John 13:34-35
“Let me give you a new command:
Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another.
This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they
see the love you have for each other.”
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 met a friend in the grocery
store today whose husband has just come home from an extended hospital
stay. She said that yesterday, he took his first “real” shower in
roughly 38 days. She said he told her that “spit baths” were just not
the same – that “we Baptists need more water!” I had to agree. Several
years ago, I broke my ankle. While I was in a cast, I could not
shower. I told my friend that I still remember the first day I was free
of my plaster cast. Greg put a step-stool in the shower, and I sat on
it while he turned on the water and let it pour over me. A shower never
felt so good before or since!
My friend and I agreed that far
too often, we take something as basic as a shower for granted. Yes, you
can take a “bath” with a washcloth and a basin of water…but there is
nothing like the cleansing power of a shower to make you feel truly
clean. As we talked, we laughed that this was a great analogy for another, more profound “cleansing power”…the blood of Jesus and His love for us.
A
lot of the time, Christians tend to operate in “spit bath” mode. We
pick and choose who to love – and how to love them. I recently read a
response that Amy Dickinson, whose syndicated column is called “Ask
Amy,” gave to a “church-going” woman who wanted to know how to nicely
exclude a family member from her social , because this person didn’t
quite fit in. Amy let the woman have it with both barrels for her
unkindness and her unloving attitude. She finished with the admonition
that maybe this woman should think about these things while sitting in
her church pew, because for all of her time spent in church, she didn’t
seem to have learned a whole lot!
Many of us have not gotten much out of our “church attendance,”, either! We certainly have not learned how to love ALL
others as Jesus loves us…and to demonstrate this in our daily living.
We haven’t learned how to think of someone besides ourselves first…to
hold our tongue…to readily forgive wrongs and move forward…to encourage
others and build them up in hope and faith. We haven’t accepted that
God created ALL of us…not just white people…or Methodists, Baptist and
Catholics…or heterosexuals...or Americans! We fail to believe that God
could love drug addicts, alcoholics, sexual predators and other
criminals, terrorists, people on welfare, the elderly, and those who do
not agree with our politics…much less expect US to love them! And it
shows in our demeanor - and our daily “discipleship.”
We’ve taken
“Christian spit baths” long enough. It’s time for us to sit under the
“shower” of the love of Christ and let His blood truly cleanse us from
head to toe. We need to “wash” in His sacrifice until every speck of
our sin is removed…and then we need to towel off and move ahead with the
full force of His redeeming power. We need to love others as Christ
loves them...and as He loves us!
We need to demonstrate at
every turn that we are new creatures because of Christ Jesus…that there
is nothing halfway about our walk with Him. Others need to see that we
never cut corners…or make exceptions. And if we do…maybe WE need
to spend a little time on a pew…or in a quiet corner where we can listen
for the voice of God. Maybe we need to ask the Holy Spirit to wash
over us like the refreshing waters of a hot shower…and give us new eyes
for Christ’s mission.
How “clean” are you today? What – and
WHO – do other see in your words and actions? Is your love for Jesus –
and others – readily recognizable? Don’t you think it’s time it was?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 21, 2016
John 3:16-17
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I taught the Sunday school lesson to 2nd and 3rd graders. The topic was missions, based on the story in Acts 10 of Cornelius and his encounter with Simon Peter. Although these 8-and-9-year-olds love to get off topic, we talked about two primary points this morning…1) that Jesus did not die for the sins of only the “clean” – or any particular race, ethnic group, skin or eye color, or other distinguishing characteristic; and 2) we are ALL missionaries!
In an effort to explain “clean” and “unclean,” I turned to the book of Leviticus and read the children a few of the laws of that day…how you were not to touch a dead body…how pigs were considered off limits (they were APPALLED that this meant no bacon!)…how people were not to handle certain animals that crawled on the ground (which meant one little boy would not have been able to go hiking this afternoon to search for lizards and snakes!). One of the boys asked, “So what changed? Why don’t we have to follow these laws today?” That was the perfect segue to a discussion about Christ’s death on the cross to pay for our sins, once and for all. With the blood of Jesus, we were ALL given the opportunity to be “washed clean” forever!
The children and I talked about discrimination…how Salvation through Jesus is available to EVERYONE…not just a chosen few. We talked about how we can demonstrate this to others – particularly by our words and actions. And I emphasized to these young disciples that each of them is a “missionary”…that others are watching their words and actions to see if they line up with the teachings of Jesus. Some of the children are going with their families to Peru this summer on a “mission trip.” I stressed to all of the children that you do not have to travel to a foreign country to do mission work for Jesus…there are plenty of opportunities in our own backyards. So we all have work to do!
Here’s the thing for you and me…God so loved the world that He gave His only Son for ALL of us… so that everyone who has faith in Him can have everlasting life. This is the best news ever! There is not a single person on this earth who cannot spend Eternity in heaven with Jesus if they call on Him to forgive their sins and cover them with His blood.
AND…we are ALL missionaries. You may not think of yourself in this manner, but you truly are “on a mission” for God…or you should be. When I asked the children what their “mission” was…they would say, “To tell others about Jesus.” I told them repeatedly that this includes more than literally telling people about Jesus. We minister to others and “witness” to them by our words and our actions…how we worship God – and particularly by how we treat others. If we honor Jesus’ commandment to love others as He loves us – and as we love ourselves – He will be glorified. Others will see the awesome power, grace and mercy of Jesus in our lives…and hopefully want this for themselves.
I can think of nothing better than to hear someone say to me, “How do I get what you have?” (meaning the peace and joy of belonging to Jesus). God loved us enough to send Jesus. How will we share that love with others, as He desired? Are you really ready to feed his sheep and be a “missionary” for Him? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I taught the Sunday school lesson to 2nd and 3rd graders. The topic was missions, based on the story in Acts 10 of Cornelius and his encounter with Simon Peter. Although these 8-and-9-year-olds love to get off topic, we talked about two primary points this morning…1) that Jesus did not die for the sins of only the “clean” – or any particular race, ethnic group, skin or eye color, or other distinguishing characteristic; and 2) we are ALL missionaries!
In an effort to explain “clean” and “unclean,” I turned to the book of Leviticus and read the children a few of the laws of that day…how you were not to touch a dead body…how pigs were considered off limits (they were APPALLED that this meant no bacon!)…how people were not to handle certain animals that crawled on the ground (which meant one little boy would not have been able to go hiking this afternoon to search for lizards and snakes!). One of the boys asked, “So what changed? Why don’t we have to follow these laws today?” That was the perfect segue to a discussion about Christ’s death on the cross to pay for our sins, once and for all. With the blood of Jesus, we were ALL given the opportunity to be “washed clean” forever!
The children and I talked about discrimination…how Salvation through Jesus is available to EVERYONE…not just a chosen few. We talked about how we can demonstrate this to others – particularly by our words and actions. And I emphasized to these young disciples that each of them is a “missionary”…that others are watching their words and actions to see if they line up with the teachings of Jesus. Some of the children are going with their families to Peru this summer on a “mission trip.” I stressed to all of the children that you do not have to travel to a foreign country to do mission work for Jesus…there are plenty of opportunities in our own backyards. So we all have work to do!
Here’s the thing for you and me…God so loved the world that He gave His only Son for ALL of us… so that everyone who has faith in Him can have everlasting life. This is the best news ever! There is not a single person on this earth who cannot spend Eternity in heaven with Jesus if they call on Him to forgive their sins and cover them with His blood.
AND…we are ALL missionaries. You may not think of yourself in this manner, but you truly are “on a mission” for God…or you should be. When I asked the children what their “mission” was…they would say, “To tell others about Jesus.” I told them repeatedly that this includes more than literally telling people about Jesus. We minister to others and “witness” to them by our words and our actions…how we worship God – and particularly by how we treat others. If we honor Jesus’ commandment to love others as He loves us – and as we love ourselves – He will be glorified. Others will see the awesome power, grace and mercy of Jesus in our lives…and hopefully want this for themselves.
I can think of nothing better than to hear someone say to me, “How do I get what you have?” (meaning the peace and joy of belonging to Jesus). God loved us enough to send Jesus. How will we share that love with others, as He desired? Are you really ready to feed his sheep and be a “missionary” for Him? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 28, 2015
Matthew 15:13-20
Jesus answered, “Every plant that my Father in heaven did not plant will be pulled up by the roots. Stay away from those Pharisees! They are like blind people leading other blind people, and all of them will fall into a ditch.”
Peter replied, “What did you mean when you talked about the things that make people unclean?”
Jesus then said: Don’t any of you know what I am talking about by now? Don’t you know that the food you put into your mouth goes into your stomach and then out of your body? But the words that come out of your mouth come from your heart. And they are what make you unfit to worship God. Out of your heart come evil thoughts, murder, unfaithfulness in marriage, vulgar deeds, stealing, telling lies, and insulting others. These are what make you unclean. Eating without washing your hands will not make you unfit to worship God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our three-year-old nephew, Nathan, is in his “bath phase.” He begs to take a bath at our house…which is more like a “swim” in a small pool with lots of tub toys! One day last week, his mother said that he had three baths in one day…one before coming to our house, a 30-minute soak with us, and another bath that he insisted on taking before bedtime. Nathan is one clean three-year-old!
If only we could soak in a bubble bath and wash our heart clean…what a quick, easy “fix” that would be! But this is not how matters of the heart and Christian faith work…and sadly, Jesus says that our heart is what truly makes us unclean. I want you to notice the list of “unclean” thoughts and actions in this scripture passage that Jesus says come from our heart…and among them, He lists “unfaithfulness in marriage” and “insulting others.” In my mind, Jesus is painting with a broad brush today…and catching a lot of us with each “stroke!”
Most of us would readily agree that things like lying, stealing, and murder are sinful – or “unclean” – actions. But when you start to recognize that putting work, a friendship, the love of possessions and quest for more, or a hobby above your spouse and family falls into the category of “unfaithfulness”…a whole lot of people are caught in the snare. When you stop to think that the unkind comments we all make…the criticisms, judgments and discriminations…are all considered part of “insulting others,” we are all incredibly guilty. Each one of us could use an extra “bath!”
The time has come to stop picking and choosing. We’ve pigeonholed sin into neat little categories…usually those that we feel do not encompass our own thoughts, words, and actions. We’ve excused ourselves and pretended that it’s the other guy who is really unclean and in need of a bath in the blood of Jesus! Dear friend, you and I need this cleansing just as much as anyone. We need to examine our heart and see what lies there…and we need to ask Jesus to wash us clean from the inside out, once and for all.
Are you ready to come before God and allow Him to strip away the dirt and grime of your unclean actions and attitudes? Will this be the day that you get an extra “bath” – one that signifies the beginning of a renewed, pure heart? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Jesus answered, “Every plant that my Father in heaven did not plant will be pulled up by the roots. Stay away from those Pharisees! They are like blind people leading other blind people, and all of them will fall into a ditch.”
Peter replied, “What did you mean when you talked about the things that make people unclean?”
Jesus then said: Don’t any of you know what I am talking about by now? Don’t you know that the food you put into your mouth goes into your stomach and then out of your body? But the words that come out of your mouth come from your heart. And they are what make you unfit to worship God. Out of your heart come evil thoughts, murder, unfaithfulness in marriage, vulgar deeds, stealing, telling lies, and insulting others. These are what make you unclean. Eating without washing your hands will not make you unfit to worship God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our three-year-old nephew, Nathan, is in his “bath phase.” He begs to take a bath at our house…which is more like a “swim” in a small pool with lots of tub toys! One day last week, his mother said that he had three baths in one day…one before coming to our house, a 30-minute soak with us, and another bath that he insisted on taking before bedtime. Nathan is one clean three-year-old!
If only we could soak in a bubble bath and wash our heart clean…what a quick, easy “fix” that would be! But this is not how matters of the heart and Christian faith work…and sadly, Jesus says that our heart is what truly makes us unclean. I want you to notice the list of “unclean” thoughts and actions in this scripture passage that Jesus says come from our heart…and among them, He lists “unfaithfulness in marriage” and “insulting others.” In my mind, Jesus is painting with a broad brush today…and catching a lot of us with each “stroke!”
Most of us would readily agree that things like lying, stealing, and murder are sinful – or “unclean” – actions. But when you start to recognize that putting work, a friendship, the love of possessions and quest for more, or a hobby above your spouse and family falls into the category of “unfaithfulness”…a whole lot of people are caught in the snare. When you stop to think that the unkind comments we all make…the criticisms, judgments and discriminations…are all considered part of “insulting others,” we are all incredibly guilty. Each one of us could use an extra “bath!”
The time has come to stop picking and choosing. We’ve pigeonholed sin into neat little categories…usually those that we feel do not encompass our own thoughts, words, and actions. We’ve excused ourselves and pretended that it’s the other guy who is really unclean and in need of a bath in the blood of Jesus! Dear friend, you and I need this cleansing just as much as anyone. We need to examine our heart and see what lies there…and we need to ask Jesus to wash us clean from the inside out, once and for all.
Are you ready to come before God and allow Him to strip away the dirt and grime of your unclean actions and attitudes? Will this be the day that you get an extra “bath” – one that signifies the beginning of a renewed, pure heart? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 25, 2015
Isaiah 1:18
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Thanks to Pinterest and posts on Facebook, I have a new favorite stain remover. It’s a concoction of 3% hydrogen peroxide, water, and a few drops of Dawn® dish soap! For things like shower grout and other tough stains, I found a recipe that also adds baking soda. I mixed all of these ingredients in a spray bottle that I purchased at Dollar Tree®. A few hours later, I heard this little hissing sound in my laundry room. The “power” of this mixture caused the plastic to swell and spring a tiny hole…and the cleaner was spraying out onto the counter!
I moved the cleaning solution to a sturdier container, and I made a mental note that this was obviously strong stuff! I love to spray the shower tile and watch the grout brighten – with little to no scrubbing. When Zola spilled ketchup down the front of her dress, I sprayed the peroxide/Dawn mixture on the stain, dabbed at it with a damp cloth, and all traces of ketchup totally disappeared. It feels good to know that I am able to clean even the deepest of stains and not harm the soiled surface – or the environment. And this solution smells fantastic!
I am amazed that a combination of ingredients that will clean shower grout, remove ketchup stains and more, and disinfect in the process is also incredibly gentle. I feel safe using it around children and pets…and confident that things are really clean. If you stop and think about it, you could apply this to Jesus. He is the most gentle, loving, kind and caring Friend we will ever know…and yet, He can make all of our sins disappear with a whisper. He can literally wash us as white as freshly fallen snow or lamb’s wool. It doesn’t matter how old or deep the stain is…or how huge and ugly the blemish appears…Jesus can erase it all with His powerful yet gentle touch.
It doesn’t matter who you are or how hard you try…I’m willing to bet you have at least one stained garment in your closet or drawer…and a stain or two of sin on your heart. We are human, imperfect…in need of a good washing from Jesus Christ. And He is the ultimate “Stain Remover.”
There is no need for us to be martyrs…to carry our sins and blemishes around like some sort of “badge of shame.” Jesus is ready, willing and able to remove them all. He’s waiting…with arms wide open…saying, “C’mon…let’s talk this over. I can fix things.” Aren’t you ready to let Him? Will this be the day that you truly “come clean?”
©2015 Debbie Robus
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Thanks to Pinterest and posts on Facebook, I have a new favorite stain remover. It’s a concoction of 3% hydrogen peroxide, water, and a few drops of Dawn® dish soap! For things like shower grout and other tough stains, I found a recipe that also adds baking soda. I mixed all of these ingredients in a spray bottle that I purchased at Dollar Tree®. A few hours later, I heard this little hissing sound in my laundry room. The “power” of this mixture caused the plastic to swell and spring a tiny hole…and the cleaner was spraying out onto the counter!
I moved the cleaning solution to a sturdier container, and I made a mental note that this was obviously strong stuff! I love to spray the shower tile and watch the grout brighten – with little to no scrubbing. When Zola spilled ketchup down the front of her dress, I sprayed the peroxide/Dawn mixture on the stain, dabbed at it with a damp cloth, and all traces of ketchup totally disappeared. It feels good to know that I am able to clean even the deepest of stains and not harm the soiled surface – or the environment. And this solution smells fantastic!
I am amazed that a combination of ingredients that will clean shower grout, remove ketchup stains and more, and disinfect in the process is also incredibly gentle. I feel safe using it around children and pets…and confident that things are really clean. If you stop and think about it, you could apply this to Jesus. He is the most gentle, loving, kind and caring Friend we will ever know…and yet, He can make all of our sins disappear with a whisper. He can literally wash us as white as freshly fallen snow or lamb’s wool. It doesn’t matter how old or deep the stain is…or how huge and ugly the blemish appears…Jesus can erase it all with His powerful yet gentle touch.
It doesn’t matter who you are or how hard you try…I’m willing to bet you have at least one stained garment in your closet or drawer…and a stain or two of sin on your heart. We are human, imperfect…in need of a good washing from Jesus Christ. And He is the ultimate “Stain Remover.”
There is no need for us to be martyrs…to carry our sins and blemishes around like some sort of “badge of shame.” Jesus is ready, willing and able to remove them all. He’s waiting…with arms wide open…saying, “C’mon…let’s talk this over. I can fix things.” Aren’t you ready to let Him? Will this be the day that you truly “come clean?”
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 5, 2014
Jeremiah 33:6-9
Nevertheless the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s damage and give her prosperity and peace. I will rebuild the cities of both Judah and Israel and restore their fortunes. And I will cleanse away all their sins against me and pardon them. Then this city will be an honor to me, and it will give me joy and be a source of praise and glory to me before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see the good I do for my people and will tremble with awe!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite TV shows is called “Rehab Addict”. It features Nicole Curtis, a young woman who buys really old, run-down houses in Detroit and Minneapolis...and completely restores them. Her specialty is using restoration hardware and vintage materials that she reclaims from other old homes – or purchases at a local salvage yard and thrift stores. She repairs old hardwood floors...light fixtures...stained glass windows...claw-footed bath tubs and vintage kitchen sinks...and so much more...and creates comfortable modern homes with a vintage feel.
Many of the houses that Curtis purchases were scheduled for condemnation. Some have windows that have been boarded up...graffiti that defaces the interior and exterior walls...and crumbling sidewalks and porches. Nothing seems to be too difficult for Curtis and her team to tackle...and when the program did show an old home that was too far gone being demolished, she was standing on the sidelines with tears pouring down her face.
Nicole Curtis is one of many restoration and renovation experts who have a vision. They see beauty and purpose where most of us would see something that needed to go. They have the foresight and ability to clean away the grime, sand and polish the years of wear and tear, and turn back time.
Most of us are a lot like those houses. We’ve become worn with time and “life”...and maybe stained with our sins and wrongdoings. Some of us are downright sick from all of it and in need of a profound healing and restoration. And God offers us exactly this! He has the vision of who and what we are supposed to be...what He intended for us. God also has the ability to restore us to our former purpose...to cleanse us of the stains of our sins and heal us where the gaping wounds of our bad choices and wrong paths have left us scarred and worn.
If you’re like me, you know at least one person of whom you have said, “If God can fix So-and-so, He can fix ANYBODY!” And maybe that “So-and-So” is YOU! The point is that God does not desire that a single one of us be “torn down and piled into the dumpster”. He sees us as He designed us...and He can get us back into prime condition. Aren’t you ready for a spiritual renovation and restoration...even if all you need is just a “light refreshing”? Isn’t this the perfect time to humble yourself before God and ask Him to “do a good work in you”? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Nevertheless the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s damage and give her prosperity and peace. I will rebuild the cities of both Judah and Israel and restore their fortunes. And I will cleanse away all their sins against me and pardon them. Then this city will be an honor to me, and it will give me joy and be a source of praise and glory to me before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see the good I do for my people and will tremble with awe!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite TV shows is called “Rehab Addict”. It features Nicole Curtis, a young woman who buys really old, run-down houses in Detroit and Minneapolis...and completely restores them. Her specialty is using restoration hardware and vintage materials that she reclaims from other old homes – or purchases at a local salvage yard and thrift stores. She repairs old hardwood floors...light fixtures...stained glass windows...claw-footed bath tubs and vintage kitchen sinks...and so much more...and creates comfortable modern homes with a vintage feel.
Many of the houses that Curtis purchases were scheduled for condemnation. Some have windows that have been boarded up...graffiti that defaces the interior and exterior walls...and crumbling sidewalks and porches. Nothing seems to be too difficult for Curtis and her team to tackle...and when the program did show an old home that was too far gone being demolished, she was standing on the sidelines with tears pouring down her face.
Nicole Curtis is one of many restoration and renovation experts who have a vision. They see beauty and purpose where most of us would see something that needed to go. They have the foresight and ability to clean away the grime, sand and polish the years of wear and tear, and turn back time.
Most of us are a lot like those houses. We’ve become worn with time and “life”...and maybe stained with our sins and wrongdoings. Some of us are downright sick from all of it and in need of a profound healing and restoration. And God offers us exactly this! He has the vision of who and what we are supposed to be...what He intended for us. God also has the ability to restore us to our former purpose...to cleanse us of the stains of our sins and heal us where the gaping wounds of our bad choices and wrong paths have left us scarred and worn.
If you’re like me, you know at least one person of whom you have said, “If God can fix So-and-so, He can fix ANYBODY!” And maybe that “So-and-So” is YOU! The point is that God does not desire that a single one of us be “torn down and piled into the dumpster”. He sees us as He designed us...and He can get us back into prime condition. Aren’t you ready for a spiritual renovation and restoration...even if all you need is just a “light refreshing”? Isn’t this the perfect time to humble yourself before God and ask Him to “do a good work in you”? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 26, 2014
Hosea 6:1-3
Let’s return to the Lord.
He has torn us to shreds,
but he will bandage our wounds
and make us well.
In two or three days
he will heal us
and restore our strength
that we may live with him.
Let’s do our best
to know the Lord.
His coming is as certain
as the morning sun;
he will refresh us like rain
renewing the earth
in the springtime.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our cats somewhat “chose sides” more than a decade ago. It started when we got a big television that apparently made some sort of noise that scared Lucy. She preferred that I watch TV in our bedroom, where she would happily join me on the bed and lie pressed against my side... on her back – and often with all four legs in the air! Mabel was perfectly content to stay with Greg and enjoy his attention as she curled up on the footrest of his recliner. When we moved into a two-story house, and Greg established an office space upstairs, Mabel somewhat became the “upstairs cat”, while Lucy is never very far from me downstairs.
So when Greg and a neighbor took an overnight motorcycle trip, poor little Mabel was more than a bit lost. She hung out with Lucy and me downstairs...but sometimes she roamed the house and cried as she looked for her “other owner”. She brought a toy mouse, hoping that Greg would appear and praise her. She stood up on the back door and pawed toward the handle, thinking he must surely be in the garage. And when I went upstairs to check on her once, she was curled atop a pair of Greg’s jeans. I stroked her face and cooed to her in a soothing tone and assured her that he would be back very soon...and that all would be well. If she could just hang on and take a little snooze, her buddy would be home before she knew it.
In this passage from Hosea, you really need to read Chapter 5 first to understand these verses. The people of Israel have been sinful and terribly disobedient, and God has allowed them to suffer as a result. In Hosea 5:13-16, we read...” Israel was brutally crushed. They got what they deserved for worshiping useless idols. Now I, the Lord, will fill Israel with maggots and make Judah rot. When Israel and Judah saw their sickness and wounds, Israel asked help from Assyria and its mighty king.” So the words of the first verses in Chapter 6 are those of the Israelites, who have realized that they caused their own suffering. But they also recognize that God will forgive them...heal and restore them...if only they will turn back to Him. He will return and make them well.
In our own ways, you and I have been as sinful and disobedient as the Israelites. It’s a wonder that God has not grown as disgusted with us and allowed us to be “filled with maggots and rot”. Amazingly, God provided us with a covenant in the form of the blood of Jesus. And while we may experience temporary discomfort (and it may even seem like God is crushing us!), we can call on Him to save us by Jesus’ blood, and He will rescue and restore us. This may happen quickly – or we may not fully be refreshed and renewed until Jesus greets us in heaven. But all who earnestly call on the name of Jesus are guaranteed forgiveness and healing.
Our sweet little calico cat did nothing to deserve the feelings of loneliness and desertion she experienced. Mabel will “get over it” quickly, and in a few days, she will have totally forgotten that she and Greg were ever separated. On the other hand, we have done plenty to alienate ourselves from God and disappoint Him. The love, grace and mercy He demonstrates to us is truly inexplicable...but nonetheless welcome!
The thought of God “bandaging our wounds, and making us well” is like a healing balm to my soul. The promise of Jesus waiting in heaven to welcome us with open arms for all eternity gives me strength and courage for this earthly journey. I know that He is coming for me someday...and this motivates me to turn to Him and let Him make me well. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Let’s return to the Lord.
He has torn us to shreds,
but he will bandage our wounds
and make us well.
In two or three days
he will heal us
and restore our strength
that we may live with him.
Let’s do our best
to know the Lord.
His coming is as certain
as the morning sun;
he will refresh us like rain
renewing the earth
in the springtime.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our cats somewhat “chose sides” more than a decade ago. It started when we got a big television that apparently made some sort of noise that scared Lucy. She preferred that I watch TV in our bedroom, where she would happily join me on the bed and lie pressed against my side... on her back – and often with all four legs in the air! Mabel was perfectly content to stay with Greg and enjoy his attention as she curled up on the footrest of his recliner. When we moved into a two-story house, and Greg established an office space upstairs, Mabel somewhat became the “upstairs cat”, while Lucy is never very far from me downstairs.
So when Greg and a neighbor took an overnight motorcycle trip, poor little Mabel was more than a bit lost. She hung out with Lucy and me downstairs...but sometimes she roamed the house and cried as she looked for her “other owner”. She brought a toy mouse, hoping that Greg would appear and praise her. She stood up on the back door and pawed toward the handle, thinking he must surely be in the garage. And when I went upstairs to check on her once, she was curled atop a pair of Greg’s jeans. I stroked her face and cooed to her in a soothing tone and assured her that he would be back very soon...and that all would be well. If she could just hang on and take a little snooze, her buddy would be home before she knew it.
In this passage from Hosea, you really need to read Chapter 5 first to understand these verses. The people of Israel have been sinful and terribly disobedient, and God has allowed them to suffer as a result. In Hosea 5:13-16, we read...” Israel was brutally crushed. They got what they deserved for worshiping useless idols. Now I, the Lord, will fill Israel with maggots and make Judah rot. When Israel and Judah saw their sickness and wounds, Israel asked help from Assyria and its mighty king.” So the words of the first verses in Chapter 6 are those of the Israelites, who have realized that they caused their own suffering. But they also recognize that God will forgive them...heal and restore them...if only they will turn back to Him. He will return and make them well.
In our own ways, you and I have been as sinful and disobedient as the Israelites. It’s a wonder that God has not grown as disgusted with us and allowed us to be “filled with maggots and rot”. Amazingly, God provided us with a covenant in the form of the blood of Jesus. And while we may experience temporary discomfort (and it may even seem like God is crushing us!), we can call on Him to save us by Jesus’ blood, and He will rescue and restore us. This may happen quickly – or we may not fully be refreshed and renewed until Jesus greets us in heaven. But all who earnestly call on the name of Jesus are guaranteed forgiveness and healing.
Our sweet little calico cat did nothing to deserve the feelings of loneliness and desertion she experienced. Mabel will “get over it” quickly, and in a few days, she will have totally forgotten that she and Greg were ever separated. On the other hand, we have done plenty to alienate ourselves from God and disappoint Him. The love, grace and mercy He demonstrates to us is truly inexplicable...but nonetheless welcome!
The thought of God “bandaging our wounds, and making us well” is like a healing balm to my soul. The promise of Jesus waiting in heaven to welcome us with open arms for all eternity gives me strength and courage for this earthly journey. I know that He is coming for me someday...and this motivates me to turn to Him and let Him make me well. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 25, 2014
Galatians 3:13
But Christ has bought us out from under the doom of that impossible system by taking the curse for our wrongdoing upon himself. For it is written in the Scripture, “Anyone who is hanged on a tree is cursed” (as Jesus was hung upon a wooden cross).
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Once in a while, there will be a post on social media about “the good ole days”...in the vein of “do you remember this?” or “do you know what this is?” There will be a photograph of some gadget from a previous decade...and the object will be something that perhaps we relied on every day - but now we have something better/faster/easier to use that has replaced it. One example of this might be a wringer washing machine. Say WHAT? Yes...a few decades ago, people washed clothing in a big tub, then they pressed each garment through two heavy rollers that squeezed out all of the excess water. This was a far cry from the “spin cycle” of our modern-day washers!
Even older is the rub board! I have my grandmother’s ribbed glass rub board, on which she “rubbed” the clothes to get the dirt out. I also have a wooden paddle that she used to stir clothing in a big iron cauldron of hot water and lye soap! Not my idea of a fun wash day...is it yours?!
Another gadget that some of you may still use today is the ice cube tray. Most of these are made of plastic – or silicone – today, but when I was a child, we had aluminum trays with a “handle” in the middle that you lifted to separate the ice cubes and release them. Of course, this usually resulted in shatters and shards of ice rather than the nice, neat, perfectly formed cubes of our present-day ice-making machines. And NOW, some of my friends even have “Sonic® ice” machines that create the crushed ice like patrons of Sonic® drive-ins enjoy.
My mom commented recently that she had seen two working "pay telephones". She remarked that many younger people don’t know about pay phones - or phone booths...and will only see them in the media. We both remember the not-so-distant years when she and my dad were traveling and they would search for a pay telephone in order to call home and check in with us. There were no cell phones...much less texting, iPads, and Skype or Face Time!
Here’s the thing... there are a lot of things from the past that we would not wish to return. Who among us wishes there were no cell phones and that we had to rely on finding a pay telephone or dialing 0 for Operator in order to accomplish some of our communications? I enjoy going to my refrigerator and getting a cup of ice cubes or crushed ice. I would not want to spend an entire day or two slaving over a hot iron wash pot filled with laundry and caustic soap...nor would I want to have to crank a “wringer” to get the water out of every garment before I hung the clothing on a line to air dry!
By the same token, I would not want to have to kill an innocent lamb or calf every time I committed a sin. I’d never get anything else done...and neither would you! Because you see, we are ALL sinful, despite our best efforts to behave otherwise. Just like many of us take a daily dose of medicine to keep certain ailments at bay...or vitamins to boost our immune systems...we need a “daily dose” of Jesus to keep us spiritually healthy. And because of his amazing love, grace, mercy – and sacrifice on the cross – the “old ways” of atonement are forever gone for those of us who have accepted His great gift of salvation.
We need the “daily dose” of Jesus to keep us healthy...to boost our spiritual “immune systems”...but when we give our hearts to Jesus, we no longer have to worry about the old laws that required continual sacrifices of animals...rituals to cleanse our souls...intermediaries to petition God on our behalf. Jesus healed ALL of that! And I, for one, can never thank Him enough!
My question today is this...are you living in the “modern world” of Jesus’ healing grace and mercy? Or are you stuck in the past? Do you know the joy of living well, fit, and strong with Jesus? Aren’t you ready to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
But Christ has bought us out from under the doom of that impossible system by taking the curse for our wrongdoing upon himself. For it is written in the Scripture, “Anyone who is hanged on a tree is cursed” (as Jesus was hung upon a wooden cross).
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Once in a while, there will be a post on social media about “the good ole days”...in the vein of “do you remember this?” or “do you know what this is?” There will be a photograph of some gadget from a previous decade...and the object will be something that perhaps we relied on every day - but now we have something better/faster/easier to use that has replaced it. One example of this might be a wringer washing machine. Say WHAT? Yes...a few decades ago, people washed clothing in a big tub, then they pressed each garment through two heavy rollers that squeezed out all of the excess water. This was a far cry from the “spin cycle” of our modern-day washers!
Even older is the rub board! I have my grandmother’s ribbed glass rub board, on which she “rubbed” the clothes to get the dirt out. I also have a wooden paddle that she used to stir clothing in a big iron cauldron of hot water and lye soap! Not my idea of a fun wash day...is it yours?!
Another gadget that some of you may still use today is the ice cube tray. Most of these are made of plastic – or silicone – today, but when I was a child, we had aluminum trays with a “handle” in the middle that you lifted to separate the ice cubes and release them. Of course, this usually resulted in shatters and shards of ice rather than the nice, neat, perfectly formed cubes of our present-day ice-making machines. And NOW, some of my friends even have “Sonic® ice” machines that create the crushed ice like patrons of Sonic® drive-ins enjoy.
My mom commented recently that she had seen two working "pay telephones". She remarked that many younger people don’t know about pay phones - or phone booths...and will only see them in the media. We both remember the not-so-distant years when she and my dad were traveling and they would search for a pay telephone in order to call home and check in with us. There were no cell phones...much less texting, iPads, and Skype or Face Time!
Here’s the thing... there are a lot of things from the past that we would not wish to return. Who among us wishes there were no cell phones and that we had to rely on finding a pay telephone or dialing 0 for Operator in order to accomplish some of our communications? I enjoy going to my refrigerator and getting a cup of ice cubes or crushed ice. I would not want to spend an entire day or two slaving over a hot iron wash pot filled with laundry and caustic soap...nor would I want to have to crank a “wringer” to get the water out of every garment before I hung the clothing on a line to air dry!
By the same token, I would not want to have to kill an innocent lamb or calf every time I committed a sin. I’d never get anything else done...and neither would you! Because you see, we are ALL sinful, despite our best efforts to behave otherwise. Just like many of us take a daily dose of medicine to keep certain ailments at bay...or vitamins to boost our immune systems...we need a “daily dose” of Jesus to keep us spiritually healthy. And because of his amazing love, grace, mercy – and sacrifice on the cross – the “old ways” of atonement are forever gone for those of us who have accepted His great gift of salvation.
We need the “daily dose” of Jesus to keep us healthy...to boost our spiritual “immune systems”...but when we give our hearts to Jesus, we no longer have to worry about the old laws that required continual sacrifices of animals...rituals to cleanse our souls...intermediaries to petition God on our behalf. Jesus healed ALL of that! And I, for one, can never thank Him enough!
My question today is this...are you living in the “modern world” of Jesus’ healing grace and mercy? Or are you stuck in the past? Do you know the joy of living well, fit, and strong with Jesus? Aren’t you ready to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 26, 2014
Matthew 6:12
... and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.
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 I was in tenth grade, I studied geometry. Our teacher, Mrs. Berry, taught us about mathematical theorems and properties. A theorem has been defined as “a general proposition not self-evident but proved by a chain of reasoning; a truth established by means of accepted truths.” We wrote “proofs” that outlined how we arrived at certain conclusions. There were lots of “if - then” statements...as in, “If 2 sides and the included angle of one triangle are congruent respectively to 2 sides and the included angles of a second triangle, then the 2 triangles are congruent.” Yeah, I know...I had a love/hate relationship with geometry class. The proofs could be fun...but they could also make us a little crazy! And for the life of me, I could not see what benefits this information would provide in adult life!
But here’s the thing...there are “if - then” statements all throughout our lives...”theorems” that dictate and determine how situations and circumstances will play out. And one of these “theorems” is that if we want God to forgive us...then we must forgive others first. Simply put, we cannot ask God to show mercy toward us if we are unwilling to do the same for our fellow man. This would amount to asking God to declare that we are better than others...deserving of special treatment...more important to Him than the next guy.
When we ask God to forgive us and refuse to forgive others, we essentially say, “I don’t have to play by the rules. God will give me a ‘pass’.” I am pretty sure Jesus didn’t hang on the cross and say, “With my very life’s blood, I forgive the sins of the world...but only some of these people will have to forgive others in my name. A few get special exceptions and advantages.”
Would you really want to serve a Savior who operated this way? Don’t worry...you don’t have to...because the forgiveness of Jesus doesn’t work this way - never has and never will! Jesus was emphatically clear about this...if you forgive others, then I will hear your requests to be forgiven.
I can still remember showing proofs to Mrs. Berry that she vetoed. The properties and evidence were not right. The logical order was out of kilter. Somehow, things didn’t quite “line up” as they should...and often it was one teeny tiny thing that was amiss. Until we got everything right, she would say, “Go back and do it again.” And until we get this right, Jesus is pretty much saying the same thing.
If there are areas in your life where you can’t seem to get headed in the right direction, take some time to do a little soul searching. If you have prayed repeatedly over an issue or situation and feel you have not received an answer, ask yourself where you might have missed a step and blocked the forgiveness of Jesus and His mercy in your life because of your unwillingness to follow His commands. Jesus doesn’t play games...but this is no “sport” with Him. Purely and simply, this is His commandment to us - to forgive others and show them mercy - in order to receive His pardon and understanding in our own situations.
Take a good look at the “proofs” in your life. Examine your “work” and see where you need make revisions. If you share grace, mercy and forgiveness with others, then you can boldly ask Jesus to do the same for you. Just as it is with geometry, no steps can be omitted if you wish to reach the right conclusion. When you logically and thoroughly trace each thought or action, you can determine where you stumbled and make the necessary changes. Will this be the day that you set things right by offering forgiveness and mercy to others? Have you successfully ordered all of the steps in your “proof”? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
... and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.
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 I was in tenth grade, I studied geometry. Our teacher, Mrs. Berry, taught us about mathematical theorems and properties. A theorem has been defined as “a general proposition not self-evident but proved by a chain of reasoning; a truth established by means of accepted truths.” We wrote “proofs” that outlined how we arrived at certain conclusions. There were lots of “if - then” statements...as in, “If 2 sides and the included angle of one triangle are congruent respectively to 2 sides and the included angles of a second triangle, then the 2 triangles are congruent.” Yeah, I know...I had a love/hate relationship with geometry class. The proofs could be fun...but they could also make us a little crazy! And for the life of me, I could not see what benefits this information would provide in adult life!
But here’s the thing...there are “if - then” statements all throughout our lives...”theorems” that dictate and determine how situations and circumstances will play out. And one of these “theorems” is that if we want God to forgive us...then we must forgive others first. Simply put, we cannot ask God to show mercy toward us if we are unwilling to do the same for our fellow man. This would amount to asking God to declare that we are better than others...deserving of special treatment...more important to Him than the next guy.
When we ask God to forgive us and refuse to forgive others, we essentially say, “I don’t have to play by the rules. God will give me a ‘pass’.” I am pretty sure Jesus didn’t hang on the cross and say, “With my very life’s blood, I forgive the sins of the world...but only some of these people will have to forgive others in my name. A few get special exceptions and advantages.”
Would you really want to serve a Savior who operated this way? Don’t worry...you don’t have to...because the forgiveness of Jesus doesn’t work this way - never has and never will! Jesus was emphatically clear about this...if you forgive others, then I will hear your requests to be forgiven.
I can still remember showing proofs to Mrs. Berry that she vetoed. The properties and evidence were not right. The logical order was out of kilter. Somehow, things didn’t quite “line up” as they should...and often it was one teeny tiny thing that was amiss. Until we got everything right, she would say, “Go back and do it again.” And until we get this right, Jesus is pretty much saying the same thing.
If there are areas in your life where you can’t seem to get headed in the right direction, take some time to do a little soul searching. If you have prayed repeatedly over an issue or situation and feel you have not received an answer, ask yourself where you might have missed a step and blocked the forgiveness of Jesus and His mercy in your life because of your unwillingness to follow His commands. Jesus doesn’t play games...but this is no “sport” with Him. Purely and simply, this is His commandment to us - to forgive others and show them mercy - in order to receive His pardon and understanding in our own situations.
Take a good look at the “proofs” in your life. Examine your “work” and see where you need make revisions. If you share grace, mercy and forgiveness with others, then you can boldly ask Jesus to do the same for you. Just as it is with geometry, no steps can be omitted if you wish to reach the right conclusion. When you logically and thoroughly trace each thought or action, you can determine where you stumbled and make the necessary changes. Will this be the day that you set things right by offering forgiveness and mercy to others? Have you successfully ordered all of the steps in your “proof”? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 22, 2014
Matthew 26:28
“...for this is my blood, sealing the new covenant. It is poured out to forgive the sins of multitudes.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve been seeing trailers for the movie Left Behind, starring Nicholas Cage. This film is set to be released in October 2014. It’s been probably a decade since I read the Left Behind series, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. This set of 12 fictional novels gave me insights into the biblical passages of the book of Revelation and helped “unpack” this chapter of the Bible for me in a manner that I could understand. So I am anxious to see this film and see how Hollywood has treated this story.
As I read the passage from Matthew 26 today – this tiny piece of a verse in which Jesus is speaking – I was reminded of a scene in one of the last books of the Left Behind series. Jesus has returned for His church. All of His believers are gathered in one assemblage...millions of people – maybe more. And Jesus is sitting on His throne and calling their names, one by one. Each person is sitting patiently and waiting his/her turn with Jesus. No one grows impatient...and nothing is rushed. Time must quite literally stand still! As each believer comes to sit with Jesus, it is as if no one else is there. Jesus has all of the time, energy, love and focus for that one person in that moment. Everything centers on the interchange between this Christian and his/her Jesus. When I read this part of the story, I literally cried. I was so moved by this deeply personal interaction and how much Jesus loves each of us...how much He loves ME!
So as I read Jesus’ words in Matthew 26 today, I thought of His blood shed on the cross...for ME...and YOU...and the other guy...each and every one of us individually. People could easily say, “It’s really no stretch to say that Jesus’ blood was shed for each one of us, because He was there...either way He was crucified.” And anyone who believes this has totally missed the point.
When God sent Jesus to earth, knowing fully well what would happen to Him...how high the cost would be...He said, “I’m sending Him anyway. I’m sending Him to die for Joe, Sue, Jim, Margaret, Sanjay, José, Chou Ling, Svetlana, Ingrid, Marco, Dakotah, Moses, Naomi, Kenyatta...” and on and on. Jesus didn’t die on that cross for anyone else more or less significant than YOU! When Jesus surrendered His spirit to God...He was thinking of YOU! Out of His abundant love, grace, mercy and forgiveness, He stayed nailed to the cross and suffered unimaginable atrocities...for YOU!
If you don't take away anything else from these words today, hear this. Jesus died for the sins of the multitudes...but no one is any more or less precious to Him than you are. When you think of the blood of the cross...when you “drink the cup” in Holy Communion...consider this to be your “time at the throne” in His presence. Imagine that someday, you truly will have your “moment” with Him in this manner...and it will be as if you are the only one who exists for Him. You are THAT special and important!
So whatever is happening in your life today, stop and think of the cross and Jesus’ blood...shed for you. Remind yourself that you are so important to Jesus that He made this amazing sacrifice...just for you. Surely He can handle the challenges of your day. The One who sacrificed everything on your behalf is not about to abandon you now! Feel His presence. Recognize His amazing love for you...His grace and mercy over every aspect of your life. Thank Him for such glorious compassion and devotion. Honor Him with every word and action.
Jesus came to the world for YOU. If you have committed your heart to Jesus, He will come back...for YOU. This promise is signed and sealed for all who belong to Jesus...those who call on Him and trust in His power to forgive. Are you one of His already? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“...for this is my blood, sealing the new covenant. It is poured out to forgive the sins of multitudes.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve been seeing trailers for the movie Left Behind, starring Nicholas Cage. This film is set to be released in October 2014. It’s been probably a decade since I read the Left Behind series, written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. This set of 12 fictional novels gave me insights into the biblical passages of the book of Revelation and helped “unpack” this chapter of the Bible for me in a manner that I could understand. So I am anxious to see this film and see how Hollywood has treated this story.
As I read the passage from Matthew 26 today – this tiny piece of a verse in which Jesus is speaking – I was reminded of a scene in one of the last books of the Left Behind series. Jesus has returned for His church. All of His believers are gathered in one assemblage...millions of people – maybe more. And Jesus is sitting on His throne and calling their names, one by one. Each person is sitting patiently and waiting his/her turn with Jesus. No one grows impatient...and nothing is rushed. Time must quite literally stand still! As each believer comes to sit with Jesus, it is as if no one else is there. Jesus has all of the time, energy, love and focus for that one person in that moment. Everything centers on the interchange between this Christian and his/her Jesus. When I read this part of the story, I literally cried. I was so moved by this deeply personal interaction and how much Jesus loves each of us...how much He loves ME!
So as I read Jesus’ words in Matthew 26 today, I thought of His blood shed on the cross...for ME...and YOU...and the other guy...each and every one of us individually. People could easily say, “It’s really no stretch to say that Jesus’ blood was shed for each one of us, because He was there...either way He was crucified.” And anyone who believes this has totally missed the point.
When God sent Jesus to earth, knowing fully well what would happen to Him...how high the cost would be...He said, “I’m sending Him anyway. I’m sending Him to die for Joe, Sue, Jim, Margaret, Sanjay, José, Chou Ling, Svetlana, Ingrid, Marco, Dakotah, Moses, Naomi, Kenyatta...” and on and on. Jesus didn’t die on that cross for anyone else more or less significant than YOU! When Jesus surrendered His spirit to God...He was thinking of YOU! Out of His abundant love, grace, mercy and forgiveness, He stayed nailed to the cross and suffered unimaginable atrocities...for YOU!
If you don't take away anything else from these words today, hear this. Jesus died for the sins of the multitudes...but no one is any more or less precious to Him than you are. When you think of the blood of the cross...when you “drink the cup” in Holy Communion...consider this to be your “time at the throne” in His presence. Imagine that someday, you truly will have your “moment” with Him in this manner...and it will be as if you are the only one who exists for Him. You are THAT special and important!
So whatever is happening in your life today, stop and think of the cross and Jesus’ blood...shed for you. Remind yourself that you are so important to Jesus that He made this amazing sacrifice...just for you. Surely He can handle the challenges of your day. The One who sacrificed everything on your behalf is not about to abandon you now! Feel His presence. Recognize His amazing love for you...His grace and mercy over every aspect of your life. Thank Him for such glorious compassion and devotion. Honor Him with every word and action.
Jesus came to the world for YOU. If you have committed your heart to Jesus, He will come back...for YOU. This promise is signed and sealed for all who belong to Jesus...those who call on Him and trust in His power to forgive. Are you one of His already? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 6, 2014
Isaiah 1:18
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My niece, Jasmine, has referred to me as something of the “Queen of Stain Removal”. I’ll admit...I have had some pretty major success at removing stubborn stains on everything from vintage linens to baby clothing to vintage glassware and silver. There have been a few stubborn spots that just would not bow...but often, I find a way to camouflage these and still use the item. Sometimes the stains have to be cut away...but rarely do I have to totally give up on a piece because of such blemishes.
Honestly, I enjoy the challenge. I get a kick out of restoring a tarnished item to its former glory – or at least something that is more than passable. I get immense satisfaction from the “rescue”. So it is easy for me to see what pleasure it gives Jesus to be able to restore us. Trust me, His methods of stain removal are failsafe. There is absolutely NO stain of sin that He cannot remove...EVER! When I think about how delighted I am when a garment comes out of the wash clean and “fresh as the fallen snow,” I totally “get” how thrilled Jesus is when He makes us “white as wool”.
More importantly, I am humbled and grateful for the tremendous price that Jesus paid for my “stain removal”. I know that I often spend a lot of time and energy on removing a mark or blemish from something. But I know that Jesus spent much more to remove my sins...He shed His very blood on the cross for me. He suffered agony and anguish, brutality and horrific insults, just to take out my sinful stains and restore me. There is no way I can compare to this...no way I would ever even want to try. I am incredibly grateful and humbled that He did this for me.
I love how this translation portrays Jesus as a trusted friend who says, “Come...let’s talk this over...I can fix that for you...I can get that stain out and make you good as new again!” That’s an offer I cannot refuse...what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My niece, Jasmine, has referred to me as something of the “Queen of Stain Removal”. I’ll admit...I have had some pretty major success at removing stubborn stains on everything from vintage linens to baby clothing to vintage glassware and silver. There have been a few stubborn spots that just would not bow...but often, I find a way to camouflage these and still use the item. Sometimes the stains have to be cut away...but rarely do I have to totally give up on a piece because of such blemishes.
Honestly, I enjoy the challenge. I get a kick out of restoring a tarnished item to its former glory – or at least something that is more than passable. I get immense satisfaction from the “rescue”. So it is easy for me to see what pleasure it gives Jesus to be able to restore us. Trust me, His methods of stain removal are failsafe. There is absolutely NO stain of sin that He cannot remove...EVER! When I think about how delighted I am when a garment comes out of the wash clean and “fresh as the fallen snow,” I totally “get” how thrilled Jesus is when He makes us “white as wool”.
More importantly, I am humbled and grateful for the tremendous price that Jesus paid for my “stain removal”. I know that I often spend a lot of time and energy on removing a mark or blemish from something. But I know that Jesus spent much more to remove my sins...He shed His very blood on the cross for me. He suffered agony and anguish, brutality and horrific insults, just to take out my sinful stains and restore me. There is no way I can compare to this...no way I would ever even want to try. I am incredibly grateful and humbled that He did this for me.
I love how this translation portrays Jesus as a trusted friend who says, “Come...let’s talk this over...I can fix that for you...I can get that stain out and make you good as new again!” That’s an offer I cannot refuse...what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 28, 2014
Hebrews 10:11-18
Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices year in, year out, and never makes a dent in the sin problem. As a priest, Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! Then he sat down right beside God and waited for his enemies to cave in. It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process. The Holy Spirit confirms this:
This new plan I’m making with Israel
isn’t going to be written on paper,
isn’t going to be chiseled in stone;
This time “I’m writing out the plan in them,
carving it on the lining of their hearts.”
He concludes,
I’ll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins.
Once sins are taken care of for good, there’s no longer any need to offer sacrifices for 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.
I’ve been helping my cousin Natalie with a makeover project on her kindergarten classroom. After 17 years of teaching, she was ready for a “room re-do.” She found several ideas that she liked online and in stores, and we melded them into a cohesive “look” using the graphic design and photo editing programs on my computer.
When I was teaching in the late ‘70s and early-to-mid ‘80s, we didn’t have computers that created labels and artwork with the click of a mouse. We didn’t know about fonts and Adobe Photoshop® and color printers. I spent days and weeks coloring individual name tags and characters that I had printed out in black and white...outlining with a Sharpie® marker, then carefully cutting, pasting and laminating everything together. We thought our results looked pretty good, but compared to the slick pieces that are possible today, our classrooms were downright crafty!
I stopped by the school to see Natalie’s progress, and she showed me her wall display for color words. Each color word was printed on a card – in that particular color – and outlined in a matching polka-dot border. But there was a gap. She said, “I realized when I hung them that there was not a card for the color brown. I messaged the person who designed these, and she said that she doesn’t have a template for brown. So I am going to print a black and white copy and color it in...then cut and paste letters to make the word ‘brown’ for the center.” I stopped her...”I can do all of that on the computer.” Her eyes lit up. “You can?” “I’m pretty sure I can make that all work,” I told her. She sent me her file, and I was able to do in a matter of minutes what would have otherwise taken her hours...if not a whole day.
In recent years, I’ve thought about the things that my fellow teachers and I spent hours and days working on that are accomplished now with the click of a button. I have asked myself how we did it all...and the short answer is that we gave up our nights, weekends, holidays and summers to prepare classroom materials and displays for our students. It’s a wonder we found time to teach! And quite frankly, there were times when we were drowning in mountains of paper work and “busywork” that we barely made a dent in the primary goal of presenting lessons and reaching academic objectives!
As I read this scripture passage, I thought about this...and about how many times we go around in circles, somewhat chasing our tail as we try to accomplish things that we do not have the adequate tools or skills to undertake. Like teachers everywhere, we spend a lot of energy trying to figure out a “work-around” that will suffice...and often, we are more than a little disappointed with the results – if not downright wearied by them. And nowhere is this more evident than in our attempts to muddle through life on our own...to do the same things over and over while hoping for different outcomes. We often think we know so much more than we really do...or feel that our way is sufficient, if not better, than God’s. And this is when we make a huge mess of things.
It’s MORE than a good thing that God is so merciful and tender with us. We truly have no clue just how blessed we are that He sent Jesus to pay for our sins...once and for all. I love the sentence...”It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people.” This sums up Jesus beautifully. This description grasps the essence of His grace and mercy over us...and demonstrates His love for us. He made us perfect...unblemished...pure and whole...and we could never have done this on our own, no matter how long or hard we tried.
I’m grateful for our present-day technology – even the vast array that I do not fully understand! I love how computers can make things look so neat and pretty. I am even more appreciative of the love and tender care of Jesus...how His single sacrifice accomplished what I never could. Now I am heaven bound, fully forgiven for my sins, and free to love others in His name and share the Good News that this gift extends to them, as well! I know that the price He paid was anything but simple...far more than the click of a button! And I recognize the tremendous love and commitment that He demonstrated on my behalf.
When I sent back the file to Natalie with the “brown” color card, she responded, “You saved the day!” In the scheme of things, this was not a big deal on my part. I just happened to have experience in pressing buttons and “cutting and pasting” on some pretty amazing and powerful computer programs! But Jesus wiped the slate clean with His own blood on the cross...once and for all...and truly saved us from a life of sin and eternity in Hell. Have you let Him know how grateful you are for this amazing sacrifice? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices year in, year out, and never makes a dent in the sin problem. As a priest, Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! Then he sat down right beside God and waited for his enemies to cave in. It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process. The Holy Spirit confirms this:
This new plan I’m making with Israel
isn’t going to be written on paper,
isn’t going to be chiseled in stone;
This time “I’m writing out the plan in them,
carving it on the lining of their hearts.”
He concludes,
I’ll forever wipe the slate clean of their sins.
Once sins are taken care of for good, there’s no longer any need to offer sacrifices for 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.
I’ve been helping my cousin Natalie with a makeover project on her kindergarten classroom. After 17 years of teaching, she was ready for a “room re-do.” She found several ideas that she liked online and in stores, and we melded them into a cohesive “look” using the graphic design and photo editing programs on my computer.
When I was teaching in the late ‘70s and early-to-mid ‘80s, we didn’t have computers that created labels and artwork with the click of a mouse. We didn’t know about fonts and Adobe Photoshop® and color printers. I spent days and weeks coloring individual name tags and characters that I had printed out in black and white...outlining with a Sharpie® marker, then carefully cutting, pasting and laminating everything together. We thought our results looked pretty good, but compared to the slick pieces that are possible today, our classrooms were downright crafty!
I stopped by the school to see Natalie’s progress, and she showed me her wall display for color words. Each color word was printed on a card – in that particular color – and outlined in a matching polka-dot border. But there was a gap. She said, “I realized when I hung them that there was not a card for the color brown. I messaged the person who designed these, and she said that she doesn’t have a template for brown. So I am going to print a black and white copy and color it in...then cut and paste letters to make the word ‘brown’ for the center.” I stopped her...”I can do all of that on the computer.” Her eyes lit up. “You can?” “I’m pretty sure I can make that all work,” I told her. She sent me her file, and I was able to do in a matter of minutes what would have otherwise taken her hours...if not a whole day.
In recent years, I’ve thought about the things that my fellow teachers and I spent hours and days working on that are accomplished now with the click of a button. I have asked myself how we did it all...and the short answer is that we gave up our nights, weekends, holidays and summers to prepare classroom materials and displays for our students. It’s a wonder we found time to teach! And quite frankly, there were times when we were drowning in mountains of paper work and “busywork” that we barely made a dent in the primary goal of presenting lessons and reaching academic objectives!
As I read this scripture passage, I thought about this...and about how many times we go around in circles, somewhat chasing our tail as we try to accomplish things that we do not have the adequate tools or skills to undertake. Like teachers everywhere, we spend a lot of energy trying to figure out a “work-around” that will suffice...and often, we are more than a little disappointed with the results – if not downright wearied by them. And nowhere is this more evident than in our attempts to muddle through life on our own...to do the same things over and over while hoping for different outcomes. We often think we know so much more than we really do...or feel that our way is sufficient, if not better, than God’s. And this is when we make a huge mess of things.
It’s MORE than a good thing that God is so merciful and tender with us. We truly have no clue just how blessed we are that He sent Jesus to pay for our sins...once and for all. I love the sentence...”It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people.” This sums up Jesus beautifully. This description grasps the essence of His grace and mercy over us...and demonstrates His love for us. He made us perfect...unblemished...pure and whole...and we could never have done this on our own, no matter how long or hard we tried.
I’m grateful for our present-day technology – even the vast array that I do not fully understand! I love how computers can make things look so neat and pretty. I am even more appreciative of the love and tender care of Jesus...how His single sacrifice accomplished what I never could. Now I am heaven bound, fully forgiven for my sins, and free to love others in His name and share the Good News that this gift extends to them, as well! I know that the price He paid was anything but simple...far more than the click of a button! And I recognize the tremendous love and commitment that He demonstrated on my behalf.
When I sent back the file to Natalie with the “brown” color card, she responded, “You saved the day!” In the scheme of things, this was not a big deal on my part. I just happened to have experience in pressing buttons and “cutting and pasting” on some pretty amazing and powerful computer programs! But Jesus wiped the slate clean with His own blood on the cross...once and for all...and truly saved us from a life of sin and eternity in Hell. Have you let Him know how grateful you are for this amazing sacrifice? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 12, 2014
1 Peter 1:3-5
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We live in an age where virtually everything we say and do has at least the possibility of being caught on camera. There are “security cameras” on city streets and sidewalks…in parking lots and shopping centers…and in virtually every store one enters. For as little as $200, you can own a “GoPro” camera…which “makes it easy to document and share your life’s most interesting experiences,” according to information on found at http://gopro.com. The company’s slogan is “Wear it. Mount it. Love it.™” With the advent of Google Glass (http://google.com/Glass), a wearable computer with OHMD (Optical Head-mounted Display), anyone you encounter can be capturing your every move while walking, riding a bike, driving a car, and more. We are a world that is watched over by others. Some of us would do well to remember this!
The “watchful eye” of a “GoPro” camera, Google Glass, or a security camera is significantly different from the “careful watch” of God. Yes, all of these can potentially note every move we make. But only One offers genuine care and protection – both now and into the future. Only the life-giving nurture and shield of God’s love – and salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ – can sustain us…on this earth and into Eternity! And care for us, He does!
I can see how life often wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense for those who don’t know Jesus. I’ll be honest…Greg and I have both started giving the “news” little more than a passing glance. He skims the “Sports” section of the newspaper…I check the obituaries (don’t judge!) and sometimes the “regional” sections. We listen for the weather forecast and sort of “half-listen” to the local news reports. It’s all so bleak and disheartening. And yes, we know that bad things happen. But these days, we are choosing to focus more on good things…happy events…blessings - and the hand of God in any and all circumstances. We are not burying our heads in the sand…we are trusting the One who makes a way where none seems evident!
We know that our future is secure in heaven…and that God wants us to enjoy our time on this earth – and to be productive while we are here. In the midst of war, pain, suffering, sickness, disagreement, natural disaster and so much more possible sadness and sorrow, there is great grace, mercy, hope, and delight. God supplies all of this AND the promise of eternity with Him in heaven! It really doesn’t get any better than that! So let the world watch and record our every move…and let them find us joyfully serving God out of His abundance for us – and our confidence that He is not only watching, but in full control.
Let us live out our faith each and every day…let’s show the world how happy we are to be saved by the blood of Jesus…and destined for the glory of Heaven. Let’s give others a picture of THAT for a change…and see how God works because of it! Are you in?
©2014 Debbie Robus
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We live in an age where virtually everything we say and do has at least the possibility of being caught on camera. There are “security cameras” on city streets and sidewalks…in parking lots and shopping centers…and in virtually every store one enters. For as little as $200, you can own a “GoPro” camera…which “makes it easy to document and share your life’s most interesting experiences,” according to information on found at http://gopro.com. The company’s slogan is “Wear it. Mount it. Love it.™” With the advent of Google Glass (http://google.com/Glass), a wearable computer with OHMD (Optical Head-mounted Display), anyone you encounter can be capturing your every move while walking, riding a bike, driving a car, and more. We are a world that is watched over by others. Some of us would do well to remember this!
The “watchful eye” of a “GoPro” camera, Google Glass, or a security camera is significantly different from the “careful watch” of God. Yes, all of these can potentially note every move we make. But only One offers genuine care and protection – both now and into the future. Only the life-giving nurture and shield of God’s love – and salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ – can sustain us…on this earth and into Eternity! And care for us, He does!
I can see how life often wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense for those who don’t know Jesus. I’ll be honest…Greg and I have both started giving the “news” little more than a passing glance. He skims the “Sports” section of the newspaper…I check the obituaries (don’t judge!) and sometimes the “regional” sections. We listen for the weather forecast and sort of “half-listen” to the local news reports. It’s all so bleak and disheartening. And yes, we know that bad things happen. But these days, we are choosing to focus more on good things…happy events…blessings - and the hand of God in any and all circumstances. We are not burying our heads in the sand…we are trusting the One who makes a way where none seems evident!
We know that our future is secure in heaven…and that God wants us to enjoy our time on this earth – and to be productive while we are here. In the midst of war, pain, suffering, sickness, disagreement, natural disaster and so much more possible sadness and sorrow, there is great grace, mercy, hope, and delight. God supplies all of this AND the promise of eternity with Him in heaven! It really doesn’t get any better than that! So let the world watch and record our every move…and let them find us joyfully serving God out of His abundance for us – and our confidence that He is not only watching, but in full control.
Let us live out our faith each and every day…let’s show the world how happy we are to be saved by the blood of Jesus…and destined for the glory of Heaven. Let’s give others a picture of THAT for a change…and see how God works because of it! Are you in?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 25, 2014
2 Corinthians 5:17
When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Yesterday, we added another member to the Robus family when Ellie Grace made her entrance into the world at 7:50 a.m. Weighing in at 8 pounds 9 ounces and measuring 20¾” long, this daughter of Leslie and John (who is Greg's nephew) is new and fresh…and “the world is her oyster”! Ellie Grace is a blank canvas…all of her life stretches before her. For the moment, she is pure and unblemished. As she grows and progresses, she will develop characteristics and personality traits - and find her place in the world. She will make her presence known…and at some point, she will form opinions and attitudes – from the first time she spits out a green veggie she doesn’t like to the day she goes off to college and makes countless choices all by herself.
But for now, she is flawless and unencumbered…without a care in the world! Her parents will handle everything…feeding, changing, bathing, cuddling and protecting her. All she has to do is snuggle against them and settle in for lots of naps and hugs - and goofy looks and coos from the adults who will adore her.
Each and every one of us has more than a few years “under our belts”. And with those years comes baggage…lessons we learned…mistakes we made…bad choices and poor decisions…guilt – and maybe even a heavy dose of shame in many cases. Don’t you ever wish you could just wipe the slate clean and start over? Maybe you have done this, so to speak. If you’ve given your heart to Jesus, this was essentially what He offered you - new life…a brand new start…a chance to pull out a fresh sheet of paper and let Him paint a new masterpiece that would represent your life in Him.
The problem is that many of us invited Jesus into our hearts…then pretty much went right back to our old lives. We didn’t embrace what God offered us through the blood of Jesus – for any number of reasons – and as a result, our lives are anything but restful and peaceful. Our old lives of sin bring with them a boat load of turmoil…and too many of us are wallowing in this needlessly!
It’s time to embrace our new life in Christ…to truly rest in the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Salvation through the blood of Jesus…to snuggle against His chest and be soothed by His love and kindness. We must never become complacent. There is a difference between resting in the LORD and “resting on our laurels” or becoming smug and lazy. Christians are called to work and to serve…but we are also offered help with the burdens. Jesus offers to carry the brunt of the load and give us the rest and peace that we so desperately need.
We cannot literally return to the simplicity of that first year of life that awaits Ellie Grace…but we can enjoy all of the rest and peace that Jesus offers when we give our hearts to Him. Have you accepted His gift of Salvation and truly left your “old life” behind in exchange for the new one He offers? Regardless of when you initially surrendered to Christ, this can be the day that you start to truly live your “new life” in Him. Are you ready to begin the “first year of the rest of your life” in Christ - and fully rest in His blessings?
©2014 Debbie Robus
When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Yesterday, we added another member to the Robus family when Ellie Grace made her entrance into the world at 7:50 a.m. Weighing in at 8 pounds 9 ounces and measuring 20¾” long, this daughter of Leslie and John (who is Greg's nephew) is new and fresh…and “the world is her oyster”! Ellie Grace is a blank canvas…all of her life stretches before her. For the moment, she is pure and unblemished. As she grows and progresses, she will develop characteristics and personality traits - and find her place in the world. She will make her presence known…and at some point, she will form opinions and attitudes – from the first time she spits out a green veggie she doesn’t like to the day she goes off to college and makes countless choices all by herself.
But for now, she is flawless and unencumbered…without a care in the world! Her parents will handle everything…feeding, changing, bathing, cuddling and protecting her. All she has to do is snuggle against them and settle in for lots of naps and hugs - and goofy looks and coos from the adults who will adore her.
Each and every one of us has more than a few years “under our belts”. And with those years comes baggage…lessons we learned…mistakes we made…bad choices and poor decisions…guilt – and maybe even a heavy dose of shame in many cases. Don’t you ever wish you could just wipe the slate clean and start over? Maybe you have done this, so to speak. If you’ve given your heart to Jesus, this was essentially what He offered you - new life…a brand new start…a chance to pull out a fresh sheet of paper and let Him paint a new masterpiece that would represent your life in Him.
The problem is that many of us invited Jesus into our hearts…then pretty much went right back to our old lives. We didn’t embrace what God offered us through the blood of Jesus – for any number of reasons – and as a result, our lives are anything but restful and peaceful. Our old lives of sin bring with them a boat load of turmoil…and too many of us are wallowing in this needlessly!
It’s time to embrace our new life in Christ…to truly rest in the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of Salvation through the blood of Jesus…to snuggle against His chest and be soothed by His love and kindness. We must never become complacent. There is a difference between resting in the LORD and “resting on our laurels” or becoming smug and lazy. Christians are called to work and to serve…but we are also offered help with the burdens. Jesus offers to carry the brunt of the load and give us the rest and peace that we so desperately need.
We cannot literally return to the simplicity of that first year of life that awaits Ellie Grace…but we can enjoy all of the rest and peace that Jesus offers when we give our hearts to Him. Have you accepted His gift of Salvation and truly left your “old life” behind in exchange for the new one He offers? Regardless of when you initially surrendered to Christ, this can be the day that you start to truly live your “new life” in Him. Are you ready to begin the “first year of the rest of your life” in Christ - and fully rest in His blessings?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 30, 2013
Psalm 26:8-12
I love your sanctuary, Lord,
the place where your glorious presence dwells.
Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.
Don’t condemn me along with murderers.
Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,
and they constantly take bribes.
But I am not like that; I live with integrity.
So redeem me and show me mercy.
Now I stand on solid ground,
and I will publicly praise the Lord.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My husband and I have spent much of this week sorting through old photographs – ours and my grandmothers, mostly. We’ve looked at each one and compared this one and that… “Aren’t they almost identical? Is this one more blurry than the next? Why are we saving a picture of someone we don’t even know?” We’ve “culled” the ones that we did not deem worthy of keeping for some reason. Some went to the shredder… others were sent to those featured in the picture for their albums – or trash cans!
Our qualifying criteria for keeping a picture were that it had to have some sort of value – or integrity – or it had to be something we could scan and improve the quality. More than once, one of us would be ready to toss a picture, and the other would say, “I know that’s not a great photo… but I like the way So-and-so is smiling…” or “Yes, that’s a little blurry, but that is good of XYZ…you never saw him/her without that object!” So we were merciful and returned more than a few less-than-stellar specimens to the “save” pile.
I’d like to think that I have more redeeming qualities than poor ones. I strive to live with integrity… to please God with my thoughts, words and actions. But on any given day, He could easily toss me to the “cull” stack if He chose… and I know this. So I make a concerted effort to live in a way that honors God each day. I try not to murder… even with sharp words or gossip. I try very hard not to be manipulated or bribed into doing or saying something I shouldn’t. Even when I feel that others won’t like my comments or actions, I work hard at standing on solid ground and operating in God’s truth – and I hope I do so with kindness and grace.
I do love God’s sanctuary… the place where His glorious presence dwells. I am forever indebted to Him for His gift of Jesus Christ… and for the sacrifice that He made for you and me on the cross. I am forever grateful that Jesus rose from the grave and ascended into heaven… that He waits for me there. Ultimately, I praise God for taking a second look at me… for putting me back in the “keep” pile to live for Him another day… and I’m doing everything I can to stay there. What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
I love your sanctuary, Lord,
the place where your glorious presence dwells.
Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.
Don’t condemn me along with murderers.
Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,
and they constantly take bribes.
But I am not like that; I live with integrity.
So redeem me and show me mercy.
Now I stand on solid ground,
and I will publicly praise the Lord.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My husband and I have spent much of this week sorting through old photographs – ours and my grandmothers, mostly. We’ve looked at each one and compared this one and that… “Aren’t they almost identical? Is this one more blurry than the next? Why are we saving a picture of someone we don’t even know?” We’ve “culled” the ones that we did not deem worthy of keeping for some reason. Some went to the shredder… others were sent to those featured in the picture for their albums – or trash cans!
Our qualifying criteria for keeping a picture were that it had to have some sort of value – or integrity – or it had to be something we could scan and improve the quality. More than once, one of us would be ready to toss a picture, and the other would say, “I know that’s not a great photo… but I like the way So-and-so is smiling…” or “Yes, that’s a little blurry, but that is good of XYZ…you never saw him/her without that object!” So we were merciful and returned more than a few less-than-stellar specimens to the “save” pile.
I’d like to think that I have more redeeming qualities than poor ones. I strive to live with integrity… to please God with my thoughts, words and actions. But on any given day, He could easily toss me to the “cull” stack if He chose… and I know this. So I make a concerted effort to live in a way that honors God each day. I try not to murder… even with sharp words or gossip. I try very hard not to be manipulated or bribed into doing or saying something I shouldn’t. Even when I feel that others won’t like my comments or actions, I work hard at standing on solid ground and operating in God’s truth – and I hope I do so with kindness and grace.
I do love God’s sanctuary… the place where His glorious presence dwells. I am forever indebted to Him for His gift of Jesus Christ… and for the sacrifice that He made for you and me on the cross. I am forever grateful that Jesus rose from the grave and ascended into heaven… that He waits for me there. Ultimately, I praise God for taking a second look at me… for putting me back in the “keep” pile to live for Him another day… and I’m doing everything I can to stay there. What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 29, 2013
March 29 ~ Psalm 26:1-3
Show that I am right, Lord! I stay true to myself, and I have trusted you without doubting.
Test my thoughts and find out what I am like.
I never forget your kindness, and I am always faithful to you.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Years ago, I was called for jury duty. I sat with fellow citizens, awaiting my turn before the judge. He asked each of us questions to determine whether we would be suitable jury members. Those of us who felt we could not serve were given a chance to plead our case. For my part, I stood before the bench and explained that my husband and I were the sole employees in our business, and it would be an extraordinary hardship for me to be away for a week or more to serve on a jury. I’ll admit… I was a little bit nervous as I stood before the bench. But the judge was very nice and excused me right away.
This has been my only experience in court. But I’ve seen and heard enough to know that standing before a judge to plead your case can be daunting at best… even if you know you are right! And I have no doubt that when I stand before God Almighty on my ultimate Judgment Day, I should have every reason to be nervous. But I will have nothing to fear… because I belong to Jesus!
The blood of Christ and His sacrifices on my behalf give me assurance that I will have nothing to fear. All of my sins have been washed clean. They have been erased from the Lamb’s Book of Life… forgiven completely and scattered “as far as East is from West!” And while I remain on earth, I can come before God with confidence and ask Him to support me and meet my needs… as long as I am confident that I live faithfully - that I trust without doubting, and I stay true to myself.
When we know that we are doing the right thing, we have no trepidations… nothing to hide. We can boldly come before the throne of God…not worthy to be there, but fully entitled because of Jesus. What about you? Are you living with integrity? Do you have confidence that you are right and true… that God can test your thoughts and find you blameless? Are you “washed in the blood” of Jesus Christ, and thereby forgiven for all eternity? Are your present thoughts, words and actions pleasing to God? Does the image of having to stand before Him today and ask for His love and care make you nervous? It shouldn’t!
Search your heart. Look for areas where you may not be fully operating with honor and integrity, and get a handle on them. Live in a way that you can say on any given day – at any time – “Test my thoughts and find out what I am like. Show that I am right, Lord!” Make living with integrity as fundamental in your life as breathing… and stand before the LORD with full faith and confidence - now and for all eternity.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Show that I am right, Lord! I stay true to myself, and I have trusted you without doubting.
Test my thoughts and find out what I am like.
I never forget your kindness, and I am always faithful to you.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Years ago, I was called for jury duty. I sat with fellow citizens, awaiting my turn before the judge. He asked each of us questions to determine whether we would be suitable jury members. Those of us who felt we could not serve were given a chance to plead our case. For my part, I stood before the bench and explained that my husband and I were the sole employees in our business, and it would be an extraordinary hardship for me to be away for a week or more to serve on a jury. I’ll admit… I was a little bit nervous as I stood before the bench. But the judge was very nice and excused me right away.
This has been my only experience in court. But I’ve seen and heard enough to know that standing before a judge to plead your case can be daunting at best… even if you know you are right! And I have no doubt that when I stand before God Almighty on my ultimate Judgment Day, I should have every reason to be nervous. But I will have nothing to fear… because I belong to Jesus!
The blood of Christ and His sacrifices on my behalf give me assurance that I will have nothing to fear. All of my sins have been washed clean. They have been erased from the Lamb’s Book of Life… forgiven completely and scattered “as far as East is from West!” And while I remain on earth, I can come before God with confidence and ask Him to support me and meet my needs… as long as I am confident that I live faithfully - that I trust without doubting, and I stay true to myself.
When we know that we are doing the right thing, we have no trepidations… nothing to hide. We can boldly come before the throne of God…not worthy to be there, but fully entitled because of Jesus. What about you? Are you living with integrity? Do you have confidence that you are right and true… that God can test your thoughts and find you blameless? Are you “washed in the blood” of Jesus Christ, and thereby forgiven for all eternity? Are your present thoughts, words and actions pleasing to God? Does the image of having to stand before Him today and ask for His love and care make you nervous? It shouldn’t!
Search your heart. Look for areas where you may not be fully operating with honor and integrity, and get a handle on them. Live in a way that you can say on any given day – at any time – “Test my thoughts and find out what I am like. Show that I am right, Lord!” Make living with integrity as fundamental in your life as breathing… and stand before the LORD with full faith and confidence - now and for all eternity.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 5, 2013
Colossians 3:9-11
Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
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 love to find old garments at the thrift store and repurpose them into new things… especially children’s clothing. I look at a colorful ladies t-shirt and see a cute sundress with leggings for my nieces, Zola and Kelsey. I buy brightly colored, extra-large t-shirts and use them to make cute pants, shorts and more. Denim dresses and jeans have become everything from clothing to window coverings to a blanket to cover a brick fireplace hearth…and even a new high-chair seat cover! Old, discarded, possibly ill-fitting clothing becomes a new wardrobe…and more!
Recently, my friend Melissa gave me a designer-label dress that she no longer wore because it had a stain on the front. She said, “Do something fun and creative with it.” This was a really nice dress… high quality fabric, well made - and I’m sure it was quite expensive. The dress is now an Easter frock for my niece, Zola, and a colorful blouse for Melissa’s daughter, Ada. I used the scraps to make hair bows for both of the girls. As I worked on the scraps, I took a chance and bleached the stained area, and I was able to clean it “white as snow” and use it, as well.
The “old life” of the dress is done and gone, but the new life is customized. The old dress was stained… the new dresses are crisp and clean. While this dress bore a designer label, I don’t put an actual tag on the new things I create. But the children know that I made them with love and care… thinking especially of that particular child as I sewed… and my little friend, Ada, has told her mom several times that her new clothes “smell like ‘Miss Devvie!’”
As the Ultimate Designer, God created each of us. We were high quality…well-made out of the best materials… and so valuable that Jesus gave His very life for ours on the cross. As we grew, we became stained by sin. And Jesus refashioned us into new creatures when he exchanged His life for ours. Now we are crisp and clean. No “designer labels” are necessary if we walk with Jesus, because people will know Who we are “wearing” by the way we talk and act. Honesty and integrity are our trademarks… along with grace, mercy, humility, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, and love. When we wear the new wardrobe given to us in Christ, people recognize that His fragrant aroma all over us!
Here’s the thing… some of us have a closet filled with the “designer label” clothing of Jesus Christ… but we still prefer to wear our old rags. We are trying to live in two different worlds. When we lie, cheat, steal, mistreat others, gossip, act unkindly, fail to conduct ourselves honorably, or ignore God, we totally negate our testimony of salvation and grace by faith to others. It would be like putting on designer jeans or shoes with a dirty, ill-fitting shirt that was tattered and missing buttons. The two do not belong together… and the “look” would not be impressive or desirable to anyone.
Through the blood of Jesus, God has blessed you with a beautiful new wardrobe that never goes out of style. Be “all in” for God. Don’t deface and disrespect His gift by operating in the things of your old life. Strive to live with integrity each and every minute of the day. Continually ask yourself, “Am I representing Jesus… or the devil? Are my actions and behaviors those that He desires… or am I acting selfishly and/or sinfully?” I can tell you, when you take a few minutes to stop and consider this before you speak or act, you will often find that you were about to “put on an old rag.” The more you take a moment to consider your behavior, the easier and more natural these choices will become. You will begin to feel so comfortable in the “new clothing” of Christ that you no longer desire to “wear” the things of your old life.
Take a good look at your “Spiritual closet” today and see what you are wearing. Who is your Designer of choices these days? Are you in need of “repurposing?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
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 love to find old garments at the thrift store and repurpose them into new things… especially children’s clothing. I look at a colorful ladies t-shirt and see a cute sundress with leggings for my nieces, Zola and Kelsey. I buy brightly colored, extra-large t-shirts and use them to make cute pants, shorts and more. Denim dresses and jeans have become everything from clothing to window coverings to a blanket to cover a brick fireplace hearth…and even a new high-chair seat cover! Old, discarded, possibly ill-fitting clothing becomes a new wardrobe…and more!
Recently, my friend Melissa gave me a designer-label dress that she no longer wore because it had a stain on the front. She said, “Do something fun and creative with it.” This was a really nice dress… high quality fabric, well made - and I’m sure it was quite expensive. The dress is now an Easter frock for my niece, Zola, and a colorful blouse for Melissa’s daughter, Ada. I used the scraps to make hair bows for both of the girls. As I worked on the scraps, I took a chance and bleached the stained area, and I was able to clean it “white as snow” and use it, as well.
The “old life” of the dress is done and gone, but the new life is customized. The old dress was stained… the new dresses are crisp and clean. While this dress bore a designer label, I don’t put an actual tag on the new things I create. But the children know that I made them with love and care… thinking especially of that particular child as I sewed… and my little friend, Ada, has told her mom several times that her new clothes “smell like ‘Miss Devvie!’”
As the Ultimate Designer, God created each of us. We were high quality…well-made out of the best materials… and so valuable that Jesus gave His very life for ours on the cross. As we grew, we became stained by sin. And Jesus refashioned us into new creatures when he exchanged His life for ours. Now we are crisp and clean. No “designer labels” are necessary if we walk with Jesus, because people will know Who we are “wearing” by the way we talk and act. Honesty and integrity are our trademarks… along with grace, mercy, humility, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, and love. When we wear the new wardrobe given to us in Christ, people recognize that His fragrant aroma all over us!
Here’s the thing… some of us have a closet filled with the “designer label” clothing of Jesus Christ… but we still prefer to wear our old rags. We are trying to live in two different worlds. When we lie, cheat, steal, mistreat others, gossip, act unkindly, fail to conduct ourselves honorably, or ignore God, we totally negate our testimony of salvation and grace by faith to others. It would be like putting on designer jeans or shoes with a dirty, ill-fitting shirt that was tattered and missing buttons. The two do not belong together… and the “look” would not be impressive or desirable to anyone.
Through the blood of Jesus, God has blessed you with a beautiful new wardrobe that never goes out of style. Be “all in” for God. Don’t deface and disrespect His gift by operating in the things of your old life. Strive to live with integrity each and every minute of the day. Continually ask yourself, “Am I representing Jesus… or the devil? Are my actions and behaviors those that He desires… or am I acting selfishly and/or sinfully?” I can tell you, when you take a few minutes to stop and consider this before you speak or act, you will often find that you were about to “put on an old rag.” The more you take a moment to consider your behavior, the easier and more natural these choices will become. You will begin to feel so comfortable in the “new clothing” of Christ that you no longer desire to “wear” the things of your old life.
Take a good look at your “Spiritual closet” today and see what you are wearing. Who is your Designer of choices these days? Are you in need of “repurposing?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 4, 2012
October 4 ~ Ephesians 2:1-6
It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.
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 as I walked my students across the school campus, one of them spotted a Coke bottle on the sidewalk. He picked it up and smashed it to the ground, watching it splinter into a bazillion pieces. I asked him why he did this, and he said, “They (meaning his classmates) told me to.” In the mind of a child somewhere around the age of six, this was a good enough reason. The other children could not comprehend the magnitude of this action. They had no clue that the glass could ricochet and cut them… that someone could step on the debris on the sidewalk and get hurt… that this was an irresponsible thing to do. It was a teachable moment… and even though the student was only a young child, there were consequences for his actions. I am quite certain that I spoke sternly to him about how he was never to do this again!
Don’t you know that God wants to yank us out of line and give us a stern talking to… or worse… when we disobey Him? Can’t you imagine that He would like to “knock a knot on our head” as you may have heard a grown-up say at some point? None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. And on any given day, we’ve all “smashed the Coke bottle” because someone told us, “It won’t hurt anything!”
The most amazing part of this scripture passage to me is where it says, “It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us.” God didn’t pick us up by the collar and ask, “What do you think you’re doing?” He wrapped His arms around us and said, “Here you go… meet my Son who died for your poor choices and indiscretions. Because of Him, you are forgiven.” I have to tell you, this is deeply humbling for me. I know that I do not deserve such a gift… and quite frankly, neither do you. But that has not stopped God from swinging the doors wide open and inviting us to come directly to Him.
What happens next is totally up to us. We can continue to breathe in garbage and the lies of the devil and his posse, or we can cough up the sin, so to speak and clear our lungs once and for all. We can stop spinning our wheels and spiraling deeper into the mud of depravity… and we can reach for the extended hand of God Almighty, who waits to rescue us and give us a second chance.
Where do you see yourself? Are you drowning under the burdens of living to please others instead of the One who offers you hope and true redemption? Are you ready to accept His offer and make a fresh start, once and for all? Isn’t today the perfect time to give your burdens, misdeeds, lapses and disobedience to Jesus and allow Him to wipe them completely away… to fully restore you? Aren’t you ready to rest in the LORD… and to give Him thanks for such an amazing gift?
What are you waiting for? Let go… let God… and praise His grace and mercy forever.
©2012 Debbie Robus
It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.
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 as I walked my students across the school campus, one of them spotted a Coke bottle on the sidewalk. He picked it up and smashed it to the ground, watching it splinter into a bazillion pieces. I asked him why he did this, and he said, “They (meaning his classmates) told me to.” In the mind of a child somewhere around the age of six, this was a good enough reason. The other children could not comprehend the magnitude of this action. They had no clue that the glass could ricochet and cut them… that someone could step on the debris on the sidewalk and get hurt… that this was an irresponsible thing to do. It was a teachable moment… and even though the student was only a young child, there were consequences for his actions. I am quite certain that I spoke sternly to him about how he was never to do this again!
Don’t you know that God wants to yank us out of line and give us a stern talking to… or worse… when we disobey Him? Can’t you imagine that He would like to “knock a knot on our head” as you may have heard a grown-up say at some point? None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. And on any given day, we’ve all “smashed the Coke bottle” because someone told us, “It won’t hurt anything!”
The most amazing part of this scripture passage to me is where it says, “It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us.” God didn’t pick us up by the collar and ask, “What do you think you’re doing?” He wrapped His arms around us and said, “Here you go… meet my Son who died for your poor choices and indiscretions. Because of Him, you are forgiven.” I have to tell you, this is deeply humbling for me. I know that I do not deserve such a gift… and quite frankly, neither do you. But that has not stopped God from swinging the doors wide open and inviting us to come directly to Him.
What happens next is totally up to us. We can continue to breathe in garbage and the lies of the devil and his posse, or we can cough up the sin, so to speak and clear our lungs once and for all. We can stop spinning our wheels and spiraling deeper into the mud of depravity… and we can reach for the extended hand of God Almighty, who waits to rescue us and give us a second chance.
Where do you see yourself? Are you drowning under the burdens of living to please others instead of the One who offers you hope and true redemption? Are you ready to accept His offer and make a fresh start, once and for all? Isn’t today the perfect time to give your burdens, misdeeds, lapses and disobedience to Jesus and allow Him to wipe them completely away… to fully restore you? Aren’t you ready to rest in the LORD… and to give Him thanks for such an amazing gift?
What are you waiting for? Let go… let God… and praise His grace and mercy forever.
©2012 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
Daily Devotional for February 18, 2012
1 Corinthians 2:1-10
You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified.
I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.
We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it's not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven't a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn't have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross.
That's why we have this Scripture text:
No one's ever seen or heard anything like this,
Never so much as imagined anything quite like it—
What God has arranged for those who love him.
But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before 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.
I hadn’t really planned on watching the television coverage of singer Whitney Houston’s funeral, but as the hour drew near for the service to begin, I found myself listening to the choirs sing before the service began. The atmosphere of worship was so palpable that I could do nothing else. In the old-fashioned gospel music, the message rang loud and clear… that God loves each of us, regardless of our station in life. One person Tweeted the following… “look @ God! turning a time of grief and sorrow into one of worship, praise and celebration for ALL the world to see. amen.”
Celebrities truly are not born any different than the rest of us. Many grow up in ordinary circumstances… some grow up “in the church. More than a few have overcome incredible obstacles in their lives… poverty, abuse, addictions, illness. Sadly, some are overcome by these afflictions – even those who grew up learning about God. If you have ever known someone who struggled with addiction and other “life challenges,” you may have asked, “How could this happen? I thought they knew God!”
Here is the message of this passage for me – and you – today. Life is often messy. As I have shared in recent days, our heart often knows what God wants us to do… but the minute we seem to get on track, sin comes along to trip us up and try to knock us down. If you don’t believe that Satan has power, you’re living in a dream world! The key thing to understand is that God is more powerful. So yes, someone can love God and deeply desire to serve Him… yet struggle with addictions, financial troubles, illness (physical and/or mental), and much more. It doesn’t change God’s love for this person… it doesn’t change the fact that God’s “master stroke” in sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins includes those who struggle, also. Let’s be honest, our “sins” may not be as public… our struggles and failures as familiar to the masses… but they are just as profound… and just as forgiven, if we have called on Jesus to save us.
In his funeral remarks, Pastor T.D. Jakes reminded us that “Love is stronger than death” – GOD’s love. He noted that it looks like death won again… but 2000 years ago, Jesus showed us that His love is greater than death. And that is what we must remember today. Many of us have experienced grief over the death of someone who left us far too soon… but this was not because death won… or that God removed His love from us. This is the mysterious part… how - and when - GOD sometimes loves us enough to call us to Him and remove us from the challenges we are facing on this earth.
The message is simple, pure, and everlasting… God is love… He loved us long before we were formed, and His plans for us are perfect and amazing. And while we mourn the passing of those who have left us – whether their life struggles were quite visible and public, or they appeared to “have it all together” – we celebrate that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Through His spirit, God is able to use even a service of mourning to celebrate all that He is able to do in and through us. We may never know how God will use this worldwide public broadcast of a funeral service for His glory… but we must never underestimate the power of God to get His message to those who need to hear it.
To God be the glory for blessing Whitney Houston with such amazing talent. May He comfort her now as she rests in His arms… and may He comfort those who grieve her passing. More importantly, may He “turn a time of grief and sorrow into one of worship, praise and celebration for ALL the world to see.” In the midst of this public tragedy, may others come to know the amazing love and power of a relationship with the God who loves us so mysteriously… and completely.
©2012 Debbie Robus
You'll remember, friends, that when I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy. I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who he is; then Jesus and what he did—Jesus crucified.
I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God's Spirit and God's power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God's power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else.
We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it's not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven't a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn't have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross.
That's why we have this Scripture text:
No one's ever seen or heard anything like this,
Never so much as imagined anything quite like it—
What God has arranged for those who love him.
But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before 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.
I hadn’t really planned on watching the television coverage of singer Whitney Houston’s funeral, but as the hour drew near for the service to begin, I found myself listening to the choirs sing before the service began. The atmosphere of worship was so palpable that I could do nothing else. In the old-fashioned gospel music, the message rang loud and clear… that God loves each of us, regardless of our station in life. One person Tweeted the following… “look @ God! turning a time of grief and sorrow into one of worship, praise and celebration for ALL the world to see. amen.”
Celebrities truly are not born any different than the rest of us. Many grow up in ordinary circumstances… some grow up “in the church. More than a few have overcome incredible obstacles in their lives… poverty, abuse, addictions, illness. Sadly, some are overcome by these afflictions – even those who grew up learning about God. If you have ever known someone who struggled with addiction and other “life challenges,” you may have asked, “How could this happen? I thought they knew God!”
Here is the message of this passage for me – and you – today. Life is often messy. As I have shared in recent days, our heart often knows what God wants us to do… but the minute we seem to get on track, sin comes along to trip us up and try to knock us down. If you don’t believe that Satan has power, you’re living in a dream world! The key thing to understand is that God is more powerful. So yes, someone can love God and deeply desire to serve Him… yet struggle with addictions, financial troubles, illness (physical and/or mental), and much more. It doesn’t change God’s love for this person… it doesn’t change the fact that God’s “master stroke” in sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins includes those who struggle, also. Let’s be honest, our “sins” may not be as public… our struggles and failures as familiar to the masses… but they are just as profound… and just as forgiven, if we have called on Jesus to save us.
In his funeral remarks, Pastor T.D. Jakes reminded us that “Love is stronger than death” – GOD’s love. He noted that it looks like death won again… but 2000 years ago, Jesus showed us that His love is greater than death. And that is what we must remember today. Many of us have experienced grief over the death of someone who left us far too soon… but this was not because death won… or that God removed His love from us. This is the mysterious part… how - and when - GOD sometimes loves us enough to call us to Him and remove us from the challenges we are facing on this earth.
The message is simple, pure, and everlasting… God is love… He loved us long before we were formed, and His plans for us are perfect and amazing. And while we mourn the passing of those who have left us – whether their life struggles were quite visible and public, or they appeared to “have it all together” – we celebrate that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Through His spirit, God is able to use even a service of mourning to celebrate all that He is able to do in and through us. We may never know how God will use this worldwide public broadcast of a funeral service for His glory… but we must never underestimate the power of God to get His message to those who need to hear it.
To God be the glory for blessing Whitney Houston with such amazing talent. May He comfort her now as she rests in His arms… and may He comfort those who grieve her passing. More importantly, may He “turn a time of grief and sorrow into one of worship, praise and celebration for ALL the world to see.” In the midst of this public tragedy, may others come to know the amazing love and power of a relationship with the God who loves us so mysteriously… and completely.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 12, 2012
1 Chronicles 21:1-8
Now Satan entered the scene and seduced David into taking a census of Israel. David gave orders to Joab and the army officers under him, "Canvass all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and get a count of the population. I want to know the number." Joab resisted: "May God multiply his people by hundreds! Don't they all belong to my master the king? But why on earth would you do a thing like this—why risk getting Israel into trouble with God?"
But David wouldn't take no for an answer, so Joab went off and did it— canvassed the country and then came back to Jerusalem and reported the results of the census: There were 1,100,000 fighting men; of that total, Judah accounted for 470,000. Joab, disgusted by the command — it, in fact, turned his stomach! — protested by leaving Levi and Benjamin out of the census-taking. And God, offended by the whole thing, punished Israel.
Then David prayed, "I have sinned badly in what I have just done, substituting statistics for trust; forgive my sin — I've been really stupid."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“I’ve been really stupid.” I bet every single one of us has said this at one time or another. Haven’t you gone against your better judgment at some point, then regretted it terribly? Remember, David was a KING… he was a man after God’s own heart… yet he still could be thrown off track by the devil. So why do we think we are any different?
If you read the rest of 1 Chronicles 21, you learn that God gave David three choices for punishment…three years of famine, three months of running from his enemies, or three days of an epidemic. David chose the epidemic, and seventy thousand Israelites died because of his sin.
When we listen to the devil, there are consequences. We may not be responsible for the death of 70,000 people, but our sin still upsets God. Jesus gave His very life for our sins. So every time you choose to listen to the devil, remember the blood of Jesus. Every time you start to go in the wrong direction, think of what it cost your LORD and Savior. Whenever you are tempted to judge others… to lie, cheat, steal, or do whatever Satan is taunting you to do… consider the cost, because there always is one.
Because of the blood of Jesus, God doesn’t so readily come to us with a list of consequences and make us choose, as He did with David. And aren’t we grateful for this? Isn’t Jesus’ blood more than enough? Isn’t His sacrifice on our behalf to pay a debt He didn’t owe the only motivation we should ever need to turn and run the other way when Satan approaches?
The next time you feel a tug on your heart that you know is not God… the next time you feel tempted to be really stupid… think of David and what such a decision cost him. More importantly, think of the cross and what your sins have already cost Jesus. Thank Him for this incredible, amazing, incomparable gift… and do everything you can to show your gratitude each and every day.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Now Satan entered the scene and seduced David into taking a census of Israel. David gave orders to Joab and the army officers under him, "Canvass all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and get a count of the population. I want to know the number." Joab resisted: "May God multiply his people by hundreds! Don't they all belong to my master the king? But why on earth would you do a thing like this—why risk getting Israel into trouble with God?"
But David wouldn't take no for an answer, so Joab went off and did it— canvassed the country and then came back to Jerusalem and reported the results of the census: There were 1,100,000 fighting men; of that total, Judah accounted for 470,000. Joab, disgusted by the command — it, in fact, turned his stomach! — protested by leaving Levi and Benjamin out of the census-taking. And God, offended by the whole thing, punished Israel.
Then David prayed, "I have sinned badly in what I have just done, substituting statistics for trust; forgive my sin — I've been really stupid."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“I’ve been really stupid.” I bet every single one of us has said this at one time or another. Haven’t you gone against your better judgment at some point, then regretted it terribly? Remember, David was a KING… he was a man after God’s own heart… yet he still could be thrown off track by the devil. So why do we think we are any different?
If you read the rest of 1 Chronicles 21, you learn that God gave David three choices for punishment…three years of famine, three months of running from his enemies, or three days of an epidemic. David chose the epidemic, and seventy thousand Israelites died because of his sin.
When we listen to the devil, there are consequences. We may not be responsible for the death of 70,000 people, but our sin still upsets God. Jesus gave His very life for our sins. So every time you choose to listen to the devil, remember the blood of Jesus. Every time you start to go in the wrong direction, think of what it cost your LORD and Savior. Whenever you are tempted to judge others… to lie, cheat, steal, or do whatever Satan is taunting you to do… consider the cost, because there always is one.
Because of the blood of Jesus, God doesn’t so readily come to us with a list of consequences and make us choose, as He did with David. And aren’t we grateful for this? Isn’t Jesus’ blood more than enough? Isn’t His sacrifice on our behalf to pay a debt He didn’t owe the only motivation we should ever need to turn and run the other way when Satan approaches?
The next time you feel a tug on your heart that you know is not God… the next time you feel tempted to be really stupid… think of David and what such a decision cost him. More importantly, think of the cross and what your sins have already cost Jesus. Thank Him for this incredible, amazing, incomparable gift… and do everything you can to show your gratitude each and every day.
©2012 Debbie Robus
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