Mark 7:14-23
Then Jesus called to the crowd to
come and hear. “All of you listen,” he said, “and try to understand.
Your souls aren’t harmed by what you eat, but by what you think and
say!”
Then he went into a house to get away from the crowds, and
his disciples asked him what he meant by the statement he had just made.
“Don’t
you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that what you eat
won’t harm your soul? For food doesn’t come in contact with your heart,
but only passes through the digestive system.” (By saying this he showed
that every kind of food is kosher.)
And then he added, “It is
the thought-life that pollutes. For from within, out of men’s hearts,
come evil thoughts of lust, theft, murder, adultery, wanting what
belongs to others, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, pride,
and all other folly. All these vile things come from within; they are
what pollute you and make you unfit for God.”
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
There has been lots of
talk lately in the news about the “5-second rule.” Apparently, new
studies have been done (who pays for these things?!) to determine
whether food that is dropped on the floor is safe to eat, if picked up
within a certain amount of time - like five seconds. It turns out that
there are extenuating circumstances…particularly what type of floor
surface was involved and the specific food item in question.
The
bottom line is that it probably is NOT a good idea to eat food that has
fallen on the floor. However, we’ve all seen our kids do it before we
could get to them to stop this – and the children are still here! I’ve
been volunteering at the elementary school in Timothy and Zola’s
classrooms, and I have had to remind myself that children are
resilient…and they must have stomachs of iron! As they take turns
drinking from the water fountain…eating all sorts of things without
using hand sanitizer or washing their hands…and so much more, I try not
to think about what they are ingesting!
In a way, you could
maintain that we should be more worried about the knowledge and wisdom
our children internalize than the potential for a few germs to enter
their bodies as they eat their snacks and lunch – or quench their
thirst. And this is essentially the message that Jesus is giving to us
about our own daily living.
Too often, we are overly concerned
with the wrong things. We worry about what this one or that one is
thinking - or how he/she is living - but we don’t pay a bit of attention
to what is in the person’s heart. We condemn all sorts of behaviors
from others while demonstrating plenty of sins and “errors” of our own.
In The Message, verse 16 says, “It’s not what you swallow that pollutes
your life; it’s what you vomit—that’s the real pollution.”
So
let’s stop worrying so much about “appearances.” Let’s quit judging
others based on surface observations and things that really don’t matter
that much…ditch the name calling and overt criticisms…and stop acting
like we are better than the other guy because we call ourselves
Christians. Let’s take a long hard look at what is in our heart…and what
we present to others.
Are our words and actions polluted with
sin? Do we have our priorities in line with those of Jesus? Are we
focused on keeping the main thing the main thing? Are we more concerned with keeping up appearances and feeding the body…or feeding the heart and soul?
Jesus
is very clear that what we think and say – and how we treat others –
matters. Our thoughts, words and actions have lasting consequences. Are
you more worried about the Spiritual “5-second rule”…or spending Eternity in His
presence?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 29, 2016
Mark 3:5-8
Jesus was angry as he looked around at the people. Yet he felt sorry for them because they were so stubborn. Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did, and his bad hand was healed.
The Pharisees left. And right away they started making plans with Herod’s followers to kill Jesus.
Jesus led his disciples down to the shore of the lake. Large crowds followed him from Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. People came from Idumea, as well as other places east of the Jordan River. They also came from the region around the cities of Tyre and Sidon. All of these crowds came because they had heard what Jesus was doing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was growing up, my daddy and my Mam-ma Polly had a saying, “Tend to your own rat killin’!” What they meant was, “Mind your own business, do what you know is right, and don’t worry about what the other guy thinks.” My mother also had a favorite saying in her last years…”You can’t fix stupid.” I know these may not be the nicest things to say…but at face value, they do hold a lot of truth.
I could not help but think of both of these phrases as I read today’s scripture passage. On the one hand, Jesus had demonstrated His power in both word and deed…and there were still some who simply refused to believe Him. The Book of Mark tells us that this angered Jesus…but it also saddened Him. On the other hand, people were rumbling and grumbling about Jesus’ miracles…doubting His authenticity - and even making plans to kill Him. And Jesus just “went on with His rat killin’!” He continued to minister to those who came to Him…to heal those who trusted and believed in His power and sovereignty.
What does this mean for you and me? Every day, we encounter people who, at best, do not agree with us on some level…and some who do not believe in Jesus or the faith in Him that we demonstrate. We are questioned, doubted, challenged…and sometimes mocked or ridiculed. We can get angry…and even stoop to the level of those who would argue with us. Or we can rely on God’s strength, stay in communication with the Holy Spirit…and “tend to our rat killin’!” We can go about our day doing what God has told us to do…sharing the love, grace power and mercy of Jesus Christ with others…and let God handle the rest.
Thankfully, the chances that you or I might be killed for our faith are slim to none. But there may be some lonely, hurtful, frustrating days/weeks/months/years. Do not be discouraged. Remember this passage from Mark 3. Take heart that you can’t fix everyone – and you’re not supposed to. You are simply to tend to the business and ministries of Jesus – and give Him room to do the heavy lifting. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus was angry as he looked around at the people. Yet he felt sorry for them because they were so stubborn. Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did, and his bad hand was healed.
The Pharisees left. And right away they started making plans with Herod’s followers to kill Jesus.
Jesus led his disciples down to the shore of the lake. Large crowds followed him from Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. People came from Idumea, as well as other places east of the Jordan River. They also came from the region around the cities of Tyre and Sidon. All of these crowds came because they had heard what Jesus was doing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was growing up, my daddy and my Mam-ma Polly had a saying, “Tend to your own rat killin’!” What they meant was, “Mind your own business, do what you know is right, and don’t worry about what the other guy thinks.” My mother also had a favorite saying in her last years…”You can’t fix stupid.” I know these may not be the nicest things to say…but at face value, they do hold a lot of truth.
I could not help but think of both of these phrases as I read today’s scripture passage. On the one hand, Jesus had demonstrated His power in both word and deed…and there were still some who simply refused to believe Him. The Book of Mark tells us that this angered Jesus…but it also saddened Him. On the other hand, people were rumbling and grumbling about Jesus’ miracles…doubting His authenticity - and even making plans to kill Him. And Jesus just “went on with His rat killin’!” He continued to minister to those who came to Him…to heal those who trusted and believed in His power and sovereignty.
What does this mean for you and me? Every day, we encounter people who, at best, do not agree with us on some level…and some who do not believe in Jesus or the faith in Him that we demonstrate. We are questioned, doubted, challenged…and sometimes mocked or ridiculed. We can get angry…and even stoop to the level of those who would argue with us. Or we can rely on God’s strength, stay in communication with the Holy Spirit…and “tend to our rat killin’!” We can go about our day doing what God has told us to do…sharing the love, grace power and mercy of Jesus Christ with others…and let God handle the rest.
Thankfully, the chances that you or I might be killed for our faith are slim to none. But there may be some lonely, hurtful, frustrating days/weeks/months/years. Do not be discouraged. Remember this passage from Mark 3. Take heart that you can’t fix everyone – and you’re not supposed to. You are simply to tend to the business and ministries of Jesus – and give Him room to do the heavy lifting. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 28, 2016
Mark 13:7-8
Jesus began, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing compared to what’s coming."
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 mother used to say that the wars, crimes and atrocities we face today are nothing new. And indeed, if you read the Old Testament, you can learn about everything from the bloodiest, most heinous battle tactics to racism, sexism, and discrimination of every sort. Babies were killed to prove a point. There was torture and rape…and entire villages and tribes were decimated. Centuries ago, “prophets” told of the end of the world as if it was imminent…and we’re still here.
Today, we are barraged with lies and/or grossly exaggerated claims at every turn. For some reason, many people seem to delight in scaring the stuffing out of others with doomsday reports, while others have such inflated egos that they cannot seem to help but declare themselves the ultimate savior of all things that are wrong in the world.
So what are we to do? Who do we trust? How do we sift through all of the chatter and determine the truth? We start with prayer…and a long, deep breath. We “let go and let God”…and give Him our burdens and fears. We delve into the scriptures and let God’s word soak into our soul. The truth is there, along with answers to virtually all of the questions we have - if we will only calm down and pay attention.
We also have to exercise our God-given common sense. We have to ask ourselves…”What is this person really saying…and what does GOD say about the same issues?” If you will continue reading Mark 13 through at least verse 13, you will see that Jesus assures that the Holy Spirit will always be with us…and that those who persevere in their faith will be saved in the end.
Our Timothy has asked me several times lately, “Why are you and Uncle Greg always so happy?” It appears that on some level, we are filling our little ones with a “gloom and doom” impression of the world. Even they don’t understand how anyone could experience genuine and sustaining joy in light of all that is happening in the world. My answer to the question of why I am always happy has become, “Because God blesses us and takes care of us.”
Yes, bad things happen. Yes…I sometimes have sadness and heartaches, just like everyone else – even Jesus. But God is still with me…and He always will be. No matter what, I will be saved in the end…and I choose to focus on this rather than the darkness and despair that so many are propagating.
Who do YOU trust? More importantly, who do others believe you trust? People are watching…are you showing them genuine faith in Jesus? Don’t you think you should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus began, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing compared to what’s coming."
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 mother used to say that the wars, crimes and atrocities we face today are nothing new. And indeed, if you read the Old Testament, you can learn about everything from the bloodiest, most heinous battle tactics to racism, sexism, and discrimination of every sort. Babies were killed to prove a point. There was torture and rape…and entire villages and tribes were decimated. Centuries ago, “prophets” told of the end of the world as if it was imminent…and we’re still here.
Today, we are barraged with lies and/or grossly exaggerated claims at every turn. For some reason, many people seem to delight in scaring the stuffing out of others with doomsday reports, while others have such inflated egos that they cannot seem to help but declare themselves the ultimate savior of all things that are wrong in the world.
So what are we to do? Who do we trust? How do we sift through all of the chatter and determine the truth? We start with prayer…and a long, deep breath. We “let go and let God”…and give Him our burdens and fears. We delve into the scriptures and let God’s word soak into our soul. The truth is there, along with answers to virtually all of the questions we have - if we will only calm down and pay attention.
We also have to exercise our God-given common sense. We have to ask ourselves…”What is this person really saying…and what does GOD say about the same issues?” If you will continue reading Mark 13 through at least verse 13, you will see that Jesus assures that the Holy Spirit will always be with us…and that those who persevere in their faith will be saved in the end.
Our Timothy has asked me several times lately, “Why are you and Uncle Greg always so happy?” It appears that on some level, we are filling our little ones with a “gloom and doom” impression of the world. Even they don’t understand how anyone could experience genuine and sustaining joy in light of all that is happening in the world. My answer to the question of why I am always happy has become, “Because God blesses us and takes care of us.”
Yes, bad things happen. Yes…I sometimes have sadness and heartaches, just like everyone else – even Jesus. But God is still with me…and He always will be. No matter what, I will be saved in the end…and I choose to focus on this rather than the darkness and despair that so many are propagating.
Who do YOU trust? More importantly, who do others believe you trust? People are watching…are you showing them genuine faith in Jesus? Don’t you think you should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 27, 2016
Luke 6:30-35
Give to everyone who asks and don’t ask people to return what they have taken from you. Treat others just as you want to be treated.
If you love only someone who loves you, will God praise you for that? Even sinners love people who love them. If you are kind only to someone who is kind to you, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners are kind to people who are kind to them. If you lend money only to someone you think will pay you back, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners lend to sinners because they think they will get it all back.
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s happened more than once. A person I thought was a friend did something hurtful toward me – or toward another friend or loved one. And then this person acted as if nothing had happened. There are also a few people who never respond to my kindnesses…who never say “Thank You” when I wish them well or do something nice for them. And I continue to do it anyway. Why? Because decades ago, someone gave me some excellent (and scriptural) advice when another person had treated me poorly…”Kill ‘em with kindness.”
Here’s the thing…think of all that you have done that broke Jesus’ heart. Did He turn His back on you? Did Jesus say, “You mistreated Me, so I am not doing another thing for you!”…or “You are dead to Me!” No, Jesus continues to love us and bless us even as we disappoint Him on a daily basis. We are offered unmerited favor, also known as GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. And we are called to extend this same gift to others.
At every turn, we must ask ourselves, “How do we wish to be treated?” We must consider how Jesus treats us – even when we falter…how He reacts when we “borrow” and don’t repay…how He loves us even when we break His heart. We have to ask ourselves whether we think we are better than Jesus…or whether we should be implementing His model of compassion, grace, mercy and forgiveness in our daily interaction with others.
The answer is clear to me. I won’t say that I don’t have to sometimes grit my teeth and bite my tongue while I smile and say or do nice things for someone else. But because of God’s grace, I try to treat others as I wish to be treated…whether they reciprocate or not. At some point, your efforts may be noticed. The “borrower” or “offender” may acknowledge that you treated him/her better than he/she deserved. But either way, you will be able to say to yourself – and most importantly, to Jesus – “I did my best to honor what You commanded. I treated others as YOU treat me…and as I wish to be treated.”
There are people who will hurt us...people who will borrow and never repay…people who will disappoint us – or even break our hearts – and then act as if nothing ever happened. Bad things will happen to “good” people…at the hands of other people we thought were inherently “good.” How we react and respond speaks volumes about where we are as a Christian disciple. What - and WHO - are you showing to others these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Give to everyone who asks and don’t ask people to return what they have taken from you. Treat others just as you want to be treated.
If you love only someone who loves you, will God praise you for that? Even sinners love people who love them. If you are kind only to someone who is kind to you, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners are kind to people who are kind to them. If you lend money only to someone you think will pay you back, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners lend to sinners because they think they will get it all back.
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s happened more than once. A person I thought was a friend did something hurtful toward me – or toward another friend or loved one. And then this person acted as if nothing had happened. There are also a few people who never respond to my kindnesses…who never say “Thank You” when I wish them well or do something nice for them. And I continue to do it anyway. Why? Because decades ago, someone gave me some excellent (and scriptural) advice when another person had treated me poorly…”Kill ‘em with kindness.”
Here’s the thing…think of all that you have done that broke Jesus’ heart. Did He turn His back on you? Did Jesus say, “You mistreated Me, so I am not doing another thing for you!”…or “You are dead to Me!” No, Jesus continues to love us and bless us even as we disappoint Him on a daily basis. We are offered unmerited favor, also known as GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. And we are called to extend this same gift to others.
At every turn, we must ask ourselves, “How do we wish to be treated?” We must consider how Jesus treats us – even when we falter…how He reacts when we “borrow” and don’t repay…how He loves us even when we break His heart. We have to ask ourselves whether we think we are better than Jesus…or whether we should be implementing His model of compassion, grace, mercy and forgiveness in our daily interaction with others.
The answer is clear to me. I won’t say that I don’t have to sometimes grit my teeth and bite my tongue while I smile and say or do nice things for someone else. But because of God’s grace, I try to treat others as I wish to be treated…whether they reciprocate or not. At some point, your efforts may be noticed. The “borrower” or “offender” may acknowledge that you treated him/her better than he/she deserved. But either way, you will be able to say to yourself – and most importantly, to Jesus – “I did my best to honor what You commanded. I treated others as YOU treat me…and as I wish to be treated.”
There are people who will hurt us...people who will borrow and never repay…people who will disappoint us – or even break our hearts – and then act as if nothing ever happened. Bad things will happen to “good” people…at the hands of other people we thought were inherently “good.” How we react and respond speaks volumes about where we are as a Christian disciple. What - and WHO - are you showing to others these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 26, 2016
Luke 3:12-14
When tax collectors came to be baptized, they asked John, “Teacher, what should we do?”
John told them, “Don’t make people pay more than they owe.”
Some soldiers asked him, “And what about us? What do we have to do?”
John told them, “Don’t force people to pay money to make you leave them alone. Be satisfied with your pay.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The children in Timothy’s Sunday school class have been studying the book of James this month – in particular, James 1:22…”But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” We have talked each Sunday about how important it is to learn what God wants for us…and to put it into action.
So as we look at these verses from James 1 and Luke 3 - and think about our own lives - we may sometimes wonder, “How will we convince people that we have really changed? What about the person who knew us ‘back in the day’…how will he/she ever believe that we are a new creature in Christ? How can we be sure that others see Jesus in our everyday living?”
The answer lies in John’s response to the tax collectors and soldiers…demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus in how you live – and how you treat others. Be doers of the Word. You have to go the extra mile, do the right thing, and conduct yourself in a manner that honors Jesus in all things.
Too many “Christians” accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation…then went right back to their old habits. They still gossip, discriminate, call people names, take bribes and overcharge. They gripe and complain about everything from their job to the weather. Their circle of friends and the influences in their lives have not changed - and neither have their attitudes. Most observers would be hard-pressed to say that any transformation has occurred in these people…that Jesus has really made any difference in their lives.
It is one thing to say, “I’ve given my heart to Jesus…but it is totally another to demonstrate this in our daily living.” The tiniest details are what will make a real difference for God’s Kingdom. We can attend worship services on Sundays and participate in weekly Bible study groups…carry our Bibles…quote scripture…do “mission work” and listen to “Christian” music.
We can wear our crosses and drive cars with bumper stickers that say, “Honk if you love Jesus.” We can post those memes on social media about loving Jesus and believing in God. But none of this makes us a true Christian disciple. If our attitude and even SOME of our actions do not line up with God’s word and will - and the teachings of Jesus – our “witness” is contaminated.
Examine your daily living – every thought, word and action. See if what you are demonstrating represents true Christian discipleship – and glorifies Jesus. Make His teachings on attitudes and actions your daily habits. If second and third graders can learn to be “doers of the Word,” surely we adults can do the same. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
When tax collectors came to be baptized, they asked John, “Teacher, what should we do?”
John told them, “Don’t make people pay more than they owe.”
Some soldiers asked him, “And what about us? What do we have to do?”
John told them, “Don’t force people to pay money to make you leave them alone. Be satisfied with your pay.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The children in Timothy’s Sunday school class have been studying the book of James this month – in particular, James 1:22…”But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” We have talked each Sunday about how important it is to learn what God wants for us…and to put it into action.
So as we look at these verses from James 1 and Luke 3 - and think about our own lives - we may sometimes wonder, “How will we convince people that we have really changed? What about the person who knew us ‘back in the day’…how will he/she ever believe that we are a new creature in Christ? How can we be sure that others see Jesus in our everyday living?”
The answer lies in John’s response to the tax collectors and soldiers…demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus in how you live – and how you treat others. Be doers of the Word. You have to go the extra mile, do the right thing, and conduct yourself in a manner that honors Jesus in all things.
Too many “Christians” accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation…then went right back to their old habits. They still gossip, discriminate, call people names, take bribes and overcharge. They gripe and complain about everything from their job to the weather. Their circle of friends and the influences in their lives have not changed - and neither have their attitudes. Most observers would be hard-pressed to say that any transformation has occurred in these people…that Jesus has really made any difference in their lives.
It is one thing to say, “I’ve given my heart to Jesus…but it is totally another to demonstrate this in our daily living.” The tiniest details are what will make a real difference for God’s Kingdom. We can attend worship services on Sundays and participate in weekly Bible study groups…carry our Bibles…quote scripture…do “mission work” and listen to “Christian” music.
We can wear our crosses and drive cars with bumper stickers that say, “Honk if you love Jesus.” We can post those memes on social media about loving Jesus and believing in God. But none of this makes us a true Christian disciple. If our attitude and even SOME of our actions do not line up with God’s word and will - and the teachings of Jesus – our “witness” is contaminated.
Examine your daily living – every thought, word and action. See if what you are demonstrating represents true Christian discipleship – and glorifies Jesus. Make His teachings on attitudes and actions your daily habits. If second and third graders can learn to be “doers of the Word,” surely we adults can do the same. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 25, 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.
When I was a little girl, I always wanted to take dance lessons like my classmates. My mother said we could not afford them. I will admit…I resented that. As a child, I failed to recognize that she and my dad were already scrimping and scraping to pay for piano lessons, braces for our teeth, and much more – times three! I distinctly remember my mother saying that if she didn’t make braces happen to alleviate the huge gap between my front teeth and give me a nice smile, she would regret it the rest of her life.
My mother was like many parents – she wanted to afford me every opportunity for a lifetime of success. Even thought she taught piano lessons, when my siblings and I were in junior high, Mother paid for us to study under another teacher with “conservatory-level” experience. For a girl growing up in our little community, piano lessons were sure to carry one further in life than learning to do a little tap and ballet. And Mother was right. Still, I did not understand…and I am sure that I didn’t appreciate many of my parents’ sacrifices - or why they made the decisions on my behalf that they did.
I’ll be honest…there are many instances where I don’t understand what Jesus does…even today. Why did He allow three elementary school children to lose their dad to cancer? Why does He allow the existence of orphans and foster children? Why are there terrorists and murderers…child molesters and people who abuse animals? Why doesn’t Jesus “come down from the cross” and fix all of this?
The answer that I keep getting is…”You wouldn’t really need Me if I fixed everything.” I also hear Jesus saying, “You don’t know what you are asking…and I forgive you for it.” In terms of how I relate this to my everyday living, I offer this…there are things that have happened to me in my lifetime that I do not understand. Not only have life-changing events occurred…accidents, illnesses, personal losses and disappointments…but I have also made some mistakes along the way. And each time, God has used these to teach me not only how much I need Him…but also great lessons in humility, compassion, grace and mercy.
I feel like I am more understanding about those around me because of the forgiveness I have been granted. I know that Jesus stayed on the cross for me – and for you. I know that because of His sacrifice, I am able to look at others with His heart and the desire that they come to know Him as I do...as the Savior who makes all things possible.
I seriously doubt that I would still be tap dancing or performing ballet at almost 60, but I still play the piano every week! And while I still question events and circumstances from time to time, I learn to trust Jesus more every day. What He allows can be used for His glory – and make us better disciples, if we will only pay attention and trust Him to know best. How well are you doing these days?
©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.
When I was a little girl, I always wanted to take dance lessons like my classmates. My mother said we could not afford them. I will admit…I resented that. As a child, I failed to recognize that she and my dad were already scrimping and scraping to pay for piano lessons, braces for our teeth, and much more – times three! I distinctly remember my mother saying that if she didn’t make braces happen to alleviate the huge gap between my front teeth and give me a nice smile, she would regret it the rest of her life.
My mother was like many parents – she wanted to afford me every opportunity for a lifetime of success. Even thought she taught piano lessons, when my siblings and I were in junior high, Mother paid for us to study under another teacher with “conservatory-level” experience. For a girl growing up in our little community, piano lessons were sure to carry one further in life than learning to do a little tap and ballet. And Mother was right. Still, I did not understand…and I am sure that I didn’t appreciate many of my parents’ sacrifices - or why they made the decisions on my behalf that they did.
I’ll be honest…there are many instances where I don’t understand what Jesus does…even today. Why did He allow three elementary school children to lose their dad to cancer? Why does He allow the existence of orphans and foster children? Why are there terrorists and murderers…child molesters and people who abuse animals? Why doesn’t Jesus “come down from the cross” and fix all of this?
The answer that I keep getting is…”You wouldn’t really need Me if I fixed everything.” I also hear Jesus saying, “You don’t know what you are asking…and I forgive you for it.” In terms of how I relate this to my everyday living, I offer this…there are things that have happened to me in my lifetime that I do not understand. Not only have life-changing events occurred…accidents, illnesses, personal losses and disappointments…but I have also made some mistakes along the way. And each time, God has used these to teach me not only how much I need Him…but also great lessons in humility, compassion, grace and mercy.
I feel like I am more understanding about those around me because of the forgiveness I have been granted. I know that Jesus stayed on the cross for me – and for you. I know that because of His sacrifice, I am able to look at others with His heart and the desire that they come to know Him as I do...as the Savior who makes all things possible.
I seriously doubt that I would still be tap dancing or performing ballet at almost 60, but I still play the piano every week! And while I still question events and circumstances from time to time, I learn to trust Jesus more every day. What He allows can be used for His glory – and make us better disciples, if we will only pay attention and trust Him to know best. How well are you doing these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 24, 2016
Luke 22:35-37
Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you were without money, duffle bag, or extra clothing, how did you get along?”
“Fine,” they replied.
“But now,” he said, “take a duffle bag if you have one and your money. And if you don’t have a sword, better sell your clothes and buy one! For the time has come for this prophecy about me to come true: ‘He will be condemned as a criminal!’ Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”
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 couple of Sundays ago, my friend Valerie and I taught 2nd-3rd grade Sunday school together. We both had tan tote bags that looked very similar…and we both remarked that we had each thought the other one’s purse was ours. Valerie showed me how heavy her purse was…and I laughed, because mine was equally heavy. It seems that we women try to carry the world in our purses…and if there are small children involved, this is absolutely a necessity!
Once in a while, Greg and I will go somewhere that I do not carry a purse. Sometimes, I will slip a couple of things in the car…and I usually have a pocket for my phone. But in general, the days of “traveling light” pretty well disappeared for me years ago. Just as surely as I don’t carry my purse, the children or I will need something – tissues or a handkerchief…eyeglass cleaner…cream for some sort of bite, itch or “boo-boo”…hand sanitizer…a pen…my extra set of keys or my wallet…the kids’ sunglasses…and so much more. To go without these things might not amount to a matter of life or death, but I would rather be prepared than caught off guard!
How does this apply to our daily living as a Christian? Jesus is telling us that we can’t just wander through life and expect God to take care of everything for us. We can’t let our feet hit the floor in the morning without our “duffel bag” by our side, filled with the word of God (our sword), the presence of the Holy Spirit (our currency), confidence and faith in our mission (extra clothing), and direct communication with our Heavenly Father to assure that we are on the right track! We have no clue what we will need in any given minute, so we’d better be prepared for anything!
The battle is real. The stakes are high. The days of venturing out into the world with just the clothes on our back are gone. The devil’s enemies are waiting and watching, and they will pick out those who are not prepared and attack them with a vengeance. Many will never even see the “hit” coming. Do not be among them!
Your “duffel bag” may seem so heavy and cumbersome at times…and totally unnecessary at others. But I assure you, it is worth the weight. There will be days when you want to ask, “Why can’t I just ‘be’ today?” And the short answer is…”What if Jesus had said this on the cross?” Our “burden” pales in comparison to that of our Jesus. So pack your duffel bag and prepare for the journey ahead. There is work to be done - and we don’t have a minute to waste!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you were without money, duffle bag, or extra clothing, how did you get along?”
“Fine,” they replied.
“But now,” he said, “take a duffle bag if you have one and your money. And if you don’t have a sword, better sell your clothes and buy one! For the time has come for this prophecy about me to come true: ‘He will be condemned as a criminal!’ Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”
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 couple of Sundays ago, my friend Valerie and I taught 2nd-3rd grade Sunday school together. We both had tan tote bags that looked very similar…and we both remarked that we had each thought the other one’s purse was ours. Valerie showed me how heavy her purse was…and I laughed, because mine was equally heavy. It seems that we women try to carry the world in our purses…and if there are small children involved, this is absolutely a necessity!
Once in a while, Greg and I will go somewhere that I do not carry a purse. Sometimes, I will slip a couple of things in the car…and I usually have a pocket for my phone. But in general, the days of “traveling light” pretty well disappeared for me years ago. Just as surely as I don’t carry my purse, the children or I will need something – tissues or a handkerchief…eyeglass cleaner…cream for some sort of bite, itch or “boo-boo”…hand sanitizer…a pen…my extra set of keys or my wallet…the kids’ sunglasses…and so much more. To go without these things might not amount to a matter of life or death, but I would rather be prepared than caught off guard!
How does this apply to our daily living as a Christian? Jesus is telling us that we can’t just wander through life and expect God to take care of everything for us. We can’t let our feet hit the floor in the morning without our “duffel bag” by our side, filled with the word of God (our sword), the presence of the Holy Spirit (our currency), confidence and faith in our mission (extra clothing), and direct communication with our Heavenly Father to assure that we are on the right track! We have no clue what we will need in any given minute, so we’d better be prepared for anything!
The battle is real. The stakes are high. The days of venturing out into the world with just the clothes on our back are gone. The devil’s enemies are waiting and watching, and they will pick out those who are not prepared and attack them with a vengeance. Many will never even see the “hit” coming. Do not be among them!
Your “duffel bag” may seem so heavy and cumbersome at times…and totally unnecessary at others. But I assure you, it is worth the weight. There will be days when you want to ask, “Why can’t I just ‘be’ today?” And the short answer is…”What if Jesus had said this on the cross?” Our “burden” pales in comparison to that of our Jesus. So pack your duffel bag and prepare for the journey ahead. There is work to be done - and we don’t have a minute to waste!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 23, 2016
September 23 – Luke 17:1-4
Jesus said to his disciples:
There will always be something that causes people to sin. But anyone who causes them to sin is in for trouble. A person who causes even one of my little followers to sin would be better off thrown into the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their neck. So be careful what you do.
Correct any followers of mine who sin, and forgive the ones who say they are sorry. Even if one of them mistreats you seven times in one day and says, “I am sorry,” you should still forgive that person.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A 17-year-old boy in North Little Rock, Arkansas, lit a joint (marijuana), gave it to his 3-year-old nephew, and told him to “hit the blunt” (smoke it). The teenager made a video of the whole thing and posted it on Facebook. In the video, you can hear the child ask if this is “weed” and see him at least attempt to inhale…while his uncle laughs.
The teenage boy has been arrested and faces charges for endangering the welfare of a minor. The child has been physically examined and returned to other family members. No matter how you feel about marijuana – or the fact that this was illegal in numerous ways - no rational person would for even one minute condone encouraging a young child to smoke anything…much less a Schedule I controlled substance! This teenager made a horrible mistake…and he will probably pay for it with some serious jail time, at the very least.
If we look at these first verses of Luke 17, we are warned not to cause another person to sin. While most of us have enough sense to know that giving marijuana to a toddler is wrong…we think nothing of making off-color comments. We deride others and discriminate against them. We judge people, gossip, engage in name calling, and so much more – with no regard for how this might appear to those who are watching and listening. We operate in “do as I say, not as I do” mode…and we cannot see that we are essentially handing a joint to a three-year-old and saying, “hit the blunt!”
So “Part One” of our message for today is to watch what we say and do – ALL of it - and never cause another person to sin. But then Jesus adds another important command…we must forgive any who remorsefully ask for mercy and absolution. Jesus is so adamant about this that He emphasizes that we should do this seven times in one day, if necessary! I will be the first to tell you that I really struggle with this one!
I think one of the reasons this is so hard for me is that many people find it easy to say “I’m sorry”…but then nothing really changes. Many people promise to do better or that “it will never happen again,” and we know before the words leave their mouths that this is not the truth. I have tried to imagine how all of this must seem to Jesus. Because you see, for every ridiculous “apology” and promise to do better that someone offers to each of us…we offer 100 times this many of the same to Jesus. For every time someone has said to you, “I will try to do better,” you and I have told God this more times than we can even count.
If we want God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness…we have to extend these blessings to others. If we truly operate in Christian faith and believe that we serve a God of second, third, and 103rd chances…we have to offer those to the people in our midst. We cannot cause others to sin…but we cannot fail to forgive those who mistreat us and ask for our forgiveness, either. Given the events in our country in recent months – and in the world at large – this is a terribly difficult challenge for me. But nobody ever said it was easy to be a faithful Christian!
So we are commanded to stay awake and alert…to check our thoughts, words and actions (because people ARE watching!)…and to forgive all who apologize, and show them love, grace and mercy. In other words, we are to emulate Jesus at all times – and in all ways. As Christian Disciples…we are called to give this our best shot each and every day. How are you doing so far?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus said to his disciples:
There will always be something that causes people to sin. But anyone who causes them to sin is in for trouble. A person who causes even one of my little followers to sin would be better off thrown into the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their neck. So be careful what you do.
Correct any followers of mine who sin, and forgive the ones who say they are sorry. Even if one of them mistreats you seven times in one day and says, “I am sorry,” you should still forgive that person.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A 17-year-old boy in North Little Rock, Arkansas, lit a joint (marijuana), gave it to his 3-year-old nephew, and told him to “hit the blunt” (smoke it). The teenager made a video of the whole thing and posted it on Facebook. In the video, you can hear the child ask if this is “weed” and see him at least attempt to inhale…while his uncle laughs.
The teenage boy has been arrested and faces charges for endangering the welfare of a minor. The child has been physically examined and returned to other family members. No matter how you feel about marijuana – or the fact that this was illegal in numerous ways - no rational person would for even one minute condone encouraging a young child to smoke anything…much less a Schedule I controlled substance! This teenager made a horrible mistake…and he will probably pay for it with some serious jail time, at the very least.
If we look at these first verses of Luke 17, we are warned not to cause another person to sin. While most of us have enough sense to know that giving marijuana to a toddler is wrong…we think nothing of making off-color comments. We deride others and discriminate against them. We judge people, gossip, engage in name calling, and so much more – with no regard for how this might appear to those who are watching and listening. We operate in “do as I say, not as I do” mode…and we cannot see that we are essentially handing a joint to a three-year-old and saying, “hit the blunt!”
So “Part One” of our message for today is to watch what we say and do – ALL of it - and never cause another person to sin. But then Jesus adds another important command…we must forgive any who remorsefully ask for mercy and absolution. Jesus is so adamant about this that He emphasizes that we should do this seven times in one day, if necessary! I will be the first to tell you that I really struggle with this one!
I think one of the reasons this is so hard for me is that many people find it easy to say “I’m sorry”…but then nothing really changes. Many people promise to do better or that “it will never happen again,” and we know before the words leave their mouths that this is not the truth. I have tried to imagine how all of this must seem to Jesus. Because you see, for every ridiculous “apology” and promise to do better that someone offers to each of us…we offer 100 times this many of the same to Jesus. For every time someone has said to you, “I will try to do better,” you and I have told God this more times than we can even count.
If we want God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness…we have to extend these blessings to others. If we truly operate in Christian faith and believe that we serve a God of second, third, and 103rd chances…we have to offer those to the people in our midst. We cannot cause others to sin…but we cannot fail to forgive those who mistreat us and ask for our forgiveness, either. Given the events in our country in recent months – and in the world at large – this is a terribly difficult challenge for me. But nobody ever said it was easy to be a faithful Christian!
So we are commanded to stay awake and alert…to check our thoughts, words and actions (because people ARE watching!)…and to forgive all who apologize, and show them love, grace and mercy. In other words, we are to emulate Jesus at all times – and in all ways. As Christian Disciples…we are called to give this our best shot each and every day. How are you doing so far?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 22, 2016
Luke 12:57-59
“You don’t have to be a genius to understand these things. Just use your common sense, the kind you’d use if, while being taken to court, you decided to settle up with your accuser on the way, knowing that if the case went to the judge you’d probably go to jail and pay every last penny of the fine. That’s the kind of decision I’m asking you to make.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The late poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, is credited with the phrase…”When you know better, you do better.” If only that were true for most of us! I hope you understand that today’s scripture passage is not really about settling a dispute before you get to court…at least not in the way that you think. If you go back and read the preceding verses of Luke 12, you will see that Jesus is telling a crowd that had gathered that there was a change on the horizon. He was warning the disciples and others who were listening about the false teachings of those who didn’t want to recognize Him as the Messiah – or change their sinful ways.
So when Jesus talks of “settling up with your accuser” on the way to court, He is really telling us to get our act together now…or prepare for some serious judgment and punishment at some point! In other words, our actions have consequences…and failure to listen to Jesus and follow His teachings can get us in a heap of trouble!
What does this mean in everyday language for you and me? It means that before we say something unkind or questionable about another person, we need to prayerfully consider whether Jesus approves. Before we decide to lash out at someone – or discriminate against anyone in any way…we should remind ourselves of Jesus’ words in Luke 10:27 to love others as God loves us – and we love ourselves.
Every day when we awake, we should ask God to guide our steps. We should invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts and guard our words and actions. We should use the wisdom and “common sense” that Jesus continually gives us to avoid pitfalls and recognize the persuasions of imposters, con artists, frauds, and quacks who want to lead us down the wrong path. We should practice “active discipleship,” meaning we should steep ourselves in God’s Word and check at every turn to make sure that what we say and do lines up with His directives. We should never waste an opportunity to represent Jesus to another person – if only to offer him/her our warmest smile.
It’s pretty simple, really. How we live today matters. At some point, we will all have to answer to God for the things we said and did…how we treated others…whether we represented Jesus’ teachings and honored His sacrifice…and whether or not we truly even knew Him as our Savior. I don’t know about you, but when I stand before God and receive my “review,” I want to know that I did everything possible to honor and glorify my LORD…that I did my dead-level best to live every day according to His will.
When God says to you, “Let’s talk about how it went…” will your reply be one that reflects solid faithfulness – or more of a lousy excuse? This is the kind of decision that Christ is calling us to make today. How will you respond?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“You don’t have to be a genius to understand these things. Just use your common sense, the kind you’d use if, while being taken to court, you decided to settle up with your accuser on the way, knowing that if the case went to the judge you’d probably go to jail and pay every last penny of the fine. That’s the kind of decision I’m asking you to make.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The late poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, is credited with the phrase…”When you know better, you do better.” If only that were true for most of us! I hope you understand that today’s scripture passage is not really about settling a dispute before you get to court…at least not in the way that you think. If you go back and read the preceding verses of Luke 12, you will see that Jesus is telling a crowd that had gathered that there was a change on the horizon. He was warning the disciples and others who were listening about the false teachings of those who didn’t want to recognize Him as the Messiah – or change their sinful ways.
So when Jesus talks of “settling up with your accuser” on the way to court, He is really telling us to get our act together now…or prepare for some serious judgment and punishment at some point! In other words, our actions have consequences…and failure to listen to Jesus and follow His teachings can get us in a heap of trouble!
What does this mean in everyday language for you and me? It means that before we say something unkind or questionable about another person, we need to prayerfully consider whether Jesus approves. Before we decide to lash out at someone – or discriminate against anyone in any way…we should remind ourselves of Jesus’ words in Luke 10:27 to love others as God loves us – and we love ourselves.
Every day when we awake, we should ask God to guide our steps. We should invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts and guard our words and actions. We should use the wisdom and “common sense” that Jesus continually gives us to avoid pitfalls and recognize the persuasions of imposters, con artists, frauds, and quacks who want to lead us down the wrong path. We should practice “active discipleship,” meaning we should steep ourselves in God’s Word and check at every turn to make sure that what we say and do lines up with His directives. We should never waste an opportunity to represent Jesus to another person – if only to offer him/her our warmest smile.
It’s pretty simple, really. How we live today matters. At some point, we will all have to answer to God for the things we said and did…how we treated others…whether we represented Jesus’ teachings and honored His sacrifice…and whether or not we truly even knew Him as our Savior. I don’t know about you, but when I stand before God and receive my “review,” I want to know that I did everything possible to honor and glorify my LORD…that I did my dead-level best to live every day according to His will.
When God says to you, “Let’s talk about how it went…” will your reply be one that reflects solid faithfulness – or more of a lousy excuse? This is the kind of decision that Christ is calling us to make today. How will you respond?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 21, 2016
Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister Mary sat on the floor, listening to Jesus as he talked.
But Martha was the jittery type and was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing.
She came to Jesus and said, “Sir, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “Martha, dear friend, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her!”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For the last few years, I have worked with children at church as a Sunday school teacher and VBS assistant. Now that Timothy, Zola and Nathan are in school, I also volunteer in their classrooms. I never lost my love for teaching – or children…but as I work with children nowadays, I am reminded of an incredibly critical objective – to keep the main thing the main thing!
What does this mean? As I look at the children in each classroom, I see little minds ready to be filled with wisdom and knowledge. But more importantly, I see little hearts that need to be filled with love…the love of Jesus - and my own. On any given day, we have no clue what kids bring to the classroom. Some are foster children who may have been shuffled from home to home. Some are living in dysfunctional families with parents who argue constantly or have mountains of problems that fill the home with stress and strife. Some have special needs – physically and mentally - while others just have trouble fitting in with their peers.
Some are brilliant thinkers…or are highly creative and need lots of stimulation to nurture their gifts, while others struggle to grasp even the simplest concepts and need extra attention and repetition. Some are incredibly athletic and fit, while others can barely walk a straight line or dribble a ball.
The bottom line is that each and every child comes hungry for love and attention…for someone to meet them right where they are in that moment. And if we miss this as teachers/leaders/volunteers, we have missed the most important detail of the day. As I look back to the years that I was actually a public school teacher, I wonder how many days I was more concerned with getting all of my reports in on time - or meeting stated goals - and I missed an opportunity to reassure a child. How many times was I so frustrated and stressed out that I didn’t smile and offer a kind word to a child who really needed that more than anything else?
I cannot return to my kindergarten classroom of the 80s…but I can make a concerted effort moving forward to meet “children” of all ages, right where they are. We live in “Martha’s” world…but I want “Mary’s” heart! At the end of the day, my “to-do” list may still be full. But if I hear the voice of Jesus – and follow His lead, it won’t matter what else is left unchecked.
Have you discovered the One Thing worth worrying about…or are you busy with all of the little details? Don’t miss out on the most important part of Christian discipleship. Learn to focus on sharing Jesus with others every day – in all that you do. Trust Him to organize your details. Ensure that the ones that truly matter are accomplished. Are you ready to focus more on Jesus’ details and missions than your own? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister Mary sat on the floor, listening to Jesus as he talked.
But Martha was the jittery type and was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing.
She came to Jesus and said, “Sir, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
But the Lord said to her, “Martha, dear friend, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her!”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For the last few years, I have worked with children at church as a Sunday school teacher and VBS assistant. Now that Timothy, Zola and Nathan are in school, I also volunteer in their classrooms. I never lost my love for teaching – or children…but as I work with children nowadays, I am reminded of an incredibly critical objective – to keep the main thing the main thing!
What does this mean? As I look at the children in each classroom, I see little minds ready to be filled with wisdom and knowledge. But more importantly, I see little hearts that need to be filled with love…the love of Jesus - and my own. On any given day, we have no clue what kids bring to the classroom. Some are foster children who may have been shuffled from home to home. Some are living in dysfunctional families with parents who argue constantly or have mountains of problems that fill the home with stress and strife. Some have special needs – physically and mentally - while others just have trouble fitting in with their peers.
Some are brilliant thinkers…or are highly creative and need lots of stimulation to nurture their gifts, while others struggle to grasp even the simplest concepts and need extra attention and repetition. Some are incredibly athletic and fit, while others can barely walk a straight line or dribble a ball.
The bottom line is that each and every child comes hungry for love and attention…for someone to meet them right where they are in that moment. And if we miss this as teachers/leaders/volunteers, we have missed the most important detail of the day. As I look back to the years that I was actually a public school teacher, I wonder how many days I was more concerned with getting all of my reports in on time - or meeting stated goals - and I missed an opportunity to reassure a child. How many times was I so frustrated and stressed out that I didn’t smile and offer a kind word to a child who really needed that more than anything else?
I cannot return to my kindergarten classroom of the 80s…but I can make a concerted effort moving forward to meet “children” of all ages, right where they are. We live in “Martha’s” world…but I want “Mary’s” heart! At the end of the day, my “to-do” list may still be full. But if I hear the voice of Jesus – and follow His lead, it won’t matter what else is left unchecked.
Have you discovered the One Thing worth worrying about…or are you busy with all of the little details? Don’t miss out on the most important part of Christian discipleship. Learn to focus on sharing Jesus with others every day – in all that you do. Trust Him to organize your details. Ensure that the ones that truly matter are accomplished. Are you ready to focus more on Jesus’ details and missions than your own? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 20, 2016
Luke 10:25-37
Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to test Jesus. “Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?”
He answered, “What’s written in God’s Law? How do you interpret it?”
He said, “That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.”
“Good answer!” said Jesus. “Do it and you’ll live.”
Looking for a loophole, he asked, “And just how would you define ‘neighbor’?”
Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’
“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?”
“The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.
Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”
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.
Police have apprehended the 28-year-old man who allegedly placed a series of homemade bombs along the streets of New York City and a couple of New Jersey communities in recent days. Fingerprints left on some of the bombs led to this man’s arrest after a brief shootout with police in which he and two policemen were wounded.
Not long after news broke about this man’s apprehension, politicians took the airwaves to weigh in with their opinions. One person complained loudly that this suspected bomber will most likely receive quality medical care and be treated by top-notch doctors. In my mind, there are two obvious reasons to do this…1) we don’t often apprehend a would-be bomber and have the opportunity to question him/her to possibly learn things that might help prevent future acts of terrorism; and just as importantly…2) it’s the right thing to do.
I watched news coverage as emergency personnel loaded this young man into an ambulance. I looked at his face and thought of our own nephews – about this same age - and our little great-nephews and cousins who we love so dearly. I couldn’t help but look at him as the precious son of a mother and father – or the perhaps someone’s beloved brother or nephew. I do not in any way condone this man’s actions, and I do hope that justice is served. But I also pray that he encounters some “Good Samaritans” among the law enforcement and medical personnel who will attend to him now.
Perhaps he will be treated by a doctor or nurse who will give him the same tender care that would be given to his/her own child or loved one. Maybe he will be handled with respect and fairness…and just MAYBE this young man will recognize that this is better than he deserves. It is possible that this would-be bomber might see the love of Jesus in the words and actions of those who are now guarding his every move…and that God will be glorified.
Every day, we waste countless opportunities to love others as Christ loves us. We are so caught up in “What’s in it for me?” that we fail to see what Jesus wants us to see…to minister to others in His name and let Him control the end result. We don’t look at others as Jesus sees them…with the same lens through which He views each of us. We do not consider them to be as precious in Jesus’ sight…and we don’t love them like He does – or as He loves us.
Jesus is not ours exclusively…He came to save the world…not just the minuscule “sphere” in which you and I operate. Isn’t it time you opened your heart and mind to what He desires? Will this be the day that we become the “Good Samaritans” - wherever and whenever Christ provides us with an opportunity? Don’t you think it’s time we did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to test Jesus. “Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?”
He answered, “What’s written in God’s Law? How do you interpret it?”
He said, “That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.”
“Good answer!” said Jesus. “Do it and you’ll live.”
Looking for a loophole, he asked, “And just how would you define ‘neighbor’?”
Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’
“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?”
“The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.
Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”
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.
Police have apprehended the 28-year-old man who allegedly placed a series of homemade bombs along the streets of New York City and a couple of New Jersey communities in recent days. Fingerprints left on some of the bombs led to this man’s arrest after a brief shootout with police in which he and two policemen were wounded.
Not long after news broke about this man’s apprehension, politicians took the airwaves to weigh in with their opinions. One person complained loudly that this suspected bomber will most likely receive quality medical care and be treated by top-notch doctors. In my mind, there are two obvious reasons to do this…1) we don’t often apprehend a would-be bomber and have the opportunity to question him/her to possibly learn things that might help prevent future acts of terrorism; and just as importantly…2) it’s the right thing to do.
I watched news coverage as emergency personnel loaded this young man into an ambulance. I looked at his face and thought of our own nephews – about this same age - and our little great-nephews and cousins who we love so dearly. I couldn’t help but look at him as the precious son of a mother and father – or the perhaps someone’s beloved brother or nephew. I do not in any way condone this man’s actions, and I do hope that justice is served. But I also pray that he encounters some “Good Samaritans” among the law enforcement and medical personnel who will attend to him now.
Perhaps he will be treated by a doctor or nurse who will give him the same tender care that would be given to his/her own child or loved one. Maybe he will be handled with respect and fairness…and just MAYBE this young man will recognize that this is better than he deserves. It is possible that this would-be bomber might see the love of Jesus in the words and actions of those who are now guarding his every move…and that God will be glorified.
Every day, we waste countless opportunities to love others as Christ loves us. We are so caught up in “What’s in it for me?” that we fail to see what Jesus wants us to see…to minister to others in His name and let Him control the end result. We don’t look at others as Jesus sees them…with the same lens through which He views each of us. We do not consider them to be as precious in Jesus’ sight…and we don’t love them like He does – or as He loves us.
Jesus is not ours exclusively…He came to save the world…not just the minuscule “sphere” in which you and I operate. Isn’t it time you opened your heart and mind to what He desires? Will this be the day that we become the “Good Samaritans” - wherever and whenever Christ provides us with an opportunity? Don’t you think it’s time we did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Luke 10:21-24
Then he was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the intellectuals and worldly wise and for revealing them to those who are as trusting as little children. Yes, thank you, Father, for that is the way you wanted it. I am the Agent of my Father in everything; and no one really knows the Son except the Father, and no one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
Then, turning to the twelve disciples, he said quietly, “How privileged you are to see what you have seen. Many a prophet and king of old has longed for these days, to see and hear what you have seen and heard!”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
From the time Timothy was a baby, I have prayed that he would know Jesus at an early age and develop a strong, intimate relationship with Him. When Zola and Nathan came along, my prayers expanded to include them. I also pray this for the other “little ones” in our circle of family and friends – and all children really – but especially those with whom I have contact. I consider it not only my obligation as a Christian disciple – but also my privilege – to share the love and teachings of Jesus with these children and offer them the opportunity to embrace Him for themselves.
What is gratifying – and somewhat amazing – is how readily most children accept the existence of God…and Jesus. They sometimes question…”Where is God?” or “What does Jesus really look like?” But when we talk about God and share stories of the Bible…when I tell them about Jesus and how “mean men” nailed Him to a cross, where He died because of our sins…they nod, agree and seem to readily accept and internalize this information. They seem to grasp the concept of a “Forever Friend” (the Holy Spirit) who will live in their hearts and guide them each day - and help them make good choices. And my heart bursts with joy that they trust so eagerly.
Somewhere along the line, we become skeptical. I don’t know if the pressures of “the world at large” get to us or exactly what causes the shift…but we lose some of this innocent faith and start to crumble a bit. Some of us all but disintegrate! We begin to question God…and His motives and methods. We let go of Jesus’ hand and close our hearts to the Holy Spirit…and we start to trust mere mortals instead.
We listen to the opinions of others, rather than the teachings of Jesus. Like Timothy, Zola and Nathan, some of us have heard the Word of God since we were tiny babies. We have seen Christian faith in action through the role models and mentors in our lives. But when ungodly influences show up – and they always do – we are drawn to them as if they were irresistible shiny objects. Remember, all the devil needs is the tiniest of openings, and he will sneak into our lives like the slimy creature that he is – and wreak havoc in our lives and the lives of those around us!
Jesus acts as God’s “Special Agent” and provides us with all of the information and tools that we need to live in accordance with His will – and to accomplish His missions for us on this earth. For all of this to work as God ordained, we have to trust like little children. Is this a leap of faith? To some degree - yes. But don’t you know in your heart that this is how you should be living? Don’t you realize how privileged we are to have Jesus as our Savior…and God as our Heavenly Father?
Isn’t it time we stopped acting like we are such high-brow intellectuals who know it all…and surrendered our hearts completely to Jesus? Will this be the day that you “reconnect with your inner child” - and that level of innocence and faith - and let God have complete control in your life? Aren’t you ready to be His kid again?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Then he was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the intellectuals and worldly wise and for revealing them to those who are as trusting as little children. Yes, thank you, Father, for that is the way you wanted it. I am the Agent of my Father in everything; and no one really knows the Son except the Father, and no one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
Then, turning to the twelve disciples, he said quietly, “How privileged you are to see what you have seen. Many a prophet and king of old has longed for these days, to see and hear what you have seen and heard!”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
From the time Timothy was a baby, I have prayed that he would know Jesus at an early age and develop a strong, intimate relationship with Him. When Zola and Nathan came along, my prayers expanded to include them. I also pray this for the other “little ones” in our circle of family and friends – and all children really – but especially those with whom I have contact. I consider it not only my obligation as a Christian disciple – but also my privilege – to share the love and teachings of Jesus with these children and offer them the opportunity to embrace Him for themselves.
What is gratifying – and somewhat amazing – is how readily most children accept the existence of God…and Jesus. They sometimes question…”Where is God?” or “What does Jesus really look like?” But when we talk about God and share stories of the Bible…when I tell them about Jesus and how “mean men” nailed Him to a cross, where He died because of our sins…they nod, agree and seem to readily accept and internalize this information. They seem to grasp the concept of a “Forever Friend” (the Holy Spirit) who will live in their hearts and guide them each day - and help them make good choices. And my heart bursts with joy that they trust so eagerly.
Somewhere along the line, we become skeptical. I don’t know if the pressures of “the world at large” get to us or exactly what causes the shift…but we lose some of this innocent faith and start to crumble a bit. Some of us all but disintegrate! We begin to question God…and His motives and methods. We let go of Jesus’ hand and close our hearts to the Holy Spirit…and we start to trust mere mortals instead.
We listen to the opinions of others, rather than the teachings of Jesus. Like Timothy, Zola and Nathan, some of us have heard the Word of God since we were tiny babies. We have seen Christian faith in action through the role models and mentors in our lives. But when ungodly influences show up – and they always do – we are drawn to them as if they were irresistible shiny objects. Remember, all the devil needs is the tiniest of openings, and he will sneak into our lives like the slimy creature that he is – and wreak havoc in our lives and the lives of those around us!
Jesus acts as God’s “Special Agent” and provides us with all of the information and tools that we need to live in accordance with His will – and to accomplish His missions for us on this earth. For all of this to work as God ordained, we have to trust like little children. Is this a leap of faith? To some degree - yes. But don’t you know in your heart that this is how you should be living? Don’t you realize how privileged we are to have Jesus as our Savior…and God as our Heavenly Father?
Isn’t it time we stopped acting like we are such high-brow intellectuals who know it all…and surrendered our hearts completely to Jesus? Will this be the day that you “reconnect with your inner child” - and that level of innocence and faith - and let God have complete control in your life? Aren’t you ready to be His kid again?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 18, 2016
Luke 10:7-12
Stay with the same family, eating and drinking whatever they give you, because workers are worth what they earn. Don’t move around from house to house.
If the people of a town welcome you, eat whatever they offer. Heal their sick and say, “God’s kingdom will soon be here!”
But if the people of a town refuse to welcome you, go out into the street and say, “We are shaking the dust from our feet as a warning to you. And you can be sure that God’s kingdom will soon be here!” I tell you that on the day of judgment the people of Sodom will get off easier than the people of that town!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read a little joke about a teacher who explained to her students that the mouth of a whale is very small for a creature of such great size. A little girl protested that the whale’s mouth was large enough to swallow Jonah, and a bit of an argument ensued. Finally, the little girl said, “Well, when I get to heaven, I will ask Jonah.” The teacher asked, “What if Jonah went to hell?” The little girl answered…”Then YOU ask him!”
This is funny on the surface…but obviously, we would be very upset with any child who spoke to an adult in such a manner. And God doesn’t want us to be rude and condescending with people…even when we are standing up for the validity of His word. Still, Jesus tells us in this passage that there comes a time when we have “played nice” long enough – and we must dust ourselves off and walk away. At this point, we have to trust that either He will make a difference where we cannot…or these people truly have chosen to reject Him as their Savior.
It’s hard to know when this point occurs…when to stop trying with some people. And I still don’t think that God means for us to give up on them completely. Sometimes, the best option we have is to back away and pray – and trust God to handle everything as only He can. Until we reach this point, we are called to treat others with love and kindness…to meet them where they are…to “eat what they offer” and minister to them with the love of Christ.
We are to show others kindness and compassion…to refrain from judgment, condescension, gossip and name calling. We are to reach out to others in the name of Jesus. It shouldn’t matter who they are, what they believe, who they worship, how rich or poor they are - or their race, creed, ethnicity, sexual orientation or political leaning.
My point is this…Jesus has commissioned us to spread His gospel and minister to all of His people - not just the ones we like. He has been very clear about how we are to offer grace, mercy, kindness and compassion to others…and when to say “When!” and walk away. Are we listening? Are we hearing His voice and obediently answering? Are we willing to serve Jesus with an open mind and heart…and leave the judgment to His discretion? Don’t you think we should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Stay with the same family, eating and drinking whatever they give you, because workers are worth what they earn. Don’t move around from house to house.
If the people of a town welcome you, eat whatever they offer. Heal their sick and say, “God’s kingdom will soon be here!”
But if the people of a town refuse to welcome you, go out into the street and say, “We are shaking the dust from our feet as a warning to you. And you can be sure that God’s kingdom will soon be here!” I tell you that on the day of judgment the people of Sodom will get off easier than the people of that town!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read a little joke about a teacher who explained to her students that the mouth of a whale is very small for a creature of such great size. A little girl protested that the whale’s mouth was large enough to swallow Jonah, and a bit of an argument ensued. Finally, the little girl said, “Well, when I get to heaven, I will ask Jonah.” The teacher asked, “What if Jonah went to hell?” The little girl answered…”Then YOU ask him!”
This is funny on the surface…but obviously, we would be very upset with any child who spoke to an adult in such a manner. And God doesn’t want us to be rude and condescending with people…even when we are standing up for the validity of His word. Still, Jesus tells us in this passage that there comes a time when we have “played nice” long enough – and we must dust ourselves off and walk away. At this point, we have to trust that either He will make a difference where we cannot…or these people truly have chosen to reject Him as their Savior.
It’s hard to know when this point occurs…when to stop trying with some people. And I still don’t think that God means for us to give up on them completely. Sometimes, the best option we have is to back away and pray – and trust God to handle everything as only He can. Until we reach this point, we are called to treat others with love and kindness…to meet them where they are…to “eat what they offer” and minister to them with the love of Christ.
We are to show others kindness and compassion…to refrain from judgment, condescension, gossip and name calling. We are to reach out to others in the name of Jesus. It shouldn’t matter who they are, what they believe, who they worship, how rich or poor they are - or their race, creed, ethnicity, sexual orientation or political leaning.
My point is this…Jesus has commissioned us to spread His gospel and minister to all of His people - not just the ones we like. He has been very clear about how we are to offer grace, mercy, kindness and compassion to others…and when to say “When!” and walk away. Are we listening? Are we hearing His voice and obediently answering? Are we willing to serve Jesus with an open mind and heart…and leave the judgment to His discretion? Don’t you think we should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 17, 2016
Luke 10:1-6
The Lord now chose seventy other disciples and sent them on ahead in pairs to all the towns and villages he planned to visit later.
These were his instructions to them: “Plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers to help you, for the harvest is and the workers so few. Go now, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money with you, or a beggar’s bag, or even an extra pair of shoes. And don’t waste time along the way.
“Whenever you enter a home, give it your blessing. If it is worthy of the blessing, the blessing will stand; if not, the blessing will return to 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.
If you are not an Arkansas Razorbacks fan, substitute the images of your favorite team and one or two of its biggest rivals in what I am about to tell you. Now, imagine being with a group of rabid Razorbacks fans, dressed from head to toe in your best team garb. The University of Arkansas president says, “I want you to pair off and go down to Texas. Some of you go to Austin…the rest of you go to College Station.” But I want you to knock on doors and convince those folks to start rooting for the Razorbacks. Get them to send their kids to college at the UofA and participate in Razorbacks athletics and other school activities. Encourage them to renounce their allegiance to the Texas Longhorns and the A&M Aggies and support ONLY the Razorbacks in all things.
Would you do it? Even if with every fiber of your being, you believed that the Razorbacks and the university they represent were superior in every way…that being an Arkansas Razorbacks fan would totally change your life – and all for the better – could you approach someone you felt certain did not share your beliefs and try to change their mind? Do you think some folks in Texas would even open the door for you? And would you be worried for your safety around those who did?
I know I’ve gone out on a ridiculous limb here, but think about what Jesus was instructing these 35 pair of disciples to do! He was sending them into “enemy territory” for the most part - and in some ways saying, “Good luck out there!” But here’s the thing…luck was not what these people needed. While Jesus knew that they were taking big risks, He was walking with them every step of the way. For those who listened to Jesus’ voice and trusted Him, their obedient faith made the difference.
If you get right down to it, Jesus is sending us out into the world just as He did those 70 early disciples. He is telling us to interact with others…to spread the Good News to those who may/may not want to hear it…to “put on our Hog hat and knock on a Longhorn’s door” and invite the people inside to have a change of heart.
On a more basic, everyday level, Jesus is calling us to reach out to those who might differ from us in some way and say, “I serve a Savior who died for the sins of ALL of us…Who loves unconditionally and offers forgiveness and Eternal Life to anyone who will give their heart to Him.” We are called to treat others as Jesus treats us…and for some of us, that is a tall order! There is no room for malicious talk, judgment, hateful criticism, discrimination, an air of superiority, or unkindness of any sort. It’s no wonder that some people put up a wall of defense or get downright nasty when we approach, because our attitude comes across as arrogant, unloving – and anything but “Christian.”
So “put on the whole armor of God” – nothing more or less - and get out there and share Jesus with others. Demonstrate His love and compassion to each person you meet. Love them as you wish to be loved – and as He loves you. Carry the Holy Spirit in your heart, and trust that any effort you make with a sincere and obedient faith will make a difference. We’ll never convince many Longhorn and Aggie fans to “convert” to our side…but with the power of Jesus, we might just win a few souls to God’s Kingdom. And that’s worth a Woo…Pig! Sooie!...don’t you think?!
©2016 Debbie Robus
The Lord now chose seventy other disciples and sent them on ahead in pairs to all the towns and villages he planned to visit later.
These were his instructions to them: “Plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers to help you, for the harvest is and the workers so few. Go now, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money with you, or a beggar’s bag, or even an extra pair of shoes. And don’t waste time along the way.
“Whenever you enter a home, give it your blessing. If it is worthy of the blessing, the blessing will stand; if not, the blessing will return to 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.
If you are not an Arkansas Razorbacks fan, substitute the images of your favorite team and one or two of its biggest rivals in what I am about to tell you. Now, imagine being with a group of rabid Razorbacks fans, dressed from head to toe in your best team garb. The University of Arkansas president says, “I want you to pair off and go down to Texas. Some of you go to Austin…the rest of you go to College Station.” But I want you to knock on doors and convince those folks to start rooting for the Razorbacks. Get them to send their kids to college at the UofA and participate in Razorbacks athletics and other school activities. Encourage them to renounce their allegiance to the Texas Longhorns and the A&M Aggies and support ONLY the Razorbacks in all things.
Would you do it? Even if with every fiber of your being, you believed that the Razorbacks and the university they represent were superior in every way…that being an Arkansas Razorbacks fan would totally change your life – and all for the better – could you approach someone you felt certain did not share your beliefs and try to change their mind? Do you think some folks in Texas would even open the door for you? And would you be worried for your safety around those who did?
I know I’ve gone out on a ridiculous limb here, but think about what Jesus was instructing these 35 pair of disciples to do! He was sending them into “enemy territory” for the most part - and in some ways saying, “Good luck out there!” But here’s the thing…luck was not what these people needed. While Jesus knew that they were taking big risks, He was walking with them every step of the way. For those who listened to Jesus’ voice and trusted Him, their obedient faith made the difference.
If you get right down to it, Jesus is sending us out into the world just as He did those 70 early disciples. He is telling us to interact with others…to spread the Good News to those who may/may not want to hear it…to “put on our Hog hat and knock on a Longhorn’s door” and invite the people inside to have a change of heart.
On a more basic, everyday level, Jesus is calling us to reach out to those who might differ from us in some way and say, “I serve a Savior who died for the sins of ALL of us…Who loves unconditionally and offers forgiveness and Eternal Life to anyone who will give their heart to Him.” We are called to treat others as Jesus treats us…and for some of us, that is a tall order! There is no room for malicious talk, judgment, hateful criticism, discrimination, an air of superiority, or unkindness of any sort. It’s no wonder that some people put up a wall of defense or get downright nasty when we approach, because our attitude comes across as arrogant, unloving – and anything but “Christian.”
So “put on the whole armor of God” – nothing more or less - and get out there and share Jesus with others. Demonstrate His love and compassion to each person you meet. Love them as you wish to be loved – and as He loves you. Carry the Holy Spirit in your heart, and trust that any effort you make with a sincere and obedient faith will make a difference. We’ll never convince many Longhorn and Aggie fans to “convert” to our side…but with the power of Jesus, we might just win a few souls to God’s Kingdom. And that’s worth a Woo…Pig! Sooie!...don’t you think?!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 16, 2016
Leviticus 19:18
Stop being angry and don’t try to take revenge. I am the Lord, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last week, I purchased something on eBay, and the seller contacted me the next day to say that extra items were inadvertently shipped with my order. This person asked if I would return these things and said she would e-mail me a prepaid shipping label. I agreed to do this. When the box arrived, there were double the “extra items” - and double the weight. So I had to contact the seller – who emailed me ANOTHER label that would cover the extra postage costs.
I thought about giving this seller a negative rating on eBay - or sending a message to express my dissatisfaction. But in the end, I have done nothing. Why? Partly because someone really MIGHT be in trouble if I did this…and I’ve tried to put myself in that person’s shoes. Were I to make such a mistake, I would truly appreciate a buyer who didn’t “rub salt in the wound!”
Additionally, it WAS a small inconvenience – and something of an aggravation to have to deal with this. But at the end of the day, it’s really not worth any more of my time and energy…certainly not worth “stirring the pot” and causing a problem for someone else.
So often, we "fly off the handle" and react to things that really don’t deserve that much effort and attention. We get angry when there is no need and seek revenge where it would be best to simply leave things alone. Timothy told me once when he had pushed Nathan…”He needed to be taught a lesson!” The truth is that most of the time, this is not our job! Sometimes our efforts to handle things on our own are not pretty – and don’t represent true Christian discipleship.
Are you making every effort to operate in love and a spirit of “second chances?” Do you give others the benefit of the doubt? Don’t you think it’s time we learned to check our attitudes before we react to others? Ask God to help you mature in this area. Learn to take a breath and step back before you totally make a mess of things. Think about how YOU would like to be treated…and make this your guideline for how to respond in kind.
In both the Old and New Testaments, we are commanded to love others as we love ourselves. We are told not to get angry or seek revenge. I’d say that this is pretty high on God’s list of priorities…wouldn’t you? So what are you doing to eliminate anger and revenge from your life?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Stop being angry and don’t try to take revenge. I am the Lord, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last week, I purchased something on eBay, and the seller contacted me the next day to say that extra items were inadvertently shipped with my order. This person asked if I would return these things and said she would e-mail me a prepaid shipping label. I agreed to do this. When the box arrived, there were double the “extra items” - and double the weight. So I had to contact the seller – who emailed me ANOTHER label that would cover the extra postage costs.
I thought about giving this seller a negative rating on eBay - or sending a message to express my dissatisfaction. But in the end, I have done nothing. Why? Partly because someone really MIGHT be in trouble if I did this…and I’ve tried to put myself in that person’s shoes. Were I to make such a mistake, I would truly appreciate a buyer who didn’t “rub salt in the wound!”
Additionally, it WAS a small inconvenience – and something of an aggravation to have to deal with this. But at the end of the day, it’s really not worth any more of my time and energy…certainly not worth “stirring the pot” and causing a problem for someone else.
So often, we "fly off the handle" and react to things that really don’t deserve that much effort and attention. We get angry when there is no need and seek revenge where it would be best to simply leave things alone. Timothy told me once when he had pushed Nathan…”He needed to be taught a lesson!” The truth is that most of the time, this is not our job! Sometimes our efforts to handle things on our own are not pretty – and don’t represent true Christian discipleship.
Are you making every effort to operate in love and a spirit of “second chances?” Do you give others the benefit of the doubt? Don’t you think it’s time we learned to check our attitudes before we react to others? Ask God to help you mature in this area. Learn to take a breath and step back before you totally make a mess of things. Think about how YOU would like to be treated…and make this your guideline for how to respond in kind.
In both the Old and New Testaments, we are commanded to love others as we love ourselves. We are told not to get angry or seek revenge. I’d say that this is pretty high on God’s list of priorities…wouldn’t you? So what are you doing to eliminate anger and revenge from your life?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 15, 2016
John 3:8-9
As he was speaking, the Jewish leaders and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery and placed her out in front of the staring crowd.
“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. Moses’ law says to kill her. What about it?”
They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, hurl the stones at her until she dies. But only he who never sinned may throw the first!”
Then he stooped down again and wrote some more in the dust. And the Jewish leaders slipped away one by one, beginning with the eldest, until only Jesus was left in front of the crowd with the woman.
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 truly believe that God allows us to experience many things in order to teach us empathy for others…including not only events like illness, personal loss, and natural disasters…but our own sins, as well. We are more empathetic when we have walked in another person’s shoes. Someone who has overcome a handicap is probably more understanding toward those like him/her. No one can talk to a smoker or another person with an addiction about quitting better than one who has already given up the habit. Unfortunately, the only way to truly understand grief and loss seems to be to experience it firsthand.
While personal knowledge and experience may increase our “street cred” when commiserating or encouraging someone else…this does not define our calling – and our ability – to share the love and forgiveness of Jesus with others. To put it another way, you do not have to be an adulterer, murderer, or addict in order to offer love, compassion, and encouragement to someone who is. Why? Because we all have sinned in some manner…and in the eyes of Jesus, no one is better or worse than another.
So while you judge the single mother whose significant other has been jailed for possession of drugs, you are overlooking that juicy tidbit of gossip you just shared with your best friend. While you shake your head and talk about the sexual predator who has moved into your neighborhood, you fail to acknowledge that you called someone (whether you know him/her personally or not) an unkind name – or you posted something derogatory about him/her on social media.
While you are busy looking down your nose at people you consider “less than” in some manner, you are completely oblivious to the fact that you have done your fair share of breaking Jesus’ commandments - just by passing judgment on another. If all of your sins were laid bare, the world would most likely see just how despicably you have behaved, as well.
The lesson for us is that while we want to pick up the stone and hurl it, we had best take a long hard look at all that we have asked God to forgive in our own lives first. The time has come to love others with the love of Christ, which means we are going to have to get down off our high horses and stop judging and condemning others. We need to start looking at everyone with the attitude that we could easily be the ones that other people are so eager to stone.
Look around. Who could use a smile…a hug…a handshake or an encouraging word that says, “I see you…not your mistakes.”? Do you love others with the love of Christ, regardless of who they are or what they have done? Do you understand that others look at you with the same disdain because of your own sins and shortcomings? When will we "put down the stone and" pick up an attitude of kindness and compassion for others, in order to ensure that they seek complete forgiveness from the only One who can truly give it?
Are you ready to practice true Christian discipleship and love of all people? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
As he was speaking, the Jewish leaders and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery and placed her out in front of the staring crowd.
“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. Moses’ law says to kill her. What about it?”
They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, hurl the stones at her until she dies. But only he who never sinned may throw the first!”
Then he stooped down again and wrote some more in the dust. And the Jewish leaders slipped away one by one, beginning with the eldest, until only Jesus was left in front of the crowd with the woman.
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 truly believe that God allows us to experience many things in order to teach us empathy for others…including not only events like illness, personal loss, and natural disasters…but our own sins, as well. We are more empathetic when we have walked in another person’s shoes. Someone who has overcome a handicap is probably more understanding toward those like him/her. No one can talk to a smoker or another person with an addiction about quitting better than one who has already given up the habit. Unfortunately, the only way to truly understand grief and loss seems to be to experience it firsthand.
While personal knowledge and experience may increase our “street cred” when commiserating or encouraging someone else…this does not define our calling – and our ability – to share the love and forgiveness of Jesus with others. To put it another way, you do not have to be an adulterer, murderer, or addict in order to offer love, compassion, and encouragement to someone who is. Why? Because we all have sinned in some manner…and in the eyes of Jesus, no one is better or worse than another.
So while you judge the single mother whose significant other has been jailed for possession of drugs, you are overlooking that juicy tidbit of gossip you just shared with your best friend. While you shake your head and talk about the sexual predator who has moved into your neighborhood, you fail to acknowledge that you called someone (whether you know him/her personally or not) an unkind name – or you posted something derogatory about him/her on social media.
While you are busy looking down your nose at people you consider “less than” in some manner, you are completely oblivious to the fact that you have done your fair share of breaking Jesus’ commandments - just by passing judgment on another. If all of your sins were laid bare, the world would most likely see just how despicably you have behaved, as well.
The lesson for us is that while we want to pick up the stone and hurl it, we had best take a long hard look at all that we have asked God to forgive in our own lives first. The time has come to love others with the love of Christ, which means we are going to have to get down off our high horses and stop judging and condemning others. We need to start looking at everyone with the attitude that we could easily be the ones that other people are so eager to stone.
Look around. Who could use a smile…a hug…a handshake or an encouraging word that says, “I see you…not your mistakes.”? Do you love others with the love of Christ, regardless of who they are or what they have done? Do you understand that others look at you with the same disdain because of your own sins and shortcomings? When will we "put down the stone and" pick up an attitude of kindness and compassion for others, in order to ensure that they seek complete forgiveness from the only One who can truly give it?
Are you ready to practice true Christian discipleship and love of all people? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 14, 2016
John 4:46-50
While Jesus was in Galilee, he returned to the village of Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was an official in Capernaum whose son was sick. And when the man heard that Jesus had come from Judea, he went and begged him to keep his son from dying.
Jesus told the official, “You won’t have faith unless you see miracles and wonders!”
The man replied, “Lord, please come before my son dies!”
Jesus then said, “Your son will live. Go on home to him.” The man believed Jesus and started back home.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“I’ll believe it when I see it!”
“Show me the money!”
“Prove it!”
We humans are a skeptical lot! We need reassurance…proof…a “visual” confirmation before we will commit – to pretty much anything! I keep a little basket of toys and puzzles in the cabinet, and when the children have been especially good or worked to “earn” a prize, they are allowed to choose something from the basket. Nathan, in particular, will say, “I need to look in the basket and see what’s in there.” In part, he is deciding whether it is worth his effort…but he also needs reassurance that I really do have some goodies there!
Sometimes, I will say, “You kids don’t need to see the basket…you know what is there!” And other times, I do let them have a look. But more often now, they trust that there ARE good surprises that are worth their effort. They have faith that I would not steer them down a wrong path, and they “work” in hope of a reward.
I have to believe that Jesus knew that the man’s faith was genuine, even when He chided him and the crowd by saying, “You won’t believe without proof!” Jesus might have even been a little irritated or frustrated, because so many really did NOT believe what they were told about Him. But clearly, this father of the sick child was not derailed by the comment. And if you read the verses surrounding this passage, you will see that indeed, Jesus healed his son.
Jesus is probably pretty frustrated and irritated with us many times, as we wring our hands and worry about what will happen. It’s a safe bet that most of us have weak faith on any given day – and for some, this is a way of life. We need proof…we have to have “signs”…until we actually see the hand of Jesus in our daily lives, we will reserve our acceptance – and sometimes, our best efforts.
Start watching and actually searching for Jesus as He shows up in your life and the lives of others. Don’t miss an opportunity to acknowledge His presence…or your faith that He is with you – even when you cannot readily see or feel Him. Point out to others when you see Jesus at work in their lives…not in an “I told you so” way – but as a gentle reminder that He is with them, as well!
Get in the habit of living with faith without the physical presence of signs and wonders. Trust that the “prize basket” of God’s blessings is abundantly full and available to you…that healing has already taken place…that Jesus is with you each and every minute of the day. Continually demonstrate your trust in Jesus with your words, actions – and your very demeanor. Jesus may not let us “see in the basket,” but we know what is there for us – and the time has come to start living like it!
©2016 Debbie Robus
While Jesus was in Galilee, he returned to the village of Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was an official in Capernaum whose son was sick. And when the man heard that Jesus had come from Judea, he went and begged him to keep his son from dying.
Jesus told the official, “You won’t have faith unless you see miracles and wonders!”
The man replied, “Lord, please come before my son dies!”
Jesus then said, “Your son will live. Go on home to him.” The man believed Jesus and started back home.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“I’ll believe it when I see it!”
“Show me the money!”
“Prove it!”
We humans are a skeptical lot! We need reassurance…proof…a “visual” confirmation before we will commit – to pretty much anything! I keep a little basket of toys and puzzles in the cabinet, and when the children have been especially good or worked to “earn” a prize, they are allowed to choose something from the basket. Nathan, in particular, will say, “I need to look in the basket and see what’s in there.” In part, he is deciding whether it is worth his effort…but he also needs reassurance that I really do have some goodies there!
Sometimes, I will say, “You kids don’t need to see the basket…you know what is there!” And other times, I do let them have a look. But more often now, they trust that there ARE good surprises that are worth their effort. They have faith that I would not steer them down a wrong path, and they “work” in hope of a reward.
I have to believe that Jesus knew that the man’s faith was genuine, even when He chided him and the crowd by saying, “You won’t believe without proof!” Jesus might have even been a little irritated or frustrated, because so many really did NOT believe what they were told about Him. But clearly, this father of the sick child was not derailed by the comment. And if you read the verses surrounding this passage, you will see that indeed, Jesus healed his son.
Jesus is probably pretty frustrated and irritated with us many times, as we wring our hands and worry about what will happen. It’s a safe bet that most of us have weak faith on any given day – and for some, this is a way of life. We need proof…we have to have “signs”…until we actually see the hand of Jesus in our daily lives, we will reserve our acceptance – and sometimes, our best efforts.
Start watching and actually searching for Jesus as He shows up in your life and the lives of others. Don’t miss an opportunity to acknowledge His presence…or your faith that He is with you – even when you cannot readily see or feel Him. Point out to others when you see Jesus at work in their lives…not in an “I told you so” way – but as a gentle reminder that He is with them, as well!
Get in the habit of living with faith without the physical presence of signs and wonders. Trust that the “prize basket” of God’s blessings is abundantly full and available to you…that healing has already taken place…that Jesus is with you each and every minute of the day. Continually demonstrate your trust in Jesus with your words, actions – and your very demeanor. Jesus may not let us “see in the basket,” but we know what is there for us – and the time has come to start living like it!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 13, 2016
John 4:34-38
Jesus said, “The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started. As you look around right now, wouldn’t you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I’m telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what’s right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It’s harvest time!
“The Harvester isn’t waiting. He’s taking his pay, gathering in this grain that’s ripe for eternal life. Now the Sower is arm in arm with the Harvester, triumphant. That’s the truth of the saying, ‘This one sows, that one harvests.’ I sent you to harvest a field you never worked. Without lifting a finger, you have walked in on a field worked long and hard by others.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My cousin Natalie introduced me to the Silhouette® Cameo - a computerized machine that cuts all sorts of things out of adhesive vinyl, heat transfer vinyl , fabric, paper, and more. The Silhouette® has revolutionized how I sew and create outfits and gifts for my family and friends, as well as card making projects and so much more! And…it’s FUN! I get a great sense of satisfaction from creating something that looks so polished and crisp!
Like so many “gadgets” in our lives today, this machine and my computer do the hard work for me. I have to make the effort to pick a design and use the tools in the computer program to create a template…but the machine does a lot of the “thinking” for me, then actually cuts out the designs. Here’s the thing…I have to be awake and alert. I have to position the material just right for cutting and set the blade to the correct sharpness for my material. I must pay attention to select colors and materials that are right for whatever I am making. I learned the hard way that you cannot iron a heat transfer on an insulated metal tumbler! I have to attach the cutouts to whatever surface they were destined to adorn.
I am grateful for this machine and the “work” it does for me. I appreciate my dishwasher and washing machine…the serger that finishes my stitched edges so nicely…the hot water that appears in the sink when I turn on the appropriate faucet…and my smart phone that does more than I even realize! But I have to do my part, too! I have to put dishes in the dishwasher, and turn on the phone and punch some buttons. I have to place clothes in the washer and select the design for my machine to cut. And when it comes to harvesting souls for Jesus, we have work to do, as well.
Many faithful servants paved the way and established a foundation for God’s Kingdom even before Jesus came to earth. Then Jesus did the truly hard work by dying on the cross for our sins and giving us not only an outline for how to live and minister to others – but His Holy Spirit to accompany us and serve as our personal Guide and Companion. But we have to do our part. We have to put these directives into action. We must demonstrate Jesus’ teachings and emulate His words and actions in our everyday living. We are called to seek out those who need Jesus for themselves…and to share His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, joy, hope and healing with them.
We’ve grown complacent in this world, thanks in large part to the many “conveniences” that do much of our work. If anything, this should give us more time and tools for winning others to Christ and sharing His blessings with them. We’ve been given all of the right equipment…the “hard work” has been done. Now it’s time for us to handle the “harvest!” Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get busy?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus said, “The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started. As you look around right now, wouldn’t you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I’m telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what’s right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It’s harvest time!
“The Harvester isn’t waiting. He’s taking his pay, gathering in this grain that’s ripe for eternal life. Now the Sower is arm in arm with the Harvester, triumphant. That’s the truth of the saying, ‘This one sows, that one harvests.’ I sent you to harvest a field you never worked. Without lifting a finger, you have walked in on a field worked long and hard by others.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My cousin Natalie introduced me to the Silhouette® Cameo - a computerized machine that cuts all sorts of things out of adhesive vinyl, heat transfer vinyl , fabric, paper, and more. The Silhouette® has revolutionized how I sew and create outfits and gifts for my family and friends, as well as card making projects and so much more! And…it’s FUN! I get a great sense of satisfaction from creating something that looks so polished and crisp!
Like so many “gadgets” in our lives today, this machine and my computer do the hard work for me. I have to make the effort to pick a design and use the tools in the computer program to create a template…but the machine does a lot of the “thinking” for me, then actually cuts out the designs. Here’s the thing…I have to be awake and alert. I have to position the material just right for cutting and set the blade to the correct sharpness for my material. I must pay attention to select colors and materials that are right for whatever I am making. I learned the hard way that you cannot iron a heat transfer on an insulated metal tumbler! I have to attach the cutouts to whatever surface they were destined to adorn.
I am grateful for this machine and the “work” it does for me. I appreciate my dishwasher and washing machine…the serger that finishes my stitched edges so nicely…the hot water that appears in the sink when I turn on the appropriate faucet…and my smart phone that does more than I even realize! But I have to do my part, too! I have to put dishes in the dishwasher, and turn on the phone and punch some buttons. I have to place clothes in the washer and select the design for my machine to cut. And when it comes to harvesting souls for Jesus, we have work to do, as well.
Many faithful servants paved the way and established a foundation for God’s Kingdom even before Jesus came to earth. Then Jesus did the truly hard work by dying on the cross for our sins and giving us not only an outline for how to live and minister to others – but His Holy Spirit to accompany us and serve as our personal Guide and Companion. But we have to do our part. We have to put these directives into action. We must demonstrate Jesus’ teachings and emulate His words and actions in our everyday living. We are called to seek out those who need Jesus for themselves…and to share His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, joy, hope and healing with them.
We’ve grown complacent in this world, thanks in large part to the many “conveniences” that do much of our work. If anything, this should give us more time and tools for winning others to Christ and sharing His blessings with them. We’ve been given all of the right equipment…the “hard work” has been done. Now it’s time for us to handle the “harvest!” Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get busy?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 12, 2016
John 4:25-30
The woman said, “I don’t know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we’ll get the whole story.”
“I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.”
Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn’t believe he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it.
The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” And they went out to see for themselves.
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 are several television shows now that feature “mediums” – people who claim they can talk to the spirits of our loved ones who have “passed over” and deliver messages to us. Skepticism abounds…but invariably, each “medium” is able to deliver information that at least seems so personal and tailored to us that no other living soul would know this. We MUST be hearing from our departed friend or loved one.
Children love to role play – to pretend to be someone other than themselves. And often, in order to be included in their game, they will say, “What’s the password?” We have to provide the right word or clue in order for them to accept us.
I honestly don’t know if there are people who can communicate with the dead. And I will be the first to tell you that there have been several times when I have not known the proper “password” to be included in one of our kids’ games. But when it comes to Jesus, neither of these vehicles are necessary. And I am so glad, because I do NOT want to miss Him!
Do we really need so much proof? Does Jesus have to appear to us like a psychic or medium and say, “You did ABC on this day” and “XYZ happened to you at some point in time!”? Do we have to have signs and wonders or the presentation of stories and events about which no one else could possibly have knowledge in order to believe that Jesus really is with us?
How well do you know Jesus? Do you readily recognize His presence in your daily living? Are you fully aware of the Holy Spirit's existence within your heart? Have you invited Him to dwell there? Do you need to gather friends, neighbors and relatives and examine physical “proof” in order to find Jesus in your life? Or are you so attuned to His voice…the word of God…the Holy Spirit and how Jesus intricately orchestrates every second of your life that you KNOW that He is with you?
Just as importantly, do others see Jesus with you? Do they readily recognize the presence of Jesus in everything from your facial expressions and body language to how you actually conduct the daily business of your life and treat each person you encounter?
Some of us have acknowledged Jesus, while others have walked right past Him. Many are questioning His existence in some manner. Jesus’ words to the woman at the well are equally true for you and me…we don’t have to wait any longer or look any further. He is HERE…Jesus is with us NOW - and for all eternity. Do you see him?
©2016 Debbie Robus
The woman said, “I don’t know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we’ll get the whole story.”
“I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.”
Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn’t believe he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it.
The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” And they went out to see for themselves.
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 are several television shows now that feature “mediums” – people who claim they can talk to the spirits of our loved ones who have “passed over” and deliver messages to us. Skepticism abounds…but invariably, each “medium” is able to deliver information that at least seems so personal and tailored to us that no other living soul would know this. We MUST be hearing from our departed friend or loved one.
Children love to role play – to pretend to be someone other than themselves. And often, in order to be included in their game, they will say, “What’s the password?” We have to provide the right word or clue in order for them to accept us.
I honestly don’t know if there are people who can communicate with the dead. And I will be the first to tell you that there have been several times when I have not known the proper “password” to be included in one of our kids’ games. But when it comes to Jesus, neither of these vehicles are necessary. And I am so glad, because I do NOT want to miss Him!
Do we really need so much proof? Does Jesus have to appear to us like a psychic or medium and say, “You did ABC on this day” and “XYZ happened to you at some point in time!”? Do we have to have signs and wonders or the presentation of stories and events about which no one else could possibly have knowledge in order to believe that Jesus really is with us?
How well do you know Jesus? Do you readily recognize His presence in your daily living? Are you fully aware of the Holy Spirit's existence within your heart? Have you invited Him to dwell there? Do you need to gather friends, neighbors and relatives and examine physical “proof” in order to find Jesus in your life? Or are you so attuned to His voice…the word of God…the Holy Spirit and how Jesus intricately orchestrates every second of your life that you KNOW that He is with you?
Just as importantly, do others see Jesus with you? Do they readily recognize the presence of Jesus in everything from your facial expressions and body language to how you actually conduct the daily business of your life and treat each person you encounter?
Some of us have acknowledged Jesus, while others have walked right past Him. Many are questioning His existence in some manner. Jesus’ words to the woman at the well are equally true for you and me…we don’t have to wait any longer or look any further. He is HERE…Jesus is with us NOW - and for all eternity. Do you see him?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 11, 2016
John 4:21-24
“Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God’s way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”
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 we pause to remember the people who perished in the terroristic attacks on the World Trade Center exactly 15 years ago. We think of the family members and friends who were left to grieve and suffer…the survivors who spent hours/days/weeks/months/years recuperating and physically recovering to some degree. We pray for all who were affected…and weren’t we ALL affected in some way?
As I read this scripture passage, it struck me that the God I love…the God I trust and serve each and every day…was the same God that many – if not most of us - prayed to and sought in the midst of this horrific event. There has been much talk about how the events of 9/11 brought us together as a country…and I think to some degree, this is true. We didn’t see color, race, ethnic background, gender, sexual identity, socio-economic level, intellect, or even political leanings. We just saw people who were frightened, hurting and suffering…people who had great needs and endured tremendous losses…people who were “just like us” in so many fundamental ways. We asked God to meet them right where they were…and I believe He did just that.
We reached out…we served in the name of Jesus…we sent aid of all kinds…and we genuinely expressed sympathy and empathy for these victims and their extended “families.” We didn’t give it a second thought, really…we just knew that this was what the God we worshipped and adored wanted of us…and we did it.
I don’t know what shifted…or really why…but we have lost a good deal of this honest and simple faith and servitude in recent years. We’ve become skeptical, cynical, and self-absorbed. Even worse, we have become elitist…the God we serve is OUR God. His reach cannot possibly encompass those who are different from us in even the slightest way. We are like the college kid who makes good grades so Mom and Dad will keep sending money…we serve God out of a sense of duty, obligation, and fear that to do otherwise would result in a disconnect of sorts from His blessings and rewards in our lives.
As devastating as the events of 9/11 were, God brought about so many good things. Every time our country goes through a crisis, we seem to rally just a bit – though not as much as we did fifteen years ago. But it shouldn’t take a catastrophe to gather us to God…and I pray that we don’t fall into the pattern of only turning to Him and embracing one another when the unthinkable happens.
Where does this leave us? Are we simply and honestly ourselves before God and others? Are we serving God with a spirit of inclusiveness and adoration? Do we desire that ALL PEOPLE cultivate a relationship with God…and are we doing everything in our power to share His Spirit with the masses? Are you a reactionary who only reaches out to others in the midst of a crisis…or do others see your heart for Jesus – and ALL who God has created – each and every day?
Will this anniversary serve as a reminder that God sent Jesus for EVERYONE…and not just you and me? Will you live in a way that this is evident to others? Don’t you think you should?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God’s way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”
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 we pause to remember the people who perished in the terroristic attacks on the World Trade Center exactly 15 years ago. We think of the family members and friends who were left to grieve and suffer…the survivors who spent hours/days/weeks/months/years recuperating and physically recovering to some degree. We pray for all who were affected…and weren’t we ALL affected in some way?
As I read this scripture passage, it struck me that the God I love…the God I trust and serve each and every day…was the same God that many – if not most of us - prayed to and sought in the midst of this horrific event. There has been much talk about how the events of 9/11 brought us together as a country…and I think to some degree, this is true. We didn’t see color, race, ethnic background, gender, sexual identity, socio-economic level, intellect, or even political leanings. We just saw people who were frightened, hurting and suffering…people who had great needs and endured tremendous losses…people who were “just like us” in so many fundamental ways. We asked God to meet them right where they were…and I believe He did just that.
We reached out…we served in the name of Jesus…we sent aid of all kinds…and we genuinely expressed sympathy and empathy for these victims and their extended “families.” We didn’t give it a second thought, really…we just knew that this was what the God we worshipped and adored wanted of us…and we did it.
I don’t know what shifted…or really why…but we have lost a good deal of this honest and simple faith and servitude in recent years. We’ve become skeptical, cynical, and self-absorbed. Even worse, we have become elitist…the God we serve is OUR God. His reach cannot possibly encompass those who are different from us in even the slightest way. We are like the college kid who makes good grades so Mom and Dad will keep sending money…we serve God out of a sense of duty, obligation, and fear that to do otherwise would result in a disconnect of sorts from His blessings and rewards in our lives.
As devastating as the events of 9/11 were, God brought about so many good things. Every time our country goes through a crisis, we seem to rally just a bit – though not as much as we did fifteen years ago. But it shouldn’t take a catastrophe to gather us to God…and I pray that we don’t fall into the pattern of only turning to Him and embracing one another when the unthinkable happens.
Where does this leave us? Are we simply and honestly ourselves before God and others? Are we serving God with a spirit of inclusiveness and adoration? Do we desire that ALL PEOPLE cultivate a relationship with God…and are we doing everything in our power to share His Spirit with the masses? Are you a reactionary who only reaches out to others in the midst of a crisis…or do others see your heart for Jesus – and ALL who God has created – each and every day?
Will this anniversary serve as a reminder that God sent Jesus for EVERYONE…and not just you and me? Will you live in a way that this is evident to others? Don’t you think you should?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 10, 2016
John 3:31-36
“He has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. I am of the earth, and my understanding is limited to the things of earth. He tells what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Those who believe him discover that God is a fountain of truth. For this one—sent by God—speaks God’s words, for God’s Spirit is upon him without measure or limit. The Father loves this man because he is his Son, and God has given him everything there is. And all who trust him — God’s Son — to save them have eternal life; those who don’t believe and obey him shall never see heaven, but the wrath of God remains upon them.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
At least once a week, I see a story posted on Facebook that sounds so wonderful – or plausible - and many people are eagerly sharing. I learned the hard way to go to Snopes.com* first and make sure whether or not these stories are true. Slaves in Charleston, South Carolina did not start Memorial Day to honor the Union war dead…baby cribs were not circled up outside of the Pentagon on 9/11 to protect infants and toddlers who attended a daycare there…journalist Matt Lauer and NBC did not omit the statement from the mother of a Navy seal killed in Libya that her Christian faith sustains her. These and so many more “shared-for-truth” viral stories are carefully and articulately debunked on fact-checking websites, if only we will take a few minutes to investigate and verify.
Let’s be honest…we are pretty gullible…and sometimes we’re downright naïve. We also seem to have a penchant for believing the stories that are outrageous, tug at our heartstrings, make us want to wave our flags and feel all “patriotic”…and those that make our blood boil. We are human…and this is part of our nature.
The sad truth is that we can have ALL of this – and so much more – in God’s word and the “story” that Jesus has to share with us. There are tales of outrageous acts, battles, struggles and suffering. There are heartwarming stories of rescue and redemption. We have opportunities to thump our chest and praise our Warrior God who defeats all enemies and protects His Kingdom. And we have the accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion, the murder of innocent babies, and other heinous acts that can make our blood boil. And we can believe every single word we read and share it with others to our heart’s content!
There are two lessons here…1) check your sources – AND your facts – before you share what you read and hear from mere mortals…even your closest friend or relative, and 2) learn to trust the word of God – and believe and obey His directives.
I particularly like the image of God’s “fountain of truth.” Who doesn’t love a beautiful fountain? When my siblings and I were little, our city park had a “wading pool” with a fountain. We loved to stand under the shower of refreshing water and bask in its coolness on a hot summer day. The idea that God’s gifts are like that fountain - that He sustains, encourages, and renews our spirit throughout this earthly life - gives me hope, peace and joy. The thought of eternal life in the presence of God, where EVERY MINUTE is more glorious than I can even dream, gives me motivation to seek Him and His truth at each turn in this earthly journey.
Go after the truth in all things…both earthly declarations and the message of Jesus. Take advantages of resources like Snopes.com for the former – and the Holy Bible for the latter. Learn to live in bold confidence that you always operate in facts and concrete information. Stand under the “fountain” of God’s truth, and let Him continually pour out His wisdom and blessings on you as you serve faithfully and obediently. Learn to make every minute count…and make this the day that you renew your commitment fully prepare for eternity at the feet of Jesus. The stakes are high…the reward is great…and the time is now to get this right!
©2016 Debbie Robus
* http://snopes.com
“He has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. I am of the earth, and my understanding is limited to the things of earth. He tells what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Those who believe him discover that God is a fountain of truth. For this one—sent by God—speaks God’s words, for God’s Spirit is upon him without measure or limit. The Father loves this man because he is his Son, and God has given him everything there is. And all who trust him — God’s Son — to save them have eternal life; those who don’t believe and obey him shall never see heaven, but the wrath of God remains upon them.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
At least once a week, I see a story posted on Facebook that sounds so wonderful – or plausible - and many people are eagerly sharing. I learned the hard way to go to Snopes.com* first and make sure whether or not these stories are true. Slaves in Charleston, South Carolina did not start Memorial Day to honor the Union war dead…baby cribs were not circled up outside of the Pentagon on 9/11 to protect infants and toddlers who attended a daycare there…journalist Matt Lauer and NBC did not omit the statement from the mother of a Navy seal killed in Libya that her Christian faith sustains her. These and so many more “shared-for-truth” viral stories are carefully and articulately debunked on fact-checking websites, if only we will take a few minutes to investigate and verify.
Let’s be honest…we are pretty gullible…and sometimes we’re downright naïve. We also seem to have a penchant for believing the stories that are outrageous, tug at our heartstrings, make us want to wave our flags and feel all “patriotic”…and those that make our blood boil. We are human…and this is part of our nature.
The sad truth is that we can have ALL of this – and so much more – in God’s word and the “story” that Jesus has to share with us. There are tales of outrageous acts, battles, struggles and suffering. There are heartwarming stories of rescue and redemption. We have opportunities to thump our chest and praise our Warrior God who defeats all enemies and protects His Kingdom. And we have the accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion, the murder of innocent babies, and other heinous acts that can make our blood boil. And we can believe every single word we read and share it with others to our heart’s content!
There are two lessons here…1) check your sources – AND your facts – before you share what you read and hear from mere mortals…even your closest friend or relative, and 2) learn to trust the word of God – and believe and obey His directives.
I particularly like the image of God’s “fountain of truth.” Who doesn’t love a beautiful fountain? When my siblings and I were little, our city park had a “wading pool” with a fountain. We loved to stand under the shower of refreshing water and bask in its coolness on a hot summer day. The idea that God’s gifts are like that fountain - that He sustains, encourages, and renews our spirit throughout this earthly life - gives me hope, peace and joy. The thought of eternal life in the presence of God, where EVERY MINUTE is more glorious than I can even dream, gives me motivation to seek Him and His truth at each turn in this earthly journey.
Go after the truth in all things…both earthly declarations and the message of Jesus. Take advantages of resources like Snopes.com for the former – and the Holy Bible for the latter. Learn to live in bold confidence that you always operate in facts and concrete information. Stand under the “fountain” of God’s truth, and let Him continually pour out His wisdom and blessings on you as you serve faithfully and obediently. Learn to make every minute count…and make this the day that you renew your commitment fully prepare for eternity at the feet of Jesus. The stakes are high…the reward is great…and the time is now to get this right!
©2016 Debbie Robus
* http://snopes.com
Daily Devotional for September 9, 2016
September 9 ~ John 3:27-30
John answered, “It’s not possible for a person to succeed—I’m talking about eternal success—without heaven’s help. You yourselves were there when I made it public that I was not the Messiah but simply the one sent ahead of him to get things ready. The one who gets the bride is, by definition, the bridegroom. And the bridegroom’s friend, his ‘best man’—that’s me—in place at his side where he can hear every word, is genuinely happy. How could he be jealous when he knows that the wedding is finished and the marriage is off to a good start?
“That’s why my cup is running over. This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines.
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.
During the Sunday school lesson last week for second and third graders, I mentioned my brother Tim, who died almost 18 years ago. It was like a light bulb went on in Timothy’s head, and he said, “OH! So Uncle Tim was named for ME?” I smiled and explained that it was the other way around…that Uncle Tim was here first. This was logical thinking for a seven-year-old. Little children tend to believe that the world revolves around them. And I will have to say that most of the time, Timothy is unusually empathetic for his age. Still…every child has his/her moments.
You and I are no longer children. We cannot afford the “luxury” of selfish thinking…much less the assumption that “we’ve got this” by ourselves. There is no way that we can navigate “life” on our own for even the shortest amount of time. And if you believe differently, you are in for some pretty big heartaches and disappointments.
A friend shared a post on Facebook that started off, “Imagine getting to heaven and hearing God say”…and then “God” described how thought of us before we were born…laid out plans for us and prepared the way. “God” noted how He gave us time to accomplish these goals and supplied us with the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us…and provided us with missions and opportunities to fulfill them. And then it ends with “Let’s talk about how that all went.”
Too many of us want to have Jesus and the Holy Spirit in our hip pocket…but we still want the spotlight. We want it to be all about us…about our needs and desires. We spend our lives asking, “Is it fun? Will I enjoy this? Will it make me happy? What about ME?” And the truth is…it’s not about us at all. There’s an old hymn – “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” - that says, “Thou are the potter, I am the clay.” Jesus is the bridegroom…you and I are just the “bridesmaids and groomsmen.” Our job is to support Him…to fulfill His plans and missions…to step aside and bask in the rays of His limelight.
A little self-absorption is cute when you are a child…but it is in no way an attractive quality in adults…especially people who are supposed to represent Jesus. Humility, servitude, and the desire to keep Christ front and center are hallmarks of a faithful Christian disciple. It may never be “your turn” or “about you”…and that’s okay. When Jesus is given top priority, all other things fall into place as He designed. THIS is what truly matters!
When God has the talk with you about “how things went,” what will you have to say for yourself? Have you stepped aside and given Jesus the spotlight? Or are you still fighting to get off the sidelines and take center stage? How you answer makes all the difference…both now and for all eternity. Where are you standing today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
John answered, “It’s not possible for a person to succeed—I’m talking about eternal success—without heaven’s help. You yourselves were there when I made it public that I was not the Messiah but simply the one sent ahead of him to get things ready. The one who gets the bride is, by definition, the bridegroom. And the bridegroom’s friend, his ‘best man’—that’s me—in place at his side where he can hear every word, is genuinely happy. How could he be jealous when he knows that the wedding is finished and the marriage is off to a good start?
“That’s why my cup is running over. This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines.
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.
During the Sunday school lesson last week for second and third graders, I mentioned my brother Tim, who died almost 18 years ago. It was like a light bulb went on in Timothy’s head, and he said, “OH! So Uncle Tim was named for ME?” I smiled and explained that it was the other way around…that Uncle Tim was here first. This was logical thinking for a seven-year-old. Little children tend to believe that the world revolves around them. And I will have to say that most of the time, Timothy is unusually empathetic for his age. Still…every child has his/her moments.
You and I are no longer children. We cannot afford the “luxury” of selfish thinking…much less the assumption that “we’ve got this” by ourselves. There is no way that we can navigate “life” on our own for even the shortest amount of time. And if you believe differently, you are in for some pretty big heartaches and disappointments.
A friend shared a post on Facebook that started off, “Imagine getting to heaven and hearing God say”…and then “God” described how thought of us before we were born…laid out plans for us and prepared the way. “God” noted how He gave us time to accomplish these goals and supplied us with the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us…and provided us with missions and opportunities to fulfill them. And then it ends with “Let’s talk about how that all went.”
Too many of us want to have Jesus and the Holy Spirit in our hip pocket…but we still want the spotlight. We want it to be all about us…about our needs and desires. We spend our lives asking, “Is it fun? Will I enjoy this? Will it make me happy? What about ME?” And the truth is…it’s not about us at all. There’s an old hymn – “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” - that says, “Thou are the potter, I am the clay.” Jesus is the bridegroom…you and I are just the “bridesmaids and groomsmen.” Our job is to support Him…to fulfill His plans and missions…to step aside and bask in the rays of His limelight.
A little self-absorption is cute when you are a child…but it is in no way an attractive quality in adults…especially people who are supposed to represent Jesus. Humility, servitude, and the desire to keep Christ front and center are hallmarks of a faithful Christian disciple. It may never be “your turn” or “about you”…and that’s okay. When Jesus is given top priority, all other things fall into place as He designed. THIS is what truly matters!
When God has the talk with you about “how things went,” what will you have to say for yourself? Have you stepped aside and given Jesus the spotlight? Or are you still fighting to get off the sidelines and take center stage? How you answer makes all the difference…both now and for all eternity. Where are you standing today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 8, 2016
John 3:19-21
“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”
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 cannot stress often enough what a wonderful study tool I have found in the book, Jesus Calling*. I am not affiliated with this author or publisher in any way - but these devotionals speak to me every time I read them. The September 6th entry says in part that (and remember, this is supposed to be Jesus speaking), “The desire to act independently – apart from Me – springs from the root of pride. Self-sufficiency is subtle, insinuating its way into your thoughts and actions without your realizing it. But apart from Me, you can do nothing: that is, nothing of eternal value.”
The passage goes on to encourage us to depend on Jesus in every situation…but we are reminded that we have to want to do this. While it would be simpler for Jesus to force us to be obedient servants, the author explains that freedom to choose is a “godlike privilege I bestowed on you as My image-bearer.”
Let’s be honest…the devil makes it pretty easy and attractive for us to live in darkness. A former pastor used to say that “Sin is fun…otherwise, nobody would be interested!” When I thought about today’s scripture passage – and the Jesus Calling entry from a couple of days ago – I couldn’t help but think how many people who claim to be Christians have gotten caught up in the collective shadows of dissension that seem to permeate our country today.
Lines are firmly drawn in the sand. It’s become cool and popular to speak one’s mind and let the chips fall where they may…to pit one group against another and deride good people – just because others seem to like it! There is a good deal of the “speak now and apologize later” mentality – and the fallout from this in some cases is permanent and irreparable. We want to be cool…to fit in…to be accepted. So we go along with rhetoric that divides rather than unites.
We operate like people who have stepped out of a building into the brightness of a sunny day without wearing any sunglasses. We prefer to jump back into the “comfort” of the shadows as quickly as possible. We are not willing to make the effort to adjust to the bright light – and enjoy it! We don’t appreciate the warmth of the sun’s life-giving rays. We have no desire to put on sunscreen and protective clothing and stick around.
And so it is with Jesus. We don’t want to do the work. We would rather coast along in the darkness and act like we’re “all that,” and enjoy the relative “comfort” of fitting in and not making waves.
Understand this…sometimes, being a Christian is messy. It takes courage, confidence, hope and faith. It takes a willingness to step out of the darkness and say, “I’m following the LIGHT!” We have to swallow our pride and put on the full armor of God and say, “Wherever You lead, I will follow!” Are YOU courageous enough to do this? Will you place everything on the line for the One who has already done this - and so much more - for you?
Aren’t you ready to step out of the darkness and into the brilliant Light of Christ, once and for all? Will this be the day that you do?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*Jesus Calling ~ http://jesuscalling.com – is available at most bookstores and major retailers, including Walmart and Target.
“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”
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 cannot stress often enough what a wonderful study tool I have found in the book, Jesus Calling*. I am not affiliated with this author or publisher in any way - but these devotionals speak to me every time I read them. The September 6th entry says in part that (and remember, this is supposed to be Jesus speaking), “The desire to act independently – apart from Me – springs from the root of pride. Self-sufficiency is subtle, insinuating its way into your thoughts and actions without your realizing it. But apart from Me, you can do nothing: that is, nothing of eternal value.”
The passage goes on to encourage us to depend on Jesus in every situation…but we are reminded that we have to want to do this. While it would be simpler for Jesus to force us to be obedient servants, the author explains that freedom to choose is a “godlike privilege I bestowed on you as My image-bearer.”
Let’s be honest…the devil makes it pretty easy and attractive for us to live in darkness. A former pastor used to say that “Sin is fun…otherwise, nobody would be interested!” When I thought about today’s scripture passage – and the Jesus Calling entry from a couple of days ago – I couldn’t help but think how many people who claim to be Christians have gotten caught up in the collective shadows of dissension that seem to permeate our country today.
Lines are firmly drawn in the sand. It’s become cool and popular to speak one’s mind and let the chips fall where they may…to pit one group against another and deride good people – just because others seem to like it! There is a good deal of the “speak now and apologize later” mentality – and the fallout from this in some cases is permanent and irreparable. We want to be cool…to fit in…to be accepted. So we go along with rhetoric that divides rather than unites.
We operate like people who have stepped out of a building into the brightness of a sunny day without wearing any sunglasses. We prefer to jump back into the “comfort” of the shadows as quickly as possible. We are not willing to make the effort to adjust to the bright light – and enjoy it! We don’t appreciate the warmth of the sun’s life-giving rays. We have no desire to put on sunscreen and protective clothing and stick around.
And so it is with Jesus. We don’t want to do the work. We would rather coast along in the darkness and act like we’re “all that,” and enjoy the relative “comfort” of fitting in and not making waves.
Understand this…sometimes, being a Christian is messy. It takes courage, confidence, hope and faith. It takes a willingness to step out of the darkness and say, “I’m following the LIGHT!” We have to swallow our pride and put on the full armor of God and say, “Wherever You lead, I will follow!” Are YOU courageous enough to do this? Will you place everything on the line for the One who has already done this - and so much more - for you?
Aren’t you ready to step out of the darkness and into the brilliant Light of Christ, once and for all? Will this be the day that you do?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*Jesus Calling ~ http://jesuscalling.com – is available at most bookstores and major retailers, including Walmart and Target.
Daily Devotional for September 7, 2016
John 3:16-18
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to 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.
This morning, I read a harrowing newspaper account of the confession from a man who abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling on October 22, 1989, in a field near Minneapolis, Minnesota. The assailant recently led authorities to the little boy’s remains, 27 years after the crime was committed. I tried to put myself in the shoes of Jacob’s parents, and I was moved to tears as I thought of them listening to this man’s confession and picturing their little boy…frightened and alone as a deranged man kidnapped and abused him, then put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger.
Whether we are eleven or one hundred and eleven, there will be things in life that happen to us that we cannot control. I realize that parents - and adults who love children like their own - cannot be with them 24/7. I understand that there will be good AND bad things that will happen to those we love, and we won’t be there to revel in the joys…or to protect them from dangers – and even moments of fear and panic. If you let your mind dwell on these things, it can become overwhelming.
Instead, I consider John 3:16-18, in which we are promised that God loved the world so much that He allowed HIS only Son to enter into it and be subjected to all sorts of encounters and experiences…both incredibly good – and unimaginably bad. But God never left Jesus. He was with Him through every single moment. And the GOOD NEWS is that because of this, God never leaves us. He is with us in the form of His Holy Spirit, now and forevermore.
Even when you or I cannot be with our children (of any age), God is there. When a loved one draws his/her last breath – and there is nothing we can do about it – God is with them. God is with us for our highest highs…and our lowest lows…and everything in between. He loves us SO much that He was willing to sacrifice HIS son in order that this might be the case. We must learn trust Him and live in His presence.
I won’t pretend that this is an easy – or instant – “fix”…that once we invite Jesus into our hearts, we are immediately able to surrender every single thought, experience, and emotion to Him. And certainly, for a child the age of Jacob Wetterling, it might be asking too much to hope that He had the spiritual maturity to call on God in this instance. But I have to believe that God did flood this child’s heart with a supernatural calm and peace. I am confident that we are commissioned to instill in others the faith and assurance that God loves us so much that He is with us in every situation…and we must especially do this for our children.
Many will ask, “If God loves us so much, why does He allow suffering and the occurrence of horrific atrocities?” My honest answer is that “I don’t know.” But I know that God does not do this to be cruel…that He suffers with us in these things. I also know that God rescues and redeems - and never wastes any experience.
In the case of Jacob Wetterling, his mother became a national advocate for missing children. And in 1994, a federal law, named after Jacob, was enacted that requires all states to establish registries for sex offenders. If we really begin to look at the big picture, we see how God knits together all sorts of experiences for outcomes we couldn’t even imagine…because of His incredible love for us.
The best gift we will ever receive is salvation through Jesus Christ – and the continual presence of His Holy Spirit. The best gift we can give another person is a demonstration of this love and presence in action in our own daily living. We must demonstrate that God is with us in each circumstance…that He loves us SO much that He sent Jesus to take our sins and show us how to fully live with faith and hope in His promises.
Have you accepted God’s “love gift?” Do you live in His presence on a daily basis? Don’t you want to? Are you ready to look for God in all situations and trust Him to surround you with His power and peace? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to 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.
This morning, I read a harrowing newspaper account of the confession from a man who abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling on October 22, 1989, in a field near Minneapolis, Minnesota. The assailant recently led authorities to the little boy’s remains, 27 years after the crime was committed. I tried to put myself in the shoes of Jacob’s parents, and I was moved to tears as I thought of them listening to this man’s confession and picturing their little boy…frightened and alone as a deranged man kidnapped and abused him, then put a gun to his head and pulled the trigger.
Whether we are eleven or one hundred and eleven, there will be things in life that happen to us that we cannot control. I realize that parents - and adults who love children like their own - cannot be with them 24/7. I understand that there will be good AND bad things that will happen to those we love, and we won’t be there to revel in the joys…or to protect them from dangers – and even moments of fear and panic. If you let your mind dwell on these things, it can become overwhelming.
Instead, I consider John 3:16-18, in which we are promised that God loved the world so much that He allowed HIS only Son to enter into it and be subjected to all sorts of encounters and experiences…both incredibly good – and unimaginably bad. But God never left Jesus. He was with Him through every single moment. And the GOOD NEWS is that because of this, God never leaves us. He is with us in the form of His Holy Spirit, now and forevermore.
Even when you or I cannot be with our children (of any age), God is there. When a loved one draws his/her last breath – and there is nothing we can do about it – God is with them. God is with us for our highest highs…and our lowest lows…and everything in between. He loves us SO much that He was willing to sacrifice HIS son in order that this might be the case. We must learn trust Him and live in His presence.
I won’t pretend that this is an easy – or instant – “fix”…that once we invite Jesus into our hearts, we are immediately able to surrender every single thought, experience, and emotion to Him. And certainly, for a child the age of Jacob Wetterling, it might be asking too much to hope that He had the spiritual maturity to call on God in this instance. But I have to believe that God did flood this child’s heart with a supernatural calm and peace. I am confident that we are commissioned to instill in others the faith and assurance that God loves us so much that He is with us in every situation…and we must especially do this for our children.
Many will ask, “If God loves us so much, why does He allow suffering and the occurrence of horrific atrocities?” My honest answer is that “I don’t know.” But I know that God does not do this to be cruel…that He suffers with us in these things. I also know that God rescues and redeems - and never wastes any experience.
In the case of Jacob Wetterling, his mother became a national advocate for missing children. And in 1994, a federal law, named after Jacob, was enacted that requires all states to establish registries for sex offenders. If we really begin to look at the big picture, we see how God knits together all sorts of experiences for outcomes we couldn’t even imagine…because of His incredible love for us.
The best gift we will ever receive is salvation through Jesus Christ – and the continual presence of His Holy Spirit. The best gift we can give another person is a demonstration of this love and presence in action in our own daily living. We must demonstrate that God is with us in each circumstance…that He loves us SO much that He sent Jesus to take our sins and show us how to fully live with faith and hope in His promises.
Have you accepted God’s “love gift?” Do you live in His presence on a daily basis? Don’t you want to? Are you ready to look for God in all situations and trust Him to surround you with His power and peace? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)