March 14 ~ 1 John 2:27
I've written to warn you about those who are trying to deceive you. But they're no match for what is embedded deeply within you - Christ's anointing, no less! You don't need any of their so-called teaching. Christ's anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught.
(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.)
Probably one of the most challenging times in our lives is early adulthood – that time when we leave the relative “safety” of home and high school and venture into college life - or maybe the “real world” of jobs, our own homes and “grown-up” situations. We are confronted with people who have their own way of doing things – and their own way of thinking – and often, it doesn’t parallel our own or the way we have been taught.
Particularly in college, we seem to be bombarded with professors who have their own ideas about things – and they are often quite sure that THEIR opinion is the right one! It can be confusing. I particularly remember a Philosophy class I had that included several weeks of study of the Bible. My instructor had some rather strange – and liberal – interpretations of several passages, and an almost obsessive fondness for the “love stories” of the Bible, and Song of Solomon in particular. Granted… this was a state college, and “preaching” would have been inappropriate in a classroom setting such as this, but at the same time, I see she clearly could have done less romanticizing and more examination of the facts and the law of God’s word.
The devil finds all sorts of situations and opportunities throughout life to throw us off track – to use others to convince us that their way (which is actually HIS way) is correct, and we need to conform. Some of these lies are pretty slick… and very convincing! That is why now, more than ever, we need to stay close to Jesus. We need to bathe in His anointing on our lives and completely internalize His message into every nook and cranny of our mind and soul. In his song, “Come to Jesus,” Chris Rice says… “Sometimes the way is lonely ~ And steep and filled with pain ~ So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then ~ Cry to Jesus ~ Cry to Jesus ~ Cry to Jesus and live!” What about you… will you come to Jesus and live deeply in Him?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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March 13 ~ 1 John 2:19
They left us, but they were never really with us. If they had been, they would have stuck it out with us, loyal to the end. In leaving, they showed their true colors, showed they never did belong.
(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.)
A friend and I were talking about how many churches there are in our town. Yet statistics show that only about 35% of the people in our county attend church. So why do we have so many churches? Studies show that this is partly caused by people becoming disgruntled with the church to which they belong and moving on down the road to begin a new one. We all know “church shoppers” – those who go one place for awhile, then move somewhere else. I have to admit, I was reared in the Baptist church, married a Presbyterian and joined the church of his childhood, and then we moved our membership to the Methodist congregation.
I’m not saying that moving from one church to another is wrong. Sometimes God shows us that we need to move. Each time I “changed churches,” I felt that God was moving me. But I also believe that there are times when we need to stay put. I remember when my grandmother’s congregation split over conflicting opinions about ministry methods. While many members she had worshipped and ministered alongside for decades left and started another church, she said, “I’ve been here since 1953… I’m not leaving!” She and many stayed and strengthened their church body – and they are thriving in their service to God today. When I was teaching in a miserable situation under a tyrant of an administrator, I was so tempted to quit… to walk away and “cut my losses.” But I had twenty-five five-year-olds who were counting on me. I had spent months with them, helping them get their educational start. I belonged to them – and they belonged to me – and I could not desert them. So I stuck it out for the remainder of the school year. Looking back, it was the best decision, for many reasons.
There are times in our life when “life” gets hard. There are conflicts at home, at school, at work, and yes – at church. And often, we are tempted to move on – to give up on a situation or a person (or group of people) and find a new setting. We must examine our heart – and spend time talking to God and studying His word – and figure out where He wants us. It may be that He tells us to move, but then again, He may just say, “Stay put… stick it out… you belong here.” Whatever He tells us will be the right decision – and the right spot – and that is all that matters. Ask God today about every area of your life – and find out where you belong. Then dig in and hold on. The ride may be a bit bumpy, but God will see you through every obstacle and bless you in the end.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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March 12 ~ 2 Peter 3:17-18
But you, friends, are well-warned. Be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers. Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Glory to the Master, now and forever! 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.)
Newscaster Craig O’Neill, now on television news channel Today’s THV, used to be a radio disc jockey on B98.5, where he had a running gag of “crank calls.” He would pretend to be someone legitimate as he rattled off a spiel that was just a tad preposterous, but believable enough to dupe more than one person. Many of these were side-splittingly hilarious. And the funniest part was how the person being called bought into the story. Some caught on that it was Craig, but many didn’t, until he revealed himself. And then they felt silly.
This was all in fun, but it does point out how gullible we are. If a man can call you on the telephone and convince you of something, how much easier would it be for someone who had gained your trust to dupe you? We probably all know someone who has become involved in some “ministry” or effort that we seem to see as questionable, but the person involved is thoroughly convinced this is for real. It is EASY for people to be taken in, because so many of us are wanting desperately to be a part of something – to believe in it fully and to be supported and uplifted by the participants and the message.
And this is exactly what following Jesus offers us. But somehow, we are swept off our feet by ministries and belief systems and projects that seem more “romantic” or “moving” – those that play on our emotions and our “heart!” Some of the “fast-talkers” even claim their teachings are ordained by God, as they encourage you to condemn this, protest that, or condone something else – all in the name of Jesus.
How DO you know who is telling you the truth? How DO you know that what you are hearing is not a “crank call?” The answer is two-fold: 1) Open your Bible. Study God’s word and ask Him to reveal its meaning to you. 2) Pray… talk to God. Ask Him to show you what is real and what is right… and to surround you with people who study (and obey) His word and follow it to the letter. We can grow in the grace and understanding of Jesus… to His glory. The key is to seek him in the right places – HIS places – and not those of man. Staying on guard is VITAL to a Christian… and challenging! But it is also worth the effort.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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March 11 ~ 2 Peter 1:10-11
So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.
(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.)
When a couple who is engaged to be married sends out wedding invitations, an R.S.V.P. card is often included for the reception to follow. The couple wants to know how many people will be attending, so that they know how much food to serve at the reception. Any time you get a wedding invitation that requires an R.S.V.P., you can pretty well assume the reception is going to include more than cake and punch! There may not be streets paved in gold, but there will probably be a couple of hot appetizers – and maybe a sit-down meal! And the wedding couple wants to be sure they have prepared a pleasurable experience for their guests. An invitation signifies that you were chosen to attend… that you are special to the wedding couple, and they want you at this significant event in their lives.
For the record, it is poor manners to ignore an R.S.V.P. card. If someone invites you to an event and includes this request, please return the card, whether or not you plan to attend. I have found that it is best to do this right away, so that I don’t get busy and forget to respond. Early response also pleases a host/hostess and helps them to prepare adequately.
God is preparing the reception to end all receptions – a continual banquet with Him in heaven, and He is inviting each of us to attend! But we have to respond. It makes no sense to put this off… the sooner we accept His invitation, the sooner He can prepare us for our “Eternal party” with Him. Accepting God’s invitation acknowledges His love for us – and our significance to Him. Our acceptance acknowledges the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for us, and our faith in God to guide our lives.
This is the ONE PARTY that I do not want to miss, so I have made sure to accept the invitation. God reminds me often that I am “on the list,” and I am preparing daily, through prayer, study, worship, fellowship, and service. I am confident that He has received my R.S.V.P. and is making plans to receive me and seat me at His banquet table. What about you? Have you replied? Will I see you there?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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March 10 ~ 1 Peter 5:8-11
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
(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.)
There is an old episode of M.A.S.H. where Hawkeye and Trapper are talking, and each one is determined to have the last word. Trapper thinks he has actually “won,” and Hawkeye “concedes” – then adds another word! Trapper is totally exasperated, but in the end, he knows he is whipped. He cannot out-talk Hawkeye Pierce!
The devil will never stop trying to outlast God… but he will never succeed. He will needle us and deal us challenges and grief until our dying day, but in the end, God wins! We have to stay focused on this. There is nothing the devil can pitch at us that God can’t handle for us. The suffering truly won’t last forever… Satan is not going with us to heaven! Remember this! Cling to it when things get tough or you are having a bad day. It may seem like Satan is having the last word and getting the upper hand, but that is not the case… unless you let him. Hang on… hold on… look UP and keep a firm grip on your faith in God Almighty, and “cast all your cares upon Him” – He can take them – He WILL have the last word! This is great news…stand up and shout! GOD gets the last word; yes, He does!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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March 9 ~ 1 Peter 1:3-7
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.
I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
(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.)
My husband and I recently visited the Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock. One of the current displays is titled “A Double-edged Weapon: The Sword as Icon and Artifact.” Approximately 100 swords are on display, dating back to 1400 B.C.! We know from the Bible that swords were some of our earliest weapons. But how did those people figure out how to forge metal? My husband and I speculated it was probably somewhat by accident. Someone probably discovered that fire melted a substance, and when it cooled, it was very hard. We saw swords made from many different metals in this exhibit – many with ornate wooden handles. And while I am not impressed with swords in general, I was amazed at the creativity and ingenuity of ancient peoples in their design and fabrication of these weapons.
As impressed as I was with the ancient “civilizations” and their creations from metal and wood, it all pales in comparison to the creations of our Father God. We are His masterpieces… WE are the substance He forges into something amazingly wonderful and strong… or we can be! I often hear people ask, “Why is this happening to me?” If they aren’t asking why God caused something to happen, they are at the very least asking why He allowed it to happen. And here we have the answer… to become what God wants us to become… to develop our strength and faith in Him. To come out victorious with Jesus, we have to be “melted and molded” – or forged. And to get to that point, we have to take a little heat.
So the next time a challenge, disappointment or struggle comes your way, stop and remember…God is going to use this “heat” to make you stronger - if you will let Him. God will work in you to bring about something much better. It may be a healed body in heaven rather than earth, or it may be a different job in a different town – or a different degree from another college. Whatever He allows to happen to you is all part of His plan for molding you into something as strong and solid as gold… and filled with pure, genuine faith in His love and power. Knowing all of this, can’t you handle the heat?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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March 8 ~ James 5:10-11
Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You've heard, of course, of Job's staying power, and you know how God brought it all together for him at the end. That's because God cares, cares right down to the last detail.
(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.)
It seems that the older I get, the more funerals I attend. I know that may be a morbid thought to many of you, especially if you are younger. But I have to say, lately I have attended several funerals for dear, mature Christians, and as much as I didn’t want to go, I was so blessed when I got there.
I have heard stories from pastors, friends and family members of how these faithful believers had served God and their church for decades. One man was a continual member of his church for 68 years, having joined when he was saved at age 15. He served diligently, and eventually he was named a “Deacon Emeritus.” The pastor said that over and over after his death, people talked of things the man had done, and invariably, they concluded with, “And that’s the kind of man Bill was.” If I knew anything myself about Bill, I knew he loved Jesus. He didn’t have to tell me – he LIVED his faith!
I will tell you, as I have sat in the churches and stood at the cemeteries and looked around at the crowd, I have noted those in attendance. Living in this small town most of my life, I know quite a few of them – and when I say I know them, I mean I *KNOW* them… their heart, their attitudes, and their faithfulness. I look around, and I wonder, when those in my grandmother’s generation – and even many in my mother’s generation – are gone, will this legacy continue? Have we learned from our elders? Have we paid attention to the lessons God gave them – lessons they passed on to us? Have we acknowledged all that these folks have endured… all of their “life lessons”… and observed carefully how they relied on God to get them through it all? Have we seen how they approached even death… many of them eagerly and with anticipation of their eternity in heaven?
I believe that one of God’s greatest gifts – and “ministry tools” – is older, “seasoned” Christians. I hope that you have someone in your life to whom you can look to as someone who has already run a good portion of “the good race” and fought much of “the good fight” - and come out on top with Christ. We all need mentors… and I believe they are God-sent. If you don’t have one, start looking around and note those in your line of sight who exemplify a life of faith in God. Watch how they do things – how they conduct themselves – how they handle adversity – and learn! Make these your blessed role models - your mentors - and realize that God is preparing US to carry the torch for the generations to follow. Learn well from those ahead of us – pay attention to God’s details in them – and prepare yourself for the role ahead of YOU as God’s mentor to others!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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