Malachi 2:4-5
I am telling you this, so I can continue to keep my agreement with your ancestor Levi. I blessed him with a full life, as I had promised, and he kept his part of the agreement by honoring me and respecting my name. He taught the truth and never told lies, and he led a lot of people to turn from sin, because he obeyed me and lived right.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently our church held a baptism at our city’s public beach. Ten children and youth and 2 adults were baptized. After the service, a friend approached us and began to share how she had been touched by this event. One of the young girls baptized was a member of her “small group”, and she explained that she loved her “girls” like her own daughters. She said (I’m paraphrasing here)…“We talk about everything. I have told them that I made my share of mistakes… and they will, too… and God will still love them.”
This is the message of today’s scripture passage. I went back to Genesis and Exodus and refreshed my memory about Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. In Genesis 34, we read how Levi and his brother Simeon sought revenge on the family of Shechem, who had raped their sister Dinah. The brothers killed Shechem and his family and pillaged their home and property… and Jacob was not pleased. In fact, he cursed Levi and Simeon for this. (Does this sound like “Real Housewives – or House Men – of the Bible?!”)
We also read in Exodus 32 how the people of Levi’s tribe (Levites) waited for Moses to bring the tablets with God’s commands down from Mt. Sinai. They did not worship the golden calf that had been created by Aaron and his followers. For this, God blessed the tribe of Levi. He didn’t promise them land, which was a common reward in that era. Instead, God promised them something far more valuable and enduring... God promised to scatter His love and care throughout the subsequent generations of Levi. He promised to bless their honor, respect and obedience with the gift of a full life in Him.
Remember, these were Old Testament writings. Jesus had not come to die on the cross. He was yet another of God’s gifts to those who are respectful, honest and obedient… those who trust in Him to meet their every need. I tell you all of this to reiterate what my friend said… we all make mistakes. We may not kill and loot an entire village of people… rob and steal, abuse animals and people alike, as Levi and Simeon did to Shechem’s family. But we will sin, just the same. And there is nothing we can do that God cannot forgive – if we are truly repentant and humble. There is nothing we can do to make God stop loving us!
The only way we could possibly make God turn His back on us would be to turn our backs on Him and renounce Him for good. Trust me… some have tried this for a while. They have wandered away from God for a season… maybe even claimed that God does not exist. But even these people can experience God’s love and blessings again… if only they will turn around and claim Him once more. This should give us all tremendous peace and comfort!
Someone needs this message today. Someone needs to know that God still loves them! One or more of us need to hear that God will take us back…set us upright…forgive us whatever it is we have done that seems so horrid and shameful… and bless us beyond anything we could ever imagine! All we have to do is turn to Him… give Him our honest, humble, obedient love and respect… acknowledge His son, Jesus Christ, as our savior…and earnestly ask for forgiveness. It truly is that simple.
Peace and restoration are just a prayer away. What are you waiting for?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label Gods blessings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gods blessings. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 31, 2012
Matthew 5:11-12
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a teenager, a mean-spirited girl gave me a nickname. It was supposed to be an acronym for something – although she would never tell me what the initials represented. All I knew is that others snickered and giggled when she told them what she meant by it… and I felt insulted. At a reception earlier this summer, I encountered someone I had not seen since high school, and he said, “Aren’t you XYZ (insert ugly nickname)?” I smiled and told him I had not thought about that name in years, but yes, he had recognized me.
The conversation was uncomfortable and brief. Old, unpleasant feelings were quickly dashed by the happiness of greeting friends who would never dare utter that name to me. We focused instead on remembering good times and celebrating where we are now and what is yet to come. God reminded me that I am so much more than a silly nickname. While I have not forgotten its sting – this slur does not define me.
My mother used to tell me, “People only pick on you because they like you.” She was trying to make me feel better and rise above insults and jabs made by my peers. Sorry, Mom… the truth is that people pick on others out of fear and their own insecurities. It’s hard to explain that to a kid… and nobody wants to see their child hurt or insulted by another. Just the thought that any of my nieces, nephews or little cousins might have to endure even one unkind moment breaks my heart. So imagine what this does to Jesus when HIS children are unloving toward each other!
I look at people who are hurling insults left and right these days, and I wonder what is so lacking in their own lives that they feel this is appropriate. I have to conclude that they are certainly not operating out of a spirit of grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness. They may hide behind the “Christian” label, but their actions are anything but Christ-like. I’ll be honest… I find myself asking, “What about the people who worship with me… are their thoughts and actions insulting and judgmental toward those who threaten them or their opinions in some manner? Do we as a body represent the unconditional love of Christ? If the person sitting next to me knew my true sentiments, would he/she hurl insults and mistreatment toward me?”
It’s not really a stretch to see how people become skeptical and guarded… and why a lot of folks avoid the church and those who claim to be Christians. What are we truly offering in the name of Jesus? And just as importantly, how are we reacting to insults and mistreatment launched in our direction?
Clearly, I hear God calling for me to relax… to step back and let Him have control. I feel God telling me to resist the temptation to react to insults… and most certainly to refrain from retaliation! I look at the nickname I bore through high school and see what little long-term effect it truly had on me… how God has blessed me and given me such a wonderful, abundant life. I trusted God to handle this for me, and He did. And we must encourage our children – and each other – to operate in the love and compassion of our Heavenly Father... and to rely on Him to bless us even as we are insulted and mistreated.
We must also use our own experiences with insults and mistreatment as a reminder of how to regard others. When we have any urge to offer an affront, use a slur against someone, or be openly critical or unkind, let’s stop and think about Jesus. Ask yourself, “Will my words or actions hurt another of Jesus’ children… and will His heart be broken? Will this really be worth my momentary ‘satisfaction’?”
We all need to take a step backward and remind ourselves WHO is really in charge. For whatever reason, too many of us have appointed ourselves as “judge and jury” on God’s behalf… a position He neither delegated to us nor sanctioned. We are called to operate in love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy - even when others mistreat and insult us - and to let the love of Jesus shine through. How we act – and react – will say all that is needed about our Christian faith. What are you saying these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a teenager, a mean-spirited girl gave me a nickname. It was supposed to be an acronym for something – although she would never tell me what the initials represented. All I knew is that others snickered and giggled when she told them what she meant by it… and I felt insulted. At a reception earlier this summer, I encountered someone I had not seen since high school, and he said, “Aren’t you XYZ (insert ugly nickname)?” I smiled and told him I had not thought about that name in years, but yes, he had recognized me.
The conversation was uncomfortable and brief. Old, unpleasant feelings were quickly dashed by the happiness of greeting friends who would never dare utter that name to me. We focused instead on remembering good times and celebrating where we are now and what is yet to come. God reminded me that I am so much more than a silly nickname. While I have not forgotten its sting – this slur does not define me.
My mother used to tell me, “People only pick on you because they like you.” She was trying to make me feel better and rise above insults and jabs made by my peers. Sorry, Mom… the truth is that people pick on others out of fear and their own insecurities. It’s hard to explain that to a kid… and nobody wants to see their child hurt or insulted by another. Just the thought that any of my nieces, nephews or little cousins might have to endure even one unkind moment breaks my heart. So imagine what this does to Jesus when HIS children are unloving toward each other!
I look at people who are hurling insults left and right these days, and I wonder what is so lacking in their own lives that they feel this is appropriate. I have to conclude that they are certainly not operating out of a spirit of grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness. They may hide behind the “Christian” label, but their actions are anything but Christ-like. I’ll be honest… I find myself asking, “What about the people who worship with me… are their thoughts and actions insulting and judgmental toward those who threaten them or their opinions in some manner? Do we as a body represent the unconditional love of Christ? If the person sitting next to me knew my true sentiments, would he/she hurl insults and mistreatment toward me?”
It’s not really a stretch to see how people become skeptical and guarded… and why a lot of folks avoid the church and those who claim to be Christians. What are we truly offering in the name of Jesus? And just as importantly, how are we reacting to insults and mistreatment launched in our direction?
Clearly, I hear God calling for me to relax… to step back and let Him have control. I feel God telling me to resist the temptation to react to insults… and most certainly to refrain from retaliation! I look at the nickname I bore through high school and see what little long-term effect it truly had on me… how God has blessed me and given me such a wonderful, abundant life. I trusted God to handle this for me, and He did. And we must encourage our children – and each other – to operate in the love and compassion of our Heavenly Father... and to rely on Him to bless us even as we are insulted and mistreated.
We must also use our own experiences with insults and mistreatment as a reminder of how to regard others. When we have any urge to offer an affront, use a slur against someone, or be openly critical or unkind, let’s stop and think about Jesus. Ask yourself, “Will my words or actions hurt another of Jesus’ children… and will His heart be broken? Will this really be worth my momentary ‘satisfaction’?”
We all need to take a step backward and remind ourselves WHO is really in charge. For whatever reason, too many of us have appointed ourselves as “judge and jury” on God’s behalf… a position He neither delegated to us nor sanctioned. We are called to operate in love, forgiveness, grace, and mercy - even when others mistreat and insult us - and to let the love of Jesus shine through. How we act – and react – will say all that is needed about our Christian faith. What are you saying these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 23, 2012
Hebrews 11:11
Even when Sarah was too old to have children, she had faith that God would do what he had promised, and she had a son.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was reading a story in Good Housekeeping magazine about a woman named Angie Hernandez, whose young adult son, Ryan, was in the end stages of kidney failure as a result of Goodpasture’s syndrome - a rare disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the lungs and kidneys. With hopes of receiving a kidney transplant dwindling, 23-year-old Ryan told his mother that he didn’t know how much longer he could hold out. He was tired and unsure he could live long enough to get the transplant.
If you know anything about kidney disease and dialysis, you understand the toll it takes on the patient – and family members and friends. The daily struggle just to stay alive can be physically and emotionally draining. It’s not hard to see how someone in this position would long for the peace and healing of heaven and an end to this earthly suffering… especially if that person is a believer in Christ and anticipates eternity in His presence.
Like any mother, Angie Hernandez was not ready to lose her son. A cousin had created a three-minute video montage of Ryan’s life, set it to music, and posted it on YouTube. Angie asked her Facebook friends to share the video on their Walls… and to solicit potential kidney donors in doing so. Amazingly, Angie’s half-sister, whom she had not seen in more than a decade, contacted the family and offered to help. Her kidney was a match! Today, Ryan has recovered, and the splintered family has reconnected… blessings have multiplied!
The slant of this article is how social media is helping in many arenas, like the solicitation of medical information and organ donors. The article does not discuss Christian faith… and I am left to assume that this mother surely must have prayed and believed for a miracle. I can’t imagine enduring something like this without a constant conversation with God… and faith in Him to keep His promises to handle all of our worries and cares.
My point in sharing this story is that this mother did not give up. Abraham’s elderly wife, Sarah, did not give up… and neither should we! When everything seems impossible… when we do not understand the “whys and wherefores” of a situation, God does… and He has promised to handle everything for us. Our job is to trust Him… to believe in Him… and to never give up!
Healing may not come on this earth, but it will come. Our answers may not be evident in this lifetime… but someday, we will have them. Even when we cannot see, hear, or feel God at work… He is still on the clock, meeting our every need. Don’t give up! Don’t stop believing in God’s promises… never underestimate His power in your life and the lives of others.
In The Message*, Hebrews 11:11-12 says, “By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. That's how it happened that from one man's dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions.” God may not give you millions of children, but He will meet your needs and fulfill His promises for your life. What do you believe God for today? Are you holding on and expecting Him to fulfill His promises? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
*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.
Even when Sarah was too old to have children, she had faith that God would do what he had promised, and she had a son.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was reading a story in Good Housekeeping magazine about a woman named Angie Hernandez, whose young adult son, Ryan, was in the end stages of kidney failure as a result of Goodpasture’s syndrome - a rare disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the lungs and kidneys. With hopes of receiving a kidney transplant dwindling, 23-year-old Ryan told his mother that he didn’t know how much longer he could hold out. He was tired and unsure he could live long enough to get the transplant.
If you know anything about kidney disease and dialysis, you understand the toll it takes on the patient – and family members and friends. The daily struggle just to stay alive can be physically and emotionally draining. It’s not hard to see how someone in this position would long for the peace and healing of heaven and an end to this earthly suffering… especially if that person is a believer in Christ and anticipates eternity in His presence.
Like any mother, Angie Hernandez was not ready to lose her son. A cousin had created a three-minute video montage of Ryan’s life, set it to music, and posted it on YouTube. Angie asked her Facebook friends to share the video on their Walls… and to solicit potential kidney donors in doing so. Amazingly, Angie’s half-sister, whom she had not seen in more than a decade, contacted the family and offered to help. Her kidney was a match! Today, Ryan has recovered, and the splintered family has reconnected… blessings have multiplied!
The slant of this article is how social media is helping in many arenas, like the solicitation of medical information and organ donors. The article does not discuss Christian faith… and I am left to assume that this mother surely must have prayed and believed for a miracle. I can’t imagine enduring something like this without a constant conversation with God… and faith in Him to keep His promises to handle all of our worries and cares.
My point in sharing this story is that this mother did not give up. Abraham’s elderly wife, Sarah, did not give up… and neither should we! When everything seems impossible… when we do not understand the “whys and wherefores” of a situation, God does… and He has promised to handle everything for us. Our job is to trust Him… to believe in Him… and to never give up!
Healing may not come on this earth, but it will come. Our answers may not be evident in this lifetime… but someday, we will have them. Even when we cannot see, hear, or feel God at work… He is still on the clock, meeting our every need. Don’t give up! Don’t stop believing in God’s promises… never underestimate His power in your life and the lives of others.
In The Message*, Hebrews 11:11-12 says, “By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. That's how it happened that from one man's dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions.” God may not give you millions of children, but He will meet your needs and fulfill His promises for your life. What do you believe God for today? Are you holding on and expecting Him to fulfill His promises? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
*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.
Daily Devotional for January 3, 2012
1 Chronicles 17:16-20
David went into the tent he had set up for the sacred chest. He sat there and prayed: LORD God, my family and I don't deserve what you have already done for us, and yet you have promised to do even more for my descendants. You are treating me as if I am a very important person. I am your servant, and you know my thoughts. What else can I say, except that you have honored me? It was your choice to do these wonderful things for me and to make these promises. No other god is like you, LORD--you alone are God. Everything we have heard about you is true.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine if someone came to you and said, “You are very important… so important that I am going to do wonderful things in your life and the lives of your family members – and even the lives of your unborn children. You will never want for anything. All of your needs will be met. I’m going to give you mansions and wealth and keep you safe and protected. You will never have to worry about another thing.” What would you think? Would you believe it? Supposed this came from someone you knew to be rich and famous – powerful – and able to easily afford to take care of you and your family. Would you believe it then?
Now imagine that God is telling you this… that He is promising to meet all of your needs, protect you from enemies, do wonderful things in your life and the lives of your family… and give you all mansions for all Eternity. Imagine that you are very important to God. Do you believe this?
The first scenario is pie in the sky. Oh, it might happen, but the odds are clearly not in your favor – and most likely there would be strings attached. But God has already been doing this for us… and you can take His promises all the way to the bank! Does this mean you never have to work another day? Absolutely not! God will see that your needs are met, but that probably means He will help you find a job to earn money and pay your bills. He will give you talents, skills and abilities that enable you to work and earn a living. He will keep you healthy – and heal you when you are ill. He may also allow you to struggle in order to keep you humble and faithful to Him.
Are there strings attached to the honor and blessings of God? Only one… God wants you to trust Him… to love Him… to serve Him wholeheartedly. In return, He pretty much gives us “the keys to the Kingdom.” I’ve never heard of anyone else who promises this. I don’t know any other gods who offer eternal mansions on streets paved with gold – and certainly no mere mortals who can deliver this! I haven’t heard about any other gods who can keep us safe and meet all of our needs every minute of the day. I don’t know any other gods who have chosen us for such blessings – and delivered them continually.
Truly, our God is an awesome God. Surely, He alone is God Almighty, and there is none other like Him. Have you recognized this? Have you thanked Him for loving you and honoring you with such great gifts? Have you given Him your heart and soul in return? Isn’t it about time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
David went into the tent he had set up for the sacred chest. He sat there and prayed: LORD God, my family and I don't deserve what you have already done for us, and yet you have promised to do even more for my descendants. You are treating me as if I am a very important person. I am your servant, and you know my thoughts. What else can I say, except that you have honored me? It was your choice to do these wonderful things for me and to make these promises. No other god is like you, LORD--you alone are God. Everything we have heard about you is true.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine if someone came to you and said, “You are very important… so important that I am going to do wonderful things in your life and the lives of your family members – and even the lives of your unborn children. You will never want for anything. All of your needs will be met. I’m going to give you mansions and wealth and keep you safe and protected. You will never have to worry about another thing.” What would you think? Would you believe it? Supposed this came from someone you knew to be rich and famous – powerful – and able to easily afford to take care of you and your family. Would you believe it then?
Now imagine that God is telling you this… that He is promising to meet all of your needs, protect you from enemies, do wonderful things in your life and the lives of your family… and give you all mansions for all Eternity. Imagine that you are very important to God. Do you believe this?
The first scenario is pie in the sky. Oh, it might happen, but the odds are clearly not in your favor – and most likely there would be strings attached. But God has already been doing this for us… and you can take His promises all the way to the bank! Does this mean you never have to work another day? Absolutely not! God will see that your needs are met, but that probably means He will help you find a job to earn money and pay your bills. He will give you talents, skills and abilities that enable you to work and earn a living. He will keep you healthy – and heal you when you are ill. He may also allow you to struggle in order to keep you humble and faithful to Him.
Are there strings attached to the honor and blessings of God? Only one… God wants you to trust Him… to love Him… to serve Him wholeheartedly. In return, He pretty much gives us “the keys to the Kingdom.” I’ve never heard of anyone else who promises this. I don’t know any other gods who offer eternal mansions on streets paved with gold – and certainly no mere mortals who can deliver this! I haven’t heard about any other gods who can keep us safe and meet all of our needs every minute of the day. I don’t know any other gods who have chosen us for such blessings – and delivered them continually.
Truly, our God is an awesome God. Surely, He alone is God Almighty, and there is none other like Him. Have you recognized this? Have you thanked Him for loving you and honoring you with such great gifts? Have you given Him your heart and soul in return? Isn’t it about time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 24, 2011
Psalm 138
With all my heart I praise you, LORD. In the presence of angels I sing your praises. I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before. When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage.
All kings on this earth have heard your promises, LORD, and they will praise you. You are so famous that they will sing about the things you have done. Though you are above us all, you care for humble people, and you keep a close watch on everyone who is proud.
I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. You, LORD, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don't give up on us now!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Since the first of this month, many have been posting a daily list on Facebook of things for which they are thankful. Truly we all have a lot to be thankful for every day of the year… and so much for which to sing praises to the LORD.
Today, many of us will pause to gather with family and friends, stuff ourselves silly with rich food and far too many calories, and spend the day watching football or movies, playing games, visiting, and participating in whatever activities are part of our Thanksgiving Day tradition. But let’s also take time to consider the words of this passage and give praise to God for all He does for us. Let’s thank Him for being true to His word, and giving us courage, love and faithfulness.
Let’s honor God for protecting us from our enemies and keeping us safe… and for never giving up on us. And let’s be sure to thank Him for sending Jesus to die for our sins, so that we will feast at His table in Heaven someday.
We don’t deserve the great love and care of our Almighty God… and this is what makes it so special. The beauty of our relationship with God is that He loves us unconditionally… freely… and in spite of ourselves. I pray that you will enjoy your Thanksgiving Day… and that you will find time to praise God for His unending blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!
©2011 Debbie Robus
With all my heart I praise you, LORD. In the presence of angels I sing your praises. I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before. When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage.
All kings on this earth have heard your promises, LORD, and they will praise you. You are so famous that they will sing about the things you have done. Though you are above us all, you care for humble people, and you keep a close watch on everyone who is proud.
I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. You, LORD, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don't give up on us now!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Since the first of this month, many have been posting a daily list on Facebook of things for which they are thankful. Truly we all have a lot to be thankful for every day of the year… and so much for which to sing praises to the LORD.
Today, many of us will pause to gather with family and friends, stuff ourselves silly with rich food and far too many calories, and spend the day watching football or movies, playing games, visiting, and participating in whatever activities are part of our Thanksgiving Day tradition. But let’s also take time to consider the words of this passage and give praise to God for all He does for us. Let’s thank Him for being true to His word, and giving us courage, love and faithfulness.
Let’s honor God for protecting us from our enemies and keeping us safe… and for never giving up on us. And let’s be sure to thank Him for sending Jesus to die for our sins, so that we will feast at His table in Heaven someday.
We don’t deserve the great love and care of our Almighty God… and this is what makes it so special. The beauty of our relationship with God is that He loves us unconditionally… freely… and in spite of ourselves. I pray that you will enjoy your Thanksgiving Day… and that you will find time to praise God for His unending blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 16, 2011
Psalm 128:1-2
The LORD will bless you if you respect him and obey his laws. Your fields will produce, and you will be happy and all will go well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was discussing child discipline with a group of friends recently, and I explained that I do not believe in spanking. I tried it early in my teaching career with lousy results. Once I began using a method called “assertive discipline” and stopped spanking, I virtually quit having any discipline problems in the classroom. Assertive discipline works that well and will work in any setting – school, home, Sunday School, and more! What is the secret to its success? Respect!
Rules are clearly taught at the beginning of the school year… as are consequences for breaking them. Everything is cut and dried. You break this rule… this happens. You break another, that happens… and so on. The consequences begin with a warning and progress to a more serious level. For my kindergarten students, these ranged from “time out” to losing a recess or other privileges, to calling parents. I think maybe I called three parents over the course of several years. The children knew the “laws” we learned together, and they obeyed them. They respected my authority to decide when a rule was broken and to administer the consequence.
There is another part of this discipline plan… and it is vital to the success of the overall program - rewards. Good behavior is rewarded, and the students learn that there is merit in their efforts beyond operating in fear of consequences. The respect is mutual. The teacher is respected as the authority figure, and the students are respected and rewarded for their obedience and cooperation.
Do you see where I’m headed with this? Because of the blood of Jesus, we don’t have to operate in fear, guilt and shame. We can serve obediently because we respect God… and because He respects us and rewards our efforts. We don’t serve and obey to get something… any more than God blesses us simply for our compliance. It’s a two-way street… and that is so cool!
We know what God asks of us… we know His laws. We also know the consequences of disobeying Him. But we may not fully understand how He stands ready to bless us when we show Him respect and submission to His authority. I promise, finding out what He has in store for us is worth it… are you willing to discover this for yourself?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD will bless you if you respect him and obey his laws. Your fields will produce, and you will be happy and all will go well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was discussing child discipline with a group of friends recently, and I explained that I do not believe in spanking. I tried it early in my teaching career with lousy results. Once I began using a method called “assertive discipline” and stopped spanking, I virtually quit having any discipline problems in the classroom. Assertive discipline works that well and will work in any setting – school, home, Sunday School, and more! What is the secret to its success? Respect!
Rules are clearly taught at the beginning of the school year… as are consequences for breaking them. Everything is cut and dried. You break this rule… this happens. You break another, that happens… and so on. The consequences begin with a warning and progress to a more serious level. For my kindergarten students, these ranged from “time out” to losing a recess or other privileges, to calling parents. I think maybe I called three parents over the course of several years. The children knew the “laws” we learned together, and they obeyed them. They respected my authority to decide when a rule was broken and to administer the consequence.
There is another part of this discipline plan… and it is vital to the success of the overall program - rewards. Good behavior is rewarded, and the students learn that there is merit in their efforts beyond operating in fear of consequences. The respect is mutual. The teacher is respected as the authority figure, and the students are respected and rewarded for their obedience and cooperation.
Do you see where I’m headed with this? Because of the blood of Jesus, we don’t have to operate in fear, guilt and shame. We can serve obediently because we respect God… and because He respects us and rewards our efforts. We don’t serve and obey to get something… any more than God blesses us simply for our compliance. It’s a two-way street… and that is so cool!
We know what God asks of us… we know His laws. We also know the consequences of disobeying Him. But we may not fully understand how He stands ready to bless us when we show Him respect and submission to His authority. I promise, finding out what He has in store for us is worth it… are you willing to discover this for yourself?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 14, 2011
Psalm 118:21-24
I praise the LORD for answering my prayers and saving me. The stone that the builders tossed aside has now become the most important stone. The LORD has done this, and it is amazing to us. This day belongs to the LORD! Let's celebrate and be glad today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning when I woke up, I saw sunlight streaming across a hickory tree in our back yard. Its leaves are turning a brilliant yellow in the cool air of fall. This is not the greatest tree in the world… it “forked” somewhere above our second story, and a recent strong wind blew the dead section out, leaving an even more off-balance looking tree standing on the bluff.
Still, dozens of squirrels feed on hickory nuts from this tree… evidence of their buffet covers the ground around the trunk. The tree still delights us with its brilliance in the fall – and shade in spring/summer. Flying squirrels still live in a hole in the side, and woodpeckers of several varieties enjoy feasting on bugs in the bark… and our suet cakes in the winter!
Others would probably declare this tree unimportant and in need of cutting. And someday, we very well may lose this tree… either to a strong wind, or we may decide it should not stand so close to our house in its weakened condition. But for now, the tree still has value to us – and to the little creatures that live on our bluff. It is still very much an “important stone” in our yard. And God showed me the beauty of this tree in the morning sunlight.
Later in the morning, we took a 30-mile drive to Searcy to shop, and I marveled at the beauty God is giving us with his “paintbrush,” in the form of brilliant red sumac, yellow goldenrod, lavender wildflowers, brilliant leaves in a variety of hues, and a bright blue sky with wispy white clouds to accent it all. I thought of how He cares as much about a tiny patch of goldenrod as He does for you and me… and how no stone is unimportant to Him. And I was humbled… and grateful.
When we feel discouraged… unsettled, disappointed, insignificant, misunderstood, disrespected, or even worthless… we must remember that we are still vitally important to God. We mean so much to Him that He sent His Son to save us… to ensure that we have a way to Him – and that He will always be there for us. And for this, we should be incredibly grateful and thankful.
Today, I am humbled by God’s love and care… and incredibly appreciative. I am taking extra time to stop and tell Him how much I love Him, and I encourage you to do the same. Let’s celebrate and be glad for all God does for us… and let’s be sure He knows how grateful we are!
©2011 Debbie Robus
I praise the LORD for answering my prayers and saving me. The stone that the builders tossed aside has now become the most important stone. The LORD has done this, and it is amazing to us. This day belongs to the LORD! Let's celebrate and be glad today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning when I woke up, I saw sunlight streaming across a hickory tree in our back yard. Its leaves are turning a brilliant yellow in the cool air of fall. This is not the greatest tree in the world… it “forked” somewhere above our second story, and a recent strong wind blew the dead section out, leaving an even more off-balance looking tree standing on the bluff.
Still, dozens of squirrels feed on hickory nuts from this tree… evidence of their buffet covers the ground around the trunk. The tree still delights us with its brilliance in the fall – and shade in spring/summer. Flying squirrels still live in a hole in the side, and woodpeckers of several varieties enjoy feasting on bugs in the bark… and our suet cakes in the winter!
Others would probably declare this tree unimportant and in need of cutting. And someday, we very well may lose this tree… either to a strong wind, or we may decide it should not stand so close to our house in its weakened condition. But for now, the tree still has value to us – and to the little creatures that live on our bluff. It is still very much an “important stone” in our yard. And God showed me the beauty of this tree in the morning sunlight.
Later in the morning, we took a 30-mile drive to Searcy to shop, and I marveled at the beauty God is giving us with his “paintbrush,” in the form of brilliant red sumac, yellow goldenrod, lavender wildflowers, brilliant leaves in a variety of hues, and a bright blue sky with wispy white clouds to accent it all. I thought of how He cares as much about a tiny patch of goldenrod as He does for you and me… and how no stone is unimportant to Him. And I was humbled… and grateful.
When we feel discouraged… unsettled, disappointed, insignificant, misunderstood, disrespected, or even worthless… we must remember that we are still vitally important to God. We mean so much to Him that He sent His Son to save us… to ensure that we have a way to Him – and that He will always be there for us. And for this, we should be incredibly grateful and thankful.
Today, I am humbled by God’s love and care… and incredibly appreciative. I am taking extra time to stop and tell Him how much I love Him, and I encourage you to do the same. Let’s celebrate and be glad for all God does for us… and let’s be sure He knows how grateful we are!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)