Daily Devotional for November 4, 2016

Matthew 6:19-21
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. Store them in heaven where they will never lose their value and are safe from thieves. If your profits are in heaven, your heart will be there too."

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Since 1990, I have been directly involved in sorting through the personal belongings of others at least five times - and I’m here to tell you…it’s just STUFF!  I’ve commiserated with friends who are having a similar experience, and I’ve shared MY perspective on issues related to inheritances and “estates.” In the end, I’ve asked more than one person, “Why is this so important?  You have been fine all of these years without an inheritance or these ‘treasures,’ so why wouldn’t you continue to be okay if you’re left out of the will?”

I have sorted through a lot of my mother’s things in the last 10 months…and we still have a long way to go!  But I have become even more cognizant of how important it is to de-clutter my life and re-align my priorities. First, I do not want to burden others with having to dispose of an excess of my “stuff,” and secondly, I don’t want anyone to think that these things define me in any way.  When I am gone, I don’t want people to say, “She surely had pretty things.” I want them to say, “She was always busy serving Jesus and others…she gave Him her all.”

I have also begun to give away things that are important to me…to people that I want to “inherit” them.  I would far rather be able to explain to that person WHY it is important to me to hand down an item - what the “treasure” means on a personal level.  Besides, I would like to be able to see someone else enjoy something that had special meaning to me – and now to him/her.  If I wait until I’m gone, I’ll never really know what happened to these items.

I will tell you that I have a long way to go.  I still have far too much “stuff”…and some of it I value more than I should.  I look at all of the things that were so important to those who have left for heaven…and I remind myself that they could care less today about any of it.  The real treasure is waiting for us there!  It is accrued by how we serve in Jesus’ name.

We cannot earn our salvation, but I am convinced that when we build a legacy of loving others…treating them with kindness…going out of our way to do whatever we can to be the hands and feet of Jesus for others…and serving God at every turn, our Heavenly Father takes notice. I believe there is a direct correlation between humble, genuine Christian discipleship – emulating Jesus and demonstrating His teachings – and the bounty that awaits us in Heaven. We can’t take this “stuff” with us…but we can stockpile God’s blessings and favor for Eternity.  Now which would you really rather have?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 7, 2016

Matthew 21:12-14
Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants. He quoted this text:

My house was designated a house of prayer;
You have made it a hangout for thieves.

Now there was room for the blind and crippled to get in. They came to Jesus and he healed them.

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.

How many people do you know who cannot park their car in the garage, because it is full of other things?  Maybe you are one of them!  I know people who live in an RV and use their shower/tub for a closet – and shower at RV park or truck stop bath/shower houses. Please don’t misunderstand me…this is totally none of my business where you park your car, bathe or shower!  But we all understand the concept of clutter and how it can overtake our lives – and our space!

The same can be said for “spiritual clutter.”  And just like those who set up shop in the temple and moved the focus away from that structure’s intended purpose, we fill our hearts and minds with things that truly don’t belong there and do not glorify God.  And at some point, Jesus calls us to clean house…to clear away the clutter of those things that steer our focus away from Him…and to make room in our heart and mind for His healing power.

All of my life, I’ve heard this story of Jesus kicking over tables in the Temple and scattering the money and merchandise of the merchants and thieves who had set up shop there.  And I can picture Jesus figuratively slashing at the things in our hearts that distract us and pull us away from a relationship that serves Him and honors our salvation – and the mission He calls us to accomplish in His name.

In a way, this is painful and shocking…but it is also necessary from time to time, because we are all human and imperfect.  But we can work on this.  We can make a concerted effort to keep our lives steeped in prayer…to ensure that we always have room for the will of God – and that our focus is on creating an atmosphere where Jesus has plenty of room to work.

What is cluttering your heart and mind?  Where in your life do you have areas that have become a “hangout for thieves” rather than a “house of prayer?”  Is there room for “the blind and the crippled” to get in…and for Jesus to heal them?  Are you a catalyst for His message and ministries…or do you need to get busy and clear out some clutter to make room for Him to work?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 15, 2015

1 Corinthians 14:33
God is not one who likes things to be disorderly and upset. He likes harmony, and he finds it in all the other churches.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

A few months ago, I got serious about cleaning closets and drawers in our house.  In particular, I spent about THREE DAYS working on my laundry/sewing room. Yes, it was THAT bad!  I organized drawers, labeled containers and sorted the things to put in them.  I cleared counter space and cleaned everything thoroughly. I had come to the point where I said, “I cannot sew another garment – or make another card – until I get this room in order.”  There was no harmony in that room, and I could not function properly in such chaos and clutter. 

The room isn’t perfect, but I am making a concerted effort to maintain some semblance of order there.  I try to leave a few minutes at the end of the day/evening to clean up and put things away. I find that I am more productive in this space now…that my entire spirit has lifted, because for the most part, there is harmony and order there.

In our relationship with God, a lot of us need to spend some time giving things a good cleaning.  We have become scattered and jumped on one bandwagon too many!  Are the “old ways” of worship outdated and no longer relevant?  Do we sell everything and give to the poor and humble ourselves…or does God want us to be rich and dripping in furs, diamonds and new cars/houses?  Do we need to take to the streets and “meet people where they are”…or do we need to build a big new sanctuary as a literal “temple to God” that shows others how much we love Him?

Do we need to raise our hands and play the music louder…or do we need to “be still and know” His voice?  Is God over and done with worship on wooden pews with traditional hymns and rituals?  Does He now require that our services include a coffee bar, light show and a full stage of musicians?  Are choirs and organs passé…does God now insist we praise Him with a full orchestra?  Is loving others…visiting the sick, helping the poor and needy, and simply sharing your personal time and attention with others no longer a valid way to minister in Jesus’ name?  Does He now expect us to have “programs” for such things?

I have prayed about all of these questions…and many more…in recent weeks/months, and the answer I keep getting is this…”Just go…be…do.  Operate with order and harmony.  Study My word and see what has worked for centuries. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel…you just have to do what I ask – to minister in My name.  I will show you how, where and when to do these things. Clear away the clutter and focus on Me.  Fix your eyes on the cross and Jesus…and give Me space to work!”

I am constantly re-assessing my craft/sewing/laundry area…checking to see where I might be getting a little lax or letting some disorder creep back into the space.  And we must do this in our Spiritual lives, also.  Every day, we must take a few minutes to asses our relationship with God…how we are serving Him and worshiping Him…whether we are truly hearing from Him and following His lead.  God enjoys harmony and order.  When we strive to give Him these things in our own lives, we will be amazed at what He can do in and through us.  I’m ready to get things in order and find out…what about you?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 23, 2015

Philippians 3:15-19
So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.

Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.

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.

It started simply enough…I opened a drawer in the kitchen one morning, rummaged for what I was needing, and ended up taking everything out of the drawer and reorganizing it.  Soon, I had moved on to the next drawer…and the next…and a couple of hours later, every drawer in the kitchen had been cleaned and organized.  I felt like a new woman! That was early January.  I was so inspired and motivated by my newly organized kitchen drawers that I moved on to other drawers and closets. 

I am not finished, but I am just a closet and a couple of drawers away from having reorganized my entire house.  It’s not perfect…by a long stretch.  And I bet I could go back through and weed out even more unnecessary “stuff” and make things look a whole lot better.  But I am very much a “work in progress” – even in the areas of closets and drawers!

I’ll admit…more than once, I got sidetracked – and discouraged.  After all, what difference does it make if there is a mess behind the cabinet doors?  Who cares what’s in the drawers... and is it really worth my time and energy to finish this project?  I only had to think of the time I’ve wasted looking for a particular fastener or thread spool in my sewing cabinet to realize that the days I spent organizing, cleaning and alphabetizing these items will make my future sewing projects – and other activities - go so much smoother.  And I will be able to accomplish a lot more with less stress!

The old adage that anything worth doing is worth doing right is true…and nowhere more  than in our Spiritual life.  If we are going to do this “Disciple of Christ thing”…if we are going to walk with Jesus, follow His teachings, share His Good News, and bask in His blessings…doesn’t it make sense to stay on course and do the hard work? 

Jesus does not offer us short-cuts to full-blown discipleship…and with good reason – He doesn’t take them, either!  Read the New Testament and study His 30+ years on this earth.  Read Paul’s letters and see how Jesus left a legacy of ministry with His disciples…to be carried on through the generations – even to us and beyond.  There is very little that is easy and simple, once you open your heart and invite Jesus to dwell there and guide your every breath.  But oh, it’s so worth the effort.  The joy and blessings you feel in opening your Spiritual “closet and drawers” and finding peace and organization… purpose and overflow…are so worth any struggle and challenge.

Will everything stay neat and orderly?  Probably not?  Will you have to reorganize a “drawer or closet” from time to time – both spiritually and physically?  Most likely.  Will it be worth the effort?  Most definitely!

Won’t you make this the day that you start to get organized…in your Spiritual fellowship with Jesus AND maybe your physical life?  Will this be the day that you open your heart and see Christ in charge instead of chaos?  Are you ready to get busy “cleaning” and get back on the right path?  Don’t you think you should be? 

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 20, 2014

Colossians 3:12-14
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

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 used to watch a reality TV show about a professional stylist named Rachel Zoe.  Fashion was her “thing”...and her job was to dress some of the world’s most famous people for events and appearances.  She combed the world for just the right items of clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories to make her clients look their best...she tried to make them memorable!  She wanted people to say, “Rachel Zoe” dressed me...and she ALWAYS makes me look good!

Now I will also have to say that there is often nothing humble about these celebrities...and their stylist is anything but even tempered and quick to forgive offenses!  She takes her work personally, and every criticism is an affront to her sense of style  -  if not her personal self-worth!

I love how The Message translation depicts the fruits of the Spirit as our wardrobe...and how the Apostle Paul tells us that our basic, go-with-anything-never-leave-home-without-it garment is love.  And while I may have appeared harshly critical of Rachel Zoe and how her work is ego-driven, I fully acknowledge that we are all exactly like her in many ways. 

We are front and center to make the other guy look good or feel better about himself...as long as WE look good in the bargain!  If we are honest, there are plenty of times when we reach out to others out of an effort to propel ourselves to the top of the heap and boost our own egos – more than a deep love and concern for anyone else.  And heaven help the person who offends us or even attempts to one-up us in some way!

I can’t help but think about Jesus.  The more I study Him and get to know Him, the more I see how effectively He operated in these very traits...compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline – and most certainly, LOVE!  Yes, there were times when Jesus asserted His position... “Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” (Matthew 16:24) But His proclamation was in a factual context...not a show of arrogance.  And let’s face it...Jesus could back up His claim with definitive actions and demonstrations.

I’ve been thinking for a long time that my “closet” needs a good cleaning...both literally, and spiritually.  I need to take out the things that fit poorly or are worn and outdated.  And maybe you need to do this, too.  You may even have some “vanity items” in your closet that need to go...items that say, “Hey, look at me and how special I am!”  Maybe you have some attitudes that need to go on the “discard” heap.  Maybe you need to add a few things or upgrade your “basics”...especially love and humility. 

To be completely truthful, many of the outfits Rachel Zoe assembles for her clients look pretty bad to me.  I struggle to see where there is any “style” to them...or where they flatter the person who wears them.  And when we do our own “styling” and leave God out of the mix, the results may not be all that attractive, either.  There is no time like the present for cleaning up our wardrobes and making a fresh start.  And the logical place to begin is with a simple prayer. 

Ask God to be your “stylist”...to show you how to weed out the unnecessary garments and accessories... and to pare your “closet” down to His basic “love suit” and only the best accessories and enhancements.  When we allow God to “dress” us, we are always in style...and others are blessed in the bargain.  What are YOU wearing these days?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 9, 2014

Isaiah 66:1
The Lord said:

Heaven is my throne;
    the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house
could you build for me?
    In what place will I rest?

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

A couple of days ago, one of my dad’s dearest friends joined him in Heaven.  Mr. Donald was also one of my grandmother’s favorite people.  She would be “on Cloud Nine” for days after a phone call or visit from Donald, who lived in Springfield, Missouri.  So I said to Mom, “I have no doubt that Mr. Donald was not in heaven very long before Mam-ma Polly fired up the stove and cooked him a pot of chicken and dumplings and made him a pan of hot rolls.”  She replied, “Oh, if we only knew that heaven is like that. We try to comprehend it in our physical terms, but we truly do not know. I just know it’s wonderful — and we will all be happy.”

It is no secret that I watch a lot of “house and garden” shows.  My particular favorites are the ones where a house with “good bones” is revamped to create something modern, fresh, beautiful…and inviting.  The end result is not always perfect…sometimes not every room gets a makeover.  But the home is welcoming…restful…and a place where one wants to spend time.

We are like those “flipped” or remodeled homes.  Our hearts will never be as perfect as heaven.  There will always be a room or two that could use work.  But in total, we can do enough updating and refurbishing to make an inviting and respectable home in which the Holy Spirit can rest.

In my mind, Heaven is a place where there is continual joy, peace, and plenty of chicken and dumplings, hot rolls, and chocolate!  Everything is perfect in Heaven – the Bible assures us of that.  I picture my loved ones there, happily serving the LORD and enjoying impeccable health, fitness and perpetual youthfulness.  Everyone is rested and relaxed – and filled with joy.  All of our pets are there, and everyone gets along…all the time!  Nobody is stressed or frustrated…and most certainly, no one is angry or heartbroken!  No wonder Jesus says, “I have perfection,” and asks us…”How can you compete?  What do YOU bring to the table?”

So the question for today is… “What DO we bring to the LORD’s table?”  Have we made every effort to clean up, refresh and refurbish our heart so that it is a suitable dwelling place for the Holy Spirit? 

You know how you go somewhere overnight and stop at a hotel or motel…and maybe it’s not as neat and clean as you would prefer – or certainly as nice and comfortable as your own home?  If you go to a five-star hotel, you may rest and relax in the lap of luxury…but it still won’t be perfect.  Think of this as you prepare your heart for Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Don’t offer Jesus a “just-good-enough” room in your heart.  Give Him “five-star” accommodations!  Mom is right…we truly do not know what Heaven is like, for certain.  But we know it is perfect…home to our Heavenly Father – and hopefully, our ultimate destination!  For now, we cannot be there with Him…but His Holy Spirit can rest in our heart...if we will offer Him our very best rooms.  What sort of lodging have you prepared for God?   Is your heart a place where He wants to rest?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 8, 2014

Isaiah 57:18-19
I know what you are like!
But I will heal you, lead you,
    and give you comfort,
until those who are mourning
    start singing my praises.
No matter where you are,
I, the Lord, will heal you
    and give you peace.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Last year, I bought some new “lounge wear” to dress in at home.  I figured the old flannel pajama pants and t-shirts with holes could use a facelift!  But I have to tell you, those comfortable old pieces seem to find a way back onto my body from time to time!  They are welcoming and cozy…restful and relaxing…and since I tucked them into the back of the drawer and didn’t throw them out, they have crept back into my clothing “repertoire” over time.

We all know someone who has vowed to “turn over a new leaf”.  Maybe that “someone” was you!  We vow to start a new diet – and stick to it…to stop a bad habit…to exercise regularly or spend less.  And for a while, we do okay.  But over time, many of us slide right back into our “comfy old pajamas and t-shirts” and go back to our old ways.

I know this will come as a shock to some of you, but I am not perfect!  The rest of you can stop rolling your eyes and laughing uncontrollably.  You know me and love me in spite of my flaws… and for your grace and mercy, I am grateful.  Here’s the thing - and I know you will be astounded to hear this – but you aren’t perfect, either!  Yet you’ve managed to make it through more than few years…hopefully with friends and family members who love you - and with relative success in your endeavors!

The truth of the matter is that we are all flawed.  Each of our lives is something of a mess in one way or another.  Try as we might to do better - to be better - we never seem to get it quite right.  It’s enough to make some of us throw up our hands and declare ourselves “hopeless cases”!  But somehow, some way, we survive. This is no small thing…and in many cases, it’s nothing short of miraculous.

Hear the GOOD NEWS…God knows what a mess you are.  He is fully aware of every mistake, idiosyncrasy, bad habit, flawed thought and action, and struggle you may have…and He still loves you and wants you for His Kingdom.  He wants you to grow so familiar and comfortable with your new life in Christ that you no longer need the coziness of your old “pajama pants and t-shirt” habits and sins.  He offers us grace, mercy and compassion for the struggles we encounter.  But He also redeems us and provides us with healing and peace.

I am thankful that God loves me so much…and I know He loves you equally.  I am working to “clean out the closets and drawers” of my life and get rid of some old habits and flaws once and for all, so that they are no longer readily available to me.  But I am also reveling in the joy and peace of knowing that God is with me…that He loves me and offers me rest for every step of the journey.  I will never be perfect…but I can be better.  I can enjoy the comfort of God’s healing, love and care as His “work in progress”.  And so can you!

Will this be the day that you start “cleaning out a few closets” and operating in the restful healing of God’s grace and mercy?  Aren’t you ready to trade some of your “holey messes” for the “new clothes” of His perfect peace?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 31, 2014

Exodus 23:12
“Work six days only, and rest the seventh; this is to give your oxen and donkeys a rest, as well as the people of your household—your slaves and visitors."

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Recently I joined a water aerobics class at our community’s Aquatic Center.  The class met Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at eight o’clock.  Anyone who knows me very well knows that especially in recent years, I am anything BUT a morning person.  9:00 a.m. is EARLY for me!  So making the commitment to be “up and at ‘em” - and ready to get into a pool of chilly water at 8:00 a.m. - was really a stretch for me.  But I did it - for a few weeks.  I’m also something of a “night owl”.  Try as I might to get to bed earlier, I found myself thinking, “I’ll try to fit in an afternoon nap,” or “I’ll make up for lost sleep on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings.”  But my body began to adjust to the early morning wake-up time, and I found myself unable to sleep an extra hour or two on those “days off” from swimming! 

I finally realized that this class was just not working for me…for a number of reasons.  I made a few trips to the pool to work out on my own – at later daytime hours – and I found that I was a much happier camper.  So I opted to drop the class and commit to an individual workout program at a more convenient time.  In doing so, I discovered just how tired I had become, when one evening last week I could not hold my eyes open for very long past the 8:00 hour!  I went to bed early – and slept LATE the next morning.  Clearly, I was in need of some rest!  And that’s what this scripture in Exodus seems to be reminding us today…that rest is important – for everyone!

Now believe me, I know that there are extenuating circumstances.  As the sole employees of a small business, Greg and I used to work at least several hours of EVERY single day…and we did this for eighteen years.  There was always work to be done, and we were the only ones who could do much of it!  So we worked through holidays, anniversaries, weekends and much more.  And yes, we grew weary.  As much as this is often unavoidable in many situations, I think we need to listen to God’s admonition to rest when and where we can.

I’m not suggesting that we all become slackers.  There is a delicate balance to maintain.  But so many of us have filled every minute of our day with some kind of activity, and we have made these far more important than just taking time to sit, rest, relax, breathe in and out, maybe say a prayer or two, and simply renew our minds and our souls.  In other words, a lot of us need to clear out the clutter!  I’d say that if you cannot find a way to rest every six days or so – at least for a part of the day – this scripture applies to you!  There may be a season of extenuating circumstances.  You may be caring for someone who is ill, or working on a major project for several weeks.  But over the long haul, everyone needs to make sure that they get enough rest…and this is ordained by GOD!

Today as I worked out at the pool, I watched two young children who were playing in the shallow end…apparently a brother and sister.  Two women who I surmised to be their mother and grandmother settled into chairs along the wall of windows.  The younger woman took out her phone and began to scroll through messages or something.  The older woman read a flyer.  A man arrived who must have been the children’s dad.  He settled himself in the corner of the room farthest from the pool, opened up a laptop, and got busy reading and typing.  He barely looked up from his computer screen. The children laughed and giggled and did “tricks”…and kept looking toward the adults to see if they had noticed.  They had not.  They would smile at me as if, “Wasn’t that a neat trick?” and I would smile back.  But it seemed like they wanted the adults who were with them to pay attention and smile, too…even though they never said, “Watch this!” or asked for their notice.

I felt sad as I observed this…that these three adults could not stop for an hour and just “rest” in the moment with their kids.  I had seen this same scenario play out a few days earlier as a grandmother brought a little girl to swim.  The little girl DID ask for attention…and her grandmother finally put down her copy of The National Enquirer.  As I left the pool, the woman struck up a conversation with me and volunteered that she has been keeping grandchildren for a few weeks now, and she was tired. She told me that she had stopped and picked up this tabloid (to the tune of $5) to read while her granddaughter swam.  I tried not to judge, but a voice in my head said, “Children and grandbabies grow up overnight – and no longer want to be seen with parents and grandparents...much less ask for their attention while they swim or play.” 

Parents and grandparents grow old and are gone, and we wish we had spent a little more time with them…asked more questions…shown more respect.  Relationships fall apart when one person or the other is too busy, too tired, or too caught up in trying to do more than is humanly possible.  Employees become disgruntled when we work them to death.  Friends and family members grow distant when we expect too much of them.  Ministries become ineffective when those who are involved become overworked or burned out.  Even Jesus and His disciples took time to rest!

In short, God ordained rest because He knows we need it!  When was the last time you cleared out the clutter in your life and truly “rested”?  Is it time to evaluate your priorities and make a few adjustments?  Will this be the day that you begin?
   
©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 28, 2014

Acts 3:20-21
Then that time will come when the Lord will give you fresh strength. He will send you Jesus, his chosen Messiah. But Jesus must stay in heaven until God makes all things new, just as his holy prophets promised long ago.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

There was a time when I cleaned our house every week…EVERY.WEEK. - from top to bottom.  I dusted furniture, vacuumed floors, scrubbed bathrooms, and sometimes cleaned windows and did other “deep cleaning” jobs.  At one house we lived in, we had an entry-way that I waxed and buffed to a high sheen.  This wax had to be periodically stripped with ammonia and re-applied.  What was I thinking?! 

For starters, I was a good 20+ years younger and had more energy.  These days, Greg laughs because I spend several days talking about cleaning before it ever gets done.  I will say, “Today, I’m going to clean the house.”  He smiles and says, “Yeah…okay.”  Now, for the record, he doesn’t care if I clean the house or not.  His take is, “If we’re not having company, why bother?!”  And to some degree – okay, to a LARGE degree! – I’ve become comfortable with that philosophy!

But there comes a point where I cannot rest until my “house is in order” – quite literally.  I honestly function better and have a more positive mood when the house is relatively clean and orderly.  And if we are honest, we are this way with our spiritual relationship, too – or we should be!

We can rock along for a while and live in disorder.  We can let our prayer life and regular Bible study (notice I didn’t say DAILY Bible study!) slide a bit.  We can skip a few Sundays here and there at church and get involved in other activities on the weekends.  Some of us take this even further and slide back into a few old, sinful habits.  We let our “inner slob” take over, and I have to tell you…the devil thinks this is a hoot!  Satan LOVES a “dirty house”!

Too many of us have postponed our “housecleaning” and set Jesus on the shelf.  We know He will return for us someday – or that He will greet us in Heaven.  So in the meantime, we just plug along, doing whatever we feel we can or that time will allow – or whatever feels best!  We take Him for granted.  And honestly, we grow more sluggish…more weary…and more run down, as outside forces work their way into our lives and vie for our time and attention.

Today, I am determined to get my house cleaned.  More importantly, I am working on my heart – the “house” where Jesus lives in the form of His Holy Spirit.  As I go about my scrubbing and dusting, I am talking to Him, reconnecting…letting His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and wisdom flood over me and refresh me like a Sunday-afternoon nap!  I encourage you to do the same. 

Company IS coming…His name is Jesus!  Is your “house” in order?  Are you rested and ready?
   
©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 18, 2013

2 Corinthians 7:1
With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.
 
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 friend of mine sums up her life like this… “Oh, look… a squirrel!”  In other words, she is easily distracted by something as simple as a squirrel passing through her yard.  And let’s be honest… there are countless interruptions in our everyday life that can divert our attention.  Staying focused and “on task” is not easy!
 
At any given moment, my mind is racing between a dozen or more trains of thought… what I have on my “to-do list” for the day…what to say in this devotional… what to cook for dinner…when I will have time to fit in a workout…what day will be good for the children to visit…I forgot to water the plants…did I turn off the iron?...I wish I hadn’t said/done such-and-such to one person or another… why did I eat that last chicken strip?... I need to check and answer e-mail…and so much more!  And I bet you could give me a similar list.  While all of this is going on in our brains, we are trying to concentrate on specific tasks… studying…working at our job…caring for our children, friends or other family members… driving… texting or e-mailing… carrying on a conversation with someone…or even reading our Bible or praying!
 
Paul is telling us in this passage that we need to clean out the clutter.  We need to call on God to help us gain focus – and keep it.  We need to learn to concentrate on one, maybe two tasks at a time…to limit the minutes we spend daydreaming… to get organized… and to prioritize.  When we “see a squirrel,” we need to essentially say, “Yep, that’s a squirrel!” and return to the task at hand.
 
We need to start replacing some of the mindless drivel that occupies our mind – and our time – with a dialog between ourselves and God, Bible study, and a focus on things that honor and glorify Him.  We need to evaluate every aspect of our lives… from the junk food we ingest to our lack of exercise and proper rest to the activities that consume our days and nights… and see where these things line up with God’s plan for us.
 
There is no time like the present to clear the clutter – physically, mentally, and Spiritually.  Every single one of us has some area of our life with which we are less than serene.  Even those of us who feel that life is pretty good can name something that could use improvement… an aspect that we could work on that would bring us more into sync with God – and create a more peaceful existence in the bargain.
 
Clearing the clutter and making more room for God is something each of us should consider.  God will help us figure out what needs to stay and what should go.  And when we “see a squirrel”…He can help us learn how to momentarily admire it and get right back on track!  Aren’t you ready to rid yourself of distractions and the troubles that come with them?  Don’t you want to focus more clearly on God and His plan for your life?  Isn’t it time to bring His peace and order into your daily living?  Will this be the day you begin… or are you still too busy looking at squirrels?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus