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
Showing posts with label asking God to forgive our sins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asking God to forgive our sins. Show all posts
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 19, 2014
Mark 11:22-25
Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
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 watch so many cooking shows and competitions on cable television that I should be a Le Cordon Bleu chef by now! Often, in the “heat” of the competition, a contestant will forget something really important...like turning the water on to boil soon enough or getting the oven hot enough – or adding salt and seasoning. As a result, the dish is just not what it should be. Oh, “it’ll eat,” as we like to say in the South...but cakes and breads are a little mushy in the center sometimes...and savory dishes (do you like my “foodie” term there?!) are simply bland. A single step could have made such a huge difference in the end result.
In our spiritual lives, we often operate like the cooks in these competitions. We get so caught up in ourselves and what God will do for us and through us that we miss a step here and there...and this can make all the difference. When we leave out forgiveness and mercy for others, Jesus still forgives our sins. His Holy Spirit still guides our steps – and yes, He can still move mountains for us. But He expects us to “get all of our ducks in a row” first. It’s something akin to telling a child, “You can have ice cream...but you have to finish your dinner first.” We can have God’s “good stuff”...but we have to do what He asks and operate as He would beforehand.
We would never dream of God not forgiving us when we ask Him. We cannot imagine a God who doesn’t love us wholeheartedly. We SAY that we believe in a God who moves mountains...with whom all things are possible. And then we tie His hands by acting in a “do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do” manner. How can we expect God to forgive – and work on our behalf – when we are unwilling to do the same toward others? Where is your “bump in the road” today? Who needs the “salt and seasoning” of your mercy and forgiveness?
When you think of your life as your “best dish” served up for God...what is missing? Are you giving – and getting – the best results in your daily living, as a result of total obedience in your faith? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
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 watch so many cooking shows and competitions on cable television that I should be a Le Cordon Bleu chef by now! Often, in the “heat” of the competition, a contestant will forget something really important...like turning the water on to boil soon enough or getting the oven hot enough – or adding salt and seasoning. As a result, the dish is just not what it should be. Oh, “it’ll eat,” as we like to say in the South...but cakes and breads are a little mushy in the center sometimes...and savory dishes (do you like my “foodie” term there?!) are simply bland. A single step could have made such a huge difference in the end result.
In our spiritual lives, we often operate like the cooks in these competitions. We get so caught up in ourselves and what God will do for us and through us that we miss a step here and there...and this can make all the difference. When we leave out forgiveness and mercy for others, Jesus still forgives our sins. His Holy Spirit still guides our steps – and yes, He can still move mountains for us. But He expects us to “get all of our ducks in a row” first. It’s something akin to telling a child, “You can have ice cream...but you have to finish your dinner first.” We can have God’s “good stuff”...but we have to do what He asks and operate as He would beforehand.
We would never dream of God not forgiving us when we ask Him. We cannot imagine a God who doesn’t love us wholeheartedly. We SAY that we believe in a God who moves mountains...with whom all things are possible. And then we tie His hands by acting in a “do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do” manner. How can we expect God to forgive – and work on our behalf – when we are unwilling to do the same toward others? Where is your “bump in the road” today? Who needs the “salt and seasoning” of your mercy and forgiveness?
When you think of your life as your “best dish” served up for God...what is missing? Are you giving – and getting – the best results in your daily living, as a result of total obedience in your faith? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 23, 2014
1 Peter 1:3
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Marla was telling me how frazzled her daughter Molly is these days. Molly is the working, single mother of three children…and they are all going in different directions. She has been driving her oldest son to a night-time “band camp” this week to prepare for his entry into high school band next fall. The two younger children are involved in gymnastics classes. Marla said that when she visited recently, Molly’s kitchen table was littered with applications for a number of summer camps. She said, “It’s all about to drive Molly crazy!” And many of you can relate.
Even if you don’t have three children and a job, you may have a “to-do” list that seems insurmountable. I can remember days when I worked full-time and was so frazzled and exhausted by all that I had to accomplish that I woke up thinking, “If I can get through this day, in 10-12 hours, I can go back to bed!” Does this sound familiar?
What if our spiritual life was like this? In the Old Testament, we read about making blood sacrifices for our sins. If you think people in Biblical times had it easier, think again! They didn’t have cars, microwaves, smart phones, computers, or even running water (at least your average Joe didn’t!). So in addition to toting water…hunting and killing – or growing – their food…gathering fire wood…protecting their property and their physical body from the elements, predators and enemies… and even the logistics of getting from Point A to Point B…they had to select the purest lambs, carry them to the high priest, confess their sins, then kill the lamb with a knife and spill its blood in atonement! Whew! Makes me tired just to type all of this!
I’m thankful for all of our modern conveniences. But I am even more thankful for the blood of Jesus that bought and paid for my sins - once and for all. Now understand, this is not a “given”…we cannot just assume that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and go on with our merry lives. We must humbly confess before God that we are sinners. We must ask for His forgiveness. We must request the gift of eternal life by the blood of Jesus. THEN He will bestow it! And we’re not done…we still have obligations. We must be good stewards of our gift of Salvation in Jesus.
We have to live in a way that honors this gift and truly demonstrates our desire and efforts to enjoy a life free of sin. But “resting in the LORD” is so much more peaceful and soothing than constantly worrying and examining your life and rushing to a priest with a living sacrifice. Even more importantly, once we confess our sins and vow to follow Jesus, we are free of the “after-burden” of our sins. We don’t have to carry the added weight of picturing a precious lamb suffering, quite literally, under the knife of our transgressions…and the knowledge that we will have to repeat this act over and over and over throughout our lives.
Acceptance of Jesus’ gift of salvation allows us to rest in His love and to concentrate our time and energy on other things…like serving Him and loving others – and enjoying the new life that He has given us! Our new life in Christ won’t take all of the tasks off of our “to-do” list. We will still have jobs, spouses, kids, family obligations, civic duties, and ministries to tend. But we will not have the heavy burden of sin looming over our heads. I don’t know about you, but for me, this is HUGE!
Summer is a time when we often think of a slower, more relaxed pace…afternoons lounging in a porch swing or hammock…sunny days spent playing in the water…the fun and camaraderie of a baseball game…camps and vacations…and so much more. Let this summer be the one that you leave behind the burden of sin. Truly humble yourself and ask Jesus to forgive you…to wash you in the blood of His sacrifice…and be done with it, once and for all! Rest in His hope; relax in His peace. See if this doesn’t make your crazy “to-do” list just a little more tolerable. Aren’t you ready to “rest in the LORD”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Marla was telling me how frazzled her daughter Molly is these days. Molly is the working, single mother of three children…and they are all going in different directions. She has been driving her oldest son to a night-time “band camp” this week to prepare for his entry into high school band next fall. The two younger children are involved in gymnastics classes. Marla said that when she visited recently, Molly’s kitchen table was littered with applications for a number of summer camps. She said, “It’s all about to drive Molly crazy!” And many of you can relate.
Even if you don’t have three children and a job, you may have a “to-do” list that seems insurmountable. I can remember days when I worked full-time and was so frazzled and exhausted by all that I had to accomplish that I woke up thinking, “If I can get through this day, in 10-12 hours, I can go back to bed!” Does this sound familiar?
What if our spiritual life was like this? In the Old Testament, we read about making blood sacrifices for our sins. If you think people in Biblical times had it easier, think again! They didn’t have cars, microwaves, smart phones, computers, or even running water (at least your average Joe didn’t!). So in addition to toting water…hunting and killing – or growing – their food…gathering fire wood…protecting their property and their physical body from the elements, predators and enemies… and even the logistics of getting from Point A to Point B…they had to select the purest lambs, carry them to the high priest, confess their sins, then kill the lamb with a knife and spill its blood in atonement! Whew! Makes me tired just to type all of this!
I’m thankful for all of our modern conveniences. But I am even more thankful for the blood of Jesus that bought and paid for my sins - once and for all. Now understand, this is not a “given”…we cannot just assume that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and go on with our merry lives. We must humbly confess before God that we are sinners. We must ask for His forgiveness. We must request the gift of eternal life by the blood of Jesus. THEN He will bestow it! And we’re not done…we still have obligations. We must be good stewards of our gift of Salvation in Jesus.
We have to live in a way that honors this gift and truly demonstrates our desire and efforts to enjoy a life free of sin. But “resting in the LORD” is so much more peaceful and soothing than constantly worrying and examining your life and rushing to a priest with a living sacrifice. Even more importantly, once we confess our sins and vow to follow Jesus, we are free of the “after-burden” of our sins. We don’t have to carry the added weight of picturing a precious lamb suffering, quite literally, under the knife of our transgressions…and the knowledge that we will have to repeat this act over and over and over throughout our lives.
Acceptance of Jesus’ gift of salvation allows us to rest in His love and to concentrate our time and energy on other things…like serving Him and loving others – and enjoying the new life that He has given us! Our new life in Christ won’t take all of the tasks off of our “to-do” list. We will still have jobs, spouses, kids, family obligations, civic duties, and ministries to tend. But we will not have the heavy burden of sin looming over our heads. I don’t know about you, but for me, this is HUGE!
Summer is a time when we often think of a slower, more relaxed pace…afternoons lounging in a porch swing or hammock…sunny days spent playing in the water…the fun and camaraderie of a baseball game…camps and vacations…and so much more. Let this summer be the one that you leave behind the burden of sin. Truly humble yourself and ask Jesus to forgive you…to wash you in the blood of His sacrifice…and be done with it, once and for all! Rest in His hope; relax in His peace. See if this doesn’t make your crazy “to-do” list just a little more tolerable. Aren’t you ready to “rest in the LORD”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 28, 2014
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Attending a high school basketball game can be akin to looking at humanity in a fishbowl! You have two teams fighting for the same victory. Then you have the parents, friends, relatives and casual observers who care about the outcome to varying degrees. On the teams themselves, you have players representing several age groups…from freshmen and sophomores who are relatively “green”…to the seniors who are playing their last season and laying it all on the line. In the case of a district tournament we recently attended, the outcome of the games signaled not only the end of the season for some…but also the end of a “career” for many who will not be moving on to play ball at the college level.
So as we sat and cheered our senior girls’ team to victory, I watched the players on the opposing team see their hopes and dreams dashed in a one-point loss. I observed in the previous game as almost-grown boys quite literally made a trudge of defeat to their bench…tears filling their eyes as they hugged teammates and commiserated the end of this phase of their lives.
I know what you may be thinking…a year from now, these will be distant memories – maybe totally unimportant to these young people in the scheme of things. And yes, the final game(s) of your high school “career” are not as critical as world peace…or even many of the crises and concerns that affect each of us on any given day. But let’s keep things in context…and in so doing, let’s have a little empathy and compassion for the other guy.
We were all teenagers once…surely we remember how all-important many of those experiences were at the time…the first dance…your athletic competitions…your last band concert or marching performance…a budding romance. Some of you remember what it felt like as a parent to see your children go through these rites of passage and realize that they were growing up…and away from your “nest” in short order. Surely you can feel some semblance of empathy for the person seated next to you who is exuberant over every basket…yelling at the referee in protest of a foul on his/her kid that seemed undeserved…or tearful at game’s end.
What does this have to do with our scripture verse for today? I’m glad you asked! The very same God who forgives our sins when we call on Him… the One who takes away our tears and fears and forgives us when we “act a fool” and admit it…the God who cares about worldwide hunger and injustice…also cares about the mixed bag of emotions that surround a high school senior’s last ballgame. The same God we trust to care for us and take away our sins cares for that dad who is unhappy with the refs - and the mom who is crying her eyes out because her baby has taken one more step toward independence.
The same God who holds us in His hands when we are sick or in need will heal and comfort others who are sick or troubled. The same God who orchestrates even the most mundane occurrences of our daily living will guide the steps of others who call on Him. The same God who forgives our sins and washes them away will offer salvation and eternal life to anyone else who confesses his/her sins.
We are no different…no better…no more privileged before God than anyone else. And at the end of the day…or the end of a game…we are all pretty much the same. We love our kids… our schools…our communities and our country. We live, love, laugh and cry…and we are all precious to God. Take a good hard look at the people around you and recognize that what God offers to you…He also offers to them. Does this change how you relate with them? Shouldn’t it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Attending a high school basketball game can be akin to looking at humanity in a fishbowl! You have two teams fighting for the same victory. Then you have the parents, friends, relatives and casual observers who care about the outcome to varying degrees. On the teams themselves, you have players representing several age groups…from freshmen and sophomores who are relatively “green”…to the seniors who are playing their last season and laying it all on the line. In the case of a district tournament we recently attended, the outcome of the games signaled not only the end of the season for some…but also the end of a “career” for many who will not be moving on to play ball at the college level.
So as we sat and cheered our senior girls’ team to victory, I watched the players on the opposing team see their hopes and dreams dashed in a one-point loss. I observed in the previous game as almost-grown boys quite literally made a trudge of defeat to their bench…tears filling their eyes as they hugged teammates and commiserated the end of this phase of their lives.
I know what you may be thinking…a year from now, these will be distant memories – maybe totally unimportant to these young people in the scheme of things. And yes, the final game(s) of your high school “career” are not as critical as world peace…or even many of the crises and concerns that affect each of us on any given day. But let’s keep things in context…and in so doing, let’s have a little empathy and compassion for the other guy.
We were all teenagers once…surely we remember how all-important many of those experiences were at the time…the first dance…your athletic competitions…your last band concert or marching performance…a budding romance. Some of you remember what it felt like as a parent to see your children go through these rites of passage and realize that they were growing up…and away from your “nest” in short order. Surely you can feel some semblance of empathy for the person seated next to you who is exuberant over every basket…yelling at the referee in protest of a foul on his/her kid that seemed undeserved…or tearful at game’s end.
What does this have to do with our scripture verse for today? I’m glad you asked! The very same God who forgives our sins when we call on Him… the One who takes away our tears and fears and forgives us when we “act a fool” and admit it…the God who cares about worldwide hunger and injustice…also cares about the mixed bag of emotions that surround a high school senior’s last ballgame. The same God we trust to care for us and take away our sins cares for that dad who is unhappy with the refs - and the mom who is crying her eyes out because her baby has taken one more step toward independence.
The same God who holds us in His hands when we are sick or in need will heal and comfort others who are sick or troubled. The same God who orchestrates even the most mundane occurrences of our daily living will guide the steps of others who call on Him. The same God who forgives our sins and washes them away will offer salvation and eternal life to anyone else who confesses his/her sins.
We are no different…no better…no more privileged before God than anyone else. And at the end of the day…or the end of a game…we are all pretty much the same. We love our kids… our schools…our communities and our country. We live, love, laugh and cry…and we are all precious to God. Take a good hard look at the people around you and recognize that what God offers to you…He also offers to them. Does this change how you relate with them? Shouldn’t it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 2, 2013
Psalm 55:12-14
This isn’t the neighborhood bully
mocking me—I could take that.
This isn’t a foreign devil spitting
invective—I could tune that out.
It’s you! We grew up together!
You! My best friend!
Those long hours of leisure as we walked
arm in arm, God a third party to our conversation.
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 decades ago, Greg and I sold a house we owned to the brother of an acquaintance. Because we felt we knew this family fairly well, we provided owner financing. Pretty quickly, the monthly payments started showing up late… and then they stopped altogether. There was always an excuse… “the check was in the mail” and more. But in the end, we learned that the buyer had no intention of paying his bills and had pretty much moved on and left the house – and his family - behind. He had lied to his wife, and she apparently had no clue that the house payments were not being made on time each month – much less that they were not paid at all! As betrayed as we felt, I’m sure she felt even worse. The man she had married… the father of her children… had deceived her and put the livelihood of the entire family in jeopardy.
I am sure you can think of a time when a close friend or family member has betrayed your trust… and hurt you deeply. My hope would be that it was over something petty, like a bit of news you asked them to keep quiet… and they shared with the first person they met. But often, the hurts and betrayals are far worse. These are all prime examples of incredible disrespect. And when it comes at the hands of a close friend or family member, the pain and disappointment are greatly magnified.
Until I read a passage in Anne Graham Lotz’ book Just Give Me Jesus that referenced these scripture verses from Psalms 55, I had never realized that they foretell Jesus’ betrayal by Judas. Lotz maintains that Judas was one of Jesus’ best friends… a favored disciple who helped Him feed the masses with the fish and five loaves…a trusted companion who traveled with Him and ministered to countless people along the way… someone who prayed with Jesus, ate with Him, and no doubt shared incredibly intimate conversations about God and His plans for all of us. And yet, scripture tells us that Judas took his own life because of his mistake… and he ended up in hell for all of his transgressions.
Lotz explains that Judas asked forgiveness… of the priests and rulers. He threw the thirty silver coins at their feet after Jesus was arrested… and he begged their forgiveness. The problem was that Judas did not ask JESUS to forgive Him. We must confess our sins to Jesus and ask for His forgiveness in order to be absolved. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t go to the person we have hurt or betrayed and ask for their mercy and understanding. And it certainly doesn’t mean we can live as we please, hurt whoever happens to be in the way, and apologize later!
We must think about our relationships… both earthly and heavenly. We must get our priorities straight and make every effort to honor these associations… to give them our utmost respect at all times. No lie or deception is acceptable…no words spoken disrespectfully or “out of turn” can be tolerated. We are called to a higher standard… we are expected to treat others as we would wish to be treated – at all times and in all places. This means we speak kindly, honor our commitments, and guard and value the integrity of our relationships! And it means that we answer to God first and foremost… which will often result in taking care of the rest of our associations!
I encourage you to think about your own relationships… not so much in terms of who has disrespected you, but more in the context of who YOU have disrespected. Do you need to spend some time at the feet of Jesus, baring your soul and confessing your indiscretions toward others – and toward Him? Do you have relationships you need to mend… people you owe an apology… circumstances where you should make a concerted effort to do better and try harder?
This is a month when we think a lot about gratitude and thanks. Isn’t this the perfect time to express yours by making amends where necessary? Are you certain you are truly forgiven… by others, and more importantly – by God? Isn’t it time you made sure of it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
This isn’t the neighborhood bully
mocking me—I could take that.
This isn’t a foreign devil spitting
invective—I could tune that out.
It’s you! We grew up together!
You! My best friend!
Those long hours of leisure as we walked
arm in arm, God a third party to our conversation.
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 decades ago, Greg and I sold a house we owned to the brother of an acquaintance. Because we felt we knew this family fairly well, we provided owner financing. Pretty quickly, the monthly payments started showing up late… and then they stopped altogether. There was always an excuse… “the check was in the mail” and more. But in the end, we learned that the buyer had no intention of paying his bills and had pretty much moved on and left the house – and his family - behind. He had lied to his wife, and she apparently had no clue that the house payments were not being made on time each month – much less that they were not paid at all! As betrayed as we felt, I’m sure she felt even worse. The man she had married… the father of her children… had deceived her and put the livelihood of the entire family in jeopardy.
I am sure you can think of a time when a close friend or family member has betrayed your trust… and hurt you deeply. My hope would be that it was over something petty, like a bit of news you asked them to keep quiet… and they shared with the first person they met. But often, the hurts and betrayals are far worse. These are all prime examples of incredible disrespect. And when it comes at the hands of a close friend or family member, the pain and disappointment are greatly magnified.
Until I read a passage in Anne Graham Lotz’ book Just Give Me Jesus that referenced these scripture verses from Psalms 55, I had never realized that they foretell Jesus’ betrayal by Judas. Lotz maintains that Judas was one of Jesus’ best friends… a favored disciple who helped Him feed the masses with the fish and five loaves…a trusted companion who traveled with Him and ministered to countless people along the way… someone who prayed with Jesus, ate with Him, and no doubt shared incredibly intimate conversations about God and His plans for all of us. And yet, scripture tells us that Judas took his own life because of his mistake… and he ended up in hell for all of his transgressions.
Lotz explains that Judas asked forgiveness… of the priests and rulers. He threw the thirty silver coins at their feet after Jesus was arrested… and he begged their forgiveness. The problem was that Judas did not ask JESUS to forgive Him. We must confess our sins to Jesus and ask for His forgiveness in order to be absolved. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t go to the person we have hurt or betrayed and ask for their mercy and understanding. And it certainly doesn’t mean we can live as we please, hurt whoever happens to be in the way, and apologize later!
We must think about our relationships… both earthly and heavenly. We must get our priorities straight and make every effort to honor these associations… to give them our utmost respect at all times. No lie or deception is acceptable…no words spoken disrespectfully or “out of turn” can be tolerated. We are called to a higher standard… we are expected to treat others as we would wish to be treated – at all times and in all places. This means we speak kindly, honor our commitments, and guard and value the integrity of our relationships! And it means that we answer to God first and foremost… which will often result in taking care of the rest of our associations!
I encourage you to think about your own relationships… not so much in terms of who has disrespected you, but more in the context of who YOU have disrespected. Do you need to spend some time at the feet of Jesus, baring your soul and confessing your indiscretions toward others – and toward Him? Do you have relationships you need to mend… people you owe an apology… circumstances where you should make a concerted effort to do better and try harder?
This is a month when we think a lot about gratitude and thanks. Isn’t this the perfect time to express yours by making amends where necessary? Are you certain you are truly forgiven… by others, and more importantly – by God? Isn’t it time you made sure of it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 13, 2013
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.
In his autobiography, Gypsy Smith: His Life, His Work, evangelist Rodney “Gypsy” Smith writes about how his father, Cornelius, played his fiddle in taverns throughout England. Cornelius always got drunk when he performed in these taverns. All of this changed on the day he found Jesus and was converted. When Cornelius Smith found Jesus, he vowed to never again play in a tavern. One Christmas, the family was hungry and without food. Cornelius knew that he could earn money for his family by taking his fiddle and going to a tavern to perform. But he refused to betray the commitment he had made to Jesus Christ…who died on the cross for sinners like him.
Gathering his family together, Cornelius Smith suggested that they sing a hymn… “The Lord Will Provide.” Here are the words of this hymn, written in 1894 by Mrs. A. W. Cook…
In some way or other the Lord will provide;
It may not be my way, It may not be thy way;
And yet, in His own way, “The Lord will provide.”
At some time or other the Lord will provide;
It may not be my time; It may not be thy time;
And yet, in His own time, “The Lord will provide.”
Despond then no longer; the Lord will provide;
And this be the token, No word He hath spoken
Was ever yet broken: “The Lord will provide.”
March on then right boldly; the sea shall divide,
The path-way made glorious, With shoutings victorious
We’ll join in the chorus: “The Lord will provide.”
Then, we’ll trust in the Lord,
And He will provide; Yes, we’ll trust in the Lord,
And He will provide.
Soon after singing this hymn, a local missionary knocked on the Smith’s door and told Cornelius that a shop in town was holding three legs of mutton and some other groceries for the family. All they had to do was go and collect the food. The Lord had provided.
Long before Cornelius Smith turned his life around, Jesus was providing for him. Jesus knew exactly what would happen… how this man would spend much of his young life drunk or passed out in taverns, and still He felt Cornelius was worth the sacrifice of His very life. He knows you… and me… our families and friends… the homeless guy we pretend is not there… the drunk who can’t seem to stay out of bars or away from the bottle… and the coed in your dorm who seems headed for disaster.
Jesus knows each of us better than we will ever know ourselves. He knew us before the Roman soldiers arrested Him… long before He was beaten and nailed to a cross. And still, He thought we were worth the sacrifice. Jesus knew that we needed Him to provide for us… and provide He did. Now that we have made a commitment to follow Him, Jesus continues to provide and sacrifice on our behalf. See, Jesus knows that even His disciples will have days/weeks/months where things don’t go so well… where the “cupboards are bare,” so to speak. He knows we will have challenges, setbacks, and pitfalls… and still He provides.
It may look pretty bleak in your corner of the world today. You may have taken a step or more backward… you may feel that you have fallen away from God and don’t deserve the sacrifices of Jesus – or His forgiveness. You may be ready to “pick up your fiddle and go back to the tavern.” I’m here to tell you that Jesus will ALWAYS provide… if only we will trust Him to do so.
Read the words of this beautiful hymn again… “Despond then no longer; the Lord will provide.” Humble yourself before God and thank Him for the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. Ask God to forgive you yet again for whatever you may have done that separated you from your connection with Jesus. Remember that Jesus isn’t the one who walked away. But if you will take steps to come back to Him, He will welcome you with open arms. And yes, He will provide.
Once we have recognized Jesus’ sacrifices and claimed them, we must trust Him to fulfill His promises… to provide for us according to His will…to love us even though we will never deserve this gift. I don’t know about you, but it boggles my mind to think that Jesus could love me… could give his life for mine… that He could truly care about my needs and want to meet every single one of them. But this is the truth! So I will “march on right boldly… join in the chorus, with shoutings victorious… and trust in the LORD”… that He will provide. Will you add your voice to the choir?
©2013 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.
In his autobiography, Gypsy Smith: His Life, His Work, evangelist Rodney “Gypsy” Smith writes about how his father, Cornelius, played his fiddle in taverns throughout England. Cornelius always got drunk when he performed in these taverns. All of this changed on the day he found Jesus and was converted. When Cornelius Smith found Jesus, he vowed to never again play in a tavern. One Christmas, the family was hungry and without food. Cornelius knew that he could earn money for his family by taking his fiddle and going to a tavern to perform. But he refused to betray the commitment he had made to Jesus Christ…who died on the cross for sinners like him.
Gathering his family together, Cornelius Smith suggested that they sing a hymn… “The Lord Will Provide.” Here are the words of this hymn, written in 1894 by Mrs. A. W. Cook…
In some way or other the Lord will provide;
It may not be my way, It may not be thy way;
And yet, in His own way, “The Lord will provide.”
At some time or other the Lord will provide;
It may not be my time; It may not be thy time;
And yet, in His own time, “The Lord will provide.”
Despond then no longer; the Lord will provide;
And this be the token, No word He hath spoken
Was ever yet broken: “The Lord will provide.”
March on then right boldly; the sea shall divide,
The path-way made glorious, With shoutings victorious
We’ll join in the chorus: “The Lord will provide.”
Then, we’ll trust in the Lord,
And He will provide; Yes, we’ll trust in the Lord,
And He will provide.
Soon after singing this hymn, a local missionary knocked on the Smith’s door and told Cornelius that a shop in town was holding three legs of mutton and some other groceries for the family. All they had to do was go and collect the food. The Lord had provided.
Long before Cornelius Smith turned his life around, Jesus was providing for him. Jesus knew exactly what would happen… how this man would spend much of his young life drunk or passed out in taverns, and still He felt Cornelius was worth the sacrifice of His very life. He knows you… and me… our families and friends… the homeless guy we pretend is not there… the drunk who can’t seem to stay out of bars or away from the bottle… and the coed in your dorm who seems headed for disaster.
Jesus knows each of us better than we will ever know ourselves. He knew us before the Roman soldiers arrested Him… long before He was beaten and nailed to a cross. And still, He thought we were worth the sacrifice. Jesus knew that we needed Him to provide for us… and provide He did. Now that we have made a commitment to follow Him, Jesus continues to provide and sacrifice on our behalf. See, Jesus knows that even His disciples will have days/weeks/months where things don’t go so well… where the “cupboards are bare,” so to speak. He knows we will have challenges, setbacks, and pitfalls… and still He provides.
It may look pretty bleak in your corner of the world today. You may have taken a step or more backward… you may feel that you have fallen away from God and don’t deserve the sacrifices of Jesus – or His forgiveness. You may be ready to “pick up your fiddle and go back to the tavern.” I’m here to tell you that Jesus will ALWAYS provide… if only we will trust Him to do so.
Read the words of this beautiful hymn again… “Despond then no longer; the Lord will provide.” Humble yourself before God and thank Him for the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. Ask God to forgive you yet again for whatever you may have done that separated you from your connection with Jesus. Remember that Jesus isn’t the one who walked away. But if you will take steps to come back to Him, He will welcome you with open arms. And yes, He will provide.
Once we have recognized Jesus’ sacrifices and claimed them, we must trust Him to fulfill His promises… to provide for us according to His will…to love us even though we will never deserve this gift. I don’t know about you, but it boggles my mind to think that Jesus could love me… could give his life for mine… that He could truly care about my needs and want to meet every single one of them. But this is the truth! So I will “march on right boldly… join in the chorus, with shoutings victorious… and trust in the LORD”… that He will provide. Will you add your voice to the choir?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 5, 2013
Luke 11:2-4
So he said, “When you pray, say,
Father, Reveal who you are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.”
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, I purchased some things for my niece and nephews at a Facebook online garage sale. I told the seller I would get them later this week. She responded and asked if she could bring them to me that same day… her bank account balance was under $15, and she needed money for food. Stop and think about it… imagine being down to your last $20 – and hungry. I wonder if this woman prayed yesterday morning for God to keep her family alive with three square meals. Clearly, He did exactly that!
I’ve also been posting an ad on Facebook for my nephew… advertising that he will do odd jobs - like yard work - to support his family. Believe me when I say that we have prayed for God to provide steady work. Literally every time my nephew runs out of work, someone else calls and says, “I need you.” This is clear evidence of God’s love and care.
These are just two ways that God has revealed who He is to me lately. This model prayer that Jesus provided us seems so simple… but it is rich with wisdom and promise for us. God will show us who He is… reveal His power, love, grace, mercy and forgiveness – if only we will ask. He will keep us safe from the devil’s temptations. Notice that it doesn’t say we won’t be tempted… but God will protect us from falling for the devil’s tricks.
If we humbly admit to God when we fall short, He will forgive us. Through His love and mercy – and by the power of His Holy Spirit – we can, in turn, offer forgiveness to others. I don’t mean to belittle God’s incredible love and care, but the old adage that “what goes around, comes around” seems to apply here. When we respectfully bow before God and ask Him to meet our needs, He will do exactly that! And when God blesses and cares for us… and forgives us of our sins and misdeeds… we must do the same for others. I was truly humbled to think that my measly purchase might have been the answer to a mother’s prayer for money to purchase food. I am incredibly blessed and grateful to all who have answered the ad and given my nephew work. God reveals himself to us when we ask… and lately, He has given me abundant evidence of His love and care.
One other thing… the God who blesses and forgives us so mightily deserves our service. He also deserves our praise and honor. When God meets your needs as you have asked, remember to thank Him. Share the GOOD NEWS with others. Tell everyone you can how God has blessed your life… and how He can – and will – bless theirs, as well. When you ask God to show up in your life - and you give Him the glory and credit for doing so – amazing things happen. Are you getting in on all of them? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So he said, “When you pray, say,
Father, Reveal who you are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.”
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, I purchased some things for my niece and nephews at a Facebook online garage sale. I told the seller I would get them later this week. She responded and asked if she could bring them to me that same day… her bank account balance was under $15, and she needed money for food. Stop and think about it… imagine being down to your last $20 – and hungry. I wonder if this woman prayed yesterday morning for God to keep her family alive with three square meals. Clearly, He did exactly that!
I’ve also been posting an ad on Facebook for my nephew… advertising that he will do odd jobs - like yard work - to support his family. Believe me when I say that we have prayed for God to provide steady work. Literally every time my nephew runs out of work, someone else calls and says, “I need you.” This is clear evidence of God’s love and care.
These are just two ways that God has revealed who He is to me lately. This model prayer that Jesus provided us seems so simple… but it is rich with wisdom and promise for us. God will show us who He is… reveal His power, love, grace, mercy and forgiveness – if only we will ask. He will keep us safe from the devil’s temptations. Notice that it doesn’t say we won’t be tempted… but God will protect us from falling for the devil’s tricks.
If we humbly admit to God when we fall short, He will forgive us. Through His love and mercy – and by the power of His Holy Spirit – we can, in turn, offer forgiveness to others. I don’t mean to belittle God’s incredible love and care, but the old adage that “what goes around, comes around” seems to apply here. When we respectfully bow before God and ask Him to meet our needs, He will do exactly that! And when God blesses and cares for us… and forgives us of our sins and misdeeds… we must do the same for others. I was truly humbled to think that my measly purchase might have been the answer to a mother’s prayer for money to purchase food. I am incredibly blessed and grateful to all who have answered the ad and given my nephew work. God reveals himself to us when we ask… and lately, He has given me abundant evidence of His love and care.
One other thing… the God who blesses and forgives us so mightily deserves our service. He also deserves our praise and honor. When God meets your needs as you have asked, remember to thank Him. Share the GOOD NEWS with others. Tell everyone you can how God has blessed your life… and how He can – and will – bless theirs, as well. When you ask God to show up in your life - and you give Him the glory and credit for doing so – amazing things happen. Are you getting in on all of them? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 1, 2013
Mark 11-25-26
And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I taught kindergarten, I had to occasionally tell a student, “We don’t say that,” or “We don’t do that. It is rude… or unkind… or disrespectful.” More often than I care to admit, the child replied, “But my mom/dad/someone else does it!” If ever there was an emphasis on the point that people are watching – and noticing – this is it! So when we represent Jesus to others… we had better be very certain that our slate is clean… because I guarantee you that God is watching and listening!
What does this mean in terms of our daily living and forgiveness? For starters, we can’t talk one way in our home or among a circle of our closest friends… and talk another when we are in public. We can’t be nice to someone while they stand before us, and call them an ugly name when they turn to walk away. Just because you don’t use four-letter words in public doesn’t mean people don’t know… and most certainly God hears them!
We can’t serve in ministries – organized or individual – and ask God to bless our efforts if we are harboring ill will toward someone else. We can’t go to God in prayer and ask Him to bless us and those whose names we lift, then disrespect our parents, teachers, bosses, coaches, our elected officials, or even the guy who ran a red light and rammed into our car! Comments like “I’ll make her pay” or “He will wish he had never heard of me” have no place in the life of a Christian. Name calling is never appropriate… and grieves God. Remember Jesus’ words that when we do these unto the least of His brethren, we have done them to Him!
When we show disrespect or speak unkindly toward another person, we fail to offer him/her forgiveness for whatever offense we feel he/she committed. We won’t like every person we meet. I will be the first to tell you that there are people who rub me the wrong way… some who have insulted me… and even a few I try to avoid. We are not going to agree with – or like – every person in the world. But we must still offer them forgiveness and compassion.
Believe me… I know it’s a hard thing to do! When you think of someone who irritates or offends you, try saying, “LORD… I don’t know what it is about this person that makes him/her act this way… or why I let it bother me so much. Please forgive me... and grant me a spirit of forgiveness. Help me to let go of this offense and allow YOU to have control.” This is a prayer I will most certainly offer more than once. But as I begin to allow God to build a spirit of forgiveness into my heart, I will hopefully get better at practicing grace, mercy and tolerance… and my prayers will become more genuine and unencumbered by my own misgivings.
Life as a disciple of Christ is not easy. It requires us to stay awake and alert for any attempts by the devil to trip us up. And when it comes to unforgiveness, we’re often pretty easy marks! If you want to be more like Jesus, you’ve got to check your words, actions… and yes, your feelings. God knows your heart. He knows when you are genuinely operating from the heart… and when you are offering lip service and false pretenses. Search your heart today for pockets of unforgiveness and offense. Clean the slate… and ask God to help you keep it that way.
©2013 Debbie Robus
And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I taught kindergarten, I had to occasionally tell a student, “We don’t say that,” or “We don’t do that. It is rude… or unkind… or disrespectful.” More often than I care to admit, the child replied, “But my mom/dad/someone else does it!” If ever there was an emphasis on the point that people are watching – and noticing – this is it! So when we represent Jesus to others… we had better be very certain that our slate is clean… because I guarantee you that God is watching and listening!
What does this mean in terms of our daily living and forgiveness? For starters, we can’t talk one way in our home or among a circle of our closest friends… and talk another when we are in public. We can’t be nice to someone while they stand before us, and call them an ugly name when they turn to walk away. Just because you don’t use four-letter words in public doesn’t mean people don’t know… and most certainly God hears them!
We can’t serve in ministries – organized or individual – and ask God to bless our efforts if we are harboring ill will toward someone else. We can’t go to God in prayer and ask Him to bless us and those whose names we lift, then disrespect our parents, teachers, bosses, coaches, our elected officials, or even the guy who ran a red light and rammed into our car! Comments like “I’ll make her pay” or “He will wish he had never heard of me” have no place in the life of a Christian. Name calling is never appropriate… and grieves God. Remember Jesus’ words that when we do these unto the least of His brethren, we have done them to Him!
When we show disrespect or speak unkindly toward another person, we fail to offer him/her forgiveness for whatever offense we feel he/she committed. We won’t like every person we meet. I will be the first to tell you that there are people who rub me the wrong way… some who have insulted me… and even a few I try to avoid. We are not going to agree with – or like – every person in the world. But we must still offer them forgiveness and compassion.
Believe me… I know it’s a hard thing to do! When you think of someone who irritates or offends you, try saying, “LORD… I don’t know what it is about this person that makes him/her act this way… or why I let it bother me so much. Please forgive me... and grant me a spirit of forgiveness. Help me to let go of this offense and allow YOU to have control.” This is a prayer I will most certainly offer more than once. But as I begin to allow God to build a spirit of forgiveness into my heart, I will hopefully get better at practicing grace, mercy and tolerance… and my prayers will become more genuine and unencumbered by my own misgivings.
Life as a disciple of Christ is not easy. It requires us to stay awake and alert for any attempts by the devil to trip us up. And when it comes to unforgiveness, we’re often pretty easy marks! If you want to be more like Jesus, you’ve got to check your words, actions… and yes, your feelings. God knows your heart. He knows when you are genuinely operating from the heart… and when you are offering lip service and false pretenses. Search your heart today for pockets of unforgiveness and offense. Clean the slate… and ask God to help you keep it that way.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 25, 2013
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life would be so much easier if we never had personal disagreements. Unfortunately, we’re all human… and things will be said and done from time to time that irritate – or even offend – us and/or the other guy. When this happens, the best thing to do is to quickly make amends – or to at least try. Sadly, even when we apologize for our part in a misunderstanding, the other party may refuse to offer forgiveness.
I am so glad that I don’t have to worry about God holding a grudge against me. If I genuinely and humbly ask Him to forgive me, He does exactly that! He doesn’t refuse to speak to me, or ignore me in public or on social media. He would never fail to answer or return a phone call. He continues to offer me grace and mercy… even when He feels I don’t deserve it. I can count on God to always love me… and to cast my sins as far as East is from West - if I only ask Him to do so.
We really have no control on how another person treats us. It’s pretty much up to him/her to decide whether to offer us grace, mercy, love and forgiveness. We certainly cannot count on these gifts, because no human can love us like Almighty God. But if we want to be a disciple of Christ… if we want to operate in the love of Jesus…we must make a concerted effort to forgive others as God forgives us. So while you cannot control the grudges others may hold against you…resentments, bitterness, and hatred have no business being a part of your makeup.
The next time you find yourself operating in a spirit of unforgiveness… whenever you feel bitterness, anger, resentment, or ill will creeping into your life… think of God and how He offers us immeasurable grace and mercy – even when we don’t deserve it. Then forgive whoever has offended you. Do this to honor God – and for yourself - even if the other guy never admits his/her part in the offense. If someone has wronged you and never asks you to forgive him/her, do it anyway. Joyce Meyer and others have characterized unforgiveness as spiritual poison. Do not allow this destructive tool of the devil to be present in your life for a single minute!
At the end of the day, we are responsible only for our personal behavior. To fail to forgive another person when God has so generously forgiven us would be incredibly hypocritical. I urge you to talk to God… tell Him how you feel. Ask Him to forgive you for any spirit of unforgiveness you have toward others… and thank Him for such a generous pardon when we acknowledge our own faults and shortcomings. Thank God for the incredible gifts of His grace and mercy… and trust Him to always be available to answer your call.
©2013 Debbie Robus
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life would be so much easier if we never had personal disagreements. Unfortunately, we’re all human… and things will be said and done from time to time that irritate – or even offend – us and/or the other guy. When this happens, the best thing to do is to quickly make amends – or to at least try. Sadly, even when we apologize for our part in a misunderstanding, the other party may refuse to offer forgiveness.
I am so glad that I don’t have to worry about God holding a grudge against me. If I genuinely and humbly ask Him to forgive me, He does exactly that! He doesn’t refuse to speak to me, or ignore me in public or on social media. He would never fail to answer or return a phone call. He continues to offer me grace and mercy… even when He feels I don’t deserve it. I can count on God to always love me… and to cast my sins as far as East is from West - if I only ask Him to do so.
We really have no control on how another person treats us. It’s pretty much up to him/her to decide whether to offer us grace, mercy, love and forgiveness. We certainly cannot count on these gifts, because no human can love us like Almighty God. But if we want to be a disciple of Christ… if we want to operate in the love of Jesus…we must make a concerted effort to forgive others as God forgives us. So while you cannot control the grudges others may hold against you…resentments, bitterness, and hatred have no business being a part of your makeup.
The next time you find yourself operating in a spirit of unforgiveness… whenever you feel bitterness, anger, resentment, or ill will creeping into your life… think of God and how He offers us immeasurable grace and mercy – even when we don’t deserve it. Then forgive whoever has offended you. Do this to honor God – and for yourself - even if the other guy never admits his/her part in the offense. If someone has wronged you and never asks you to forgive him/her, do it anyway. Joyce Meyer and others have characterized unforgiveness as spiritual poison. Do not allow this destructive tool of the devil to be present in your life for a single minute!
At the end of the day, we are responsible only for our personal behavior. To fail to forgive another person when God has so generously forgiven us would be incredibly hypocritical. I urge you to talk to God… tell Him how you feel. Ask Him to forgive you for any spirit of unforgiveness you have toward others… and thank Him for such a generous pardon when we acknowledge our own faults and shortcomings. Thank God for the incredible gifts of His grace and mercy… and trust Him to always be available to answer your call.
©2013 Debbie Robus
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