Matthew 12:36-37
I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. On that day they will be told that they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Each month, as I go to sales and auctions, I make notes of what I purchase and how much the items cost. As I sell things online and in my booth at a store downtown, I make a note on my “inventory list” of the date the item sold and the sale price. I do this for tax purposes, and also because it’s fun to see how much I made or lost on each item. Thankfully, there have been very few losses.
Somehow, I have a feeling that there are more “losses” to report when I stand before God some day. Even though I know that my name is written in The Lamb’s Book of Life … and I have every confidence that Jesus is preparing my “mansion” as we speak … I will still have to answer for what I did on this earth. God is going to want me to account for the careless words I said … the judgments I made about others … the times I was supposed to serve and didn’t.
I hope that there will be at least a few things in the “plus” column for God to recognize. And I am doing all I can to add to that column. But it is very easy for us to slip into old habits … and to say and do things that displease God. I believe when we realize that God really is making note of these – and some day, He will say “What do you have to say for yourself?” - we will try to do better. I believe that at the end of my “heavenly review,” God will take His giant eraser – or more aptly, a cup of Jesus’ precious blood” - and wash away any evidence of my wrongdoing. But I don’t want there to be much for Him to erase, do you?
Today, I pray you will remind yourself that God is making notes. He is holding us accountable for everything we say and do … and someday we will have to answer for our careless words and our ruthless judgments of others. I pray you will ask Him to give you strength and wisdom to conquer these demons in your life and to focus more on serving and making marks in God’s “plus” column.
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you have a minute, please view this video by Beth Moore, a well-known teacher of God’s word. She speaks to the issue of judging others – and listening to God. You’ll laugh, think – and maybe even cry … but she will give you a great illustration of how God works – and the many ways we can serve Him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtk5WgzZcYA
Showing posts with label balance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label balance. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 25, 2010
Titus 2:7
Always set a good example for others. Be sincere and serious when you teach.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I have become quite familiar with a show on NickJr. called “The Wonder Pets.” Timothy loves it! The program features three animals in a pre-school … Linny the guinea pig, Tuck the turtle, and “Ming-Ming, too!” – a fuzzy yellow duckling. In each episode, the three animals are happily playing in their tanks or cages, until the “phone” (a recycled food can filled with pencils) begins to ring, signaling that “there’s an animal in trouble somewhere.” They hear the animal’s story and figure out how they can assist. Ming-Ming always says, “This is serious!” (Although her “serious” sounds like “sewious!”)
The Wonder Pets have figured out that there is a time to have fun … and a time to be serious. When it comes to the nuts and bolts of performing a rescue, they get very serious and work together to get the job done. Then they can have some fun with the animal and its family. And in much the same way, there are times for Christians to have fun … and times for us to be serious.
Yes, we want people to know that Christian living is fun. Retreats, float trips, get-aways and socials are wonderful. Having fun at Sunday School, laughing in worship, and celebrating special events are all part of God’s plan. But the saving of souls for all eternity is serious business, and there are times when we need to settle in and settle down … and really get into what God’s word tells us.
The happy, joy-filled Christian also needs to spend time with those who are sad and in need of a sympathetic ear … those who are sick … the poor and downtrodden. We have to show others that we can be sincere and serious and help them in times of need … that we can pray with them and for them, and that we can offer encouragement and support. We have to have time when we come together to study and worship in a spirit of humility and holiness … quiet reflection and a solemn attitude. We are not saying that Christian living is sad or somber … we are showing respect and honor for the teachings and ministries of Jesus … and meeting the needs of others His name.
Just like The Wonder Pets, there is a time for Christians to be playful and have fun … and there is a time to get serious. The Wonder Pets theme song says, “We’re not too big, and we’re not too tough, but when we work together, we’ve got the right stuff!” That should be the motto for us as Christians. We should “play” together and share the joy of our faith, but we should also roll up our sleeves and work together to accomplish the serious work for the Kingdom of Heaven.
What is our behavior saying to others these days? Do we, as Christians, have “the right stuff” – and are we showing this to others? Are we setting a good example for Christ … and are we keeping a good balance between “fun” and the serious work of His Kingdom? There’s “a person in trouble somewhere” – the “phone” is ringing … how will we answer?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Always set a good example for others. Be sincere and serious when you teach.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I have become quite familiar with a show on NickJr. called “The Wonder Pets.” Timothy loves it! The program features three animals in a pre-school … Linny the guinea pig, Tuck the turtle, and “Ming-Ming, too!” – a fuzzy yellow duckling. In each episode, the three animals are happily playing in their tanks or cages, until the “phone” (a recycled food can filled with pencils) begins to ring, signaling that “there’s an animal in trouble somewhere.” They hear the animal’s story and figure out how they can assist. Ming-Ming always says, “This is serious!” (Although her “serious” sounds like “sewious!”)
The Wonder Pets have figured out that there is a time to have fun … and a time to be serious. When it comes to the nuts and bolts of performing a rescue, they get very serious and work together to get the job done. Then they can have some fun with the animal and its family. And in much the same way, there are times for Christians to have fun … and times for us to be serious.
Yes, we want people to know that Christian living is fun. Retreats, float trips, get-aways and socials are wonderful. Having fun at Sunday School, laughing in worship, and celebrating special events are all part of God’s plan. But the saving of souls for all eternity is serious business, and there are times when we need to settle in and settle down … and really get into what God’s word tells us.
The happy, joy-filled Christian also needs to spend time with those who are sad and in need of a sympathetic ear … those who are sick … the poor and downtrodden. We have to show others that we can be sincere and serious and help them in times of need … that we can pray with them and for them, and that we can offer encouragement and support. We have to have time when we come together to study and worship in a spirit of humility and holiness … quiet reflection and a solemn attitude. We are not saying that Christian living is sad or somber … we are showing respect and honor for the teachings and ministries of Jesus … and meeting the needs of others His name.
Just like The Wonder Pets, there is a time for Christians to be playful and have fun … and there is a time to get serious. The Wonder Pets theme song says, “We’re not too big, and we’re not too tough, but when we work together, we’ve got the right stuff!” That should be the motto for us as Christians. We should “play” together and share the joy of our faith, but we should also roll up our sleeves and work together to accomplish the serious work for the Kingdom of Heaven.
What is our behavior saying to others these days? Do we, as Christians, have “the right stuff” – and are we showing this to others? Are we setting a good example for Christ … and are we keeping a good balance between “fun” and the serious work of His Kingdom? There’s “a person in trouble somewhere” – the “phone” is ringing … how will we answer?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 3, 2010
May 3 ~ Psalm 23:1-6
You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When things start to fall apart in your life… when you are frightened or worried or frustrated… where do you turn? Do you throw up your hands or kick and scream? Do you wallow in self-pity? Do you call on God and demand that He help you? None of these things are really harmful… and certainly calling on God is a good thing. But look at the first verse of this passage… “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Imagine yourself saying these words when a troubling or upsetting situation arises.
Imagine really acknowledging God’s presence and power in your life – and resting in this. “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Of course, the rest of this Psalm explains all the many ways that God cares for us and nurtures us. But some of the most important words are those in the first verse. When you find yourself in a situation that you cannot handle on your own – when life becomes a burden or a challenge, think on these words. Say them out loud – and internalize their meaning for your life. Take consolation in knowing that the LORD truly IS our shepherd, and we will never be in need. Let this promise rest in your heart and give you peace and comfort.
©2010 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When things start to fall apart in your life… when you are frightened or worried or frustrated… where do you turn? Do you throw up your hands or kick and scream? Do you wallow in self-pity? Do you call on God and demand that He help you? None of these things are really harmful… and certainly calling on God is a good thing. But look at the first verse of this passage… “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Imagine yourself saying these words when a troubling or upsetting situation arises.
Imagine really acknowledging God’s presence and power in your life – and resting in this. “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Of course, the rest of this Psalm explains all the many ways that God cares for us and nurtures us. But some of the most important words are those in the first verse. When you find yourself in a situation that you cannot handle on your own – when life becomes a burden or a challenge, think on these words. Say them out loud – and internalize their meaning for your life. Take consolation in knowing that the LORD truly IS our shepherd, and we will never be in need. Let this promise rest in your heart and give you peace and comfort.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 30, 2010
April 30 ~ Proverbs 30:7-9
There are two things, Lord, I want you to do for me before I die: Make me absolutely honest and don't let me be too poor or too rich. Give me just what I need. If I have too much to eat, I might forget about you; if I don't have enough, I might steal and disgrace your name.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life is like a carpenter’s level. Some days the bubble is “plumb,” and we are standing upright Other days it veers a little one way or the other. When do you think about God the most? When life is rocking along really well, we tend to get caught up in the moment and forget about Him, don’t we? We seem to operate more in the “Lord, help me!” mode than the “Thank you for my blessings,” moments. On the other hand, when life starts to unravel a bit at the seams, and we decide that God has forgotten about us, we try to handle things on our own – and often end up in a royal mess.
We need to learn to operate in the middle… somewhere between too much and not enough. This passage is not about either having a lot of money and physical wealth or being dirt poor. These verses speak more to our level of contentment – and where God fits into our lives. This is a reminder to avoid distractions – both “good” and “bad” – and stay centered in Christ. Remember to always be grateful and thankful – filled with praise. Remember that we are always in need of God – His wisdom, guidance, love, grace and mercy. Remember that God is always with us – even when the “chips are down.”
Examine your situation today. See where your “level” is “off plumb” and needs an adjustment. Strive to stay centered – both in your daily living AND in your relationship with God. Let this be your prayer – that you would neither be too rich or too poor by His standards – but perfectly centered in Christ Jesus. If you make this your goal, everything else in life will fall into place. Circumstances in your life may occasionally veer “off plumb,” but with God’s help, you will be able to handle them.
©2010 Debbie Robus
There are two things, Lord, I want you to do for me before I die: Make me absolutely honest and don't let me be too poor or too rich. Give me just what I need. If I have too much to eat, I might forget about you; if I don't have enough, I might steal and disgrace your name.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life is like a carpenter’s level. Some days the bubble is “plumb,” and we are standing upright Other days it veers a little one way or the other. When do you think about God the most? When life is rocking along really well, we tend to get caught up in the moment and forget about Him, don’t we? We seem to operate more in the “Lord, help me!” mode than the “Thank you for my blessings,” moments. On the other hand, when life starts to unravel a bit at the seams, and we decide that God has forgotten about us, we try to handle things on our own – and often end up in a royal mess.
We need to learn to operate in the middle… somewhere between too much and not enough. This passage is not about either having a lot of money and physical wealth or being dirt poor. These verses speak more to our level of contentment – and where God fits into our lives. This is a reminder to avoid distractions – both “good” and “bad” – and stay centered in Christ. Remember to always be grateful and thankful – filled with praise. Remember that we are always in need of God – His wisdom, guidance, love, grace and mercy. Remember that God is always with us – even when the “chips are down.”
Examine your situation today. See where your “level” is “off plumb” and needs an adjustment. Strive to stay centered – both in your daily living AND in your relationship with God. Let this be your prayer – that you would neither be too rich or too poor by His standards – but perfectly centered in Christ Jesus. If you make this your goal, everything else in life will fall into place. Circumstances in your life may occasionally veer “off plumb,” but with God’s help, you will be able to handle them.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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