1 John 2:28-29
And now, my little children, stay in
happy fellowship with the Lord so that when he comes you will be sure
that all is well and will not have to be ashamed and shrink back from
meeting him. Since we know that God is always good and does only right,
we may rightly assume that all those who do right are his children.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Generally, there is not a
bashful bone in the little bodies of Timothy, Zola, and Nathan. We have
marveled at how they are so cordial and polite to our adult friends…and
we have been a bit unnerved by how friendly Zola, particularly, can be
toward complete strangers in public! But there are times when, for
whatever reason, these little ones will shrink back and hide behind our
legs when someone else approaches. Of course, once they “warm up,”
everything is fine. But there are occasions when they will briefly
cower as if they are embarrassed – or frightened. Of course, the
children don’t do this with us. They know us…they are familiar
and comfortable with us. But there ARE family members whom they rarely
see – and these folks sometimes get the cold shoulder/bashful treatment -
at least initially.
Were Jesus to suddenly appear among a group
of us, I can totally envision many at least having the urge to cower and
shrink back. After all, it’s Jesus…and we know we are not
worthy. We know we have disappointed Him – and sullied His name with our
disobedience and sinful ways. And because some of us don’t really KNOW
Jesus as we should, there would be that period when we would hide
behind the legs of someone more familiar, like a child does on occasion.
But
that’s the whole point of this passage. There is no reason for us to
cower behind anything or anyone in Jesus’ presence. If we will simply
get to know Him as we should and develop an intimate relationship with
Him, we will understand why this is unnecessary. We will learn that
Jesus already knows every mistake we have made – or will make. And He
loves us anyway. And quite honestly, the closer we stay to Jesus, the
fewer missteps we will make, because we will be more in tune with His
instruction and guidance.
Jesus wants us to be so comfortable and
familiar with Him that there is no need to hide – anything. Jesus
wants us to demonstrate to others how joyful this relationship can
be…how secure and peaceful life is when we make Him our constant
companion…our “Forever Friend” in every sense of the word. Jesus wants
us to understand that nothing is too big for Him to overcome…and to
convey this realization to others. Jesus wants us to boldly step up and
out - and greet Him each and every minute of the day. And He wants us
to show others that there is nothing to fear.
I want Jesus to be
so present in my life that whenever others look at me, they can almost
visualize His image standing next to me, holding my hand. I want others
to see that Jesus is my constant companion…that He never leaves me…that
wherever I go, He goes, also. And in order to do this, I have to
develop a deep, abiding, continual relationship with Him that
encompasses each and every minute of the day. I’m working hard to do
exactly this…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label belonging to Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label belonging to Jesus. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for November 24, 2015
1 John 1:9-10
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The 4th/5th grade Sunday school group and I discussed who might be in God’s family. Surely Moses and Abraham are included…and Mary and Joseph and Jesus’ disciples. Some named family members who have passed – and even a pet or two. We talked about how we are part of God’s family and will join Him and others in heaven someday.
Then one boy said, “Well, Elvis is not part of God’s family…because he ‘did drugs’.” So we had to have a little lesson in sin and salvation through the blood of Jesus. Another boy wisely inserted that “everybody sins.” And I explained that we all sin and do things that displease God, because we are human and imperfect.
But if we have given our heart to Jesus and trusted Him to wash away our sins…and IF we do our dead-level best to live for Him and honor this gift with our thoughts, words and actions, we are forgiven when we sin. And if Elvis did these things, we will meet him in heaven! To go even further, I explained that when we do sin, we must stop and admit this to God and ask His forgiveness. And 1 John 1:9-10 is the proof to back up my claims.
I told the children that we really don’t know who will be in heaven…but I have a feeling that we are in for a few surprises. I believe there will be some folks there that we thought would not “make the cut!” And this is where our judgments get us into trouble! Just as importantly, if we accept Jesus’ gift of salvation and then go on our merry way and do as we please and sin with wild abandon and no remorse, we have disrespected our relationship with God. I hope none of us never makes this mistake.
One point that I made with the students – and want to make with you – is that we must never serve God out of fear. We must never live for Him because we are afraid we will go to hell if we do otherwise. Yes, hell is real – and those who deny God and/or do not accept Jesus’ gift of salvation are destined to spend Eternity there. But fear of hell is not why we should serve God or follow Jesus’ teachings.
God wants us to live for Him out of a deep and abiding love and commitment. He wants us to want to belong to His family. He wants us to readily admit our sins and make a concerted effort to do better…to seek His forgiveness and bask in the unconditional manner in which He delivers redemption. God does not want us to “fear” Him in this manner – all references to “fear of the LORD” in the Bible speak of “healthy respect” – not trepidation and apprehension.
I pray that you are a part of God’s family…that a seat is being prepared for you at His heavenly table for all Eternity. And I pray that you love and serve Him out of a deep desire to belong to Him…and not out of worry and concern or doubt. I pray that your relationship with God is based on respect and understanding of how much He loves you…because in the life of a true Christian, operating in fear of any kind is simply not an option. Now…what are you afraid of?
©2015 Debbie Robus
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The 4th/5th grade Sunday school group and I discussed who might be in God’s family. Surely Moses and Abraham are included…and Mary and Joseph and Jesus’ disciples. Some named family members who have passed – and even a pet or two. We talked about how we are part of God’s family and will join Him and others in heaven someday.
Then one boy said, “Well, Elvis is not part of God’s family…because he ‘did drugs’.” So we had to have a little lesson in sin and salvation through the blood of Jesus. Another boy wisely inserted that “everybody sins.” And I explained that we all sin and do things that displease God, because we are human and imperfect.
But if we have given our heart to Jesus and trusted Him to wash away our sins…and IF we do our dead-level best to live for Him and honor this gift with our thoughts, words and actions, we are forgiven when we sin. And if Elvis did these things, we will meet him in heaven! To go even further, I explained that when we do sin, we must stop and admit this to God and ask His forgiveness. And 1 John 1:9-10 is the proof to back up my claims.
I told the children that we really don’t know who will be in heaven…but I have a feeling that we are in for a few surprises. I believe there will be some folks there that we thought would not “make the cut!” And this is where our judgments get us into trouble! Just as importantly, if we accept Jesus’ gift of salvation and then go on our merry way and do as we please and sin with wild abandon and no remorse, we have disrespected our relationship with God. I hope none of us never makes this mistake.
One point that I made with the students – and want to make with you – is that we must never serve God out of fear. We must never live for Him because we are afraid we will go to hell if we do otherwise. Yes, hell is real – and those who deny God and/or do not accept Jesus’ gift of salvation are destined to spend Eternity there. But fear of hell is not why we should serve God or follow Jesus’ teachings.
God wants us to live for Him out of a deep and abiding love and commitment. He wants us to want to belong to His family. He wants us to readily admit our sins and make a concerted effort to do better…to seek His forgiveness and bask in the unconditional manner in which He delivers redemption. God does not want us to “fear” Him in this manner – all references to “fear of the LORD” in the Bible speak of “healthy respect” – not trepidation and apprehension.
I pray that you are a part of God’s family…that a seat is being prepared for you at His heavenly table for all Eternity. And I pray that you love and serve Him out of a deep desire to belong to Him…and not out of worry and concern or doubt. I pray that your relationship with God is based on respect and understanding of how much He loves you…because in the life of a true Christian, operating in fear of any kind is simply not an option. Now…what are you afraid of?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 20, 2015
Acts 2:41-42
That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
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.
My young cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless young friends are all members of organized activities/groups like soccer, t-ball, swimming, scouting, and dance troops. They have made the commitment to attend practices and games/performances…to participate in events associated with the team/group…to offer support and be an active participant…and to encourage their fellow members. They are representatives of these groups, and people form opinions about the organization as a whole on the basis of how individual members behave.
In any organization, there will be people who go “all in” and give their very best. They make almost all of the meetings, participate in group activities and invite others to join them. They support the members and do all that they can to conduct themselves in a manner that honors the group and its purpose/tenets. There will be a few who sign on and then fail to show up…literally and figuratively. When this happens, they are often dismissed from the group…either by quitting and forfeiting membership and the right to participate - or by removal from the roster by the group leaders.
When we give our lives to Christ and become Christians, we are automatically a member of “Team Jesus.” Just as there are members of any club or organization who claim to be associated, then hang out on the fringes – or drop out altogether - there are Christians who assert that they belong to Jesus and then go back to their old ways. They don’t support others, much less minister to anyone – especially unbelievers. Sadly, there are quite a few “fringe Christians.” Many of them go through the motions…attend worship services, contribute to a church and missions/ministries, participate in Holy Communion, and sport a t-shirt or bumper sticker that proclaims their allegiance. But it’s all essentially a show…there is no real “heart” and commitment behind these actions. Others claim to be Christians and don’t even make a half-hearted effort to go through the motions of discipleship.
Unlike most organizations, you can’t get kicked off “Team Jesus” for this. But it does sadden Jesus…and it should sadden us as believers. Jesus suffered, bled and died for our sins. He loves us unconditionally…meets all of our needs…feeds and heals us – body, mind and soul…and prepares a Heavenly mansion for us to enjoy for all Eternity. And all that He asks of us in return is that we love and honor Him.
Jesus asks that we live in a way that demonstrates our devotion to Him and encourages others to make Him their personal Savior. Whether we go “all in” or not does not change our status on the “team”…or make us better than the next believer. But it’s a matter of personal and spiritual integrity. This is the most important affiliation we will ever have. We ought to do more than merely act like it matters.
Stop and spend some time today in prayer and reflection on all that Jesus has done for you…all that He does for you each and every day. Count your blessings and consider what sort of “team member” you really are these days. Search for ways to step up your “game/performance”…to honor and glorify the amazing gift of Salvation and inclusion that Jesus has given you. Make this the day that you move off the sidelines and into the thick of things with Jesus. It’s what you signed up for…the time has come to make good on your commitment!
©2015 Debbie Robus
That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
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.
My young cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless young friends are all members of organized activities/groups like soccer, t-ball, swimming, scouting, and dance troops. They have made the commitment to attend practices and games/performances…to participate in events associated with the team/group…to offer support and be an active participant…and to encourage their fellow members. They are representatives of these groups, and people form opinions about the organization as a whole on the basis of how individual members behave.
In any organization, there will be people who go “all in” and give their very best. They make almost all of the meetings, participate in group activities and invite others to join them. They support the members and do all that they can to conduct themselves in a manner that honors the group and its purpose/tenets. There will be a few who sign on and then fail to show up…literally and figuratively. When this happens, they are often dismissed from the group…either by quitting and forfeiting membership and the right to participate - or by removal from the roster by the group leaders.
When we give our lives to Christ and become Christians, we are automatically a member of “Team Jesus.” Just as there are members of any club or organization who claim to be associated, then hang out on the fringes – or drop out altogether - there are Christians who assert that they belong to Jesus and then go back to their old ways. They don’t support others, much less minister to anyone – especially unbelievers. Sadly, there are quite a few “fringe Christians.” Many of them go through the motions…attend worship services, contribute to a church and missions/ministries, participate in Holy Communion, and sport a t-shirt or bumper sticker that proclaims their allegiance. But it’s all essentially a show…there is no real “heart” and commitment behind these actions. Others claim to be Christians and don’t even make a half-hearted effort to go through the motions of discipleship.
Unlike most organizations, you can’t get kicked off “Team Jesus” for this. But it does sadden Jesus…and it should sadden us as believers. Jesus suffered, bled and died for our sins. He loves us unconditionally…meets all of our needs…feeds and heals us – body, mind and soul…and prepares a Heavenly mansion for us to enjoy for all Eternity. And all that He asks of us in return is that we love and honor Him.
Jesus asks that we live in a way that demonstrates our devotion to Him and encourages others to make Him their personal Savior. Whether we go “all in” or not does not change our status on the “team”…or make us better than the next believer. But it’s a matter of personal and spiritual integrity. This is the most important affiliation we will ever have. We ought to do more than merely act like it matters.
Stop and spend some time today in prayer and reflection on all that Jesus has done for you…all that He does for you each and every day. Count your blessings and consider what sort of “team member” you really are these days. Search for ways to step up your “game/performance”…to honor and glorify the amazing gift of Salvation and inclusion that Jesus has given you. Make this the day that you move off the sidelines and into the thick of things with Jesus. It’s what you signed up for…the time has come to make good on your commitment!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 26, 2015
Proverbs 8:17
I love everyone who loves me,
and I will be found by all
who honestly search.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg and I watched an old episode of “The Andy Griffith Show” last night in which Opie was upset because he got a new teacher – “Old Lady Crump”! This teacher had doubled Opie’s homework and was emphasizing the importance of the study of history. Andy, Barney, Aunt Bee and Opie sat at the breakfast table and debated the importance of gaining wisdom about our history, and Opie got the mistaken idea that studying this subject might not be so valuable or worthwhile.
In the end, Andy made historical events “come to life” for Opie and his friends…and they decided that this knowledge was pretty important, after all. The boys formed a “Minutemen Club” of cool kids who knew historical facts…and those who weren’t “in” were dubbed the “Redcoats”. The bottom line was that these children discovered the value of gaining wisdom…and how it impacted every area of their lives.
The eighth chapter of Proverbs is about God’s wisdom. If you will go to BibleGateway.com and read this entire chapter, you will find that King Solomon outlines in detail the benefits of seeking God’s wisdom. Chief among them is the emphasis of this verse – that God is totally available to everyone who seeks Him…and that He LOVES us and our hunger for His knowledge. I particularly like verse 9, which says, “If you have understanding, you will see that my words are just what you need.”
Like 4th graders who cannot see the value in gaining wisdom through study and homework, we often cannot comprehend the value of gaining GOD’s wisdom through time spent in fellowship with Him. We do not grasp how “cool” it is to operate in God’s “Minutemen Club”…to be ready at a minute’s notice because we are backed by the wisdom and power of our Heavenly Father.
We can change this…and we can start right now. Verses 34-35 say, “Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness. By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you.” Won’t you visit the “home of Wisdom” today and spend some time in fellowship with God? Will this be the day that you begin to truly find life – and wisdom - in Him?
©2015 Debbie Robus
I love everyone who loves me,
and I will be found by all
who honestly search.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg and I watched an old episode of “The Andy Griffith Show” last night in which Opie was upset because he got a new teacher – “Old Lady Crump”! This teacher had doubled Opie’s homework and was emphasizing the importance of the study of history. Andy, Barney, Aunt Bee and Opie sat at the breakfast table and debated the importance of gaining wisdom about our history, and Opie got the mistaken idea that studying this subject might not be so valuable or worthwhile.
In the end, Andy made historical events “come to life” for Opie and his friends…and they decided that this knowledge was pretty important, after all. The boys formed a “Minutemen Club” of cool kids who knew historical facts…and those who weren’t “in” were dubbed the “Redcoats”. The bottom line was that these children discovered the value of gaining wisdom…and how it impacted every area of their lives.
The eighth chapter of Proverbs is about God’s wisdom. If you will go to BibleGateway.com and read this entire chapter, you will find that King Solomon outlines in detail the benefits of seeking God’s wisdom. Chief among them is the emphasis of this verse – that God is totally available to everyone who seeks Him…and that He LOVES us and our hunger for His knowledge. I particularly like verse 9, which says, “If you have understanding, you will see that my words are just what you need.”
Like 4th graders who cannot see the value in gaining wisdom through study and homework, we often cannot comprehend the value of gaining GOD’s wisdom through time spent in fellowship with Him. We do not grasp how “cool” it is to operate in God’s “Minutemen Club”…to be ready at a minute’s notice because we are backed by the wisdom and power of our Heavenly Father.
We can change this…and we can start right now. Verses 34-35 say, “Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness. By finding me, you find life, and the Lord will be pleased with you.” Won’t you visit the “home of Wisdom” today and spend some time in fellowship with God? Will this be the day that you begin to truly find life – and wisdom - in Him?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 21, 2015
Philippians 3:7-11
But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ and to know that I belong to him.
I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, so that somehow I also may be raised to life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was sitting in the parking lot after attending a funeral, and I spotted a friend from church walking to her car. I called to her and asked if she would like to ride with me to the cemetery. She gladly accepted my offer, and as she got in the car, she said, “I wish I was dressed properly.” She had come to the service directly from her job as a nurse, and she was wearing her white lab coat. I assured her that she looked fine…that nobody would give her attire a second thought – other than to notice that she took time out of her busy day to attend this service!
Here’s the thing…there are times when it is important to be “prim and proper”…when wearing the right outfit is critical. And there are times when it is simply most important that you show up! I’ve had to make a mad dash to the Emergency Department with a loved one in the wee hours of the morning when I looked scary enough to frighten grown men! But there was no way I was going to say to those in need or the EMTs, “Hang on a few minutes while I put on some makeup and fluff up my hair!” I seriously doubt that very many people would pause to check their outfit in the mirror if they found themselves in a burning building! It’s all a matter of priorities!
Too often, we get caught up in what we think will “look pretty” to God…and we miss Him completely. The moment comes and goes…we waste the connection and lose out on a blessing. We get so mired in how many Bible verses we can quote, who killed who in the Old Testament and what sacrifices were required to atone…we worry about whether we gave enough money, sat on enough committees, said enough prayers, and participated in enough worship activities…and we are completely deaf and dumb to Jesus calling to us…”Hey…c’mon over here and let Me love on you!”
Do not misunderstand me…I believe that Christian rituals are important. I believe in the sanctity of Holy Communion and only wish that more people fully understood its significance and the profound sacredness of this experience. I also believe in the holiness of God’s word…all of it! But if we don’t fully understand the lineage of all of the kings or have a firm grasp on all of the names of the leaders of this battle or that one, yet we truly know Jesus and strive to follow Him…I would say that we have our values in proper alignment. If we are in fellowship with Jesus and understand WHY He came to earth for us and the full extent of what He accomplished on our behalf…THIS is what matters the most! The rest will surely fall into place.
I am a “Field of Dreams” Christian…I believe in the “If you build it, they will come” philosophy. In other words, when we focus on Jesus…when we fully commit to Him and follow His teachings, I believe all of the rest will follow – the desire to study God’s word in depth…the yearning to fellowship with other believers…the conviction to give of our “time, talents and money” to the church…and a craving for time in His presence.
Jesus doesn’t care if we are wearing a lab coat or our “Sunday best”! He just wants US! And I want Him, as well. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ and to know that I belong to him.
I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, so that somehow I also may be raised to life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was sitting in the parking lot after attending a funeral, and I spotted a friend from church walking to her car. I called to her and asked if she would like to ride with me to the cemetery. She gladly accepted my offer, and as she got in the car, she said, “I wish I was dressed properly.” She had come to the service directly from her job as a nurse, and she was wearing her white lab coat. I assured her that she looked fine…that nobody would give her attire a second thought – other than to notice that she took time out of her busy day to attend this service!
Here’s the thing…there are times when it is important to be “prim and proper”…when wearing the right outfit is critical. And there are times when it is simply most important that you show up! I’ve had to make a mad dash to the Emergency Department with a loved one in the wee hours of the morning when I looked scary enough to frighten grown men! But there was no way I was going to say to those in need or the EMTs, “Hang on a few minutes while I put on some makeup and fluff up my hair!” I seriously doubt that very many people would pause to check their outfit in the mirror if they found themselves in a burning building! It’s all a matter of priorities!
Too often, we get caught up in what we think will “look pretty” to God…and we miss Him completely. The moment comes and goes…we waste the connection and lose out on a blessing. We get so mired in how many Bible verses we can quote, who killed who in the Old Testament and what sacrifices were required to atone…we worry about whether we gave enough money, sat on enough committees, said enough prayers, and participated in enough worship activities…and we are completely deaf and dumb to Jesus calling to us…”Hey…c’mon over here and let Me love on you!”
Do not misunderstand me…I believe that Christian rituals are important. I believe in the sanctity of Holy Communion and only wish that more people fully understood its significance and the profound sacredness of this experience. I also believe in the holiness of God’s word…all of it! But if we don’t fully understand the lineage of all of the kings or have a firm grasp on all of the names of the leaders of this battle or that one, yet we truly know Jesus and strive to follow Him…I would say that we have our values in proper alignment. If we are in fellowship with Jesus and understand WHY He came to earth for us and the full extent of what He accomplished on our behalf…THIS is what matters the most! The rest will surely fall into place.
I am a “Field of Dreams” Christian…I believe in the “If you build it, they will come” philosophy. In other words, when we focus on Jesus…when we fully commit to Him and follow His teachings, I believe all of the rest will follow – the desire to study God’s word in depth…the yearning to fellowship with other believers…the conviction to give of our “time, talents and money” to the church…and a craving for time in His presence.
Jesus doesn’t care if we are wearing a lab coat or our “Sunday best”! He just wants US! And I want Him, as well. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 14, 2015
John 5:22-24, 30
And the Father leaves all judgment of sin to his Son, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. But if you refuse to honor God’s Son, whom he sent to you, then you are certainly not honoring the Father.
“I say emphatically that anyone who listens to my message and believes in God who sent me has eternal life, and will never be damned for his sins, but has already passed out of death into life.
“But I pass no judgment without consulting the Father. I judge as I am told. And my judgment is absolutely fair and just, for it is according to the will of God who sent me and is not merely my own.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When my Mam-ma Polly got older, I was given her Durable Power of Attorney. This meant that I could make major decisions for her in matters of pertaining to her personal business and her health. I could sign papers on her behalf, make decisions such as engaging Hospice care, and choose her primary care physician. My grandmother had entrusted me with the authority to make these decisions. But as long as she was able to communicate with me, I still consulted her before giving my final answer. So even a couple of weeks before she died, I asked her if she wanted to go to the ER after she fell in her room and hit her head. She adamantly told me, “NO!” And after I carefully assessed the situation and consulted Hospice nurses and other family members, we did not go.
Before she lost her ability to speak, Mam-ma would often wave off a major decision (literally with a wave of the hand) and say, “Whatever y’all decide is okay with me.” Now, I will admit that sometimes she said this with all of the pitiful sarcasm her voice could muster…but in her heart of hearts, she knew that I would never disrespect her – or make a decision that I felt would be harmful in any way. My Mam-ma Polly knew that I had her back!
God gave Jesus authority over each of us and decisions with regard to our care – and our eternal destiny. As the One who suffered, bled and died for our sins, it seems only right that Jesus would have the say over whether our petition to belong to Him is granted or not. But notice that even Jesus still consults the Heavenly Father…that there is a deference and respect for Almighty God – even at this “level”.
What does this mean for us? This passage reminds us of God’s authority and power…and also of His love, grace, mercy and compassion. Even Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and has the complete and final say over whether we are forgiven of them for all eternity, still listens for His Father’s voice. He still respects God’s “place” as the ultimate and final word on all matters. And we must value this, also. We must trust that in the end, it’s all up to God…and He has our back!
We must also remind ourselves to respect the earthly “chain of command”. We must honor the “position” of those in power and authority, even when we might not agree with their decisions. We must always offer them respect and behave toward them as would honor and please God. This may often mean biting our tongue and keeping our opinions – and ugly thoughts – to ourselves.
Sometimes in our earthly judgments, we have to make hard decisions that go against the preference of an elder or someone in authority. I am not telling you to lie for your boss…or to allow your ailing or aging parent or loved one to make a choice that will be harmful to them or someone else. This is where we must turn to God and ask, “What do I do now?” And He will answer!
I am so glad to know that Jesus chose me…that He deemed me worth saving. And I am grateful to know that He has my back…each and every minute of the day. I am doing all I can to honor this gift...to ensure that MY decisions mirror His will in each and every situation. I am constantly listening for His voice and seeking His opinion…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
And the Father leaves all judgment of sin to his Son, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. But if you refuse to honor God’s Son, whom he sent to you, then you are certainly not honoring the Father.
“I say emphatically that anyone who listens to my message and believes in God who sent me has eternal life, and will never be damned for his sins, but has already passed out of death into life.
“But I pass no judgment without consulting the Father. I judge as I am told. And my judgment is absolutely fair and just, for it is according to the will of God who sent me and is not merely my own.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When my Mam-ma Polly got older, I was given her Durable Power of Attorney. This meant that I could make major decisions for her in matters of pertaining to her personal business and her health. I could sign papers on her behalf, make decisions such as engaging Hospice care, and choose her primary care physician. My grandmother had entrusted me with the authority to make these decisions. But as long as she was able to communicate with me, I still consulted her before giving my final answer. So even a couple of weeks before she died, I asked her if she wanted to go to the ER after she fell in her room and hit her head. She adamantly told me, “NO!” And after I carefully assessed the situation and consulted Hospice nurses and other family members, we did not go.
Before she lost her ability to speak, Mam-ma would often wave off a major decision (literally with a wave of the hand) and say, “Whatever y’all decide is okay with me.” Now, I will admit that sometimes she said this with all of the pitiful sarcasm her voice could muster…but in her heart of hearts, she knew that I would never disrespect her – or make a decision that I felt would be harmful in any way. My Mam-ma Polly knew that I had her back!
God gave Jesus authority over each of us and decisions with regard to our care – and our eternal destiny. As the One who suffered, bled and died for our sins, it seems only right that Jesus would have the say over whether our petition to belong to Him is granted or not. But notice that even Jesus still consults the Heavenly Father…that there is a deference and respect for Almighty God – even at this “level”.
What does this mean for us? This passage reminds us of God’s authority and power…and also of His love, grace, mercy and compassion. Even Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and has the complete and final say over whether we are forgiven of them for all eternity, still listens for His Father’s voice. He still respects God’s “place” as the ultimate and final word on all matters. And we must value this, also. We must trust that in the end, it’s all up to God…and He has our back!
We must also remind ourselves to respect the earthly “chain of command”. We must honor the “position” of those in power and authority, even when we might not agree with their decisions. We must always offer them respect and behave toward them as would honor and please God. This may often mean biting our tongue and keeping our opinions – and ugly thoughts – to ourselves.
Sometimes in our earthly judgments, we have to make hard decisions that go against the preference of an elder or someone in authority. I am not telling you to lie for your boss…or to allow your ailing or aging parent or loved one to make a choice that will be harmful to them or someone else. This is where we must turn to God and ask, “What do I do now?” And He will answer!
I am so glad to know that Jesus chose me…that He deemed me worth saving. And I am grateful to know that He has my back…each and every minute of the day. I am doing all I can to honor this gift...to ensure that MY decisions mirror His will in each and every situation. I am constantly listening for His voice and seeking His opinion…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 5, 2012
John 8:6-7
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, "The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone." Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.
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.
A “preacher’s kid” friend of mine recently shared a story about a colleague of her dad’s… a pastor we both happen to know. It seems that one of his church members telephoned him one day and began to rant and rave about someone else who attended their church. She said, “Pastor, you’ve got a SINNER in your church!” The pastor replied, “Lady, all I’ve got in my church is sinners! If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have anybody!”
We can laugh, but this is the truth in a nutshell. Every time we point our finger at someone, four fingers are pointing in our direction. Just because you don’t kill, lie, cheat or steal doesn’t mean you are sinless. Do you overeat? Are you lazy? Do you gossip and say unkind things about others… even once in a while? Here’s a biggie… do you disobey God? Do you ever say, “I know I should do so-and-so… it’s the right thing to do… but I just don’t feel like it today.” It’s good to meet you, fellow sinner!
One of the things we seem to so easily forget is that God’s laws are for EVERYONE. We cannot pick and choose when and where we apply them to our situation … or anyone else’s. We can’t say, “Oh, look at what he/she has done” without also looking in the mirror.
So the next time we want to condemn someone for a comment he/she has made, we have to think about the things we have said. When we want to criticize or denounce another person for an indiscretion or any behavior of which we don’t approve, we had better check our own conduct first.
The line has effectively been drawn in the sand. Jesus stands on one side… the only example of true perfection. The rest of us are on the other side. None of us can step over the line. The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus has also drawn a circle… around all of us. He stands ready to embrace and include each of us, if only we will surrender to Him and admit that we are anything but faultless.
When we ask Jesus to forgive us for OUR sins, He wraps His arms around us and draws us in as part of His precious inner circle. And He has room for any and all who ask to enter. So we must not be surprised when the other guy we have been so quick to criticize shows up there, as well. In fact, I can almost hear Him saying, “Listen, people! All I’ve got in my circle is repentant sinners… and I still have room for YOU!”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, "The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone." Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.
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.
A “preacher’s kid” friend of mine recently shared a story about a colleague of her dad’s… a pastor we both happen to know. It seems that one of his church members telephoned him one day and began to rant and rave about someone else who attended their church. She said, “Pastor, you’ve got a SINNER in your church!” The pastor replied, “Lady, all I’ve got in my church is sinners! If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have anybody!”
We can laugh, but this is the truth in a nutshell. Every time we point our finger at someone, four fingers are pointing in our direction. Just because you don’t kill, lie, cheat or steal doesn’t mean you are sinless. Do you overeat? Are you lazy? Do you gossip and say unkind things about others… even once in a while? Here’s a biggie… do you disobey God? Do you ever say, “I know I should do so-and-so… it’s the right thing to do… but I just don’t feel like it today.” It’s good to meet you, fellow sinner!
One of the things we seem to so easily forget is that God’s laws are for EVERYONE. We cannot pick and choose when and where we apply them to our situation … or anyone else’s. We can’t say, “Oh, look at what he/she has done” without also looking in the mirror.
So the next time we want to condemn someone for a comment he/she has made, we have to think about the things we have said. When we want to criticize or denounce another person for an indiscretion or any behavior of which we don’t approve, we had better check our own conduct first.
The line has effectively been drawn in the sand. Jesus stands on one side… the only example of true perfection. The rest of us are on the other side. None of us can step over the line. The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus has also drawn a circle… around all of us. He stands ready to embrace and include each of us, if only we will surrender to Him and admit that we are anything but faultless.
When we ask Jesus to forgive us for OUR sins, He wraps His arms around us and draws us in as part of His precious inner circle. And He has room for any and all who ask to enter. So we must not be surprised when the other guy we have been so quick to criticize shows up there, as well. In fact, I can almost hear Him saying, “Listen, people! All I’ve got in my circle is repentant sinners… and I still have room for YOU!”
©2012 Debbie Robus
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