstrating in thought, word and deed that we embrace His teachings of grace, mercy, forgiveness, acceptance, tolerance, kindness, and compassion. I am so glad that God allowed me to know Tim and Aaron…to see them grow into examples of men who fully accepted their mission and represented Jesus in their daily work. I hope that I am fulfilling my own Godly assignments…and doing so in a way that honors and glorifies my relationship with Jesus.
Today, I celebrate my brother, Tim, and my sweet friend, Aaron…and all who serve Jesus with unconditional love and kindness. I am striving to get rid of the “board in my eye” – and keep it at bay forever and ever. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 28, 2016
Matthew 7:1-2
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.
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 I was caring for my Mam-ma Polly, there were plenty of people who wanted to give me advice. One night, Mam-ma got out of bed to adjust the air conditioner unit in her Assisted Living apartment, and she tripped over the bedspread and fell. The result was a broken femur near the hip socket. As she lay in bed after surgery, unable to even put a sentence together…much less stand or even sit up – we made the decision to place her on Hospice care. Mam-ma was 99 years young at the time, and the therapy in a nursing home to try to rehabilitate her seemed torturous and futile.
The orthopedic surgeon came for a follow-up visit and mentioned “rehab,” and I explained why we were not doing this. At first, he seemed surprised, but as I described the situation, he softened. We had not come to this decision lightly…the nurses and therapists had all agreed that my grandmother did not seem to be a likely candidate to walk again.
Mam-ma returned to her apartment, where she lived to the age of 100 years and 123 days. She managed to rehabilitate herself to the point that she could pedal around in a wheelchair (and occasionally walk herself to the bathroom when no one was looking!)…but for all practical purposes, she did not walk again. I still believe that this was the best decision for her…and one of many options that “outsiders” criticized as we navigated the “senior aging” journey together.
It’s easy to be critical…until it happens to you. I’ve had many people tell me, “I just had no idea what all is involved (in caring for elderly persons).” My mother wrote a book about caring for her own parents as they aged (When Heads and Hearts Collide), and everyone who reads it asks, “How did she know what I was experiencing?” It’s as if she wrote it just for them. Many of those who criticized how she handled things have had to eat their words as it happened to them!
Here’s the thing…none of us is perfect. I know I made mistakes in caring for my grandmother…and my mother said more than once that she would have done some things differently, given a “do-over.” But when we criticize or berate others, we are saying, “I am better than you” …or even “I could have done better!” We may think we are helping…but often, our comments are thinly veiled attempts to put down another person and build up ourselves. And God is not amused.
We often fail to recognize how hurtful criticism, nagging, or disparaging treatment is until someone does it to us. So before YOU get hurt – or hurt someone else - take a mental walk in the other guy’s shoes. You don’t have to try to figure out WHY someone behaves a certain way…or what they could have done differently. You just have to love them with the love of Christ…and leave the judgment to God.
Don’t be guilty of thinking more highly of yourself and your opinions than you ought. Prayerfully ask God to guide your thoughts, words and actions. Be known as someone who leaves the judging to God and loves people right where they are…and hopefully they will do the same for you.
©2016 Debbie Robus
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.
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 I was caring for my Mam-ma Polly, there were plenty of people who wanted to give me advice. One night, Mam-ma got out of bed to adjust the air conditioner unit in her Assisted Living apartment, and she tripped over the bedspread and fell. The result was a broken femur near the hip socket. As she lay in bed after surgery, unable to even put a sentence together…much less stand or even sit up – we made the decision to place her on Hospice care. Mam-ma was 99 years young at the time, and the therapy in a nursing home to try to rehabilitate her seemed torturous and futile.
The orthopedic surgeon came for a follow-up visit and mentioned “rehab,” and I explained why we were not doing this. At first, he seemed surprised, but as I described the situation, he softened. We had not come to this decision lightly…the nurses and therapists had all agreed that my grandmother did not seem to be a likely candidate to walk again.
Mam-ma returned to her apartment, where she lived to the age of 100 years and 123 days. She managed to rehabilitate herself to the point that she could pedal around in a wheelchair (and occasionally walk herself to the bathroom when no one was looking!)…but for all practical purposes, she did not walk again. I still believe that this was the best decision for her…and one of many options that “outsiders” criticized as we navigated the “senior aging” journey together.
It’s easy to be critical…until it happens to you. I’ve had many people tell me, “I just had no idea what all is involved (in caring for elderly persons).” My mother wrote a book about caring for her own parents as they aged (When Heads and Hearts Collide), and everyone who reads it asks, “How did she know what I was experiencing?” It’s as if she wrote it just for them. Many of those who criticized how she handled things have had to eat their words as it happened to them!
Here’s the thing…none of us is perfect. I know I made mistakes in caring for my grandmother…and my mother said more than once that she would have done some things differently, given a “do-over.” But when we criticize or berate others, we are saying, “I am better than you” …or even “I could have done better!” We may think we are helping…but often, our comments are thinly veiled attempts to put down another person and build up ourselves. And God is not amused.
We often fail to recognize how hurtful criticism, nagging, or disparaging treatment is until someone does it to us. So before YOU get hurt – or hurt someone else - take a mental walk in the other guy’s shoes. You don’t have to try to figure out WHY someone behaves a certain way…or what they could have done differently. You just have to love them with the love of Christ…and leave the judgment to God.
Don’t be guilty of thinking more highly of yourself and your opinions than you ought. Prayerfully ask God to guide your thoughts, words and actions. Be known as someone who leaves the judging to God and loves people right where they are…and hopefully they will do the same for you.
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 26, 2016
Matthew 6:12-15
"...and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don’t bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. Amen." Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you; but if you refuse to forgive them, he will not forgive you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Yesterday, the Sunday school lesson for my K-1st Grade class was about tattling vs. telling…and bullying. We talked about what constitutes bullying…and when it is appropriate to tell someone what is happening. We also talked about relatively harmless behaviors that we sometimes want to share with others that fall in the category of tattling. A good example would be telling an adult that someone is hitting other children on the playground vs. tattling that a child refuses to share a swing. In the first example, people could be physically hurt. In the latter…it’s just a matter of someone possibly being rude.
We also talked about revenge…which scripture tells us is not appropriate. We read Romans 12:18-19...”Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. ‘I’ll do the judging,’ says God. ‘I’ll take care of it.’” I asked the children if they felt happy when something bad happens to a person who had been unkind toward them. One little girl said, “That’s called ‘karma!’” I had to laugh…but we went on to discuss how this is not our responsibility. Relishing in another person’s bad fortune (or “karma”) if they have mistreated us is not God’s will…or our job!
I’m often astounded at how what I am sharing with you here dovetails with what I teach to children in Sunday school during the same time period. Part of our lesson yesterday included the three steps for confronting someone who is offending us in some manner…1) talk to them directly; 2) take someone with you if they won’t listen; and 3) walk away if the person still refuses to change.
I’m not totally “there” yet…but I am learning that harboring unforgiveness does two things to me…1) it eats a hole in my heart and makes me miserable; and 2) it dishonors God. I have tried very hard to let go of hurts and insults…to give them to God and let HIM handle what happens. Additionally, “carrying the torch” for an old insult or indignity does the same thing. Sometimes it is hard to walk away…but there are times when we must do this rather than harbor bitterness and resentments.
People who know me well might say that I have a way to go in this department…and they are probably right! But every day, I ask God to remove all animosity and unforgiveness from my heart. I know that these attitudes block God’s grace and mercy in my own life. I know that when I say or do something that displeases Him, my own attitudes affect how – and if/when – He will forgive me.
I don’t know about you, but I need all of God’s compassion and leniency that I can get! So I will keep working to banish any resentment, bitterness, callousness, and unforgiveness from my heart and mind. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
"...and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don’t bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. Amen." Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you; but if you refuse to forgive them, he will not forgive you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Yesterday, the Sunday school lesson for my K-1st Grade class was about tattling vs. telling…and bullying. We talked about what constitutes bullying…and when it is appropriate to tell someone what is happening. We also talked about relatively harmless behaviors that we sometimes want to share with others that fall in the category of tattling. A good example would be telling an adult that someone is hitting other children on the playground vs. tattling that a child refuses to share a swing. In the first example, people could be physically hurt. In the latter…it’s just a matter of someone possibly being rude.
We also talked about revenge…which scripture tells us is not appropriate. We read Romans 12:18-19...”Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. ‘I’ll do the judging,’ says God. ‘I’ll take care of it.’” I asked the children if they felt happy when something bad happens to a person who had been unkind toward them. One little girl said, “That’s called ‘karma!’” I had to laugh…but we went on to discuss how this is not our responsibility. Relishing in another person’s bad fortune (or “karma”) if they have mistreated us is not God’s will…or our job!
I’m often astounded at how what I am sharing with you here dovetails with what I teach to children in Sunday school during the same time period. Part of our lesson yesterday included the three steps for confronting someone who is offending us in some manner…1) talk to them directly; 2) take someone with you if they won’t listen; and 3) walk away if the person still refuses to change.
I’m not totally “there” yet…but I am learning that harboring unforgiveness does two things to me…1) it eats a hole in my heart and makes me miserable; and 2) it dishonors God. I have tried very hard to let go of hurts and insults…to give them to God and let HIM handle what happens. Additionally, “carrying the torch” for an old insult or indignity does the same thing. Sometimes it is hard to walk away…but there are times when we must do this rather than harbor bitterness and resentments.
People who know me well might say that I have a way to go in this department…and they are probably right! But every day, I ask God to remove all animosity and unforgiveness from my heart. I know that these attitudes block God’s grace and mercy in my own life. I know that when I say or do something that displeases Him, my own attitudes affect how – and if/when – He will forgive me.
I don’t know about you, but I need all of God’s compassion and leniency that I can get! So I will keep working to banish any resentment, bitterness, callousness, and unforgiveness from my heart and mind. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 25, 2016
Matthew 5:7
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for."
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.
Today, I attended the funeral of my parents’ neighbor, Barbara Heathcott. Barbara and her husband, Eddie, have been my parents’ neighbors since the mid-1980s. Two weeks ago, Barbara received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Things progressed very quickly after that, and now she is in heaven. I feel certain that my own mother and daddy were thrilled to greet her there.
At the service, the pastor tearfully talked of Barbara and her spirit of “servitude.” The obituary even stated…”Barbara was generous, sometimes to a fault. She loved helping others.” And truly she did. Barbara was a great cook, and she fed my parents more than once when they were ill – and sometimes just for fun. The pastor noted that any time someone was sick or bereaved, Barbara prepared more food than she ought - just to comfort them! He also mentioned her “Christmas,” which consisted of delectable sweet treats, including chocolate covered cherries. The pastor said, “It wasn’t really Christmas until Barbara brought ‘Christmas!’”
My parents’ neighbor Barbara was incredibly “care-full.” She was also truly cared for, as evidenced by the chapel packed today with people who crowded the pews and stood along the outer walls in order to pay their last respects.
The pastor noted that he last saw Barbara two weeks ago – at church - the day before she underwent surgery that was supposed to have offered her a chance at a cure. Barbara hugged the pastor and told him, “I’m going to be fine.” The pastor commented…”I’m sure that she is.” Another neighbor told me before the service that she and her husband visited Barbara in the hospital last week, and she said, “By the time we left, Barbara had made ME feel better!”
Not everyone has the gift of caring to the level of women like my mother and her neighbor, Barbara. If nothing else, we can be kind and loving…smile and be pleasant…offer to help when and where we can. We don’t have to be extraordinary cooks in order to feed hungry people in the middle of a health crisis or when a death occurs. We don’t have to be gifted writers to send a note or e-mail message that says, “I’m thinking of you,” or “God loves you, and so do I.” We don’t have to have a lot of money or be super attractive in order to make a difference in the life of someone else. The bottom line is that people really don’t care what you know until they know that you care. And as Christian disciples, it is our job to care!
I am sure that most of the people who attended the funeral today went away inspired to care more – and to do more for others. I know I did! Clearly, God blessed Barbara’s efforts…she was truly “care-full” in her earthly living. And now she is blessed beyond measure by the reward of Eternity spent in heaven. If God gives out assignments there, I’m sure that Barbara’s hand has already shot up to offer to cook and care for others! And that is an amazing legacy for any Christian servant!
So what will be your legacy as a Christian servant? Five months ago when my mother died, her neighbor didn’t even know she was having any problems. And now both women are in heaven. Barbara made every minute of that five months – and most of her 77 years - count for Jesus by her efforts to care for others. Can you say the same? Don’t you think we should at least give it a try?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for."
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.
Today, I attended the funeral of my parents’ neighbor, Barbara Heathcott. Barbara and her husband, Eddie, have been my parents’ neighbors since the mid-1980s. Two weeks ago, Barbara received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Things progressed very quickly after that, and now she is in heaven. I feel certain that my own mother and daddy were thrilled to greet her there.
At the service, the pastor tearfully talked of Barbara and her spirit of “servitude.” The obituary even stated…”Barbara was generous, sometimes to a fault. She loved helping others.” And truly she did. Barbara was a great cook, and she fed my parents more than once when they were ill – and sometimes just for fun. The pastor noted that any time someone was sick or bereaved, Barbara prepared more food than she ought - just to comfort them! He also mentioned her “Christmas,” which consisted of delectable sweet treats, including chocolate covered cherries. The pastor said, “It wasn’t really Christmas until Barbara brought ‘Christmas!’”
My parents’ neighbor Barbara was incredibly “care-full.” She was also truly cared for, as evidenced by the chapel packed today with people who crowded the pews and stood along the outer walls in order to pay their last respects.
The pastor noted that he last saw Barbara two weeks ago – at church - the day before she underwent surgery that was supposed to have offered her a chance at a cure. Barbara hugged the pastor and told him, “I’m going to be fine.” The pastor commented…”I’m sure that she is.” Another neighbor told me before the service that she and her husband visited Barbara in the hospital last week, and she said, “By the time we left, Barbara had made ME feel better!”
Not everyone has the gift of caring to the level of women like my mother and her neighbor, Barbara. If nothing else, we can be kind and loving…smile and be pleasant…offer to help when and where we can. We don’t have to be extraordinary cooks in order to feed hungry people in the middle of a health crisis or when a death occurs. We don’t have to be gifted writers to send a note or e-mail message that says, “I’m thinking of you,” or “God loves you, and so do I.” We don’t have to have a lot of money or be super attractive in order to make a difference in the life of someone else. The bottom line is that people really don’t care what you know until they know that you care. And as Christian disciples, it is our job to care!
I am sure that most of the people who attended the funeral today went away inspired to care more – and to do more for others. I know I did! Clearly, God blessed Barbara’s efforts…she was truly “care-full” in her earthly living. And now she is blessed beyond measure by the reward of Eternity spent in heaven. If God gives out assignments there, I’m sure that Barbara’s hand has already shot up to offer to cook and care for others! And that is an amazing legacy for any Christian servant!
So what will be your legacy as a Christian servant? Five months ago when my mother died, her neighbor didn’t even know she was having any problems. And now both women are in heaven. Barbara made every minute of that five months – and most of her 77 years - count for Jesus by her efforts to care for others. Can you say the same? Don’t you think we should at least give it a try?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 25, 2016
Matthew 18:18-20
“Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”
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 have grown so weary of what people are saying to one another these days – particularly on social media – that I’ve almost quit reading. So if I miss an important post from one of you, please understand that it was not my intention to ignore you. I really do care about the ups and downs in my friends’ lives. But when they resort to name-calling and vicious criticisms of others, I am just not able to support this.
Let’s focus primarily on one particular line of this scripture passage today… “What you say to one another is eternal.” Jesus could not have been more clear, could He? I’ve seen some pretty nasty comments lately from people I know and love…and perhaps they were just engaging in some banter that they felt teetered close to the edge of ugliness while remaining harmless. I am here to say that it is not innocuous…because not everyone knows you. Not everyone who reads what is posted or hears what is said will have the “back story” and know that this is a teasing exchange between two acquaintances or old friends.
In the same manner, when we share off-color comments – or make them - we are demonstrating a level of acceptance of this kind of behavior…and showing our immaturity in the bargain. We have to be very careful as Christians to monitor our words and actions. What we say matters! What we do is important! Jesus has told us…these things have eternal consequences!
I think we would all pretty well concede that when we pray for someone – or when two of us agree before God about something, we trust that God will hear our answer and respond according to His will. When we gather with a friend or two and speak of God or share in His word – or even discuss how God has worked in an area of our lives – God is with us, and He blesses the discussion. What we don’t seem to recognize is that when we say and do ugly or unkind things…when we “misbehave,” God sees this, too. And He hangs His head in shame and disgust. Nothing gets by God!
Maybe you don’t care. Maybe you think that you will say and do what you please…that Jesus has forgiven your sins, and your seat at His table in heaven is secure – so the rest doesn’t matter. But I am here to tell you that it does. Maybe you believe that this person or the other truly is a jerk or an idiot, and telling the world is your job! It isn’t! God will handle this situation – and countless others like it – if only you will give the problem to HIM…then back off and allow Him room to work!
Let’s pay closer attention to our words and actions. Let’s be very careful about labels and criticisms and offering our opinion as “gospel”…because Jesus made it very clear that what we say and do has eternal consequences. In light of this consideration, don’t you want to be more careful? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”
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 have grown so weary of what people are saying to one another these days – particularly on social media – that I’ve almost quit reading. So if I miss an important post from one of you, please understand that it was not my intention to ignore you. I really do care about the ups and downs in my friends’ lives. But when they resort to name-calling and vicious criticisms of others, I am just not able to support this.
Let’s focus primarily on one particular line of this scripture passage today… “What you say to one another is eternal.” Jesus could not have been more clear, could He? I’ve seen some pretty nasty comments lately from people I know and love…and perhaps they were just engaging in some banter that they felt teetered close to the edge of ugliness while remaining harmless. I am here to say that it is not innocuous…because not everyone knows you. Not everyone who reads what is posted or hears what is said will have the “back story” and know that this is a teasing exchange between two acquaintances or old friends.
In the same manner, when we share off-color comments – or make them - we are demonstrating a level of acceptance of this kind of behavior…and showing our immaturity in the bargain. We have to be very careful as Christians to monitor our words and actions. What we say matters! What we do is important! Jesus has told us…these things have eternal consequences!
I think we would all pretty well concede that when we pray for someone – or when two of us agree before God about something, we trust that God will hear our answer and respond according to His will. When we gather with a friend or two and speak of God or share in His word – or even discuss how God has worked in an area of our lives – God is with us, and He blesses the discussion. What we don’t seem to recognize is that when we say and do ugly or unkind things…when we “misbehave,” God sees this, too. And He hangs His head in shame and disgust. Nothing gets by God!
Maybe you don’t care. Maybe you think that you will say and do what you please…that Jesus has forgiven your sins, and your seat at His table in heaven is secure – so the rest doesn’t matter. But I am here to tell you that it does. Maybe you believe that this person or the other truly is a jerk or an idiot, and telling the world is your job! It isn’t! God will handle this situation – and countless others like it – if only you will give the problem to HIM…then back off and allow Him room to work!
Let’s pay closer attention to our words and actions. Let’s be very careful about labels and criticisms and offering our opinion as “gospel”…because Jesus made it very clear that what we say and do has eternal consequences. In light of this consideration, don’t you want to be more careful? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 24, 2016
June 24 ~ Matthew 18:15-17
“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won’t listen, tell the church. If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever gotten something new that required some assembly, and rather than follow the directions, you just plowed right in and tried to do it yourself? How many times did you have to “back-pedal” and read the directions? There are times when following the proper order of things makes all the difference!
In our Spiritual life, there is an “order” also…and Jesus spells it out in this scripture passage. When we have a “beef” with someone – or this person or another has hurt us or insulted us in some way - we tend to run all over the countryside telling everyone who will listen and cluck their tongue in commiseration. Or, we hope that by telling someone else, he/she will do the work for us and confront this person.
In truth, the best – and often easiest – solution is to talk to the offender directly. If that does not resolve the conflict, then we can enlist “backup.” And ultimately, if a resolution cannot be reached, you may have to “part company.” I can recall times in my own life where I followed this “plan” – and times when I did not. And I can attest that doing things as Jesus directed is the best way.
There will be times that this method does not result in the outcome for which you hoped. Sometimes, people do not want to change or admit that their way is not the only way…and sometimes, they are unwilling to apologize for hurtful words and actions. But if you offer someone an opportunity to resolve things between the two of you, at least you will be able to say, “I tried. I did things in the manner – and order – that Jesus commanded.” And this brings satisfaction – to yourself…and to Jesus.
Let’s be honest…the one place where we should be especially careful to follow the directions is where Jesus is the one giving them! He has given us a specific outline for how to handle conflict in these verses. Don’t you think we owe it to Him to pay attention?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won’t listen, tell the church. If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever gotten something new that required some assembly, and rather than follow the directions, you just plowed right in and tried to do it yourself? How many times did you have to “back-pedal” and read the directions? There are times when following the proper order of things makes all the difference!
In our Spiritual life, there is an “order” also…and Jesus spells it out in this scripture passage. When we have a “beef” with someone – or this person or another has hurt us or insulted us in some way - we tend to run all over the countryside telling everyone who will listen and cluck their tongue in commiseration. Or, we hope that by telling someone else, he/she will do the work for us and confront this person.
In truth, the best – and often easiest – solution is to talk to the offender directly. If that does not resolve the conflict, then we can enlist “backup.” And ultimately, if a resolution cannot be reached, you may have to “part company.” I can recall times in my own life where I followed this “plan” – and times when I did not. And I can attest that doing things as Jesus directed is the best way.
There will be times that this method does not result in the outcome for which you hoped. Sometimes, people do not want to change or admit that their way is not the only way…and sometimes, they are unwilling to apologize for hurtful words and actions. But if you offer someone an opportunity to resolve things between the two of you, at least you will be able to say, “I tried. I did things in the manner – and order – that Jesus commanded.” And this brings satisfaction – to yourself…and to Jesus.
Let’s be honest…the one place where we should be especially careful to follow the directions is where Jesus is the one giving them! He has given us a specific outline for how to handle conflict in these verses. Don’t you think we owe it to Him to pay attention?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 23, 2016
Mark 11:25-26
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.
If you have spent any time around young children, you know that in a split second, they can have every single toy, puzzle, and game strewn across the floor. And we dare not remove a solitary item, because it will surely be missed!
I have started limiting what the kids can get out at one time. I will tell them, “Before you get out those cars, you have to pick up this box of blocks.” They don’t like it…and sometimes, they will say, “But I’m still playing with that toy!” Occasionally, they make a good case…but often, I tell them that we are not going to do anything else until they get done with the task at hand.
Now think about your life. There are times when you have so many things “strewn about”…you are clinging to this grudge or that conversation that upset you. You are angry with someone about SOMETHING…and you’re not quite done being mad! You come before God and ask Him to guide your steps…to care for you and your loved ones…to heal this situation or that. And God essentially says, “Clean up your mess first.”
It’s not that God doesn’t want to help us. Just as WE could pick up the toys and get everything straightened up and in order for our little ones, God could surely clean up any mess we have. He could fix our grudges…resolve our conflicts…heal the world mentally, physically and spiritually…cover every debt of every kind. But God knows that we need to have a part in this. We learn valuable lessons from actively participating in this process. God also knows that if we keep accumulating clutter in our heart and mind, we’ll just pile our hearts full complaints, resentments, bitterness, ill will toward others, and other clutter. We say to our children, “I’m not giving you another thing to play with while you have all of this.” God says, “I cannot help you with ABC until you resolve XYZ.”
God is not being mean, just as we are not being unkind to our little ones. He is saying, “Assume responsibility. Don’t ask Me to do something you are not willing to do yourself. Get your house in order a little before you start asking Me to step in and save the day.”
If there is an area of your life where you feel that God isn’t answering – no matter how large or small – I suggest you take a long hard look at your own heart. See if there is a possibility that you are harboring a little clutter…a grudge, some bitterness, a hateful opinion of someone, or even a minor irritation. Let go…and let God have room to work! Once you clean up some of the mess, you may be astounded at how quickly God goes into action!
God can – and will – do anything we ask, if our heart is in the right place. Isn’t it time we cleared out enough space for Him to work? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 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.
If you have spent any time around young children, you know that in a split second, they can have every single toy, puzzle, and game strewn across the floor. And we dare not remove a solitary item, because it will surely be missed!
I have started limiting what the kids can get out at one time. I will tell them, “Before you get out those cars, you have to pick up this box of blocks.” They don’t like it…and sometimes, they will say, “But I’m still playing with that toy!” Occasionally, they make a good case…but often, I tell them that we are not going to do anything else until they get done with the task at hand.
Now think about your life. There are times when you have so many things “strewn about”…you are clinging to this grudge or that conversation that upset you. You are angry with someone about SOMETHING…and you’re not quite done being mad! You come before God and ask Him to guide your steps…to care for you and your loved ones…to heal this situation or that. And God essentially says, “Clean up your mess first.”
It’s not that God doesn’t want to help us. Just as WE could pick up the toys and get everything straightened up and in order for our little ones, God could surely clean up any mess we have. He could fix our grudges…resolve our conflicts…heal the world mentally, physically and spiritually…cover every debt of every kind. But God knows that we need to have a part in this. We learn valuable lessons from actively participating in this process. God also knows that if we keep accumulating clutter in our heart and mind, we’ll just pile our hearts full complaints, resentments, bitterness, ill will toward others, and other clutter. We say to our children, “I’m not giving you another thing to play with while you have all of this.” God says, “I cannot help you with ABC until you resolve XYZ.”
God is not being mean, just as we are not being unkind to our little ones. He is saying, “Assume responsibility. Don’t ask Me to do something you are not willing to do yourself. Get your house in order a little before you start asking Me to step in and save the day.”
If there is an area of your life where you feel that God isn’t answering – no matter how large or small – I suggest you take a long hard look at your own heart. See if there is a possibility that you are harboring a little clutter…a grudge, some bitterness, a hateful opinion of someone, or even a minor irritation. Let go…and let God have room to work! Once you clean up some of the mess, you may be astounded at how quickly God goes into action!
God can – and will – do anything we ask, if our heart is in the right place. Isn’t it time we cleared out enough space for Him to work? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 22, 2016
Luke 6:37-38
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
There is a “local” morning show on television that I like to watch, and each Wednesday, a psychologist is interviewed for a segment on personal relationships. This morning, she was talking about people who try to do too much and have it all – particularly women. She said that often, we look at other people and think that they have it all together…and we try to be just like them. She also pointed out that when we see people in public – or on social media – we are often seeing their best. Their life may not be all that rosy or carefree behind closed doors.
So what does this have to do with today’s scripture passage? Every person has a story. The psychologist pointed out that each one of us has “issues”…struggles, concerns, things that are not perfect in our lives. And just after this segment aired, I saw a “promo” for a story that will air later about Miami Heat basketball star Dwyane Wade, who says as a child, he had body image issues and would not swim without wearing a shirt. The promo featured a photo of the incredibly fit and muscular Wade with the tag line that even HE has body issues. See…we all have our challenges and idiosyncracies!
You’re probably still wondering how this relates to a scripture on judgment and criticism. So here goes…everybody has issues. Nobody is perfect. As well as you think you know someone, you really have no clue what is going on in their heart and mind…or maybe in the privacy of their own home. And they don’t know you, either. So when you criticize someone or pick on their faults, you are setting yourself up for the same scrutiny. And others might just end up judging you unfairly. At the very least, it doesn’t feel good to be criticized or disparaged – about anything!
Before you call someone a “jerk”…or a “screw-up”...or cluck your tongue about this or that thing that he/she said or did…stop and look at your own life. Remember that time when you acted so foolishly? Do you recall the incident where your judgment was seriously clouded? What about the horrible or thoughtless thing you said or did in the heat of the moment? These misbehaviors do not excuse those of someone else…one person’s sins do not justify another. But we are not the judge and jury…we are not God!
We cannot have it both ways…although I sometimes wish we could – don’t you? I’m human…and an imperfect sinner, so yes, there are days when I wish I could rant and rave and rail against the world as if I know what is best! But I have to stop and remind myself that the person who is getting on my last nerve – or behaving in a manner that is unacceptable to me – has just as much right to a relationship with Jesus and the privilege of being called His precious child as I do. The same forgiveness that I am afforded is offered to him/her, also. And judging others is simply “not my circus, not my monkeys.”
I don’t have a handle on this yet…but I am surely working on it. I am asking God each day to give me a heart like His…to allow me to see others as He sees them – and treat them as Jesus demonstrated. I’m not where I want or need to be yet…but will prayerfully keep trying to do better. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
There is a “local” morning show on television that I like to watch, and each Wednesday, a psychologist is interviewed for a segment on personal relationships. This morning, she was talking about people who try to do too much and have it all – particularly women. She said that often, we look at other people and think that they have it all together…and we try to be just like them. She also pointed out that when we see people in public – or on social media – we are often seeing their best. Their life may not be all that rosy or carefree behind closed doors.
So what does this have to do with today’s scripture passage? Every person has a story. The psychologist pointed out that each one of us has “issues”…struggles, concerns, things that are not perfect in our lives. And just after this segment aired, I saw a “promo” for a story that will air later about Miami Heat basketball star Dwyane Wade, who says as a child, he had body image issues and would not swim without wearing a shirt. The promo featured a photo of the incredibly fit and muscular Wade with the tag line that even HE has body issues. See…we all have our challenges and idiosyncracies!
You’re probably still wondering how this relates to a scripture on judgment and criticism. So here goes…everybody has issues. Nobody is perfect. As well as you think you know someone, you really have no clue what is going on in their heart and mind…or maybe in the privacy of their own home. And they don’t know you, either. So when you criticize someone or pick on their faults, you are setting yourself up for the same scrutiny. And others might just end up judging you unfairly. At the very least, it doesn’t feel good to be criticized or disparaged – about anything!
Before you call someone a “jerk”…or a “screw-up”...or cluck your tongue about this or that thing that he/she said or did…stop and look at your own life. Remember that time when you acted so foolishly? Do you recall the incident where your judgment was seriously clouded? What about the horrible or thoughtless thing you said or did in the heat of the moment? These misbehaviors do not excuse those of someone else…one person’s sins do not justify another. But we are not the judge and jury…we are not God!
We cannot have it both ways…although I sometimes wish we could – don’t you? I’m human…and an imperfect sinner, so yes, there are days when I wish I could rant and rave and rail against the world as if I know what is best! But I have to stop and remind myself that the person who is getting on my last nerve – or behaving in a manner that is unacceptable to me – has just as much right to a relationship with Jesus and the privilege of being called His precious child as I do. The same forgiveness that I am afforded is offered to him/her, also. And judging others is simply “not my circus, not my monkeys.”
I don’t have a handle on this yet…but I am surely working on it. I am asking God each day to give me a heart like His…to allow me to see others as He sees them – and treat them as Jesus demonstrated. I’m not where I want or need to be yet…but will prayerfully keep trying to do better. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 21, 2016
Luke 23:34-35
Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people! They don’t know what they’re doing.”
While the crowd stood there watching Jesus, the soldiers gambled for his clothes. The leaders insulted him by saying, “He saved others. Now he should save himself, if he really is God’s chosen Messiah!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The children and I sometimes use a little “punch card” system to reward good behavior. I punch holes in a card numbered one to twenty, and when the child gets all 20 numbers punched, he/she gets to pick something out of my “prize” basket. Yesterday, I started cards with Timothy and Nathan. They didn’t get all 20 punches, but they got a few. Late in the afternoon, the boys disappeared upstairs – after I had told them, “Don’t go upstairs.” I went to get them, and I said, “If you don’t go downstairs right now, I am going to tear up your punch cards, and you will not get to count those punches toward a prize!”
Nathan stomped his feet and began to and cry. “That’s AWFUL!” he wailed! “Why would you do that? That’s a TERRIBLE thing to do to tear up our punches.” He was absolutely furious with me! And I had to turn away, so that he wouldn’t see me laugh. It’s easy to forgive an almost-four-year-old for such an outburst. In fact, it’s often easy to forgive our children for a lot of things, because they honestly do not know what they are doing. At best, they do not fully grasp the ramifications of their words and actions.
I am not sure whether the Roman soldiers truly knew what they were doing to Jesus or not. I think what Jesus means in this passage is that they don’t fully grasp the implication of their actions. They have no idea the consequences that will result. This seems to be somewhat confirmed by Matthew 27:54, where…“ The officer and the soldiers guarding Jesus felt the earthquake and saw everything else that happened. They were frightened and said, ‘This man really was God’s Son!’”
So what does all of this mean for us? I believe there are times when we sin and/or offend others…and we truly don’t have a full grasp of our words or actions. And that is where Jesus stands in the gap for us and says to God, “Forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” He paid the price on the for our ignorance and carelessness, even before we were born. I also believe there are times that people offend us or mistreat us, and we are called to be like Jesus…to offer them grace, mercy and forgiveness - just as He has done for us so many times.
It may be a whole lot harder to forgive a teenager or adult than it is a young child…but we still must try. We must ask Jesus to equip us with whatever we need to operate in mercy…to say, “Maybe he/she didn’t have the whole picture.” Yes, Jesus could have climbed down from the cross and settled things totally with the Roman soldiers. He could have clearly demonstrated to the satisfaction of their understanding, that He was truly the King of the Jews. But because Jesus stayed on the cross, those of us who know Him and comprehend the ramifications of this loving act understand clearly WHO He is.
Because Jesus stayed on the cross – and suffered and died for our sins – we are forgiven…forever and ever. Only the true King of Kings would do this! And as His children, we are called to demonstrate this same mercy and forgiveness to others…to be sons and daughters of the Most High King and operate in grace and understanding. There will be days when we want to stomp and scream and cry out, “Why would you do such a terrible thing?” But instead, we must say, “Father, forgive them…as You have forgiven me.” Are you ready to truly act like a child of the KING and operate in mercy and forgiveness? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people! They don’t know what they’re doing.”
While the crowd stood there watching Jesus, the soldiers gambled for his clothes. The leaders insulted him by saying, “He saved others. Now he should save himself, if he really is God’s chosen Messiah!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The children and I sometimes use a little “punch card” system to reward good behavior. I punch holes in a card numbered one to twenty, and when the child gets all 20 numbers punched, he/she gets to pick something out of my “prize” basket. Yesterday, I started cards with Timothy and Nathan. They didn’t get all 20 punches, but they got a few. Late in the afternoon, the boys disappeared upstairs – after I had told them, “Don’t go upstairs.” I went to get them, and I said, “If you don’t go downstairs right now, I am going to tear up your punch cards, and you will not get to count those punches toward a prize!”
Nathan stomped his feet and began to and cry. “That’s AWFUL!” he wailed! “Why would you do that? That’s a TERRIBLE thing to do to tear up our punches.” He was absolutely furious with me! And I had to turn away, so that he wouldn’t see me laugh. It’s easy to forgive an almost-four-year-old for such an outburst. In fact, it’s often easy to forgive our children for a lot of things, because they honestly do not know what they are doing. At best, they do not fully grasp the ramifications of their words and actions.
I am not sure whether the Roman soldiers truly knew what they were doing to Jesus or not. I think what Jesus means in this passage is that they don’t fully grasp the implication of their actions. They have no idea the consequences that will result. This seems to be somewhat confirmed by Matthew 27:54, where…“ The officer and the soldiers guarding Jesus felt the earthquake and saw everything else that happened. They were frightened and said, ‘This man really was God’s Son!’”
So what does all of this mean for us? I believe there are times when we sin and/or offend others…and we truly don’t have a full grasp of our words or actions. And that is where Jesus stands in the gap for us and says to God, “Forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” He paid the price on the for our ignorance and carelessness, even before we were born. I also believe there are times that people offend us or mistreat us, and we are called to be like Jesus…to offer them grace, mercy and forgiveness - just as He has done for us so many times.
It may be a whole lot harder to forgive a teenager or adult than it is a young child…but we still must try. We must ask Jesus to equip us with whatever we need to operate in mercy…to say, “Maybe he/she didn’t have the whole picture.” Yes, Jesus could have climbed down from the cross and settled things totally with the Roman soldiers. He could have clearly demonstrated to the satisfaction of their understanding, that He was truly the King of the Jews. But because Jesus stayed on the cross, those of us who know Him and comprehend the ramifications of this loving act understand clearly WHO He is.
Because Jesus stayed on the cross – and suffered and died for our sins – we are forgiven…forever and ever. Only the true King of Kings would do this! And as His children, we are called to demonstrate this same mercy and forgiveness to others…to be sons and daughters of the Most High King and operate in grace and understanding. There will be days when we want to stomp and scream and cry out, “Why would you do such a terrible thing?” But instead, we must say, “Father, forgive them…as You have forgiven me.” Are you ready to truly act like a child of the KING and operate in mercy and forgiveness? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 20, 2016
Luke 17:3-4
“Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him. If he responds, forgive him. Even if it’s personal against you and repeated seven times through the day, and seven times he says, ‘I’m sorry, I won’t do it again,’ forgive him.”
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 watched a teacher work with a child at Zola’s pre-K graduation as the students performed a little skit for the crowd. This child apparently has special needs, and he kept repeatedly getting up and running across the stage with his arms flailing in the air. The teacher would retrieve the child and speak to him, then gently place him back in line. I lost track of how many times she did this.
Clearly this child has issues and could not help his behavior. A lot of people we encounter each day don’t have a good excuse for their thoughts, words and actions. And yet, Jesus calls on us to gently nudge them back in the right direction…and to forgive them over and again – even when they mistreat us or hurt us in some way.
You may be asking yourself, “Is she saying that we should forgive someone who is abusive and let them keep on harming us or the people we love?” I am saying that we must forgive these people…but we don’t have to stick around for their mistreatment. Forgiving someone and standing up for yourself are two entirely different actions. And sometimes, the most loving and forgiving thing you can do for someone who is repeating a bad behavior is to walk away from them.
This is one of the hardest scripture passages for many of us to wrap our brains around. We are not wired to forgive repeatedly. We are not geared toward “tough love.” Yet Jesus is calling us to practice both. Who needs your forgiveness…maybe for the umpteenth time? Who needs to hear, “I love you, but I cannot be around you while you are acting this way” as you practice extending grace, mercy and “tough love?”
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to have to ask for a hefty dose of patience and courage – on an almost-daily basis – in order to accomplish these demonstrations of Christian love! And I must start today! Because I know that Jesus is exercising these same qualities as He deals with me and my sins. To treat others any less would basically say that what He does for me – and for you – is a waste of time and energy…that Jesus might as well give up on us! I’m not prepared to do this…so the alternative is to follow Him and treat others as He has commanded. And that means offering forgiveness over…and over…and over. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him. If he responds, forgive him. Even if it’s personal against you and repeated seven times through the day, and seven times he says, ‘I’m sorry, I won’t do it again,’ forgive him.”
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 watched a teacher work with a child at Zola’s pre-K graduation as the students performed a little skit for the crowd. This child apparently has special needs, and he kept repeatedly getting up and running across the stage with his arms flailing in the air. The teacher would retrieve the child and speak to him, then gently place him back in line. I lost track of how many times she did this.
Clearly this child has issues and could not help his behavior. A lot of people we encounter each day don’t have a good excuse for their thoughts, words and actions. And yet, Jesus calls on us to gently nudge them back in the right direction…and to forgive them over and again – even when they mistreat us or hurt us in some way.
You may be asking yourself, “Is she saying that we should forgive someone who is abusive and let them keep on harming us or the people we love?” I am saying that we must forgive these people…but we don’t have to stick around for their mistreatment. Forgiving someone and standing up for yourself are two entirely different actions. And sometimes, the most loving and forgiving thing you can do for someone who is repeating a bad behavior is to walk away from them.
This is one of the hardest scripture passages for many of us to wrap our brains around. We are not wired to forgive repeatedly. We are not geared toward “tough love.” Yet Jesus is calling us to practice both. Who needs your forgiveness…maybe for the umpteenth time? Who needs to hear, “I love you, but I cannot be around you while you are acting this way” as you practice extending grace, mercy and “tough love?”
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to have to ask for a hefty dose of patience and courage – on an almost-daily basis – in order to accomplish these demonstrations of Christian love! And I must start today! Because I know that Jesus is exercising these same qualities as He deals with me and my sins. To treat others any less would basically say that what He does for me – and for you – is a waste of time and energy…that Jesus might as well give up on us! I’m not prepared to do this…so the alternative is to follow Him and treat others as He has commanded. And that means offering forgiveness over…and over…and over. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 19, 2016
John 8:6-8
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever been around two little kids who were arguing, and rather than get in the middle of things and settle the conflict, you stood back to see what they could do? There are several reasons to try this (if you can stand it!)…1) the children are allowed to grow and work through their issue; 2) the adult demonstrates how petty and insignificant the “fuss” is; and 3) the adult withholds attention and choosing sides, which is often what the kids are after in the first place.
Here’s how I believe this applies to this scripture passage from John 8...
Additionally, are we busy pleasing Jesus – and serving Him? Or are we more concerned with making ourselves look big and important… or with making sure that everyone knows how good we are, how much we give and do for others, and how pleased God must be with us? Are we busy trying to get Jesus to pick favorites? Because I can assure you that this is a huge waste of time for everyone!
This is a good day to humble ourselves before God and admit that we are nowhere near worthy to “cast the first stone.” We will always be loved unconditionally and incredibly by Jesus…but He will never have a favorite. And we just as well figure that out now and get busy serving out of gratitude rather than any effort to gain extra “points.” We need to quit wasting our time on pettiness and discrimination. We need to stop trying to figure out who is right and wrong and concentrate on sharing the Good News of Jesus and how much He loves each and every one of us…the good, the bad, and the ugly!
We need to stop making excuses, passing judgments, and disparaging/condemning others…and take a long, hard look in the mirror. And we don’t have a minute to waste. Are you ready to drop your rock and fall on your knees in the dirt beside Jesus? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever been around two little kids who were arguing, and rather than get in the middle of things and settle the conflict, you stood back to see what they could do? There are several reasons to try this (if you can stand it!)…1) the children are allowed to grow and work through their issue; 2) the adult demonstrates how petty and insignificant the “fuss” is; and 3) the adult withholds attention and choosing sides, which is often what the kids are after in the first place.
Here’s how I believe this applies to this scripture passage from John 8...
- Jesus was drawing in the dirt and listening to the religious scholars and Pharisees argue about stoning a woman caught in adultery. By their own behavior, they were acting in an unloving manner. Jesus made no discrepancy among people…He spent time with everyone from religious leaders to murderers, adulterers, lepers and other “undesirables.” He never played favorites or talked down to anyone. By drawing in the dirt, Jesus was essentially saying, “Work it out amongst yourselves.”
- Jesus was also demonstrating how insignificant this argument was to Him…so unimportant that He didn’t even look up from doodling in the sand to give much of a response.
- Jesus did not choose sides. More importantly, He put the problem smack in the laps of those involved and challenged the one who was guiltless to cast the first stone.
Additionally, are we busy pleasing Jesus – and serving Him? Or are we more concerned with making ourselves look big and important… or with making sure that everyone knows how good we are, how much we give and do for others, and how pleased God must be with us? Are we busy trying to get Jesus to pick favorites? Because I can assure you that this is a huge waste of time for everyone!
This is a good day to humble ourselves before God and admit that we are nowhere near worthy to “cast the first stone.” We will always be loved unconditionally and incredibly by Jesus…but He will never have a favorite. And we just as well figure that out now and get busy serving out of gratitude rather than any effort to gain extra “points.” We need to quit wasting our time on pettiness and discrimination. We need to stop trying to figure out who is right and wrong and concentrate on sharing the Good News of Jesus and how much He loves each and every one of us…the good, the bad, and the ugly!
We need to stop making excuses, passing judgments, and disparaging/condemning others…and take a long, hard look in the mirror. And we don’t have a minute to waste. Are you ready to drop your rock and fall on your knees in the dirt beside Jesus? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 18, 2016
Jeremiah 31:33-34
“This is the brand-new covenant that I will make with Israel when the time comes. I will put my law within them—write it on their hearts!—and be their God. And they will be my people. They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They’ll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart and the slow. I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!” God’s Decree.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Yesterday, our Zola “graduated” from pre-K. Kindergarten, here she comes! I looked at the little girl who walked proudly across the stage to receive her “diploma,” and I thought about all that she has learned in two years…and what lies ahead of her. The world is truly her oyster, as the saying goes. I also thought about how the crowning achievement for my little niece – and her brothers – will be when they truly come to know Jesus firsthand…when God’s laws are written on their hearts forever and ever.
We can teach others about God. We can share Bible stories and help them memorize the Ten Commandments. We can evangelize the world and spread the Good News of Jesus. But until each and every one of us internalize the message of Christ and “write it on our hearts”…we’ll keep stumbling around in the dark for the most part…and we will be vulnerable to sin.
I am not saying that once we truly develop a relationship with Jesus, we never sin again. That is why the last lines of this passage are so important, where God says that “I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!” Without the blood of Jesus and His continual forgiveness, we’d all pretty well be sunk! But once we “write God’s laws” on our heart and come into a full relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we have a fighting chance against the desire to succumb to sin. When serving Jesus becomes our focus, the lure of sin is greatly diminished.
There is another component to this that must be addressed. None of us is perfect. But for God’s grace and Jesus’ blood over our sins, we would all be like the people of Israel and Judah who stumbled in the wilderness and lived in disrespect and disobedience. We are so incredibly blessed by God’s forgiveness through Jesus. And we must honor this great gift and humbly forgive others in return. That means no judging…no bickering or name calling…no gossiping…and no hating of any kind!
We often so underestimate how great forgiveness has been in our own lives…what Jesus has taken from us – and what God has forgotten. We must not dishonor this great Salvation by treating others with anything less than grace and mercy. We must offer a great example of unconditional love to the world and let others see Jesus in each of our words, thoughts, and actions. This must be our gift to our children…and our demonstration of honor and gratitude to Jesus.
I know that God’s laws will be written on the hearts of our little ones someday. My job…and yours…is to embrace Jesus and give the world a daily example of what it means to have firsthand knowledge of His amazing grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We must live in a way that makes others want to say, “I’ll take a hefty dose of what he/she has!” We must give them a reason to want to write God’s laws on their own hearts forever and ever.
Humble yourself before God today…thank Him - for forgiving and forgetting your sins. Ask Him to help you do the same toward others. Put your sinful past behind you…and help others to do this in their own lives. Check the condition of your “heart”…and get busy being the new creature in Christ whom God has called you to be! People are watching…what are you showing them?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“This is the brand-new covenant that I will make with Israel when the time comes. I will put my law within them—write it on their hearts!—and be their God. And they will be my people. They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They’ll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart and the slow. I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!” God’s Decree.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Yesterday, our Zola “graduated” from pre-K. Kindergarten, here she comes! I looked at the little girl who walked proudly across the stage to receive her “diploma,” and I thought about all that she has learned in two years…and what lies ahead of her. The world is truly her oyster, as the saying goes. I also thought about how the crowning achievement for my little niece – and her brothers – will be when they truly come to know Jesus firsthand…when God’s laws are written on their hearts forever and ever.
We can teach others about God. We can share Bible stories and help them memorize the Ten Commandments. We can evangelize the world and spread the Good News of Jesus. But until each and every one of us internalize the message of Christ and “write it on our hearts”…we’ll keep stumbling around in the dark for the most part…and we will be vulnerable to sin.
I am not saying that once we truly develop a relationship with Jesus, we never sin again. That is why the last lines of this passage are so important, where God says that “I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!” Without the blood of Jesus and His continual forgiveness, we’d all pretty well be sunk! But once we “write God’s laws” on our heart and come into a full relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we have a fighting chance against the desire to succumb to sin. When serving Jesus becomes our focus, the lure of sin is greatly diminished.
There is another component to this that must be addressed. None of us is perfect. But for God’s grace and Jesus’ blood over our sins, we would all be like the people of Israel and Judah who stumbled in the wilderness and lived in disrespect and disobedience. We are so incredibly blessed by God’s forgiveness through Jesus. And we must honor this great gift and humbly forgive others in return. That means no judging…no bickering or name calling…no gossiping…and no hating of any kind!
We often so underestimate how great forgiveness has been in our own lives…what Jesus has taken from us – and what God has forgotten. We must not dishonor this great Salvation by treating others with anything less than grace and mercy. We must offer a great example of unconditional love to the world and let others see Jesus in each of our words, thoughts, and actions. This must be our gift to our children…and our demonstration of honor and gratitude to Jesus.
I know that God’s laws will be written on the hearts of our little ones someday. My job…and yours…is to embrace Jesus and give the world a daily example of what it means to have firsthand knowledge of His amazing grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We must live in a way that makes others want to say, “I’ll take a hefty dose of what he/she has!” We must give them a reason to want to write God’s laws on their own hearts forever and ever.
Humble yourself before God today…thank Him - for forgiving and forgetting your sins. Ask Him to help you do the same toward others. Put your sinful past behind you…and help others to do this in their own lives. Check the condition of your “heart”…and get busy being the new creature in Christ whom God has called you to be! People are watching…what are you showing them?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 17, 2016
James 5:16
Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results.
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 just cracks me up sometimes. He is the world’s worst to tell on himself! He will have a little “incident” at our house, and we will work through it and say, “It’s over and done. Let’s move on.” He might even ask, “Are you going to tell my mom?” We will tell him that there is no need for anyone else to know about what happened. And the first thing Timothy will say when he sees his mother is, “I was bad,” or “I had a problem” or some form of a “confession.”
Oh, bless this child and his innocence! Someday all too soon, he will probably learn to keep his “faults” to himself. It’s what we do. We pretend to the world that everything is wonderful…that we don’t make mistakes…that we don’t have struggles with everything from addictions to relationships to physical ailments and illnesses. In the words of the old Gillette Company antiperspirant commercial, we never let them see us sweat!
We are often far too proud to ask for prayer. This is such a simple request with incredibly powerful results…but we just cannot bring ourselves to do it – not even to our closest friends and relatives. We barely admit to God that we require help! We surely don’t want anyone else to know that we are just like everyone else – weak and SINFUL and in need of corporate intercession.
You don’t have to announce your deepest, darkest secrets to the world. But find someone you love and trust, and let them in just a little. Admit to this person that you have an area where you need prayer…and allow them to share in your burden – and your petitions. You will be amazed at the results - and the blessings - as you share your faith and discipleship with another.
So let’s take a page from a 7-year-old’s book today and “tell on ourselves.” Let’s let others see us sweat, just a little…in order that we can receive the benefits of their prayers and support. Let’s pray for others and receive THEIR confessions and prayer requests without passing judgment. And together, let’s begin to heal by the power of Jesus. Are you ready?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results.
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 just cracks me up sometimes. He is the world’s worst to tell on himself! He will have a little “incident” at our house, and we will work through it and say, “It’s over and done. Let’s move on.” He might even ask, “Are you going to tell my mom?” We will tell him that there is no need for anyone else to know about what happened. And the first thing Timothy will say when he sees his mother is, “I was bad,” or “I had a problem” or some form of a “confession.”
Oh, bless this child and his innocence! Someday all too soon, he will probably learn to keep his “faults” to himself. It’s what we do. We pretend to the world that everything is wonderful…that we don’t make mistakes…that we don’t have struggles with everything from addictions to relationships to physical ailments and illnesses. In the words of the old Gillette Company antiperspirant commercial, we never let them see us sweat!
We are often far too proud to ask for prayer. This is such a simple request with incredibly powerful results…but we just cannot bring ourselves to do it – not even to our closest friends and relatives. We barely admit to God that we require help! We surely don’t want anyone else to know that we are just like everyone else – weak and SINFUL and in need of corporate intercession.
You don’t have to announce your deepest, darkest secrets to the world. But find someone you love and trust, and let them in just a little. Admit to this person that you have an area where you need prayer…and allow them to share in your burden – and your petitions. You will be amazed at the results - and the blessings - as you share your faith and discipleship with another.
So let’s take a page from a 7-year-old’s book today and “tell on ourselves.” Let’s let others see us sweat, just a little…in order that we can receive the benefits of their prayers and support. Let’s pray for others and receive THEIR confessions and prayer requests without passing judgment. And together, let’s begin to heal by the power of Jesus. Are you ready?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 16, 2016
Isaiah 1:18
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My
sister Suzanne had a birthday last week, and a childhood friend shared a
photo with us of one of HIS birthday parties, which she and I
attended. We must have been about 6 and 7 in the picture, and I had on a
red checked dress (that I am positive my mother made) with white
ruffles down the bodice. I had an almost instant recollection of a red
checked dress that very well may have been this same one. I was playing
in our yard one spring/summer day, and I picked up the neighbor’s
kitten. It promptly pooped all down the front of my dress. My mother
was VERY upset…and we were forbidden to ever play with kittens again!
No doubt, Mother had a cleaning challenge on her hands…and I cannot recall if there was a permanent stain on the dress. Today, we have all sorts of Pinterest “sure-fire” stain removers… Tide® pens…OxiClean™…Shout®…and more. Still, there are some stains that cannot be removed. But today’s children will never quite know the angst that WE experienced as youngsters when we got a stain on our clothing. I can remember being quite worried about the trouble I would get in for getting my clothes dirty…can’t you?
This is such a comforting scripture verse. As I read it, I was instantly transported back to childhood…but this time, I heard the Master saying, “It’s okay…come on over here and snuggle with Me, and I’ll take care of that stain. I know it looks bad right now…but it will be as good as new soon!” What comfort lies in these words! How blessed we are to know that Jesus can fix ANYTHING…and that He is ready and willing to do so!
Several times, I have told Timothy, Zola and Nathan a version of this…”Don’t worry…I’ll fix that”…or “I can get that pizza/strawberry/chocolate stain out!” But there will be plenty of things in life - including a few “marks” - that I cannot remove. Isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus can…and will? I am so comforted to know that we ALL have a refuge in Jesus…and He truly does wash us as white as snow.
You may have the perfect solutions to soils and stains in your laundry cabinet. But I can guarantee you that the ultimate “Stain Remover” is only a prayer away. If you have not surrendered to Jesus, please stop and invite Him into your heart today. Run to His open arms…snuggle against His chest…and let Him remove every single stain, once and for all. Know that His “Tide® pen” is always handy when we stumble and get into something we shouldn’t.
All we have to do is call on Jesus, and He will restore us to pristine condition! I will never forget that red checked dress – or the day I upset my mother – but I know that she got over it. Better yet, I know that Jesus does not hold a grudge…or keep a list of my past transgressions. They have truly been washed “as clean as fresh fallen snow”- and “white as wool” – and it doesn’t get any better. Isn’t it time you asked Jesus to handle your stains, once and for all? Will this be the day that He makes you forever clean?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Laverne/Steve James |
No doubt, Mother had a cleaning challenge on her hands…and I cannot recall if there was a permanent stain on the dress. Today, we have all sorts of Pinterest “sure-fire” stain removers… Tide® pens…OxiClean™…Shout®…and more. Still, there are some stains that cannot be removed. But today’s children will never quite know the angst that WE experienced as youngsters when we got a stain on our clothing. I can remember being quite worried about the trouble I would get in for getting my clothes dirty…can’t you?
This is such a comforting scripture verse. As I read it, I was instantly transported back to childhood…but this time, I heard the Master saying, “It’s okay…come on over here and snuggle with Me, and I’ll take care of that stain. I know it looks bad right now…but it will be as good as new soon!” What comfort lies in these words! How blessed we are to know that Jesus can fix ANYTHING…and that He is ready and willing to do so!
Several times, I have told Timothy, Zola and Nathan a version of this…”Don’t worry…I’ll fix that”…or “I can get that pizza/strawberry/chocolate stain out!” But there will be plenty of things in life - including a few “marks” - that I cannot remove. Isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus can…and will? I am so comforted to know that we ALL have a refuge in Jesus…and He truly does wash us as white as snow.
You may have the perfect solutions to soils and stains in your laundry cabinet. But I can guarantee you that the ultimate “Stain Remover” is only a prayer away. If you have not surrendered to Jesus, please stop and invite Him into your heart today. Run to His open arms…snuggle against His chest…and let Him remove every single stain, once and for all. Know that His “Tide® pen” is always handy when we stumble and get into something we shouldn’t.
All we have to do is call on Jesus, and He will restore us to pristine condition! I will never forget that red checked dress – or the day I upset my mother – but I know that she got over it. Better yet, I know that Jesus does not hold a grudge…or keep a list of my past transgressions. They have truly been washed “as clean as fresh fallen snow”- and “white as wool” – and it doesn’t get any better. Isn’t it time you asked Jesus to handle your stains, once and for all? Will this be the day that He makes you forever clean?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 15, 2016
Ephesians 4:31-32
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A lifelong friend of mine shared a link on Facebook that featured a portrait of our First Lady and a comment about her poise, intelligence and elegance. Someone responded with a rude litany of hateful comments and some ugly descriptive words. My friend replied…”Did someone hack your account? Just doesn’t sound like you.” The person responded that indeed, she had NOT been hacked, and she continued her tirade. I loved my friend’s final comment to this person…a simple ”Okey dokey!”
As Whoopie Goldberg always says on The View when she makes a comment to which some might disagree…”Do not write or call!” This is not meant to be a political statement. (In other words, please keep your opinions about our First Lady to yourself!) Rather, this is a commentary on a very important – and Biblical – lesson that my mother and others taught me when I was very young…”If you cannot say something nice, do not say anything at all.” I was also taught to respect other human beings, regardless of whether I agreed with them or not…that words are like toothpaste – once they are “out of the tube” (or one’s mouth), it’s pretty well impossible to stuff them back inside…and rude behavior is never appropriate – or Christ like. In other words, there are times when the only decent response is, “Okey dokey!”
Does this make us doormats or indicate that we agree with those who would be unkind or rude? Absolutely not! This is a good way to say, “I’m not getting involved in this. I will not embarrass myself – or God – by stooping to this level.” It is also a way of demonstrating that even when others DO behave badly and emit shameful remarks or actions, we find a way to love them in spite of them…because Jesus requires it of us.
I will be the first to tell you that I have had a few situations, particularly in recent years, where it has been hard to forgive and love anyway…where the words “Okey dokey” or some form of them seemed to stick in my mouth and refuse to emerge. I still struggle with feelings of bitterness and anger about certain situations. But I’m working on this…because I know that there are plenty of times when I have angered Jesus with my own thoughts, words and actions.
I know that on any given day, I’ve sunk to a new low in the eyes of God, and He has been rightfully ready to let me have it! And yet, because of Jesus, I experience abundant grace, mercy and forgiveness…and love everlasting.
So “okey dokey” is my new mantra. It really covers a multitude of things…doesn’t it? And yet, I can offer this with love and forgiveness…as I bite my tongue and pray for my own new mercies. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A lifelong friend of mine shared a link on Facebook that featured a portrait of our First Lady and a comment about her poise, intelligence and elegance. Someone responded with a rude litany of hateful comments and some ugly descriptive words. My friend replied…”Did someone hack your account? Just doesn’t sound like you.” The person responded that indeed, she had NOT been hacked, and she continued her tirade. I loved my friend’s final comment to this person…a simple ”Okey dokey!”
As Whoopie Goldberg always says on The View when she makes a comment to which some might disagree…”Do not write or call!” This is not meant to be a political statement. (In other words, please keep your opinions about our First Lady to yourself!) Rather, this is a commentary on a very important – and Biblical – lesson that my mother and others taught me when I was very young…”If you cannot say something nice, do not say anything at all.” I was also taught to respect other human beings, regardless of whether I agreed with them or not…that words are like toothpaste – once they are “out of the tube” (or one’s mouth), it’s pretty well impossible to stuff them back inside…and rude behavior is never appropriate – or Christ like. In other words, there are times when the only decent response is, “Okey dokey!”
Does this make us doormats or indicate that we agree with those who would be unkind or rude? Absolutely not! This is a good way to say, “I’m not getting involved in this. I will not embarrass myself – or God – by stooping to this level.” It is also a way of demonstrating that even when others DO behave badly and emit shameful remarks or actions, we find a way to love them in spite of them…because Jesus requires it of us.
I will be the first to tell you that I have had a few situations, particularly in recent years, where it has been hard to forgive and love anyway…where the words “Okey dokey” or some form of them seemed to stick in my mouth and refuse to emerge. I still struggle with feelings of bitterness and anger about certain situations. But I’m working on this…because I know that there are plenty of times when I have angered Jesus with my own thoughts, words and actions.
I know that on any given day, I’ve sunk to a new low in the eyes of God, and He has been rightfully ready to let me have it! And yet, because of Jesus, I experience abundant grace, mercy and forgiveness…and love everlasting.
So “okey dokey” is my new mantra. It really covers a multitude of things…doesn’t it? And yet, I can offer this with love and forgiveness…as I bite my tongue and pray for my own new mercies. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 14, 2016
Colossians 3:13
Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The mass murder of innocent people in Orlando, Florida, has broken our hearts once again over such a senseless act. For many, it has also re-opened old wounds. From 9-11 to Sandy Hook to Charleston…and countless heartbreaking events in between...people are reeling and saddened over the compounded effect of these horrific crimes.
For me, Orlando in particular has caused me to revisit some upsetting memories of events that occurred last summer. In particular, I have been reminded of some very unkind and ugly remarks that were made in “church settings” toward members of the LGBTQ community following the SCOTUS decision regarding same sex marriage. I have also recalled some equally disgusting comments that were spouted about our President after he attended memorial services for the victims of the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina – and sang “Amazing Grace.”
In the past year, I have tried to forgive those who said such horrible things. I am a work in progress. But over and again, I feel I must keep trying. Because in my ear, I hear the voice of Jesus reminding me, “I forgave you…now YOU must forgive others.”
“But LORD…” I cry out. “They said terrible things about people I love and respect! They made comments that were not true. They were so unkind and unloving!”
“Have you not read the unkind things in scripture that were said of Me? Was I not beaten, spit upon, mocked, and crucified? Have I turned my back on my persecutors?”
“But, LORD!”
“Yes…BUT LORD, indeed!”
Because of Jesus, we cannot harbor hatred and thoughts or feelings of unforgiveness…toward anyone. Because of Jesus, I have to redouble my efforts to be kind and loving toward those who have spoken and acted so hatefully. I have to be kind to the people who I look at and wonder whether they are genuine when they smile and “play nice”…or if in truth they could smack me down because of my own thoughts and feelings - and never blink an eye. We truly do not know what is in another person’s heart and mind…and in some ways, it doesn’t matter. We are to love them anyway - and treat them exactly as Jesus would.
I know! It’s so very hard. I find myself wanting to continually say, “But, LORD!” And yet, I am reminded that because of Jesus, I have to change my attitude. “But, LORD, indeed! But for Him and His loving sacrifice and demonstration of forgiveness, we would be so very lost. And yet, we are “found”…and forgiven…and SAVED…and promised Eternity in His presence.
Take a long, hard look at your life today. Be brutally honest and lay bare your soul as you examine where you are operating in unkindness, hatred, and unforgiveness. Stop protesting and saying, “But, LORD!” and start saying, “LORD, help me!” He can, and He will…and the world will be a better place because of it. Change starts with one person. Be that person in your circle of influence. Let go of grudges, judgments, and unkind thoughts and feelings. Discover the power of God to make tremendous changes in His people…and let Him begin with you.
©2016 Debbie Robus
Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The mass murder of innocent people in Orlando, Florida, has broken our hearts once again over such a senseless act. For many, it has also re-opened old wounds. From 9-11 to Sandy Hook to Charleston…and countless heartbreaking events in between...people are reeling and saddened over the compounded effect of these horrific crimes.
For me, Orlando in particular has caused me to revisit some upsetting memories of events that occurred last summer. In particular, I have been reminded of some very unkind and ugly remarks that were made in “church settings” toward members of the LGBTQ community following the SCOTUS decision regarding same sex marriage. I have also recalled some equally disgusting comments that were spouted about our President after he attended memorial services for the victims of the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina – and sang “Amazing Grace.”
In the past year, I have tried to forgive those who said such horrible things. I am a work in progress. But over and again, I feel I must keep trying. Because in my ear, I hear the voice of Jesus reminding me, “I forgave you…now YOU must forgive others.”
“But LORD…” I cry out. “They said terrible things about people I love and respect! They made comments that were not true. They were so unkind and unloving!”
“Have you not read the unkind things in scripture that were said of Me? Was I not beaten, spit upon, mocked, and crucified? Have I turned my back on my persecutors?”
“But, LORD!”
“Yes…BUT LORD, indeed!”
Because of Jesus, we cannot harbor hatred and thoughts or feelings of unforgiveness…toward anyone. Because of Jesus, I have to redouble my efforts to be kind and loving toward those who have spoken and acted so hatefully. I have to be kind to the people who I look at and wonder whether they are genuine when they smile and “play nice”…or if in truth they could smack me down because of my own thoughts and feelings - and never blink an eye. We truly do not know what is in another person’s heart and mind…and in some ways, it doesn’t matter. We are to love them anyway - and treat them exactly as Jesus would.
I know! It’s so very hard. I find myself wanting to continually say, “But, LORD!” And yet, I am reminded that because of Jesus, I have to change my attitude. “But, LORD, indeed! But for Him and His loving sacrifice and demonstration of forgiveness, we would be so very lost. And yet, we are “found”…and forgiven…and SAVED…and promised Eternity in His presence.
Take a long, hard look at your life today. Be brutally honest and lay bare your soul as you examine where you are operating in unkindness, hatred, and unforgiveness. Stop protesting and saying, “But, LORD!” and start saying, “LORD, help me!” He can, and He will…and the world will be a better place because of it. Change starts with one person. Be that person in your circle of influence. Let go of grudges, judgments, and unkind thoughts and feelings. Discover the power of God to make tremendous changes in His people…and let Him begin with you.
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 13, 2016
Acts 2:38
And Peter replied, “Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit.
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 cannot count the number of times we have taken the children to the park to play. The first few trips, Timothy and Zola would often run from us. We would call to them to come back, and they would keep on running. And I think I shared recently about taking the children to see the trumpeter swans on a small lake near our town last winter, and Timothy got caught up in hopping on some large rocks near the parking lot and would not return when I called to him.
Almost all kids do this at some point. It seems like a game to the children…and I’m sure they think it is fun. But we adults are not at all amused. We know the dangers that are lurking…traffic, strangers, a body of water, and more. Children have to learn the importance of turning around when adults call to them!
You and I are pretty much like toddlers and young children much of the time. In our grown-up bodies, we defy God and run from Him…sometimes with wild abandon. We get caught up in the moment…or we think we are having SO MUCH FUN…or we just flat out do not want to “come when called.” Whatever the reason, we fail to appreciate the consequences – and dangers – that await us when we behave so foolishly. We thumb our noses, so to speak, at God’s love and protection in favor of our own desires. And the results can be deadly… mentally, physically - and most certainly – spiritually.
In Acts 2:38, Peter is telling the crowd at Jerusalem – and us – to turn around and run toward God, as fast as we can! He is reminding us that the gift of the Holy Spirit awaits us…that we are safe in God’s arms - and His calling is meant to bless, not restrain. We must also realize that we are not small children…we know better, and we must do better.
So listen for God’s voice…turn around and fall on your knees and ask Him to forgive your arrogance and/or stupidity – and your false notion that you know what’s best! Turn around and run to God and bask in His blessings and perfection. Embrace the Holy Spirit and let Him guide you at every turn. Be grateful for God’s mercy – and His gifts…and never ever take them for granted for even a minute!
©2016 Debbie Robus
And Peter replied, “Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit.
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 cannot count the number of times we have taken the children to the park to play. The first few trips, Timothy and Zola would often run from us. We would call to them to come back, and they would keep on running. And I think I shared recently about taking the children to see the trumpeter swans on a small lake near our town last winter, and Timothy got caught up in hopping on some large rocks near the parking lot and would not return when I called to him.
Almost all kids do this at some point. It seems like a game to the children…and I’m sure they think it is fun. But we adults are not at all amused. We know the dangers that are lurking…traffic, strangers, a body of water, and more. Children have to learn the importance of turning around when adults call to them!
You and I are pretty much like toddlers and young children much of the time. In our grown-up bodies, we defy God and run from Him…sometimes with wild abandon. We get caught up in the moment…or we think we are having SO MUCH FUN…or we just flat out do not want to “come when called.” Whatever the reason, we fail to appreciate the consequences – and dangers – that await us when we behave so foolishly. We thumb our noses, so to speak, at God’s love and protection in favor of our own desires. And the results can be deadly… mentally, physically - and most certainly – spiritually.
In Acts 2:38, Peter is telling the crowd at Jerusalem – and us – to turn around and run toward God, as fast as we can! He is reminding us that the gift of the Holy Spirit awaits us…that we are safe in God’s arms - and His calling is meant to bless, not restrain. We must also realize that we are not small children…we know better, and we must do better.
So listen for God’s voice…turn around and fall on your knees and ask Him to forgive your arrogance and/or stupidity – and your false notion that you know what’s best! Turn around and run to God and bask in His blessings and perfection. Embrace the Holy Spirit and let Him guide you at every turn. Be grateful for God’s mercy – and His gifts…and never ever take them for granted for even a minute!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 12, 2016
June 12 ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14
…then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.
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 have to wonder if after a horrific event like the mass shooting in Orlando this morning whether God is asking, “What was I thinking?” Yet again, someone thought he knew better how things ought to be in this world. So he targeted – and killed - as many gay people as he could. Apparently he vehemently disapproved of their sexual orientation. At least we assume that this was his motivation for such a heinous crime.
As I began to gather my thoughts around 2 Chronicles 7:14, I once again felt like God must sometimes want to wipe the earth clean of each and every one of us. And yet, I heard His voice very clearly say…”As horrible as this is…as deeply as it grieves me…it is really nothing new.” And surely, if you read the Bible or study history…or even pay attention to current events around the world…you know that senseless mistreatment of others – and even slaughter - happens more than we care to recognize. The numbers may change…these tragic events may not take place in such a public venue…or happen in the hometown of Disney World®…but people are murdered every day because someone thought he/she knew better than anyone else how things should go.
You can claim religious rights…you can try to excuse bigotry and hatred by hiding behind the name of Jesus. You can criticize, belittle and mistreat those who do not think or behave like you. You can declare them wicked, ignorant, or whatever adjective you choose. But hear this…YOU ARE NOT GOD! And your attempts to fill His shoes are not appreciated by anyone – especially Him!
Those who love God and have surrendered their hearts to Jesus do not try to control others. They love them…just as we are loved. They operate from a place of incredible humility, gratitude, and prayerfulness. They allow God to have complete control, while they share the Good News of Jesus with others in a loving, gentle and nonjudgmental manner. And here comes the big one…they forgive those who act otherwise.
So this day, as we mourn those lost in this senseless slaughter, we must pray for the families and friends of the victims. But we must also pray for the family of the shooter. We must ask God to have mercy on all of us…and to show us how to be the hands and feet of Jesus – even to those so filled with hatred that they would murder us. When those who disagree with us show us unkindness, we must “fight back” with love, grace and mercy…and we must keep demonstrating these gifts from God over and again, no matter how others respond.
We must believe that God will heal us. We must demonstrate that if we truly express to others the love of Christ - and serve Him with an unwavering level of faith and confidence…God will pour out His mercy on us and show us how to move forward. And we must begin today…in our own back yards…and in the world at large.
You and I have a choice to make about how we react to this horrible event…and the world is watching. Who will they see in our response? Will they find people who serve a God who is vengeful and endorses retaliation in the form of discrimination and mistreatment of others…or will they find evidence of a loving God who desires to heal and restore us? Pray for the people of Orlando – and throughout the world. But ask God to begin the healing in your own heart. Until we settle these issues for ourselves, we cannot possibly represent God’s love and care to others. What is your heart condition today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
…then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.
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 have to wonder if after a horrific event like the mass shooting in Orlando this morning whether God is asking, “What was I thinking?” Yet again, someone thought he knew better how things ought to be in this world. So he targeted – and killed - as many gay people as he could. Apparently he vehemently disapproved of their sexual orientation. At least we assume that this was his motivation for such a heinous crime.
As I began to gather my thoughts around 2 Chronicles 7:14, I once again felt like God must sometimes want to wipe the earth clean of each and every one of us. And yet, I heard His voice very clearly say…”As horrible as this is…as deeply as it grieves me…it is really nothing new.” And surely, if you read the Bible or study history…or even pay attention to current events around the world…you know that senseless mistreatment of others – and even slaughter - happens more than we care to recognize. The numbers may change…these tragic events may not take place in such a public venue…or happen in the hometown of Disney World®…but people are murdered every day because someone thought he/she knew better than anyone else how things should go.
You can claim religious rights…you can try to excuse bigotry and hatred by hiding behind the name of Jesus. You can criticize, belittle and mistreat those who do not think or behave like you. You can declare them wicked, ignorant, or whatever adjective you choose. But hear this…YOU ARE NOT GOD! And your attempts to fill His shoes are not appreciated by anyone – especially Him!
Those who love God and have surrendered their hearts to Jesus do not try to control others. They love them…just as we are loved. They operate from a place of incredible humility, gratitude, and prayerfulness. They allow God to have complete control, while they share the Good News of Jesus with others in a loving, gentle and nonjudgmental manner. And here comes the big one…they forgive those who act otherwise.
So this day, as we mourn those lost in this senseless slaughter, we must pray for the families and friends of the victims. But we must also pray for the family of the shooter. We must ask God to have mercy on all of us…and to show us how to be the hands and feet of Jesus – even to those so filled with hatred that they would murder us. When those who disagree with us show us unkindness, we must “fight back” with love, grace and mercy…and we must keep demonstrating these gifts from God over and again, no matter how others respond.
We must believe that God will heal us. We must demonstrate that if we truly express to others the love of Christ - and serve Him with an unwavering level of faith and confidence…God will pour out His mercy on us and show us how to move forward. And we must begin today…in our own back yards…and in the world at large.
You and I have a choice to make about how we react to this horrible event…and the world is watching. Who will they see in our response? Will they find people who serve a God who is vengeful and endorses retaliation in the form of discrimination and mistreatment of others…or will they find evidence of a loving God who desires to heal and restore us? Pray for the people of Orlando – and throughout the world. But ask God to begin the healing in your own heart. Until we settle these issues for ourselves, we cannot possibly represent God’s love and care to others. What is your heart condition today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 11, 2016
1 Peter 3:9
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When I was little, I’m pretty sure that adults sugar-coated the story of the crucifixion for me. I knew that Jesus loved me, but I had no idea how greatly He suffered for my sins. Today, our children are subjected to so much violence in movies - and the media in general - that they are (sadly) accustomed to seeing horrific scenes of people being maimed and mutilated. So when Timothy and Nathan asked me about the crucifixion and “What happened to Jesus?” I told them, “Soldiers nailed his hands and feet to the cross.”
Seven-year-old Timothy asked, “Did they stab Him?” Well…yes. “Did they beat Him up?” “Yes, they did that, too.” This is when the boys began their dialog about how they would beat up those horrible people who did this to their Jesus. And as I noted in yesterday’s devotional message, we had to have a talk about forgiveness and how Jesus would not want us to retaliate for Him.
Timothy, Zola, and Nathan see very little television news. And I am honestly glad of that. I don’t want them hearing how people talk to one another…the horrible name calling that is going on publicly between people running for the highest offices of our nation. It is very hard to tell children not to say unkind things about each other when all they have to do is turn on the TV and hear adults doing this ad nauseam. And maybe someone has said something unkind toward you – or about you…and you have a personal experience (if not actual familiarity) with the desire to retaliate and “set him/her straight.”
I am glad that God gave me this scripture passage today. Now I have a good “solution” for the boys. I will suggest that they pray for those who hurt others…especially those who hurt Jesus. We cannot turn back the clock and change what happened on Calvary that day (and we wouldn’t want to do this!)…but we can pray for those who offend or insult us – and Jesus – today. We can be kind to those who are unkind to us. We don’t have to be “doormats” and let others walk all over us…but we don’t have to lower ourselves to that level, either.
I’ll be honest…there are a few people who have insulted or offended me, and my solution has been to pretty well ignore them. This isn’t right, either. I don’t have to make them my new best friends…but I need to make an effort to be kind to them. To do otherwise indicates that when we offend or insult Jesus, He turns His back on us…and that is simply NOT the case!
It is time to treat others as Jesus taught us…and as He treats us. If we are going to be His disciples and represent Him on this earth, we have to emulate Him. And that means operating in forgiveness, grace and mercy…to all people at all times. How are you doing these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When I was little, I’m pretty sure that adults sugar-coated the story of the crucifixion for me. I knew that Jesus loved me, but I had no idea how greatly He suffered for my sins. Today, our children are subjected to so much violence in movies - and the media in general - that they are (sadly) accustomed to seeing horrific scenes of people being maimed and mutilated. So when Timothy and Nathan asked me about the crucifixion and “What happened to Jesus?” I told them, “Soldiers nailed his hands and feet to the cross.”
Seven-year-old Timothy asked, “Did they stab Him?” Well…yes. “Did they beat Him up?” “Yes, they did that, too.” This is when the boys began their dialog about how they would beat up those horrible people who did this to their Jesus. And as I noted in yesterday’s devotional message, we had to have a talk about forgiveness and how Jesus would not want us to retaliate for Him.
Timothy, Zola, and Nathan see very little television news. And I am honestly glad of that. I don’t want them hearing how people talk to one another…the horrible name calling that is going on publicly between people running for the highest offices of our nation. It is very hard to tell children not to say unkind things about each other when all they have to do is turn on the TV and hear adults doing this ad nauseam. And maybe someone has said something unkind toward you – or about you…and you have a personal experience (if not actual familiarity) with the desire to retaliate and “set him/her straight.”
I am glad that God gave me this scripture passage today. Now I have a good “solution” for the boys. I will suggest that they pray for those who hurt others…especially those who hurt Jesus. We cannot turn back the clock and change what happened on Calvary that day (and we wouldn’t want to do this!)…but we can pray for those who offend or insult us – and Jesus – today. We can be kind to those who are unkind to us. We don’t have to be “doormats” and let others walk all over us…but we don’t have to lower ourselves to that level, either.
I’ll be honest…there are a few people who have insulted or offended me, and my solution has been to pretty well ignore them. This isn’t right, either. I don’t have to make them my new best friends…but I need to make an effort to be kind to them. To do otherwise indicates that when we offend or insult Jesus, He turns His back on us…and that is simply NOT the case!
It is time to treat others as Jesus taught us…and as He treats us. If we are going to be His disciples and represent Him on this earth, we have to emulate Him. And that means operating in forgiveness, grace and mercy…to all people at all times. How are you doing these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 10, 2016
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I wish you could have been in the car with me this morning as Timothy, Nathan, and I drove home from the library. It was hot when we got in our car, and I turned the air conditioning on full blast. Timothy asked, “Will we sweat in heaven?” I told him probably not! Then he asked, “Who makes the laws in Heaven?” I told him that God makes the laws…and Timothy wanted to know what kind of laws God makes. I told him “Good ones!”
A conversation ensued about heaven and God, and Timothy added…“Even if I am bad, God will still love me.” So we started talking about Jesus and how He died on the cross for our sins…and when we tell Jesus that we are sorry for our sins and ask Him to forgive us, He does – forever and ever. This doesn’t mean that we can act badly. In fact, because Jesus loved us enough to do this, we should want to thank Him by doing our very best not to sin.
Imagine, if you will, the indignity of a 4-year-old and a seven-year-old as we talked about how badly Jesus was treated. They were aghast that “those mean people” did such awful things to Him – particularly on the cross…and both readily said, “I will beat them up for that!” I tried to explain that 1) this is not possible; and 2) Jesus would not want this. We still have a lot of work to do as the children mature enough to understand the grace and mercy of Jesus…but hopefully, you are in a far different place!
So let me spell this out for you. Yes, we should be offended by how Jesus was treated. But think of how you and I have treated Jesus. What if He got offended about that? Where would that leave us? Would we have the gift of salvation and the promise of Eternity with Him? If we fail to forgive others…do we really honor all that Jesus has done for us?
I stressed to the boys that Jesus wants us to love other people…to share His message with them and tell them how much He loves us. We cannot do that if we are busy beating each other up…literally and figuratively – with thoughts, words and actions. So I hope that today, you will stop and examine your life and your attitudes and behaviors. Where have you failed to forgive…and where have you dishonored Jesus in doing so?
Make this the day that you redouble your efforts to demonstrate your gratitude for all that Jesus has done – and continues to do for us. Ask Him once again to forgive YOU for your transgressions...then get busy showing others what it means to glorify Him in every aspect of your daily living. And thank Him that when we get to heaven, sweat will never be a concern!
©2016 Debbie Robus
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I wish you could have been in the car with me this morning as Timothy, Nathan, and I drove home from the library. It was hot when we got in our car, and I turned the air conditioning on full blast. Timothy asked, “Will we sweat in heaven?” I told him probably not! Then he asked, “Who makes the laws in Heaven?” I told him that God makes the laws…and Timothy wanted to know what kind of laws God makes. I told him “Good ones!”
A conversation ensued about heaven and God, and Timothy added…“Even if I am bad, God will still love me.” So we started talking about Jesus and how He died on the cross for our sins…and when we tell Jesus that we are sorry for our sins and ask Him to forgive us, He does – forever and ever. This doesn’t mean that we can act badly. In fact, because Jesus loved us enough to do this, we should want to thank Him by doing our very best not to sin.
Imagine, if you will, the indignity of a 4-year-old and a seven-year-old as we talked about how badly Jesus was treated. They were aghast that “those mean people” did such awful things to Him – particularly on the cross…and both readily said, “I will beat them up for that!” I tried to explain that 1) this is not possible; and 2) Jesus would not want this. We still have a lot of work to do as the children mature enough to understand the grace and mercy of Jesus…but hopefully, you are in a far different place!
So let me spell this out for you. Yes, we should be offended by how Jesus was treated. But think of how you and I have treated Jesus. What if He got offended about that? Where would that leave us? Would we have the gift of salvation and the promise of Eternity with Him? If we fail to forgive others…do we really honor all that Jesus has done for us?
I stressed to the boys that Jesus wants us to love other people…to share His message with them and tell them how much He loves us. We cannot do that if we are busy beating each other up…literally and figuratively – with thoughts, words and actions. So I hope that today, you will stop and examine your life and your attitudes and behaviors. Where have you failed to forgive…and where have you dishonored Jesus in doing so?
Make this the day that you redouble your efforts to demonstrate your gratitude for all that Jesus has done – and continues to do for us. Ask Him once again to forgive YOU for your transgressions...then get busy showing others what it means to glorify Him in every aspect of your daily living. And thank Him that when we get to heaven, sweat will never be a concern!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 9, 2016
Romans 8:31-39
So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
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 saw a video on Facebook about a man named Tyrone Obaseki, who suffered horribly as a child in the Texas state “system” for orphans and foster children. He was tossed from one facility and orphanage to another…was placed in psychiatric hospitals, drugged, confined to a board in a straight jacket for hours on end, and abused by a foster family, among other things. Today, Tyrone is a college graduate, mental health counselor, and motivational speaker. He has also written a book, soon to be released, that details his 18 years in the state “system” and how he overcame his experiences.
Tyrone points out in his video that the foster family with whom he lived did one thing right…they told him about Jesus. Even as these foster parents abused Tyrone, they took him to church, where he learned about the love of Christ. I have to believe that this faith and hope in Jesus sustained Tyrone in large part. Yes, he is one of those extraordinary individuals who somehow overcame incredible adversity. But in my heart, I feel like his knowledge of Jesus gave him an “edge.” Somehow, he managed to realize that Jesus was with him…and that He was standing in the gap and petitioning God to rescue him. Tyrone Obaseki made it through, and now he stands poised to help countless other children who may be in a similar situation.
What is the message for us? Surely most of us have never had to endure such horrors…bullying, sedation and “medication” with mind-altering drugs, restraint, molestation, verbal abuse and more. Hopefully, you have never been in a situation where you felt like there was no human being to whom you could turn for help. But I’d be willing to bet that you have experienced times in your life where you wondered how things could ever turn around. I imagine that most of us have had at least one instance where we felt like we wanted to throw in the towel and say, “I’ve had enough!” Surely you have gone through something in your life that made you feel like (at least temporarily) the odds were stacked against you.
And yet, we know that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God…because of Jesus Christ. We know that Jesus is standing with God right this minute, arbitrating on our behalf. He is saying, “What about So-and-so and his/her struggle. Shouldn’t we help them?” Jesus is reminding God that He shed His own blood and suffered unbelievably, so that we could have abundant life…both now and for all Eternity. He is calling on God to fill us with hope, courage, and strength…and the confidence that with Him as our Heavenly Father, we are never truly alone.
Wherever you are today…whatever your circumstances…Jesus is standing in the gap for you. He is interceding on your behalf with God, because He loved you enough to DIE for you. If you have surrendered your heart to Him, your name is forever written in the Lamb’s Book of Life…and God has a place for you with Him for all eternity. He’s not about to abandon you! There may be days when you feel like you are alone…but all you have to do is reach out to God, and He will be there with you. There may be times of hardship…even suffering…but as you draw near to God, He will surely wrap His arms around you and fill you with a sense of His presence – and hope for your future.
We need to be sharing this GOOD NEWS with others. We need to be encouraging and reassuring others of their importance to God…and how steadfast His love and care is for them. There are people of all ages who need to hear this message…and God is counting on us to share it. Just as Tyrone Obaseki has a mission…we do, also. Are you fazed by the events of the day…or are you trusting Jesus to mediate with God on your behalf? Are you operating in the power and hope of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for you…and do others see this confidence and faith in action? Isn’t it time they did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:
They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
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 saw a video on Facebook about a man named Tyrone Obaseki, who suffered horribly as a child in the Texas state “system” for orphans and foster children. He was tossed from one facility and orphanage to another…was placed in psychiatric hospitals, drugged, confined to a board in a straight jacket for hours on end, and abused by a foster family, among other things. Today, Tyrone is a college graduate, mental health counselor, and motivational speaker. He has also written a book, soon to be released, that details his 18 years in the state “system” and how he overcame his experiences.
Tyrone points out in his video that the foster family with whom he lived did one thing right…they told him about Jesus. Even as these foster parents abused Tyrone, they took him to church, where he learned about the love of Christ. I have to believe that this faith and hope in Jesus sustained Tyrone in large part. Yes, he is one of those extraordinary individuals who somehow overcame incredible adversity. But in my heart, I feel like his knowledge of Jesus gave him an “edge.” Somehow, he managed to realize that Jesus was with him…and that He was standing in the gap and petitioning God to rescue him. Tyrone Obaseki made it through, and now he stands poised to help countless other children who may be in a similar situation.
What is the message for us? Surely most of us have never had to endure such horrors…bullying, sedation and “medication” with mind-altering drugs, restraint, molestation, verbal abuse and more. Hopefully, you have never been in a situation where you felt like there was no human being to whom you could turn for help. But I’d be willing to bet that you have experienced times in your life where you wondered how things could ever turn around. I imagine that most of us have had at least one instance where we felt like we wanted to throw in the towel and say, “I’ve had enough!” Surely you have gone through something in your life that made you feel like (at least temporarily) the odds were stacked against you.
And yet, we know that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God…because of Jesus Christ. We know that Jesus is standing with God right this minute, arbitrating on our behalf. He is saying, “What about So-and-so and his/her struggle. Shouldn’t we help them?” Jesus is reminding God that He shed His own blood and suffered unbelievably, so that we could have abundant life…both now and for all Eternity. He is calling on God to fill us with hope, courage, and strength…and the confidence that with Him as our Heavenly Father, we are never truly alone.
Wherever you are today…whatever your circumstances…Jesus is standing in the gap for you. He is interceding on your behalf with God, because He loved you enough to DIE for you. If you have surrendered your heart to Him, your name is forever written in the Lamb’s Book of Life…and God has a place for you with Him for all eternity. He’s not about to abandon you! There may be days when you feel like you are alone…but all you have to do is reach out to God, and He will be there with you. There may be times of hardship…even suffering…but as you draw near to God, He will surely wrap His arms around you and fill you with a sense of His presence – and hope for your future.
We need to be sharing this GOOD NEWS with others. We need to be encouraging and reassuring others of their importance to God…and how steadfast His love and care is for them. There are people of all ages who need to hear this message…and God is counting on us to share it. Just as Tyrone Obaseki has a mission…we do, also. Are you fazed by the events of the day…or are you trusting Jesus to mediate with God on your behalf? Are you operating in the power and hope of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for you…and do others see this confidence and faith in action? Isn’t it time they did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 8, 2016
Romans 8:24-28
Then he told them:
We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to getting something we don’t yet have—for a man who already has something doesn’t need to hope and trust that he will get it. But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn’t happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently.
And in the same way—by our faith — the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows, of course, what the Spirit is saying as he pleads for us in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans. Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Our Nathan is in his “superhero phase.” He wears a Batman or Spiderman costume almost every day – sometimes with a mask, sometimes without. I am talking the full costume, complete with cape where appropriate! Lately, he has discovered a French animated series about four new “superhero” characters, the Disney Channel’s PJ Masks. His favorite is Connor/Catboy, who Wikipedia describes as…
I looked online and found a blue nylon bodysuit that covers everything head to toe except the child’s face. It’s a little pricey, but I know it would be worn often…perhaps too often! I printed out masks of all the PJ Masks characters for Nathan and Timothy, and Nathan said, “When you buy me the suit for my birthday (in August), I will have the whole costume!” I am waiting to buy it until I know for sure that Nathan will still be interested in these characters when the time comes, but he is quite certain that he will get this suit for his birthday. In his mind, it is a “done deal,” and he is waiting “patiently and confidently.”
Most of us could use a hefty dose of this almost-four-year-old confidence and patience when it comes to our relationship with God and how we wait on Him for answers. If only we could trust that God will always answer and deliver perfectly when the time is right. Just as it is entirely possible that by August 3rd, Nathan may be completely over the Catboy character - and wanting some other toy or costume that he cannot live without - it may be that the deepest desire of our heart is not what we really want…or need. And in God’s perfect timing, He will set us straight.
You and I spend far too much time trying to “drive the car” and tell God what to do. We don’t know nearly as much as we think we do…and we let our imaginations and desires run amok. If we could only learn to stop, rest, and wait on God…to trust Him to decide what is best for us and to serve Him faithfully in the meantime…things would be so much better for us. We would be so much better if we would rest and allow God to hear the “groaning of unspoken prayers” once in awhile instead of constantly berating Him with a verbal litany of our wants and needs. We need to stop trying to make our point and make His difference…and let God do the orchestrating in all of this.
I don’t know whether Catboy will reign supreme this fall at our house or not. I also don’t know what God has in store for us in the coming weeks, months, and years. But I am trusting that it will all be good…and I am committing myself to live every day with patience and confidence as I wait on His plans and their implementation. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Then he told them:
We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to getting something we don’t yet have—for a man who already has something doesn’t need to hope and trust that he will get it. But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn’t happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently.
And in the same way—by our faith — the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows, of course, what the Spirit is saying as he pleads for us in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans. Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Our Nathan is in his “superhero phase.” He wears a Batman or Spiderman costume almost every day – sometimes with a mask, sometimes without. I am talking the full costume, complete with cape where appropriate! Lately, he has discovered a French animated series about four new “superhero” characters, the Disney Channel’s PJ Masks. His favorite is Connor/Catboy, who Wikipedia describes as…
”a blue-eyed boy with brown hair. When he transforms he wears a blue costume with cat ears and a thin feline tail. He is the leader of the group. He has super-hearing using Cat Ears, can leap high and far using Super Cat Jump, and sprints fast using Super Cat Speed, or just Super Speed. His vehicle is the Cat Car, located in the middle segment of the Masks' tower. His bedroom is on the second floor of a blue-roofed blue-doored house…”And Nathan wants his costume!
I looked online and found a blue nylon bodysuit that covers everything head to toe except the child’s face. It’s a little pricey, but I know it would be worn often…perhaps too often! I printed out masks of all the PJ Masks characters for Nathan and Timothy, and Nathan said, “When you buy me the suit for my birthday (in August), I will have the whole costume!” I am waiting to buy it until I know for sure that Nathan will still be interested in these characters when the time comes, but he is quite certain that he will get this suit for his birthday. In his mind, it is a “done deal,” and he is waiting “patiently and confidently.”
Most of us could use a hefty dose of this almost-four-year-old confidence and patience when it comes to our relationship with God and how we wait on Him for answers. If only we could trust that God will always answer and deliver perfectly when the time is right. Just as it is entirely possible that by August 3rd, Nathan may be completely over the Catboy character - and wanting some other toy or costume that he cannot live without - it may be that the deepest desire of our heart is not what we really want…or need. And in God’s perfect timing, He will set us straight.
You and I spend far too much time trying to “drive the car” and tell God what to do. We don’t know nearly as much as we think we do…and we let our imaginations and desires run amok. If we could only learn to stop, rest, and wait on God…to trust Him to decide what is best for us and to serve Him faithfully in the meantime…things would be so much better for us. We would be so much better if we would rest and allow God to hear the “groaning of unspoken prayers” once in awhile instead of constantly berating Him with a verbal litany of our wants and needs. We need to stop trying to make our point and make His difference…and let God do the orchestrating in all of this.
I don’t know whether Catboy will reign supreme this fall at our house or not. I also don’t know what God has in store for us in the coming weeks, months, and years. But I am trusting that it will all be good…and I am committing myself to live every day with patience and confidence as I wait on His plans and their implementation. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 7, 2016
Romans 8:18-23
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting patiently and hopefully for that future day when God will resurrect his children. For on that day thorns and thistles, sin, death, and decay — the things that overcame the world against its will at God’s command—will all disappear, and the world around us will share in the glorious freedom from sin which God’s children enjoy.
For we know that even the things of nature, like animals and plants, suffer in sickness and death as they await this great event. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us—bodies that will never be sick again and will never die.
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 few weeks after my dad died, I was telling a friend about how much he suffered…the two years of daily dialysis that confined him to bed and a machine for 14 hours every night…the chronic depression that made him want to lie in that bed and beg to die much of the time…the constant itching and sensitivity to smells and tastes that goes along with renal failure and makes one miserable…the countless trips to the hospital and Emergency Room for treatments for everything from anxiety to blood loss. And in the midst of this, my dad lost his only son and suffered incredible grief and heartache. He often cried, “I want to go with him.” I noted that after all of this, my dad had a stroke one day post hernia surgery that paralyzed him from the chest down…and a few hours later, a heart attack took his life. I questioned why Daddy had to suffer like this, when the ultimate result was “sudden” death.
I will never forget my friend’s response. He asked, “In the scheme of things, wasn’t all of that suffering just a ‘blip on the screen’ compared to what awaited your dad in heaven forever and ever?” He went on to suggest that we think about our earthly suffering in terms of time as we know it…but in comparison to Eternity and the peace and joy that awaits us there, it loses much of its punch and power.
Do not misunderstand me…I know that many have suffered. I do not in any way wish to diminish any person’s grief, physical discomfort and illness, and heartaches of all kinds. I know that people are physically, mentally and emotionally ravaged by lousy childhoods, war, the violence and hatred of others, and horrific injuries and diseases. I acknowledge human and animal cruelty…and how agonizing it can be to endure cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other terrible diseases. I know that life can be very hard for many. And it is easy to ask God, “WHY?”
But I also know that because I trust God…because I believe in His promises…the suffering will end – and it will have been a “blip on the screen” for those who trusted Him and waited anxiously for Heaven. In the meantime, suffering is real for so many…and to those who suffer, I say, “God sees you. He knows you are hurting, and He is not punishing you. He is drawing you close in your pain, heartache and grief. He is strengthening your ‘faith muscle’ as you rely more on Him and less on yourself to do these really hard things.”
I have discovered in the last few days that I’ve been relying too much on my own strength in recent months – and not enough on the power of God…and I didn’t even realize it. I have finally humbled myself and admitted to God that I need His help…that “life” has been a lot harder than I thought it was going to be…and I cannot do this without Him. I know that I am not going to be instantly “better” because of this…but my focus has shifted. I am looking at the bigger picture, rather than the “blip on the screen.”
I am recognizing just how much I need God in my life…His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and healing. I have redoubled my determination to walk in faith even more…and to let God carry me as I focus on a broader landscape – and the promise of Heaven – and less on the past and the immediate present. There will be plenty of unpleasant events and circumstances yet to come in my lifetime, but I will not face them alone. I will do all I can to wait patiently for God to lead me out of these adversities…and I will look forward to the glory of Heaven and the perfect peace that He is preparing for me there. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting patiently and hopefully for that future day when God will resurrect his children. For on that day thorns and thistles, sin, death, and decay — the things that overcame the world against its will at God’s command—will all disappear, and the world around us will share in the glorious freedom from sin which God’s children enjoy.
For we know that even the things of nature, like animals and plants, suffer in sickness and death as they await this great event. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us—bodies that will never be sick again and will never die.
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 few weeks after my dad died, I was telling a friend about how much he suffered…the two years of daily dialysis that confined him to bed and a machine for 14 hours every night…the chronic depression that made him want to lie in that bed and beg to die much of the time…the constant itching and sensitivity to smells and tastes that goes along with renal failure and makes one miserable…the countless trips to the hospital and Emergency Room for treatments for everything from anxiety to blood loss. And in the midst of this, my dad lost his only son and suffered incredible grief and heartache. He often cried, “I want to go with him.” I noted that after all of this, my dad had a stroke one day post hernia surgery that paralyzed him from the chest down…and a few hours later, a heart attack took his life. I questioned why Daddy had to suffer like this, when the ultimate result was “sudden” death.
I will never forget my friend’s response. He asked, “In the scheme of things, wasn’t all of that suffering just a ‘blip on the screen’ compared to what awaited your dad in heaven forever and ever?” He went on to suggest that we think about our earthly suffering in terms of time as we know it…but in comparison to Eternity and the peace and joy that awaits us there, it loses much of its punch and power.
Do not misunderstand me…I know that many have suffered. I do not in any way wish to diminish any person’s grief, physical discomfort and illness, and heartaches of all kinds. I know that people are physically, mentally and emotionally ravaged by lousy childhoods, war, the violence and hatred of others, and horrific injuries and diseases. I acknowledge human and animal cruelty…and how agonizing it can be to endure cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other terrible diseases. I know that life can be very hard for many. And it is easy to ask God, “WHY?”
But I also know that because I trust God…because I believe in His promises…the suffering will end – and it will have been a “blip on the screen” for those who trusted Him and waited anxiously for Heaven. In the meantime, suffering is real for so many…and to those who suffer, I say, “God sees you. He knows you are hurting, and He is not punishing you. He is drawing you close in your pain, heartache and grief. He is strengthening your ‘faith muscle’ as you rely more on Him and less on yourself to do these really hard things.”
I have discovered in the last few days that I’ve been relying too much on my own strength in recent months – and not enough on the power of God…and I didn’t even realize it. I have finally humbled myself and admitted to God that I need His help…that “life” has been a lot harder than I thought it was going to be…and I cannot do this without Him. I know that I am not going to be instantly “better” because of this…but my focus has shifted. I am looking at the bigger picture, rather than the “blip on the screen.”
I am recognizing just how much I need God in my life…His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and healing. I have redoubled my determination to walk in faith even more…and to let God carry me as I focus on a broader landscape – and the promise of Heaven – and less on the past and the immediate present. There will be plenty of unpleasant events and circumstances yet to come in my lifetime, but I will not face them alone. I will do all I can to wait patiently for God to lead me out of these adversities…and I will look forward to the glory of Heaven and the perfect peace that He is preparing for me there. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 6, 2016
Romans 8:15-17
God’s Spirit doesn’t make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father. God’s Spirit makes us sure that we are his children. His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ we will be given what God has promised. We will also share in the glory of Christ, because we have suffered with him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I confess …I turn down a lot of invitations these days. I am simply not interested in joining a club, participating in certain groups, or attending certain social activities. It’s not that I have commitment issues…or that I am an introvert or asocial. Sometimes the person(s) who are inviting will say, “You will have so much fun! You will really enjoy this”…or the ultimate, “You will be so blessed!” Yeah…maybe…but I will also feel obligated to continue to attend/participate. The activity will become drudgery, and NOBODY will be blessed by that!
If we are truly honest, a lot of us do this with God. When the Holy Spirit comes calling, we say, “I see what you are offering – and it sounds great on the surface. But over time, it could become hard work – or even boring or uninteresting. My relationship with you could become an obligation more than an honor…and I would not be serving you for the right reasons.” And we pull away.
I’m not going to lie…there will be times when serving in God’s Army isn’t exactly tea and roses. There will be days when you don’t want to smile and “play nice”…times when you don’t want to open your Bible and seek God’s word and will…worship events that you don’t want to attend…and people you don’t want to serve in the name of Jesus. But in these instances, if we do it anyway, we will essentially be “suffering with Christ” in a small way. I can assure you that JESUS did not want to be nailed to a cross for a single one of us…but He did it anyway.
There are things in our life in which we have every right to refuse to participate, for whatever reason. Some of them very well may make us feel like slaves. But serving God and surrendering to His will is not one of them. He is our Father…we are His children. He loves us beyond anything we can ever imagine. Nothing or no one will ever compare. What God calls us to do will bring blessings beyond what we could ever dream…and glory because we did these things for Him.
So refuse a lunch date…decline the offer to join a study group, fitness team, or even a social club…turn down that invitation to a party that sounds less fun than being waterboarded! But don’t miss out on the Holy Spirit’s invitation. Don’t say “No!” to the One who offers EVERYTHING! Jump in with both feet and say, “Yes! I’m ready, willing – and thanks to the power of Jesus – ABLE to do whatever you ask!”
©2016 Debbie Robus
God’s Spirit doesn’t make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father. God’s Spirit makes us sure that we are his children. His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ we will be given what God has promised. We will also share in the glory of Christ, because we have suffered with him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I confess …I turn down a lot of invitations these days. I am simply not interested in joining a club, participating in certain groups, or attending certain social activities. It’s not that I have commitment issues…or that I am an introvert or asocial. Sometimes the person(s) who are inviting will say, “You will have so much fun! You will really enjoy this”…or the ultimate, “You will be so blessed!” Yeah…maybe…but I will also feel obligated to continue to attend/participate. The activity will become drudgery, and NOBODY will be blessed by that!
If we are truly honest, a lot of us do this with God. When the Holy Spirit comes calling, we say, “I see what you are offering – and it sounds great on the surface. But over time, it could become hard work – or even boring or uninteresting. My relationship with you could become an obligation more than an honor…and I would not be serving you for the right reasons.” And we pull away.
I’m not going to lie…there will be times when serving in God’s Army isn’t exactly tea and roses. There will be days when you don’t want to smile and “play nice”…times when you don’t want to open your Bible and seek God’s word and will…worship events that you don’t want to attend…and people you don’t want to serve in the name of Jesus. But in these instances, if we do it anyway, we will essentially be “suffering with Christ” in a small way. I can assure you that JESUS did not want to be nailed to a cross for a single one of us…but He did it anyway.
There are things in our life in which we have every right to refuse to participate, for whatever reason. Some of them very well may make us feel like slaves. But serving God and surrendering to His will is not one of them. He is our Father…we are His children. He loves us beyond anything we can ever imagine. Nothing or no one will ever compare. What God calls us to do will bring blessings beyond what we could ever dream…and glory because we did these things for Him.
So refuse a lunch date…decline the offer to join a study group, fitness team, or even a social club…turn down that invitation to a party that sounds less fun than being waterboarded! But don’t miss out on the Holy Spirit’s invitation. Don’t say “No!” to the One who offers EVERYTHING! Jump in with both feet and say, “Yes! I’m ready, willing – and thanks to the power of Jesus – ABLE to do whatever you ask!”
©2016 Debbie Robus
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