February 14 ~ Titus 1:5-9
I left you in charge in Crete so you could complete what I left half-done. Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions. As you select them, ask, "Is this man well-thought-of? Is he committed to his wife? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?" It's important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God's house, be looked up to - not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Have you ever been involved in an organization or occupation that had a code of conduct, so to speak? Maybe there was a dress code, or you were required to take an oath to perform certain duties. Rotary International is one organization that comes to mind for me. The club encourages members to attend each meeting, and conduct their daily living according to a 4-Way Test – Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
This passage from Titus speaks of church leaders… but the criteria listed in these verses is really for all Christians. If we are truly God’s agents… representatives of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, shouldn’t we be well thought of, committed to our spouse (if married) – or our boyfriend or girlfriend? If we are parents, shouldn’t we be rearing our children to respect us AND God? Shouldn’t we all be reverent, with a good grip on our personal lives AND our knowledge of the Word of God? If we know Jesus and love Him – if we desire to live for Christ, shouldn’t we know how to use His message to bring others to a relationship with Him? Examine your own life. See if your conduct is such that it meets 4-Way Test in the context of living for Jesus: Do you speak His truth? Are your actions fair to all concerned? Do you share His message in order to build goodwill and better friendships? Are you doing all you can to share the benefits of a life in Christ with all concerned?
Today is Valentine’s Day – a day when we talk a lot about love. But really, isn’t living according to Jesus’ standards – and sharing His message with others - the ultimate act of love? Are you living in a way that says “Happy Valentine’s Day” to everyone – including Jesus?
©2008 Debbie Robus
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February 13 ~ 2 Timothy 4:16-18
At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn't matter - the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion! God's looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes!
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When I was in elementary school, there was a boy in my neighborhood who was. something of a brainiac – today you would probably call him a “nerd.” Gordon was brilliant, but sorely lacking in common sense. He fancied himself something of a scientist, and he was always concocting some crazy “experiment” in the family’s wood-frame barn-like shed behind the house.
One day, Gordon created some sort of hair-brained experiment in that barn, and every one of the neighborhood kids who were playing in his yard scattered. You might say we ran like scared rabbits. We heard a loud boom, and then flames erupted, and soon the yard around the shed was on fire. Gordon’s mother ran from the house yelling and screaming at him, and together they got a water hose and extinguished the flames. I think it’s safe to say that Gordon was snatched from the jaws of the lion that day!
None of the neighborhood kids stood by Gordon. I imagine he felt pretty lonely standing before his mother, trying to explain his antics and wondering where his cohorts went! Gordon believed in his “experiments.” He always felt like he was on the verge of some major “breakthrough” – even at 9 years old! Yet he struggled to find anyone to stand with him and support his efforts.
Have you ever felt like this about your faith? Have you ever felt like serving God and sharing Him with others was costly? Have your friends and/or family members run like scared rabbits? I hope you will understand that even when it seems like others have deserted you because of your love for Jesus, JESUS is still with you. For every friend who deserts you, He will bring you at least two new ones. For every time you have felt lonely and singled out for serving God, you will be given double portions of love and joy. The God who has snatched you from the jaws of the lion (Satan) will look after you, keep you safe, and stand by you through thick and thin. This is reason to shout and celebrate. This is reason to thank God and praise Him. Keep on “keepin’ on!” He will be with you all the way!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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February 12 ~ 2 Timothy 3:14-17
But don't let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers—why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother's milk! There's nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
We all know the Bible has answers for our life… or at least that’s what we have been told. But do you know how – and where to look for those answers? When we were in college, members of Gideons International came around and gave each student a New Testament with the Psalms and Proverbs. Since we went to Arkansas Tech, our Bibles were bright green, representing Tech’s green and gold school colors. Inside the front of this little pocket-sized New Testament, there was a list of topics you could look up, as in “Where to find help if…” and then there was an alphabetical listing of words like “anxious,” “worried,” and “lonely.” After each word, scriptures were listed that gave answers, comfort, or encouragement for this topic. I can assure you that we used these little New Testaments a lot in our college years.
With the advent of the Internet, Bible help is literally a few clicks away. My favorite starting point is www.BibleGateway.com, but I have also used Google. For instance, a keyword search for “worry” in The Message translation at BibleGateway will net you 56 separate scripture references that include the word “worry.” If you do a keyword search for “joblessness” you may not find any scriptures that include that specific word. But if you Google “scriptures on finding a job,” you will get several separate websites that offer scriptures related to this subject. You may have to dig a little deeper, but answers are there.
If you have several questions or topics you feel you want to research, write them down. Once you have searched and found scriptures that relate, write THOSE down alongside your question or topic. Then begin to meditate and pray over those scriptures. Read them every day, and ask God to use His Word to speak to you and help you determine the best way to proceed.
Last fall, I felt God leading me to open my Bible for a few hours and take a look at the Psalms. I began to go through the Book of Psalms from the first chapter to the very end, and I made notes of those that particularly seemed to speak to me… to stir something in me… those Psalms that “struck a nerve.” These became my guide for the devos we did last fall as “Studies in the Psalms.” The scripture for today’s devotional is the result of a Google search for “Scriptures about perseverance.”
My point is that God’s word is just as relevant and useful for us today as it was in the days of Moses. And a single scripture passage can speak to what is on your heart today in one way – and again next week when you have a completely different question or issue. I thank God for creating the new technologies that make studying His word even easier. We really have no excuse, have we?! God WILL use His word to answer you… the key is to know how – and where – to look.
©2008 Debbie Robus
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February 11 ~ 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Fix this picture firmly in your mind: Jesus, descended from the line of David, raised from the dead. It's what you've heard from me all along. It's what I'm sitting in jail for right now—but God's Word isn't in jail! That's why I stick it out here—so that everyone God calls will get in on the salvation of Christ in all its glory. This is a sure thing:
If we die with him, we'll live with him;
If we stick it out with him, we'll rule with him;
If we turn our backs on him, he'll turn his back on us;
If we give up on him, he does not give up—
for there's no way he can be false to himself.
(Scripture from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Isn’t God amazing? He knew that these scriptures on perseverance – sticking with it – were just what we need to hear these days. I know people who have stopped watching the news because it is just too bleak. And I agree… the news IS bleak… unemployment, war, homelessness, natural disasters. People are hurting all across the world. So should we all just stop what we are doing, throw up our hands and say, “This is just too hard!” as if God does not know – or care - what is happening to us?
Let me ask you something… do you believe what is written in the Bible? Would you agree that people have experienced unemployment, war, homelessness, natural disasters and more since the time of Adam and Eve? Did God abandon them? Absolutely NOT! And He won’t abandon us, either. So what if you lose your job? God is still with you, and He will help you find another. War is horrible, and I don’t believe it pleases God. But I do believe that a Godly soldier on the battlefield – in war OR life in general – can do many good works for the glory of God, even in the midst of a horrific situation.
When we lose our earthly home – to the economy or a natural disaster - God is still with us. If disease or illness comes, God will be with us every step of the way as we heal – even if our healing comes in death. When we face the death of a loved one, God understands our grief and comforts us. When we face our own death, God prepares a home for us with Him and welcomes us there. In Psalm 139:7-8, David said that “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!” (NLT). Now THAT’s my God… a God who never gives up on me!
Now, more than ever, we need to focus on Jesus. We need to put all of our trust in HIM… not the things of this world. We need to know who we are in Christ… and live for Him. Even if bad things do happen to us, we’ll still come out on top. If we turn our back on Jesus, He may turn His back on us and let us wallow in our misery for awhile… but thankfully, He will never give up. You may have been tempted lately to throw up your hands and give up – on your situation AND Jesus. But know this… Jesus is a sure thing… and He is waiting for you. Live with Jesus… stick it out with Him… and see for yourself just how well He will meet your needs.
©2008 Debbie Robus
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February 10 ~ 2 Timothy 2:1-7
So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!— to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain.
(Scripture from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Are things tough in your world these days? How are you handling the challenges in your life? Are you taking it on the chin, trusting that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow? Are you concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other, forging ahead in faith that God will see you through your struggles, and “gettin’ it done?”
Now is the time for faith-filled Christians to step up to the plate. More than ever, it is time for us to say, “I may be facing a mountain, but God will help me climb it.” I don’t know what your struggle is today… but I know God can help you handle it. And He is counting on us to share that message with others who are hurting or in need. He needs us to be reliable leaders and teach others how to meet their challenges head-on, with Him at their side, and say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He can – He will – He has! Take it on the chin… face your challenges and keep looking toward heaven. God is on our side… and He is more than enough!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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February 9 ~ 2 Timothy 1:11-14
This is the Message I've been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It's also the cause of all this trouble I'm in. But I have no regrets. I couldn't be more sure of my ground - the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end. So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I have a wonderful book entitled “Then Sings My Soul” that contains some of our best-known and loved hymns… and a description of each one’s origin. Page 400 contains a hymn by Daniel W. Whittle, “I Know Whom I Have Believed.” The history page says that Whittle was born in 1840 in Massachusetts and moved to Chicago as a teenager. There, he enlisted in the Civil War in the 72nd Illinois Infantry. He was badly wounded in the Battle of Vicksburg and taken prisoner by the Confederates. He lost his right arm and had other serious injuries.
While in the POW camp, Whittle became bored and started reading a spare New Testament. He was moved by the words and felt he needed to invite Christ to be his Savior, but he fell asleep before he could do that. Soon a hospital orderly woke him to say that another POW was dying and wanted someone to pray for him. This confused Whittle, but the orderly said he thought Whittle was a Christian because he had seen him reading a Bible. So Whittle prayed over the dying boy and confessed his sins and asked Christ to forgive him. When he stood up, the young boy was dead, but he had a look of peace on his once-troubled face. Whittle said he felt that God used this boy to lead him to Christ – and in turn God used HIM to lead the boy to Christ, also.
In 1883, Whittle wrote “I Know Whom I Have Believed.” The chorus is from 2 Timothy 1:12 – King James Version. It says…”for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” God didn’t give up on Daniel Whittle. Imprisoned, maimed, lonely and bored, Whittle was still in God’s care… and God used him to minister to others. This is a testament that it’s never too late. No circumstance is too great or too difficult for God to help you overcome. You can’t sink so low that God can’t lift you and use you. God never gives up on us, so we must never give up on others!
Guard the precious gifts God bestows upon your life and share them with others. The road may not always be easy, but you will have no regrets. Know whom you have believed. Be persuaded that He is able to keep you and use you… all the way to the end.
©2008 Debbie Robus
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February 8 ~ II Thessalonians 3:10-13
Don't you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? "If you don't work, you don't eat." And now we're getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you. This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately - no excuses, no arguments - and earn their own keep. Friends, don't slack off in doing your duty.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Do you know someone who seems to be unable to get ahead of their troubles? It seems that this person takes one step forward and two steps back. Maybe this describes your own life. If so, I encourage you to closely examine how you are living. I’m not saying you are doing anything wrong… I am not passing judgment.
I am suggesting you look at how you are living. I am not talking about whether you are a morally sound person, a hard worker at your job, or even a good spouse, parent, son or daughter. I’m talking about your Spiritual living. When was the last time you opened your Bible? When was the last time you humbly approached God and asked for His help and guidance? When was the last time you threw up your hands and had a little “meltdown” and said, “this is just too hard!”? When troubles come, do you give them to God and ask Him to help you with them, or do you wring your hands and ask, “Now what do I do?”
God is not necessarily punishing us for our Spiritual slacking. But He may not be fully blessing us, either. The adage, “If you don’t work, you don’t eat,” applies to your walk with God, too. If you are not working to stay close to Him – if you are not faithful to His promises and trusting HIM to care for your needs and guide your steps – then you may not be hearing His answers or feeling His presence. It’s not that God is not THERE… but you are blocking the reception, so to speak.
So don’t be a Spiritual slacker. Keep God front and center in every facet of your life. Seek His will about EVERYTHING… and do the things that will help you hear from Him, like Bible study and prayer, fellowship with other believers, and more. Do your Spiritual duty, and God will feed you more than you can eat!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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