2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Now we look forward with
confidence to our heavenly bodies, realizing that every moment we spend
in these earthly bodies is time spent away from our eternal home in
heaven with Jesus. We know these things are true by believing, not by
seeing. And we are not afraid but are quite content to die, for then we
will be at home with the Lord. So our aim is to please him always in
everything we do, whether we are here in this body or away from this
body and with him in heaven. For we must all stand before Christ to be
judged and have our lives laid bare—before him. Each of us will receive
whatever he deserves for the good or bad things he has done in his
earthly body.
The Living
Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All
rights reserved.
Spring Break is upon us…and for some
of you, it may already be happening. I hear people talk all the time
about longing for the beach…or a tropical island. Some prefer a
cruise. And in light of all that we have experienced in recent months,
more than a few people have said to us, “You two need to get away
somewhere and relax!”
Can I tell you something? I’ve been on
those kinds of trips. I’ve played on a sandy beach and sailed on a
cruise ship. I’ve skied in snowy mountains and relaxed by a roaring
fire. I’ve enjoyed several days of dining out and having someone else do
the cooking and dish washing. And what I have discovered is that, for
me, nothing compares to home. And ultimately the only place the grass
will truly be greener for me is in the real Paradise…Heaven!
Have
you heard the phrase, “I need a vacation from my vacation!”? It’s true
for many of us…the “earthly pleasures” we seek never quite satisfy.
And they won’t – they can’t! Nothing will compare to what we
experience in Heaven. But here’s the thing…what we do with our earthly
time matters greatly. How we serve, how we react and respond…it all
matters. If we mope around and gripe and complain about our everyday
existence in this earthly life, we are not focused on pleasing God.
Our
daily routine may be dull and boring…or fraught with disappointments
and difficulties. Yes, there are horrific things happening all around
us. Let’s be honest, this earthly life can be pretty crummy at times.
But what matters is how we respond to our circumstances…what we show
others. I am not suggesting that we be phonies…I am reminding us to
stand strong in the LORD!
I know I am preaching to the choir in
many instances…but I am also yanking some of us up by the bootstraps –
myself included! It is time for us to get up and get going…to ask,
“What would you have me do with this, LORD?” The time is NOW to build
our “portfolio” for Heaven…to fill it with the countless ways that we
have glorified God and demonstrated His love and care through the
teachings of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for each of us.
There
is nothing wrong with earthly vacations…or looking forward to them.
But we must always be even more focused on our final destination – and
how we prepare for Heaven. SOMEDAY, each one of us will stand at
Heaven’s gate…present before God and accountable for everything we did –
and didn’t do – on this earth. Your “ticket to Paradise” will be
punched…but not before a “performance review” is conducted. What will
you have to say for yourself…and what will God have to say to you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label Christian accountability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian accountability. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 13, 2015
John 12:24-25
“Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal."
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.
It’s summer time, which means “swim lessons” for Timothy and Zola! I was talking to Timothy about the lessons and how he will learn so much this summer (his second summer for lessons). I said, “Soon, I hope you won’t even need your life jacket any longer.” He immediately wailed, “Nooooo! I’ll DROWN!” I assured him that this would not happen…that he would know how to swim, and we adults would ensure his safety. He was not having any of it!
I reminded Timothy that by the end of last summer, he was jumping into the pool and “swimming” without his life jacket…that in order to “dive” to the bottom and gather his toys, he would need to swim without it. He continued to protest, and we changed the subject. I see countless children at the local aquatic center who desperately want to jump into the pool, but they are afraid to do so. The end result is that they cling to the sides – or the ladders. Or, like my niece Zola, they cling to the neck of an adult – like her Aunt Debbie’s!
This is very much how we are as Christians…and even more so as unbelievers who are apprehensive to surrender completely to Jesus. We see what lies before us…forgiveness of sins…a “new life in Christ”…blessings, guidance and wisdom from God…the promise of Eternal Life in Heaven...and much more. And we want all of these things! But we are afraid to “take off our life jackets,” let go of the rails or a grown-up’s neck, and jump into the water!
In order to truly “live” as Christians, we have to “die” to ourselves. And this is definitely a hard thing for most of us. But it’s the only way. You cannot have both, no matter how hard some try. True Christian living is an “either/or” situation. Either you are “all in” with Him, or you’re like the seed that lies atop the ground and goes nowhere…the happy child who is swimming and “diving” for water toys…or the little kid who never even gets wet.
Before the school year ended, the children had a “water day” at school, and Greg and I visited Timothy’s class as they happily played on inflatable water slides and other toys. One little boy stood in line behind Timothy, and as children came off the slide, he moved aside and gave them his place in the line. I said to this child, “Don’t you want to take your turn?” He shook his head and said, “Water’s really not my ‘thing’.” I don’t think he ever even got wet.
Let me ask you…is Jesus your “thing?” Are you all in with Him…or standing on the sidelines? Isn’t it time you “took the plunge” and got wet? Aren’t you ready to really live in Jesus? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal."
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.
It’s summer time, which means “swim lessons” for Timothy and Zola! I was talking to Timothy about the lessons and how he will learn so much this summer (his second summer for lessons). I said, “Soon, I hope you won’t even need your life jacket any longer.” He immediately wailed, “Nooooo! I’ll DROWN!” I assured him that this would not happen…that he would know how to swim, and we adults would ensure his safety. He was not having any of it!
I reminded Timothy that by the end of last summer, he was jumping into the pool and “swimming” without his life jacket…that in order to “dive” to the bottom and gather his toys, he would need to swim without it. He continued to protest, and we changed the subject. I see countless children at the local aquatic center who desperately want to jump into the pool, but they are afraid to do so. The end result is that they cling to the sides – or the ladders. Or, like my niece Zola, they cling to the neck of an adult – like her Aunt Debbie’s!
This is very much how we are as Christians…and even more so as unbelievers who are apprehensive to surrender completely to Jesus. We see what lies before us…forgiveness of sins…a “new life in Christ”…blessings, guidance and wisdom from God…the promise of Eternal Life in Heaven...and much more. And we want all of these things! But we are afraid to “take off our life jackets,” let go of the rails or a grown-up’s neck, and jump into the water!
In order to truly “live” as Christians, we have to “die” to ourselves. And this is definitely a hard thing for most of us. But it’s the only way. You cannot have both, no matter how hard some try. True Christian living is an “either/or” situation. Either you are “all in” with Him, or you’re like the seed that lies atop the ground and goes nowhere…the happy child who is swimming and “diving” for water toys…or the little kid who never even gets wet.
Before the school year ended, the children had a “water day” at school, and Greg and I visited Timothy’s class as they happily played on inflatable water slides and other toys. One little boy stood in line behind Timothy, and as children came off the slide, he moved aside and gave them his place in the line. I said to this child, “Don’t you want to take your turn?” He shook his head and said, “Water’s really not my ‘thing’.” I don’t think he ever even got wet.
Let me ask you…is Jesus your “thing?” Are you all in with Him…or standing on the sidelines? Isn’t it time you “took the plunge” and got wet? Aren’t you ready to really live in Jesus? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 23, 2015
Luke 22:19-20
Taking bread, he blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, given for you. Eat it in my memory.”
He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, blood poured out for you..
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Covenants are a part of our everyday life…from the loan agreement you signed with the bank for your car and/or house, to marriage vows, to enrolling in college or accepting a job. While some are more formal than others, we are constantly entering into “covenant” agreements to fulfill a commitment.
When we make a covenant, there are certain expectations on both sides. Your spouse expects you to be there “for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health” – for the rest of your life – and you expect the same in return! Your boss expects you to show up for work every day and do what is required of you…and you anticipate fair treatment and a paycheck. When you enroll in college, you count on learning something that will help you to grow and develop in certain areas of expertise…and the school of higher learning assumes that you will pay your tuition and attend the classes!
There are traditional covenants, like marriage agreements, the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians, and the “swearing in” of public officials, law enforcement and military personnel. Even elected officials and religious leaders take an “Oath of Office” and promise to uphold the tenets or bylaws of the group that they serve. But there are less formal covenants that are in many ways just as binding. If I join an organization, the group anticipates my support and participation in its activities – whether it is a club, a church, or a local softball team, exercise class, or Bible study!
Even more importantly, when we accept Salvation through Jesus Christ and invite Him to dwell in our heart, we have created a covenant - a “blood covenant” if you will. Jesus shed His blood to pay for our sins…and when we accept His gift of Salvation, we commit to honor Him…to love Him above all others…to serve Him with our whole heart, according to His will.
A lot of people seem to gloss over this part of the “covenant.” They willingly accept Jesus’ redemption…they are more than happy to claim to be a Christian and a pardon that assures reprieve from the fires of hell and promises eternal Paradise. But they give no consideration to holding up their end of the agreement.
When we default on a loan, break a covenant with our spouse, or fail to attend classes and pay tuition…or even when we don’t attend the meetings and actively participate in an organization to which we belong…there are consequences. We might even be removed from the group…”exiled” in some way. Thankfully, Jesus does not go this far…but He does hang His head in shame and disappointment. We can’t just SAY we are Christians and then go about our old, sinful, uncommitted lives…or we shouldn’t. This does not reflect the “blood covenant”…nor does it honor our Savior.
It’s not a matter of worrying about whether we will go to Heaven or Hell…this is about commitment to Jesus…honor and respect…love and appreciation for the One who has given us EVERYTHING. Have you truly made a “blood covenant” with Christ? Are you making a point…or making a difference? Did you just want the “get out of Hell” ticket…or are you all in with Jesus? There a huge difference between these two options…which one have you chosen?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Taking bread, he blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, given for you. Eat it in my memory.”
He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant written in my blood, blood poured out for you..
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Covenants are a part of our everyday life…from the loan agreement you signed with the bank for your car and/or house, to marriage vows, to enrolling in college or accepting a job. While some are more formal than others, we are constantly entering into “covenant” agreements to fulfill a commitment.
When we make a covenant, there are certain expectations on both sides. Your spouse expects you to be there “for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health” – for the rest of your life – and you expect the same in return! Your boss expects you to show up for work every day and do what is required of you…and you anticipate fair treatment and a paycheck. When you enroll in college, you count on learning something that will help you to grow and develop in certain areas of expertise…and the school of higher learning assumes that you will pay your tuition and attend the classes!
There are traditional covenants, like marriage agreements, the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians, and the “swearing in” of public officials, law enforcement and military personnel. Even elected officials and religious leaders take an “Oath of Office” and promise to uphold the tenets or bylaws of the group that they serve. But there are less formal covenants that are in many ways just as binding. If I join an organization, the group anticipates my support and participation in its activities – whether it is a club, a church, or a local softball team, exercise class, or Bible study!
Even more importantly, when we accept Salvation through Jesus Christ and invite Him to dwell in our heart, we have created a covenant - a “blood covenant” if you will. Jesus shed His blood to pay for our sins…and when we accept His gift of Salvation, we commit to honor Him…to love Him above all others…to serve Him with our whole heart, according to His will.
A lot of people seem to gloss over this part of the “covenant.” They willingly accept Jesus’ redemption…they are more than happy to claim to be a Christian and a pardon that assures reprieve from the fires of hell and promises eternal Paradise. But they give no consideration to holding up their end of the agreement.
When we default on a loan, break a covenant with our spouse, or fail to attend classes and pay tuition…or even when we don’t attend the meetings and actively participate in an organization to which we belong…there are consequences. We might even be removed from the group…”exiled” in some way. Thankfully, Jesus does not go this far…but He does hang His head in shame and disappointment. We can’t just SAY we are Christians and then go about our old, sinful, uncommitted lives…or we shouldn’t. This does not reflect the “blood covenant”…nor does it honor our Savior.
It’s not a matter of worrying about whether we will go to Heaven or Hell…this is about commitment to Jesus…honor and respect…love and appreciation for the One who has given us EVERYTHING. Have you truly made a “blood covenant” with Christ? Are you making a point…or making a difference? Did you just want the “get out of Hell” ticket…or are you all in with Jesus? There a huge difference between these two options…which one have you chosen?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 9, 2014
Romans 15:1-2
Even if we believe that it makes no difference to the Lord whether we do these things, still we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves; for we must bear the “burden” of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others—of those who feel these things are wrong. Let’s please the other fellow, not ourselves, and do what is for his good and thus build him up in the Lord.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
You’re watching a ballgame, and the referees make a terrible call – or at least YOU feel it is poor. Without a second thought, you react...you yell, scream, throw up your hands and gesture wildly. You never curse...you don’t make any obscene motions...but you do throw something of a “fit” over this decision. Some around you join in...they offer “high fives”...they agree with your sentiments and echo them. Others sit quietly and say nothing. They may agree with you...or not. But they do not make a public display of their anger and frustration.
In any crowd, there will be a mix of “seasoned” Christians, new Christians, and unbelievers. Many of these people know you that you call yourself a Christian...that you demonstrate several of the qualities and characteristics of a Disciple of Christ. Yet they wonder about your present actions and what they ultimately say about your faith.
Or let’s say you have a particular displeasure with a particular political candidate or office holder – or a certain group of people...and you eagerly share jokes, comments and cartoons about thems on social media. You enjoy “commiserating” with others who share your views at parties, around the water cooler or in the halls at school, or even in the aisles at Wal-Mart, school sporting events and even at church on Sunday! You don’t hide your feelings...just like you are generous with your posts and comments about your Christian faith and how much God loves us.
People are watching...and if you claim to be a Christian, others are scrutinizing your words and actions to see if they line up with what you declare – and what they read in the scriptures and hear from other believers. Many of those who see your posts about your faith peppered among unkind or derogatory comments about another person or group wonder whether you truly love others as God loves you. It’s not that you aren’t entitled to an opinion...or that what you have said is necessarily so bad (although sometimes, we have to admit that it is!). It’s more that you give others the wrong impression.
There’s nothing wrong with showing your spirit at sporting events...or disagreeing with a call, a coach, or the performance of a particular player. But when we “throw a fit” over it...there will be others who wonder about our peace and joy in Jesus. Christians don’t have to be stoic and unfeeling - little robots who never get agitated or voice an opinion. But if our actions and reactions cause another person to question whether we truly operate with grace and mercy, then we have failed in our witness.
Too often, we Christians operate with the attitude of “do as I say, not as I do.” It’s not that what we say and do is so wrong...that we are committing a sin and/or displeasing God. But if our words and actions cause another to question what is acceptable to God and what isn’t – or to doubt or be confused in any way about what it means to live as a Christian...then we have crossed the line.
Remember, God loves us. He wants us to be filled with joy...positive...and confident. He cares about everything we experience, say and do...but not necessarily in the way that you think. There are plenty of things we say and do that, by themselves, are harmless and don’t offend God in the least. But in a different context...when others are influenced by these things...they can have a totally different connotation. We need to make a habit of checking our words and actions...of asking ourselves, “How will others see this? Will it be pleasing to God and encouraging to them in their faith walk...or could it be misconstrued to weaken their faith – or even turn them away from a relationship with Jesus Christ?”
When we ask these tough questions, we may see that a lot of what we say and do needs to go! If we are serious about sharing the grace, mercy, love and forgiveness of Jesus with others, we need to be willing to check our words and actions. People ARE watching! When they look at you...what – and WHO – will they see?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Even if we believe that it makes no difference to the Lord whether we do these things, still we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves; for we must bear the “burden” of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others—of those who feel these things are wrong. Let’s please the other fellow, not ourselves, and do what is for his good and thus build him up in the Lord.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
You’re watching a ballgame, and the referees make a terrible call – or at least YOU feel it is poor. Without a second thought, you react...you yell, scream, throw up your hands and gesture wildly. You never curse...you don’t make any obscene motions...but you do throw something of a “fit” over this decision. Some around you join in...they offer “high fives”...they agree with your sentiments and echo them. Others sit quietly and say nothing. They may agree with you...or not. But they do not make a public display of their anger and frustration.
In any crowd, there will be a mix of “seasoned” Christians, new Christians, and unbelievers. Many of these people know you that you call yourself a Christian...that you demonstrate several of the qualities and characteristics of a Disciple of Christ. Yet they wonder about your present actions and what they ultimately say about your faith.
Or let’s say you have a particular displeasure with a particular political candidate or office holder – or a certain group of people...and you eagerly share jokes, comments and cartoons about thems on social media. You enjoy “commiserating” with others who share your views at parties, around the water cooler or in the halls at school, or even in the aisles at Wal-Mart, school sporting events and even at church on Sunday! You don’t hide your feelings...just like you are generous with your posts and comments about your Christian faith and how much God loves us.
People are watching...and if you claim to be a Christian, others are scrutinizing your words and actions to see if they line up with what you declare – and what they read in the scriptures and hear from other believers. Many of those who see your posts about your faith peppered among unkind or derogatory comments about another person or group wonder whether you truly love others as God loves you. It’s not that you aren’t entitled to an opinion...or that what you have said is necessarily so bad (although sometimes, we have to admit that it is!). It’s more that you give others the wrong impression.
There’s nothing wrong with showing your spirit at sporting events...or disagreeing with a call, a coach, or the performance of a particular player. But when we “throw a fit” over it...there will be others who wonder about our peace and joy in Jesus. Christians don’t have to be stoic and unfeeling - little robots who never get agitated or voice an opinion. But if our actions and reactions cause another person to question whether we truly operate with grace and mercy, then we have failed in our witness.
Too often, we Christians operate with the attitude of “do as I say, not as I do.” It’s not that what we say and do is so wrong...that we are committing a sin and/or displeasing God. But if our words and actions cause another to question what is acceptable to God and what isn’t – or to doubt or be confused in any way about what it means to live as a Christian...then we have crossed the line.
Remember, God loves us. He wants us to be filled with joy...positive...and confident. He cares about everything we experience, say and do...but not necessarily in the way that you think. There are plenty of things we say and do that, by themselves, are harmless and don’t offend God in the least. But in a different context...when others are influenced by these things...they can have a totally different connotation. We need to make a habit of checking our words and actions...of asking ourselves, “How will others see this? Will it be pleasing to God and encouraging to them in their faith walk...or could it be misconstrued to weaken their faith – or even turn them away from a relationship with Jesus Christ?”
When we ask these tough questions, we may see that a lot of what we say and do needs to go! If we are serious about sharing the grace, mercy, love and forgiveness of Jesus with others, we need to be willing to check our words and actions. People ARE watching! When they look at you...what – and WHO – will they see?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 15, 2013
Psalm 119:113-120
I hate the two-faced,
but I love your clear-cut revelation.
You’re my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me.
Get out of my life, evildoers,
so I can keep my God’s commands.
Take my side as you promised; I’ll live then for sure.
Don’t disappoint all my grand hopes.
Stick with me and I’ll be all right;
I’ll give total allegiance to your definitions of life.
Expose all who drift away from your sayings;
their casual idolatry is lethal.
You reject earth’s wicked as so much rubbish;
therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say.
I shiver in awe before you;
your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When Timothy and Zola visited this week, I showed them a little vintage elf ornament that hangs on a Christmas tree I decorated for them. They have an “Elf on the Shelf” at their house named Christopher Pop-In-Kins, so I told them that OUR elf was named Henry Truman, and that he was watching them just like Christopher did at home – and reporting to Santa. The children were very well behaved… and any time they started to falter, we reminded them about Henry Truman - and they generally changed their mind. It is very hard to be good at Christmas time with all of the temptations, exciting events and sweet treats to keep your mind and body revved up. But the Christmas season is also a time when children of all ages often at least try to act nicer!
Have you noticed that you see a lot of people in church around the Christmas and Easter seasons that you never see there the rest of the year? Or maybe you’ve observed that a lot of people are friendlier and more generous to others during the holidays. A friend of mine actually refers to these folks as “Christmas and Easter Christians”! While I’m glad to see people in church any day of the year… while I will take all the incentives for good behavior in children that I can get – especially at Christmas time…it does leave me to wonder about what they are like the rest of the year.
Don’t misunderstand me… God is thrilled ANY TIME we turn to Him. His heart is glad when we worship Him and come before Him for guidance and care. But He is so much more than a “Christmas and Easter God”. He wants us to walk with Him each and every day of the year… to be diligent and serious in our Christian discipleship – not casual worshippers. God wants us to spend time in His presence and hear what He has to say 365 days a year… not to drift away from His teachings for months on end – or to call on Him only when the chips are down and we are desperate!
I am sad to admit that I think my friend might be at least partially right. I am afraid there truly are “Christmas and Easter Christians” who hardly give God any thought the other ten months of the year. And sadly, I’m pretty sure they are missing out on all of the benefits and blessings of a constant relationship with God. They don’t fully know what it is to shiver in awe with speechless reverence at God’s power in their lives. They have not given Him their full allegiance, so their hopes – if they even have any – often end in disappointment.
As I told Timothy this morning, there are “ten more sleeps” until Christmas. Let’s recommit ourselves in this next ten days to waiting on God’s word to renew us… to finding a place of quiet retreat with Him each and every day of the year. Let’s let take God’s side and keep His commands… and live every minute of the day with assurance that He is giving life to our hopes, meeting our every need, and planning for our future even into Eternity. Let’s be “Everyday Christians” who really, truly operate in the hope of Jesus Christ… at Christmas, Easter, and always.
©2013 Debbie Robus
I hate the two-faced,
but I love your clear-cut revelation.
You’re my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me.
Get out of my life, evildoers,
so I can keep my God’s commands.
Take my side as you promised; I’ll live then for sure.
Don’t disappoint all my grand hopes.
Stick with me and I’ll be all right;
I’ll give total allegiance to your definitions of life.
Expose all who drift away from your sayings;
their casual idolatry is lethal.
You reject earth’s wicked as so much rubbish;
therefore I lovingly embrace everything you say.
I shiver in awe before you;
your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When Timothy and Zola visited this week, I showed them a little vintage elf ornament that hangs on a Christmas tree I decorated for them. They have an “Elf on the Shelf” at their house named Christopher Pop-In-Kins, so I told them that OUR elf was named Henry Truman, and that he was watching them just like Christopher did at home – and reporting to Santa. The children were very well behaved… and any time they started to falter, we reminded them about Henry Truman - and they generally changed their mind. It is very hard to be good at Christmas time with all of the temptations, exciting events and sweet treats to keep your mind and body revved up. But the Christmas season is also a time when children of all ages often at least try to act nicer!
Have you noticed that you see a lot of people in church around the Christmas and Easter seasons that you never see there the rest of the year? Or maybe you’ve observed that a lot of people are friendlier and more generous to others during the holidays. A friend of mine actually refers to these folks as “Christmas and Easter Christians”! While I’m glad to see people in church any day of the year… while I will take all the incentives for good behavior in children that I can get – especially at Christmas time…it does leave me to wonder about what they are like the rest of the year.
Don’t misunderstand me… God is thrilled ANY TIME we turn to Him. His heart is glad when we worship Him and come before Him for guidance and care. But He is so much more than a “Christmas and Easter God”. He wants us to walk with Him each and every day of the year… to be diligent and serious in our Christian discipleship – not casual worshippers. God wants us to spend time in His presence and hear what He has to say 365 days a year… not to drift away from His teachings for months on end – or to call on Him only when the chips are down and we are desperate!
I am sad to admit that I think my friend might be at least partially right. I am afraid there truly are “Christmas and Easter Christians” who hardly give God any thought the other ten months of the year. And sadly, I’m pretty sure they are missing out on all of the benefits and blessings of a constant relationship with God. They don’t fully know what it is to shiver in awe with speechless reverence at God’s power in their lives. They have not given Him their full allegiance, so their hopes – if they even have any – often end in disappointment.
As I told Timothy this morning, there are “ten more sleeps” until Christmas. Let’s recommit ourselves in this next ten days to waiting on God’s word to renew us… to finding a place of quiet retreat with Him each and every day of the year. Let’s let take God’s side and keep His commands… and live every minute of the day with assurance that He is giving life to our hopes, meeting our every need, and planning for our future even into Eternity. Let’s be “Everyday Christians” who really, truly operate in the hope of Jesus Christ… at Christmas, Easter, and always.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 15, 2013
May 15 ~ Ecclesiastes 8:11
Because the sentence against evil deeds is so long in coming, people in general think they can get by with murder.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When children are little, their parents tell them not to run into the street… to come back when they call to them…to answer them right away when they speak. And if they don’t, there are consequences. But generally, the parents cut the child a little slack, allowing for them to grow and learn. As children turn into teenagers and do not return phone calls or texts… do not pay attention to what is said… and do not follow certain rules, there are stiffer consequences. Still, it may seem the kids are “getting away with murder.”
When these teens leave home, become adults, and do not pay bills on time and/or answer creditor’s calls…when they do not show up for work and do a good job… when they don’t pay the rent and handle their responsibilities – or they break the law – the consequences are harsher. There comes a day when Mom and Dad can no longer make things okay in every situation… where there is no way to avoid the reality of owning up to misdeeds, irresponsibility, and the outright defiance of authority.
It’s no different for Christians. Too many of us coast along thinking we can play at our faith… that no matter what we do, God will still love us. We will still go to heaven, so it’s all good! But I’m here to tell you… God will only be patient with us so long. Just as patience runs out on the part of parents, friends and those in authority who have been disobeyed and/or disrespected… God’s patience will run out! He will become disgusted with our dishonor – and often our outright abuse of Him and His blessings. And we will not be allowed to continue in this manner forever without consequences.
Does this mean that God will directly punish us for our mistreatment of Him and others? I believe it’s more of an “allowance” by God for some of the bad things that can happen. God is plenty capable of practicing “tough love.” He doesn’t want us to lose our home, car and belongings because we don’t make our payments. He doesn’t want to see children taken from families because the parents cannot properly care for them. God does not enjoy seeing someone behave in such a way that they lose their job or their health… family relationships and friendships. But sometimes, in order to get our attention, He has to allow these things to happen! When we push His patience too far…God will step in and take action! While we may escape an outright “punishment” from God…He most surely will withhold blessings that would have otherwise been bestowed upon us. Either way, we lose.
We all have our limits. Some of us will lie down and let others treat us like a doormat for a while longer than others. But at some point, pretty much everyone says, “That’s enough!” So why are we surprised that God would do the same? It may seem like the other guy “gets away with murder,” but I assure you… a day of reckoning is coming – for him/her, and for us. If you have tried God’s patience, at the very least your life will not have been filled with the joy and blessings that God had in store for you. You will not fully realize all of the wonderful plans He had designed to shower upon your life. And what will you have to say for yourself?
Have you tried God’s patience to the limit? Isn’t it time you began to make the necessary changes… to show Him the honor and respect that He deserves? Aren’t you ready to take responsibility for your actions and realize that the only way to truly be happy – in life in general, and in your Christian faith – is to do what God has asked of you… to be mature and accountable, reliable and trustworthy?
You may feel like God is giving others more than their share of second chances. You may feel that the other guy gets all the breaks and doesn’t have to “pay” for them. But I can assure you, nobody gets away with anything. God is watching for those who live with honor, sensibility, consistency… and obedience. At some point, He will act – one way or another! Don’t live for God because you are scared not to… do it because you want to please the One who has done more for us than we could ever imagine… much less deserve! God is so patient with each of us already. Are you doing all you can to please Him and earn His patience? Isn’t today a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Because the sentence against evil deeds is so long in coming, people in general think they can get by with murder.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When children are little, their parents tell them not to run into the street… to come back when they call to them…to answer them right away when they speak. And if they don’t, there are consequences. But generally, the parents cut the child a little slack, allowing for them to grow and learn. As children turn into teenagers and do not return phone calls or texts… do not pay attention to what is said… and do not follow certain rules, there are stiffer consequences. Still, it may seem the kids are “getting away with murder.”
When these teens leave home, become adults, and do not pay bills on time and/or answer creditor’s calls…when they do not show up for work and do a good job… when they don’t pay the rent and handle their responsibilities – or they break the law – the consequences are harsher. There comes a day when Mom and Dad can no longer make things okay in every situation… where there is no way to avoid the reality of owning up to misdeeds, irresponsibility, and the outright defiance of authority.
It’s no different for Christians. Too many of us coast along thinking we can play at our faith… that no matter what we do, God will still love us. We will still go to heaven, so it’s all good! But I’m here to tell you… God will only be patient with us so long. Just as patience runs out on the part of parents, friends and those in authority who have been disobeyed and/or disrespected… God’s patience will run out! He will become disgusted with our dishonor – and often our outright abuse of Him and His blessings. And we will not be allowed to continue in this manner forever without consequences.
Does this mean that God will directly punish us for our mistreatment of Him and others? I believe it’s more of an “allowance” by God for some of the bad things that can happen. God is plenty capable of practicing “tough love.” He doesn’t want us to lose our home, car and belongings because we don’t make our payments. He doesn’t want to see children taken from families because the parents cannot properly care for them. God does not enjoy seeing someone behave in such a way that they lose their job or their health… family relationships and friendships. But sometimes, in order to get our attention, He has to allow these things to happen! When we push His patience too far…God will step in and take action! While we may escape an outright “punishment” from God…He most surely will withhold blessings that would have otherwise been bestowed upon us. Either way, we lose.
We all have our limits. Some of us will lie down and let others treat us like a doormat for a while longer than others. But at some point, pretty much everyone says, “That’s enough!” So why are we surprised that God would do the same? It may seem like the other guy “gets away with murder,” but I assure you… a day of reckoning is coming – for him/her, and for us. If you have tried God’s patience, at the very least your life will not have been filled with the joy and blessings that God had in store for you. You will not fully realize all of the wonderful plans He had designed to shower upon your life. And what will you have to say for yourself?
Have you tried God’s patience to the limit? Isn’t it time you began to make the necessary changes… to show Him the honor and respect that He deserves? Aren’t you ready to take responsibility for your actions and realize that the only way to truly be happy – in life in general, and in your Christian faith – is to do what God has asked of you… to be mature and accountable, reliable and trustworthy?
You may feel like God is giving others more than their share of second chances. You may feel that the other guy gets all the breaks and doesn’t have to “pay” for them. But I can assure you, nobody gets away with anything. God is watching for those who live with honor, sensibility, consistency… and obedience. At some point, He will act – one way or another! Don’t live for God because you are scared not to… do it because you want to please the One who has done more for us than we could ever imagine… much less deserve! God is so patient with each of us already. Are you doing all you can to please Him and earn His patience? Isn’t today a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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