John 10:14-18
“I am the Good Shepherd. I know my
own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows
me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing
myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in
addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too.
They’ll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one
Shepherd.
This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay
down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from
me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down;
I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority
personally from my Father.”
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.
It’s Valentine’s Day…the day
when expressions of love flow freely between almost all of us.
Flowers, candy, jewelry and more cards than can be counted are exchanged
between people of all ages. According to an article at Money.com, the
average amount many will spend on Valentine’s Day this year is nearly
$150. And the words written on Valentine cards run the gamut from the
silly to the sappy…but the general gist of most is that the recipient
has captured our hearts!
In this scripture passage, Jesus is
telling us that He has captured God’s heart…and God has captured His.
More than that…WE have captured His heart…and He wants to capture ours.
Jesus knows us intimately – and He wants us to know Him just as well.
Going one step further…Jesus wants us to share this love with others…to
develop a deep, abiding affection for others that mimics His love for
us. In this manner, we can demonstrate to them how much God loves us -
and create in them a desire to become part of the flock.
If God
sent us a Valentine, I imagine it might feature Jesus gathering His
flock of sheep, with Ephesians 3:18 written across the front…” And I ask
him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take
in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s
love.”
God wants us to be His …and to so clearly demonstrate to
the world how special this relationship is that others can’t help but
want to join in, also. His love is incredible and vast - and there is
room for all of us. This is GREAT NEWS!
1 John 4:19 reminds us
that…”First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.” Who do you
love…and how will you show it? Will you demonstrate your love for God
today…and will you share His love with others? You don’t have to spend
$150 to do this. There are countless ways to express your affection and
appreciation for God and others. Which ones will you choose today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valentine's Day. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 10, 2015
Deuteronomy 6:5
Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!
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.
In case you have been under a rock for the last few days, let me remind you that it’s almost Valentine’s Day! Everywhere you turn, there are ads and information about this holiday…encouragements to order your flowers early…suggestions for the best chocolates or that perfect gift for your special love. Valentine’s Day is the biggest holiday of the year for many children. Believe it or not, this holiday trumps Christmas! There is just something about all of those colorful little cards with sentiments of love and friendship that stirs a child’s heart and fills him/her with joy and excitement.
On the February 8th edition of CBS’s Sunday Morning, comedian Jim Gaffigan presented a monologue about Valentine’s Day and how we’ve made such a big deal about ONE DAY each year on which we show our love to others. He noted that we purchase cards with sentiments that we didn’t write and sign our names to them…we spend a lot of money on impractical things that we hope will adequately express to someone else how much we love and care for them. He scoffs at the significance we have placed on this holiday and humorously reminds us to learn to make EVERY day a Valentine’s Day – and to shower our “beloved” with continual affection and devotion.
A friend recently shared an essay on Facebook in which the writer suggested that prayer helps us develop a deeper understanding of what God is telling us in scripture. In other words, we become better able to “read between the lines”. And that is what I believe we can do with this verse from Deuteronomy 6.
When we love God with our whole heart – with all that is in us and all that we have – we increase our desire to be in His presence. As we grow in our love and affection for Him, we desire to be continually in His presence – much like when we fall in love with our mortal “beloveds”. As we strive to emulate the love of Christ to others, we become more aware of His constant companionship. So to connect the dots…if you develop a deep, abiding, loving relationship with God, you will more clearly feel His presence in your life each and every day. As you serve God and share Him with others, your “connection” to Him will strengthen.
When we make God our ultimate “Beloved”, every day is “Valentine’s Day”…and He is always with us. How deep is your love for God these days? Do you love Him with all you’ve got? Have you “sent God a Valentine” lately? Don’t you think you should?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got!
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.
In case you have been under a rock for the last few days, let me remind you that it’s almost Valentine’s Day! Everywhere you turn, there are ads and information about this holiday…encouragements to order your flowers early…suggestions for the best chocolates or that perfect gift for your special love. Valentine’s Day is the biggest holiday of the year for many children. Believe it or not, this holiday trumps Christmas! There is just something about all of those colorful little cards with sentiments of love and friendship that stirs a child’s heart and fills him/her with joy and excitement.
On the February 8th edition of CBS’s Sunday Morning, comedian Jim Gaffigan presented a monologue about Valentine’s Day and how we’ve made such a big deal about ONE DAY each year on which we show our love to others. He noted that we purchase cards with sentiments that we didn’t write and sign our names to them…we spend a lot of money on impractical things that we hope will adequately express to someone else how much we love and care for them. He scoffs at the significance we have placed on this holiday and humorously reminds us to learn to make EVERY day a Valentine’s Day – and to shower our “beloved” with continual affection and devotion.
A friend recently shared an essay on Facebook in which the writer suggested that prayer helps us develop a deeper understanding of what God is telling us in scripture. In other words, we become better able to “read between the lines”. And that is what I believe we can do with this verse from Deuteronomy 6.
When we love God with our whole heart – with all that is in us and all that we have – we increase our desire to be in His presence. As we grow in our love and affection for Him, we desire to be continually in His presence – much like when we fall in love with our mortal “beloveds”. As we strive to emulate the love of Christ to others, we become more aware of His constant companionship. So to connect the dots…if you develop a deep, abiding, loving relationship with God, you will more clearly feel His presence in your life each and every day. As you serve God and share Him with others, your “connection” to Him will strengthen.
When we make God our ultimate “Beloved”, every day is “Valentine’s Day”…and He is always with us. How deep is your love for God these days? Do you love Him with all you’ve got? Have you “sent God a Valentine” lately? Don’t you think you should?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 14, 2013
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Unless you’ve been in a coma, you know that today is Valentine’s Day… a day when we are supposed to shower others with love in the form of cards than range from “mushy and gooey” to downright silly, flowers, balloons, candy – especially chocolate – and other gifts. More than $4 billion will be spent on jewelry alone, according to an article at www.forbes.com. Overall, this will be an $18.6 billion dollar event! People will propose marriage – and others will actually tie the knot.
Tomorrow, baskets and bins in retail outlets throughout the world will be filled with discounted leftovers. The price of fresh roses and other flowers will go down - and let’s be honest…people will not be as tender and loving toward one another. It’s as if this one day of the year wields some sort of magical power over most of us. If someone purchases one of these items today to share with a loved one, is the love any less genuine? Can your February 14th gestures of love convey how you feel about others for the rest of the year?
I do not mean to belittle Valentine’s Day. I love sending Valentines to my little nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. I enjoy making heart-shaped treats for them and imagining their little faces when they get a surprise in the mail or on their doorstep. Although we long ago agreed to stop exchanging gifts and cards, it gives me great joy to leave love notes for my husband, or to make him a special holiday breakfast… or to share a celebratory lunch or dinner. But sending gifts and cards is relatively easy. In The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren reminds us that …”If you only serve when it’s convenient, you’re not a real servant.” It would follow that if you only love on Valentine’s Day, you very well may be only pretending to love others.
The challenge for all of us is to look around and figure out who – and how – we can love 365 days a year. Where can we show others the love of Jesus with genuine words and acts of affection and honor? How can we step out of our comfort zone in order to be obedient disciples of Christ? Is the love of Jesus Christ (and grace, mercy and forgiveness that His love encompasses) so profound in our own lives that we are ready and willing to drop everything to share it with someone else? What is so important in our own lives that we don’t have time to love another in the name of Jesus… and why do we think this requires gifts, cards, candy, or jewelry?
Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to think about love. This is a great time to examine our hearts and find any corners where our expressions of love might be less than authentic. Ask God to show you where you love others conveniently or give lip service instead of genuine care and concern. Let Him show you how to love others every day of the year… to extend to them the grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion that Jesus showers us with continually. Be a real servant and a true disciple. Make every day Valentine’s Day in Jesus’ name. Allow Jesus to use you for His glory… and get ready to be loved like mad in the bargain!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 15, 2011
Matthew 11:29-30
Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. For some, I’m sure this is a great relief. Not everyone enjoys Valentine’s Day. Movies have been made about it… there are “I Hate Valentine’s” parties, and more. I’ll admit, Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday… and not because I have no one with whom to share it.
As a teenager, I remember the contrast of how it felt to have a special someone to give you a Valentine’s gift – and how it felt when others got them and you didn’t have anyone. When my grandfather died… and again when my father-in-law passed… I felt badly on Valentine’s Day for my grandmother and mother-in-law. My grandfather was not one to send cards, candy and such, but he had his way of showing love for his Valentine. My father-in-law was the card and candy type of guy, and I am sure my mother-in-law received both on many Valentine’s Days.
The year before my dad died, he was very sick and unable to shop for anything for my mom. But he wanted to remember his Valentine. He asked me to “get something for Momma” for Valentine’s Day. I don’t remember everything I got her, but I do remember a book I found that contained copies of love letters that famous people had written throughout history. My mother is a writer and a lover of old books and history. This was perfect for her. I showed it to my dad, and he approved. It’s probably not something he would have chosen if he had done the shopping, but the whole idea was more about the gesture than the gift itself at this point.
You may be thinking, “This devo is really sad,” and in some ways, it is. But I’m telling you all of this to make a point. Not everyone has a “significant other” or even a grandma or great-aunt or uncle or friend to share a Valentine gift with them. But we all have Someone who loves us more than we can imagine, and HE can comfort us even on our saddest, loneliest day. Jesus was the Ultimate Valentine. He died on the cross for us long before we were ever even born… and He loves us more than anyone else ever can or will.
When we are lonely… when we have nobody on Valentine’s Day, the day after, or any other day… we still have Jesus, and nobody else truly matters. Jesus is more than enough. His yoke – what He asks of us – is easy compared to everything else. He will carry our burdens, sorrows and sadness. He will give us peace and joy in return. There may be a bump in the road once in awhile… and Valentine’s Day may still be a groaner for some… but with Jesus, everybody gets a Valentine… the very best One of all.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. For some, I’m sure this is a great relief. Not everyone enjoys Valentine’s Day. Movies have been made about it… there are “I Hate Valentine’s” parties, and more. I’ll admit, Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday… and not because I have no one with whom to share it.
As a teenager, I remember the contrast of how it felt to have a special someone to give you a Valentine’s gift – and how it felt when others got them and you didn’t have anyone. When my grandfather died… and again when my father-in-law passed… I felt badly on Valentine’s Day for my grandmother and mother-in-law. My grandfather was not one to send cards, candy and such, but he had his way of showing love for his Valentine. My father-in-law was the card and candy type of guy, and I am sure my mother-in-law received both on many Valentine’s Days.
The year before my dad died, he was very sick and unable to shop for anything for my mom. But he wanted to remember his Valentine. He asked me to “get something for Momma” for Valentine’s Day. I don’t remember everything I got her, but I do remember a book I found that contained copies of love letters that famous people had written throughout history. My mother is a writer and a lover of old books and history. This was perfect for her. I showed it to my dad, and he approved. It’s probably not something he would have chosen if he had done the shopping, but the whole idea was more about the gesture than the gift itself at this point.
You may be thinking, “This devo is really sad,” and in some ways, it is. But I’m telling you all of this to make a point. Not everyone has a “significant other” or even a grandma or great-aunt or uncle or friend to share a Valentine gift with them. But we all have Someone who loves us more than we can imagine, and HE can comfort us even on our saddest, loneliest day. Jesus was the Ultimate Valentine. He died on the cross for us long before we were ever even born… and He loves us more than anyone else ever can or will.
When we are lonely… when we have nobody on Valentine’s Day, the day after, or any other day… we still have Jesus, and nobody else truly matters. Jesus is more than enough. His yoke – what He asks of us – is easy compared to everything else. He will carry our burdens, sorrows and sadness. He will give us peace and joy in return. There may be a bump in the road once in awhile… and Valentine’s Day may still be a groaner for some… but with Jesus, everybody gets a Valentine… the very best One of all.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 14, 2011
Psalm 30
I will praise you, LORD! You saved me from the grave and kept my enemies from celebrating my death. I prayed to you, LORD God, and you healed me, saving me from death and the grave.
Your faithful people, LORD, will praise you with songs and honor your holy name. Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate.
I was carefree and thought, "I'll never be shaken!" You, LORD, were my friend, and you made me strong as a mighty mountain. But when you hid your face, I was crushed. I prayed to you, LORD, and in my prayer I said, "What good will it do you if I am in the grave? Once I have turned to dust, how can I praise you or tell how loyal you are? Have pity, LORD! Help!"
You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth. I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, my LORD and my God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I asked a friend if her three-year-old daughter was excited about Valentine’s Day, and she said her child really didn’t know that this holiday existed. I replied, “Just wait… she will.” When I was teaching kindergarten, Valentine’s Day was almost a bigger deal for the children than Christmas. There is something about getting all of those colorful little cards and candies that delights young children. And even more, perhaps, they enjoy sending their own Valentines… picking out just the right one, painstakingly writing their name on them… and for possibly the first time, expressing love to someone else in a public manner.
If we’re honest, children of all ages enjoy Valentine’s Day. And like any other holiday, Valentine’s Day can get out of hand. Gifts and plans become grander with each year. We hear, “What will you do to top this next year?” And somewhere along the line, the true intent of this holiday becomes lost in the hearts, flowers, candy and more. Jesus commanded us to love one another… and to love others as we love ourselves. Somehow, if He commanded us to do a really bang-up job of this on February 14th, I missed it! Every day is supposed to be like Valentine’s Day if we love with the heart of Christ.
More importantly, we race around sharing our love and appreciation for everyone on the planet… and the One who truly deserves our lavish attention often gets very little, if anything. This Psalm is a tremendous “Valentine” to our Heavenly Father. The verses express how deeply the psalmist loves and appreciates God and all that He has done for us. And this would make a wonderful Valentine for us to pray to God… to read and study as we spend time sitting and thanking Him for loving us so well.
You will probably find this corny, but I like to tell my husband that every day with him is Valentine’s Day for me. I am blessed to have a husband, family and friends who love me so well. I hope I am loving them well in return… but most importantly, I hope I am loving my Heavenly Father well. Truly every day in His presence is Valentine’s Day… and today is a good day for us to start showing – and telling Him - just how much we love Him. We can use Psalm 30 as a starting point… or we can create our own “Valentine” for Him.
How will you express your love to the One who has loved you like no other? He lavishes us with Valentines every single day… what sort of Valentine have you selected for Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I will praise you, LORD! You saved me from the grave and kept my enemies from celebrating my death. I prayed to you, LORD God, and you healed me, saving me from death and the grave.
Your faithful people, LORD, will praise you with songs and honor your holy name. Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate.
I was carefree and thought, "I'll never be shaken!" You, LORD, were my friend, and you made me strong as a mighty mountain. But when you hid your face, I was crushed. I prayed to you, LORD, and in my prayer I said, "What good will it do you if I am in the grave? Once I have turned to dust, how can I praise you or tell how loyal you are? Have pity, LORD! Help!"
You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth. I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, my LORD and my God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I asked a friend if her three-year-old daughter was excited about Valentine’s Day, and she said her child really didn’t know that this holiday existed. I replied, “Just wait… she will.” When I was teaching kindergarten, Valentine’s Day was almost a bigger deal for the children than Christmas. There is something about getting all of those colorful little cards and candies that delights young children. And even more, perhaps, they enjoy sending their own Valentines… picking out just the right one, painstakingly writing their name on them… and for possibly the first time, expressing love to someone else in a public manner.
If we’re honest, children of all ages enjoy Valentine’s Day. And like any other holiday, Valentine’s Day can get out of hand. Gifts and plans become grander with each year. We hear, “What will you do to top this next year?” And somewhere along the line, the true intent of this holiday becomes lost in the hearts, flowers, candy and more. Jesus commanded us to love one another… and to love others as we love ourselves. Somehow, if He commanded us to do a really bang-up job of this on February 14th, I missed it! Every day is supposed to be like Valentine’s Day if we love with the heart of Christ.
More importantly, we race around sharing our love and appreciation for everyone on the planet… and the One who truly deserves our lavish attention often gets very little, if anything. This Psalm is a tremendous “Valentine” to our Heavenly Father. The verses express how deeply the psalmist loves and appreciates God and all that He has done for us. And this would make a wonderful Valentine for us to pray to God… to read and study as we spend time sitting and thanking Him for loving us so well.
You will probably find this corny, but I like to tell my husband that every day with him is Valentine’s Day for me. I am blessed to have a husband, family and friends who love me so well. I hope I am loving them well in return… but most importantly, I hope I am loving my Heavenly Father well. Truly every day in His presence is Valentine’s Day… and today is a good day for us to start showing – and telling Him - just how much we love Him. We can use Psalm 30 as a starting point… or we can create our own “Valentine” for Him.
How will you express your love to the One who has loved you like no other? He lavishes us with Valentines every single day… what sort of Valentine have you selected for Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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