Ephesians 4:7, 11-13
However, Christ has given each of us special abilities—whatever he wants us to have out of his rich storehouse of gifts.
Some
of us have been given special ability as apostles; to others he has
given the gift of being able to preach well; some have special ability
in winning people to Christ, helping them to trust him as their Savior;
still others have a gift for caring for God’s people as a shepherd does
his sheep, leading and teaching them in the ways of God.
Why is
it that he gives us these special abilities to do certain things best?
It is that God’s people will be equipped to do better work for him,
building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength
and maturity; until finally we all believe alike about our salvation and
about our Savior, God’s Son, and all become full-grown in the Lord—yes,
to the point of being filled full with Christ.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
In recent days, a video
appeared on Facebook of a group of school-aged children who were
standing against the wall of a light-colored brick building. Someone
opened the spray nozzle on a water hose and totally soaked the children
as they stood completely still against the wall. When everyone moved
away from the wall, the outline of their little bodies remained…in a
variety of poses and positions that were perfectly captured as they
“froze” in place for this soaking.
You could almost “see” their
little personalities coming through…imagine what sort of child stood
where. Each was unique - and precious. You could also get a sense for
the group at large. The individuals made up a collective story…and it
was momentarily told on a wall of wet bricks.
I thought of this
video as I read these verses from Ephesians 4. We are all unique and
precious to God. He thinks enough of each of us to give us special
gifts…to entrust us with skills and abilities that will in some way
further His Kingdom. As the scripture points out, God does this to
build up His church. He knows that when we all “stand against the wall
together,” we make a unified picture of what it means to become
“full-grown in the Lord.”
If God were to line you up along a wall
with a group of your friends and family members and douse you, what
sort of image would emerge? What would others see…particularly
un-believers? Would the love of Jesus Christ shine through? Would
onlookers find an encourager…preacher…confidante…shepherd…leader and
teacher among those outlines? Would there be prayer
warriors…behind-the-scenes “worker bees”…and healers in the mix? Would
the spirit of grace, mercy, forgiveness, hope, peace and promise be
evident? Would each person be using his/her God-given gifts in the best
possible manner…including you?
God has given each of us gifts
that equip us to fulfill our role in His earthly mission. It is up to
you to figure out where you excel…and what God wants you to do.
How are well are you managing your gifts these days? If you moved away
from God’s “wall,” what would your lingering outline tell others about
your relationship with Him? Isn’t it time you knew?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label God's purpose for your life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's purpose for your life. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 1, 2016
Romans 13:4
Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.
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.
Things have certainly changed since I taught school in the years from 1977-1986. Now a “School Resource Officer” (SRO) is on duty every school day at our children’s elementary school and middle school.
Information on our city’s Police Department website states that:
Further explanation is given that the School Resource Officer…
What is not explained on the website is how this job is God-ordained. Yes, it is sad that we have come to a point where we feel we must have an armed police office on duty at our elementary schools, of all places. But I can tell you…thirty years ago, there were situations where I would have welcomed this presence! And I can also tell you that Officer Wildman, the policeman on duty at our elementary school, is amazing. The children adore him AND respect his authority. He can respond to an emergency situation in one hour…and crawl into the back of my car to buckle Timothy into his child safety seat in the next! And Timothy and his fellow students have tremendous respect for this man.
What does this have to do with you and me? I have done a lot of reflecting since my teaching “career” ended. Particularly as our little ones entered the school system, I have realized more profoundly just how significant the role of a teacher or other person of authority and influence is for children and young people. These are God-ordained positions. As a 20-something kindergarten teacher, I wish I had been more aware of this “mission” and sought God even more in my daily interactions with my students.
But here’s the thing…since those years, I have become more cognizant of God’s purpose for me in WHATEVER position I find myself. Even on the days when my main objective is to cook, clean and do our laundry…make Play-doh® characters with the kids...or spend an hour visiting with someone who needs a little encouragement or a friendly ear…I have learned to find God’s purpose – and to recognize that HE put me here at this moment!
This is what I want us to think about today. God put each of us here for a reason. Whatever He has called you to do…from spouse/parent/housekeeper/caregiver to police officer/teacher/nurse/physician/public leader – and everything in between – He has ordained you to do your best. If you are a student, God has a plan for your future, as well. God has called on us to trust Him and His plans…and to recognize His presence in them. We must carry out our “mission” to the best of our ability – and respect the “calling” of others.
Whatever you do this day, ask God to fully equip you to give it your best. Live responsibly…not because it keeps you out of trouble – but because it pleases God. And isn’t that the ultimate goal?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.
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.
Things have certainly changed since I taught school in the years from 1977-1986. Now a “School Resource Officer” (SRO) is on duty every school day at our children’s elementary school and middle school.
Information on our city’s Police Department website states that:
“SROs work closely with administrators in an effort to create a safer environment for both students and staff. The responsibilities of SROs are similar to regular police officers in that they have the ability to make arrests, respond to calls for service, and document incidents that occur within their jurisdiction. School resource officers typically have additional duties to include mentoring and conducting presentations on youth-related issues. School resource officers play an integral role in the public school system and have had many positive impacts on the students that they are involved with.”
Further explanation is given that the School Resource Officer…
- "’humanizes’ the police; that is, young people can begin to relate to officers as people
- permits students to see officers in a helping role, not just an enforcement role
- opens lines of communication between law enforcement and youth
- opens dialogue between the school, law enforcement and parents to deal with other issues”
What is not explained on the website is how this job is God-ordained. Yes, it is sad that we have come to a point where we feel we must have an armed police office on duty at our elementary schools, of all places. But I can tell you…thirty years ago, there were situations where I would have welcomed this presence! And I can also tell you that Officer Wildman, the policeman on duty at our elementary school, is amazing. The children adore him AND respect his authority. He can respond to an emergency situation in one hour…and crawl into the back of my car to buckle Timothy into his child safety seat in the next! And Timothy and his fellow students have tremendous respect for this man.
What does this have to do with you and me? I have done a lot of reflecting since my teaching “career” ended. Particularly as our little ones entered the school system, I have realized more profoundly just how significant the role of a teacher or other person of authority and influence is for children and young people. These are God-ordained positions. As a 20-something kindergarten teacher, I wish I had been more aware of this “mission” and sought God even more in my daily interactions with my students.
But here’s the thing…since those years, I have become more cognizant of God’s purpose for me in WHATEVER position I find myself. Even on the days when my main objective is to cook, clean and do our laundry…make Play-doh® characters with the kids...or spend an hour visiting with someone who needs a little encouragement or a friendly ear…I have learned to find God’s purpose – and to recognize that HE put me here at this moment!
This is what I want us to think about today. God put each of us here for a reason. Whatever He has called you to do…from spouse/parent/housekeeper/caregiver to police officer/teacher/nurse/physician/public leader – and everything in between – He has ordained you to do your best. If you are a student, God has a plan for your future, as well. God has called on us to trust Him and His plans…and to recognize His presence in them. We must carry out our “mission” to the best of our ability – and respect the “calling” of others.
Whatever you do this day, ask God to fully equip you to give it your best. Live responsibly…not because it keeps you out of trouble – but because it pleases God. And isn’t that the ultimate goal?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 4, 2015
John 17:1-5
When Jesus had finished saying all these things he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Reveal the glory of your Son so that he can give the glory back to you. For you have given him authority over every man and woman in all the earth. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—by knowing you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth! I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to. And now, Father, reveal my glory as I stand in your presence, the glory we shared before the world began.
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 Mam-ma Polly used to say, “I don’t know why I’m living so long.” I would remind her that God had work for her to do – and when that work was finished, He would have her “room” ready. We agreed that her “purpose” might not be clear a lot of the time…especially as her physical body declined and she lost her ability to speak. But she could still smile…she could still pray…she could demonstrate a spirit of courage, determination, and perseverance. She could still represent God to countless people in her midst…and she did so to her dying breath.
As I look back through prayer journals, I see numerous entries where I asked God, “Can’t she come Home yet?” I always added that I wanted HIS will in this…not mine. But haven’t you known of people and situations where you asked God, “Why are they still here? What is the point of their suffering and hardship?” And in this passage, we are able to get a handle on the answer.
God sends each of us to earth for a purpose…much like He sent Jesus. When our work on His behalf is done, He will call us Home. If we have given our heart to Jesus, this will mean Eternity in Heaven. Meanwhile, God is with us. We are His vessels on earth for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ – for demonstrating love, grace, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, acceptance, humility, courage and encouragement…and so much more.
Until God determines that our “work” is done…that we have fulfilled our purpose…He will keep us here. I also believe that God gives unbelievers every chance to turn to Jesus and fulfill their purpose…that He is present and patient with ALL of us…to a point. Let’s be honest…no one has ever suffered more on this earth than Jesus did. Understanding that God is with us through everything – and that He has a perfect plan and timetable for each of us – has helped me to answer the question, “Why is he/she living so long – or suffering so much?” Understand that God does not cause the suffering and hardships…but He sometimes allows them for a greater outcome…and He NEVER leaves us – not even for a single minute.
Search your heart this day and see if you understand your purpose…the “What on earth am I hear for?” question. Ask yourself, “Am I aware of God’s presence in my life in every circumstance…and am I busy doing the work He designed for me?” When we learn to surrender to God’s “rhythms and reasons”, we truly begin to give the glory back to Him – and to prepare for our Heavenly destination. Do you feel God’s presence today? Are you patiently “doing the work” He has set out for you? Isn’t it time you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
When Jesus had finished saying all these things he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time has come. Reveal the glory of your Son so that he can give the glory back to you. For you have given him authority over every man and woman in all the earth. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—by knowing you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth! I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to. And now, Father, reveal my glory as I stand in your presence, the glory we shared before the world began.
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 Mam-ma Polly used to say, “I don’t know why I’m living so long.” I would remind her that God had work for her to do – and when that work was finished, He would have her “room” ready. We agreed that her “purpose” might not be clear a lot of the time…especially as her physical body declined and she lost her ability to speak. But she could still smile…she could still pray…she could demonstrate a spirit of courage, determination, and perseverance. She could still represent God to countless people in her midst…and she did so to her dying breath.
As I look back through prayer journals, I see numerous entries where I asked God, “Can’t she come Home yet?” I always added that I wanted HIS will in this…not mine. But haven’t you known of people and situations where you asked God, “Why are they still here? What is the point of their suffering and hardship?” And in this passage, we are able to get a handle on the answer.
God sends each of us to earth for a purpose…much like He sent Jesus. When our work on His behalf is done, He will call us Home. If we have given our heart to Jesus, this will mean Eternity in Heaven. Meanwhile, God is with us. We are His vessels on earth for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ – for demonstrating love, grace, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, acceptance, humility, courage and encouragement…and so much more.
Until God determines that our “work” is done…that we have fulfilled our purpose…He will keep us here. I also believe that God gives unbelievers every chance to turn to Jesus and fulfill their purpose…that He is present and patient with ALL of us…to a point. Let’s be honest…no one has ever suffered more on this earth than Jesus did. Understanding that God is with us through everything – and that He has a perfect plan and timetable for each of us – has helped me to answer the question, “Why is he/she living so long – or suffering so much?” Understand that God does not cause the suffering and hardships…but He sometimes allows them for a greater outcome…and He NEVER leaves us – not even for a single minute.
Search your heart this day and see if you understand your purpose…the “What on earth am I hear for?” question. Ask yourself, “Am I aware of God’s presence in my life in every circumstance…and am I busy doing the work He designed for me?” When we learn to surrender to God’s “rhythms and reasons”, we truly begin to give the glory back to Him – and to prepare for our Heavenly destination. Do you feel God’s presence today? Are you patiently “doing the work” He has set out for you? Isn’t it time you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 12, 2011
Mark 14:71-72
Now Peter got really nervous and swore, "I never laid eyes on this man you're talking about." Just then the rooster crowed a second time. Peter remembered how Jesus had said, "Before a rooster crows twice, you'll deny me three times." He collapsed in tears.
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 read this passage dozens – maybe even hundreds – of times. But when I read it again recently, I was struck by these two verses. Jesus had told Peter that he would deny knowing Him. “Nope, I won’t! Never gonna happen!” Peter had replied (paraphrased, of course!). Peter thought he was strong. He thought he had incredible faith and devotion, and that nothing – and no one – could make him waiver. But when trouble came and he feared for his own life, he caved and did the very thing he didn’t intend to ever do.
Aren’t we all so much like Peter? We have these grandiose plans and intentions for being such pious little saints and servants. But we underestimate the skill of our opponent – the devil! He can twist the knife and turn us in ways we never intended to bend… and the next thing you know, we are saying and doing things we never thought we would or could. And we, like Peter, have been warned!
If we read the first few chapters of the Book of Acts, we see that Peter became one of the strongest leaders among the disciples of Christ. He was heartsick over his denial of Jesus, but Jesus forgave him, and He picked Peter up by the bootstraps and used him mightily to spread the Gospel. And this is the lesson for us. We all make mistakes. We all fall short – and maybe even do seemingly horrible things. But Jesus has the power to wash us clean of all of that, set us on our feet, and use us in His service. And that’s exactly what we must do!
If Peter had chosen to wallow in self-pity and go over and over his mistakes, he would have been of no use to Jesus. In essence, he would have stomped all over the salvation that Christ gave to Him – and to us. We have a choice. We can wallow in our past… our sins and our mistakes… or we can ask Jesus to heal us and forgive us – set us upright again – and learn from our experiences. We can use the past to create a better future in Christ… and to build even stronger relationships with others in His name.
What will you choose? Will you build your legacy on the sins of your past? Will you stay stuck in the mud and mire of your mistakes? Or will you step up and ask Jesus to work in you and use you – not because of your purity, but in spite of your brokenness? Take a cue from Peter. Realize that God has a purpose for you – and He is waiting for you to recognize this and get on with it! What do you say?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Now Peter got really nervous and swore, "I never laid eyes on this man you're talking about." Just then the rooster crowed a second time. Peter remembered how Jesus had said, "Before a rooster crows twice, you'll deny me three times." He collapsed in tears.
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 read this passage dozens – maybe even hundreds – of times. But when I read it again recently, I was struck by these two verses. Jesus had told Peter that he would deny knowing Him. “Nope, I won’t! Never gonna happen!” Peter had replied (paraphrased, of course!). Peter thought he was strong. He thought he had incredible faith and devotion, and that nothing – and no one – could make him waiver. But when trouble came and he feared for his own life, he caved and did the very thing he didn’t intend to ever do.
Aren’t we all so much like Peter? We have these grandiose plans and intentions for being such pious little saints and servants. But we underestimate the skill of our opponent – the devil! He can twist the knife and turn us in ways we never intended to bend… and the next thing you know, we are saying and doing things we never thought we would or could. And we, like Peter, have been warned!
If we read the first few chapters of the Book of Acts, we see that Peter became one of the strongest leaders among the disciples of Christ. He was heartsick over his denial of Jesus, but Jesus forgave him, and He picked Peter up by the bootstraps and used him mightily to spread the Gospel. And this is the lesson for us. We all make mistakes. We all fall short – and maybe even do seemingly horrible things. But Jesus has the power to wash us clean of all of that, set us on our feet, and use us in His service. And that’s exactly what we must do!
If Peter had chosen to wallow in self-pity and go over and over his mistakes, he would have been of no use to Jesus. In essence, he would have stomped all over the salvation that Christ gave to Him – and to us. We have a choice. We can wallow in our past… our sins and our mistakes… or we can ask Jesus to heal us and forgive us – set us upright again – and learn from our experiences. We can use the past to create a better future in Christ… and to build even stronger relationships with others in His name.
What will you choose? Will you build your legacy on the sins of your past? Will you stay stuck in the mud and mire of your mistakes? Or will you step up and ask Jesus to work in you and use you – not because of your purity, but in spite of your brokenness? Take a cue from Peter. Realize that God has a purpose for you – and He is waiting for you to recognize this and get on with it! What do you say?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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