John 5:19
Jesus replied, “The Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing, and in the same way."
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
As we approach Mother’s
Day, some people are switching their Facebook profile picture to one of
their Mom. In some cases, the resemblance of the woman in the old photo
to the child in present day is uncanny. I have several photos of my
niece Jasmine – and especially of Timothy – in which their “smirky”
smile is that of my dad. The crazy thing about this is that my dad died
when Jasmine was 9, and Timothy never knew my dad, so he has absolutely
no reference for this gesture. My niece Zola points to things with her
middle finger. I don’t recall this, but my sister says that Daddy did
the same thing…and so did Jasmine.
My cousin Olivia is witty and
bright…engaging and funny. She “comes by these traits honestly”…her mom
is the same way, as were her Grand-dad and great-grandmother. But the
interesting part is that Olivia was two when both of these dear ones
passed. She really never knew either of them…certainly not enough to
talk like them or develop many of their personality traits. And how
does my cousin Owen walk like his Grand-dad, who died three years before
he was even born? There is only one answer to these questions…the
“father” lives within us.
Do you see where I am going with this?
We are often so innately connected to our ancestors that we carry much
more than their DNA. We are like them in subtle gestures and faint
hints of personality characteristics, mannerism and more. They are a
part of us and who we are. And our relationship with God contains the
opportunities for conveying His “gestures and mannerisms”… and the
potential for far greater reflections of His glory, power, love, grace
and mercy.
Apart from God, we might be able to sustain kindness
and generosity – or to accomplish many things on our own. But for the
really significant stuff, we need His presence. There have been
countless times in my life when I experienced or accomplished something
that I knew was far beyond my capabilities or “wheel-house”. The only
way these things happened was under God’s power…His work in and through
me. I am not God, and I know it! But without His hand in my life, I am
powerless and utterly incapable in many instances.
Here’s the
really cool thing. The closer we grow to God…the more frequently He
shows up, and the more readily recognizable these experiences become as
His handiwork. I find God more often in the makeup of my life - from
subtle nuances to the truly large events. The more I grow in my
relationship with Him…the more I acknowledge His power, wisdom, and
presence…the more I truly find Him.
I may not have God’s “smirky
smile” (although, who knows?!)…and I know that there are many instances
where I fail to represent Him well - much less give others a glimpse of
Him in my words, thoughts and actions. But I’m working on this and
striving to do better and be better every single day. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label communion with God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label communion with God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 1, 2014
Matthew 5:9
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”
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.
Go to any organized sporting event, and you will see coaches, players and fans who conduct themselves with poise…who never seem to get frustrated or lose their temper...who enjoy the game and their “role” in it with dignity and decorum. They don’t overreact to “bad” calls or poor plays. They let the event unfold and revel in their participation…whatever it may be. Still others rant and rave and “show out” – and sometimes cause a scene. Honestly, there have been nights lately when I told Greg that the opposing high school basketball teams’ coaches were more entertaining than the game itself! You have to wonder who these people really are off the court. What sort of student/teacher/parent are they? How do they treat others when no winning score or title is on the line?
You are probably familiar with this scripture passage as part of a group of verses from Matthew known as “The Beatitudes”. In many familiar translations of the Bible, Matthew 5:9 begins… “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” In his book The Sermon on the Mount*, author Emmet Fox suggests that the “peacemakers” Jesus refers to in this scripture are actually “those who make or bring about this true peace, or serenity, in their own souls, for it is they who surmount limitation and become actually, and not merely potentially, the children of God.”
Fox maintains that each time we offer a prayer, we return to our true communion with God. As we pray, our character is changed, and we begin to get a more real awareness of the presence of God. He further suggests that it is hard to be a “peacemaker” in the usual sense of the word, because we often interject our own opinions and/or make things worse. Frequently, what we create is more a “compromise” than true peace and resolution. But…Fox contends that once we discover the true power of prayer, we can really heal quarrels and make a difference…often without saying a word! How is this possible? Fox says it is because we allow the power of God to penetrate hearts, change minds, invoke wisdom and love, and create true forgiveness and understanding.
Think about it. Consider those you know who seem to have a calming, loving presence. Think of the coaches, players, and fans who seem to be on an even keel pretty much all of the time…win or lose. Contrast them with those who are “high-strung” and always up for a fight or a conflict of some sort…the coaches and parents who burst from their seat and yell at the referees or players…and the players who seem ready to challenge every call or pick a fight with their opponent. Which ones strike you as having more peace and serenity in their heart?
This is not a judgment. I am not suggesting that an excitable, unruly coach, parent, fan or player does not have true communion with God. But it would seem logical that the two cannot fully co-exist. When our head and heart are full of conflict and confrontation…or we are “carrying a chip on our shoulder” about something… it seems like there would be very little room left for the serenity of God.
So what can we do? How can we become more “peaceful”? I think Fox has given us the perfect starting point - prayer. He admits that we will not achieve complete serenity overnight…or even with our first conversations with God. Ours is a relationship that must be cultivated over several dialog exchanges. The more we pray, the more the presence of God will permeate our heart and soul…and the more peaceful and serene we will become. Those who achieve this level of contentment and confidence in the power of God Almighty are the ones who can best offer His compassion, understanding, and peace of mind to others.
Don’t you want to be one of the “peacemakers”? Don’t you want to have that level of peace in your own heart and mind… and be able to convey this serenity to others – sometimes by your mere presence? Are you ready to reach the point where God’s power flowing in and through you is so commanding that you can bring about peaceful resolutions simply by your prayers and calming influence? Are you ready to fully operate as a child of God? Will this be the day you open the dialog and get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”
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.
Go to any organized sporting event, and you will see coaches, players and fans who conduct themselves with poise…who never seem to get frustrated or lose their temper...who enjoy the game and their “role” in it with dignity and decorum. They don’t overreact to “bad” calls or poor plays. They let the event unfold and revel in their participation…whatever it may be. Still others rant and rave and “show out” – and sometimes cause a scene. Honestly, there have been nights lately when I told Greg that the opposing high school basketball teams’ coaches were more entertaining than the game itself! You have to wonder who these people really are off the court. What sort of student/teacher/parent are they? How do they treat others when no winning score or title is on the line?
You are probably familiar with this scripture passage as part of a group of verses from Matthew known as “The Beatitudes”. In many familiar translations of the Bible, Matthew 5:9 begins… “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” In his book The Sermon on the Mount*, author Emmet Fox suggests that the “peacemakers” Jesus refers to in this scripture are actually “those who make or bring about this true peace, or serenity, in their own souls, for it is they who surmount limitation and become actually, and not merely potentially, the children of God.”
Fox maintains that each time we offer a prayer, we return to our true communion with God. As we pray, our character is changed, and we begin to get a more real awareness of the presence of God. He further suggests that it is hard to be a “peacemaker” in the usual sense of the word, because we often interject our own opinions and/or make things worse. Frequently, what we create is more a “compromise” than true peace and resolution. But…Fox contends that once we discover the true power of prayer, we can really heal quarrels and make a difference…often without saying a word! How is this possible? Fox says it is because we allow the power of God to penetrate hearts, change minds, invoke wisdom and love, and create true forgiveness and understanding.
Think about it. Consider those you know who seem to have a calming, loving presence. Think of the coaches, players, and fans who seem to be on an even keel pretty much all of the time…win or lose. Contrast them with those who are “high-strung” and always up for a fight or a conflict of some sort…the coaches and parents who burst from their seat and yell at the referees or players…and the players who seem ready to challenge every call or pick a fight with their opponent. Which ones strike you as having more peace and serenity in their heart?
This is not a judgment. I am not suggesting that an excitable, unruly coach, parent, fan or player does not have true communion with God. But it would seem logical that the two cannot fully co-exist. When our head and heart are full of conflict and confrontation…or we are “carrying a chip on our shoulder” about something… it seems like there would be very little room left for the serenity of God.
So what can we do? How can we become more “peaceful”? I think Fox has given us the perfect starting point - prayer. He admits that we will not achieve complete serenity overnight…or even with our first conversations with God. Ours is a relationship that must be cultivated over several dialog exchanges. The more we pray, the more the presence of God will permeate our heart and soul…and the more peaceful and serene we will become. Those who achieve this level of contentment and confidence in the power of God Almighty are the ones who can best offer His compassion, understanding, and peace of mind to others.
Don’t you want to be one of the “peacemakers”? Don’t you want to have that level of peace in your own heart and mind… and be able to convey this serenity to others – sometimes by your mere presence? Are you ready to reach the point where God’s power flowing in and through you is so commanding that you can bring about peaceful resolutions simply by your prayers and calming influence? Are you ready to fully operate as a child of God? Will this be the day you open the dialog and get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*The Sermon on the Mount: The Key to Success in Life ©1934,1935, 1938 by Emmet Fox ~HarperCollins Publishers, New York, NY
Daily Devotional for October 9, 2012
Isaiah 8:19-22
Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?
Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness.
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.
I will admit that I have watched the television show Long Island Medium. I’ve seen shows where the popular medium John Edwards has talked to spirits in the audience... given someone a message from a dear departed relative… or told someone something that they claimed “nobody else could have possibly known!” While I remain skeptical about such things… and this scripture passage suggests that we should not dabble in these practices, I cannot speak for others and how it makes them feel. I know that some people believe in this strongly… and some who have had a “reading” felt it was real – and comforting.
The thing is, we look to all sorts of people and things to make us feel better, when what we really need to do is consult our Bible and spend some time in prayer. With the Internet, you can type virtually any word in the search box for GOOGLE or many other search engines and find scripture to support you. For instance, type “scriptures on worry” and see what results you get. Enter “scriptures on addiction,” or “scriptures on sibling rivalry… debt…or illness” and you will find plenty of passages that address your exact need. Read the Proverbs and Psalms for guidance, wisdom, and comfort. And talk to God. See what He tells you and shows you. I guarantee that His answers will be truer and more comforting than any you can get from a psychic or anyone else who tells you they can help you get rich quick, make you a “better you,” or solve your problems!
We waste a lot of time and energy looking for answers in the wrong places. Isn’t it time to put aside such foolishness and turn to the One who can really help? Today is a great day to turn the corner. Look to God for answers, and start operating in his wisdom and peace!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?
Look to God’s instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. They will go from one place to another, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and curse their king and their God. They will look up to heaven and down at the earth, but wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness.
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.
I will admit that I have watched the television show Long Island Medium. I’ve seen shows where the popular medium John Edwards has talked to spirits in the audience... given someone a message from a dear departed relative… or told someone something that they claimed “nobody else could have possibly known!” While I remain skeptical about such things… and this scripture passage suggests that we should not dabble in these practices, I cannot speak for others and how it makes them feel. I know that some people believe in this strongly… and some who have had a “reading” felt it was real – and comforting.
The thing is, we look to all sorts of people and things to make us feel better, when what we really need to do is consult our Bible and spend some time in prayer. With the Internet, you can type virtually any word in the search box for GOOGLE or many other search engines and find scripture to support you. For instance, type “scriptures on worry” and see what results you get. Enter “scriptures on addiction,” or “scriptures on sibling rivalry… debt…or illness” and you will find plenty of passages that address your exact need. Read the Proverbs and Psalms for guidance, wisdom, and comfort. And talk to God. See what He tells you and shows you. I guarantee that His answers will be truer and more comforting than any you can get from a psychic or anyone else who tells you they can help you get rich quick, make you a “better you,” or solve your problems!
We waste a lot of time and energy looking for answers in the wrong places. Isn’t it time to put aside such foolishness and turn to the One who can really help? Today is a great day to turn the corner. Look to God for answers, and start operating in his wisdom and peace!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 3, 2012
Ephesians 1:11-14
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
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 lot of us are familiar with “installment plans.” Many jobs have a “starting salary” that increases as you take on more tasks or accrue months or years of service. In time, you may receive pay raises, bonuses, and more. Some people open a savings account for newborn babies, and as the children grow, more money is placed in these accounts… creating a “college fund” or “nest egg” for use when the child matures or reaches a certain age. You can probably think of other instances where a “base amount” is given to someone, and additional payments and perks are provided over time.
Let’s face it… getting regular “installments” creates something of an incentive to keep working… to perform well… to earn more benefits and accolades. We only have to look as far as lottery winners who blow through their fortune in short order to see what often happens when too much is awarded at once! And so it is with God’s wisdom and truth for us… and all that He has planned for our lives. God grants us Salvation and all of the security and blessings that come with a life in Christ. As we grow and serve, He provides us with “perks, raises and incentives” to continue our discipleship.
Part of the excitement of being a Christian is the anticipation of what God has in store for us next. I don’t know about you, but I am exhilarated by even the idea that I don’t know for sure how or where God will show up in my life next… but I know for certain that He will! This is a huge motivator to work harder… to spend more time in His presence… to be ready for whatever He wants to send my way.
So often, we are eager to have everything at once. We humans are not notoriously patient! We want all that God has in store for us… and we want it now! But God knows that we cannot handle everything at once. He knows the value of allowing us to grow into our new life in Christ… and to lean on His discernment for the pace and volume of the blessings He bestows. Our job is to remain faithful… to stay in close communion with God… to listen to Him and follow His lead.
The old adage “good things come to those who wait” applies to Christians, too. In our case… good things come to those who wait upon the LORD! Are you waiting on the LORD these days? Are you anticipating His next installment in your life… and will you be ready when it comes?
©2012 Debbie Robus
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
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 lot of us are familiar with “installment plans.” Many jobs have a “starting salary” that increases as you take on more tasks or accrue months or years of service. In time, you may receive pay raises, bonuses, and more. Some people open a savings account for newborn babies, and as the children grow, more money is placed in these accounts… creating a “college fund” or “nest egg” for use when the child matures or reaches a certain age. You can probably think of other instances where a “base amount” is given to someone, and additional payments and perks are provided over time.
Let’s face it… getting regular “installments” creates something of an incentive to keep working… to perform well… to earn more benefits and accolades. We only have to look as far as lottery winners who blow through their fortune in short order to see what often happens when too much is awarded at once! And so it is with God’s wisdom and truth for us… and all that He has planned for our lives. God grants us Salvation and all of the security and blessings that come with a life in Christ. As we grow and serve, He provides us with “perks, raises and incentives” to continue our discipleship.
Part of the excitement of being a Christian is the anticipation of what God has in store for us next. I don’t know about you, but I am exhilarated by even the idea that I don’t know for sure how or where God will show up in my life next… but I know for certain that He will! This is a huge motivator to work harder… to spend more time in His presence… to be ready for whatever He wants to send my way.
So often, we are eager to have everything at once. We humans are not notoriously patient! We want all that God has in store for us… and we want it now! But God knows that we cannot handle everything at once. He knows the value of allowing us to grow into our new life in Christ… and to lean on His discernment for the pace and volume of the blessings He bestows. Our job is to remain faithful… to stay in close communion with God… to listen to Him and follow His lead.
The old adage “good things come to those who wait” applies to Christians, too. In our case… good things come to those who wait upon the LORD! Are you waiting on the LORD these days? Are you anticipating His next installment in your life… and will you be ready when it comes?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 22, 2012
Romans 8:26-28
In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. All of our thoughts are known to God. He can understand what is in the mind of the Spirit, as the Spirit prays for God's people. We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s getting progressively harder for my grandmother to talk. The words she wants to use do not come… nor do her thoughts. Often, when she is trying to tell me something, I do a lot of guessing… or she uses hand gestures that mean something to me, and I know what she is trying to say. When we are with others and she wants to say something, she will often end up waving her hand and saying, “Debbie will tell you.” I’ve come to know her so well that quite frequently I can do a fairly good job of understanding what is in her mind and putting it into words for others.
This is what the Holy Spirit often does for us. He knows our heart… our innermost thoughts… desires… needs… and He can convey them to God when we cannot seem to find the words. We often think of Romans 8:28 as a justification of God’s will, or an explanation of failures… “all things work together for the good”. But actually, this passage refers to all forms of communication with God – all forms of prayer - working together for the good that God desires for us. Whether we are talking to him directly, speaking in tongues, singing praises, or allowing the Holy Spirit to speak for us… all forms of prayerful communication work together to accomplish God’s will.
Just because my grandmother cannot always verbalize what she is thinking or needing doesn’t mean we cannot communicate. For several years following a stroke that claimed her mother’s speech, my dear friend “talked” with her mom via a system of pointing to letters of the alphabet to spell things. Helen Keller was deaf and blind, but she was able to communicate with others via human touch. And we can use a variety of methods to communicate clearly with God every minute of the day. The key is to recognize that there are many ways to speak with God, and even when we can’t seem to find the right words to express our thoughts and feelings, He still hears us.
I sometimes have a hard time understanding what my grandmother is telling me… and often we both get frustrated before I figure out what she is saying – or we both give up and move on to something else. But that never happens with God. He always knows exactly what we are saying… His responses are given in love, timely, and perfect. He never gives up or grows weary… and He weaves everything we communicate to Him together to give us the best possible outcome.
I am glad that God hears me in so many ways. I am glad that when I can’t express myself, the Holy Spirit takes over for me. Doesn’t it give you hope, peace, and comfort to know that all you have to say is, “Here I am, LORD… I need you…” and He does the rest? Do you have the power of the Holy Spirit working in your heart – and on your behalf? Do you have all forms of prayer working together for the good in your life? Isn’t today a good time to begin to utilize them?
©2012 Debbie Robus
In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. All of our thoughts are known to God. He can understand what is in the mind of the Spirit, as the Spirit prays for God's people. We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s getting progressively harder for my grandmother to talk. The words she wants to use do not come… nor do her thoughts. Often, when she is trying to tell me something, I do a lot of guessing… or she uses hand gestures that mean something to me, and I know what she is trying to say. When we are with others and she wants to say something, she will often end up waving her hand and saying, “Debbie will tell you.” I’ve come to know her so well that quite frequently I can do a fairly good job of understanding what is in her mind and putting it into words for others.
This is what the Holy Spirit often does for us. He knows our heart… our innermost thoughts… desires… needs… and He can convey them to God when we cannot seem to find the words. We often think of Romans 8:28 as a justification of God’s will, or an explanation of failures… “all things work together for the good”. But actually, this passage refers to all forms of communication with God – all forms of prayer - working together for the good that God desires for us. Whether we are talking to him directly, speaking in tongues, singing praises, or allowing the Holy Spirit to speak for us… all forms of prayerful communication work together to accomplish God’s will.
Just because my grandmother cannot always verbalize what she is thinking or needing doesn’t mean we cannot communicate. For several years following a stroke that claimed her mother’s speech, my dear friend “talked” with her mom via a system of pointing to letters of the alphabet to spell things. Helen Keller was deaf and blind, but she was able to communicate with others via human touch. And we can use a variety of methods to communicate clearly with God every minute of the day. The key is to recognize that there are many ways to speak with God, and even when we can’t seem to find the right words to express our thoughts and feelings, He still hears us.
I sometimes have a hard time understanding what my grandmother is telling me… and often we both get frustrated before I figure out what she is saying – or we both give up and move on to something else. But that never happens with God. He always knows exactly what we are saying… His responses are given in love, timely, and perfect. He never gives up or grows weary… and He weaves everything we communicate to Him together to give us the best possible outcome.
I am glad that God hears me in so many ways. I am glad that when I can’t express myself, the Holy Spirit takes over for me. Doesn’t it give you hope, peace, and comfort to know that all you have to say is, “Here I am, LORD… I need you…” and He does the rest? Do you have the power of the Holy Spirit working in your heart – and on your behalf? Do you have all forms of prayer working together for the good in your life? Isn’t today a good time to begin to utilize them?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 25, 2012
Ephesians 3:8-10
I am the least important of all God's people. But God was kind and chose me to tell the Gentiles that because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured. God, who created everything, wanted me to help everyone understand the mysterious plan that had always been hidden in his mind. Then God would use the church to show the powers and authorities in the spiritual world that he has many different kinds of wisdom.
Proverbs 2:6-7
All wisdom comes from the LORD, and so do common sense and understanding. God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects all of those who live as they should.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever looked at “magic eye” books? You know the ones where you squint and stand back a bit, and suddenly a three-dimensional image comes into focus? Or maybe you enjoyed the hidden pictures in Highlights magazine when you were a child. Even as an adult, I have fun helping Timothy find the hidden pictures in this children’s magazine. The point is… the images were there all along. They weren’t truly hidden… we just needed extra “focus” or “understanding” to find them. The same can be said of God’s wisdom.
I have been reviewing notes that I made on various sermons I’ve heard preached over the past decade. On one page, I noted… “God has not hidden wisdom from us… He has hidden wisdom for us. Proverbs are the key to wisdom.” Recently I learned that Rev. Billy Graham has said that he reads a chapter in Proverbs every day, as well as one of the Psalms. He maintains that the Psalms teach him how to get along with God, and the book of Proverbs teaches him how to get along with his “fellow man.”
So what does this mean for us with regard to our Spiritual journey? We need to realize that the wisdom of God is within our grasp… all we have to do is maintain focus. Just as the “magic eye” pictures are used by some to sharpen their vision, we can grow in God’s wisdom through Bible study and prayer. If we listen for God as we study and pray, we can gain new concepts and thoughts… ideas, interpretation, and revelation.
Proverbs 3:13 says…” God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense.” Bible study and prayer will help us obtain both. By reading this devotional, you have begun to engage in Bible study. Hopefully you will be encouraged to dig deeper on your own… to get more of what God wants to give you through His word. Prayer is another vital component, and I hope you are talking with God each and every day. Make today the day you squint, focus and begin to unlock the wisdom that God is holding for you. The keys are in your hand… are you ready to use them?
©2012 Debbie Robus
I am the least important of all God's people. But God was kind and chose me to tell the Gentiles that because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured. God, who created everything, wanted me to help everyone understand the mysterious plan that had always been hidden in his mind. Then God would use the church to show the powers and authorities in the spiritual world that he has many different kinds of wisdom.
Proverbs 2:6-7
All wisdom comes from the LORD, and so do common sense and understanding. God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects all of those who live as they should.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever looked at “magic eye” books? You know the ones where you squint and stand back a bit, and suddenly a three-dimensional image comes into focus? Or maybe you enjoyed the hidden pictures in Highlights magazine when you were a child. Even as an adult, I have fun helping Timothy find the hidden pictures in this children’s magazine. The point is… the images were there all along. They weren’t truly hidden… we just needed extra “focus” or “understanding” to find them. The same can be said of God’s wisdom.
I have been reviewing notes that I made on various sermons I’ve heard preached over the past decade. On one page, I noted… “God has not hidden wisdom from us… He has hidden wisdom for us. Proverbs are the key to wisdom.” Recently I learned that Rev. Billy Graham has said that he reads a chapter in Proverbs every day, as well as one of the Psalms. He maintains that the Psalms teach him how to get along with God, and the book of Proverbs teaches him how to get along with his “fellow man.”
So what does this mean for us with regard to our Spiritual journey? We need to realize that the wisdom of God is within our grasp… all we have to do is maintain focus. Just as the “magic eye” pictures are used by some to sharpen their vision, we can grow in God’s wisdom through Bible study and prayer. If we listen for God as we study and pray, we can gain new concepts and thoughts… ideas, interpretation, and revelation.
Proverbs 3:13 says…” God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense.” Bible study and prayer will help us obtain both. By reading this devotional, you have begun to engage in Bible study. Hopefully you will be encouraged to dig deeper on your own… to get more of what God wants to give you through His word. Prayer is another vital component, and I hope you are talking with God each and every day. Make today the day you squint, focus and begin to unlock the wisdom that God is holding for you. The keys are in your hand… are you ready to use them?
- Thank You, LORD, for your incredible wisdom. Today I pray that You will speak to us through Your word… that we will truly listen for Your voice… and that You will release all that You hold in store for us, according to Your will and what You determine we are able to handle. We praise You, LORD, for Your incredible gifts… Your grace, mercy and love. Amen.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 5, 2011
Psalm 142:1-3
I pray to you, LORD. I beg for mercy. I tell you all of my worries and my troubles, and whenever I feel low, you are there to guide me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If someone tells you they have no worries and troubles, they are probably lying! “But faith-filled Christians give their troubles to God, don’t they?” you may be saying. In fact, this passage tells us to give all of our worries and troubles to God, and He will guide us. Yes, we are supposed to do this… and yes, God answers. But that won’t stop the devil from trying to give us more challenges! In fact, the more we depend on God, the more Satan is probably going to pester us and test our faith.
The Good News is that God will never tire of hearing our cries for help. He will never be too busy or too overwhelmed to answer us… to guide us and lift our burdens. I was talking with someone who is going through some major family crises, and he said, “This is the worst possible time… right here before Christmas.” I reminded him that the devil doesn’t take a vacation! People get sick and/or die during the holidays. Final exams stress us out in the early weeks of December. The chaos of shopping/decorating/partying till we drop exhausts us and makes many of us broke and cranky. And this is a horribly lonely and sad month for many folks… for a variety of reasons. Still, God is busy working away… hearing our prayers, steering us in the right direction, and offering His comfort and peace.
Today I want you to stop and recognize that you can never outdo God. You can never offer Him more than He can handle on your behalf. You have the best defense in the world against the wickedness of the devil at your disposal - a close communication and relationship with your Heavenly Father.
Take some time to share your worries and troubles with God, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Allow Him to help you with each and every challenge. When your life is going well, thank God for His blessings. And thank Him for being with you to confront whatever challenges may lie ahead. Operate in full confidence that God never takes a vacation, either… and the devil is no match for His love, grace and mercy over each of us.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I pray to you, LORD. I beg for mercy. I tell you all of my worries and my troubles, and whenever I feel low, you are there to guide me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If someone tells you they have no worries and troubles, they are probably lying! “But faith-filled Christians give their troubles to God, don’t they?” you may be saying. In fact, this passage tells us to give all of our worries and troubles to God, and He will guide us. Yes, we are supposed to do this… and yes, God answers. But that won’t stop the devil from trying to give us more challenges! In fact, the more we depend on God, the more Satan is probably going to pester us and test our faith.
The Good News is that God will never tire of hearing our cries for help. He will never be too busy or too overwhelmed to answer us… to guide us and lift our burdens. I was talking with someone who is going through some major family crises, and he said, “This is the worst possible time… right here before Christmas.” I reminded him that the devil doesn’t take a vacation! People get sick and/or die during the holidays. Final exams stress us out in the early weeks of December. The chaos of shopping/decorating/partying till we drop exhausts us and makes many of us broke and cranky. And this is a horribly lonely and sad month for many folks… for a variety of reasons. Still, God is busy working away… hearing our prayers, steering us in the right direction, and offering His comfort and peace.
Today I want you to stop and recognize that you can never outdo God. You can never offer Him more than He can handle on your behalf. You have the best defense in the world against the wickedness of the devil at your disposal - a close communication and relationship with your Heavenly Father.
Take some time to share your worries and troubles with God, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Allow Him to help you with each and every challenge. When your life is going well, thank God for His blessings. And thank Him for being with you to confront whatever challenges may lie ahead. Operate in full confidence that God never takes a vacation, either… and the devil is no match for His love, grace and mercy over each of us.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 25, 2011
Psalm 139:1-4
You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.
You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I recently watched an episode of “Our America with Lisa Ling” about identical twins. Ling pointed out the intense bond she shares with her sister, and she noted that it pales in comparison to the bond shared by identical twins. More than an emotional bond, these siblings share virtually identical DNA. In many, if not most cases, it’s safe to say these twins know all about each other. They finish each other’s sentences and seem to anticipate the other one’s very thoughts. They pretty much function as one unit and often suffer tremendous separation anxiety when they are apart.
Even identical twins separated at birth show incredible similarities when reunited. When interviewed, one set of 50-year-old identical twin sisters said, “People ask us what it’s like to be twins, and we tell them we don’t know what it’s like not to be a twin!” They are of one heart and mind, so to speak, and they know all about each other.
Each of us likes to think we have strong bonds with another… our siblings and other family members, our spouse or significant other, or a best friend. And these relationships are all perfectly honorable and important. But our bond with God trumps all others. He knows us inside and out. The question is… are we doing all we need to know Him in the same manner? We will never be able to know all that God is thinking before He speaks. But we will hopefully learn more about Him every day until we die. We must make our relationship with God a top priority. We must cultivate a close communication with Him that allows us to clearly recognize His voice and even anticipate what He will say to us.
How well do you know God? Is your goal to know God so well and communicate so closely with Him that you don’t know what it would be like not to know Him? Shouldn’t it be?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.
You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I recently watched an episode of “Our America with Lisa Ling” about identical twins. Ling pointed out the intense bond she shares with her sister, and she noted that it pales in comparison to the bond shared by identical twins. More than an emotional bond, these siblings share virtually identical DNA. In many, if not most cases, it’s safe to say these twins know all about each other. They finish each other’s sentences and seem to anticipate the other one’s very thoughts. They pretty much function as one unit and often suffer tremendous separation anxiety when they are apart.
Even identical twins separated at birth show incredible similarities when reunited. When interviewed, one set of 50-year-old identical twin sisters said, “People ask us what it’s like to be twins, and we tell them we don’t know what it’s like not to be a twin!” They are of one heart and mind, so to speak, and they know all about each other.
Each of us likes to think we have strong bonds with another… our siblings and other family members, our spouse or significant other, or a best friend. And these relationships are all perfectly honorable and important. But our bond with God trumps all others. He knows us inside and out. The question is… are we doing all we need to know Him in the same manner? We will never be able to know all that God is thinking before He speaks. But we will hopefully learn more about Him every day until we die. We must make our relationship with God a top priority. We must cultivate a close communication with Him that allows us to clearly recognize His voice and even anticipate what He will say to us.
How well do you know God? Is your goal to know God so well and communicate so closely with Him that you don’t know what it would be like not to know Him? Shouldn’t it be?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 29, 2011
John 15:4-7
Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. If you don't stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burned in a fire.
Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever lost one piece to something in a set, you know how incomplete the rest becomes. Take earrings, for instance. Once in a while, it happens… you lose one of your favorite earrings. You don’t know where or how it happened, but now the other one is pretty much tossed to the back of the jewelry box and forgotten… rendered useless. Or maybe you throw away the odd piece altogether.
Another is buttons. We need buttons on our shirts and other items of clothing. But often, when we lose a button, a suitable replacement just cannot be found. So we toss the shirt into the trash or rag bin… or at best, we stick it in the back of the closet and wear it when we are doing odd jobs around the house.
Of course, we all know that leaves and fruit that fall from a tree or vine quickly wither and die without the strength and sustenance of the plant itself. And this may be exactly why Jesus chose this illustration. Apart from Him, we will wither and die… and ultimately be tossed away to join Satan in the depths of hell. I’m not saying this to scare anyone… but the fires of hell are like the fires that burn dead, dry branches – only worse – and the idea of Satan’s misery and darkness for all eternity does not interest me in the least!
The bottom line is that we must stay connected to God. We must be continually joined to Him in communication and prayer, faith and trust, service to Him and to others, and fellowship with other believers. We must never pull away or get so arrogant as to think we don’t need God… even for the smallest task or for even one minute from your day.
You wouldn’t think of wearing only one earring just because you lost the other. You probably would be uncomfortable wearing a shirt with missing buttons. Shouldn’t you be uncomfortable even thinking about spending any time apart from God? Are you attached to the Vine today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. If you don't stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burned in a fire.
Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever lost one piece to something in a set, you know how incomplete the rest becomes. Take earrings, for instance. Once in a while, it happens… you lose one of your favorite earrings. You don’t know where or how it happened, but now the other one is pretty much tossed to the back of the jewelry box and forgotten… rendered useless. Or maybe you throw away the odd piece altogether.
Another is buttons. We need buttons on our shirts and other items of clothing. But often, when we lose a button, a suitable replacement just cannot be found. So we toss the shirt into the trash or rag bin… or at best, we stick it in the back of the closet and wear it when we are doing odd jobs around the house.
Of course, we all know that leaves and fruit that fall from a tree or vine quickly wither and die without the strength and sustenance of the plant itself. And this may be exactly why Jesus chose this illustration. Apart from Him, we will wither and die… and ultimately be tossed away to join Satan in the depths of hell. I’m not saying this to scare anyone… but the fires of hell are like the fires that burn dead, dry branches – only worse – and the idea of Satan’s misery and darkness for all eternity does not interest me in the least!
The bottom line is that we must stay connected to God. We must be continually joined to Him in communication and prayer, faith and trust, service to Him and to others, and fellowship with other believers. We must never pull away or get so arrogant as to think we don’t need God… even for the smallest task or for even one minute from your day.
You wouldn’t think of wearing only one earring just because you lost the other. You probably would be uncomfortable wearing a shirt with missing buttons. Shouldn’t you be uncomfortable even thinking about spending any time apart from God? Are you attached to the Vine today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 18, 2011
Hosea 6:6
I'm after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My brother Tim worked at our local hospital as an orderly when he was in high school. Because the hospital staff was small in number and close knit, my brother was taken under the wing of several nurses (and a couple of doctors), and he was a quick study. One day when Tim was 15 or 16, he heard a woman screaming on the courthouse square as he drove up Main Street. The woman was standing alongside her husband… and he was having a heart attack. Tim stopped and resuscitated this man by administering CPR… and he literally saved this man’s life.
My brother learned a lot about medicine as a high school orderly – and then he became a heart monitor technician - which led to his lifelong interest in cardiac medicine. By the time Tim went to nursing school, he already had a lot of firsthand experience. He still had to do the “book learning” – and there was a lot to learn – but like many good nurses before him who never even went to nursing school, Tim learned much “on the job.”
Our pastor recently said, “Being in church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in the hen house makes you a chicken!” God wants us to learn “on the job” by spending time with Him… learning from Him, communicating with Him, studying His word… and “practicing” our faith. Prayer meetings, Bible studies, worship services and fellowship with other Christians all have their place. But being able to quote scripture or warming a pew for a meeting/service/class doesn’t necessarily mean you have a love for God that lasts… or a deep, abiding relationship with Him. When it comes to our Christian faith, relationships trump “book learning” every time.
God wants us to worship Him and fortify our relationship by putting our faith into action. He wants us to communicate… but He also wants us to be busy DOING His work on this earth. I have a poor memory for scripture. I can quote or paraphrase favorite Bible verses… but to sit and tell you, “Hosea 6:6 says ‘I’m after love that lasts; not more religion…’ is probably not going to happen. However, in my own defense, I try to spend a lot of time communicating with God about how and where He wants me to serve… what I can do to honor Him and operate in His will.
You can spout scripture to others until you are blue in the face. But unless you can live out the meaning and intention of that scripture each day… unless you can be the hands and feet of Jesus for real in the everyday world… you are merely spouting scripture. You can go to church every Sunday and take on countless jobs in your church, but if you do not have a heart for loving others with the love of Christ and meeting them where they are each and every day, you’re probably wasting a lot of time.
You can work to garner new members for your church/Sunday-school class/small group/choir and more, but if you are not modeling Christian behavior – from the heart – every day, you are just warming seats with bodies. We need to get real about what God wants from us. He wants a relationship that is interactive and mutually genuine. He wants us to love Him above all else… and to desire to worship Him and serve His purposes more than anything else! Any less is simply not acceptable.
When we think about our relationship with God in these terms, it seems daunting… like a huge responsibility… and it is! But God will never give us more than we can handle. He will never ask more of us than He equips us to accomplish. We have nothing to fear. All we have to do is step up and get to know him.
Study and “book learning” have their place. And I’m glad my brother went to school and got his nursing degree. But that was not what made him a good nurse, any more than organized meetings and services make us faithful Christians. How badly do you want this? How serious are you about your relationship with God? It’s time we asked ourselves the tough questions… and seriously considered our answers. How well do you really know God these days? What are you willing to do to get to know Him better?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I'm after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My brother Tim worked at our local hospital as an orderly when he was in high school. Because the hospital staff was small in number and close knit, my brother was taken under the wing of several nurses (and a couple of doctors), and he was a quick study. One day when Tim was 15 or 16, he heard a woman screaming on the courthouse square as he drove up Main Street. The woman was standing alongside her husband… and he was having a heart attack. Tim stopped and resuscitated this man by administering CPR… and he literally saved this man’s life.
My brother learned a lot about medicine as a high school orderly – and then he became a heart monitor technician - which led to his lifelong interest in cardiac medicine. By the time Tim went to nursing school, he already had a lot of firsthand experience. He still had to do the “book learning” – and there was a lot to learn – but like many good nurses before him who never even went to nursing school, Tim learned much “on the job.”
Our pastor recently said, “Being in church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in the hen house makes you a chicken!” God wants us to learn “on the job” by spending time with Him… learning from Him, communicating with Him, studying His word… and “practicing” our faith. Prayer meetings, Bible studies, worship services and fellowship with other Christians all have their place. But being able to quote scripture or warming a pew for a meeting/service/class doesn’t necessarily mean you have a love for God that lasts… or a deep, abiding relationship with Him. When it comes to our Christian faith, relationships trump “book learning” every time.
God wants us to worship Him and fortify our relationship by putting our faith into action. He wants us to communicate… but He also wants us to be busy DOING His work on this earth. I have a poor memory for scripture. I can quote or paraphrase favorite Bible verses… but to sit and tell you, “Hosea 6:6 says ‘I’m after love that lasts; not more religion…’ is probably not going to happen. However, in my own defense, I try to spend a lot of time communicating with God about how and where He wants me to serve… what I can do to honor Him and operate in His will.
You can spout scripture to others until you are blue in the face. But unless you can live out the meaning and intention of that scripture each day… unless you can be the hands and feet of Jesus for real in the everyday world… you are merely spouting scripture. You can go to church every Sunday and take on countless jobs in your church, but if you do not have a heart for loving others with the love of Christ and meeting them where they are each and every day, you’re probably wasting a lot of time.
You can work to garner new members for your church/Sunday-school class/small group/choir and more, but if you are not modeling Christian behavior – from the heart – every day, you are just warming seats with bodies. We need to get real about what God wants from us. He wants a relationship that is interactive and mutually genuine. He wants us to love Him above all else… and to desire to worship Him and serve His purposes more than anything else! Any less is simply not acceptable.
When we think about our relationship with God in these terms, it seems daunting… like a huge responsibility… and it is! But God will never give us more than we can handle. He will never ask more of us than He equips us to accomplish. We have nothing to fear. All we have to do is step up and get to know him.
Study and “book learning” have their place. And I’m glad my brother went to school and got his nursing degree. But that was not what made him a good nurse, any more than organized meetings and services make us faithful Christians. How badly do you want this? How serious are you about your relationship with God? It’s time we asked ourselves the tough questions… and seriously considered our answers. How well do you really know God these days? What are you willing to do to get to know Him better?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 9, 2011
Mark 10:35-45
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, will you do us a favor?" Jesus asked them what they wanted, and they answered, "When you come into your glory, please let one of us sit at your right side and the other at your left." Jesus told them, "You don't really know what you're asking! Are you able to drink from the cup that I must soon drink from or be baptized as I must be baptized?" "Yes, we are!" James and John answered.
Then Jesus replied, "You certainly will drink from the cup from which I must drink. And you will be baptized just as I must! But it isn't for me to say who will sit at my right side and at my left. That is for God to decide." When the ten other disciples heard this, they were angry with James and John.
But Jesus called the disciples together and said: You know that those foreigners who call themselves kings like to order their people around. And their great leaders have full power over the people they rule. But don't act like them. If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. And if you want to be first, you must be everyone's slave. The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Ego is a powerful thing… and Satan uses our ego to trip us up more often than most of us want to admit. Look no further than the nightly news to see examples of people whose egos have run amuck… from television and movie stars to politicians to everyday ordinary citizens. Many people often think they are better, smarter, more attractive, or superior to others in some way.
Christians are not immune. We want to be first! We want to sit to the right or left of Jesus! We want others to recognize what great faithful servants we are and revere us in some way. But when we are faced with the ultimate question… “Are you able to drink from the same cup that Jesus drank (i.e. suffer, bleed and die on a cross)?” we become humble in a hurry!
If we want to serve God as well as we possibly can… if we want to model Christian behavior for others and walk the walk of faith that we like to talk about so much, we have to humble ourselves. We have to serve others with absolutely no thought of what is in it for us. We have to focus on Jesus, no matter the cost… and toss our own desires and agendas aside. Every time we start to ask ourselves “What’s in this for me?” we must turn around and ask, “Could I drink from Jesus’ cup?”
Today we start the season of Lent… a time when Christians traditionally sacrifice something to become more like Christ. When we think about what Jesus sacrificed for us, this “traditional purpose” of Lent sounds kinda silly, doesn’t it?! This year, instead of “giving up” something for Lent, why not do what my pastor suggested… why not add something… like an extra fifteen minutes of prayer and Bible study each day.
For me, Lent means it’s time to get out my copy of The Purpose Driven Life and begin studying “40 Days of Purpose.” I renew my relationship in Christ by reminding myself just how important I am to Him… and how much He sacrificed on my behalf (and on yours, as well!). If you don’t have a copy of this book, check your church library. Or choose another way to spend time each of the next 40 days in worship and closer communion with Christ.
At the end of this 40-day season of Lent, we will celebrate Easter… and hopefully you will have developed a new habit of spending more time in humble communion with Christ. Could you drink the cup of Christ? Jesus tells us that in some ways, we will do just that. We will have to sacrifice our earthly, sinful life and humbly come before Christ to serve in His name. Sounds like a bargain to me! I pray that we will all become more humble… more faithful… more willing to serve. Are you prepared to do what it takes to make this happen?
©2011 Debbie Robus
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, will you do us a favor?" Jesus asked them what they wanted, and they answered, "When you come into your glory, please let one of us sit at your right side and the other at your left." Jesus told them, "You don't really know what you're asking! Are you able to drink from the cup that I must soon drink from or be baptized as I must be baptized?" "Yes, we are!" James and John answered.
Then Jesus replied, "You certainly will drink from the cup from which I must drink. And you will be baptized just as I must! But it isn't for me to say who will sit at my right side and at my left. That is for God to decide." When the ten other disciples heard this, they were angry with James and John.
But Jesus called the disciples together and said: You know that those foreigners who call themselves kings like to order their people around. And their great leaders have full power over the people they rule. But don't act like them. If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others. And if you want to be first, you must be everyone's slave. The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Ego is a powerful thing… and Satan uses our ego to trip us up more often than most of us want to admit. Look no further than the nightly news to see examples of people whose egos have run amuck… from television and movie stars to politicians to everyday ordinary citizens. Many people often think they are better, smarter, more attractive, or superior to others in some way.
Christians are not immune. We want to be first! We want to sit to the right or left of Jesus! We want others to recognize what great faithful servants we are and revere us in some way. But when we are faced with the ultimate question… “Are you able to drink from the same cup that Jesus drank (i.e. suffer, bleed and die on a cross)?” we become humble in a hurry!
If we want to serve God as well as we possibly can… if we want to model Christian behavior for others and walk the walk of faith that we like to talk about so much, we have to humble ourselves. We have to serve others with absolutely no thought of what is in it for us. We have to focus on Jesus, no matter the cost… and toss our own desires and agendas aside. Every time we start to ask ourselves “What’s in this for me?” we must turn around and ask, “Could I drink from Jesus’ cup?”
Today we start the season of Lent… a time when Christians traditionally sacrifice something to become more like Christ. When we think about what Jesus sacrificed for us, this “traditional purpose” of Lent sounds kinda silly, doesn’t it?! This year, instead of “giving up” something for Lent, why not do what my pastor suggested… why not add something… like an extra fifteen minutes of prayer and Bible study each day.
For me, Lent means it’s time to get out my copy of The Purpose Driven Life and begin studying “40 Days of Purpose.” I renew my relationship in Christ by reminding myself just how important I am to Him… and how much He sacrificed on my behalf (and on yours, as well!). If you don’t have a copy of this book, check your church library. Or choose another way to spend time each of the next 40 days in worship and closer communion with Christ.
At the end of this 40-day season of Lent, we will celebrate Easter… and hopefully you will have developed a new habit of spending more time in humble communion with Christ. Could you drink the cup of Christ? Jesus tells us that in some ways, we will do just that. We will have to sacrifice our earthly, sinful life and humbly come before Christ to serve in His name. Sounds like a bargain to me! I pray that we will all become more humble… more faithful… more willing to serve. Are you prepared to do what it takes to make this happen?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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