Acts 2:38
And Peter replied, “Each one of you must
turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus
Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive
this gift, the Holy Spirit.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
I cannot count the number
of times we have taken the children to the park to play. The first few
trips, Timothy and Zola would often run from us. We would call to them
to come back, and they would keep on running. And I think I shared
recently about taking the children to see the trumpeter swans on a small
lake near our town last winter, and Timothy got caught up in hopping on
some large rocks near the parking lot and would not return when I
called to him.
Almost all kids do this at some point. It seems
like a game to the children…and I’m sure they think it is fun. But we
adults are not at all amused. We know the dangers that are
lurking…traffic, strangers, a body of water, and more. Children have to
learn the importance of turning around when adults call to them!
You
and I are pretty much like toddlers and young children much of the
time. In our grown-up bodies, we defy God and run from Him…sometimes
with wild abandon. We get caught up in the moment…or we think we are
having SO MUCH FUN…or we just flat out do not want to “come when
called.” Whatever the reason, we fail to appreciate the consequences –
and dangers – that await us when we behave so foolishly. We thumb our
noses, so to speak, at God’s love and protection in favor of our own
desires. And the results can be deadly… mentally, physically - and most
certainly – spiritually.
In Acts 2:38, Peter is telling the
crowd at Jerusalem – and us – to turn around and run toward God, as fast
as we can! He is reminding us that the gift of the Holy Spirit awaits
us…that we are safe in God’s arms - and His calling is meant to bless,
not restrain. We must also realize that we are not small children…we
know better, and we must do better.
So listen for God’s
voice…turn around and fall on your knees and ask Him to forgive your
arrogance and/or stupidity – and your false notion that you know what’s
best! Turn around and run to God and bask in His blessings and
perfection. Embrace the Holy Spirit and let Him guide you at every turn.
Be grateful for God’s mercy – and His gifts…and never ever take them
for granted for even a minute!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label God's grace mercy forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's grace mercy forgiveness. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 1, 2016
Psalm 5:7
But as for me, I will come into your Temple protected by your mercy and your love; I will worship you with deepest awe.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My childhood neighborhood was filled with residents who were old enough to be my grandparents. My sister, brother and I were welcomed into their homes like we truly were their grandchildren. We pretty much had free run of the neighborhood and felt welcome, protected, and loved in each and every home. It was like that for the other handful of kids who lived near us, also.
So as I told a friend about our four-year-old niece Zola - and how she had practically bathed in cologne Sunday morning before church – she remembered a time that she went to visit one of her neighbors. She said, “I got into her sachet one evening at a visit - then denied it to the death!” Those were the days…when we felt comfortable and safe enough to go to a neighbor’s and pilfer - even if it was a bad thing to do!
We have tried to teach the little ones that it is impolite to help yourself in others’ homes…but all three feel pretty comfortable and cozy with checking the fridge and pantry when they visit us…or getting in the closet to grab a superhero costume or a toy they know is kept there. And I want them to feel at home when they visit. I want them to experience grace and mercy in our presence…and to always feel loved. But I want them to also learn respect for us, our home, and our belongings.
More importantly, I want to teach the children to feel God’s love and protection…His grace and mercy. I want them to always be comfortable in His presence…and to worship Him with deepest awe and respect. I want them to respect God - and what belongs to Him - as they learn to truly worship and serve. This should be our goal, also…regardless of our age.
Just as children should learn not to pilfer and get into things – in their own home or that of others – we should learn to respect and revere God and His belongings. We should not overindulge – in anything – or assume that we have “carte blanche” with God. But at the same time, we need to understand how much He loves us – how He continually extends grace and mercy to us…covers us and protects us…and overlooks more of our transgressions and childish behaviors than any of us deserves.
We are so often like the impetulant child who got into a grown-up’s sachet or cologne and denies doing so. We don’t deserve to have our misdeeds overlooked or forgiven…and yet this is often exactly what God does, out of His incredible love and mercy. Will this be the day that you begin to show more gratitude…to demonstrate your reverence and deepest awe – and do your best to love God more and serve Him better? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
But as for me, I will come into your Temple protected by your mercy and your love; I will worship you with deepest awe.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My childhood neighborhood was filled with residents who were old enough to be my grandparents. My sister, brother and I were welcomed into their homes like we truly were their grandchildren. We pretty much had free run of the neighborhood and felt welcome, protected, and loved in each and every home. It was like that for the other handful of kids who lived near us, also.
So as I told a friend about our four-year-old niece Zola - and how she had practically bathed in cologne Sunday morning before church – she remembered a time that she went to visit one of her neighbors. She said, “I got into her sachet one evening at a visit - then denied it to the death!” Those were the days…when we felt comfortable and safe enough to go to a neighbor’s and pilfer - even if it was a bad thing to do!
We have tried to teach the little ones that it is impolite to help yourself in others’ homes…but all three feel pretty comfortable and cozy with checking the fridge and pantry when they visit us…or getting in the closet to grab a superhero costume or a toy they know is kept there. And I want them to feel at home when they visit. I want them to experience grace and mercy in our presence…and to always feel loved. But I want them to also learn respect for us, our home, and our belongings.
More importantly, I want to teach the children to feel God’s love and protection…His grace and mercy. I want them to always be comfortable in His presence…and to worship Him with deepest awe and respect. I want them to respect God - and what belongs to Him - as they learn to truly worship and serve. This should be our goal, also…regardless of our age.
Just as children should learn not to pilfer and get into things – in their own home or that of others – we should learn to respect and revere God and His belongings. We should not overindulge – in anything – or assume that we have “carte blanche” with God. But at the same time, we need to understand how much He loves us – how He continually extends grace and mercy to us…covers us and protects us…and overlooks more of our transgressions and childish behaviors than any of us deserves.
We are so often like the impetulant child who got into a grown-up’s sachet or cologne and denies doing so. We don’t deserve to have our misdeeds overlooked or forgiven…and yet this is often exactly what God does, out of His incredible love and mercy. Will this be the day that you begin to show more gratitude…to demonstrate your reverence and deepest awe – and do your best to love God more and serve Him better? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 26, 2016
Psalm 118:4
Let every true worshiper
of the Lord shout,
“God is always merciful!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Nearly every day, “memories” pop up on my Facebook page…a photo of something I posted 2, 3, or even 5 years ago or longer. Facebook gives me the opportunity to “share” these memories again. I don’t do this often…I find that people don’t read the fine print and think these are new events that are just now happening. And today, a “memory” from one year ago today showed up – and I chose not to share it again on my timeline. It was a photo of my mother’s dog, Spot. One year ago today, Spot left this earth. He was my mother’s faithful companion for 15 years. And while she knew that he was nearing the end of his life, the timing – and manner – in which it his life ended was somewhat traumatic and sudden.
Ever pragmatic and faithful, Mother took this in stride, as she did almost everything in her life. She was scheduled for hand surgery the next morning to try to correct carpal tunnel syndrome…and she looked at this as God’s way of protecting her – AND Spot – from the difficulties of caring for him while her hand was in a big bandage and she was somewhat incapacitated. This was God’s mercy for an obedient servant and her faithful puppy dog.
As I looked at the picture of Spot today and thought of my mother – now in heaven with him – I realized that God’s mercy was not just for that day…but for many days to follow. God saw the big picture and knew that my mother was going to be unable to adequately care for Spot in the months ahead. He knew that her husband, Lee, was not truly a dog lover…and that leaving him to care for Spot would be unfair to all of them. This was God’s mercy for Lee, too.
So often, we don’t understand – or recognize – God’s mercy…especially in the moment. It seems so hard to comprehend why certain things are happening…their timing and the circumstances. But we don’t understand God’s timetable…we don’t fully grasp His mercy over us.
Let today be the day that you begin to operate in the confidence that “God is merciful!” Worship Him more fully…knowing that He plans out the most infinite details of our lives - and always considers what is best for us. Never underestimate God’s timing…or His love and care. Let every true worshiper of the Lord shout, “God is always merciful!” And let this be the day that you really begin to doubt less and trust more, as you grow in faith and courage…and trust in God’s promises for every facet of your life.
©2016 Debbie Robus
Let every true worshiper
of the Lord shout,
“God is always merciful!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Nearly every day, “memories” pop up on my Facebook page…a photo of something I posted 2, 3, or even 5 years ago or longer. Facebook gives me the opportunity to “share” these memories again. I don’t do this often…I find that people don’t read the fine print and think these are new events that are just now happening. And today, a “memory” from one year ago today showed up – and I chose not to share it again on my timeline. It was a photo of my mother’s dog, Spot. One year ago today, Spot left this earth. He was my mother’s faithful companion for 15 years. And while she knew that he was nearing the end of his life, the timing – and manner – in which it his life ended was somewhat traumatic and sudden.
Ever pragmatic and faithful, Mother took this in stride, as she did almost everything in her life. She was scheduled for hand surgery the next morning to try to correct carpal tunnel syndrome…and she looked at this as God’s way of protecting her – AND Spot – from the difficulties of caring for him while her hand was in a big bandage and she was somewhat incapacitated. This was God’s mercy for an obedient servant and her faithful puppy dog.
As I looked at the picture of Spot today and thought of my mother – now in heaven with him – I realized that God’s mercy was not just for that day…but for many days to follow. God saw the big picture and knew that my mother was going to be unable to adequately care for Spot in the months ahead. He knew that her husband, Lee, was not truly a dog lover…and that leaving him to care for Spot would be unfair to all of them. This was God’s mercy for Lee, too.
So often, we don’t understand – or recognize – God’s mercy…especially in the moment. It seems so hard to comprehend why certain things are happening…their timing and the circumstances. But we don’t understand God’s timetable…we don’t fully grasp His mercy over us.
Let today be the day that you begin to operate in the confidence that “God is merciful!” Worship Him more fully…knowing that He plans out the most infinite details of our lives - and always considers what is best for us. Never underestimate God’s timing…or His love and care. Let every true worshiper of the Lord shout, “God is always merciful!” And let this be the day that you really begin to doubt less and trust more, as you grow in faith and courage…and trust in God’s promises for every facet of your life.
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 11, 2015
John 3:17-18
God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Our cat Lucy had the most demure appearance – and she was a sweet cat. She could sit and look pretty – and innocent! But in truth, she had her “ways” – and she ran this household! Mabel, our calico cat and Lucy’s litter mate, stays mostly upstairs with Greg during the day…while Lucy stayed mostly with me downstairs – usually in my office. Both cats had certain spaces in the house they claimed as “theirs”...Lucy more than Mabel. We would catch the “girls” giving each other loving face washings…but like all siblings, we had to break up a few squabbles, too!
So Mabel has spent the last few days tiptoeing around…looking for Lucy. It’s as if she is quite certain that Lucy will emerge unexpectedly from some nook or cranny – that she is waiting just around the corner to pounce. Clearly, she has “trust issues”. And this is how we often react to God. We are quite sure that He is waiting in the wings to come down on us for something we said or did…to remind us just how awful and unworthy we are of His love and care. And nothing could be further from the truth.
Read this passage again. God did not send Jesus to earth just so He could say, “See how bad you are? You are NOTHING like Jesus! What is wrong with you?!” In truth, God sent Jesus to say, “I know you have issues…I know you aren’t perfect…but you are loved anyway. Trust me…believe in me…and I will fix everything!”
Author and speaker Jen Hatmaker has just released a few chapters of her newest book,*For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards, which will be released in mid-August 2015. In the chapter titled “Dear Church…” she writes…
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.amazon.com/Love-Fighting-Grace-Impossible-Standards/dp/0718031822/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426102938&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=hatmaker+for+the+lov
God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Our cat Lucy had the most demure appearance – and she was a sweet cat. She could sit and look pretty – and innocent! But in truth, she had her “ways” – and she ran this household! Mabel, our calico cat and Lucy’s litter mate, stays mostly upstairs with Greg during the day…while Lucy stayed mostly with me downstairs – usually in my office. Both cats had certain spaces in the house they claimed as “theirs”...Lucy more than Mabel. We would catch the “girls” giving each other loving face washings…but like all siblings, we had to break up a few squabbles, too!
So Mabel has spent the last few days tiptoeing around…looking for Lucy. It’s as if she is quite certain that Lucy will emerge unexpectedly from some nook or cranny – that she is waiting just around the corner to pounce. Clearly, she has “trust issues”. And this is how we often react to God. We are quite sure that He is waiting in the wings to come down on us for something we said or did…to remind us just how awful and unworthy we are of His love and care. And nothing could be further from the truth.
Read this passage again. God did not send Jesus to earth just so He could say, “See how bad you are? You are NOTHING like Jesus! What is wrong with you?!” In truth, God sent Jesus to say, “I know you have issues…I know you aren’t perfect…but you are loved anyway. Trust me…believe in me…and I will fix everything!”
Author and speaker Jen Hatmaker has just released a few chapters of her newest book,*For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards, which will be released in mid-August 2015. In the chapter titled “Dear Church…” she writes…
Church people are regular old sinners too. If I could fix this, I would. As it turns out, the church isn’t a gathering of shiny new pennies. It lets anyone in the door! All sorts of hooligans fill the sanctuaries: kind and good ones, angry and cynical ones, mean and judgmental ones, smart and funny ones, broken and sad ones, weird and awkward ones, precious and loving ones, scared and wounded ones, brave and passionate ones, insiders and outliers, newbies and lifers and trying-one-more-timers. Just a whole bunch of human people. Every church has all these folks. It is just the hottest mess, but clearly you belong here because everyone does. Find your little faith tribe (it exists) and learn to love it with all the grace and humility you can muster.I don’t know about you, but I take heart in knowing that God is not waiting to pounce on me for all of my misgivings. I am forever thankful that He loves regular old sinners and hooligans like me…and I am trusting that He will cover me in His love, grace and mercy every minute of the day. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.amazon.com/Love-Fighting-Grace-Impossible-Standards/dp/0718031822/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426102938&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=hatmaker+for+the+lov
Daily Devotional for November 5, 2014
1 Timothy 1:12-14
I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were invective and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing—didn’t know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.
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 have a running joke in our family about our niece and nephew – both grown now with children of their own – and their “competitive” card playing some twenty-plus years ago. One would claim the other cheated, and the “winner” would gloat like there was no tomorrow. There was no grace or mercy in their games of “Old Maid”…it was every person for himself/herself, and the “winner” bragged unapologetically!
As you might imagine, there were quite a few hurt feelings as a result of these exchanges…and each gained a “reputation” as a “cheater” – or at least a “bad sport”. But as the kids grew and matured, they learned to “forgive and forget” (although an occasional tongue-in-cheek jab still appears from time to time on Facebook!)…and the two of them have mutual love and respect for each other today. They realize that these were the behaviors of somewhat-innocent children who really didn’t know better or fully understand the long-term ramifications of breaking the rules - even in a child’s game of “Old Maid”.
We are like these children…eager to have our own way – and perhaps willing to say or do things we shouldn’t in order to get it. At least, this would have described many of us before we had a personal encounter with Jesus. And perhaps even today, some of us who claim to know Him continue to be critical…insulting…and arrogant. We ridicule others and gloat about everything from “our” team’s latest win to our personal possessions and accomplishments. And we fail to remember that Jesus told us in Matthew 25:40 that…" When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me!” (Living Bible)
Today, I am humbled and grateful for Jesus’s “grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me.” I am thankful that He offers me mercy and forgives my sins. I want to honor the trust that Jesus has placed in me to “minister” to others in His name by acting with integrity and respect – for Him and for others. I want to conduct myself in a way that reflects His grace and mercy over me...and to share Him in this same manner with those whom I encounter.
Often, our immediate “gut-reaction” to outside comments and actions is to retaliate…to yell, “He/she cheated!” But Jesus has demonstrated compassion and tolerance…and if we want to be like Him, we must pay this forward.
Let’s start today with a prayer of gratitude for the grace, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance that Jesus offers each of us. And then let’s make a concerted effort to honor Him by sharing these things with everyone we meet…even those who insult or disrespect us or show us no mercy in return. It won’t always be easy, but that will make it even more honorable and tender to Jesus. Isn’t He worth the effort? How grateful are you for what He has done in your life…and just how far are you willing to go to show it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were invective and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing—didn’t know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.
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 have a running joke in our family about our niece and nephew – both grown now with children of their own – and their “competitive” card playing some twenty-plus years ago. One would claim the other cheated, and the “winner” would gloat like there was no tomorrow. There was no grace or mercy in their games of “Old Maid”…it was every person for himself/herself, and the “winner” bragged unapologetically!
As you might imagine, there were quite a few hurt feelings as a result of these exchanges…and each gained a “reputation” as a “cheater” – or at least a “bad sport”. But as the kids grew and matured, they learned to “forgive and forget” (although an occasional tongue-in-cheek jab still appears from time to time on Facebook!)…and the two of them have mutual love and respect for each other today. They realize that these were the behaviors of somewhat-innocent children who really didn’t know better or fully understand the long-term ramifications of breaking the rules - even in a child’s game of “Old Maid”.
We are like these children…eager to have our own way – and perhaps willing to say or do things we shouldn’t in order to get it. At least, this would have described many of us before we had a personal encounter with Jesus. And perhaps even today, some of us who claim to know Him continue to be critical…insulting…and arrogant. We ridicule others and gloat about everything from “our” team’s latest win to our personal possessions and accomplishments. And we fail to remember that Jesus told us in Matthew 25:40 that…" When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me!” (Living Bible)
Today, I am humbled and grateful for Jesus’s “grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me.” I am thankful that He offers me mercy and forgives my sins. I want to honor the trust that Jesus has placed in me to “minister” to others in His name by acting with integrity and respect – for Him and for others. I want to conduct myself in a way that reflects His grace and mercy over me...and to share Him in this same manner with those whom I encounter.
Often, our immediate “gut-reaction” to outside comments and actions is to retaliate…to yell, “He/she cheated!” But Jesus has demonstrated compassion and tolerance…and if we want to be like Him, we must pay this forward.
Let’s start today with a prayer of gratitude for the grace, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance that Jesus offers each of us. And then let’s make a concerted effort to honor Him by sharing these things with everyone we meet…even those who insult or disrespect us or show us no mercy in return. It won’t always be easy, but that will make it even more honorable and tender to Jesus. Isn’t He worth the effort? How grateful are you for what He has done in your life…and just how far are you willing to go to show it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 26, 2014
Hosea 6:1-3
Let’s return to the Lord.
He has torn us to shreds,
but he will bandage our wounds
and make us well.
In two or three days
he will heal us
and restore our strength
that we may live with him.
Let’s do our best
to know the Lord.
His coming is as certain
as the morning sun;
he will refresh us like rain
renewing the earth
in the springtime.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our cats somewhat “chose sides” more than a decade ago. It started when we got a big television that apparently made some sort of noise that scared Lucy. She preferred that I watch TV in our bedroom, where she would happily join me on the bed and lie pressed against my side... on her back – and often with all four legs in the air! Mabel was perfectly content to stay with Greg and enjoy his attention as she curled up on the footrest of his recliner. When we moved into a two-story house, and Greg established an office space upstairs, Mabel somewhat became the “upstairs cat”, while Lucy is never very far from me downstairs.
So when Greg and a neighbor took an overnight motorcycle trip, poor little Mabel was more than a bit lost. She hung out with Lucy and me downstairs...but sometimes she roamed the house and cried as she looked for her “other owner”. She brought a toy mouse, hoping that Greg would appear and praise her. She stood up on the back door and pawed toward the handle, thinking he must surely be in the garage. And when I went upstairs to check on her once, she was curled atop a pair of Greg’s jeans. I stroked her face and cooed to her in a soothing tone and assured her that he would be back very soon...and that all would be well. If she could just hang on and take a little snooze, her buddy would be home before she knew it.
In this passage from Hosea, you really need to read Chapter 5 first to understand these verses. The people of Israel have been sinful and terribly disobedient, and God has allowed them to suffer as a result. In Hosea 5:13-16, we read...” Israel was brutally crushed. They got what they deserved for worshiping useless idols. Now I, the Lord, will fill Israel with maggots and make Judah rot. When Israel and Judah saw their sickness and wounds, Israel asked help from Assyria and its mighty king.” So the words of the first verses in Chapter 6 are those of the Israelites, who have realized that they caused their own suffering. But they also recognize that God will forgive them...heal and restore them...if only they will turn back to Him. He will return and make them well.
In our own ways, you and I have been as sinful and disobedient as the Israelites. It’s a wonder that God has not grown as disgusted with us and allowed us to be “filled with maggots and rot”. Amazingly, God provided us with a covenant in the form of the blood of Jesus. And while we may experience temporary discomfort (and it may even seem like God is crushing us!), we can call on Him to save us by Jesus’ blood, and He will rescue and restore us. This may happen quickly – or we may not fully be refreshed and renewed until Jesus greets us in heaven. But all who earnestly call on the name of Jesus are guaranteed forgiveness and healing.
Our sweet little calico cat did nothing to deserve the feelings of loneliness and desertion she experienced. Mabel will “get over it” quickly, and in a few days, she will have totally forgotten that she and Greg were ever separated. On the other hand, we have done plenty to alienate ourselves from God and disappoint Him. The love, grace and mercy He demonstrates to us is truly inexplicable...but nonetheless welcome!
The thought of God “bandaging our wounds, and making us well” is like a healing balm to my soul. The promise of Jesus waiting in heaven to welcome us with open arms for all eternity gives me strength and courage for this earthly journey. I know that He is coming for me someday...and this motivates me to turn to Him and let Him make me well. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Let’s return to the Lord.
He has torn us to shreds,
but he will bandage our wounds
and make us well.
In two or three days
he will heal us
and restore our strength
that we may live with him.
Let’s do our best
to know the Lord.
His coming is as certain
as the morning sun;
he will refresh us like rain
renewing the earth
in the springtime.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our cats somewhat “chose sides” more than a decade ago. It started when we got a big television that apparently made some sort of noise that scared Lucy. She preferred that I watch TV in our bedroom, where she would happily join me on the bed and lie pressed against my side... on her back – and often with all four legs in the air! Mabel was perfectly content to stay with Greg and enjoy his attention as she curled up on the footrest of his recliner. When we moved into a two-story house, and Greg established an office space upstairs, Mabel somewhat became the “upstairs cat”, while Lucy is never very far from me downstairs.
So when Greg and a neighbor took an overnight motorcycle trip, poor little Mabel was more than a bit lost. She hung out with Lucy and me downstairs...but sometimes she roamed the house and cried as she looked for her “other owner”. She brought a toy mouse, hoping that Greg would appear and praise her. She stood up on the back door and pawed toward the handle, thinking he must surely be in the garage. And when I went upstairs to check on her once, she was curled atop a pair of Greg’s jeans. I stroked her face and cooed to her in a soothing tone and assured her that he would be back very soon...and that all would be well. If she could just hang on and take a little snooze, her buddy would be home before she knew it.
In this passage from Hosea, you really need to read Chapter 5 first to understand these verses. The people of Israel have been sinful and terribly disobedient, and God has allowed them to suffer as a result. In Hosea 5:13-16, we read...” Israel was brutally crushed. They got what they deserved for worshiping useless idols. Now I, the Lord, will fill Israel with maggots and make Judah rot. When Israel and Judah saw their sickness and wounds, Israel asked help from Assyria and its mighty king.” So the words of the first verses in Chapter 6 are those of the Israelites, who have realized that they caused their own suffering. But they also recognize that God will forgive them...heal and restore them...if only they will turn back to Him. He will return and make them well.
In our own ways, you and I have been as sinful and disobedient as the Israelites. It’s a wonder that God has not grown as disgusted with us and allowed us to be “filled with maggots and rot”. Amazingly, God provided us with a covenant in the form of the blood of Jesus. And while we may experience temporary discomfort (and it may even seem like God is crushing us!), we can call on Him to save us by Jesus’ blood, and He will rescue and restore us. This may happen quickly – or we may not fully be refreshed and renewed until Jesus greets us in heaven. But all who earnestly call on the name of Jesus are guaranteed forgiveness and healing.
Our sweet little calico cat did nothing to deserve the feelings of loneliness and desertion she experienced. Mabel will “get over it” quickly, and in a few days, she will have totally forgotten that she and Greg were ever separated. On the other hand, we have done plenty to alienate ourselves from God and disappoint Him. The love, grace and mercy He demonstrates to us is truly inexplicable...but nonetheless welcome!
The thought of God “bandaging our wounds, and making us well” is like a healing balm to my soul. The promise of Jesus waiting in heaven to welcome us with open arms for all eternity gives me strength and courage for this earthly journey. I know that He is coming for me someday...and this motivates me to turn to Him and let Him make me well. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 11, 2014
Titus 3:5
He saved us because
of his mercy,
and not because
of any good things
that we have done.
God washed us by the power
of the Holy Spirit.
He gave us new birth
and a fresh beginning.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“That which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond. To Him. To the God whom we endlessly crave.” – Ann Voskamp ~ One Thousand Gifts*
Today, we remember the horror and heartache of a tragic event that occurred thirteen years ago. It’s probably safe to say that all of our lives were altered forever in some way because of what happened in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC, during those early morning hours of September 11, 2001. Through a series of events that can only be explained as a “God thing,” I became friends with a woman in Massapequa, New York, whose husband, Keith Glascoe, perished that day while serving as a firefighter for Ladder Co. 21 of the Fire Department New York (FDNY). Veronica Glascoe Squef was the mother of two boys, 2-year-old Nolan and 1-year-old Owen. Baby Keith was, as she puts it, “a little peanut in my belly.” He would enter this world in April 2002.
If you are old enough to remember “9-11”, you recall how incredibly “dirty” everything was. Not only were lives lost...they were buried beneath tons of dust and rubble. The bodies of many – including Keith Glascoe - were never recovered. Rescue crews dug for days...cleanup teams worked for months and years...and we all wondered if the area was ever going to be “presentable” again. Would we ever “see through the mess of this place” to heart-aching beauty beyond? Would we ever find God in this tragedy? Would He be able to truly restore us and decontaminate our hearts from this event?
Last week, Veronica posted a photo of her boys on their first day back to school...Nolan now a high school junior; Owen beginning high school as a freshman; and Keith starting to middle school. All three boys are healthy, thriving, and always smiling. Veronica posted a tribute to Keith on her Facebook wall that said in part...” We love you, we miss you, we think of you every day, and we will never forget.”
It is important that we remember what happened...that we are vulnerable... and yes, that bad things can – and will – happen. But more importantly, we must focus on the incredible grace, mercy and cleansing power of God Almighty. We must recognize His presence in the form of the Holy Spirit...guiding us and “cleaning up the mess” so that we can see the beauty beyond – because it does exist!
God did not leave us on September 11, 2001...He has not left us today. Whatever you are facing...wherever you are “sifting through rubble and debris” and wondering if your life will ever be neat and tidy again...know that God is with you. He is doing the heavy lifting...the Holy Spirit can mend your broken heart and strengthen you for the days to come...and the beauty of a brighter day lies just beyond the “window” of your present struggle. Veronica Squef and countless others understand the concept of “heart-aching beauty beyond”. They face it every day in the smiles of children left behind...of putting one foot in front of the other and rebuilding their lives – different, but filled with potential.
What God does – and has done – for those who suffer so much as a result of the events of 9-11, He will surely do for each of us. His desire is to wash away whatever keeps us from a deep, abiding relationship with Him and a continual communion with the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t matter who you are...where you are...what you have – or don’t...or what you have or haven’t done...God wants to do this for you. You may not realize it, but God’s presence and grace may truly be “the very thing that you endlessly crave.” Are you ready to find out? Will this be the day that you turn to Him and begin to trust in His cleansing power? Don’t you think it should?
©2014 Debbie Robus
He saved us because
of his mercy,
and not because
of any good things
that we have done.
God washed us by the power
of the Holy Spirit.
He gave us new birth
and a fresh beginning.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“That which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond. To Him. To the God whom we endlessly crave.” – Ann Voskamp ~ One Thousand Gifts*
Today, we remember the horror and heartache of a tragic event that occurred thirteen years ago. It’s probably safe to say that all of our lives were altered forever in some way because of what happened in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC, during those early morning hours of September 11, 2001. Through a series of events that can only be explained as a “God thing,” I became friends with a woman in Massapequa, New York, whose husband, Keith Glascoe, perished that day while serving as a firefighter for Ladder Co. 21 of the Fire Department New York (FDNY). Veronica Glascoe Squef was the mother of two boys, 2-year-old Nolan and 1-year-old Owen. Baby Keith was, as she puts it, “a little peanut in my belly.” He would enter this world in April 2002.
If you are old enough to remember “9-11”, you recall how incredibly “dirty” everything was. Not only were lives lost...they were buried beneath tons of dust and rubble. The bodies of many – including Keith Glascoe - were never recovered. Rescue crews dug for days...cleanup teams worked for months and years...and we all wondered if the area was ever going to be “presentable” again. Would we ever “see through the mess of this place” to heart-aching beauty beyond? Would we ever find God in this tragedy? Would He be able to truly restore us and decontaminate our hearts from this event?
Last week, Veronica posted a photo of her boys on their first day back to school...Nolan now a high school junior; Owen beginning high school as a freshman; and Keith starting to middle school. All three boys are healthy, thriving, and always smiling. Veronica posted a tribute to Keith on her Facebook wall that said in part...” We love you, we miss you, we think of you every day, and we will never forget.”
It is important that we remember what happened...that we are vulnerable... and yes, that bad things can – and will – happen. But more importantly, we must focus on the incredible grace, mercy and cleansing power of God Almighty. We must recognize His presence in the form of the Holy Spirit...guiding us and “cleaning up the mess” so that we can see the beauty beyond – because it does exist!
God did not leave us on September 11, 2001...He has not left us today. Whatever you are facing...wherever you are “sifting through rubble and debris” and wondering if your life will ever be neat and tidy again...know that God is with you. He is doing the heavy lifting...the Holy Spirit can mend your broken heart and strengthen you for the days to come...and the beauty of a brighter day lies just beyond the “window” of your present struggle. Veronica Squef and countless others understand the concept of “heart-aching beauty beyond”. They face it every day in the smiles of children left behind...of putting one foot in front of the other and rebuilding their lives – different, but filled with potential.
What God does – and has done – for those who suffer so much as a result of the events of 9-11, He will surely do for each of us. His desire is to wash away whatever keeps us from a deep, abiding relationship with Him and a continual communion with the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t matter who you are...where you are...what you have – or don’t...or what you have or haven’t done...God wants to do this for you. You may not realize it, but God’s presence and grace may truly be “the very thing that you endlessly crave.” Are you ready to find out? Will this be the day that you turn to Him and begin to trust in His cleansing power? Don’t you think it should?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 2, 2014
Psalm 86:1-7
Bend down and hear my prayer, O Lord, and answer me, for I am deep in trouble.
Protect me from death, for I try to follow all your laws. Save me, for I am serving you and trusting you. Be merciful, O Lord, for I am looking up to you in constant hope. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I worship only you. O Lord, you are so good and kind, so ready to forgive, so full of mercy for all who ask your aid.
Listen closely to my prayer, O God. Hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever trouble strikes, and you will help me.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
We’re a couple of weeks into the school year...and already, you’re struggling to keep up in a class or two. The doctor just told you that you have a major illness and gave you treatment options to consider. You (or an elderly friend or loved one) are experiencing difficulty in managing your daily living on your own, and it may be time to consider getting some help or moving into a facility where assistance is available. Someone has betrayed you – at school, in the workplace, at church, or even at home – and you don’t quite know what to do with these feelings. Your aging pet is in constant pain or has become quite ill, and you must make a gut-wrenching choice about his/her life. A certain set of circumstances has resulted in your need to make major decisions that could potentially cost you dearly in terms of time, money, relationships, and more.
Every day, many of us face some pretty big challenges. They may not actually be “life or death” situations...but a lot of them will certainly feel like it! We will find ourselves at least whispering under our breath, “I am deep trouble.” We will call on God to help us...to relieve us of these issues and give us hope and happiness. And our merciful God hears our pleas...and He so wants to help.
Here’s the thing...we ask for help, and then we often tie God’s hands. We do this by not completely trusting Him to do what we have asked – and what He has promised. We say, “Lord, help me!” And then we act in a way that says, “I need Your help, but I’m not sure you really can provide it.” We wring our hands and wallow in our fears, disappointments, frustrations, and concerns...and God essentially folds His arms and asks, “Do you really want My help...or not?”
I get it! I do this, too. But I am determined to stop, because I am convinced that I block God’s answers and blessings, to some degree. I believe that there are times when we wonder why God has not given us clear answers or direction...and when you really take a hard look at the situation, you see that YOU were the roadblock. Think of a time when you have asked God to help you with something, and then all you did was “worry the problem to death” with talk and thoughts that clearly indicated that you did not truly trust Him to handle things.
We have to give God room to work. We have to step aside and let Him have control. Imagine that you are in one room, God is in another...and there is a door between you. God hears your pleas for help...but in order for Him to work, you have to step away from the doorway and allow Him to step through. You continue to stand at the door holding onto the handle, crying for help and wondering aloud just how this situation could possibly be resolved...what would be the best option...who you should consult or how you should proceed. All you have to do is step aside and let God come through the door, and He will handle everything – perfectly. But you have to move out of His way first.
Isn’t today the perfect day to step aside and allow God to “come through the door”? Aren’t you ready to experience his mercy, grace and compassion...to truly operate in the hope and happiness of allowing God to offer help and protection? Will you “let go and let God”...and feel the joy and peace that comes from trusting Him completely? Or will you continue to stand on “the other side of the door” and whisper, “Lord, I am in deep trouble.”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Bend down and hear my prayer, O Lord, and answer me, for I am deep in trouble.
Protect me from death, for I try to follow all your laws. Save me, for I am serving you and trusting you. Be merciful, O Lord, for I am looking up to you in constant hope. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I worship only you. O Lord, you are so good and kind, so ready to forgive, so full of mercy for all who ask your aid.
Listen closely to my prayer, O God. Hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever trouble strikes, and you will help me.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
We’re a couple of weeks into the school year...and already, you’re struggling to keep up in a class or two. The doctor just told you that you have a major illness and gave you treatment options to consider. You (or an elderly friend or loved one) are experiencing difficulty in managing your daily living on your own, and it may be time to consider getting some help or moving into a facility where assistance is available. Someone has betrayed you – at school, in the workplace, at church, or even at home – and you don’t quite know what to do with these feelings. Your aging pet is in constant pain or has become quite ill, and you must make a gut-wrenching choice about his/her life. A certain set of circumstances has resulted in your need to make major decisions that could potentially cost you dearly in terms of time, money, relationships, and more.
Every day, many of us face some pretty big challenges. They may not actually be “life or death” situations...but a lot of them will certainly feel like it! We will find ourselves at least whispering under our breath, “I am deep trouble.” We will call on God to help us...to relieve us of these issues and give us hope and happiness. And our merciful God hears our pleas...and He so wants to help.
Here’s the thing...we ask for help, and then we often tie God’s hands. We do this by not completely trusting Him to do what we have asked – and what He has promised. We say, “Lord, help me!” And then we act in a way that says, “I need Your help, but I’m not sure you really can provide it.” We wring our hands and wallow in our fears, disappointments, frustrations, and concerns...and God essentially folds His arms and asks, “Do you really want My help...or not?”
I get it! I do this, too. But I am determined to stop, because I am convinced that I block God’s answers and blessings, to some degree. I believe that there are times when we wonder why God has not given us clear answers or direction...and when you really take a hard look at the situation, you see that YOU were the roadblock. Think of a time when you have asked God to help you with something, and then all you did was “worry the problem to death” with talk and thoughts that clearly indicated that you did not truly trust Him to handle things.
We have to give God room to work. We have to step aside and let Him have control. Imagine that you are in one room, God is in another...and there is a door between you. God hears your pleas for help...but in order for Him to work, you have to step away from the doorway and allow Him to step through. You continue to stand at the door holding onto the handle, crying for help and wondering aloud just how this situation could possibly be resolved...what would be the best option...who you should consult or how you should proceed. All you have to do is step aside and let God come through the door, and He will handle everything – perfectly. But you have to move out of His way first.
Isn’t today the perfect day to step aside and allow God to “come through the door”? Aren’t you ready to experience his mercy, grace and compassion...to truly operate in the hope and happiness of allowing God to offer help and protection? Will you “let go and let God”...and feel the joy and peace that comes from trusting Him completely? Or will you continue to stand on “the other side of the door” and whisper, “Lord, I am in deep trouble.”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 23, 2014
Matthew 5:11-12
“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
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 I was in junior high, one of our teachers took a few students to Little Rock for some sort of meeting one Saturday. After the meeting, we went to a movie (I think we saw “Love Story”) and then we did some shopping. On the way home, a couple of the girls and I were in the back seat of the car, and they were whispering and peeking into their shopping bag. I asked what they were whispering about, and they “played dumb”. Finally, one of them said, “You cannot say anything...but we stole these bathing suits.” Each one of them had “lifted” a swimsuit from a well-known department store.
Here’s the thing...those girls did not want to include me in their “secret”, because they knew that I would not approve of their theft. They made this abundantly clear with some of their comments and the tone with which they delivered them. In fact, the only reason that they were having anything to do with me at all was because we were crammed together in the backseat of our teacher’s car!
Quite frankly, there were quite a few kids who didn’t want anything to do with me and some of my friends during junior high and high school, because they knew that we attended church regularly. Whether we were full-out “Jesus freaks” or not, we were judge to be “uncool” and seen as “goody-two-shoes” types. The fact that our parents made us go to church all the time was irrelevant. Some of us who actually participated regularly in church activities were even ostracized by a few of the kids who attended our church with us, but were less involved. There was definitely a “hierarchy”, based on what others perceived to be our level of faith and involvement with Jesus and the church!
Even today, this is often a tough road for young people to hoe. And I think that is why some of them go in such a totally different direction once they get out of high school and/or go off to college. Maybe this describes you. I know I was like this, to some degree. When I no longer felt I had to attend church twice on Sundays and some Wednesday nights, I didn’t go...at all. I still read my Bible and prayed. But I didn’t do a whole lot to give others any opportunity to put me down or throw me out of their “circle” because of my faith!
I’ll be really honest here...I don’t regret that time in my life. Here’s why... I believe that God used this season where I shrunk into the woodwork and tried to blend in to grow my faith. When I “emerged” as an adult and developed a full-fledged, all-in relationship with Jesus, it was that much sweeter. I felt the applause of heaven...I no longer cared whether I was “in” or not...there was only ONE I longed to please...and His name was Jesus. In the years that I have been more fully engaged in a communion with Christ and His Holy Spirit, there have been as many – or maybe more – times that I have felt like an outsider...times when I have been put down or “thrown out”, both literally and figuratively.
But now, I look at these incidents in a completely different light. The “sting” of rejection and ridicule is not there – at least not so heavily. The sense that I am doing what God desires trumps any insults or indignations that might be hurled my way. I sometimes have to remind myself that...”It’s okay...I did what God asked of me, so all will be well.” And I am human...nobody likes to be insulted or excluded...so I do occasionally get my feelings hurt a little. But all I have to do is spend some time with God, and He steers me in the right direction and sets me back on my feet. He’s like that...wise, kind, merciful and gracious!
I don’t know where you are in your journey. I don’t know what rocks of insult and indignation have been hurled in your direction...or how you have handled them. But I do know this...God will not waste your obedience and faithfulness. He wants you to be kind, generous, loving, merciful and gracious toward others – even when they treat you poorly. But He wants you to always operate in the truth, and to faithfully do and say the things that you know He is sanctioning. It may hurt for a little while in the human sense, but I assure you, God is beyond pleased. He makes a mental note for all eternity that on this day and in this way, you honored Him in your words and actions...and He will bless you for this decision.
I did not “rat out” my friends. I was a teenager eager to please and unwilling to risk being ostracized any further. And while I certainly do not condone theft in any manner, these kids grew into responsible, honorable adults. It was a childhood prank...albeit a dishonest one. As adults, at least a few of them have developed a rapport with me and a respect for my faith that was not there when we were young... and maybe that is in part due to my mercy toward them in this situation.
In her book The Best Yes*, author/speaker Lysa TerKeurst says that there are no perfect decisions...there will be positives and negatives to every choice. She maintains that “when you desire to please God with a decision, and afterwards it proves to be a mistake, it’s an error...not an end.” She adds, “If I am trusting myself, I will stare at all the possible ways I could fail. If I’m trusting God, I will stare at all the possible ways He’ll use this whether I fail or succeed. As long as you desire to please God with your decisions, no decision you make will be completely awful...nor will any decision be completely awesome. There is no perfect decision – only the perfectly surrendered decision to press through our fears and know that God is working in us to bring about good through us.”
What are you afraid of today? Where have you stood paralyzed with fear and inaction because you didn’t want to be judged, put down or thrown out? Isn’t it time we started trusting God to get us past these things... to make a way where we see none...to shield us out of His abundant love, grace, mercy, compassion – and joy – for our obedience and faith? Whose company are you keeping these days...that of the “in crowd”...or the company of God’s prophets and witnesses?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*The Best Yes - ©2014 by TerKeurst Foundation – published by Nelson Books. Available at Walmart and other major retailers. www.thebestyes.com #TheBestYes
“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
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 I was in junior high, one of our teachers took a few students to Little Rock for some sort of meeting one Saturday. After the meeting, we went to a movie (I think we saw “Love Story”) and then we did some shopping. On the way home, a couple of the girls and I were in the back seat of the car, and they were whispering and peeking into their shopping bag. I asked what they were whispering about, and they “played dumb”. Finally, one of them said, “You cannot say anything...but we stole these bathing suits.” Each one of them had “lifted” a swimsuit from a well-known department store.
Here’s the thing...those girls did not want to include me in their “secret”, because they knew that I would not approve of their theft. They made this abundantly clear with some of their comments and the tone with which they delivered them. In fact, the only reason that they were having anything to do with me at all was because we were crammed together in the backseat of our teacher’s car!
Quite frankly, there were quite a few kids who didn’t want anything to do with me and some of my friends during junior high and high school, because they knew that we attended church regularly. Whether we were full-out “Jesus freaks” or not, we were judge to be “uncool” and seen as “goody-two-shoes” types. The fact that our parents made us go to church all the time was irrelevant. Some of us who actually participated regularly in church activities were even ostracized by a few of the kids who attended our church with us, but were less involved. There was definitely a “hierarchy”, based on what others perceived to be our level of faith and involvement with Jesus and the church!
Even today, this is often a tough road for young people to hoe. And I think that is why some of them go in such a totally different direction once they get out of high school and/or go off to college. Maybe this describes you. I know I was like this, to some degree. When I no longer felt I had to attend church twice on Sundays and some Wednesday nights, I didn’t go...at all. I still read my Bible and prayed. But I didn’t do a whole lot to give others any opportunity to put me down or throw me out of their “circle” because of my faith!
I’ll be really honest here...I don’t regret that time in my life. Here’s why... I believe that God used this season where I shrunk into the woodwork and tried to blend in to grow my faith. When I “emerged” as an adult and developed a full-fledged, all-in relationship with Jesus, it was that much sweeter. I felt the applause of heaven...I no longer cared whether I was “in” or not...there was only ONE I longed to please...and His name was Jesus. In the years that I have been more fully engaged in a communion with Christ and His Holy Spirit, there have been as many – or maybe more – times that I have felt like an outsider...times when I have been put down or “thrown out”, both literally and figuratively.
But now, I look at these incidents in a completely different light. The “sting” of rejection and ridicule is not there – at least not so heavily. The sense that I am doing what God desires trumps any insults or indignations that might be hurled my way. I sometimes have to remind myself that...”It’s okay...I did what God asked of me, so all will be well.” And I am human...nobody likes to be insulted or excluded...so I do occasionally get my feelings hurt a little. But all I have to do is spend some time with God, and He steers me in the right direction and sets me back on my feet. He’s like that...wise, kind, merciful and gracious!
I don’t know where you are in your journey. I don’t know what rocks of insult and indignation have been hurled in your direction...or how you have handled them. But I do know this...God will not waste your obedience and faithfulness. He wants you to be kind, generous, loving, merciful and gracious toward others – even when they treat you poorly. But He wants you to always operate in the truth, and to faithfully do and say the things that you know He is sanctioning. It may hurt for a little while in the human sense, but I assure you, God is beyond pleased. He makes a mental note for all eternity that on this day and in this way, you honored Him in your words and actions...and He will bless you for this decision.
I did not “rat out” my friends. I was a teenager eager to please and unwilling to risk being ostracized any further. And while I certainly do not condone theft in any manner, these kids grew into responsible, honorable adults. It was a childhood prank...albeit a dishonest one. As adults, at least a few of them have developed a rapport with me and a respect for my faith that was not there when we were young... and maybe that is in part due to my mercy toward them in this situation.
In her book The Best Yes*, author/speaker Lysa TerKeurst says that there are no perfect decisions...there will be positives and negatives to every choice. She maintains that “when you desire to please God with a decision, and afterwards it proves to be a mistake, it’s an error...not an end.” She adds, “If I am trusting myself, I will stare at all the possible ways I could fail. If I’m trusting God, I will stare at all the possible ways He’ll use this whether I fail or succeed. As long as you desire to please God with your decisions, no decision you make will be completely awful...nor will any decision be completely awesome. There is no perfect decision – only the perfectly surrendered decision to press through our fears and know that God is working in us to bring about good through us.”
What are you afraid of today? Where have you stood paralyzed with fear and inaction because you didn’t want to be judged, put down or thrown out? Isn’t it time we started trusting God to get us past these things... to make a way where we see none...to shield us out of His abundant love, grace, mercy, compassion – and joy – for our obedience and faith? Whose company are you keeping these days...that of the “in crowd”...or the company of God’s prophets and witnesses?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*The Best Yes - ©2014 by TerKeurst Foundation – published by Nelson Books. Available at Walmart and other major retailers. www.thebestyes.com #TheBestYes
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)