Romans 1:16-17
It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim,
this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone
who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else!
God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith,
confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right
standing before God by trusting him really lives.”
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.
“We
do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe,
by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing
them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to
know the source of it.” - Madeleine L’Engle - Walking on Water
I saw this
quote on Facebook a few days ago – credited to this author of dozens of
novels who lived from 1918 to 2007, including Newberry Medal winner A Wrinkle in Time, and National Book Award-winner, A Swiftly Tilting Planet.
L’Engle served for more than 30 years as librarian at Cathedral Church
of St. John the Divine in New York City, where she also maintained an
office.
Madeleine L’Engle was by all accounts
an extraordinary woman…wife, mother, author, and servant. And the
statement is profound and gives us lots to think about in light of
today’s scripture passage.
What sort of light are you showing
the world? Is it the Light of Christ – or a spotlight of your own
making? Some say “Look at me…I have all the answers. What I believe is
spot on…and if you disagree, you are the one who is mistaken!” While
others live such that their lives and conduct say, “Greater is He that
is in me, than he that is in the world.” (paraphrasing 1 John 4:4)
Which one best describes you?
Are you a living example of faith
in God – in all things? Do people note your acts of faith and service
to Him…or are you known as someone who is judgmental, controversial, and
divisive? When others look at you and your relationship to Jesus
Christ, do they want what you are demonstrating? Or do your demeanor
and actions make them want to “run like the wind?”
Isn’t it
time we began to more closely model Jesus…to quietly demonstrate our
faithfulness and His love, acceptance, grace, mercy and compassion for
ALL people? Are you drawing people to Christ…or giving them
every reason to run in the opposite direction? Read L’Engle’s quote
again and let it soak into your heart and soul. It’s time to figure out
which light we are reflecting. Is this the day you will begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label being a light for Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label being a light for Christ. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for December 19, 2014
December 19 ~ John 9:4-5
Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the world’s Light.”
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 the mornings when I wake up, I have a routine that includes walking through our house and turning on lights. Right now, there are quite a few extra strands for the holidays…on the Christmas tree(s), in a couple of lighted holiday decorations, and even in a few unexpected locations. Lights adorn our front porch and some yard ornaments…and “candles” illuminate each dormer window. As each switch is turned or plug is inserted into an outlet, the rooms come alive with the bright sparkle of the tiny white lights…and a sense of warmth and coziness settle over me. These lights say to me, “Welcome! There is love in this house!”
Jesus is the world’s Light. God sent Him to earth to accomplish many things, including our salvation through His death on the cross. The light of His love and care wafts over us like an everlasting coat of warmth and coziness. Do you feel it? Do you recognize Jesus’ existence in your life? Is He an ever-present illumination? Do you allow Jesus to work in and through you to share His GOOD NEWS with others…and in turn, do you offer them the same brightness, confidence and hope that you enjoy because of Him?
Are the lights of the Christmas season a symbol to you of the amazing power and grace of Jesus…or merely another sparkly trinket to enjoy for a month and then pack away until next year? Isn’t it time we started sharing Jesus’ light all year long…saying, “Welcome! Jesus has enough love for all of us!”…and wouldn’t this be a great season in which to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the world’s Light.”
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 the mornings when I wake up, I have a routine that includes walking through our house and turning on lights. Right now, there are quite a few extra strands for the holidays…on the Christmas tree(s), in a couple of lighted holiday decorations, and even in a few unexpected locations. Lights adorn our front porch and some yard ornaments…and “candles” illuminate each dormer window. As each switch is turned or plug is inserted into an outlet, the rooms come alive with the bright sparkle of the tiny white lights…and a sense of warmth and coziness settle over me. These lights say to me, “Welcome! There is love in this house!”
Jesus is the world’s Light. God sent Him to earth to accomplish many things, including our salvation through His death on the cross. The light of His love and care wafts over us like an everlasting coat of warmth and coziness. Do you feel it? Do you recognize Jesus’ existence in your life? Is He an ever-present illumination? Do you allow Jesus to work in and through you to share His GOOD NEWS with others…and in turn, do you offer them the same brightness, confidence and hope that you enjoy because of Him?
Are the lights of the Christmas season a symbol to you of the amazing power and grace of Jesus…or merely another sparkly trinket to enjoy for a month and then pack away until next year? Isn’t it time we started sharing Jesus’ light all year long…saying, “Welcome! Jesus has enough love for all of us!”…and wouldn’t this be a great season in which to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 26, 2013
April 26 ~ Mark 4:21-25
Jesus went on: “Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don’t you put it up on a table or on the mantel? We’re not keeping secrets, we’re telling them; we’re not hiding things, we’re bringing them out into the open.
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?
“Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I’ve just cleaned my closets and drawers in preparation for a garage sale. I really tried to be ruthless and go by the theory that “if you haven’t worn it in a year, it needs to go.” I did pretty well, for a packrat! But I hear there are people who have clothes in their closets with the tags still on them… things that have never been worn and often get tossed or sold as “new with tags.” I cannot imagine doing such a thing… but I know it is fairly common – and you may even be one of these people.
My husband and I watch the TV show American Pickers, and we have seen the two hosts visit more than one “collector” who has amazing things in his/her basement, barn, attic, sheds and garages… artifacts that belong in a museum or in the collection of someone who could restore and/or properly display them. Instead, they are rotting and disintegrating… and the owner says, “Oh… I could never part with that!” – even when he/she is offered a fair price for them. It’s such a shame to think that no one is getting to enjoy these items. But before you start to cluck too loudly, think about your own closets and storage areas!
When it comes to our Christian faith… where do you keep yours – and how do you utilize it? Are you one of those who received the gift of salvation, then went about “business as usual”? Did you essentially put your Christianity in the closet with the tags still on and pretty much forget you even had it? Or do you exercise your faith on a daily basis? Are you ready to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone you encounter? I don’t necessarily mean that you must preach to each person you meet – or even give your personal testimony. But do you offer others a smile and a kind word? Are you ready to pitch in and help whenever and wherever needed? Do you treat others as you wish to be treated – or better?
Do others consider you to be a generous person? Do they see you as someone with optimism, quiet strength and resolve – even in the midst of significant challenges? Are you a person to whom others are drawn because of your joy and peace? Do people want some of what you have – and not in a jealous way, but more in the spirit of “I’ll have some of what he/she’s got!”? When others think of you, what words come to mind? Do they picture Jesus? Or are you like the forgotten item of clothing in the closet… hidden behind pieces that may have even seen better days… and still carrying the tags? When someone asks you about your faith, are you like the collector who could never part with his/her treasure and allows it to deteriorate in a closet?
What are you doing with your Christian faith? How are you serving in Jesus’ name? God has given you such a tremendous gift… what are you giving in return? Are you a giver… or merely a taker? Does your light for Christ shine… or is it so far under the barrel that it’s less than a twinkle? Are you striving to get ahead by constantly taking and never giving? Isn’t it time to step up and out as a Christian disciple… to drop the excuses… and to shine generously for Jesus? Wouldn’t this be a great time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Jesus went on: “Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don’t you put it up on a table or on the mantel? We’re not keeping secrets, we’re telling them; we’re not hiding things, we’re bringing them out into the open.
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?
“Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I’ve just cleaned my closets and drawers in preparation for a garage sale. I really tried to be ruthless and go by the theory that “if you haven’t worn it in a year, it needs to go.” I did pretty well, for a packrat! But I hear there are people who have clothes in their closets with the tags still on them… things that have never been worn and often get tossed or sold as “new with tags.” I cannot imagine doing such a thing… but I know it is fairly common – and you may even be one of these people.
My husband and I watch the TV show American Pickers, and we have seen the two hosts visit more than one “collector” who has amazing things in his/her basement, barn, attic, sheds and garages… artifacts that belong in a museum or in the collection of someone who could restore and/or properly display them. Instead, they are rotting and disintegrating… and the owner says, “Oh… I could never part with that!” – even when he/she is offered a fair price for them. It’s such a shame to think that no one is getting to enjoy these items. But before you start to cluck too loudly, think about your own closets and storage areas!
When it comes to our Christian faith… where do you keep yours – and how do you utilize it? Are you one of those who received the gift of salvation, then went about “business as usual”? Did you essentially put your Christianity in the closet with the tags still on and pretty much forget you even had it? Or do you exercise your faith on a daily basis? Are you ready to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone you encounter? I don’t necessarily mean that you must preach to each person you meet – or even give your personal testimony. But do you offer others a smile and a kind word? Are you ready to pitch in and help whenever and wherever needed? Do you treat others as you wish to be treated – or better?
Do others consider you to be a generous person? Do they see you as someone with optimism, quiet strength and resolve – even in the midst of significant challenges? Are you a person to whom others are drawn because of your joy and peace? Do people want some of what you have – and not in a jealous way, but more in the spirit of “I’ll have some of what he/she’s got!”? When others think of you, what words come to mind? Do they picture Jesus? Or are you like the forgotten item of clothing in the closet… hidden behind pieces that may have even seen better days… and still carrying the tags? When someone asks you about your faith, are you like the collector who could never part with his/her treasure and allows it to deteriorate in a closet?
What are you doing with your Christian faith? How are you serving in Jesus’ name? God has given you such a tremendous gift… what are you giving in return? Are you a giver… or merely a taker? Does your light for Christ shine… or is it so far under the barrel that it’s less than a twinkle? Are you striving to get ahead by constantly taking and never giving? Isn’t it time to step up and out as a Christian disciple… to drop the excuses… and to shine generously for Jesus? Wouldn’t this be a great time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 11, 2011
John 12:28-38
A voice from heaven then said, "I have already brought glory to myself, and I will do it again!" When the crowd heard the voice, some of them thought it was thunder. Others thought an angel had spoken to Jesus.
Then Jesus told the crowd, "That voice spoke to help you, not me. This world's people are now being judged, and the ruler of this world is already being thrown out! If I am lifted up above the earth, I will make everyone want to come to me." Jesus was talking about the way he would be put to death. The crowd said to Jesus, "The Scriptures teach that the Messiah will live forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus answered, "The light will be with you for only a little longer. Walk in the light while you can. Then you won't be caught walking blindly in the dark. Have faith in the light while it is with you, and you will be children of the light."
After Jesus had said these things, he left and went into hiding.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to my house, you know that I use miniature twinkling lights to decorate several corners of our home. I put them on the fireplace mantle and above the cabinets in our kitchen. At Christmas time I add more lights on the TV cabinet, and of course, on the Christmas trees. We even have some twinkling lights on our back porch to illuminate the railings when we sit outside at night. After Christmas, I always buy a lot of extra boxes of these lights when they are reduced for quick sale. These strands of lights are fragile… a sudden power surge… or several weeks of use… can cause them to malfunction – or fail.
I can usually tell when these lights are about to burn out, because for a day or so, they will burn more brightly. I know that sounds weird, but it’s true. And as I replaced a strand of lights this morning, I thought about this scripture passage and our lives as Christians. See, we are somewhat like the strand of Christmas lights. We burn for Christ for a while… and maybe we even burn brightly for a season… but we tend to fizzle out at some point, needing a replacement or “recharge.” We are children of the light, okay… but we’re not always very reliable!
Jesus, on the other hand, burns brightly forever. Yes, He physically left this earth… the light of His human presence was extinguished for a time. But He continues to shine brightly in Heaven – and to send His light to us, so that we can continue His work on this earth. AND… someday, Jesus will return to earth for His church, and the Bible tells us His light will be so incredibly bright that it will almost be more than we can handle!
The next time I see a strand of twinkling lights burning extra brightly, I will think of this passage. I will remember that we must strive to stay faithful and in communication with God, so that our “light” does not burn brightly and then fizzle. I will also be reminded that Jesus’ light and love cannot be extinguished. He lives in and through me… and I have work to do on His behalf.
What about you? What sort of “child of the Light” are you these days? Is your light for Christ burning strongly… or is it on the verge of a fizzle? Do what you must today to reconnect with Jesus and keep His light burning strongly within you… and never get caught in the dark!
©2011 Debbie Robus
A voice from heaven then said, "I have already brought glory to myself, and I will do it again!" When the crowd heard the voice, some of them thought it was thunder. Others thought an angel had spoken to Jesus.
Then Jesus told the crowd, "That voice spoke to help you, not me. This world's people are now being judged, and the ruler of this world is already being thrown out! If I am lifted up above the earth, I will make everyone want to come to me." Jesus was talking about the way he would be put to death. The crowd said to Jesus, "The Scriptures teach that the Messiah will live forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus answered, "The light will be with you for only a little longer. Walk in the light while you can. Then you won't be caught walking blindly in the dark. Have faith in the light while it is with you, and you will be children of the light."
After Jesus had said these things, he left and went into hiding.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to my house, you know that I use miniature twinkling lights to decorate several corners of our home. I put them on the fireplace mantle and above the cabinets in our kitchen. At Christmas time I add more lights on the TV cabinet, and of course, on the Christmas trees. We even have some twinkling lights on our back porch to illuminate the railings when we sit outside at night. After Christmas, I always buy a lot of extra boxes of these lights when they are reduced for quick sale. These strands of lights are fragile… a sudden power surge… or several weeks of use… can cause them to malfunction – or fail.
I can usually tell when these lights are about to burn out, because for a day or so, they will burn more brightly. I know that sounds weird, but it’s true. And as I replaced a strand of lights this morning, I thought about this scripture passage and our lives as Christians. See, we are somewhat like the strand of Christmas lights. We burn for Christ for a while… and maybe we even burn brightly for a season… but we tend to fizzle out at some point, needing a replacement or “recharge.” We are children of the light, okay… but we’re not always very reliable!
Jesus, on the other hand, burns brightly forever. Yes, He physically left this earth… the light of His human presence was extinguished for a time. But He continues to shine brightly in Heaven – and to send His light to us, so that we can continue His work on this earth. AND… someday, Jesus will return to earth for His church, and the Bible tells us His light will be so incredibly bright that it will almost be more than we can handle!
The next time I see a strand of twinkling lights burning extra brightly, I will think of this passage. I will remember that we must strive to stay faithful and in communication with God, so that our “light” does not burn brightly and then fizzle. I will also be reminded that Jesus’ light and love cannot be extinguished. He lives in and through me… and I have work to do on His behalf.
What about you? What sort of “child of the Light” are you these days? Is your light for Christ burning strongly… or is it on the verge of a fizzle? Do what you must today to reconnect with Jesus and keep His light burning strongly within you… and never get caught in the dark!
©2011 Debbie Robus
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