John 14:15-17
“If you love me, show it by doing what
I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another
Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is
the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it
doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you
know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be
in you!
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 Timothy was a toddler,
Greg and I sat out on our driveway one warm fall night and looked at a
bright full moon. He would point and say, “Moon!” And we would remind
him that wherever he was, all he had to do was look at the moon and know
that we would be looking at it, too. “When you look at the moon,
remember how much we love you,” I told him. In recent years, my mother
has commented more than once when she was traveling that she looked at
the moon and reminded herself that we at home were seeing the same
moon. This is indeed a comforting thought.
When I was a child,
the concept of the Holy Spirit – or “Holy Ghost” as people referenced
Him…was nebulous and confusing enough to make me go, “Whaaaa???” I
don’t know how or why I found this such a difficult – and even scary -
concept…but now that I understand the “Spirit of Truth” and what a
friend and comforter He is and how He guides me and protects my every
breath, I am totally in love. And I want to do all I can to show Jesus
how much I love Him for sending this Friend.
Just
as a child of any age looks at the moon and knows that a grown-up sees
the same lunar orb, I know that the Holy Spirit of Truth is always with
me. Just as we can understand that others who look at the same moon we
are viewing may think of us and care about our every thought and
breath…we know that the Holy Spirit is with us wherever we are - that He
cares about us and is available to help us with anything and
everything!
The Holy Spirit is another gift from Jesus…a
“Forever Friend” to accompany us 24/7. All that Jesus asks of us in
return is that we demonstrate our love for Him by following His
commands…loving others as we love ourselves…operating in humility,
kindness and respect…feeding and clothing the hungry, homeless, widowed,
orphaned and needy…spreading the Gospel…and offering hope and salvation
through His cleansing blood to those who are lost, confused and
hurting. This may sound like a tall order…but in comparison to the
gifts of Salvation and the Holy Spirit, it is quite literally the least
we can do.
You may be one of many who have received the gift of
Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ...and this is wonderful!
But have you received His gift of the Holy Spirit? Does He dwell in
your heart…and do you feel His presence? Do you recognize the Spirit of
Truth…is He your Forever Friend? Don’t you want this? Will you spend
some time in prayer today and call on the Holy Spirit to fill your
heart? All you have to do is ask…“Come, Holy Spirit…wash over me.”
He’s waiting for the invitation…are you ready to extend it?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label bonding with the Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bonding with the Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 8, 2015
John 17:12-19
While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost, except the one who had to be lost. This happened so that what the Scriptures say would come true.
I am on my way to you. But I say these things while I am still in the world, so that my followers will have the same complete joy that I do. I have told them your message. But the people of this world hate them, because they don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t.
Father, I don’t ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. They don’t belong to this world, and neither do I. Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me. I have given myself completely for their sake, so that they may belong completely to the truth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On March 1, 2015, giant panda cub Bao Bao was officially and completely separated from her mother, Mei Xiang, at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. This weaning process actually began several weeks earlier, as the two spent more and more time away from each other, and Bao Bao began to munch on bamboo to supplement her mother’s nursing. Now she is completely dependent on the cane for her sustenance.
According to information found at https://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/, "Giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are at the National Zoo under a Giant Panda Cooperative Research and Breeding Agreement, signed in January 2011, between the Zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. This extends the Zoo’s giant panda program through 2015. Mei and Tian are the focus of an ambitious research, conservation, and breeding program designed to preserve this endangered species." 18-month-old offspring Bao Bao will remain at the National Zoo until she is four years old. While she would naturally separate completely from her mother and no longer see her, this is not possible at the National Zoo, and staff members there hope that this will result in her observing the breeding cycle between her parents – and better understanding what she is to do in the wild when she is released in China.
In many ways, Bao Bao’s parents have done all they can for her…and at the end of her fourth year, the National Zoo officials will have to say the same thing. It will be time for Bao Bao to take the lessons she has learned – all that has been instilled in her and taught to her – and carry on alone. Every human involved in her nurture and care hopes and believes that this will be a successful venture. Will there be trepidation and worry? Certainly. Will it be hard to let her go…a little nerve-wracking to trust that she will be okay and remember all that she learned? Most definitely! But it will still be the right thing to do…an act of tremendous love and faith – in the effectiveness and endurance of lessons and care demonstrated – and in Bao Bao’s steadfastness and faithfulness to what has been given her.
Now think of Jesus and all that He has done for us. Consider how He taught us…nurtured and cared for us…demonstrated the right path – showed us how to serve God and honor His laws. Jesus did all that He was supposed to do for us – and then some. Jesus did all He could to keep us safe…and now He trusts that we learned our lessons well and will be able to serve as His disciples.
Here’s where we differ from the pandas and other “parents/offspring”…Jesus does not separate from us completely. He does not desert us. When He returned to Heaven, He left His Holy Spirit as “back-up”…should we choose to invite Him into our hearts. So we always have our Heavenly Father with us…He is only a heartbeat and a whisper away.
This is GREAT NEWS! We don’t have to wonder and worry what to do – the Holy Spirit is always with us to give us the answer! We don’t have to wander aimlessly…suffer or grieve without comfort…or operate in confusion and uncertainty. Our God is always available…His presence takes many shapes and forms…and all we have to do is recognize Him.
I know that it will be a hard day at the National Zoo when Bao Bao is packed off to China. I have a feeling that with some of us, it’s pretty hard for Jesus to watch us bumble around and try to do “life” on our own. Thankfully, we don’t have to live like this…He will draw near in a split second and set our feet on the right path. It’s up to us to issue the invitation for Him to do just that. Have you invited Jesus and His Holy Spirit into your heart…and do you keep Him there? Isn’t it time that you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
While I was with them, I kept them safe by the power you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost, except the one who had to be lost. This happened so that what the Scriptures say would come true.
I am on my way to you. But I say these things while I am still in the world, so that my followers will have the same complete joy that I do. I have told them your message. But the people of this world hate them, because they don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t.
Father, I don’t ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. They don’t belong to this world, and neither do I. Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me. I have given myself completely for their sake, so that they may belong completely to the truth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On March 1, 2015, giant panda cub Bao Bao was officially and completely separated from her mother, Mei Xiang, at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. This weaning process actually began several weeks earlier, as the two spent more and more time away from each other, and Bao Bao began to munch on bamboo to supplement her mother’s nursing. Now she is completely dependent on the cane for her sustenance.
According to information found at https://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas/, "Giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are at the National Zoo under a Giant Panda Cooperative Research and Breeding Agreement, signed in January 2011, between the Zoo and the China Wildlife Conservation Association. This extends the Zoo’s giant panda program through 2015. Mei and Tian are the focus of an ambitious research, conservation, and breeding program designed to preserve this endangered species." 18-month-old offspring Bao Bao will remain at the National Zoo until she is four years old. While she would naturally separate completely from her mother and no longer see her, this is not possible at the National Zoo, and staff members there hope that this will result in her observing the breeding cycle between her parents – and better understanding what she is to do in the wild when she is released in China.
In many ways, Bao Bao’s parents have done all they can for her…and at the end of her fourth year, the National Zoo officials will have to say the same thing. It will be time for Bao Bao to take the lessons she has learned – all that has been instilled in her and taught to her – and carry on alone. Every human involved in her nurture and care hopes and believes that this will be a successful venture. Will there be trepidation and worry? Certainly. Will it be hard to let her go…a little nerve-wracking to trust that she will be okay and remember all that she learned? Most definitely! But it will still be the right thing to do…an act of tremendous love and faith – in the effectiveness and endurance of lessons and care demonstrated – and in Bao Bao’s steadfastness and faithfulness to what has been given her.
Now think of Jesus and all that He has done for us. Consider how He taught us…nurtured and cared for us…demonstrated the right path – showed us how to serve God and honor His laws. Jesus did all that He was supposed to do for us – and then some. Jesus did all He could to keep us safe…and now He trusts that we learned our lessons well and will be able to serve as His disciples.
Here’s where we differ from the pandas and other “parents/offspring”…Jesus does not separate from us completely. He does not desert us. When He returned to Heaven, He left His Holy Spirit as “back-up”…should we choose to invite Him into our hearts. So we always have our Heavenly Father with us…He is only a heartbeat and a whisper away.
This is GREAT NEWS! We don’t have to wonder and worry what to do – the Holy Spirit is always with us to give us the answer! We don’t have to wander aimlessly…suffer or grieve without comfort…or operate in confusion and uncertainty. Our God is always available…His presence takes many shapes and forms…and all we have to do is recognize Him.
I know that it will be a hard day at the National Zoo when Bao Bao is packed off to China. I have a feeling that with some of us, it’s pretty hard for Jesus to watch us bumble around and try to do “life” on our own. Thankfully, we don’t have to live like this…He will draw near in a split second and set our feet on the right path. It’s up to us to issue the invitation for Him to do just that. Have you invited Jesus and His Holy Spirit into your heart…and do you keep Him there? Isn’t it time that you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 22, 2014
1 John 4:17
And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg’s niece and her family came for a visit during Easter. We all got together at Greg’s brother’s for a cookout one night, and as the adults sat around the fire pit and visited, 10-year-old Chase asked me to toss a football with him. Three dachshunds belonging to a couple of family members were in the back yard with us…and they do not like sudden noises or movements. Chase got a little rambunctious at one point, and I think he squealed. The dogs came running…barking, growling, and surrounding us. Without a second thought, Chase screamed, turned his back to me and scooted up as closely against me as he could get…and I wrapped my arms around him tightly until the dogs moved away.
I honestly do not know whether those little dogs would have hurt our nephew…but I would have done all I could to prevent it…and Chase instinctively knew that. In a moment of great fear, he knew just what to do…and where to turn.
There are many times in our lives when we face something frightening or unsettling. It may not be as “at-your-heels” as three barking, growling dogs…but we all encounter situations that disturb us or cause us worry and concern. What do you do when this happens? Is God so ever-present in your life that you instinctively back up to Him and allow His arms to engulf you? Do you have a pervading, often inexplicable sense of calm…even in the midst of a situation that would understandably panic most people to their core?
A few months ago, I met with a high school “small group” of senior girls. I shared with them a couple of times in recent years where I had experienced some gut-wrenching events that I honestly did not think I could bear. I related to them how I prayed and begged God to somehow prevent these things from unfolding…and how I trusted Him when I could see that they were going to happen anyway. When the unthinkable happened…God covered me in His peace and steeled me with calm and reserve that I could not comprehend - nor fully explain. He sheltered me from the worst of the pain and heartache, because He knew I could not handle it on my own. I backed up against God, and He wrapped me in His arms and held on tightly.
Maybe you have been through a similar situation - or are experiencing one of these even now…
So kick the devil to the curb today. Back up against God and allow Him to hold you close. Give HIM your worries and fears…and every facet of your life…and see how much better things can go. I can’t promise that you won’t have any more troubles or fearful experiences. In fact, I almost guarantee that you will! But with God to hold you close, you can face them with confidence…assured that He will always protect you. And on the Day of Judgment, you will recognize His presence and protective hand as He welcomes you forever into His perfect peace.
When the “dogs” of the devil come nipping at your heels…where will you be standing?
©2014 Debbie Robus
And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg’s niece and her family came for a visit during Easter. We all got together at Greg’s brother’s for a cookout one night, and as the adults sat around the fire pit and visited, 10-year-old Chase asked me to toss a football with him. Three dachshunds belonging to a couple of family members were in the back yard with us…and they do not like sudden noises or movements. Chase got a little rambunctious at one point, and I think he squealed. The dogs came running…barking, growling, and surrounding us. Without a second thought, Chase screamed, turned his back to me and scooted up as closely against me as he could get…and I wrapped my arms around him tightly until the dogs moved away.
I honestly do not know whether those little dogs would have hurt our nephew…but I would have done all I could to prevent it…and Chase instinctively knew that. In a moment of great fear, he knew just what to do…and where to turn.
There are many times in our lives when we face something frightening or unsettling. It may not be as “at-your-heels” as three barking, growling dogs…but we all encounter situations that disturb us or cause us worry and concern. What do you do when this happens? Is God so ever-present in your life that you instinctively back up to Him and allow His arms to engulf you? Do you have a pervading, often inexplicable sense of calm…even in the midst of a situation that would understandably panic most people to their core?
A few months ago, I met with a high school “small group” of senior girls. I shared with them a couple of times in recent years where I had experienced some gut-wrenching events that I honestly did not think I could bear. I related to them how I prayed and begged God to somehow prevent these things from unfolding…and how I trusted Him when I could see that they were going to happen anyway. When the unthinkable happened…God covered me in His peace and steeled me with calm and reserve that I could not comprehend - nor fully explain. He sheltered me from the worst of the pain and heartache, because He knew I could not handle it on my own. I backed up against God, and He wrapped me in His arms and held on tightly.
Maybe you have been through a similar situation - or are experiencing one of these even now…
- You have watched as a loved one suffered and slowly inched out of this life and into the next…and there was nothing you could do to stop it.
- Someone you loved was suddenly taken from you…leaving you shocked, bewildered, and feeling totally lost.
- The “rug was pulled out from under you” at work – and you lost your job or your hours were cut.
- Bills are piling up, and you seem to be on a path to lose your home or your car, despite your best efforts to come up with the payments.
- You are failing a class or two…and no matter how hard you study, you can’t seem to grasp enough of the information to pass the tests.
- You are sick, or you have been injured and can no longer participate in a beloved sport…pick up your kids, grandkids or a precious pet…perform routine household chores or even to the things that make your life enjoyable.
- You have a relationship breakdown…and you feel a disconnect with a partner, spouse, friend, relative, or acquaintance – and a separation or division of some sorts seems imminent.
- You keep reliving events from your past, and you can’t seem to forgive those who have hurt you – much less trust them again…and you can’t forgive yourself for any of your past lapses and failings.
- Despite your best efforts to be a “good person”, your life seems to be crumbling on several levels. You are unsettled, irritable and negative, nervous and uneasy…and there doesn’t seem to be any “light at the end of the tunnel”.
So kick the devil to the curb today. Back up against God and allow Him to hold you close. Give HIM your worries and fears…and every facet of your life…and see how much better things can go. I can’t promise that you won’t have any more troubles or fearful experiences. In fact, I almost guarantee that you will! But with God to hold you close, you can face them with confidence…assured that He will always protect you. And on the Day of Judgment, you will recognize His presence and protective hand as He welcomes you forever into His perfect peace.
When the “dogs” of the devil come nipping at your heels…where will you be standing?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 29, 2012
September 29 ~ Ephesians 1:15-18
I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone tells you about a product they think you will love. You try it, based on their recommendation… and you find that words could not describe how wonderful this product truly is. You honestly don’t know how you ever got along without this wonderful item… and you don’t plan to ever be without it again.
I can tell you all day long how wonderful it is to operate in the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit… but you just have to try Him for yourself to fully understand. And much as I want to, I cannot make you do this. You have to want what the Holy Spirit offers. You have to desire a higher level of faith and holiness… peace and a sense of direction.
Loving Jesus and asking Him to forgive your sins is only part of the picture… a very important part, but still not the full package He offers. In order to get in on everything, you have to “go whole hog!” You must invite the Holy Spirit to live within you and guide your every step. You must work at recognizing His voice… feeling His presence… and operating in His will. This will take time – and practice… but man-oh-man, is it ever worth the effort!
So while I am grateful for you and your faith, just as Paul says in this letter to the people of Ephesus… I want so much more. My prayer is also “that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you” and offered His Holy Spirit to be your constant companion. I pray that you will discover the glorious blessings that can be yours in this relationship. Don’t take my word for it…discover for yourself what God has in store. A lot of people are in your corner on this… won’t you see “what all the fuss is about?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone tells you about a product they think you will love. You try it, based on their recommendation… and you find that words could not describe how wonderful this product truly is. You honestly don’t know how you ever got along without this wonderful item… and you don’t plan to ever be without it again.
I can tell you all day long how wonderful it is to operate in the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit… but you just have to try Him for yourself to fully understand. And much as I want to, I cannot make you do this. You have to want what the Holy Spirit offers. You have to desire a higher level of faith and holiness… peace and a sense of direction.
Loving Jesus and asking Him to forgive your sins is only part of the picture… a very important part, but still not the full package He offers. In order to get in on everything, you have to “go whole hog!” You must invite the Holy Spirit to live within you and guide your every step. You must work at recognizing His voice… feeling His presence… and operating in His will. This will take time – and practice… but man-oh-man, is it ever worth the effort!
So while I am grateful for you and your faith, just as Paul says in this letter to the people of Ephesus… I want so much more. My prayer is also “that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you” and offered His Holy Spirit to be your constant companion. I pray that you will discover the glorious blessings that can be yours in this relationship. Don’t take my word for it…discover for yourself what God has in store. A lot of people are in your corner on this… won’t you see “what all the fuss is about?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 3, 2012
Galatians 5:22-23
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
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.
One day last fall, I cut open an apple, and the seeds inside had sprouted. I wondered what would happen if I planted them, so I carefully saved the sprouts and put them in a bucket of potting soil. I fertilized and watered the soil, and soon, a tiny shoot emerged through the dirt. All winter I tended this seedling… and now it is several feet high. I have no clue whether this seedling will ever bear fruit… but I continue to nurture it with the anticipation of someday having a beautiful apple tree in my back yard!
Had I planted this sprout in the soil and covered the bucket with a lid, the results would have been far different. The sprout would still have been there. Technically, there would still be potential for an apple tree. But without the nurturing gifts of water, sunlight, and air, the tree would not have the necessary components to flourish and grow.
It seems that a lot of Christians get things half right. They focus on their salvation experience… they make the critical decision to acknowledge that Jesus died for their sins… and they invite Him to become LORD of their life. But far too many Christians stop at this decision and never cultivate any further relationship with Jesus. They never even acknowledge His Holy Spirit… much less allow Him to work in and through their heart. It’s as if they planted the sprout and then put a lid on the bucket!
So we end up with a lot of Christians who see the glass as half-empty. They are cynical and skeptical of their fellow man and many circumstances. Our great-nephew Nathan entered the world this morning – a full 6 pounds 13 ounces of perfection. But as he grows, many will look at him and fail to see what we lovingly see…just as we Christians fail to see the beautiful child of God in each of our fellow humans. We are too busy judging their skin color, sexual orientation, political leaning, denominational allegiance, or even the size and shape of their noses!
We get angry at every little comment… we only encourage those who encourage us… we miss the holiness of a few minutes spent silently worshipping God while listening to our favorite hymn or contemporary Christian song - or sitting on the back porch in a rocking chair listening to the birds. And we are anything but calm and serene. We effectually put a lid on the bucket of God’s gifts through His Holy Spirit… and we miss out on so much in the process.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We can start today to invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts – and to manifest Himself in and through our very being. We can start paying closer attention and calling on Him more to help us with every aspect of our day. And we can begin to experience the true joy and serenity that comes from living God’s way.
I want to be a glass-more-than-half-full kind of Christian. I want to receive every gift God extends… and to be a good steward of them all. I want the peace and calm that God’s Holy Spirit offers… the love and compassion, patience and self-control that He stands ready to grant each of His believers. I’m ready to operate in the energy of the Holy Spirit and to feel His steady hand pointing me in the right direction. What about you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
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.
One day last fall, I cut open an apple, and the seeds inside had sprouted. I wondered what would happen if I planted them, so I carefully saved the sprouts and put them in a bucket of potting soil. I fertilized and watered the soil, and soon, a tiny shoot emerged through the dirt. All winter I tended this seedling… and now it is several feet high. I have no clue whether this seedling will ever bear fruit… but I continue to nurture it with the anticipation of someday having a beautiful apple tree in my back yard!
Had I planted this sprout in the soil and covered the bucket with a lid, the results would have been far different. The sprout would still have been there. Technically, there would still be potential for an apple tree. But without the nurturing gifts of water, sunlight, and air, the tree would not have the necessary components to flourish and grow.
It seems that a lot of Christians get things half right. They focus on their salvation experience… they make the critical decision to acknowledge that Jesus died for their sins… and they invite Him to become LORD of their life. But far too many Christians stop at this decision and never cultivate any further relationship with Jesus. They never even acknowledge His Holy Spirit… much less allow Him to work in and through their heart. It’s as if they planted the sprout and then put a lid on the bucket!
So we end up with a lot of Christians who see the glass as half-empty. They are cynical and skeptical of their fellow man and many circumstances. Our great-nephew Nathan entered the world this morning – a full 6 pounds 13 ounces of perfection. But as he grows, many will look at him and fail to see what we lovingly see…just as we Christians fail to see the beautiful child of God in each of our fellow humans. We are too busy judging their skin color, sexual orientation, political leaning, denominational allegiance, or even the size and shape of their noses!
We get angry at every little comment… we only encourage those who encourage us… we miss the holiness of a few minutes spent silently worshipping God while listening to our favorite hymn or contemporary Christian song - or sitting on the back porch in a rocking chair listening to the birds. And we are anything but calm and serene. We effectually put a lid on the bucket of God’s gifts through His Holy Spirit… and we miss out on so much in the process.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We can start today to invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts – and to manifest Himself in and through our very being. We can start paying closer attention and calling on Him more to help us with every aspect of our day. And we can begin to experience the true joy and serenity that comes from living God’s way.
I want to be a glass-more-than-half-full kind of Christian. I want to receive every gift God extends… and to be a good steward of them all. I want the peace and calm that God’s Holy Spirit offers… the love and compassion, patience and self-control that He stands ready to grant each of His believers. I’m ready to operate in the energy of the Holy Spirit and to feel His steady hand pointing me in the right direction. What about you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 23, 2011
John 14:15-17
Jesus said to his disciples: If you love me, you will do as I command. Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. The Spirit will show you what is true. The people of this world cannot accept the Spirit, because they don't see or know him. But you know the Spirit, who is with you and will keep on living in you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My sister recently started a new job. Because she began in the middle of a pay period, she had to work three weeks before she got her first paycheck. When I was teaching, payday was the 20th of each month, which meant we taught part of August and almost all of September before we received a paycheck. We did our jobs in good faith that on the appointed day, the checks would be there. And sure enough, when payday came, we got our money. But we operated in faith until that day that we would be paid for our work.
Operating in the faith that the Holy Spirit will always be with us is a far cry from believing we will get a paycheck, but you get the picture. We have a whole lot more trouble trusting Jesus to send His Holy Spirit than we do believing that we will be paid for the work we have already done in an earthly job! The irony is that Jesus is the only One we can truly trust to deliver on any and all promises! Let’s be honest, companies have gone under… and employees have been left without all of the pay they earned. Family members, friends, and acquaintances have promised all sorts of things and failed to deliver. Human promises are not always a sure thing.
When Jesus tells us He is sending His Holy Spirit, we can count on this! And once you develop a close relationship with Jesus and strive to do what He asks of you… stay in communication with Him and seek ways to honor and serve Him… you will begin to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit more strongly than ever. It won’t matter what others say or who questions your faith, strength, and courage… YOU will know Who is living within you and “driving the car” in your daily living.
Once we acknowledge the Holy Spirit and let Him guide us, everything in our lives becomes better. It took me a long, long time to understand the Holy Spirit and how He works in me. Don’t let it take that long for you. Ask Jesus what you need to do to feel His presence… invite Him to come and live in your heart. Just say, “Come Holy Spirit!” Be still and listen for Him… feel His presence and the peace and calm that He brings to every situation. Get to know the Holy Spirit for yourself and see how much better He can make every single day!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus said to his disciples: If you love me, you will do as I command. Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. The Spirit will show you what is true. The people of this world cannot accept the Spirit, because they don't see or know him. But you know the Spirit, who is with you and will keep on living in you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My sister recently started a new job. Because she began in the middle of a pay period, she had to work three weeks before she got her first paycheck. When I was teaching, payday was the 20th of each month, which meant we taught part of August and almost all of September before we received a paycheck. We did our jobs in good faith that on the appointed day, the checks would be there. And sure enough, when payday came, we got our money. But we operated in faith until that day that we would be paid for our work.
Operating in the faith that the Holy Spirit will always be with us is a far cry from believing we will get a paycheck, but you get the picture. We have a whole lot more trouble trusting Jesus to send His Holy Spirit than we do believing that we will be paid for the work we have already done in an earthly job! The irony is that Jesus is the only One we can truly trust to deliver on any and all promises! Let’s be honest, companies have gone under… and employees have been left without all of the pay they earned. Family members, friends, and acquaintances have promised all sorts of things and failed to deliver. Human promises are not always a sure thing.
When Jesus tells us He is sending His Holy Spirit, we can count on this! And once you develop a close relationship with Jesus and strive to do what He asks of you… stay in communication with Him and seek ways to honor and serve Him… you will begin to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit more strongly than ever. It won’t matter what others say or who questions your faith, strength, and courage… YOU will know Who is living within you and “driving the car” in your daily living.
Once we acknowledge the Holy Spirit and let Him guide us, everything in our lives becomes better. It took me a long, long time to understand the Holy Spirit and how He works in me. Don’t let it take that long for you. Ask Jesus what you need to do to feel His presence… invite Him to come and live in your heart. Just say, “Come Holy Spirit!” Be still and listen for Him… feel His presence and the peace and calm that He brings to every situation. Get to know the Holy Spirit for yourself and see how much better He can make every single day!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 12, 2011
John 3:5-8
Jesus answered: I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit. Humans give life to their children. Yet only God's Spirit can change you into a child of God. Don't be surprised when I say that you must be born from above. Only God's Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have friends who were adopted. Some have found their birth parents, while others have no desire to do this… claiming that their “real” parents are the ones who adopted them. Even some of those who found their birth mother will say, “She gave birth to me, but she is not my ‘mother’ in the full sense of the word.” And I truly believe that you don’t have to give birth to a baby in order to love him/her with a bond as strong as that of any devoted birth parent.
What makes the difference is just that… the bond and relationship that is formed with the child. And this is exactly how it is with God’s Holy Spirit. We all have human parents. Most of us recognize God as our Heavenly Father. But there is much more to a deep, abiding relationship with God. We must acknowledge His Holy Spirit and invite Him to live in our heart.
It took me a long time to fully understand this. I loved Jesus… I invited Him to be LORD of my life… I believed fully in God’s power and promises. But when I recognized the power of the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and be my constant companion… when I bonded with Him and embraced His grace, mercy, and unconditional love… I was overwhelmed by His power and presence in my life. And everything changed.
What about you? Have you acknowledged God as your Heavenly Father? More to the point, have you invited His Holy Spirit to fill your heart… have you bonded with God’s Spirit and built a full, rich relationship with Him on a daily basis? Have you recognized the depth of God’s love for you and His desire to be a part of every single breath you take? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus answered: I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit. Humans give life to their children. Yet only God's Spirit can change you into a child of God. Don't be surprised when I say that you must be born from above. Only God's Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have friends who were adopted. Some have found their birth parents, while others have no desire to do this… claiming that their “real” parents are the ones who adopted them. Even some of those who found their birth mother will say, “She gave birth to me, but she is not my ‘mother’ in the full sense of the word.” And I truly believe that you don’t have to give birth to a baby in order to love him/her with a bond as strong as that of any devoted birth parent.
What makes the difference is just that… the bond and relationship that is formed with the child. And this is exactly how it is with God’s Holy Spirit. We all have human parents. Most of us recognize God as our Heavenly Father. But there is much more to a deep, abiding relationship with God. We must acknowledge His Holy Spirit and invite Him to live in our heart.
It took me a long time to fully understand this. I loved Jesus… I invited Him to be LORD of my life… I believed fully in God’s power and promises. But when I recognized the power of the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and be my constant companion… when I bonded with Him and embraced His grace, mercy, and unconditional love… I was overwhelmed by His power and presence in my life. And everything changed.
What about you? Have you acknowledged God as your Heavenly Father? More to the point, have you invited His Holy Spirit to fill your heart… have you bonded with God’s Spirit and built a full, rich relationship with Him on a daily basis? Have you recognized the depth of God’s love for you and His desire to be a part of every single breath you take? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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