Jeremiah 31:33-34
“This is the brand-new covenant
that I will make with Israel when the time comes. I will put my law
within them—write it on their hearts!—and be their God. And they will be
my people. They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach
each other about God. They’ll know me firsthand, the dull and the
bright, the smart and the slow. I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of
them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!” God’s Decree.
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.
Yesterday, our Zola
“graduated” from pre-K. Kindergarten, here she comes! I looked at the
little girl who walked proudly across the stage to receive her
“diploma,” and I thought about all that she has learned in two years…and
what lies ahead of her. The world is truly her oyster, as the saying
goes. I also thought about how the crowning achievement for my little
niece – and her brothers – will be when they truly come to know Jesus
firsthand…when God’s laws are written on their hearts forever and ever.
We
can teach others about God. We can share Bible stories and help them
memorize the Ten Commandments. We can evangelize the world and spread
the Good News of Jesus. But until each and every one of us internalize
the message of Christ and “write it on our hearts”…we’ll keep stumbling
around in the dark for the most part…and we will be vulnerable to sin.
I
am not saying that once we truly develop a relationship with Jesus, we
never sin again. That is why the last lines of this passage are so
important, where God says that “I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of
them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!” Without the blood of Jesus and His
continual forgiveness, we’d all pretty well be sunk! But once we
“write God’s laws” on our heart and come into a full relationship with
Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we have a fighting chance against the desire
to succumb to sin. When serving Jesus becomes our focus, the lure of
sin is greatly diminished.
There is another component to this
that must be addressed. None of us is perfect. But for God’s grace and
Jesus’ blood over our sins, we would all be like the people of Israel
and Judah who stumbled in the wilderness and lived in disrespect and
disobedience. We are so incredibly blessed by God’s forgiveness through
Jesus. And we must honor this great gift and humbly forgive others in
return. That means no judging…no bickering or name calling…no
gossiping…and no hating of any kind!
We often so underestimate
how great forgiveness has been in our own lives…what Jesus has taken
from us – and what God has forgotten. We must not dishonor this great
Salvation by treating others with anything less than grace and mercy.
We must offer a great example of unconditional love to the world and let
others see Jesus in each of our words, thoughts, and actions. This
must be our gift to our children…and our demonstration of honor and
gratitude to Jesus.
I know that God’s laws will be written on the
hearts of our little ones someday. My job…and yours…is to embrace
Jesus and give the world a daily example of what it means to have
firsthand knowledge of His amazing grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We
must live in a way that makes others want to say, “I’ll take a hefty
dose of what he/she has!” We must give them a reason to want to write
God’s laws on their own hearts forever and ever.
Humble
yourself before God today…thank Him - for forgiving and forgetting your
sins. Ask Him to help you do the same toward others. Put your sinful
past behind you…and help others to do this in their own lives. Check
the condition of your “heart”…and get busy being the new creature in
Christ whom God has called you to be! People are watching…what are you showing them?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label God's grace mercy and forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's grace mercy and forgiveness. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 7, 2016
Romans 3:19-20
We know that everything in the Law was written for those who are under its power. The Law says these things to stop anyone from making excuses and to let God show that the whole world is guilty. God doesn’t accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today, we were driving home from a swim at the community Aquatic Center, and a car in front of us stopped at a red light. When the intersection was clear, the driver sped through it while the light was still red. The children saw this, and Timothy immediately said, “Aunt Debbie! You need to call 911!”
I agreed with him that this was a bad thing for the driver to do…he had disobeyed the law. But I didn’t call 911 – even when Nathan chimed in and said, “Yeah, Aunt Debbie…you need to do what Timmy said and call 911!” I told the children that perhaps this driver was having a bad day – or he didn’t realize that the light had not turned green. There could be a lot of reasons that he broke the law…but in this case, it was not our place to report it to the police. I guess you could say…we gave him a pass!
Every one of us does things we shouldn’t. We all break the law from time to time – if only when we drive a mile or two over the speed limit. I am not condoning this! But as this scripture points out – all the law does is point out that we are not perfect – that we all sin! Our human nature often tells us that we can concoct some semblance of a reasonable excuse for what we did. And sometimes, we react without thinking – and say and do things that we truly should not. There is no excuse for our behaviors…but we often offer…“these things happen.”
Aren’t you glad that God does not judge us for every single law we break – or even every sin we commit? Yes, it is wrong to break the law. Yes, these actions hurt God and can weaken our relationship with God – from OUR vantage point. But God never turns His back on us. He never stops loving us…and if we commit our hearts to Jesus and make every effort to love and serve Him – God never stops forgiving us.
This is such good news…because on any given day, we’re all stinkers…capable of lying, cheating, stealing – and yes, running a red light! Aren’t you glad to know that God is in your corner…that the laws we are called to obey are not what truly define our relationship with Him…or our eternal destiny?! Stop today and thank God for loving you…for His forgiveness of your sins and His willingness to set you upright after you disobey, disappoint, or disconnect in some manner with poor choices and selfish behaviors.
Ask Him to strengthen your relationship…to help you keep your focus on the teachings of Jesus and your commitment to be a faithful servant and disciple. We shouldn’t presume that God will give us a pass – anytime on anything. But aren’t we glad that when we fall short, He restores us? Have you thanked Him today for His amazing grace and mercy? Don’t you think you should?
©2016 Debbie Robus
We know that everything in the Law was written for those who are under its power. The Law says these things to stop anyone from making excuses and to let God show that the whole world is guilty. God doesn’t accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today, we were driving home from a swim at the community Aquatic Center, and a car in front of us stopped at a red light. When the intersection was clear, the driver sped through it while the light was still red. The children saw this, and Timothy immediately said, “Aunt Debbie! You need to call 911!”
I agreed with him that this was a bad thing for the driver to do…he had disobeyed the law. But I didn’t call 911 – even when Nathan chimed in and said, “Yeah, Aunt Debbie…you need to do what Timmy said and call 911!” I told the children that perhaps this driver was having a bad day – or he didn’t realize that the light had not turned green. There could be a lot of reasons that he broke the law…but in this case, it was not our place to report it to the police. I guess you could say…we gave him a pass!
Every one of us does things we shouldn’t. We all break the law from time to time – if only when we drive a mile or two over the speed limit. I am not condoning this! But as this scripture points out – all the law does is point out that we are not perfect – that we all sin! Our human nature often tells us that we can concoct some semblance of a reasonable excuse for what we did. And sometimes, we react without thinking – and say and do things that we truly should not. There is no excuse for our behaviors…but we often offer…“these things happen.”
Aren’t you glad that God does not judge us for every single law we break – or even every sin we commit? Yes, it is wrong to break the law. Yes, these actions hurt God and can weaken our relationship with God – from OUR vantage point. But God never turns His back on us. He never stops loving us…and if we commit our hearts to Jesus and make every effort to love and serve Him – God never stops forgiving us.
This is such good news…because on any given day, we’re all stinkers…capable of lying, cheating, stealing – and yes, running a red light! Aren’t you glad to know that God is in your corner…that the laws we are called to obey are not what truly define our relationship with Him…or our eternal destiny?! Stop today and thank God for loving you…for His forgiveness of your sins and His willingness to set you upright after you disobey, disappoint, or disconnect in some manner with poor choices and selfish behaviors.
Ask Him to strengthen your relationship…to help you keep your focus on the teachings of Jesus and your commitment to be a faithful servant and disciple. We shouldn’t presume that God will give us a pass – anytime on anything. But aren’t we glad that when we fall short, He restores us? Have you thanked Him today for His amazing grace and mercy? Don’t you think you should?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 27, 2014
Hosea 14:1-4
Israel, return! Come back
to the Lord, your God.
Sin has made you fall.
Return to the Lord and say,
“Please forgive our sins.
Accept our good sacrifices
of praise instead of bulls.
Assyria can’t save us,
and chariots can’t help.
So we will no longer worship
the idols we have made.
Our Lord, you show mercy
to orphans.”
Israel, you have rejected me,
but my anger is gone;
I will heal you and love you
without limit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Albert Einstein is credited with saying that “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results!” By this “definition,” we are all more than a little insane. We know that eating too much and sitting on our duffs will likely keep us from being fit and healthy...yet we continue to stuff our faces with all the wrong things and slack on the exercise regimens. We know that other habits will produce unhealthy results, also...yet we can’t seem to kick them, either!
We understand that a negative attitude breeds negativity in those around us...yet we continue to gossip, backbite, speak and think cynically, and treat others unkindly. We even say we understand that we need to study God’s word, communicate with Him continually in prayer and meditation (listening), and fellowship with other believers who can encourage us in order to be healthy spiritually. But many of us spend more time watching TV and surfing the Internet than we would ever hope to spend strengthening our relationship with God...and then we wonder why our lives seem to be coming apart at the seams – or are far less satisfying and “successful” than we would hope in so many areas.
Quite honestly, we are the modern-day “children of Israel”. God has given us every chance in the book to make changes and do better...and we continue to falter and/or fail. But here’s the Good News. God will not give up on us! He offers us a chance to make things right. If we are truly repentant, He will heal us and love us like we never imagined possible.
We really can break the cycle...we most certainly can do better and “get healthy” – not just spiritually, but in other ways, as well. And it begins with our admission that we have failed to be obedient...that we have worshipped “idols” rather than God – money, fame or “success”, possessions, friends, other people and relationship, and more...that we have not listened to God and sought a deep and abiding relationship and continual dialogue with Him. God will honor true repentance. He knows when we are genuine and sincere...and when we aren’t. IF we come to him with an apologetic heart...and an authentic desire to change, He will heal us and forgive us - and set us upright.
God is willing to forgive and restore us. It may seem like insanity to think that He would do this over and over again, but the only “insane” thing about it is how madly in love God is with each of us! He is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain a relationship with us...but we have to be willing to give Him our heart and soul – quite literally.
We have to be ready to truly lay down our “idols” and do whatever God asks of us...whenever and wherever we are needed. In return, He will say, “My anger is gone, and I am ready to heal you and love you without limit.” Are you ready to accept His gifts and be healed?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Israel, return! Come back
to the Lord, your God.
Sin has made you fall.
Return to the Lord and say,
“Please forgive our sins.
Accept our good sacrifices
of praise instead of bulls.
Assyria can’t save us,
and chariots can’t help.
So we will no longer worship
the idols we have made.
Our Lord, you show mercy
to orphans.”
Israel, you have rejected me,
but my anger is gone;
I will heal you and love you
without limit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Albert Einstein is credited with saying that “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results!” By this “definition,” we are all more than a little insane. We know that eating too much and sitting on our duffs will likely keep us from being fit and healthy...yet we continue to stuff our faces with all the wrong things and slack on the exercise regimens. We know that other habits will produce unhealthy results, also...yet we can’t seem to kick them, either!
We understand that a negative attitude breeds negativity in those around us...yet we continue to gossip, backbite, speak and think cynically, and treat others unkindly. We even say we understand that we need to study God’s word, communicate with Him continually in prayer and meditation (listening), and fellowship with other believers who can encourage us in order to be healthy spiritually. But many of us spend more time watching TV and surfing the Internet than we would ever hope to spend strengthening our relationship with God...and then we wonder why our lives seem to be coming apart at the seams – or are far less satisfying and “successful” than we would hope in so many areas.
Quite honestly, we are the modern-day “children of Israel”. God has given us every chance in the book to make changes and do better...and we continue to falter and/or fail. But here’s the Good News. God will not give up on us! He offers us a chance to make things right. If we are truly repentant, He will heal us and love us like we never imagined possible.
We really can break the cycle...we most certainly can do better and “get healthy” – not just spiritually, but in other ways, as well. And it begins with our admission that we have failed to be obedient...that we have worshipped “idols” rather than God – money, fame or “success”, possessions, friends, other people and relationship, and more...that we have not listened to God and sought a deep and abiding relationship and continual dialogue with Him. God will honor true repentance. He knows when we are genuine and sincere...and when we aren’t. IF we come to him with an apologetic heart...and an authentic desire to change, He will heal us and forgive us - and set us upright.
God is willing to forgive and restore us. It may seem like insanity to think that He would do this over and over again, but the only “insane” thing about it is how madly in love God is with each of us! He is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain a relationship with us...but we have to be willing to give Him our heart and soul – quite literally.
We have to be ready to truly lay down our “idols” and do whatever God asks of us...whenever and wherever we are needed. In return, He will say, “My anger is gone, and I am ready to heal you and love you without limit.” Are you ready to accept His gifts and be healed?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 10, 2014
Romans 5:6-8
Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever 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.
Several years ago, I got the flu. It just so happened that I was scheduled for a yearly physical with my family doctor during the time when I felt the worst. I called the clinic and told the receptionist that I could not come in...that I was too sick to get there. I heard a long, slow, dubious, “Okaaaaaaaaaayyy” on the other end of the line. It didn’t make any sense to her that someone could be “too sick” to see the doctor!
Believe it or not, when I was a little girl, the doctor would have probably visited ME in such a situation. There really was a time when doctors made “house calls”! When people were too weak or sick to get ready or leave their homes, physicians and nurses would leave their offices, get in their cars, and drive to patient’s homes to treat them! While this was not a “sacrifice” on their part that could in any way compare to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross...I’m sure it was an inconvenience for them - one they were willing to endure for the health and well-being of their patients.
If your doctor actually came to your home to treat you today, wouldn’t you be astounded at his/her care and kindness? Wouldn’t you feel just a tad special...like you were receiving preferential treatment? Surely the doctor doesn’t do this for just anybody...you must be someone pretty important to him/her!
Here’s the thing...there are a lot of things that we think we would do for certain people. But when it comes to those we don’t know very well...or never even met...we’d think twice about inconveniencing ourselves on their behalf – much less making a big sacrifice for them. The concept of offering our lives for people who don’t know us – and really don’t deserve our help – is beyond our comprehension. Yet this is exactly what Jesus did for us. He stepped up and offered His very life for ours...people who were yet to be born and would never be worthy of such generous grace and mercy.
Jesus is the Healer who shows up on your doorstep when you are too weak to get up and take yourself to the doctor. When life beats you down so badly that you can’t move – and don’t know what to do – Jesus makes a “house call”. You and I needed a Savior...Someone who understood that we will never be able to cover our own sins, so He did it for us with a payment of His very life. If you will start paying closer attention, you’ll see how Jesus shows up in your life over and again – right on time. He seems to anticipate what we will need before we even know that we need it. When we whisper, “LORD...” we hear Him say, “I’m already on it!”
Don’t misunderstand me...I love my family doctor – even if he doesn’t make house calls! But I am so glad to know that the Great Physician will visit me anywhere, anytime...that He will go to the ends of the earth to meet the needs of all of His “patients”...and that there is NOTHING that he cannot cure! What ails you today? Do you need a “house call” from Jesus? Aren’t you ready to call on Him to give you a “clean bill of health”? Will this be the day that you truly get well?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever 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.
Several years ago, I got the flu. It just so happened that I was scheduled for a yearly physical with my family doctor during the time when I felt the worst. I called the clinic and told the receptionist that I could not come in...that I was too sick to get there. I heard a long, slow, dubious, “Okaaaaaaaaaayyy” on the other end of the line. It didn’t make any sense to her that someone could be “too sick” to see the doctor!
Believe it or not, when I was a little girl, the doctor would have probably visited ME in such a situation. There really was a time when doctors made “house calls”! When people were too weak or sick to get ready or leave their homes, physicians and nurses would leave their offices, get in their cars, and drive to patient’s homes to treat them! While this was not a “sacrifice” on their part that could in any way compare to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross...I’m sure it was an inconvenience for them - one they were willing to endure for the health and well-being of their patients.
If your doctor actually came to your home to treat you today, wouldn’t you be astounded at his/her care and kindness? Wouldn’t you feel just a tad special...like you were receiving preferential treatment? Surely the doctor doesn’t do this for just anybody...you must be someone pretty important to him/her!
Here’s the thing...there are a lot of things that we think we would do for certain people. But when it comes to those we don’t know very well...or never even met...we’d think twice about inconveniencing ourselves on their behalf – much less making a big sacrifice for them. The concept of offering our lives for people who don’t know us – and really don’t deserve our help – is beyond our comprehension. Yet this is exactly what Jesus did for us. He stepped up and offered His very life for ours...people who were yet to be born and would never be worthy of such generous grace and mercy.
Jesus is the Healer who shows up on your doorstep when you are too weak to get up and take yourself to the doctor. When life beats you down so badly that you can’t move – and don’t know what to do – Jesus makes a “house call”. You and I needed a Savior...Someone who understood that we will never be able to cover our own sins, so He did it for us with a payment of His very life. If you will start paying closer attention, you’ll see how Jesus shows up in your life over and again – right on time. He seems to anticipate what we will need before we even know that we need it. When we whisper, “LORD...” we hear Him say, “I’m already on it!”
Don’t misunderstand me...I love my family doctor – even if he doesn’t make house calls! But I am so glad to know that the Great Physician will visit me anywhere, anytime...that He will go to the ends of the earth to meet the needs of all of His “patients”...and that there is NOTHING that he cannot cure! What ails you today? Do you need a “house call” from Jesus? Aren’t you ready to call on Him to give you a “clean bill of health”? Will this be the day that you truly get well?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 4, 2014
Psalm 86:1-7
Bend an ear, God; answer me.
I’m one miserable wretch!
Keep me safe—haven’t I lived a good life?
Help your servant—I’m depending on you!
You’re my God; have mercy on me.
I count on you from morning to night.
Give your servant a happy life;
I put myself in your hands!
You’re well-known as good and forgiving,
bighearted to all who ask for help.
Pay attention, God, to my prayer;
bend down and listen to my cry for help.
Every time I’m in trouble I call on you,
confident that you’ll answer.
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.
Let’s be honest...every single one of us has “blown it” at least once in our lives. We’ve said or done something we should not have said or done. We’ve treated someone unfairly or unkindly. We’ve worn something that looked horrendous! Okay...that last one is probably not in the same league as the others...but you get my point!
The point is, we are human beings...and I’ve got a news flash for you...human beings are NOT perfect! So we mess up, make mistakes, hurt others – and ourselves – and we often look pretty foolish in the process. In short...we are frequently like the psalmist - ”one miserable wretch” in need of a pretty hefty dose of forgiveness, grace and mercy.
Hear the GOOD NEWS...GOD is in the business of doing exactly this! When we humbly submit ourselves to Him...when we accept His gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ and earnestly strive to follow Him, God helps us stay on the right track. He understands that occasionally we may “go off the rails” for a bit – and that’s where His grace and mercy come into play. Our job is to know where to turn for help...to stay in close communication with God so that these “derailments” are kept to a minimum - in terms of both frequency and damage...and to do all we can to humbly seek God’s forgiveness, and to do the necessary work to make amends.
Tall order? You betcha! But operating in the protection of God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy certainly trumps a life of misery and regret in my book any day of the week! Let’s take a good look at our lives today. Let’s see where the wheels seem to be coming off the rails – and make every effort to get back on track. Let’s stop and humbly ask God to forgive us – and to show us how to ask others to forgive us, where necessary. Let’s make a concerted effort to pay better attention...to walk more closely with God and listen for His voice in all things at all times. And let’s be sure to thank Him for taking pity on such “miserable wretches” as the likes of you and me!
“Every time I’m in trouble, I call on YOU, confident that You’ll answer.” This is GOOD NEWS for all of us who serve God with our whole heart! Are you one of them? Don’t you want to be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Bend an ear, God; answer me.
I’m one miserable wretch!
Keep me safe—haven’t I lived a good life?
Help your servant—I’m depending on you!
You’re my God; have mercy on me.
I count on you from morning to night.
Give your servant a happy life;
I put myself in your hands!
You’re well-known as good and forgiving,
bighearted to all who ask for help.
Pay attention, God, to my prayer;
bend down and listen to my cry for help.
Every time I’m in trouble I call on you,
confident that you’ll answer.
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.
Let’s be honest...every single one of us has “blown it” at least once in our lives. We’ve said or done something we should not have said or done. We’ve treated someone unfairly or unkindly. We’ve worn something that looked horrendous! Okay...that last one is probably not in the same league as the others...but you get my point!
The point is, we are human beings...and I’ve got a news flash for you...human beings are NOT perfect! So we mess up, make mistakes, hurt others – and ourselves – and we often look pretty foolish in the process. In short...we are frequently like the psalmist - ”one miserable wretch” in need of a pretty hefty dose of forgiveness, grace and mercy.
Hear the GOOD NEWS...GOD is in the business of doing exactly this! When we humbly submit ourselves to Him...when we accept His gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ and earnestly strive to follow Him, God helps us stay on the right track. He understands that occasionally we may “go off the rails” for a bit – and that’s where His grace and mercy come into play. Our job is to know where to turn for help...to stay in close communication with God so that these “derailments” are kept to a minimum - in terms of both frequency and damage...and to do all we can to humbly seek God’s forgiveness, and to do the necessary work to make amends.
Tall order? You betcha! But operating in the protection of God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy certainly trumps a life of misery and regret in my book any day of the week! Let’s take a good look at our lives today. Let’s see where the wheels seem to be coming off the rails – and make every effort to get back on track. Let’s stop and humbly ask God to forgive us – and to show us how to ask others to forgive us, where necessary. Let’s make a concerted effort to pay better attention...to walk more closely with God and listen for His voice in all things at all times. And let’s be sure to thank Him for taking pity on such “miserable wretches” as the likes of you and me!
“Every time I’m in trouble, I call on YOU, confident that You’ll answer.” This is GOOD NEWS for all of us who serve God with our whole heart! Are you one of them? Don’t you want to be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 1, 2014
Psalm 51:16-17
Going through the motions doesn’t please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.
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.
I saw a post on Facebook the other day that absolutely astounded me. Out of kindness, I will not name this person...but the wife of a well-known television evangelist stood before her congregation and told the people that... “When we obey God, we’re not doing it for God...we’re doing it for ourselves, because God wants us to be happy...that’s the thing that gives Him the greatest joy.” She continued...”Just do good for yourself...and this will make God happy. When you come to church and worship Him, you’re not doing it for God, really...you’re doing it for yourself...because that’s what makes GOD happy!”
The punch line to this Facebook post was an added video of Bill Cosby as “Cliff Huxtable” on “The Cosby Show”, saying, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my LIFE!” I almost fell off my chair laughing! Can I get an “Amen!” here? I am guessing that this woman has not read Psalm 51:16-17 lately! Here’s a news flash for her and the rest of us...”It’s not about you or me!” I think I know what she might have been trying to say, because yes, God does want us to be happy. But that is not His end goal!
Here’s another way to look at it...one of my best friends has two sons., and when they were little, she was telling me about how other children in their play groups were rude and disrespectful. She said that she did not tolerate such behavior from her own children. She told me...“I don’t care if my boys like me, but they are going to respect me and do what is right!” My friend loves her sons...and she loved them then...but she wanted them to be polite and act appropriately. Of course, she wanted them to be happy! But showing kindness and respect for others...or humility and sincerity for serving God...does not equal displeasure or rob us of our joy - at least, it shouldn’t!
I hope my illustrations are making sense. God loves us and wants us to be filled with joy. He shows us tremendous grace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness and compassion...and often gives us far more leeway than we deserve! I know we serve a God of second, third, and fourth chances – and more! But this is not a license to run willy-nilly through life serving our own interests. And yes, there will be times when things are hard, and we really don’t necessarily like the direction in which God steers us. But we are to swallow our pride and humbly submit to His plans. THIS is what pleases God and makes Him truly happy – and what will ultimately bring us the most joy, as well.
My message to you this day is that being a Christian disciple is not always easy. In order to truly be “successful”...to operate in God’s blessings and truly honor His commitment to us...we must humble ourselves, set aside our pride and stubbornness, and come before Him with a “shattered heart”. We must say, “Here I am, LORD...ready to do whatever You need - wherever and whenever You need me...and to give YOU all of the glory.” I’m pretty sure that our “performance” will be anything but flawless...but that’s okay. God doesn’t care about our “motions”...He’s interested in our motives! Anyone can pretend to love and serve God and others...but GOD knows our heart and what we are really thinking and feeling. What does He know about you today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Going through the motions doesn’t please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.
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.
I saw a post on Facebook the other day that absolutely astounded me. Out of kindness, I will not name this person...but the wife of a well-known television evangelist stood before her congregation and told the people that... “When we obey God, we’re not doing it for God...we’re doing it for ourselves, because God wants us to be happy...that’s the thing that gives Him the greatest joy.” She continued...”Just do good for yourself...and this will make God happy. When you come to church and worship Him, you’re not doing it for God, really...you’re doing it for yourself...because that’s what makes GOD happy!”
The punch line to this Facebook post was an added video of Bill Cosby as “Cliff Huxtable” on “The Cosby Show”, saying, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my LIFE!” I almost fell off my chair laughing! Can I get an “Amen!” here? I am guessing that this woman has not read Psalm 51:16-17 lately! Here’s a news flash for her and the rest of us...”It’s not about you or me!” I think I know what she might have been trying to say, because yes, God does want us to be happy. But that is not His end goal!
Here’s another way to look at it...one of my best friends has two sons., and when they were little, she was telling me about how other children in their play groups were rude and disrespectful. She said that she did not tolerate such behavior from her own children. She told me...“I don’t care if my boys like me, but they are going to respect me and do what is right!” My friend loves her sons...and she loved them then...but she wanted them to be polite and act appropriately. Of course, she wanted them to be happy! But showing kindness and respect for others...or humility and sincerity for serving God...does not equal displeasure or rob us of our joy - at least, it shouldn’t!
I hope my illustrations are making sense. God loves us and wants us to be filled with joy. He shows us tremendous grace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness and compassion...and often gives us far more leeway than we deserve! I know we serve a God of second, third, and fourth chances – and more! But this is not a license to run willy-nilly through life serving our own interests. And yes, there will be times when things are hard, and we really don’t necessarily like the direction in which God steers us. But we are to swallow our pride and humbly submit to His plans. THIS is what pleases God and makes Him truly happy – and what will ultimately bring us the most joy, as well.
My message to you this day is that being a Christian disciple is not always easy. In order to truly be “successful”...to operate in God’s blessings and truly honor His commitment to us...we must humble ourselves, set aside our pride and stubbornness, and come before Him with a “shattered heart”. We must say, “Here I am, LORD...ready to do whatever You need - wherever and whenever You need me...and to give YOU all of the glory.” I’m pretty sure that our “performance” will be anything but flawless...but that’s okay. God doesn’t care about our “motions”...He’s interested in our motives! Anyone can pretend to love and serve God and others...but GOD knows our heart and what we are really thinking and feeling. What does He know about you today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 31, 2014
Psalm 103:12
How far has the Lord taken
our sins from us?
Farther than the distance
from east to west!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I strapped Timothy into his car seat after church today, he said, “Momma says when we come home, we need to have a good attitude...forever and ever!” We took the children home after lunch, and Greg and I laughed that my niece had probably told them to come home with a good attitude, and Timothy asked her “for how long?”...hence, the “forever and ever” comment!
I think sometimes, we ask a version of this same question with regard to the grace, mercy, forgiveness and love of God...”LORD, how long will you love me? Father, how many times will you forgive my sins? Is my name really written in the Lamb’s Book of Life just because I surrendered my heart to Jesus and accepted His gift of salvation?” And the answer comes back over and again...”as far as east is to west...that’s how far I’ve taken your sins. This is how much I love you...this is the depth and breadth of My grace and compassion for you as one of My children.”
We need to let this soak in a while. We need to really stop and think about how much God loves us...how much He gives us...all that has been sacrificed on our behalf, and just how vast His care for us really is. Honestly, the magnitude and extent of God’s mercy over us is astounding...incomprehensible...beyond all that we can ever fully understand – but incredibly unending, all the same.
Now here’s a question for us to consider...how is OUR attitude in return? Do we behave in a way that respects these gifts? Do we honor God’s commitment to us with a reciprocal dedication – or the best that we can possibly muster? Do we reflect God’s extraordinary grace, mercy and forgiveness in our daily living...and in how we interact with others? Do we model a Christian discipleship that reflects a love of Christ for His church so great that it scatters sins farther than the distance from east to west? Isn’t it time we did?
Will this be the day that you develop a “good attitude forever and ever”...one that truly displays God’s handiwork in your life each and every minute? How far HAS the Lord taken your sins from you? Is this reflected in your life as a Christian? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
How far has the Lord taken
our sins from us?
Farther than the distance
from east to west!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I strapped Timothy into his car seat after church today, he said, “Momma says when we come home, we need to have a good attitude...forever and ever!” We took the children home after lunch, and Greg and I laughed that my niece had probably told them to come home with a good attitude, and Timothy asked her “for how long?”...hence, the “forever and ever” comment!
I think sometimes, we ask a version of this same question with regard to the grace, mercy, forgiveness and love of God...”LORD, how long will you love me? Father, how many times will you forgive my sins? Is my name really written in the Lamb’s Book of Life just because I surrendered my heart to Jesus and accepted His gift of salvation?” And the answer comes back over and again...”as far as east is to west...that’s how far I’ve taken your sins. This is how much I love you...this is the depth and breadth of My grace and compassion for you as one of My children.”
We need to let this soak in a while. We need to really stop and think about how much God loves us...how much He gives us...all that has been sacrificed on our behalf, and just how vast His care for us really is. Honestly, the magnitude and extent of God’s mercy over us is astounding...incomprehensible...beyond all that we can ever fully understand – but incredibly unending, all the same.
Now here’s a question for us to consider...how is OUR attitude in return? Do we behave in a way that respects these gifts? Do we honor God’s commitment to us with a reciprocal dedication – or the best that we can possibly muster? Do we reflect God’s extraordinary grace, mercy and forgiveness in our daily living...and in how we interact with others? Do we model a Christian discipleship that reflects a love of Christ for His church so great that it scatters sins farther than the distance from east to west? Isn’t it time we did?
Will this be the day that you develop a “good attitude forever and ever”...one that truly displays God’s handiwork in your life each and every minute? How far HAS the Lord taken your sins from you? Is this reflected in your life as a Christian? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 27, 2014
Micah 7:18-19
Our God, no one is like you.
We are all that is left
of your chosen people,
and you freely forgive
our sin and guilt.
You don’t stay angry forever;
you’re glad to have pity
and pleased to be merciful.
You will trample on our sins
and throw them in the sea.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Somewhere along the line at one of the auctions or estate sales we attended, I acquired a white ceramic cherub. I like angels, and I have quite a few of them sitting around our house in various poses. This particular angel reclined, and I placed him on a half-table in our entryway. The cherub looked sweet there with some other “found things” from my collection.
Timothy was so intrigued with this little angel when he was a toddler. He loved to stand and look at it...and to touch its shiny, smooth surface. Many times, I reminded him, “Don’t touch! He’s ‘very breakable’.” This was a phrase that Timothy’s mother used often when SHE was little...lots of things were “very breakable.” One day when Timothy was about two, I heard a crash, and as I rounded the corner, I saw him step away from the half-table in our entryway. He was upset...the angel was on the floor, and a piece had broken off near its foot.
I told Timothy, “It’s okay...but see – this is what I told you might happen if we touched the angel. He is only to look at. I will glue him back together. It will be okay.” I’ll be honest...I might have paid a dollar for this little angel...I would never put a valuable piece where a toddler could reach it and do damage to either the piece or himself! So this was a “teachable moment!”
As I picked Timothy up to give him a hug, I noticed some blood on the top of his bare foot. A shard of the angel had apparently popped loose at just the right angle to nick his skin. It was only a superficial wound, but I once again reinforced the need to leave “very breakable” items alone as I cleaned his foot and put a little antibiotic ointment on the cut.
I’ll admit...this irritated me momentarily. I had repeatedly reminded my little nephew not to touch this angel, knowing fully well that he probably would anyway. But when he did, and the piece broke, I got aggravated – not just at the damaged piece, but that he had hurt himself in the process. But I got over it pretty quickly. I fixed the cherub...fixed the kid...and moved ahead. I tossed aside my feelings of frustration and irritation and let them go.
Do you see that this is what God does with us every single day...only on a much larger scale? These verses from Micah 7 are part of a prayer...one in which the people are acknowledging God’s love and mercy...how He doesn’t stay angry with us forever. If we have chosen to follow Jesus Christ...to make Him the LORD of our life...our sins are forgiven. As humans, we will surely sin again...but God will quickly forgive and forget. He will repair the damage, take us in His arms and remind us that “this is what happens when we disobey.” I’m sure He doesn’t like it...especially when we are hurt in the process. But He sets us on our feet again - and encourages us to move forward and make every effort to do better.
It’s easy to forgive and forget when we’re talking two-year-olds...especially when the situation involves a doting aunt and her precious nephew. But I think we sometimes forget a couple of things...1) how precious we are to God, and how much He wants to show us mercy and forgiveness – and to set us upright when we falter; and 2) how equally precious each person is to God. He expects us to treat others as He treats us...and that means extending grace and mercy to them, even when they stumble and irritate us (or “break something”) in the process. Sometimes, the transgressions seem fairly benign. Sometimes they are costly...and maybe even physically or emotionally harmful. But essentially, they are all the same to God...equally pardonable and reparable.
Think about your own life. Where have you “broken God’s treasures”? Where have you done this to others...and where have they broken things that you value...material possessions, trust, respect, sincerity, and more? Have you truly asked God – and others – to forgive you for these transgressions? Have you freely offered mercy and forgiveness to those who have “trampled” on you in some way? Do you see that in order to ask for – and receive – God’s mercy and forgiveness...you must share these same blessings with others?
Will you cling to past sins – yours or another’s – like the broken pieces of an estate sale cherub? Or will you do your best to repair the damage and move forward? Are you ready to truly live as a disciple of Christ and operate in His tenets? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Our God, no one is like you.
We are all that is left
of your chosen people,
and you freely forgive
our sin and guilt.
You don’t stay angry forever;
you’re glad to have pity
and pleased to be merciful.
You will trample on our sins
and throw them in the sea.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Somewhere along the line at one of the auctions or estate sales we attended, I acquired a white ceramic cherub. I like angels, and I have quite a few of them sitting around our house in various poses. This particular angel reclined, and I placed him on a half-table in our entryway. The cherub looked sweet there with some other “found things” from my collection.
Timothy was so intrigued with this little angel when he was a toddler. He loved to stand and look at it...and to touch its shiny, smooth surface. Many times, I reminded him, “Don’t touch! He’s ‘very breakable’.” This was a phrase that Timothy’s mother used often when SHE was little...lots of things were “very breakable.” One day when Timothy was about two, I heard a crash, and as I rounded the corner, I saw him step away from the half-table in our entryway. He was upset...the angel was on the floor, and a piece had broken off near its foot.
I told Timothy, “It’s okay...but see – this is what I told you might happen if we touched the angel. He is only to look at. I will glue him back together. It will be okay.” I’ll be honest...I might have paid a dollar for this little angel...I would never put a valuable piece where a toddler could reach it and do damage to either the piece or himself! So this was a “teachable moment!”
As I picked Timothy up to give him a hug, I noticed some blood on the top of his bare foot. A shard of the angel had apparently popped loose at just the right angle to nick his skin. It was only a superficial wound, but I once again reinforced the need to leave “very breakable” items alone as I cleaned his foot and put a little antibiotic ointment on the cut.
I’ll admit...this irritated me momentarily. I had repeatedly reminded my little nephew not to touch this angel, knowing fully well that he probably would anyway. But when he did, and the piece broke, I got aggravated – not just at the damaged piece, but that he had hurt himself in the process. But I got over it pretty quickly. I fixed the cherub...fixed the kid...and moved ahead. I tossed aside my feelings of frustration and irritation and let them go.
Do you see that this is what God does with us every single day...only on a much larger scale? These verses from Micah 7 are part of a prayer...one in which the people are acknowledging God’s love and mercy...how He doesn’t stay angry with us forever. If we have chosen to follow Jesus Christ...to make Him the LORD of our life...our sins are forgiven. As humans, we will surely sin again...but God will quickly forgive and forget. He will repair the damage, take us in His arms and remind us that “this is what happens when we disobey.” I’m sure He doesn’t like it...especially when we are hurt in the process. But He sets us on our feet again - and encourages us to move forward and make every effort to do better.
It’s easy to forgive and forget when we’re talking two-year-olds...especially when the situation involves a doting aunt and her precious nephew. But I think we sometimes forget a couple of things...1) how precious we are to God, and how much He wants to show us mercy and forgiveness – and to set us upright when we falter; and 2) how equally precious each person is to God. He expects us to treat others as He treats us...and that means extending grace and mercy to them, even when they stumble and irritate us (or “break something”) in the process. Sometimes, the transgressions seem fairly benign. Sometimes they are costly...and maybe even physically or emotionally harmful. But essentially, they are all the same to God...equally pardonable and reparable.
Think about your own life. Where have you “broken God’s treasures”? Where have you done this to others...and where have they broken things that you value...material possessions, trust, respect, sincerity, and more? Have you truly asked God – and others – to forgive you for these transgressions? Have you freely offered mercy and forgiveness to those who have “trampled” on you in some way? Do you see that in order to ask for – and receive – God’s mercy and forgiveness...you must share these same blessings with others?
Will you cling to past sins – yours or another’s – like the broken pieces of an estate sale cherub? Or will you do your best to repair the damage and move forward? Are you ready to truly live as a disciple of Christ and operate in His tenets? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 20, 2014
Matthew 11:28-30
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
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.
Almost four years ago, my Mam-ma Polly made the heart-wrenching decision that she could no longer live at home alone. For much of her 98 years, my grandmother had taken care of herself and others...now it was time to allow others to care for her. As Greg and I loaded Mam-ma into the car for the ride to her Assisted Living Facility, we pulled out of her driveway for the last time. I felt a lump grow in my throat. This signaled the end of a season of life...and the beginning of one that would surely be her last. Had she made the right decision? Had we been right to go along with this and help her make it a reality?
In the end, I believe that we all made the best decision...one that we didn’t come to lightly. We spent hours/days/weeks in prayer over this move. And in retrospect, I believe we listened to God and entrusted this option to His infinite wisdom. I believe that He shouldered many burdens for all of us...and that He granted us grace and mercy in many aspects of the move and my grandmother’s subsequent two years of residence there.
I am reading a book called The Best Yes* by author/speaker Lysa TerKeurst. She writes about decisions we all make in our lives...some of them “kick-to-the-gut” tough choices that cause us to over-analyze. Or sometimes we become paralyzed with fear - and unable to move in any direction. She maintains that what we fail to fully acknowledge and accept is God’s wisdom – and mercy –in these choices. In many regards, our inability to give our burdens to Him is an affront. It’s like we’re saying that we think we can do a better job of handling things than God can!
TerKeurst also points out that “there are no perfect decisions.” There will be good points and bad points to each and every one of them. What IS perfect is our surrender to God...and our submission to His ability to render good in any situation. So while the Assisted Living Facility was not “home”...and in many ways it was far from perfect...God took care of my grandmother there – and used her to bless countless others in the process. When she behaved herself and didn’t try to do things she was no longer physically able to do, she was safe there. Her meals were prepared...her clothes were laundered...her room was cleaned...and her medications were properly dispensed. She had fellow residents with whom she could visit, frequent visits from family members and friends, and activities to attend. In many ways, my grandmother surrendered her burdens to God...and He carried them for her.
You and I have quite a few things we probably need to surrender to God. In the words of my cousin Natalie, some of us are “worn smack out” over decisions and struggles. Or maybe we are paralyzed with fear and are really standing still...stagnant...unable to turn in either direction for concern that we will make a wrong move. It’s time to walk in faith... to truly start to trust that God knows far more than we do...to listen to Jesus and surrender our burdens to Him, take HIS yoke (which is far lighter and better fitting!), and trust His wisdom as we make the best choices.
Will things be perfect? Absolutely not! Here’s what TerKeurst says...”My imperfections will never override God’s promises. God’s promises are not dependent on my ability to always choose well, but rather on His ability to use well. God will use the good and not-so-good parts of the decisions we make.” I’m so ready to release some decisions to God and to trust Him to operate in His infinite wisdom. I’m ready take a real rest with Jesus...and live freely and lightly in His grace and mercy. What about you?
©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
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
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.
Almost four years ago, my Mam-ma Polly made the heart-wrenching decision that she could no longer live at home alone. For much of her 98 years, my grandmother had taken care of herself and others...now it was time to allow others to care for her. As Greg and I loaded Mam-ma into the car for the ride to her Assisted Living Facility, we pulled out of her driveway for the last time. I felt a lump grow in my throat. This signaled the end of a season of life...and the beginning of one that would surely be her last. Had she made the right decision? Had we been right to go along with this and help her make it a reality?
In the end, I believe that we all made the best decision...one that we didn’t come to lightly. We spent hours/days/weeks in prayer over this move. And in retrospect, I believe we listened to God and entrusted this option to His infinite wisdom. I believe that He shouldered many burdens for all of us...and that He granted us grace and mercy in many aspects of the move and my grandmother’s subsequent two years of residence there.
I am reading a book called The Best Yes* by author/speaker Lysa TerKeurst. She writes about decisions we all make in our lives...some of them “kick-to-the-gut” tough choices that cause us to over-analyze. Or sometimes we become paralyzed with fear - and unable to move in any direction. She maintains that what we fail to fully acknowledge and accept is God’s wisdom – and mercy –in these choices. In many regards, our inability to give our burdens to Him is an affront. It’s like we’re saying that we think we can do a better job of handling things than God can!
TerKeurst also points out that “there are no perfect decisions.” There will be good points and bad points to each and every one of them. What IS perfect is our surrender to God...and our submission to His ability to render good in any situation. So while the Assisted Living Facility was not “home”...and in many ways it was far from perfect...God took care of my grandmother there – and used her to bless countless others in the process. When she behaved herself and didn’t try to do things she was no longer physically able to do, she was safe there. Her meals were prepared...her clothes were laundered...her room was cleaned...and her medications were properly dispensed. She had fellow residents with whom she could visit, frequent visits from family members and friends, and activities to attend. In many ways, my grandmother surrendered her burdens to God...and He carried them for her.
You and I have quite a few things we probably need to surrender to God. In the words of my cousin Natalie, some of us are “worn smack out” over decisions and struggles. Or maybe we are paralyzed with fear and are really standing still...stagnant...unable to turn in either direction for concern that we will make a wrong move. It’s time to walk in faith... to truly start to trust that God knows far more than we do...to listen to Jesus and surrender our burdens to Him, take HIS yoke (which is far lighter and better fitting!), and trust His wisdom as we make the best choices.
Will things be perfect? Absolutely not! Here’s what TerKeurst says...”My imperfections will never override God’s promises. God’s promises are not dependent on my ability to always choose well, but rather on His ability to use well. God will use the good and not-so-good parts of the decisions we make.” I’m so ready to release some decisions to God and to trust Him to operate in His infinite wisdom. I’m ready take a real rest with Jesus...and live freely and lightly in His grace and mercy. What about you?
©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
Daily Devotional for August 9, 2014
James 1:5
If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.
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 told someone recently...“You are lousy at asking for help!” I said this in the most loving tone possible, but I was deadly serious. I don’t know about you, but it frustrates me to see someone I care about in need of help that I know that I can provide...if only they would ask. I don’t want to intrude or force myself upon the situation...but I would so love to be able to offer assistance, to show the friend or loved one God’s grace and mercy in action. Often, the “assistance” is a small thing on my part that could have a huge impact on someone else...like running errands, providing a meal, or just lending an ear to hear the person “vent” or “talk through” an issue. But all I can do is sit back and watch the person struggle to manage by himself/herself...and wait and hope that my “help” is eventually solicited.
Do you see how we do this to God...all.the.time? For whatever reason, we don’t take a lot of our situations and circumstances to Him in prayer. We muddle along as best we can on our own...and hope for the best. I can just picture God sitting in the heavens, practically growling with frustration...knowing that He can provide instant help, grace, mercy, and peace...but He is too much of a gentleman to intrude or step in where He has not been invited.
We sometimes think that God is too busy...that our issues and petitions are too petty...that we ought to know how to do this for ourselves...that God will be angry, disappointed, ashamed of us, or disgusted...so we dare not mention these things to Him.
Nothing could be further from the truth. God wants to hear from us...about anything and everything. He loves us far too much to be in any way unhappy with us for calling upon Him. And honestly, we all have friends and loved ones who extend God’s grace and mercy toward us...and feel the same way. They are waiting for us to pick up the phone or drop them a text or an e-mail and say, “I’m a little overwhelmed here...I could use your help.”
Will you make a vow today to stop shutting out God...and also others? Will you give Him a chance to handle everything...will you seek His will in even the seemingly small things - and see how beautifully He answers? Will you let others bless you – and receive a blessing in return - as they lift you up with prayers, encouragement, and physical support?
In short, can we all get over ourselves just a little and stop assuming that God and others stand ready to judge us harshly at every turn? Can we quit imagining that our genuine requests for help are an annoyance or irritation? Will we learn to operate in grace and mercy toward others...and to accept the same in our own lives? God is waiting to pour out His wisdom and blessings on each of us...and others want to bless us in His name. Isn’t it time you let them?
©2014 Debbie Robus
If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.
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 told someone recently...“You are lousy at asking for help!” I said this in the most loving tone possible, but I was deadly serious. I don’t know about you, but it frustrates me to see someone I care about in need of help that I know that I can provide...if only they would ask. I don’t want to intrude or force myself upon the situation...but I would so love to be able to offer assistance, to show the friend or loved one God’s grace and mercy in action. Often, the “assistance” is a small thing on my part that could have a huge impact on someone else...like running errands, providing a meal, or just lending an ear to hear the person “vent” or “talk through” an issue. But all I can do is sit back and watch the person struggle to manage by himself/herself...and wait and hope that my “help” is eventually solicited.
Do you see how we do this to God...all.the.time? For whatever reason, we don’t take a lot of our situations and circumstances to Him in prayer. We muddle along as best we can on our own...and hope for the best. I can just picture God sitting in the heavens, practically growling with frustration...knowing that He can provide instant help, grace, mercy, and peace...but He is too much of a gentleman to intrude or step in where He has not been invited.
We sometimes think that God is too busy...that our issues and petitions are too petty...that we ought to know how to do this for ourselves...that God will be angry, disappointed, ashamed of us, or disgusted...so we dare not mention these things to Him.
Nothing could be further from the truth. God wants to hear from us...about anything and everything. He loves us far too much to be in any way unhappy with us for calling upon Him. And honestly, we all have friends and loved ones who extend God’s grace and mercy toward us...and feel the same way. They are waiting for us to pick up the phone or drop them a text or an e-mail and say, “I’m a little overwhelmed here...I could use your help.”
Will you make a vow today to stop shutting out God...and also others? Will you give Him a chance to handle everything...will you seek His will in even the seemingly small things - and see how beautifully He answers? Will you let others bless you – and receive a blessing in return - as they lift you up with prayers, encouragement, and physical support?
In short, can we all get over ourselves just a little and stop assuming that God and others stand ready to judge us harshly at every turn? Can we quit imagining that our genuine requests for help are an annoyance or irritation? Will we learn to operate in grace and mercy toward others...and to accept the same in our own lives? God is waiting to pour out His wisdom and blessings on each of us...and others want to bless us in His name. Isn’t it time you let them?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 8, 2014
James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A childhood friend of mine named Suzanne decided to become a foster parent a few years ago. I am not certain how many children Suzanne has fostered, but at one point, she was entrusted with the care of a 9½-month-old girl. She fostered this child, as well as the baby’s 3-year-old brother, who subsequently joined them from another foster placement. Ultimately, family members petitioned for custody, and won. These children had been in foster care practically all of their lives, but Suzanne was mandated to drive them to the “meeting point” and leave them with virtual strangers...and return home alone. She kept friends updated throughout this ordeal via e-mail and social media.
I can tell you, Suzanne has grieved mightily over “her” children. Given the green light, she would have adopted them in a heartbeat. She wrote, “The past year has been one of intense grief and pain. I felt betrayed and used, and as if the thousands of prayers I've prayed throughout my life for what it would be - who I would be - fell into nothing; it's as if trying to make this dream of parenthood come true cost me my faith.”
Many people have prayed for Suzanne and encouraged her not to give up...we’ve reminded her that God has a plan for her – we just didn’t know what it was. This week, she sent out a group e-mail asking for prayers as she ventured several hours away from her home in Dallas to an adoption “match” event, where children ages 6-17 who are seeking a “forever home” would be on hand to meet with potential adoptive parents. Suzanne admitted that she was afraid to have her heart broken and her hopes dashed again. She was not sure she even had the courage to make the trip. But she went anyway.
A “post-event” message from Suzanne revealed that she may have very well made a “match”. She attended this event with the idea that she would seek the adoption of boy age 14 or older. She had a long list of reasons for this choice. Instead, she “clicked” with a 16-year-old girl. The caseworker told Suzanne that the girl had asked if any potential parents liked her. The caseworker said she could not discuss this, but she asked the girl if she was interested in any of the adults. There was only one – Suzanne! So she has authorized the go-ahead to get better acquainted with the 16-year-old. Suzanne is cautiously optimistic... she hopes this is a good “fit”...and that God allows her to adopt at least one sibling. There was also a “connection” with a 12-year-old girl who had a “blue mouth” from eating a sno-cone. As Suzanne put it...“I might be on my way to being a mom. And then, we can look into getting her some younger siblings! Maybe a little [12-year-old, blue-mouthed] firecracker!”
I wrote to Suzanne and congratulated her on the successful trip...and the possibilities that lie ahead. I told her...”I am continually amazed at what God can do when we step aside and let Him have control. It sounds like He has a wonderful, exciting, ‘girlie’ plan for you! Best wishes and prayers for the perfect outcome!”
Here’s the thing...many of us undergo some pretty devastating experiences. We endure hardships and challenges that are gut-wrenching...inexplicable...and at times, almost unbearably grieving. Like Suzanne, we are sometimes brought so low that we feel betrayed and used...and we almost lose our faith. But we see in this scripture passage that God uses these times to strengthen us...and He rewards our faithfulness. I don’t know when, where or how...but He does. Of this, I am totally convinced.
I cannot say with certainty that this time next year, Suzanne will have a family that includes a teenager or two. But I know that God is at work...and if she will stay faithful and obedient, whatever He has in store for her will be glorious and perfect. That’s how God rolls...He is merciful and gracious...and generous beyond description. When we trust Him, He delivers...sometimes even sno-cone-blue-mouthed tweenagers!
How will you trust God in your circumstances today? Are you ready for your own share of the “glorious life” that He offers? Will this be the day you surrender control and let Him handle things? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A childhood friend of mine named Suzanne decided to become a foster parent a few years ago. I am not certain how many children Suzanne has fostered, but at one point, she was entrusted with the care of a 9½-month-old girl. She fostered this child, as well as the baby’s 3-year-old brother, who subsequently joined them from another foster placement. Ultimately, family members petitioned for custody, and won. These children had been in foster care practically all of their lives, but Suzanne was mandated to drive them to the “meeting point” and leave them with virtual strangers...and return home alone. She kept friends updated throughout this ordeal via e-mail and social media.
I can tell you, Suzanne has grieved mightily over “her” children. Given the green light, she would have adopted them in a heartbeat. She wrote, “The past year has been one of intense grief and pain. I felt betrayed and used, and as if the thousands of prayers I've prayed throughout my life for what it would be - who I would be - fell into nothing; it's as if trying to make this dream of parenthood come true cost me my faith.”
Many people have prayed for Suzanne and encouraged her not to give up...we’ve reminded her that God has a plan for her – we just didn’t know what it was. This week, she sent out a group e-mail asking for prayers as she ventured several hours away from her home in Dallas to an adoption “match” event, where children ages 6-17 who are seeking a “forever home” would be on hand to meet with potential adoptive parents. Suzanne admitted that she was afraid to have her heart broken and her hopes dashed again. She was not sure she even had the courage to make the trip. But she went anyway.
A “post-event” message from Suzanne revealed that she may have very well made a “match”. She attended this event with the idea that she would seek the adoption of boy age 14 or older. She had a long list of reasons for this choice. Instead, she “clicked” with a 16-year-old girl. The caseworker told Suzanne that the girl had asked if any potential parents liked her. The caseworker said she could not discuss this, but she asked the girl if she was interested in any of the adults. There was only one – Suzanne! So she has authorized the go-ahead to get better acquainted with the 16-year-old. Suzanne is cautiously optimistic... she hopes this is a good “fit”...and that God allows her to adopt at least one sibling. There was also a “connection” with a 12-year-old girl who had a “blue mouth” from eating a sno-cone. As Suzanne put it...“I might be on my way to being a mom. And then, we can look into getting her some younger siblings! Maybe a little [12-year-old, blue-mouthed] firecracker!”
I wrote to Suzanne and congratulated her on the successful trip...and the possibilities that lie ahead. I told her...”I am continually amazed at what God can do when we step aside and let Him have control. It sounds like He has a wonderful, exciting, ‘girlie’ plan for you! Best wishes and prayers for the perfect outcome!”
Here’s the thing...many of us undergo some pretty devastating experiences. We endure hardships and challenges that are gut-wrenching...inexplicable...and at times, almost unbearably grieving. Like Suzanne, we are sometimes brought so low that we feel betrayed and used...and we almost lose our faith. But we see in this scripture passage that God uses these times to strengthen us...and He rewards our faithfulness. I don’t know when, where or how...but He does. Of this, I am totally convinced.
I cannot say with certainty that this time next year, Suzanne will have a family that includes a teenager or two. But I know that God is at work...and if she will stay faithful and obedient, whatever He has in store for her will be glorious and perfect. That’s how God rolls...He is merciful and gracious...and generous beyond description. When we trust Him, He delivers...sometimes even sno-cone-blue-mouthed tweenagers!
How will you trust God in your circumstances today? Are you ready for your own share of the “glorious life” that He offers? Will this be the day you surrender control and let Him handle things? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 7, 2014
Isaiah 55:6-7
Turn to the Lord!
He can still be found.
Call out to God! He is near.
Give up your crooked ways
and your evil thoughts.
Return to the Lord our God.
He will be merciful
and forgive your sins.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few days ago, a friend of mine posted a video of a baptism she performed in her church. She wrote... “God has truly blessed us through this church and her people. Had a steeple dedication this morning and baptized a couple that has been married 73 years. Met on the lawn of the church. He is 94 and she is 90. They have been attending for years and joined the church today. Words cannot express my joy....Thank you Jesus.”
This reminded me of my grandmother’s “companion”, whom she met after my grandfather died in 1984. My grandparents were married almost 52 years. When my grandfather left us, Mam-ma Polly was incredibly lonely. She “kissed a few toads” before she began “keeping company” with Delbert, who everyone called “Deb”. Mam-ma Polly and Deb were inseparable for about seven years. They never married and maintained their own homes...but they did everything together. She cooked breakfast for him at one of their houses, and then they would “garden” or visit others, shop together, and more for much of each day. They both returned to their respective houses many afternoons for a nap before sharing dinner and “Wheel of Fortune” or “Lawrence Welk” together...and three nights a week, they danced at a local social hall. On Sundays they attended church services together.
Deb became like a second grandfather to us. He endeared himself to all of us, and we grew to love him. He was tremendously supportive to Mam-ma Polly when my brother Tim died...and again 13 months later when my dad – her only son – left us for heaven. And then Deb got sick. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Over the course of several weeks, he took some radiation treatments that left him weak and tired, and Mam-ma “nursed” him as best she could.
Here’s the kicker...this sweet, generous, kind and loving man had never given his heart to Jesus. He attended church services with Mam-ma on Sundays, but he really didn’t know much about the Bible...or how much God loved him. He did not have any understanding of spending eternity in heaven at the feet of Jesus. I’m pretty sure Deb knew he had sins in his life...but he did not realize that Jesus could – and would – forgive him of them. Mam-ma Polly set in to change this!
My grandmother began talking to Deb about Jesus...and heaven. She told me that one night as she and Deb sat on the couch, she fell to her knees and - through her tears - she told him, “I don’t think I can bear it if I get to heaven and you’re not there.” She shared with Deb once more how easy it was to ask Jesus to forgive his sins and invite Him to live in his heart...and Deb did exactly that.
This 87-year-old man had served in the Army in Germany during WWII, where he found himself behind enemy lines for several days at one point - and once related to Greg how he felt the “whoosh” of a German bullet as it passed by his ear. Deb had lived all these years without the peace of Jesus in his heart. He had married, reared three children, faced the death of his wife and countless loved ones, and endured a myriad of life experiences...all without the confidence that Jesus was guiding his steps. I am convinced that Jesus poured out His grace and mercy over Deb...that He had His hand on this situation all along...that He placed my grandmother in this man’s path to lead him into a relationship with Jesus – and assured that we will all see him again someday in heaven.
Even though he was sick, Deb was like a “new man”...because he truly was. I bought him a Bible, and as his body betrayed him, he read the scriptures and was renewed. As I sat with him on his last earthly day and held his hand, I knew that Jesus was there...holding him tenderly and ushering him fully into His presence. And as I read my friend’s post about the 90-something couple in her congregation, I was once again reminded...as long as we draw breath, it.is.never.too.late. God can still be found. He will be merciful and forgive our sins, through the blood of Jesus.
My prayer today is two-fold...1) that we would not spend decades without Jesus...that we would turn to Him sooner, rather than later, and walk in His amazing grace and mercy; and 2) that we would take a page from my Mam-ma Polly’s book...that we would “fall to our knees” and make every effort to bring those in our midst into their own personal relationship with Jesus. I pray that we would make sure that heaven is FILLED to overflowing with God’s children...that we would never waste an opportunity to extend the grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and kindness of Jesus Christ to others.
Take some time today to look around you and see who needs to feel the grace and mercy of Jesus...and where He needs you to be the vehicle to convey this. Turn to the LORD...seek His wisdom...share His love with others. It is never too late!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Turn to the Lord!
He can still be found.
Call out to God! He is near.
Give up your crooked ways
and your evil thoughts.
Return to the Lord our God.
He will be merciful
and forgive your sins.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few days ago, a friend of mine posted a video of a baptism she performed in her church. She wrote... “God has truly blessed us through this church and her people. Had a steeple dedication this morning and baptized a couple that has been married 73 years. Met on the lawn of the church. He is 94 and she is 90. They have been attending for years and joined the church today. Words cannot express my joy....Thank you Jesus.”
This reminded me of my grandmother’s “companion”, whom she met after my grandfather died in 1984. My grandparents were married almost 52 years. When my grandfather left us, Mam-ma Polly was incredibly lonely. She “kissed a few toads” before she began “keeping company” with Delbert, who everyone called “Deb”. Mam-ma Polly and Deb were inseparable for about seven years. They never married and maintained their own homes...but they did everything together. She cooked breakfast for him at one of their houses, and then they would “garden” or visit others, shop together, and more for much of each day. They both returned to their respective houses many afternoons for a nap before sharing dinner and “Wheel of Fortune” or “Lawrence Welk” together...and three nights a week, they danced at a local social hall. On Sundays they attended church services together.
Deb became like a second grandfather to us. He endeared himself to all of us, and we grew to love him. He was tremendously supportive to Mam-ma Polly when my brother Tim died...and again 13 months later when my dad – her only son – left us for heaven. And then Deb got sick. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Over the course of several weeks, he took some radiation treatments that left him weak and tired, and Mam-ma “nursed” him as best she could.
Here’s the kicker...this sweet, generous, kind and loving man had never given his heart to Jesus. He attended church services with Mam-ma on Sundays, but he really didn’t know much about the Bible...or how much God loved him. He did not have any understanding of spending eternity in heaven at the feet of Jesus. I’m pretty sure Deb knew he had sins in his life...but he did not realize that Jesus could – and would – forgive him of them. Mam-ma Polly set in to change this!
My grandmother began talking to Deb about Jesus...and heaven. She told me that one night as she and Deb sat on the couch, she fell to her knees and - through her tears - she told him, “I don’t think I can bear it if I get to heaven and you’re not there.” She shared with Deb once more how easy it was to ask Jesus to forgive his sins and invite Him to live in his heart...and Deb did exactly that.
This 87-year-old man had served in the Army in Germany during WWII, where he found himself behind enemy lines for several days at one point - and once related to Greg how he felt the “whoosh” of a German bullet as it passed by his ear. Deb had lived all these years without the peace of Jesus in his heart. He had married, reared three children, faced the death of his wife and countless loved ones, and endured a myriad of life experiences...all without the confidence that Jesus was guiding his steps. I am convinced that Jesus poured out His grace and mercy over Deb...that He had His hand on this situation all along...that He placed my grandmother in this man’s path to lead him into a relationship with Jesus – and assured that we will all see him again someday in heaven.
Even though he was sick, Deb was like a “new man”...because he truly was. I bought him a Bible, and as his body betrayed him, he read the scriptures and was renewed. As I sat with him on his last earthly day and held his hand, I knew that Jesus was there...holding him tenderly and ushering him fully into His presence. And as I read my friend’s post about the 90-something couple in her congregation, I was once again reminded...as long as we draw breath, it.is.never.too.late. God can still be found. He will be merciful and forgive our sins, through the blood of Jesus.
My prayer today is two-fold...1) that we would not spend decades without Jesus...that we would turn to Him sooner, rather than later, and walk in His amazing grace and mercy; and 2) that we would take a page from my Mam-ma Polly’s book...that we would “fall to our knees” and make every effort to bring those in our midst into their own personal relationship with Jesus. I pray that we would make sure that heaven is FILLED to overflowing with God’s children...that we would never waste an opportunity to extend the grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and kindness of Jesus Christ to others.
Take some time today to look around you and see who needs to feel the grace and mercy of Jesus...and where He needs you to be the vehicle to convey this. Turn to the LORD...seek His wisdom...share His love with others. It is never too late!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 6, 2014
Isaiah 1:18
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!
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 niece, Jasmine, has referred to me as something of the “Queen of Stain Removal”. I’ll admit...I have had some pretty major success at removing stubborn stains on everything from vintage linens to baby clothing to vintage glassware and silver. There have been a few stubborn spots that just would not bow...but often, I find a way to camouflage these and still use the item. Sometimes the stains have to be cut away...but rarely do I have to totally give up on a piece because of such blemishes.
Honestly, I enjoy the challenge. I get a kick out of restoring a tarnished item to its former glory – or at least something that is more than passable. I get immense satisfaction from the “rescue”. So it is easy for me to see what pleasure it gives Jesus to be able to restore us. Trust me, His methods of stain removal are failsafe. There is absolutely NO stain of sin that He cannot remove...EVER! When I think about how delighted I am when a garment comes out of the wash clean and “fresh as the fallen snow,” I totally “get” how thrilled Jesus is when He makes us “white as wool”.
More importantly, I am humbled and grateful for the tremendous price that Jesus paid for my “stain removal”. I know that I often spend a lot of time and energy on removing a mark or blemish from something. But I know that Jesus spent much more to remove my sins...He shed His very blood on the cross for me. He suffered agony and anguish, brutality and horrific insults, just to take out my sinful stains and restore me. There is no way I can compare to this...no way I would ever even want to try. I am incredibly grateful and humbled that He did this for me.
I love how this translation portrays Jesus as a trusted friend who says, “Come...let’s talk this over...I can fix that for you...I can get that stain out and make you good as new again!” That’s an offer I cannot refuse...what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!
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 niece, Jasmine, has referred to me as something of the “Queen of Stain Removal”. I’ll admit...I have had some pretty major success at removing stubborn stains on everything from vintage linens to baby clothing to vintage glassware and silver. There have been a few stubborn spots that just would not bow...but often, I find a way to camouflage these and still use the item. Sometimes the stains have to be cut away...but rarely do I have to totally give up on a piece because of such blemishes.
Honestly, I enjoy the challenge. I get a kick out of restoring a tarnished item to its former glory – or at least something that is more than passable. I get immense satisfaction from the “rescue”. So it is easy for me to see what pleasure it gives Jesus to be able to restore us. Trust me, His methods of stain removal are failsafe. There is absolutely NO stain of sin that He cannot remove...EVER! When I think about how delighted I am when a garment comes out of the wash clean and “fresh as the fallen snow,” I totally “get” how thrilled Jesus is when He makes us “white as wool”.
More importantly, I am humbled and grateful for the tremendous price that Jesus paid for my “stain removal”. I know that I often spend a lot of time and energy on removing a mark or blemish from something. But I know that Jesus spent much more to remove my sins...He shed His very blood on the cross for me. He suffered agony and anguish, brutality and horrific insults, just to take out my sinful stains and restore me. There is no way I can compare to this...no way I would ever even want to try. I am incredibly grateful and humbled that He did this for me.
I love how this translation portrays Jesus as a trusted friend who says, “Come...let’s talk this over...I can fix that for you...I can get that stain out and make you good as new again!” That’s an offer I cannot refuse...what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 30, 2014
1 Corinthians 13:3-10
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
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.
Only a precious friend...and a “sister in Christ” like my dear cousin Natalie...could truly understand how I worry about certain people and situations. For my birthday, she presented me with a leather bracelet that is tooled with this inscription, “only love today”. I am to wear it to remind me of God’s love for me – and for those people and circumstances over which I fret and stew - but cannot control. I’m not supposed to handle these things. I am supposed to remember that God’s got this!
So I’m wearing the bracelet...and looking at its words often throughout the day. I am reminded of tremendous love...the complete, all-encompassing, unselfish, unconditional and perfect love that God provides...and that of a beautiful, Godly cousin who totally “gets” me – and loves me anyway! I am reminded of all of the things in this scripture passage...and the power, grace and mercy of God’s love for me – and through me toward others.
You may not struggle so much with worry over situations and people. You may battle other issues...proper expression of your thoughts and feelings, gossip, jealousy, insecurities, depression, discord or judgment... or something else completely. It doesn’t matter what your challenge is...God’s love can cover it. He can graciously and mercifully wrap His arms around you and handle whatever causes you discomfort or distress. And because of His love...you can “pay it forward” to others.
Here’s your phrase to remember... “only love today”. Even if you don’t wear a leather bracelet inscribed with these words, you can remind yourself throughout the day that God truly IS love. You can vow to operate ONLY in His love today, and always. So let’s do this thing! Let’s fill our “bank accounts” with God’s love and keep it going. Are you in? Ready, set, GO!
©2014 Debbie Robus
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
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.
Only a precious friend...and a “sister in Christ” like my dear cousin Natalie...could truly understand how I worry about certain people and situations. For my birthday, she presented me with a leather bracelet that is tooled with this inscription, “only love today”. I am to wear it to remind me of God’s love for me – and for those people and circumstances over which I fret and stew - but cannot control. I’m not supposed to handle these things. I am supposed to remember that God’s got this!
So I’m wearing the bracelet...and looking at its words often throughout the day. I am reminded of tremendous love...the complete, all-encompassing, unselfish, unconditional and perfect love that God provides...and that of a beautiful, Godly cousin who totally “gets” me – and loves me anyway! I am reminded of all of the things in this scripture passage...and the power, grace and mercy of God’s love for me – and through me toward others.
You may not struggle so much with worry over situations and people. You may battle other issues...proper expression of your thoughts and feelings, gossip, jealousy, insecurities, depression, discord or judgment... or something else completely. It doesn’t matter what your challenge is...God’s love can cover it. He can graciously and mercifully wrap His arms around you and handle whatever causes you discomfort or distress. And because of His love...you can “pay it forward” to others.
Here’s your phrase to remember... “only love today”. Even if you don’t wear a leather bracelet inscribed with these words, you can remind yourself throughout the day that God truly IS love. You can vow to operate ONLY in His love today, and always. So let’s do this thing! Let’s fill our “bank accounts” with God’s love and keep it going. Are you in? Ready, set, GO!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 29, 2014
Hebrews 4:14-16
Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
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.
A few nights ago, our power went off about 11:00...just as we were getting ready to go to bed. We really don’t realize two things: 1) how “lit up” our world is 24/7; and 2) how noisy life is now. We think we are in the dark, but with electronic devices and technology, there is still quite a lot of light in our house even after we “turn off the lights” at night! Even this night when the power went off, a smoke detector in the ceiling still blinked an intermittent flash of green light! But for the most part, the world was very dark...and very quiet. We do not realize how much noise the “hum” of our electronics, heaters and air conditioners and other devices create. And honestly, this “white noise” has become so much a part of our being that we don’t know what to do without it!
I was reminded of when I was a little girl and my siblings and I would spend the night at the farm with our Mam-ma and Pap-pa. They lived “in the country” – some five miles out of town on a dirt road. There were no street lights...not even a “night watchman” pole in the yard. When the lights went out at their house each evening, it was dark and very quiet. The only noise was the steady tick-tock of their mantle clock, which chimed the half hour and the hour. I had a terrible time going to sleep at their house. The clock seemed so loud in that stillness, and I remember tossing and turning in their unfamiliar four-poster bed...and longing to drift off to sleep.
I’ve reminded myself of this with Timothy...and especially with Zola and Nathan, who have not spent as many nights at our house as Timmy has. To expect a toddler to lie down in a somewhat unfamiliar place – in the dark – and close his/her eyes and go to sleep is asking a lot. So I’ve tried to be empathetic – at least to a point – while recognizing that they MUST get their rest! I know how hard it is to try to go to sleep...and be unable to do so. So I try to sit with them, stroke their hair, rock them, or do whatever I can to provide an environment that they feel is safe and comfortable. Sometimes they don’t want this help...probably because they have figured out the end result. Part of why these kids can’t sleep at our house is that they are afraid they will miss something!
Once in a while I will have one of the children say, “I don’t want to rock,” or “No, I don’t want you to lie with me.” They let mercy and help slip through their fingers. And this is what we often do with Jesus. We either fail to recognize His offers to help us...or we turn our backs on Him and try to do things on our own.
A prime example of this would be how we often react to grief or a fearful situation – ours or someone else’s. It’s as if we are ashamed to be sad and show our emotions...like we think this makes us appear weak or lacking in faith somehow. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus wept over the death of His friend, Lazarus. He sweated drops of blood as He pled with God to find another way besides the cross, if possible. He gets it when we grieve, are sad or afraid...because He.has.been.there! He wants to comfort us in our despair or trepidation. He wants to acknowledge our frustrations, our loneliness and our disappointments. Jesus wants to sit beside us, “stroke our hair” and soothe us through the rough spots - just as much as He wants to cheer for us when good things happen!
Too many of us have turned Jesus into “white noise” of our lives. We have shoved Him into the corner where He is nothing more than just the “battery-powered blinking” of a household security device or the hum of an electronic gadget. We have not fully embraced Him and all that He offers us. For whatever reason, we have neglected to take the mercy and accept His help. But we don’t have to stay stuck there. We can change. It starts with a simple prayer...”Come, Lord Jesus”. Isn’t it time you called on Him? Aren’t you ready for a good night’s rest in His love and care? Will this be the night that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
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.
A few nights ago, our power went off about 11:00...just as we were getting ready to go to bed. We really don’t realize two things: 1) how “lit up” our world is 24/7; and 2) how noisy life is now. We think we are in the dark, but with electronic devices and technology, there is still quite a lot of light in our house even after we “turn off the lights” at night! Even this night when the power went off, a smoke detector in the ceiling still blinked an intermittent flash of green light! But for the most part, the world was very dark...and very quiet. We do not realize how much noise the “hum” of our electronics, heaters and air conditioners and other devices create. And honestly, this “white noise” has become so much a part of our being that we don’t know what to do without it!
I was reminded of when I was a little girl and my siblings and I would spend the night at the farm with our Mam-ma and Pap-pa. They lived “in the country” – some five miles out of town on a dirt road. There were no street lights...not even a “night watchman” pole in the yard. When the lights went out at their house each evening, it was dark and very quiet. The only noise was the steady tick-tock of their mantle clock, which chimed the half hour and the hour. I had a terrible time going to sleep at their house. The clock seemed so loud in that stillness, and I remember tossing and turning in their unfamiliar four-poster bed...and longing to drift off to sleep.
I’ve reminded myself of this with Timothy...and especially with Zola and Nathan, who have not spent as many nights at our house as Timmy has. To expect a toddler to lie down in a somewhat unfamiliar place – in the dark – and close his/her eyes and go to sleep is asking a lot. So I’ve tried to be empathetic – at least to a point – while recognizing that they MUST get their rest! I know how hard it is to try to go to sleep...and be unable to do so. So I try to sit with them, stroke their hair, rock them, or do whatever I can to provide an environment that they feel is safe and comfortable. Sometimes they don’t want this help...probably because they have figured out the end result. Part of why these kids can’t sleep at our house is that they are afraid they will miss something!
Once in a while I will have one of the children say, “I don’t want to rock,” or “No, I don’t want you to lie with me.” They let mercy and help slip through their fingers. And this is what we often do with Jesus. We either fail to recognize His offers to help us...or we turn our backs on Him and try to do things on our own.
A prime example of this would be how we often react to grief or a fearful situation – ours or someone else’s. It’s as if we are ashamed to be sad and show our emotions...like we think this makes us appear weak or lacking in faith somehow. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus wept over the death of His friend, Lazarus. He sweated drops of blood as He pled with God to find another way besides the cross, if possible. He gets it when we grieve, are sad or afraid...because He.has.been.there! He wants to comfort us in our despair or trepidation. He wants to acknowledge our frustrations, our loneliness and our disappointments. Jesus wants to sit beside us, “stroke our hair” and soothe us through the rough spots - just as much as He wants to cheer for us when good things happen!
Too many of us have turned Jesus into “white noise” of our lives. We have shoved Him into the corner where He is nothing more than just the “battery-powered blinking” of a household security device or the hum of an electronic gadget. We have not fully embraced Him and all that He offers us. For whatever reason, we have neglected to take the mercy and accept His help. But we don’t have to stay stuck there. We can change. It starts with a simple prayer...”Come, Lord Jesus”. Isn’t it time you called on Him? Aren’t you ready for a good night’s rest in His love and care? Will this be the night that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 28, 2014
Hebrews 10:11-18
Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices year in, year out, and never makes a dent in the sin problem. As a priest, Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! Then he sat down right beside God and waited for his enemies to cave in. It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process. The Holy Spirit confirms this:
This new plan I’m making with Israel
isn’t going to be written on paper,
isn’t going to be chiseled in stone;
This time “I’m writing out the plan in them,
carving it on the lining of their hearts.”
He concludes,
I’ll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins.
Once sins are taken care of for good, there’s no longer any need to offer sacrifices for 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.
I’ve been helping my cousin Natalie with a makeover project on her kindergarten classroom. After 17 years of teaching, she was ready for a “room re-do.” She found several ideas that she liked online and in stores, and we melded them into a cohesive “look” using the graphic design and photo editing programs on my computer.
When I was teaching in the late ‘70s and early-to-mid ‘80s, we didn’t have computers that created labels and artwork with the click of a mouse. We didn’t know about fonts and Adobe Photoshop® and color printers. I spent days and weeks coloring individual name tags and characters that I had printed out in black and white...outlining with a Sharpie® marker, then carefully cutting, pasting and laminating everything together. We thought our results looked pretty good, but compared to the slick pieces that are possible today, our classrooms were downright crafty!
I stopped by the school to see Natalie’s progress, and she showed me her wall display for color words. Each color word was printed on a card – in that particular color – and outlined in a matching polka-dot border. But there was a gap. She said, “I realized when I hung them that there was not a card for the color brown. I messaged the person who designed these, and she said that she doesn’t have a template for brown. So I am going to print a black and white copy and color it in...then cut and paste letters to make the word ‘brown’ for the center.” I stopped her...”I can do all of that on the computer.” Her eyes lit up. “You can?” “I’m pretty sure I can make that all work,” I told her. She sent me her file, and I was able to do in a matter of minutes what would have otherwise taken her hours...if not a whole day.
In recent years, I’ve thought about the things that my fellow teachers and I spent hours and days working on that are accomplished now with the click of a button. I have asked myself how we did it all...and the short answer is that we gave up our nights, weekends, holidays and summers to prepare classroom materials and displays for our students. It’s a wonder we found time to teach! And quite frankly, there were times when we were drowning in mountains of paper work and “busywork” that we barely made a dent in the primary goal of presenting lessons and reaching academic objectives!
As I read this scripture passage, I thought about this...and about how many times we go around in circles, somewhat chasing our tail as we try to accomplish things that we do not have the adequate tools or skills to undertake. Like teachers everywhere, we spend a lot of energy trying to figure out a “work-around” that will suffice...and often, we are more than a little disappointed with the results – if not downright wearied by them. And nowhere is this more evident than in our attempts to muddle through life on our own...to do the same things over and over while hoping for different outcomes. We often think we know so much more than we really do...or feel that our way is sufficient, if not better, than God’s. And this is when we make a huge mess of things.
It’s MORE than a good thing that God is so merciful and tender with us. We truly have no clue just how blessed we are that He sent Jesus to pay for our sins...once and for all. I love the sentence...”It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people.” This sums up Jesus beautifully. This description grasps the essence of His grace and mercy over us...and demonstrates His love for us. He made us perfect...unblemished...pure and whole...and we could never have done this on our own, no matter how long or hard we tried.
I’m grateful for our present-day technology – even the vast array that I do not fully understand! I love how computers can make things look so neat and pretty. I am even more appreciative of the love and tender care of Jesus...how His single sacrifice accomplished what I never could. Now I am heaven bound, fully forgiven for my sins, and free to love others in His name and share the Good News that this gift extends to them, as well! I know that the price He paid was anything but simple...far more than the click of a button! And I recognize the tremendous love and commitment that He demonstrated on my behalf.
When I sent back the file to Natalie with the “brown” color card, she responded, “You saved the day!” In the scheme of things, this was not a big deal on my part. I just happened to have experience in pressing buttons and “cutting and pasting” on some pretty amazing and powerful computer programs! But Jesus wiped the slate clean with His own blood on the cross...once and for all...and truly saved us from a life of sin and eternity in Hell. Have you let Him know how grateful you are for this amazing sacrifice? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices year in, year out, and never makes a dent in the sin problem. As a priest, Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! Then he sat down right beside God and waited for his enemies to cave in. It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process. The Holy Spirit confirms this:
This new plan I’m making with Israel
isn’t going to be written on paper,
isn’t going to be chiseled in stone;
This time “I’m writing out the plan in them,
carving it on the lining of their hearts.”
He concludes,
I’ll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins.
Once sins are taken care of for good, there’s no longer any need to offer sacrifices for 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.
I’ve been helping my cousin Natalie with a makeover project on her kindergarten classroom. After 17 years of teaching, she was ready for a “room re-do.” She found several ideas that she liked online and in stores, and we melded them into a cohesive “look” using the graphic design and photo editing programs on my computer.
When I was teaching in the late ‘70s and early-to-mid ‘80s, we didn’t have computers that created labels and artwork with the click of a mouse. We didn’t know about fonts and Adobe Photoshop® and color printers. I spent days and weeks coloring individual name tags and characters that I had printed out in black and white...outlining with a Sharpie® marker, then carefully cutting, pasting and laminating everything together. We thought our results looked pretty good, but compared to the slick pieces that are possible today, our classrooms were downright crafty!
I stopped by the school to see Natalie’s progress, and she showed me her wall display for color words. Each color word was printed on a card – in that particular color – and outlined in a matching polka-dot border. But there was a gap. She said, “I realized when I hung them that there was not a card for the color brown. I messaged the person who designed these, and she said that she doesn’t have a template for brown. So I am going to print a black and white copy and color it in...then cut and paste letters to make the word ‘brown’ for the center.” I stopped her...”I can do all of that on the computer.” Her eyes lit up. “You can?” “I’m pretty sure I can make that all work,” I told her. She sent me her file, and I was able to do in a matter of minutes what would have otherwise taken her hours...if not a whole day.
In recent years, I’ve thought about the things that my fellow teachers and I spent hours and days working on that are accomplished now with the click of a button. I have asked myself how we did it all...and the short answer is that we gave up our nights, weekends, holidays and summers to prepare classroom materials and displays for our students. It’s a wonder we found time to teach! And quite frankly, there were times when we were drowning in mountains of paper work and “busywork” that we barely made a dent in the primary goal of presenting lessons and reaching academic objectives!
As I read this scripture passage, I thought about this...and about how many times we go around in circles, somewhat chasing our tail as we try to accomplish things that we do not have the adequate tools or skills to undertake. Like teachers everywhere, we spend a lot of energy trying to figure out a “work-around” that will suffice...and often, we are more than a little disappointed with the results – if not downright wearied by them. And nowhere is this more evident than in our attempts to muddle through life on our own...to do the same things over and over while hoping for different outcomes. We often think we know so much more than we really do...or feel that our way is sufficient, if not better, than God’s. And this is when we make a huge mess of things.
It’s MORE than a good thing that God is so merciful and tender with us. We truly have no clue just how blessed we are that He sent Jesus to pay for our sins...once and for all. I love the sentence...”It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people.” This sums up Jesus beautifully. This description grasps the essence of His grace and mercy over us...and demonstrates His love for us. He made us perfect...unblemished...pure and whole...and we could never have done this on our own, no matter how long or hard we tried.
I’m grateful for our present-day technology – even the vast array that I do not fully understand! I love how computers can make things look so neat and pretty. I am even more appreciative of the love and tender care of Jesus...how His single sacrifice accomplished what I never could. Now I am heaven bound, fully forgiven for my sins, and free to love others in His name and share the Good News that this gift extends to them, as well! I know that the price He paid was anything but simple...far more than the click of a button! And I recognize the tremendous love and commitment that He demonstrated on my behalf.
When I sent back the file to Natalie with the “brown” color card, she responded, “You saved the day!” In the scheme of things, this was not a big deal on my part. I just happened to have experience in pressing buttons and “cutting and pasting” on some pretty amazing and powerful computer programs! But Jesus wiped the slate clean with His own blood on the cross...once and for all...and truly saved us from a life of sin and eternity in Hell. Have you let Him know how grateful you are for this amazing sacrifice? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 23, 2014
Ephesians 1:7-10
Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.
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.
Recently, I did an online search for some free sheet music for piano arrangements of hymns. The search results included a site that sounded perfect. So when I visited the actual website, I was disappointed to see that each piano arrangement had a “click here to purchase” button. Where was the “free” stuff? Then I noticed that there was a button to click for “free information” about piano arrangements of hymns. Deceptive advertising? Yes...but sadly, not all that uncommon. These days, you truly have to read the fine print...on virtually everything!
But here’s the GOOD NEWS...there is no “fine print” when it comes to Jesus. His blood paid for our sins on the cross...ALL.OF.THEM. Just like this scripture passage tells us, God thought of absolutely everything and sent Jesus to handle it all for us. There is nothing that was left undone...no plans are incomplete. God loves us so much that He accounted for everything.
This does not give us license to go on our merry way and do whatever we please, confident that Jesus has us, quite literally...covered! This actually adds to our responsibilities and duties. Such a Gift as our salvation and the promise of eternal life begs for our devotion and discipleship in return! But God knows us...He knows we are human – and therefore imperfect. We will have days when things simply do not go well for us...or anyone else in our line of fire! And on those days, God says, “It’s paid for...I’ve got this! Jesus has already paid the price in full. Now go...and do better tomorrow.”
Isn’t this wonderful news? Aren’t you grateful to God for such an amazing sacrifice in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ? Doesn’t the very thought of this make you love Him even more...and desire to worship and serve Him with every fiber of your being? Will you stop today and affirm your promise to honor Jesus in everything you say and do...to give Him the glory and the reverence that He is due...and to show your respect with every single word and gesture?
Not all “free gifts” are truly free...but Jesus’ gift of salvation most certainly is! Isn’t it time we held this in the highest regard? Wouldn’t today be a perfect time to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.
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.
Recently, I did an online search for some free sheet music for piano arrangements of hymns. The search results included a site that sounded perfect. So when I visited the actual website, I was disappointed to see that each piano arrangement had a “click here to purchase” button. Where was the “free” stuff? Then I noticed that there was a button to click for “free information” about piano arrangements of hymns. Deceptive advertising? Yes...but sadly, not all that uncommon. These days, you truly have to read the fine print...on virtually everything!
But here’s the GOOD NEWS...there is no “fine print” when it comes to Jesus. His blood paid for our sins on the cross...ALL.OF.THEM. Just like this scripture passage tells us, God thought of absolutely everything and sent Jesus to handle it all for us. There is nothing that was left undone...no plans are incomplete. God loves us so much that He accounted for everything.
This does not give us license to go on our merry way and do whatever we please, confident that Jesus has us, quite literally...covered! This actually adds to our responsibilities and duties. Such a Gift as our salvation and the promise of eternal life begs for our devotion and discipleship in return! But God knows us...He knows we are human – and therefore imperfect. We will have days when things simply do not go well for us...or anyone else in our line of fire! And on those days, God says, “It’s paid for...I’ve got this! Jesus has already paid the price in full. Now go...and do better tomorrow.”
Isn’t this wonderful news? Aren’t you grateful to God for such an amazing sacrifice in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ? Doesn’t the very thought of this make you love Him even more...and desire to worship and serve Him with every fiber of your being? Will you stop today and affirm your promise to honor Jesus in everything you say and do...to give Him the glory and the reverence that He is due...and to show your respect with every single word and gesture?
Not all “free gifts” are truly free...but Jesus’ gift of salvation most certainly is! Isn’t it time we held this in the highest regard? Wouldn’t today be a perfect time to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 22, 2014
Daniel 9:9
Lord God, you are merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against you
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I sat at the table today with our nephew, Nathan, trying to coax him to eat. “Those are strawberries...Yum! Yum!” He would look away and hide his face. “Mmmmmm...chocolate milk! It’s goooooooooooood!” He would push away the sippy cup. I know Nathan is moody at times...and just shy of his 2nd birthday, he is still figuring us out! So I pretended not to notice him. I quietly ate my lunch...turned on a television show...even got my laptop and started to check e-mail. Of course, I was watching him intently...and at times I felt him watching ME! If he noticed that I noticed him, he would retreat...put his goldfish and strawberries back in the bowl, and hide his face. It was a game...and I caught on pretty fast!
Over the course of about 30 minutes, Nathan discovered that the food I had given him was really tasty...and it all disappeared into his tummy. No matter how many times I told him how delicious it was...it had to be HIS idea. So I quickly decided to be gracious and merciful and ignore him...to play HIS game and forgive his stubbornness.
This is not just the game of a toddler. We do it all the time with God. He shows us what to do...and what not to do...and we try to do things our way. We essentially say, “Don’t look at me right now!” and pretend that if God does not acknowledge what we are doing (or not doing), it doesn’t count. Then when things fall apart, where do we run? You’ve got it...we head straight for God - and want Him to forgive us and restore us. And usually He does just that!
If you read the next few verses of Daniel 9, you will see, however, that God has His limits! While He will never turn His back on us completely, God may “hang us out to dry” a little. There may come a day when He says, “That’s it...I’ve been patient with you long enough. I told you “not to touch the hot stove” and you kept inching closer and closer, so you will just have to get burned a little to learn your lesson!” Or we ask and ask for things that God doesn’t seem to deliver, and we wonder why He is silent...only to realize that we have failed to do something He asked of us – or we have disobeyed Him repeatedly in some area. God is loving, compassionate, merciful and gracious...but He is also just and fair.
So for today, I have allowed Nathan the leeway to eat at his pace and to decide whether he was hungry. When he is older, I may have to INSIST that he eat his veggies or drink his milk. But I will always love him, just the same. And God loves us. He wants to snuggle us in His arms like we would a 2-year-old who is learning the ropes. But He also wants us to grow up and mature in our faith and our discipleship.
How patient has God been with you lately? Are there areas where He has been more than lenient? Are there other situations where you are probably testing the limits of His mercy? Isn’t it time you grew up in your faith and started listening to God a little more closely? Will God have to lose His patience with you before you truly “get it”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Lord God, you are merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against you
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I sat at the table today with our nephew, Nathan, trying to coax him to eat. “Those are strawberries...Yum! Yum!” He would look away and hide his face. “Mmmmmm...chocolate milk! It’s goooooooooooood!” He would push away the sippy cup. I know Nathan is moody at times...and just shy of his 2nd birthday, he is still figuring us out! So I pretended not to notice him. I quietly ate my lunch...turned on a television show...even got my laptop and started to check e-mail. Of course, I was watching him intently...and at times I felt him watching ME! If he noticed that I noticed him, he would retreat...put his goldfish and strawberries back in the bowl, and hide his face. It was a game...and I caught on pretty fast!
Over the course of about 30 minutes, Nathan discovered that the food I had given him was really tasty...and it all disappeared into his tummy. No matter how many times I told him how delicious it was...it had to be HIS idea. So I quickly decided to be gracious and merciful and ignore him...to play HIS game and forgive his stubbornness.
This is not just the game of a toddler. We do it all the time with God. He shows us what to do...and what not to do...and we try to do things our way. We essentially say, “Don’t look at me right now!” and pretend that if God does not acknowledge what we are doing (or not doing), it doesn’t count. Then when things fall apart, where do we run? You’ve got it...we head straight for God - and want Him to forgive us and restore us. And usually He does just that!
If you read the next few verses of Daniel 9, you will see, however, that God has His limits! While He will never turn His back on us completely, God may “hang us out to dry” a little. There may come a day when He says, “That’s it...I’ve been patient with you long enough. I told you “not to touch the hot stove” and you kept inching closer and closer, so you will just have to get burned a little to learn your lesson!” Or we ask and ask for things that God doesn’t seem to deliver, and we wonder why He is silent...only to realize that we have failed to do something He asked of us – or we have disobeyed Him repeatedly in some area. God is loving, compassionate, merciful and gracious...but He is also just and fair.
So for today, I have allowed Nathan the leeway to eat at his pace and to decide whether he was hungry. When he is older, I may have to INSIST that he eat his veggies or drink his milk. But I will always love him, just the same. And God loves us. He wants to snuggle us in His arms like we would a 2-year-old who is learning the ropes. But He also wants us to grow up and mature in our faith and our discipleship.
How patient has God been with you lately? Are there areas where He has been more than lenient? Are there other situations where you are probably testing the limits of His mercy? Isn’t it time you grew up in your faith and started listening to God a little more closely? Will God have to lose His patience with you before you truly “get it”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 20, 2014
Colossians 1:13-14
God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.
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 afternoon, we took Timothy to see his first movie at a theater...Planes: Fire & Rescue. We had given the children a DVD of the original “Planes” movie for Christmas. So when this sequel came to our local theater, we decided it was time to take a certain 5-year-old for a “real” movie experience! And he loved this animated Disney production.
The star of the movies is “Dusty Crophopper,” a former crop-dusting plane. According to the synopsis provided by Disney for http://IMDb.com ...”When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.”
There are many twists and turns in this 84-minute feature, including a scene where Dusty takes on more than he can handle and crashes into the river rapids...and must be rescued by Blade Ranger. To say that Dusty finds himself in a pit is an understatement. The mercy and compassion of his fellow rescue vehicle are called into play more than once. Let’s just say that while Dusty Crophopper has a good heart and the best of intentions, he seems to have a penchant for bravado...and biting off more than he can chew!
Doesn’t this describe most of us? Aren’t we prone to think we know more than we really do...or that we can tackle things on our own without the assistance of others? How many of us jump into situations with both feet...and consider the ramifications later? More importantly, who among us really stops to spend time in consultation with God about countless choices and decisions each day – both those that seem rather insignificant, and the ones that matter greatly?
Is it any wonder that we often find ourselves in dead-end alleys, dark dungeons, and pits of desperation? Isn’t it also a wonder that God continues to extend HIS grace and mercy – and to rescue us?
Don’t you think it is time that we learned from some of our mistakes and shortcomings? Shouldn’t we turn to the One who loves us so much that He has prepared a whole Kingdom for us? Would you be willing to offer grace, mercy, and rescue to those in your midst, just as surely as God rescues you? When will we realize that God has our back...and we really, really need Him?
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that all turns out well for Dusty Crophopper and his “friends”. But our lives are not an animated Disney movie! All can work out well for us, if we will recognize how Jesus has paid the price for our sins and shortcomings. It’s time to stop repeating the same mistakes and acknowledge that we need a hefty dose of His daily wisdom as much as His grace and mercy. Jesus is the ultimate “Rescue Hero”...have you made Him yours? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.
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 afternoon, we took Timothy to see his first movie at a theater...Planes: Fire & Rescue. We had given the children a DVD of the original “Planes” movie for Christmas. So when this sequel came to our local theater, we decided it was time to take a certain 5-year-old for a “real” movie experience! And he loved this animated Disney production.
The star of the movies is “Dusty Crophopper,” a former crop-dusting plane. According to the synopsis provided by Disney for http://IMDb.com ...”When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.”
There are many twists and turns in this 84-minute feature, including a scene where Dusty takes on more than he can handle and crashes into the river rapids...and must be rescued by Blade Ranger. To say that Dusty finds himself in a pit is an understatement. The mercy and compassion of his fellow rescue vehicle are called into play more than once. Let’s just say that while Dusty Crophopper has a good heart and the best of intentions, he seems to have a penchant for bravado...and biting off more than he can chew!
Doesn’t this describe most of us? Aren’t we prone to think we know more than we really do...or that we can tackle things on our own without the assistance of others? How many of us jump into situations with both feet...and consider the ramifications later? More importantly, who among us really stops to spend time in consultation with God about countless choices and decisions each day – both those that seem rather insignificant, and the ones that matter greatly?
Is it any wonder that we often find ourselves in dead-end alleys, dark dungeons, and pits of desperation? Isn’t it also a wonder that God continues to extend HIS grace and mercy – and to rescue us?
Don’t you think it is time that we learned from some of our mistakes and shortcomings? Shouldn’t we turn to the One who loves us so much that He has prepared a whole Kingdom for us? Would you be willing to offer grace, mercy, and rescue to those in your midst, just as surely as God rescues you? When will we realize that God has our back...and we really, really need Him?
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that all turns out well for Dusty Crophopper and his “friends”. But our lives are not an animated Disney movie! All can work out well for us, if we will recognize how Jesus has paid the price for our sins and shortcomings. It’s time to stop repeating the same mistakes and acknowledge that we need a hefty dose of His daily wisdom as much as His grace and mercy. Jesus is the ultimate “Rescue Hero”...have you made Him yours? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 16, 2014
2 Timothy 2:22-26
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
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.
Each night at Vacation Bible School (VBS), the leader talks to the children during the opening activities about our mission project. This year, we are collecting an offering to feed hungry families in Costa Rica. During the crafts class, we are coloring fabric tote bags that will hold food for distribution to these families. Our Costa Rica mission team will deliver these bags and distribute the food later this summer.
As leaders in countless VBS assemblies across the country probably do, ours has challenged the boys to out-give the girls in this mission fund raising. For the first two nights, the boys “out-gave” the girls by a margin of almost 2 to 1. Last night, the tables turned, and the girls donated almost twice as much as the boys. So our leader declared the girls the “winners”, and a shriek like only little girls can emit pierced the Family Life Center. Many of us - adults AND children - covered our ears in defense. And Timothy burst into tears.
“We’re LOSERS!” he cried. “She said the boys are LOSERS!” Big tears poured down his face as he buried his head in my lap. I tried to console him. I tried to explain that this was not what our leader meant. We are ALL winners because Jesus loves us, and we are doing a GOOD THING as we use our money to buy food for these hungry families. Timothy has been concerned for the Costa Rican children. Each night at VBS he has asked me about them…how will they manage without food (we’re going to feed them), aren’t they lonely and sad (no, they will be happy to get our bags filled with food, and they will know that someone loves them – that Jesus loves them). And now, he feels like a loser…a failure.
We’re working on this. I know that there will come a time when Timothy will understand that this is just a game. When he gets older, he will probably revel in this competition – and “beating” his sister at anything and everything! But for now, this little guy is truly disturbed to think that he and the other boys are “losers”. This breaks my heart…and opens my eyes.
As I read today’s scripture passage, I couldn’t help but replay this incident in my head. Where have we gotten involved in seemingly innocent conversations and activities that stir up trouble we didn’t ever imagine? Where have our thoughts and deeds been insensitive, sparked an argument, and truly been inane to begin with? In the case of our churches and money, it strikes me as rather curious that we tend to emphasize “giving” so much, while ministering to many people who barely have two nickels to rub together. We say we want the hungry, the homeless and the downtrodden to join us…to feel the love of Jesus in our midst. And then we tell them that they need them to “give until it hurts” - both figuratively and literally.
We “step on toes” in numerous ways…from promoting our own agendas to expounding on social and political views to gossip and discrimination of all kinds. Sometimes we don’t have a clue that we are doing this – or hurting someone else. Other times, I think we know it (at least a little bit)…and for some reason, we simply don’t seem to care. We go right ahead and do it anyway.
Last night when I took the children home, Timothy asked, “The boys will win tomorrow night…right?” I told him that honestly, I don’t know. But I reminded him that he is ALWAYS a winner…every single day…that in Jesus’ eyes, he can NEVER lose. I hope it was enough, should the little girls rally again tonight and pour on the pressure! But I know for sure that I will be more aware of the ways that I might be involved (even innocently) in controversies, judgments, words and actions that could be viewed as divisive or hurtful.
I will deliberately seek to operate in grace, mercy and compassion for others… to see things through their eyes…and to ask God to show me how to minister out of His abundance and mature righteousness. We can learn a lot from the tender heart of a 5-year-old. Maybe it’s time a lot of us returned to this perspective in our own lives and saw things a little more literally…with fewer gray areas. Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:14 that “God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.” Are you childlike in your faith and discipleship? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
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.
Each night at Vacation Bible School (VBS), the leader talks to the children during the opening activities about our mission project. This year, we are collecting an offering to feed hungry families in Costa Rica. During the crafts class, we are coloring fabric tote bags that will hold food for distribution to these families. Our Costa Rica mission team will deliver these bags and distribute the food later this summer.
As leaders in countless VBS assemblies across the country probably do, ours has challenged the boys to out-give the girls in this mission fund raising. For the first two nights, the boys “out-gave” the girls by a margin of almost 2 to 1. Last night, the tables turned, and the girls donated almost twice as much as the boys. So our leader declared the girls the “winners”, and a shriek like only little girls can emit pierced the Family Life Center. Many of us - adults AND children - covered our ears in defense. And Timothy burst into tears.
“We’re LOSERS!” he cried. “She said the boys are LOSERS!” Big tears poured down his face as he buried his head in my lap. I tried to console him. I tried to explain that this was not what our leader meant. We are ALL winners because Jesus loves us, and we are doing a GOOD THING as we use our money to buy food for these hungry families. Timothy has been concerned for the Costa Rican children. Each night at VBS he has asked me about them…how will they manage without food (we’re going to feed them), aren’t they lonely and sad (no, they will be happy to get our bags filled with food, and they will know that someone loves them – that Jesus loves them). And now, he feels like a loser…a failure.
We’re working on this. I know that there will come a time when Timothy will understand that this is just a game. When he gets older, he will probably revel in this competition – and “beating” his sister at anything and everything! But for now, this little guy is truly disturbed to think that he and the other boys are “losers”. This breaks my heart…and opens my eyes.
As I read today’s scripture passage, I couldn’t help but replay this incident in my head. Where have we gotten involved in seemingly innocent conversations and activities that stir up trouble we didn’t ever imagine? Where have our thoughts and deeds been insensitive, sparked an argument, and truly been inane to begin with? In the case of our churches and money, it strikes me as rather curious that we tend to emphasize “giving” so much, while ministering to many people who barely have two nickels to rub together. We say we want the hungry, the homeless and the downtrodden to join us…to feel the love of Jesus in our midst. And then we tell them that they need them to “give until it hurts” - both figuratively and literally.
We “step on toes” in numerous ways…from promoting our own agendas to expounding on social and political views to gossip and discrimination of all kinds. Sometimes we don’t have a clue that we are doing this – or hurting someone else. Other times, I think we know it (at least a little bit)…and for some reason, we simply don’t seem to care. We go right ahead and do it anyway.
Last night when I took the children home, Timothy asked, “The boys will win tomorrow night…right?” I told him that honestly, I don’t know. But I reminded him that he is ALWAYS a winner…every single day…that in Jesus’ eyes, he can NEVER lose. I hope it was enough, should the little girls rally again tonight and pour on the pressure! But I know for sure that I will be more aware of the ways that I might be involved (even innocently) in controversies, judgments, words and actions that could be viewed as divisive or hurtful.
I will deliberately seek to operate in grace, mercy and compassion for others… to see things through their eyes…and to ask God to show me how to minister out of His abundance and mature righteousness. We can learn a lot from the tender heart of a 5-year-old. Maybe it’s time a lot of us returned to this perspective in our own lives and saw things a little more literally…with fewer gray areas. Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:14 that “God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.” Are you childlike in your faith and discipleship? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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