October 2 ~ Mark 7:31-37
Jesus left the region around Tyre and
went by way of Sidon toward Lake Galilee. He went through the land near
the ten cities known as Decapolis. Some people brought to him a man who
was deaf and could hardly talk. They begged Jesus just to touch him.
After
Jesus had taken him aside from the crowd, he stuck his fingers in the
man’s ears. Then he spit and put it on the man’s tongue. Jesus looked up
toward heaven, and with a groan he said, “Effatha!”which means “Open
up!” At once the man could hear, and he had no more trouble talking
clearly.
Jesus told the people not to say anything about what he
had done. But the more he told them, the more they talked about it. They
were completely amazed and said, “Everything he does is good! He even
heals people who cannot hear or talk.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When
my mother was admitted to the hospital about a week before she died,
she was adamant that there were to be “no visitors” outside of immediate
family. She made an exception or two, but we did our best to screen
those who entered the room – and subsequently, those who came to
Mother’s home while she was on Hospice Care. For the most part, her
wishes were honored…but still, there were times that I am sure she felt
there were too many people around her.
It’s not that my mother
was asocial…far from it! It’s not even that she did not want people to
see her in a failing condition in her last days…although that was part
of it. More than anything, Mother had things she knew she needed to
attend to while she could…and she didn’t want distractions from anyone
or anything that wasn’t germane to her agenda. Even at that, there were a
couple of times when she told me, “We need to talk” – and then someone
entered the room, and the conversation never took place.
I
don’t dwell on this…but I do wonder sometimes what my mother wanted to
talk about with me…what might have gone unsaid. And yet, I do know that
many significant conversations did occur…that even in Mother’s last
days of consciousness, she made important personal wishes known to
some…and shared Jesus’ plan of salvation with others. I make no
apologies for guarding the door and doing my best to honor her desire
for “no visitors,” because I know there were valid reasons for this
request.
When we read that Jesus healed a deaf man and told those
in the crowd not to talk of it, I can see that He was not necessarily
saying to hide His miracles from others. Jesus knew that word of these
healings would leak out…but He also knew that His miracles would draw
crowds and a lot of attention – and possibly create an unnecessary distraction. I
believe that this story in Mark 7 reminds us to keep the main thing the main thing!
Too
often, we are so busy judging others and condemning their sins that we
squander our opportunities to share how Jesus has blessed and redeemed
us…how He has worked in our lives. When we waste time and energy criticizing others, we totally negate the value and sincerity of our own testimony.
So
many “causes” that we support in the name of Jesus are nothing more
than distractions that draw a crowd of people and divert their focus
from what Jesus is really trying to share with them. We attend this
rally or that one…sign petitions…or post memes on social media…all to
show that we are supporting XYZ for Jesus. And instead, Jesus would
have been better served if we had been His hands and feet in physical
service to those in need.
As we go about our daily living and
discipleship, where are we attracting a crowd rather than focusing on
the mission at hand? Where are we setting the scene for distractions
that detract from what God wants us to accomplish? Will this be the day
that you shift your focus and pare down your activities to those that
are truly relevant to Christ’s mission for you as His disciple? Don’t
you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label Christian discipleship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian discipleship. Show all posts
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 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 August 20, 2016
James 1:26-27
Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn’t control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn’t worth much. The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last two weeks, you know the story of American swimmer, Ryan Lochte. Last week in Rio, Lochte won his 12th gold medal in the Men's 4x200m freestyle relay. This week, he is all many can talk about…but for a very different reason. Lochte apparently fabricated an elaborate tale about being the victim (along with three fellow swimmers) of an armed robbery by Brazilian police. He perpetuated this story for days until surveillance video and eye-witness accounts proved that he was lying (or as his attorneys put it, “gave an inaccurate account”).
With this one thoughtless misstep, Lochte has gone from one of the US “darlings” of the 2016 Olympics to a national embarrassment. And the speculation is that Lochte may not only be suspended by USA swimming and the US Olympic Committee…he may also use thousands – if not millions – of dollars in commercial endorsements. In a nutshell, Ryan Lochte’s reputation may pretty well be shot.
I don’t think I can remind us too often that people are watching and listening. All it takes is one incident where we speak harshly, judge another, or misbehave in some way…and our Christian witness can be seriously compromised. The talk is that Lochte will do his penance…people will forgive and forget…and he will show up at the games in Tokyo in four years. And perhaps we will get a second chance with those whom we have disappointed or disillusioned with our words or actions. But we cannot take that risk!
I will be the first to admit that it is hard to hold our tongue sometimes. It is easy to judge others and see them as different – if not inferior in some way to our standards or way of thinking. We often judge others and hide behind the name of Jesus. We declare that we are His children…and the other guy is not. The devil loves that we are human and subject to his persuasion that “they” are wrong – and “we” are right…that we are entitled to say these things as “true Christians.” And Jesus hangs His head in shame.
The next time you are tempted to speak harshly or judge someone else…remember Ryan Lochte – and this scripture passage. Think of how quickly we can negate everything that God has called us to share with others…how one senseless act or comment can ruin our “reputation” as a Christian – and turn another person away from Jesus.
Our responsibility as Christian disciples is serious business. We cannot play fast and loose with our words and actions! Are you ready to do the hard work of keeping yourself in check? Jesus’ gift of salvation and Christian discipleship is far too precious to handle carelessly. Will this be the day that you renew your efforts to represent Him with honor and thoughtfulness? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn’t control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn’t worth much. The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last two weeks, you know the story of American swimmer, Ryan Lochte. Last week in Rio, Lochte won his 12th gold medal in the Men's 4x200m freestyle relay. This week, he is all many can talk about…but for a very different reason. Lochte apparently fabricated an elaborate tale about being the victim (along with three fellow swimmers) of an armed robbery by Brazilian police. He perpetuated this story for days until surveillance video and eye-witness accounts proved that he was lying (or as his attorneys put it, “gave an inaccurate account”).
With this one thoughtless misstep, Lochte has gone from one of the US “darlings” of the 2016 Olympics to a national embarrassment. And the speculation is that Lochte may not only be suspended by USA swimming and the US Olympic Committee…he may also use thousands – if not millions – of dollars in commercial endorsements. In a nutshell, Ryan Lochte’s reputation may pretty well be shot.
I don’t think I can remind us too often that people are watching and listening. All it takes is one incident where we speak harshly, judge another, or misbehave in some way…and our Christian witness can be seriously compromised. The talk is that Lochte will do his penance…people will forgive and forget…and he will show up at the games in Tokyo in four years. And perhaps we will get a second chance with those whom we have disappointed or disillusioned with our words or actions. But we cannot take that risk!
I will be the first to admit that it is hard to hold our tongue sometimes. It is easy to judge others and see them as different – if not inferior in some way to our standards or way of thinking. We often judge others and hide behind the name of Jesus. We declare that we are His children…and the other guy is not. The devil loves that we are human and subject to his persuasion that “they” are wrong – and “we” are right…that we are entitled to say these things as “true Christians.” And Jesus hangs His head in shame.
The next time you are tempted to speak harshly or judge someone else…remember Ryan Lochte – and this scripture passage. Think of how quickly we can negate everything that God has called us to share with others…how one senseless act or comment can ruin our “reputation” as a Christian – and turn another person away from Jesus.
Our responsibility as Christian disciples is serious business. We cannot play fast and loose with our words and actions! Are you ready to do the hard work of keeping yourself in check? Jesus’ gift of salvation and Christian discipleship is far too precious to handle carelessly. Will this be the day that you renew your efforts to represent Him with honor and thoughtfulness? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 25, 2016
Matthew 18:18-20
“Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When we are with all three of our little ones, there is inevitably a “he said/she said” or “he did/she did” moment, where one child comes to an adult and wants him/her to “fix things.” And just as our parents did with us and our siblings, we often tell them to “work it out” as we “mediate” from afar. Usually, they will come to some sort of mutual agreement. There are exceptions, but we need to teach our children to work out their differences with minimal guidance from adults…based on the wisdom and principles that we have instilled in them.
You may be wondering why I am telling you this with regard to Matthew 18:18-20. After all, the last sentence in particular passage is widely known. People use it often as verification that God is with us even when our number is few. And while this is true…the real point of these verses cannot be understood fully without examining the lines that precede them.
In Matthew 18:12-20, Jesus outlines how to deal with conflict. He tells us we are to go to the person with whom we have a problem and try to iron out our differences. If this cannot be accomplished, we are to take a friend or two with us to help “mediate” the situation. If THIS doesn’t work, we are to take the matter before the church (or in the case of a squabble among friends or siblings, perhaps someone with “higher authority,” like a parent, teacher, or supervisor?). If all of this fails, we are to acknowledge that we have done all that is required and let God handle the rest. Some translations say that we are to excommunicate this offender, but The Message translation favors a “lather, rinse and repeat” strategy where we continue to try to minister in this situation, as God directs.
The point is that we Christians are not to give up on others. We are to do all that we can to love, nurture, encourage, and witness to them. We are to pray for everyone – even our enemies. And when conflicts arise, we are to seek God’s wisdom about how to handle the situation and proceed accordingly…knowing that He will provide us with the right answers – and maybe a fellow believer or two for support!
Here’s the thing…we must never underestimate God’s power to use us as His earthly agents in the efforts to further His Kingdom. We must recognize the abilities He gives to us and our fellow disciples through His Holy Spirit to make changes and bring about positive outcomes. We must realize that what we say and do on this earth has Eternal consequences. And when we operate in the name of Jesus, we must be very careful that we truly are doing His will…and not our own.
Finally, we must accept that there will be situations and circumstances in which the answer is a resounding “No!”…and we must trust God to make the difference and be the ultimate Authority. We must never give up on others, but we also must know when to step aside and let God have the reins. This is that “let go and let God” concept in action.
So the next time you read the passage about “whenever two or three are gathered in My name, I am there”…know that this is more than just an assurance that God will meet us anywhere – and anytime. This is a reminder that we are His agents on this earth…called and sanctified to “feed the sheep”…and bound by our commitment as Christian disciples to do so. And when we prayerfully work together with other believers to accomplish this, the results can be truly astounding.
Our words and actions matter…they have Eternal consequences! What are yours saying about your commitment to Jesus? Are you interacting with others in a way that reflects His wisdom and the ability that He has given you to accomplish His goals? Jesus wants us to grow in our faith and discipleship to a point where He can say, “I’ve equipped you for this mission…and I’m here if you need Me. But you know how to do this…so get busy!” Are you really ready for this responsibility? Isn’t it time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When we are with all three of our little ones, there is inevitably a “he said/she said” or “he did/she did” moment, where one child comes to an adult and wants him/her to “fix things.” And just as our parents did with us and our siblings, we often tell them to “work it out” as we “mediate” from afar. Usually, they will come to some sort of mutual agreement. There are exceptions, but we need to teach our children to work out their differences with minimal guidance from adults…based on the wisdom and principles that we have instilled in them.
You may be wondering why I am telling you this with regard to Matthew 18:18-20. After all, the last sentence in particular passage is widely known. People use it often as verification that God is with us even when our number is few. And while this is true…the real point of these verses cannot be understood fully without examining the lines that precede them.
In Matthew 18:12-20, Jesus outlines how to deal with conflict. He tells us we are to go to the person with whom we have a problem and try to iron out our differences. If this cannot be accomplished, we are to take a friend or two with us to help “mediate” the situation. If THIS doesn’t work, we are to take the matter before the church (or in the case of a squabble among friends or siblings, perhaps someone with “higher authority,” like a parent, teacher, or supervisor?). If all of this fails, we are to acknowledge that we have done all that is required and let God handle the rest. Some translations say that we are to excommunicate this offender, but The Message translation favors a “lather, rinse and repeat” strategy where we continue to try to minister in this situation, as God directs.
The point is that we Christians are not to give up on others. We are to do all that we can to love, nurture, encourage, and witness to them. We are to pray for everyone – even our enemies. And when conflicts arise, we are to seek God’s wisdom about how to handle the situation and proceed accordingly…knowing that He will provide us with the right answers – and maybe a fellow believer or two for support!
Here’s the thing…we must never underestimate God’s power to use us as His earthly agents in the efforts to further His Kingdom. We must recognize the abilities He gives to us and our fellow disciples through His Holy Spirit to make changes and bring about positive outcomes. We must realize that what we say and do on this earth has Eternal consequences. And when we operate in the name of Jesus, we must be very careful that we truly are doing His will…and not our own.
Finally, we must accept that there will be situations and circumstances in which the answer is a resounding “No!”…and we must trust God to make the difference and be the ultimate Authority. We must never give up on others, but we also must know when to step aside and let God have the reins. This is that “let go and let God” concept in action.
So the next time you read the passage about “whenever two or three are gathered in My name, I am there”…know that this is more than just an assurance that God will meet us anywhere – and anytime. This is a reminder that we are His agents on this earth…called and sanctified to “feed the sheep”…and bound by our commitment as Christian disciples to do so. And when we prayerfully work together with other believers to accomplish this, the results can be truly astounding.
Our words and actions matter…they have Eternal consequences! What are yours saying about your commitment to Jesus? Are you interacting with others in a way that reflects His wisdom and the ability that He has given you to accomplish His goals? Jesus wants us to grow in our faith and discipleship to a point where He can say, “I’ve equipped you for this mission…and I’m here if you need Me. But you know how to do this…so get busy!” Are you really ready for this responsibility? Isn’t it time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 4, 2015
Acts 10:35
God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It seems like at least once a month lately, I have referenced an act of terror that has been committed somewhere in the world. This week, it happened in California, where fourteen people were shot and killed, and another 21 were injured. When it happens on American soil, it’s personal. We react with a mixture of anger, sadness, and fear.
I opened today’s newspaper and read a headline that reported the death of 16 people and injuries to three more in a firebomb attack on a small nightclub in Cairo, Egypt. Early reports are that this incident was the result of a dispute between some patrons and the nightclub staff, and Molotov cocktails were thrown at the entrance. I’m sure it was a horrific, tragic scene for all who were involved. This event is equally tragic and significant…but will we give it more than a passing glance?
The point I am making is that both of these instances – happening “a world apart” – are heartbreaking to God. We have become so accustomed to hearing accounts of violence - particularly in the Middle East - that we barely pay any attention to them. And we are well on our way to growing as complacent about such horrific events in our own country. Worse yet, we jump to conclusions and readily assume that a certain religious faction is responsible in some way…and we lump everyone of that faith into one big ball of guilty parties. If Christians were so readily blamed for the sins of a handful of people, we would be outraged.
We need to all take a collective breath. We need to stop fearing every person who is different from us in some way. Too many “Christians” are pretty well afraid of their own shadow. They fear those whose politics are different…they fear those of other races and ethnic backgrounds…they fear those who have a different sexual orientation…and they certainly fear those who do not openly share their particular “brand” of Christian faith. Read this scripture passage again…”God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from."
This scripture is referring to something bigger than just nationality. God’s word tells us that He loves everyone who worships Him. God’s desire is that ALL people would seek salvation in the blood of Jesus Christ and become His disciples. When we give others a poor impression of what it means to follow Jesus, we have failed in our service to God - and in our own discipleship.
We need to show outrage and concern for what happened in San Bernardino. But we also need to be equally upset over what happened in Cairo…and what happens in other parts of our nation and throughout the world on a seemingly regular basis these days. Our hearts need to be broken for ALL of what breaks God’s…not just what happens to “our people.” We need to demonstrate love and trust in God to handle the things we cannot…and kick fear to the curb. We need to pray for the victims of these senseless tragedies…but also the perpetrators and their families. And we need to start today.
©2015 Debbie Robus
God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It seems like at least once a month lately, I have referenced an act of terror that has been committed somewhere in the world. This week, it happened in California, where fourteen people were shot and killed, and another 21 were injured. When it happens on American soil, it’s personal. We react with a mixture of anger, sadness, and fear.
I opened today’s newspaper and read a headline that reported the death of 16 people and injuries to three more in a firebomb attack on a small nightclub in Cairo, Egypt. Early reports are that this incident was the result of a dispute between some patrons and the nightclub staff, and Molotov cocktails were thrown at the entrance. I’m sure it was a horrific, tragic scene for all who were involved. This event is equally tragic and significant…but will we give it more than a passing glance?
The point I am making is that both of these instances – happening “a world apart” – are heartbreaking to God. We have become so accustomed to hearing accounts of violence - particularly in the Middle East - that we barely pay any attention to them. And we are well on our way to growing as complacent about such horrific events in our own country. Worse yet, we jump to conclusions and readily assume that a certain religious faction is responsible in some way…and we lump everyone of that faith into one big ball of guilty parties. If Christians were so readily blamed for the sins of a handful of people, we would be outraged.
We need to all take a collective breath. We need to stop fearing every person who is different from us in some way. Too many “Christians” are pretty well afraid of their own shadow. They fear those whose politics are different…they fear those of other races and ethnic backgrounds…they fear those who have a different sexual orientation…and they certainly fear those who do not openly share their particular “brand” of Christian faith. Read this scripture passage again…”God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from."
This scripture is referring to something bigger than just nationality. God’s word tells us that He loves everyone who worships Him. God’s desire is that ALL people would seek salvation in the blood of Jesus Christ and become His disciples. When we give others a poor impression of what it means to follow Jesus, we have failed in our service to God - and in our own discipleship.
We need to show outrage and concern for what happened in San Bernardino. But we also need to be equally upset over what happened in Cairo…and what happens in other parts of our nation and throughout the world on a seemingly regular basis these days. Our hearts need to be broken for ALL of what breaks God’s…not just what happens to “our people.” We need to demonstrate love and trust in God to handle the things we cannot…and kick fear to the curb. We need to pray for the victims of these senseless tragedies…but also the perpetrators and their families. And we need to start today.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 3, 2015
2 Timothy 1:6-8
...I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you, that entered into you when I laid my hands upon your head and blessed you. For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.
If you will stir up this inner power, you will never be afraid to tell others about our Lord or to let them know that I am your friend even though I am here in jail for Christ’s sake. You will be ready to suffer with me for the Lord, for he will give you strength in suffering.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In October 2014, I shared some of my Mam-ma Polly’s prized “Kentucky Wonder” bean seeds with friends who were visiting from Pennsylvania. These friends are gardening enthusiasts extraordinaire! They planted the seeds last summer and harvested a bumper crop of beans. And a couple of days ago, a squishy padded envelope arrived in our mailbox – dried beans that our friends returned to us with best wishes for a good crop of our own next year. I shared this story with my mother, and we agreed that my Mam-ma Polly would be tickled pink by this. To her, “Kentucky Wonder” beans were like gold!
This got me thinking about my Mam-ma Polly. She’s been on my mind a lot lately. My grandmother was not afraid to speak her mind – about anything! As I noted at her funeral, she was a mess – but she was our mess! For all of the 56 years that I knew her, my Mam-ma Polly was never shy about sharing Jesus with others. She did this in direct ways…and in subtle gestures. Her table always had room for one more. When she met a new neighbor, her first question was always, “Where do you go to church?” She cared for the sick, shared with the needy, and prayed without ceasing. She was an extraordinary role model for love of others and Christian discipleship…and I am blessed by her legacy.
In this letter from the Apostle Paul, we see him encourage Timothy to be bold and courageous…to call on the strength and inner power of God’s Holy Spirit as he represented the love and mercy of Jesus Christ to others. And this is what we are called to do. This is a season of generosity…of sharing love and giving to others. We seem to find it easier to do this in December as we “get in the Christmas mood.” But we need to expand our boldness and discipleship to the other eleven months as well.
It’s easier to share Jesus in these holiday weeks. We smile more…we say “Merry Christmas” and display signage on everything from ornaments to sweatshirts that says, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” We give to charities, bake goodies for friends and acquaintances, and carefully select gifts for everyone from family members to co-workers and needy children. We attend programs that proclaim the “Joy to the World” of Jesus’ coming. We generally demonstrate in ways great and small how much we love Jesus - and how glad we are to celebrate His birth.
My challenge for all of us is to take a page from my Mam-ma Polly’s book and extend this spirit to encompass the entire year. Let’s be more bold and courageous in our demonstrations of Christian faith and love. Let’s do whatever it takes to become more comfortable sharing our story and telling others what Jesus has done in our lives. This may require some practice…but I can tell you, repetition does make it easier! Let’s get in the pattern of smiling more and representing the joy that comes from the peace of our salvation and faith in Jesus.
Even something as simple as the exchange of some pole bean seed can be an act of Christian love and discipleship. I shared one of my grandmother’s most prized possessions with friends…and they reciprocated. This opened the door for dialog and the exchange of love and friendship halfway across the country…and that’s sometimes all it takes to allow others to see Jesus in us…and to spur a deeper discussion of Christian faith.
So get started…just jump in with both feet and do it! Reach out to someone with a smile and a kind word or gesture, and see where God takes you. Love people and genuinely enjoy being with them…and discover where and how God will stir the flame of boldness to further His Kingdom.
©2015 Debbie Robus
...I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you, that entered into you when I laid my hands upon your head and blessed you. For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.
If you will stir up this inner power, you will never be afraid to tell others about our Lord or to let them know that I am your friend even though I am here in jail for Christ’s sake. You will be ready to suffer with me for the Lord, for he will give you strength in suffering.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In October 2014, I shared some of my Mam-ma Polly’s prized “Kentucky Wonder” bean seeds with friends who were visiting from Pennsylvania. These friends are gardening enthusiasts extraordinaire! They planted the seeds last summer and harvested a bumper crop of beans. And a couple of days ago, a squishy padded envelope arrived in our mailbox – dried beans that our friends returned to us with best wishes for a good crop of our own next year. I shared this story with my mother, and we agreed that my Mam-ma Polly would be tickled pink by this. To her, “Kentucky Wonder” beans were like gold!
This got me thinking about my Mam-ma Polly. She’s been on my mind a lot lately. My grandmother was not afraid to speak her mind – about anything! As I noted at her funeral, she was a mess – but she was our mess! For all of the 56 years that I knew her, my Mam-ma Polly was never shy about sharing Jesus with others. She did this in direct ways…and in subtle gestures. Her table always had room for one more. When she met a new neighbor, her first question was always, “Where do you go to church?” She cared for the sick, shared with the needy, and prayed without ceasing. She was an extraordinary role model for love of others and Christian discipleship…and I am blessed by her legacy.
In this letter from the Apostle Paul, we see him encourage Timothy to be bold and courageous…to call on the strength and inner power of God’s Holy Spirit as he represented the love and mercy of Jesus Christ to others. And this is what we are called to do. This is a season of generosity…of sharing love and giving to others. We seem to find it easier to do this in December as we “get in the Christmas mood.” But we need to expand our boldness and discipleship to the other eleven months as well.
It’s easier to share Jesus in these holiday weeks. We smile more…we say “Merry Christmas” and display signage on everything from ornaments to sweatshirts that says, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” We give to charities, bake goodies for friends and acquaintances, and carefully select gifts for everyone from family members to co-workers and needy children. We attend programs that proclaim the “Joy to the World” of Jesus’ coming. We generally demonstrate in ways great and small how much we love Jesus - and how glad we are to celebrate His birth.
My challenge for all of us is to take a page from my Mam-ma Polly’s book and extend this spirit to encompass the entire year. Let’s be more bold and courageous in our demonstrations of Christian faith and love. Let’s do whatever it takes to become more comfortable sharing our story and telling others what Jesus has done in our lives. This may require some practice…but I can tell you, repetition does make it easier! Let’s get in the pattern of smiling more and representing the joy that comes from the peace of our salvation and faith in Jesus.
Even something as simple as the exchange of some pole bean seed can be an act of Christian love and discipleship. I shared one of my grandmother’s most prized possessions with friends…and they reciprocated. This opened the door for dialog and the exchange of love and friendship halfway across the country…and that’s sometimes all it takes to allow others to see Jesus in us…and to spur a deeper discussion of Christian faith.
So get started…just jump in with both feet and do it! Reach out to someone with a smile and a kind word or gesture, and see where God takes you. Love people and genuinely enjoy being with them…and discover where and how God will stir the flame of boldness to further His Kingdom.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 17, 2015
Psalm 48:9-14
Our God, here in your temple
we think about your love.
You are famous and praised
everywhere on earth,
as you win victories
with your powerful arm.
Mount Zion will celebrate,
and all Judah will be glad,
because you bring justice.
Let’s walk around Zion
and count its towers.
We will see its strong walls
and visit each fortress.
Then you can say
to future generations,
“Our God is like this forever
and will always guide us.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning as I prepared to write this devotional, I must admit that I was conflicted. The world seems turned upside down…senseless terrorism and murder in Paris…displaced and orphaned people by the thousands in the Middle East…people closing their hearts and their “borders” to those who have nowhere to turn…illness and disease…those who are aging and declining – and there is nothing to do but watch it happen…humans in every corner of the world are suffering and troubled…orphans abound in our own back yard, where there are 2 beds for every three children in need. And on top of it all, the weathermen are continually warning that a strong system is approaching with high winds and potentially flooding rains. The list seems unending.
Then I opened my Bible to Psalm 48:9-14 and read these words about the love and power of God Almighty. And I was humbled…and renewed…and encouraged.
It’s easy to get caught up in the worry, frustration and grief of current events. We go from faith-filled prayer warriors to spineless wimps afraid of our own shadows in the blink of an eye! And we should all be ashamed. Where is our confidence in God? Where is our affirmation that these claims in Psalm 48 about His power and strength are absolute and indisputable? Are we telling our next generations the truth…or selling them a bill of goods? Because if we do not truly believe – and internalize – what the Bible tells us about God, we really are failing as Christian witnesses and Disciples.
This is the day to “hitch up your britches”…to “pull yourself up by the bootstraps”…to rise up out of your “funk” and get it together in response to God’s call. It’s time to truly honor our gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ by modeling His teachings and affirming that God is everything the scriptures tell us He is. More importantly, it is time for us to live out what God has demonstrated over and again – in our lives and throughout history…to walk and breathe in the truth of His victories and His power, and to validate this to the world at large.
Worry, fear, and a closed heart have no place in the lives of faith-filled Christians. Today is the day to kick these attitudes to the curb, once and for all, and live out God’s truths. Will you stand with me and make this a day of great renewal? Are you really ready to represent our mighty God? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Our God, here in your temple
we think about your love.
You are famous and praised
everywhere on earth,
as you win victories
with your powerful arm.
Mount Zion will celebrate,
and all Judah will be glad,
because you bring justice.
Let’s walk around Zion
and count its towers.
We will see its strong walls
and visit each fortress.
Then you can say
to future generations,
“Our God is like this forever
and will always guide us.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning as I prepared to write this devotional, I must admit that I was conflicted. The world seems turned upside down…senseless terrorism and murder in Paris…displaced and orphaned people by the thousands in the Middle East…people closing their hearts and their “borders” to those who have nowhere to turn…illness and disease…those who are aging and declining – and there is nothing to do but watch it happen…humans in every corner of the world are suffering and troubled…orphans abound in our own back yard, where there are 2 beds for every three children in need. And on top of it all, the weathermen are continually warning that a strong system is approaching with high winds and potentially flooding rains. The list seems unending.
Then I opened my Bible to Psalm 48:9-14 and read these words about the love and power of God Almighty. And I was humbled…and renewed…and encouraged.
- We don’t know what to do with all of the senseless violence and hatred in this world. “Our God is like this forever and will always guide us.”
- We are fearful of helping those we do not know and trust. We are powerless to control the weather. Honestly, we are just a little afraid of virtually everything! ”…You win victories with Your powerful arm.”
- We feel helpless to meet the needs of orphans, the elderly, those who are sick and suffering, the grieving, and those who are homeless and in need. “We will see its [Zion’s] strong walls and visit each fortress…we think about Your love.”
- We are weary and do not know how to keep going. Our faith and confidence have wavered in light of all that is happening, and we cannot see how things will ever improve. “…all Judah will be glad, because You bring justice.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the worry, frustration and grief of current events. We go from faith-filled prayer warriors to spineless wimps afraid of our own shadows in the blink of an eye! And we should all be ashamed. Where is our confidence in God? Where is our affirmation that these claims in Psalm 48 about His power and strength are absolute and indisputable? Are we telling our next generations the truth…or selling them a bill of goods? Because if we do not truly believe – and internalize – what the Bible tells us about God, we really are failing as Christian witnesses and Disciples.
This is the day to “hitch up your britches”…to “pull yourself up by the bootstraps”…to rise up out of your “funk” and get it together in response to God’s call. It’s time to truly honor our gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ by modeling His teachings and affirming that God is everything the scriptures tell us He is. More importantly, it is time for us to live out what God has demonstrated over and again – in our lives and throughout history…to walk and breathe in the truth of His victories and His power, and to validate this to the world at large.
Worry, fear, and a closed heart have no place in the lives of faith-filled Christians. Today is the day to kick these attitudes to the curb, once and for all, and live out God’s truths. Will you stand with me and make this a day of great renewal? Are you really ready to represent our mighty God? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 1, 2015
August 1 ~ Ephesians 4:31-32
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave 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.
Is there anyone on the planet who hasn’t heard about the senseless slaughter of Cecil the lion? I think even the most avid hunter can agree that this was reprehensible conduct. Judging from the reports by news media, it seems that a lot of us have taken this slaying pretty personally! Some seem ready for more blood…this time, that of the lion’s killer!
If this Minnesota dentist were to humbly and genuinely admit that he made a grave mistake…and beg forgiveness…would you be willing to offer it? Before you answer, consider this…1) regardless of how heinous this act was, it was not directly committed toward you; and 2) scripture tells us to forgive “as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you!” Now let me ask you again…could you forgive this man? Could you stop calling him names and stand in his presence without wanting to wring his neck?
Clearly, this beautiful animal did not deserve to die. Any way you slice it, what was done to him was disgusting and horrific. But what we do to Jesus every day resulted in his torture and death on a cross…and yet He readily forgives us when we humbly repent. We cannot even begin to comprehend what Jesus endured because of our sins…from those that seem petty and small to ones we consider to be huge. We directly impacted His life with our transgressions. He has every right to turn His back on us…call us every name in the book…and treat us terribly.
Instead, Jesus offers us kindness, compassion, grace, mercy, forgiveness…and the promise of a mansion in Paradise when our earthly life is done. When you consider all of this and how He forgives us…how can we possibly continue to operate in unforgiveness toward anyone else…even someone who maliciously murders innocent animals? How can we fail to forgive the person who speaks ill of us…whether we get an apology or not? How can we continue to hold a grudge toward the person who betrayed us in some way…cheated us in business or life in general…or told lies about us? How can we be unkind and mean-spirited toward those who are rude and ugly toward us…knowing that Jesus would never do this?
We are looking at what is truly a “What would Jesus do?” scripture passage…and one that is tough for many of us to put into practice. For that, Jesus also stands ready to forgive us. Who do you need to forgive today? Where to you need to shift your attitude and operate in a spirit of grace and mercy…recognizing that this is what Jesus does for you each and every day? Will you ask God to help you “make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting and profane talk” and become more sensitive and compassionate?
We cannot bring back this magnificent lion…but we can act in a manner that shows his killer the love and forgiveness of Jesus. Are you ready to “step up your discipleship” and demonstrate Christ’s teachings to ALL people? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave 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.
Is there anyone on the planet who hasn’t heard about the senseless slaughter of Cecil the lion? I think even the most avid hunter can agree that this was reprehensible conduct. Judging from the reports by news media, it seems that a lot of us have taken this slaying pretty personally! Some seem ready for more blood…this time, that of the lion’s killer!
If this Minnesota dentist were to humbly and genuinely admit that he made a grave mistake…and beg forgiveness…would you be willing to offer it? Before you answer, consider this…1) regardless of how heinous this act was, it was not directly committed toward you; and 2) scripture tells us to forgive “as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you!” Now let me ask you again…could you forgive this man? Could you stop calling him names and stand in his presence without wanting to wring his neck?
Clearly, this beautiful animal did not deserve to die. Any way you slice it, what was done to him was disgusting and horrific. But what we do to Jesus every day resulted in his torture and death on a cross…and yet He readily forgives us when we humbly repent. We cannot even begin to comprehend what Jesus endured because of our sins…from those that seem petty and small to ones we consider to be huge. We directly impacted His life with our transgressions. He has every right to turn His back on us…call us every name in the book…and treat us terribly.
Instead, Jesus offers us kindness, compassion, grace, mercy, forgiveness…and the promise of a mansion in Paradise when our earthly life is done. When you consider all of this and how He forgives us…how can we possibly continue to operate in unforgiveness toward anyone else…even someone who maliciously murders innocent animals? How can we fail to forgive the person who speaks ill of us…whether we get an apology or not? How can we continue to hold a grudge toward the person who betrayed us in some way…cheated us in business or life in general…or told lies about us? How can we be unkind and mean-spirited toward those who are rude and ugly toward us…knowing that Jesus would never do this?
We are looking at what is truly a “What would Jesus do?” scripture passage…and one that is tough for many of us to put into practice. For that, Jesus also stands ready to forgive us. Who do you need to forgive today? Where to you need to shift your attitude and operate in a spirit of grace and mercy…recognizing that this is what Jesus does for you each and every day? Will you ask God to help you “make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting and profane talk” and become more sensitive and compassionate?
We cannot bring back this magnificent lion…but we can act in a manner that shows his killer the love and forgiveness of Jesus. Are you ready to “step up your discipleship” and demonstrate Christ’s teachings to ALL people? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 20, 2015
1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud…
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Dr. Randy Hyde, Senior Pastor at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, delivered a sermon on July 5, 2015, titled “Conversations About Freedom.” I encourage you to go to http://www.phbclr.com/members/sermons/sermon/?id=252 and read the message for yourself.
Dr. Hyde shares an exchange he had with a retired and newly widowed friend in Baltimore who took a job at Walmart as a greeter. When Hyde returned for a visit recently, the man expressed to his former pastor that he was not sure how to relate to the large number of customers who shopped in his store who were Muslim. It was not that the man felt animosity or disdain toward these people because of their religious preferences or ethnicity. But he was at a lost about how to relate to them…and how to share His Christian faith with them. Dr. Hyde sensed that this quandary was greatly troubling his friend.
Again, I encourage you to read the sermon for yourself (it’s fairly brief, but full of good stuff!)…but Dr. Hyde says that he didn’t have a lot of time to visit with this man and give him a decent answer. After returning home, he pulled his thoughts together in the form of this message. Essentially, the pastor wishes he had told his friend that when people come into Walmart, they are seeking more than a bottle of shampoo or a bag of mulch…they are seeking love and acceptance…and the freedom to be who they are without fear of persecution or intimidation.
Now, you may think this is a stretch…but consider your own life. As you travel through your day, how do you react to the words and actions of others? Can a friendly smile change your attitude? Can one glance or a comment that you construe as negative or critical ruin your whole morning or afternoon? Do you ever feel judged just by the way people look at you and react to you? Does something as basic and simple as a wave and greeting at Walmart – or the lack thereof - have an impact on your demeanor?
Too often, we underestimate the power of a loving gesture. We fail to see the effect that a smile can have on another person. We take for granted the person who strives to be patient, humble and speak softly with a tone of grace and acceptance. We remember people who treat us unkindly, criticize or judge, and speak negatively. But we also remember those who are loving and merciful…those who offer words of encouragement and offer positive “vibes.” We remember people who smile a lot and seem to be filled with joy most of the time!
Which do you suppose has more of an impact on others? Which best represents Jesus Christ and His message? Which draws others in rather than creating a divide? Where would you rather land in this equation…and where do you think God wants you to be?
Dr. Hyde concluded his thoughts by saying that “kindness and faith come from the same Source”…and I believe that we can draw more people to Jesus with a spirit of love, patience, kindness and humility than we could ever reach with a thousand sermons or criticisms. It is no small thing that one of Jesus’ greatest commandments to us is to “love one another.” A smile and a positive attitude are pretty good places to start…and in doing so, we represent the love of Jesus Christ.
When we create an atmosphere where all people feel accepted and free to be themselves, we are demonstrating our confidence that Jesus was right all along in how He treated people…and we make room for Him to work in ways great and small. What does your demeanor say to others about your Christian faith? Are you a walking – and welcoming – example of the love of Christ? Don’t you think you should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud…
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Dr. Randy Hyde, Senior Pastor at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, delivered a sermon on July 5, 2015, titled “Conversations About Freedom.” I encourage you to go to http://www.phbclr.com/members/sermons/sermon/?id=252 and read the message for yourself.
Dr. Hyde shares an exchange he had with a retired and newly widowed friend in Baltimore who took a job at Walmart as a greeter. When Hyde returned for a visit recently, the man expressed to his former pastor that he was not sure how to relate to the large number of customers who shopped in his store who were Muslim. It was not that the man felt animosity or disdain toward these people because of their religious preferences or ethnicity. But he was at a lost about how to relate to them…and how to share His Christian faith with them. Dr. Hyde sensed that this quandary was greatly troubling his friend.
Again, I encourage you to read the sermon for yourself (it’s fairly brief, but full of good stuff!)…but Dr. Hyde says that he didn’t have a lot of time to visit with this man and give him a decent answer. After returning home, he pulled his thoughts together in the form of this message. Essentially, the pastor wishes he had told his friend that when people come into Walmart, they are seeking more than a bottle of shampoo or a bag of mulch…they are seeking love and acceptance…and the freedom to be who they are without fear of persecution or intimidation.
Now, you may think this is a stretch…but consider your own life. As you travel through your day, how do you react to the words and actions of others? Can a friendly smile change your attitude? Can one glance or a comment that you construe as negative or critical ruin your whole morning or afternoon? Do you ever feel judged just by the way people look at you and react to you? Does something as basic and simple as a wave and greeting at Walmart – or the lack thereof - have an impact on your demeanor?
Too often, we underestimate the power of a loving gesture. We fail to see the effect that a smile can have on another person. We take for granted the person who strives to be patient, humble and speak softly with a tone of grace and acceptance. We remember people who treat us unkindly, criticize or judge, and speak negatively. But we also remember those who are loving and merciful…those who offer words of encouragement and offer positive “vibes.” We remember people who smile a lot and seem to be filled with joy most of the time!
Which do you suppose has more of an impact on others? Which best represents Jesus Christ and His message? Which draws others in rather than creating a divide? Where would you rather land in this equation…and where do you think God wants you to be?
Dr. Hyde concluded his thoughts by saying that “kindness and faith come from the same Source”…and I believe that we can draw more people to Jesus with a spirit of love, patience, kindness and humility than we could ever reach with a thousand sermons or criticisms. It is no small thing that one of Jesus’ greatest commandments to us is to “love one another.” A smile and a positive attitude are pretty good places to start…and in doing so, we represent the love of Jesus Christ.
When we create an atmosphere where all people feel accepted and free to be themselves, we are demonstrating our confidence that Jesus was right all along in how He treated people…and we make room for Him to work in ways great and small. What does your demeanor say to others about your Christian faith? Are you a walking – and welcoming – example of the love of Christ? Don’t you think you should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 29, 2015
Proverbs 11:2
Too much pride can put you to shame. It’s wiser to be humble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A candidate for the 2016 Presidential election has declared that the Pope should refrain from offering an opinion on global warming. He is said to have told a reporter…“The church has gotten it wrong a few times on science. We probably are better off leaving science to the scientists, and focusing on what we’re really good at, which is theology and morality.” Apparently this candidate missed the fact that the Pope received a “Chemical Technician’s Diploma from Escuela Técnica Industrial N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen…and once worked at more than one laboratory performing chemical testing.
Open mouth – insert foot. We do it all the time. But as Christians who genuinely desire to represent Jesus – and serve Him well – we ought to be paying closer attention to our words, actions and deeds. Before we criticize anyone else – about anything – we ought to check our facts – and check with God to ask Him which of His purposes our judgment of others will serve. I’m talking about how we characterize and/or criticize everyone from our neighbors and the cashier at your local grocery store or restaurant…to the workers who collect your garbage each week or work in some other “service” position…to our political and religious leaders (including the President of the United States – and even the Pope)…and all of those in between. As the old rhetorical question goes…”Who died and made you king?”
Let’s get something straight…none of us knows what is in another person’s heart. And quite frankly, we have no clue what goes on in another person’s daily living, for the most part. The person you dare to judge or disparage may have challenges and heartaches that you could never imagine. He/she may have knees so raw from kneeling in prayer and spending time with God that it’s hard to walk across the floor. Were we to stand side-by-side before God with this person and hear our good deeds – and our sins – listed…we might have to hang our heads in shame by comparison.
Too many of us make snap judgments – and harsh ones. We SAY that we are Christians and then proceed to elevate ourselves to almost God-like status…and judge everyone who is “beneath” us. And by that, I mean anyone who doesn’t view every aspect of life exactly as we do and act accordingly. Let me assure you…God is not impressed by this. In fact, He is downright brokenhearted.
We had better learn to stop puffing our chests out in pride at how devout and faithful we are, and humbly serve God by loving one another – each and every one! We’d better get our facts straight and not accuse others of something in which we aren’t fully versed. And we had better start learning how to get along…with everybody.
I do not mean to sound angry – or to be critical and become “one of those people” in the process. But I am disheartened at the number of so-called Christians who have created an atmosphere of “us vs. them” and set themselves up as superior to others. I am saddened by the condescension and hate…and I am truly sickened to think about the inroads that this gives to the devil. What unbeliever could possibly want to become a Christian when he/she sees how so many of us behave toward each other?
We can’t have it both ways. We cannot be prideful and truly represent Jesus Christ as His disciple. Who do you think you are? How are you representing Jesus to others…with an arrogant, condescending attitude…or as His humble servant who extends His love in every direction? How you answer this matters – greatly. God wants foot soldiers for His army…not another Commander-in-Chief. Which one are you trying to be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Too much pride can put you to shame. It’s wiser to be humble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A candidate for the 2016 Presidential election has declared that the Pope should refrain from offering an opinion on global warming. He is said to have told a reporter…“The church has gotten it wrong a few times on science. We probably are better off leaving science to the scientists, and focusing on what we’re really good at, which is theology and morality.” Apparently this candidate missed the fact that the Pope received a “Chemical Technician’s Diploma from Escuela Técnica Industrial N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen…and once worked at more than one laboratory performing chemical testing.
Open mouth – insert foot. We do it all the time. But as Christians who genuinely desire to represent Jesus – and serve Him well – we ought to be paying closer attention to our words, actions and deeds. Before we criticize anyone else – about anything – we ought to check our facts – and check with God to ask Him which of His purposes our judgment of others will serve. I’m talking about how we characterize and/or criticize everyone from our neighbors and the cashier at your local grocery store or restaurant…to the workers who collect your garbage each week or work in some other “service” position…to our political and religious leaders (including the President of the United States – and even the Pope)…and all of those in between. As the old rhetorical question goes…”Who died and made you king?”
Let’s get something straight…none of us knows what is in another person’s heart. And quite frankly, we have no clue what goes on in another person’s daily living, for the most part. The person you dare to judge or disparage may have challenges and heartaches that you could never imagine. He/she may have knees so raw from kneeling in prayer and spending time with God that it’s hard to walk across the floor. Were we to stand side-by-side before God with this person and hear our good deeds – and our sins – listed…we might have to hang our heads in shame by comparison.
Too many of us make snap judgments – and harsh ones. We SAY that we are Christians and then proceed to elevate ourselves to almost God-like status…and judge everyone who is “beneath” us. And by that, I mean anyone who doesn’t view every aspect of life exactly as we do and act accordingly. Let me assure you…God is not impressed by this. In fact, He is downright brokenhearted.
We had better learn to stop puffing our chests out in pride at how devout and faithful we are, and humbly serve God by loving one another – each and every one! We’d better get our facts straight and not accuse others of something in which we aren’t fully versed. And we had better start learning how to get along…with everybody.
I do not mean to sound angry – or to be critical and become “one of those people” in the process. But I am disheartened at the number of so-called Christians who have created an atmosphere of “us vs. them” and set themselves up as superior to others. I am saddened by the condescension and hate…and I am truly sickened to think about the inroads that this gives to the devil. What unbeliever could possibly want to become a Christian when he/she sees how so many of us behave toward each other?
We can’t have it both ways. We cannot be prideful and truly represent Jesus Christ as His disciple. Who do you think you are? How are you representing Jesus to others…with an arrogant, condescending attitude…or as His humble servant who extends His love in every direction? How you answer this matters – greatly. God wants foot soldiers for His army…not another Commander-in-Chief. Which one are you trying to be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 29, 2015
Acts 14:21-22
Paul and Barnabas preached the good news in Derbe and won some people to the Lord. Then they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia. They encouraged the followers and begged them to remain faithful. They told them, “We have to suffer a lot before we can get into God’s kingdom.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Yesterday a childhood friend let me know that one our mutual friends had passed away. Joel died in his sleep as his body succumbed to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). On May 17th, Joel posted on Facebook recently that the chemo treatments he was receiving were no longer working and could actually kill him. His blood count was low, and his bone marrow was full of cancer. The doctors had advised Joel to seek Hospice care…and he admitted that he was “scared and worried about things and what may happen to me.”
Joel was a year younger than I am…and a classmate of my sister. I am pretty sure that he was autistic and/or had Asperger’s Syndrome. When we were kids, people were unkind to Joel and did not consider him to be very bright. But he had them all fooled. Joel grew to be a very concerned – and active – advocate for people with disabilities, and he helped start ArkansasPeopleFirst.org and was its state president. Joel’s Facebook wall is filled with posts about advocacy for people with disabilities...is faith in God…and his love for his family.
In a few days, Joel’s mother, Irene, will have buried all three of her children. Thankfully, this is a grief for which I have no personal reference point. And yet, on Joel’s Facebook page, a niece reports that Mrs. Irene is relieved that she outlived her youngest son…that her biggest fear was that she would die before he did. I would say Mrs. Irene has had to suffer a lot before she enters into God’s kingdom.
But I do not mean to make the point of this passage about how Christians must suffer grief and the death of loved ones…at least not entirely. This scripture passage has a far broader intent…meaning that we may be ridiculed for our faith – or even persecuted. Paul and Barnabas are warning that troubles of ALL KINDS will befall us, and just because we are Christians does not ensure us an easy go of things. Certainly my friend Joel suffered the mistreatment and misunderstanding of many…and yet, his faith was strong. His witness was great, and his fight for the rights of others was fervent and steadfast.
What about us? How dedicated are we, especially when the chips are down? Do we fold up at the first sign of criticism, disaster or disappointment? Do we turn away from God…or at the very least, grow quiet and withdrawn? Do we allow others to do the hard work, while we coast along and give God the bare minimum of our time and attention? Do we truly rest in the LORD when troubles come? Are we prepared to suffer a lot before we can get into God’s kingdom?
These are not easy questions…but then, as I’ve said before, not much about being an “all-in” Christian is easy much of the time. How faithful are you in all things and at all times? Does your example come close to that of a middle-aged autistic man who fought for others’ rights and admitted in his last days that he was frightened about his future…or that of his elderly mother who has outlived all three of her children?
In a telephone conversation, Mrs. Irene told my friend that Joel planned his funeral, down to the last song and scripture. He knew where he was headed…and now he rests in the arms of Jesus…his suffering has ended forever. Someday, his mother will join the rest of the family there. But we will long remember how they lived. Joel did more than make a point…he made a difference! He served God and others well. Can you say the same?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Paul and Barnabas preached the good news in Derbe and won some people to the Lord. Then they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia. They encouraged the followers and begged them to remain faithful. They told them, “We have to suffer a lot before we can get into God’s kingdom.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Yesterday a childhood friend let me know that one our mutual friends had passed away. Joel died in his sleep as his body succumbed to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). On May 17th, Joel posted on Facebook recently that the chemo treatments he was receiving were no longer working and could actually kill him. His blood count was low, and his bone marrow was full of cancer. The doctors had advised Joel to seek Hospice care…and he admitted that he was “scared and worried about things and what may happen to me.”
Joel was a year younger than I am…and a classmate of my sister. I am pretty sure that he was autistic and/or had Asperger’s Syndrome. When we were kids, people were unkind to Joel and did not consider him to be very bright. But he had them all fooled. Joel grew to be a very concerned – and active – advocate for people with disabilities, and he helped start ArkansasPeopleFirst.org and was its state president. Joel’s Facebook wall is filled with posts about advocacy for people with disabilities...is faith in God…and his love for his family.
In a few days, Joel’s mother, Irene, will have buried all three of her children. Thankfully, this is a grief for which I have no personal reference point. And yet, on Joel’s Facebook page, a niece reports that Mrs. Irene is relieved that she outlived her youngest son…that her biggest fear was that she would die before he did. I would say Mrs. Irene has had to suffer a lot before she enters into God’s kingdom.
But I do not mean to make the point of this passage about how Christians must suffer grief and the death of loved ones…at least not entirely. This scripture passage has a far broader intent…meaning that we may be ridiculed for our faith – or even persecuted. Paul and Barnabas are warning that troubles of ALL KINDS will befall us, and just because we are Christians does not ensure us an easy go of things. Certainly my friend Joel suffered the mistreatment and misunderstanding of many…and yet, his faith was strong. His witness was great, and his fight for the rights of others was fervent and steadfast.
What about us? How dedicated are we, especially when the chips are down? Do we fold up at the first sign of criticism, disaster or disappointment? Do we turn away from God…or at the very least, grow quiet and withdrawn? Do we allow others to do the hard work, while we coast along and give God the bare minimum of our time and attention? Do we truly rest in the LORD when troubles come? Are we prepared to suffer a lot before we can get into God’s kingdom?
These are not easy questions…but then, as I’ve said before, not much about being an “all-in” Christian is easy much of the time. How faithful are you in all things and at all times? Does your example come close to that of a middle-aged autistic man who fought for others’ rights and admitted in his last days that he was frightened about his future…or that of his elderly mother who has outlived all three of her children?
In a telephone conversation, Mrs. Irene told my friend that Joel planned his funeral, down to the last song and scripture. He knew where he was headed…and now he rests in the arms of Jesus…his suffering has ended forever. Someday, his mother will join the rest of the family there. But we will long remember how they lived. Joel did more than make a point…he made a difference! He served God and others well. Can you say the same?
©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 May 20, 2015
Acts 2:41-42
That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
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 young cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless young friends are all members of organized activities/groups like soccer, t-ball, swimming, scouting, and dance troops. They have made the commitment to attend practices and games/performances…to participate in events associated with the team/group…to offer support and be an active participant…and to encourage their fellow members. They are representatives of these groups, and people form opinions about the organization as a whole on the basis of how individual members behave.
In any organization, there will be people who go “all in” and give their very best. They make almost all of the meetings, participate in group activities and invite others to join them. They support the members and do all that they can to conduct themselves in a manner that honors the group and its purpose/tenets. There will be a few who sign on and then fail to show up…literally and figuratively. When this happens, they are often dismissed from the group…either by quitting and forfeiting membership and the right to participate - or by removal from the roster by the group leaders.
When we give our lives to Christ and become Christians, we are automatically a member of “Team Jesus.” Just as there are members of any club or organization who claim to be associated, then hang out on the fringes – or drop out altogether - there are Christians who assert that they belong to Jesus and then go back to their old ways. They don’t support others, much less minister to anyone – especially unbelievers. Sadly, there are quite a few “fringe Christians.” Many of them go through the motions…attend worship services, contribute to a church and missions/ministries, participate in Holy Communion, and sport a t-shirt or bumper sticker that proclaims their allegiance. But it’s all essentially a show…there is no real “heart” and commitment behind these actions. Others claim to be Christians and don’t even make a half-hearted effort to go through the motions of discipleship.
Unlike most organizations, you can’t get kicked off “Team Jesus” for this. But it does sadden Jesus…and it should sadden us as believers. Jesus suffered, bled and died for our sins. He loves us unconditionally…meets all of our needs…feeds and heals us – body, mind and soul…and prepares a Heavenly mansion for us to enjoy for all Eternity. And all that He asks of us in return is that we love and honor Him.
Jesus asks that we live in a way that demonstrates our devotion to Him and encourages others to make Him their personal Savior. Whether we go “all in” or not does not change our status on the “team”…or make us better than the next believer. But it’s a matter of personal and spiritual integrity. This is the most important affiliation we will ever have. We ought to do more than merely act like it matters.
Stop and spend some time today in prayer and reflection on all that Jesus has done for you…all that He does for you each and every day. Count your blessings and consider what sort of “team member” you really are these days. Search for ways to step up your “game/performance”…to honor and glorify the amazing gift of Salvation and inclusion that Jesus has given you. Make this the day that you move off the sidelines and into the thick of things with Jesus. It’s what you signed up for…the time has come to make good on your commitment!
©2015 Debbie Robus
That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
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 young cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless young friends are all members of organized activities/groups like soccer, t-ball, swimming, scouting, and dance troops. They have made the commitment to attend practices and games/performances…to participate in events associated with the team/group…to offer support and be an active participant…and to encourage their fellow members. They are representatives of these groups, and people form opinions about the organization as a whole on the basis of how individual members behave.
In any organization, there will be people who go “all in” and give their very best. They make almost all of the meetings, participate in group activities and invite others to join them. They support the members and do all that they can to conduct themselves in a manner that honors the group and its purpose/tenets. There will be a few who sign on and then fail to show up…literally and figuratively. When this happens, they are often dismissed from the group…either by quitting and forfeiting membership and the right to participate - or by removal from the roster by the group leaders.
When we give our lives to Christ and become Christians, we are automatically a member of “Team Jesus.” Just as there are members of any club or organization who claim to be associated, then hang out on the fringes – or drop out altogether - there are Christians who assert that they belong to Jesus and then go back to their old ways. They don’t support others, much less minister to anyone – especially unbelievers. Sadly, there are quite a few “fringe Christians.” Many of them go through the motions…attend worship services, contribute to a church and missions/ministries, participate in Holy Communion, and sport a t-shirt or bumper sticker that proclaims their allegiance. But it’s all essentially a show…there is no real “heart” and commitment behind these actions. Others claim to be Christians and don’t even make a half-hearted effort to go through the motions of discipleship.
Unlike most organizations, you can’t get kicked off “Team Jesus” for this. But it does sadden Jesus…and it should sadden us as believers. Jesus suffered, bled and died for our sins. He loves us unconditionally…meets all of our needs…feeds and heals us – body, mind and soul…and prepares a Heavenly mansion for us to enjoy for all Eternity. And all that He asks of us in return is that we love and honor Him.
Jesus asks that we live in a way that demonstrates our devotion to Him and encourages others to make Him their personal Savior. Whether we go “all in” or not does not change our status on the “team”…or make us better than the next believer. But it’s a matter of personal and spiritual integrity. This is the most important affiliation we will ever have. We ought to do more than merely act like it matters.
Stop and spend some time today in prayer and reflection on all that Jesus has done for you…all that He does for you each and every day. Count your blessings and consider what sort of “team member” you really are these days. Search for ways to step up your “game/performance”…to honor and glorify the amazing gift of Salvation and inclusion that Jesus has given you. Make this the day that you move off the sidelines and into the thick of things with Jesus. It’s what you signed up for…the time has come to make good on your commitment!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 24, 2015
Romans 13:11-14
You know what sort of times we live in, and so you should live properly. It is time to wake up. You know that the day when we will be saved is nearer now than when we first put our faith in the Lord. Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light. So behave properly, as people do in the day. Don’t go to wild parties or get drunk or be vulgar or indecent. Don’t quarrel or be jealous. Let the Lord Jesus Christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear. Then you won’t try to satisfy your selfish desires.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were a child and you visited your grandparents or a friend…and you never wanted the visit to end? When Timothy, Zola and Nathan visit our house, of course it’s the same thing. They are never ready to go home! Often, they waste precious minutes of play time standing around protesting how they wish they had more time and/or don’t want to leave!
This is what we are being told in this scripture passage. We are wasting time on things that are not important, when we should be focused on God and living for Him. The adage, “Tomorrow is another day” may have worked for Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With The Wind, but it has no place in the life of a faith-filled Christian. We cannot “play today” and serve God tomorrow.
Just as much as some people want to do as they please today and “turn over a new leaf” to live for Jesus another day…there are people who are so busy serving God and living for Him that it seems like they never rest! Have you ever heard someone say that they will sleep when they get to Heaven? These folks have heard the words of Paul to the Romans…they are serving God now…on this earth and in this lifetime. And this is what we should all be doing.
Timothy stayed with us last night, and he asked several times, “When is it going to be day?” Finally, I asked him, “What are you going to do tomorrow when it’s day again?” He replied, “I don’t know.” I’m afraid that this is the answer for a lot of us. We really don’t know what we will do with the day we are given…and often we waste a large part of it on things that do not serve God, build our faith, or share the Good News of Jesus with others.
We don’t know when our “earthly visit” will end…how much time we will be given. But we must not waste a minute of it. We often tell the children, “Get busy playing!” It’s time for us to wake up and “get busy” living in the light of Christ! This is the day that the LORD has made…how will you spend yours?
©2015 Debbie Robus
You know what sort of times we live in, and so you should live properly. It is time to wake up. You know that the day when we will be saved is nearer now than when we first put our faith in the Lord. Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light. So behave properly, as people do in the day. Don’t go to wild parties or get drunk or be vulgar or indecent. Don’t quarrel or be jealous. Let the Lord Jesus Christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear. Then you won’t try to satisfy your selfish desires.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were a child and you visited your grandparents or a friend…and you never wanted the visit to end? When Timothy, Zola and Nathan visit our house, of course it’s the same thing. They are never ready to go home! Often, they waste precious minutes of play time standing around protesting how they wish they had more time and/or don’t want to leave!
This is what we are being told in this scripture passage. We are wasting time on things that are not important, when we should be focused on God and living for Him. The adage, “Tomorrow is another day” may have worked for Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With The Wind, but it has no place in the life of a faith-filled Christian. We cannot “play today” and serve God tomorrow.
Just as much as some people want to do as they please today and “turn over a new leaf” to live for Jesus another day…there are people who are so busy serving God and living for Him that it seems like they never rest! Have you ever heard someone say that they will sleep when they get to Heaven? These folks have heard the words of Paul to the Romans…they are serving God now…on this earth and in this lifetime. And this is what we should all be doing.
Timothy stayed with us last night, and he asked several times, “When is it going to be day?” Finally, I asked him, “What are you going to do tomorrow when it’s day again?” He replied, “I don’t know.” I’m afraid that this is the answer for a lot of us. We really don’t know what we will do with the day we are given…and often we waste a large part of it on things that do not serve God, build our faith, or share the Good News of Jesus with others.
We don’t know when our “earthly visit” will end…how much time we will be given. But we must not waste a minute of it. We often tell the children, “Get busy playing!” It’s time for us to wake up and “get busy” living in the light of Christ! This is the day that the LORD has made…how will you spend yours?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 8, 2015
February 8 ~ Colossians 1:9-12
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he 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.
We went to the park to play after church and lunch, and of course, the children wanted to swing. I think Timothy and Zola love swings as much as any children I’ve ever known. Today, Zola said, “I’ll swing myself!” She was adamant…until she could not make herself go back and forth as she had hoped. Try as she might to “push and pull”, the swing stayed pretty well stationary…and she called for some help to get the swing going!
When it comes to our relationship with God, we are a lot like the little kid who wants to do it all herself. We ought to be able to figure it all out on our own. We have a Bible…we know how to pray…what else is needed? There are two parts to the answer: 1) developing our faith and fellowship with God takes time and practice… and 2) one of the greatest blessings of being a Christian lies in the support of fellow believers. So as others pray for us and encourage us in our understanding of God and communion with Him, we are strengthened and nurtured. Our wisdom, discernment, and confidence grow. We find joy in the love and fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ who join us in corporate and collective worship.
There is nothing wrong with needing a little “push” from time to time. All Christians need an occasional cheerleader - and the prayers of their fellow believers. Take joy and comfort in knowing that others pray for you and undergird your efforts to walk with Christ. Pay it forward by praying for your fellow Christians and offering them encouragement and insight whenever possible and/or appropriate.
As we grow in our faith, we become more able to “swing ourselves”…but we all still enjoy a little push from a friend once in a while. Who’s giving you the inspiration and support you need these days…and who are you uplifting in return?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he 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.
We went to the park to play after church and lunch, and of course, the children wanted to swing. I think Timothy and Zola love swings as much as any children I’ve ever known. Today, Zola said, “I’ll swing myself!” She was adamant…until she could not make herself go back and forth as she had hoped. Try as she might to “push and pull”, the swing stayed pretty well stationary…and she called for some help to get the swing going!
When it comes to our relationship with God, we are a lot like the little kid who wants to do it all herself. We ought to be able to figure it all out on our own. We have a Bible…we know how to pray…what else is needed? There are two parts to the answer: 1) developing our faith and fellowship with God takes time and practice… and 2) one of the greatest blessings of being a Christian lies in the support of fellow believers. So as others pray for us and encourage us in our understanding of God and communion with Him, we are strengthened and nurtured. Our wisdom, discernment, and confidence grow. We find joy in the love and fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ who join us in corporate and collective worship.
There is nothing wrong with needing a little “push” from time to time. All Christians need an occasional cheerleader - and the prayers of their fellow believers. Take joy and comfort in knowing that others pray for you and undergird your efforts to walk with Christ. Pay it forward by praying for your fellow Christians and offering them encouragement and insight whenever possible and/or appropriate.
As we grow in our faith, we become more able to “swing ourselves”…but we all still enjoy a little push from a friend once in a while. Who’s giving you the inspiration and support you need these days…and who are you uplifting in return?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 21, 2014
Isaiah 11:1-5
Like a branch that sprouts from a stump,someone from David’s family will someday be king. The Spirit of the Lord will be with him to give him understanding, wisdom, and insight.
He will be powerful, and he will know and honor the Lord. His greatest joy will be to obey the Lord.
This king won’t judge by appearances or listen to rumors. The poor and the needy will be treated with fairness and with justice.
His word will be law everywhere in the land, and criminals will be put to death. Honesty and fairness will be his royal robes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There was a plum tree at my grandparents’ farm that stood near a rock building we called the “dry house”, and it produced wonderful plums for eating by the handful…and for making delicious plum jelly. By the time that Greg and I moved to the farm, this tree was in bad shape. So Greg reluctantly cut it down. But from the stump, a “shoot” grew…and now – more than 20 years later - the “new” tree once again produces fine fruit.
You would never have thought to look at that stump that anything good would ever come from it again…but I have eaten the plums. I have tasted the jelly made from their juice…and let me tell you – it is amazing - maybe even better than that of the original tree! And the yield is abundant!
Greg filled the bird feeders in our backyard, and the songbirds are everywhere…cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees and more. On the bluff at the edge of our yard, buzzards perch on tree branches…looking for food along the riverbank that curves below them. As I watch these birds, I keep hearing the words of John 6:11, where Jesus blessed the fish and the loaves, and everyone had “plenty to eat.”
I’ve also noticed that there is enough food to go around…that one bird is not favored over another. Well, okay, the blue jay seems to bully his way to the feeder on occasion…but everyone eats - from the stateliest cardinal to the tiniest junco or wren. Even the squirrels pick up the dregs that fall to the ground…and the buzzards feast like kings on dead carcasses.
Because of Jesus, we ALL have “plenty to eat”. Don’t misunderstand me…I’m not saying that people will never go hungry – that their bellies won’t rumble and ache with starvation for tangible food. But those who trust in Jesus will NEVER be hungry in a spiritual sense. They will never be judged on appearance and deemed unworthy. They will never be treated as less than equal to every other believer – in any manner. We WILL be judged someday – but not on these things.
As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this week, let’s revel in the amazing Blessing that came to us “from the root of Jesse”. Let’s remind ourselves to live as He did…to treat all people with fairness and kindness…to turn a deaf ear to rumors and judgments…to look to GOD for guidance and answers. Share the Good News with others this week…Jesus has come…there is “plenty to eat” - for everyone!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Like a branch that sprouts from a stump,someone from David’s family will someday be king. The Spirit of the Lord will be with him to give him understanding, wisdom, and insight.
He will be powerful, and he will know and honor the Lord. His greatest joy will be to obey the Lord.
This king won’t judge by appearances or listen to rumors. The poor and the needy will be treated with fairness and with justice.
His word will be law everywhere in the land, and criminals will be put to death. Honesty and fairness will be his royal robes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There was a plum tree at my grandparents’ farm that stood near a rock building we called the “dry house”, and it produced wonderful plums for eating by the handful…and for making delicious plum jelly. By the time that Greg and I moved to the farm, this tree was in bad shape. So Greg reluctantly cut it down. But from the stump, a “shoot” grew…and now – more than 20 years later - the “new” tree once again produces fine fruit.
You would never have thought to look at that stump that anything good would ever come from it again…but I have eaten the plums. I have tasted the jelly made from their juice…and let me tell you – it is amazing - maybe even better than that of the original tree! And the yield is abundant!
Greg filled the bird feeders in our backyard, and the songbirds are everywhere…cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees and more. On the bluff at the edge of our yard, buzzards perch on tree branches…looking for food along the riverbank that curves below them. As I watch these birds, I keep hearing the words of John 6:11, where Jesus blessed the fish and the loaves, and everyone had “plenty to eat.”
I’ve also noticed that there is enough food to go around…that one bird is not favored over another. Well, okay, the blue jay seems to bully his way to the feeder on occasion…but everyone eats - from the stateliest cardinal to the tiniest junco or wren. Even the squirrels pick up the dregs that fall to the ground…and the buzzards feast like kings on dead carcasses.
Because of Jesus, we ALL have “plenty to eat”. Don’t misunderstand me…I’m not saying that people will never go hungry – that their bellies won’t rumble and ache with starvation for tangible food. But those who trust in Jesus will NEVER be hungry in a spiritual sense. They will never be judged on appearance and deemed unworthy. They will never be treated as less than equal to every other believer – in any manner. We WILL be judged someday – but not on these things.
As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this week, let’s revel in the amazing Blessing that came to us “from the root of Jesse”. Let’s remind ourselves to live as He did…to treat all people with fairness and kindness…to turn a deaf ear to rumors and judgments…to look to GOD for guidance and answers. Share the Good News with others this week…Jesus has come…there is “plenty to eat” - for everyone!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 6, 2014
2 Corinthians 2:14-17
In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.
This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No—but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.
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.
Greg and I used to live about twenty miles from a community that was home to a paper mill. When the wind was just right, the emissions from that plant settled over our town with an acridity that was unmistakable. We now live in a community that is home to a decorative room fragrance manufacturer, and the aroma that fills our town much of the time is equally unmistakable…but contrastingly sweet and pleasing.
Given the choice, I daresay any of us would choose “The Smell of Christmas®”, “Amaretto Nog”, or “The Smell of Gardenia®” over the sulphurous “rotten-egg” aroma of wood pulp being turned into paper products. To think of our Christian witness as a sweet scent causes us to picture people being drawn to us…wanting some of what we offer. But when we picture a stench like processed wood pulp following us, it’s easy to see how people would be repulsed and turn away or treat us badly.
The thing is…people react to smells differently. What pleases one person might very well be distasteful to another. So while we present the sweet “gardenia” fragrance of Jesus Christ, those who are disinterested or unwilling to hear what we have to say might sense the stench of decomposing wood pulp. There is nothing we can do about this…and we are not called to change God’s message or how we present it in order to please those who rebel against God and the teachings of Jesus.
Let me unpack this for you…through the blood of Jesus Christ, we have been forgiven and granted unswerving access to God Almighty. He speaks to us directly and covers us in the sweet fragrance of Salvation through Christ Jesus. We’re not to apologize for our faith or pretend to be something else to those who disagree with our message. For them, our “smell” may be a little “off”…but that is for God to sort out. Our job is to stay faithful…to listen to God and follow His lead – always and in all ways.
Scripture tells us that this is not always easy. And I will admit that there are times when it does seem hard – especially when we experience ridicule and mistreatment from others. But for the most part, wearing the “exquisite fragrance” of a life in Christ Jesus makes everything easier…better…less complicated. We know what we are to do…how we are to live…Who we are to serve and represent – we just have to do so!
I am grateful for the sweet aroma of Jesus. I am so humbled and honored to be able to speak to God directly – anytime, anywhere. I proudly wear His perfume and pray that my representation of Jesus will be a pleasing scent to others. Essentially, our discipleship will either be like a sweet-smelling decorative room fragrance that has others saying, “Tell me about that wonderful smell” – or the “rotten-egg” odor of processed wood pulp that has them running for the hills. Which one represents your relationship with Jesus? Which “perfume” are you wearing these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Through us, he brings knowledge of Christ. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation—an aroma redolent with life. But those on the way to destruction treat us more like the stench from a rotting corpse.
This is a terrific responsibility. Is anyone competent to take it on? No—but at least we don’t take God’s Word, water it down, and then take it to the streets to sell it cheap. We stand in Christ’s presence when we speak; God looks us in the face. We get what we say straight from God and say it as honestly as we can.
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.
Greg and I used to live about twenty miles from a community that was home to a paper mill. When the wind was just right, the emissions from that plant settled over our town with an acridity that was unmistakable. We now live in a community that is home to a decorative room fragrance manufacturer, and the aroma that fills our town much of the time is equally unmistakable…but contrastingly sweet and pleasing.
Given the choice, I daresay any of us would choose “The Smell of Christmas®”, “Amaretto Nog”, or “The Smell of Gardenia®” over the sulphurous “rotten-egg” aroma of wood pulp being turned into paper products. To think of our Christian witness as a sweet scent causes us to picture people being drawn to us…wanting some of what we offer. But when we picture a stench like processed wood pulp following us, it’s easy to see how people would be repulsed and turn away or treat us badly.
The thing is…people react to smells differently. What pleases one person might very well be distasteful to another. So while we present the sweet “gardenia” fragrance of Jesus Christ, those who are disinterested or unwilling to hear what we have to say might sense the stench of decomposing wood pulp. There is nothing we can do about this…and we are not called to change God’s message or how we present it in order to please those who rebel against God and the teachings of Jesus.
Let me unpack this for you…through the blood of Jesus Christ, we have been forgiven and granted unswerving access to God Almighty. He speaks to us directly and covers us in the sweet fragrance of Salvation through Christ Jesus. We’re not to apologize for our faith or pretend to be something else to those who disagree with our message. For them, our “smell” may be a little “off”…but that is for God to sort out. Our job is to stay faithful…to listen to God and follow His lead – always and in all ways.
Scripture tells us that this is not always easy. And I will admit that there are times when it does seem hard – especially when we experience ridicule and mistreatment from others. But for the most part, wearing the “exquisite fragrance” of a life in Christ Jesus makes everything easier…better…less complicated. We know what we are to do…how we are to live…Who we are to serve and represent – we just have to do so!
I am grateful for the sweet aroma of Jesus. I am so humbled and honored to be able to speak to God directly – anytime, anywhere. I proudly wear His perfume and pray that my representation of Jesus will be a pleasing scent to others. Essentially, our discipleship will either be like a sweet-smelling decorative room fragrance that has others saying, “Tell me about that wonderful smell” – or the “rotten-egg” odor of processed wood pulp that has them running for the hills. Which one represents your relationship with Jesus? Which “perfume” are you wearing these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 18, 2014
Matthew 15:29-31
After Jesus returned, he walked along Lake Galilee and then climbed a mountain and took his place, ready to receive visitors. They came, tons of them, bringing along the paraplegic, the blind, the maimed, the mute—all sorts of people in need—and more or less threw them down at Jesus’ feet to see what he would do with them. He healed them. When the people saw the mutes speaking, the maimed healthy, the paraplegics walking around, the blind looking around, they were astonished and let everyone know that God was blazingly alive among them.
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 week, we received a new picture of our “son”...Timothy Kodjo Owusu Frim. “Kodjo” will be 14 next week, and we “adopted” him via Compassion International* when he was only five. We send money each month to support Kodjo, who lives most of the time with his grandmother near the African city of Accra in the country of Ghana. Kodjo attends the Mt. Zion Methodist Child Development Center. His family engages in “petty trading” – information we are provided indicates that they make about $58 per month. Our “sponsorship” costs $38 a month.
We pay an additional $8 for HIV/AIDS response and another $8 in Compassion International partnership to help sponsor other children – both of these donations are optional. Just as importantly, we send frequent letters and photos to Kodjo. You can write to your child as often as you like...and there is even an online form to do this and send up to three photos, which makes this more convenient. We offer him encouragement, ask questions about him and the culture and life of Ghana, and we share the love of Christ with him via Bible verses. Kodjo writes us in return with the assistance of a worker at the Child Development Center.
We also send monetary “gifts” for Kodjo’s birthday and at Christmas. And there is an option to provide a “family gift” each year to help siblings (if there are any) and other family members. Compassion decides what the child/family should do with the money, and Kodjo has used his gifts for clothing, food, and a soccer ball. If you follow soccer, you know that this game (referred to as “football” in other countries) is incredibly important in other cultures, including that of Ghana. When the USA beat Ghana in the 2014 World Cup games, Kodjo told us that he was so upset that he was unable to eat or sleep! So the chance to own his own soccer ball was very special to him.
Why am I telling you this...and what does it have to do with this scripture passage in Matthew 15? I believe that when Jesus performed healings and other miracles, He knew that someday, people like Greg and I would “heal” others in His name by sponsoring children via such organizations as Compassion, International. I believe that Jesus fully understood that His demonstrations were not necessarily to be taken so literally by people who lived thousands of years later...but rather, that we were to look for situations in which “miracles” and “healings” were needed – and we were to accomplish these in His name.
There are hundreds of children just like Kodjo – all around the world – who need a sponsor. There are countless charitable organizations that need a few bucks – or a helping hand. It’s not just about money. But many of us plunk down more than $38 a WEEK for mindless purchases...totally oblivious to the impact this amount could have on someone living in a Third World country or even the hungry child in your local elementary school's third grade classroom. We fail to recognize how many lives could be touched if we gave an hour a week to deliver Meals on Wheels or to volunteer in a classroom at school or church. We don’t think about the lifelong impact of mentoring a child...or how precious our visits might be to an elderly person who is housebound. We totally underestimate the power of a simple note of encouragement...or a smile.
Notice that this passage says, “They came...tons of them.” It was no accident that Jesus ministered to these people...that He assessed their needs and met them – in droves. He did this in large part as a demonstration for us of how we are to live. He was showing us what to do to serve and honor Him – and the exponential impact of such ministries. Now it is our turn. The people may not come to us...we may have to seek out the opportunities to “heal” and “perform miracles”. But they exist, nonetheless. Our job is to look for them – and to get busy! Are you ready to do your part? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* For more information on Compassion, International, visit http://compassion.com
After Jesus returned, he walked along Lake Galilee and then climbed a mountain and took his place, ready to receive visitors. They came, tons of them, bringing along the paraplegic, the blind, the maimed, the mute—all sorts of people in need—and more or less threw them down at Jesus’ feet to see what he would do with them. He healed them. When the people saw the mutes speaking, the maimed healthy, the paraplegics walking around, the blind looking around, they were astonished and let everyone know that God was blazingly alive among them.
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 week, we received a new picture of our “son”...Timothy Kodjo Owusu Frim. “Kodjo” will be 14 next week, and we “adopted” him via Compassion International* when he was only five. We send money each month to support Kodjo, who lives most of the time with his grandmother near the African city of Accra in the country of Ghana. Kodjo attends the Mt. Zion Methodist Child Development Center. His family engages in “petty trading” – information we are provided indicates that they make about $58 per month. Our “sponsorship” costs $38 a month.
We pay an additional $8 for HIV/AIDS response and another $8 in Compassion International partnership to help sponsor other children – both of these donations are optional. Just as importantly, we send frequent letters and photos to Kodjo. You can write to your child as often as you like...and there is even an online form to do this and send up to three photos, which makes this more convenient. We offer him encouragement, ask questions about him and the culture and life of Ghana, and we share the love of Christ with him via Bible verses. Kodjo writes us in return with the assistance of a worker at the Child Development Center.
We also send monetary “gifts” for Kodjo’s birthday and at Christmas. And there is an option to provide a “family gift” each year to help siblings (if there are any) and other family members. Compassion decides what the child/family should do with the money, and Kodjo has used his gifts for clothing, food, and a soccer ball. If you follow soccer, you know that this game (referred to as “football” in other countries) is incredibly important in other cultures, including that of Ghana. When the USA beat Ghana in the 2014 World Cup games, Kodjo told us that he was so upset that he was unable to eat or sleep! So the chance to own his own soccer ball was very special to him.
Why am I telling you this...and what does it have to do with this scripture passage in Matthew 15? I believe that when Jesus performed healings and other miracles, He knew that someday, people like Greg and I would “heal” others in His name by sponsoring children via such organizations as Compassion, International. I believe that Jesus fully understood that His demonstrations were not necessarily to be taken so literally by people who lived thousands of years later...but rather, that we were to look for situations in which “miracles” and “healings” were needed – and we were to accomplish these in His name.
There are hundreds of children just like Kodjo – all around the world – who need a sponsor. There are countless charitable organizations that need a few bucks – or a helping hand. It’s not just about money. But many of us plunk down more than $38 a WEEK for mindless purchases...totally oblivious to the impact this amount could have on someone living in a Third World country or even the hungry child in your local elementary school's third grade classroom. We fail to recognize how many lives could be touched if we gave an hour a week to deliver Meals on Wheels or to volunteer in a classroom at school or church. We don’t think about the lifelong impact of mentoring a child...or how precious our visits might be to an elderly person who is housebound. We totally underestimate the power of a simple note of encouragement...or a smile.
Notice that this passage says, “They came...tons of them.” It was no accident that Jesus ministered to these people...that He assessed their needs and met them – in droves. He did this in large part as a demonstration for us of how we are to live. He was showing us what to do to serve and honor Him – and the exponential impact of such ministries. Now it is our turn. The people may not come to us...we may have to seek out the opportunities to “heal” and “perform miracles”. But they exist, nonetheless. Our job is to look for them – and to get busy! Are you ready to do your part? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* For more information on Compassion, International, visit http://compassion.com
Daily Devotional for October 12, 2014
Luke 9:1-2
One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them authority over all demons—power to cast them out—and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them away to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
“Don’t even take along a walking stick,” he instructed them, “nor a beggar’s bag, nor food, nor money. Not even an extra coat. Be a guest in only one home at each village.
“If the people of a town won’t listen to you when you enter it, turn around and leave, demonstrating God’s anger against it by shaking its dust from your feet as you go.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Suppose a well-known televangelist came to visit your town for a week. He entered the city on his private jet...a chauffeur picked him up at the airport in a very expensive car. This evangelist was wearing expensive, designer clothing, and he was taken to the home of some of the community’s wealthiest citizens, where a private chef prepared a meal for him before he spoke to a group at one of the area churches. Throughout the week, this person moved from one expensive home to another, dined on extravagant meals – many of which were brought in from other cities or prepared by some of our state’s best chefs, as hosts tried to "one-up" each other. He played golf during the day with the city’s elite...toured area landmarks with an entourage of press and public officials ...and was treated to V.I.P. treatment at every turn.
Each night, this person “preached” in one of the local churches – and even once in a community-wide gathering at the school’s gymnasium. He admonished people to “come to Jesus,” and he concluded the services with lengthy “invitations” and “altar calls” in which he practically insisted that those in attendance should come forward and make some sort of public profession...or face the wrath of God and the possibility of eternity in Hell. Before leaving town, he disgustedly told many that this community was filled with sin – and sinners! This person’s week-long stay in the community was the “talk of the town” for a long, long time...and not necessarily in a good way.
Contrast this visit with one from a friend who drove into town in his old Ford pickup with 150,000 miles or more on it. He came straight to your house and asked if he could hang out there for about a week. He insisted that he didn’t want to be a bother...that he would be “in and out” as he visited with other friends and family members in town...and that he would be treating you and others to a few meals – that you would not be expected to feed him three times a day or entertain him for an entire week.
Over the course of a week, this person walked or drove himself around your community and visited with people; checked on friends and family members who were elderly, infirm, or under the weather; helped out a couple of folks with projects around their house or yard; and never missed an opportunity to tell everyone he met how blessed he was because of Jesus. He even spent extra time with a couple of friends who needed an encouraging word and some spiritual direction and prayer – and he led a couple of informal Bible studies in your living room. When the week ended, people were genuinely sad to see him go...but they felt a renewed sense of blessing and joy...and some were even moved to seek a deeper relationship with God because of the things they had experienced and witnessed in this person.
Now who do you think was the more effective witness...the person who blazed in with fancy cars and more and touted “his way or the highway”...or the friend who came for a visit and met people right where they were, recognized their needs of all kinds, and did what he could to address them in Jesus’ name?
Do you see where you and I might fit into this scenario? Most of us probably fall somewhere in the middle...certainly not the high-and-mighty televangelist - but maybe not the humble servant, either. Are we all about appearances...and “numbers”? How have we interpreted our directive from Jesus to “heal all diseases” in His name? Do we meet people at whatever level they find themselves? Do we offer unadulterated grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love... or do we give others the impression that they are inferior and have to “step up their game” in order to receive the healing power of Jesus Christ? Do we leave people wanting more of Jesus out of a deep love and desire to be like Him...or a fear that they have to accept what He is offering – or else?
Do we approach others with arrogance and a “look-what-God-has-called-ME-to” attitude? Or do we come without even a walking stick or a second coat and say, “Jesus is all you need” to anyone who will listen? Do we try to beat down and berate others into submission – or worse, to our way of thinking – or do we say, “I’d like you to meet my Jesus,” and let Him to do the rest. Are we willing to do what Jesus has called us to do...then walk away and give Him room to work? Or do we feel we have to put on a show and gather as many followers as possible?
If we have given our heart to Jesus and believe that He is our Savior, He has called us to share His Good News with others...to “heal all diseases” in His name. But Jesus has been very clear about how we are to accomplish this...and it doesn’t involve a flashy show, coercion, or throwing a hissy fit when others are not receptive. We probably all have work to do in this area. I know I do...what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them authority over all demons—power to cast them out—and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them away to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
“Don’t even take along a walking stick,” he instructed them, “nor a beggar’s bag, nor food, nor money. Not even an extra coat. Be a guest in only one home at each village.
“If the people of a town won’t listen to you when you enter it, turn around and leave, demonstrating God’s anger against it by shaking its dust from your feet as you go.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Suppose a well-known televangelist came to visit your town for a week. He entered the city on his private jet...a chauffeur picked him up at the airport in a very expensive car. This evangelist was wearing expensive, designer clothing, and he was taken to the home of some of the community’s wealthiest citizens, where a private chef prepared a meal for him before he spoke to a group at one of the area churches. Throughout the week, this person moved from one expensive home to another, dined on extravagant meals – many of which were brought in from other cities or prepared by some of our state’s best chefs, as hosts tried to "one-up" each other. He played golf during the day with the city’s elite...toured area landmarks with an entourage of press and public officials ...and was treated to V.I.P. treatment at every turn.
Each night, this person “preached” in one of the local churches – and even once in a community-wide gathering at the school’s gymnasium. He admonished people to “come to Jesus,” and he concluded the services with lengthy “invitations” and “altar calls” in which he practically insisted that those in attendance should come forward and make some sort of public profession...or face the wrath of God and the possibility of eternity in Hell. Before leaving town, he disgustedly told many that this community was filled with sin – and sinners! This person’s week-long stay in the community was the “talk of the town” for a long, long time...and not necessarily in a good way.
Contrast this visit with one from a friend who drove into town in his old Ford pickup with 150,000 miles or more on it. He came straight to your house and asked if he could hang out there for about a week. He insisted that he didn’t want to be a bother...that he would be “in and out” as he visited with other friends and family members in town...and that he would be treating you and others to a few meals – that you would not be expected to feed him three times a day or entertain him for an entire week.
Over the course of a week, this person walked or drove himself around your community and visited with people; checked on friends and family members who were elderly, infirm, or under the weather; helped out a couple of folks with projects around their house or yard; and never missed an opportunity to tell everyone he met how blessed he was because of Jesus. He even spent extra time with a couple of friends who needed an encouraging word and some spiritual direction and prayer – and he led a couple of informal Bible studies in your living room. When the week ended, people were genuinely sad to see him go...but they felt a renewed sense of blessing and joy...and some were even moved to seek a deeper relationship with God because of the things they had experienced and witnessed in this person.
Now who do you think was the more effective witness...the person who blazed in with fancy cars and more and touted “his way or the highway”...or the friend who came for a visit and met people right where they were, recognized their needs of all kinds, and did what he could to address them in Jesus’ name?
Do you see where you and I might fit into this scenario? Most of us probably fall somewhere in the middle...certainly not the high-and-mighty televangelist - but maybe not the humble servant, either. Are we all about appearances...and “numbers”? How have we interpreted our directive from Jesus to “heal all diseases” in His name? Do we meet people at whatever level they find themselves? Do we offer unadulterated grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love... or do we give others the impression that they are inferior and have to “step up their game” in order to receive the healing power of Jesus Christ? Do we leave people wanting more of Jesus out of a deep love and desire to be like Him...or a fear that they have to accept what He is offering – or else?
Do we approach others with arrogance and a “look-what-God-has-called-ME-to” attitude? Or do we come without even a walking stick or a second coat and say, “Jesus is all you need” to anyone who will listen? Do we try to beat down and berate others into submission – or worse, to our way of thinking – or do we say, “I’d like you to meet my Jesus,” and let Him to do the rest. Are we willing to do what Jesus has called us to do...then walk away and give Him room to work? Or do we feel we have to put on a show and gather as many followers as possible?
If we have given our heart to Jesus and believe that He is our Savior, He has called us to share His Good News with others...to “heal all diseases” in His name. But Jesus has been very clear about how we are to accomplish this...and it doesn’t involve a flashy show, coercion, or throwing a hissy fit when others are not receptive. We probably all have work to do in this area. I know I do...what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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