Daily Devotional for December 8, 2016

Luke 21:1-4
Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”

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 am reading a book written by one of my favorite authors, Sophie Hudson. It’s called Giddy Up, Eunice!* – and it is basically about how women can support and encourage one another.  “Eunice” is a biblical reference to the mother of Timothy (the one in the Bible…not my nephew!).  Sophie Hudson has a knack for relating to me in a meaningful way.  Perhaps it is the fact that we are both southern girls…or that we both have a deep affection for our mother-in-law.  Regardless of the reason, she makes a lot of points about the importance of encouraging relationships…in this case in particular, among women.

Now you may be wondering what this has to do with today’s scripture passage…and I’m about to tell you. When I think of the “widow’s mite,” three women automatically come to mind for me…my Mam-ma Polly, Mrs. Peggy, and a dear lady named Cora Mae.  My grandmother and Mrs. Peggy have left us for heaven, but at age 93, Cora Mae is still teaching me (and others) how to give your all.

None of these ladies was ever wealthy, by any monetary standard. All three worked hard and suffered many hardships in life. All three were like the “Energizer Bunny” when it came to serving others…and Cora Mae still puts many people half her age to shame. It’s not about money per se…what these women have given to countless people is priceless.  They have visited, cooked meals, served in their churches in a zillion capacities, prayed, encouraged, shown up, and given all they could – whatever that might entail at the moment.

The message for us in the example of these three women – and in this scripture passage – is that we all have something to give.  And there is a very good chance that it is more than we are currently offering. If for no other reason than to demonstrate our gratitude to God for HIS gift of Jesus, we should be digging deeply and giving our all. This is about more than writing a check to a charitable organization – or tithing to the church. You may need to write a note of encouragement – or pick up the phone and talk to someone.  You may need to stop in the store and listen to someone who really needs your ear. Or you may need to sit quietly in a chair with your children and read them a story…or really stop and listen to your spouse or child when he/she is talking.

My point is that some of the biggest lessons – and greatest gifts – that I have received have not been tangible, hold-in-your-hand gifts…or money. They have been the selfless gestures and expenditures of time, attention, encouragement – and examples of how to serve others.  Some of the greatest gifts I have received came from these three ladies who mentored me…and others who have demonstrated generosity of spirit.  They have shown me how to give my all…and now the rest is up to me.

I pray that you have been blessed with examples of those who gave their all…and that it has resonated with you. Examine your life and see where you are holding out – and holding back.  Learn from those who have mastered giving their all…and become one of them.

©2016 Debbie Robus

*Giddy Up, Eunice! ~ https://www.amazon.com/Giddy-Up-Eunice-Because-Women/dp/1433643111

Daily Devotional for November 15, 2016

Romans 1:16-17
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is God’s powerful method of bringing all who believe it to heaven. This message was preached first to the Jews alone, but now everyone is invited to come to God in this same way. This Good News tells us that God makes us ready for heaven—makes us right in God’s sight—when we put our faith and trust in Christ to save us. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scripture says it, “The man who finds life will find it through trusting God.”

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 having some serious conversations with God lately…peppered with several questions…”How? Why? When? Will we? Can we? What if?”  We all want to believe that everything will be okay…in a myriad of circumstances and situations.  But the head and heart often have a major disconnect.

For more than a few of us, there are people in our lives who have questions, also – especially children. As Christian disciples, it is somewhat our job to reassure them.  Just as God promises us that He has the power – and desire – to meet our every need (perfectly!)…we must assure those we encounter of this claim.  In order to make a good “sell,” we have to believe it for ourselves!

Read the last sentence of our scripture passage again…”The man who finds life will find it through trusting God.”  Don’t you want this?  Don’t you want to live in confidence and peace, rather than fear and an unsettled spirit?   I know I do…and I am working hard to fortify my trust in God.  I am studying His word…praying…and seeking encouragement in the everyday blessings He bestows upon me.

I am not ashamed of the Good News about Christ…and I am determined to build my faith and trust as God makes me ready for heaven – and demonstrate this to others.  What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 9, 2016

Matthew 8:5-10
When Jesus arrived in Capernaum, a Roman army captain came and pled with him to come to his home and heal his servant boy who was in bed paralyzed and racked with pain.

“Yes,” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

Then the officer said, “Sir, I am not worthy to have you in my home; and it isn’t necessary for you to come. If you will only stand here and say, ‘Be healed,’ my servant will get well! I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers, and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave boy, ‘Do this or that,’ and he does it. And I know you have authority to tell his sickness to go—and it will go!”

Jesus stood there amazed! Turning to the crowd he said, “I haven’t seen faith like this in all the land of Israel!

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
    
I was so anxious – almost excited – to see what God would have to say to me today in His Holy Word.  I knew it would be profound…comforting…encouraging…healing.  And I am not disappointed.  Clearly, God is using this passage to show me that He is still in control…still ready, willing, and able to meet our needs.  All we have to do is trust Him.

Wherever I am, I can simply whisper, “LORD, I need You…” and He will be there.  Whatever is on my heart…I can share…and Jesus hears me.  Whenever I am defeated, He lifts me up…and when I am joyful and victorious, He celebrates with me.  I know with all my heart that when I ask Jesus to come to me – or heal me – He is already one step ahead of me.

So today…in ALL things…I am whispering, “LORD…I need You.”  And I know that He hears me…and will answer.

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 29, 2016

Matthew 5:48
“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward 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.

This fall as I have been spending time at the elementary school with Timmy and Zola – and in the Sunday school classes at our church -  I’ve realized that these classrooms are microcosms of the world at large…filled with many of the social issues and concerns that trouble the world at large.  I’ve observed children who are struggling (if only subconsciously) with discrimination because of their race, socio-economic level, or intellect. There are children in foster homes, broken homes, and homes that where the family dynamic is disintegrating.  There are children with special needs…and plenty of “drama” between both boys and girls.  This is all on top of the academic challenges that the children face each week in their classrooms!

These little lives and the struggles that befall them parallel those of their adult counterparts in many ways.  And I am reminded of how this broke my heart and troubled me when I left teaching 30 years ago.  I brought a lot of the heartaches home with me at night and “massaged” them over and over. I am trying not to do that now - and here’s why…I am making every effort to live out my faith.

“But wait a minute!” you might say.  “If you are living out your faith, shouldn’t you be concerned for these children?”  Absolutely…but I am confident that God is watching over them.  I ask Him to do this every day…and I trust that He will answer, because I know they are precious to Him.  This frees me to pass out love, hugs and encouragement…to smile and laugh with the children and to let them know how important they are to me – and especially to God. MY JOB as a Christian disciple is not to worry.  It is to live generously and graciously toward others and try my hardest to always give them a glimpse of God and how HE lives toward us.

I hope that I have learned a thing or two in the last few decades.  I’d like to say that I have grown up…but I am sure I still have work to do.  Still, I am doing my best to live like a Kingdom Subject…to quit wringing my hands and worrying over every little thing that happens in this world…to move past the drama, let go, and let God handle the details. This is my God-created identity…and I am trying to honor His gracious and generous gift.  What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 24, 2016

Psalm 139:17-18
How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!

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 desktop flip calendar quote for today said, “A little boy ended a lengthy prayer that had included everyone he could think of by saying: ‘And dear God, take care of Yourself.  If anything happens to You, we’re all sunk.’”  While there is humor here…there is also a lot of truth. We need to stop and ponder the God who thinks about us constantly.

Today, I helped the elementary school nurse and her team screen children for hearing and vision deficiencies.  As luck would have it, the “lunch break” paralleled Timmy’s lunch time, so I went with his class to the cafeteria.  On the way back to the classroom, Timmy and another boy were talking about Christmas and how excited they were.  The other little boy said, “My favorite part of Christmas is all of the toys I will get.”  I said my favorite part was celebrating Jesus’ birthday.

Timmy agreed…”Yeah, because if we didn’t have Jesus, we would have all of those frogs and locusts!”  He was recalling our Sunday school lesson about Moses and the plagues that God sent upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their disobedience.  Another child chimed in and said, “Without Jesus we would just have God…and if we didn’t have GOD…that would be REALLY bad!” Talk about perfect timing for today’s message!  These second-grade boys – and the little boy offering the “prayer” on my calendar – are exactly right.  Without God, we really would be sunk!

So stop and thank God for loving us so well.  Thank Him for sending Jesus to pour out His blood for our sins, so that we no longer have to make living sacrifices for our sins.  Thank Him for watching over us…for planning our lives before we were even formed…for thinking of us even before we awaken…and turning His thoughts toward each of us countless times throughout the day.  Who else does that?!

No one loves us like God loves us.  How precious it is that He thinks about us constantly…and how truly “sunk” we would be if He didn’t!  Stop and tell God how much you love Him…and get busy demonstrating this in everything you think, say and do!

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 14, 2016

Matthew 4:18-22
One day as he was walking along the beach beside the Lake of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—out in a boat fishing with a net, for they were commercial fishermen.

Jesus called out, “Come along with me and I will show you how to fish for the souls of men!” And they left their nets at once and went with him.

A little farther up the beach he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, mending their nets; and he called to them to come too. At once they stopped their work and, leaving their father behind, went with him.

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

This school year, I am helping at least one day a week in Timmy’s second grade class.  Like many children (including our own at times), there are a couple of students who absolutely seem to ignore the teacher and me when we call to them.  They look the other way and act as if they did not hear us speaking directly to them! So I cannot imagine saying to one of these students, “Drop everything and follow me!”  This summons would most likely fall on deaf ears!

I bet you see where I’m headed with this!  In scripture, we see that Simon-Peter, Andrew, James and John dropped EVERYTHING and went with Jesus.  They didn’t look away and pretend not to hear Him calling to them.  They didn’t say, “I’ll be there after I finish fishing or mending nets!”  None of them said, “I can’t right now…I am busy doing XYZ!”  To a person, they immediately heeded the voice of Jesus - and followed Him.

You and I are pretty much like second-grade students.  We have our own agendas.  In some cases, we don’t want to do what Jesus asks of us.  But often, we just want to finish what we are doing first!  This is not faithful obedience and humble servitude!  When Jesus whispers our name – or even when we feel that gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit – we should stop and answer right away. There is no such thing as a good excuse.  To suggest otherwise not only demonstrates disobedience…it shows complete arrogance on our part.  And God is not impressed.

There will surely be times when Jesus calls on us to follow Him - and what He asks is not convenient.  His requests may even be downright difficult.  But remember, when God calls you to something, He will see you through it!  So put down your “nets” and prepare to “fish” for souls with Jesus.  When He calls to you, do not dawdle!  Answer right away and trust Him to handle all of the details.

You and I are not in second grade any more.  Failure to listen for the voice of Jesus – and answer promptly – has no place in our lives as Christian disciples.  At least it shouldn’t!  Are YOU listening with faithfulness and obedience?  Isn’t it time you were?

©2016 Debbie Robus 

Daily Devotional for October 4, 2016

Matthew 15:1-9
After that, Pharisees and religion scholars came to Jesus all the way from Jerusalem, criticizing, “Why do your disciples play fast and loose with the rules?”

But Jesus put it right back on them. “Why do you use your rules to play fast and loose with God’s commands? God clearly says, ‘Respect your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone denouncing father or mother should be killed.’ But you weasel around that by saying, ‘Whoever wants to, can say to father and mother, What I owed to you I’ve given to God.’ That can hardly be called respecting a parent. You cancel God’s command by your rules. Frauds! Isaiah’s prophecy of you hit the bull’s-eye:

These people make a big show of saying the right thing,
    but their heart isn’t in it.
They act like they’re worshiping me,
    but they don’t mean it.
They just use me as a cover
    for teaching whatever suits their fancy.”

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.

Jesus’ quote of Isaiah’s prophecy really says it all.  Too many of us are using our Christian faith as a cover for teaching, saying and doing whatever suits our fancy.  We claim to know and love Jesus…that we strive to serve Him daily.  But our feet barely hit the floor in the morning before we are judging and criticizing others.

We may smile at those we encounter in public and “play nice.” But behind somewhat gritted teeth, we are labeling them based on their race, ethnic background, socio-economic level, sexual orientation, political affiliation…weight, height, hair color…their church denomination – or even their apparent lack of association with a particular church.

We make snap judgments – often based on appearances, one or two comments, or a brief encounter.  Worse yet, we form opinions based on gossip from another “Christian” friend.  We make up our minds almost instantly about how we feel toward a particular person or situation. And then we adjust the cross around our neck and get in our car with the bumper sticker that says, “Honk if you love Jesus” - and we move on with our day.

Many of us seem to have no problem criticizing and discriminating against certain people or groups while claiming to serve a Savior who commanded us to “Love others as well as you love yourself.”  We say we serve a God who sent His Son to save the whole world and all who inhabit it…and then we act as if Jesus came exclusively for a hand-picked few (that includes us, of course!).  This needs to stop!

Some of us are so busy twisting the “rules” to suit our own agendas that our “version” of Christian faith in no way reflects what Jesus commanded.  And yet, we claim we are His servants and desire to do the will of God in all things.  It’s time to realize that our efforts to manipulate God’s commands to fit our desires not only look ridiculous – they break His heart.

Being authentic in our faith and discipleship takes work – and a lot of conscious effort.  But we can do better – and we must.  Are you ready to “play by God’s rules?”  Isn’t it time you were?
  
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 3, 2016

October 3 ~ Matthew 11:10-11
For John is the man mentioned in the Scriptures—a messenger to precede me, to announce my coming, and prepare people to receive me.

“Truly, of all men ever born, none shines more brightly than John the Baptist. And yet, even the lesser lights in the Kingdom of Heaven will be greater than he is!

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

We seem to be wired to be “awestruck” by people who have public recognition…across all platforms.  And while I do not mean any disrespect, they are truly just regular folk like you and me. I appreciate the work that people like Billy Graham, Mother Teresa, and Pope Francis have done to further God’s kingdom.  But I also know some ordinary, everyday people who are quietly doing incredible work every single day to disciple and minister to others in the name of Jesus.

My own grandmother was about as plain and simple as they come.  She didn’t live in a fancy house…she drove an Army-green 1965 Chevy Impala that resembled a tank.  She made most of her own clothing and did not have expensive jewelry – or anything else of much monetary value.  But she was ready and willing to share everything she had with others.  Her first question to a stranger was usually, “Where do y’all go to church?”  And quite often, she followed that with an invitation to join her for a meal.

My grandmother was not perfect.  She could spit out some real zingers from time to time…and her opinions had little to no filter.  You knew where you stood with her at all times.  She could give you life advice as quickly and easily as she told you how to give your heart to Jesus and get to heaven!  And I honestly believe that her “mansion” there is probably bigger than many…certainly as fine as that of many “women of the Bible” – and the likes of Mother Teresa and John Wesley!  She continually heralded Jesus to any and all she met, through word and deed.

What does this all mean for us?  You and I are just as precious and important to Jesus as John the Baptist…maybe even more!  I don’t mean that to sound arrogant or disrespectful…but God sent John to herald Jesus’ coming. John was physically WITH Jesus…he saw firsthand who Jesus was – and why God sent Him. You and I do not have that luxury…yet we have our own missions to accomplish based on sheer faith. And as we obediently do so, we are building “equity” in our heavenly mansion.

Every word we speak…every gesture of kindness…every time we speak the name of Jesus to another – or demonstrate His power, strength, love, grace, kindness, mercy, compassion and forgiveness to someone – we are ensuring that our light will shine brightly in Heaven.  God notes all that we do…nothing is wasted. As anointed and redeemed believers in Jesus, the “bad” is forgiven and scattered “as far as East is from West”…and the “good” things are noted for all Eternity.

It’s not about who we are…what matters is WHOSE we are – and how we share Jesus with others.  At my grandmother’s funeral, I stated that I learned a LOT from her in our 56 years together.  SHE is my role model for ministering to others in Jesus’ name…and I hope that someday, we are “next-door-neighbors” in heaven…right down the street from John the Baptist! My prayer is that your house would be in our “neighborhood,” too.  Will we see you there?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 28, 2016

Mark 13:7-8    
Jesus began, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing compared to what’s coming."

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

My mother used to say that the wars, crimes and atrocities we face today are nothing new. And indeed, if you read the Old Testament, you can learn about everything from the bloodiest, most heinous battle tactics to racism, sexism, and discrimination of every sort.  Babies were killed to prove a point.  There was torture and rape…and entire villages and tribes were decimated.  Centuries ago, “prophets” told of the end of the world as if it was imminent…and we’re still here.

Today, we are barraged with lies and/or grossly exaggerated claims at every turn.  For some reason, many people seem to delight in scaring the stuffing out of others with doomsday reports, while others have such inflated egos that they cannot seem to help but declare themselves the ultimate savior of all things that are wrong in the world.

So what are we to do?  Who do we trust?  How do we sift through all of the chatter and determine the truth?  We start with prayer…and a long, deep breath.  We “let go and let God”…and give Him our burdens and fears. We delve into the scriptures and let God’s word soak into our soul.  The truth is there, along with answers to virtually all of the questions we have - if we will only calm down and pay attention.

We also have to exercise our God-given common sense. We have to ask ourselves…”What is this person really saying…and what does GOD say about the same issues?”  If you will continue reading Mark 13 through at least verse 13, you will see that Jesus assures that the Holy Spirit will always be with us…and that those who persevere in their faith will be saved in the end.

Our Timothy has asked me several times lately, “Why are you and Uncle Greg always so happy?”  It appears that on some level, we are filling our little ones with a “gloom and doom” impression of the world.  Even they don’t understand how anyone could experience genuine and sustaining joy in light of all that is happening in the world.  My answer to the question of why I am always happy has become, “Because God blesses us and takes care of us.”

Yes, bad things happen. Yes…I sometimes have sadness and heartaches, just like everyone else – even Jesus.  But God is still with me…and He always will be.  No matter what, I will be saved in the end…and I choose to focus on this rather than the darkness and despair that so many are propagating.

Who do YOU trust?  More importantly, who do others believe you trust?  People are watching…are you showing them genuine faith in Jesus?  Don’t you think you should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 20, 2016

Luke 10:25-37
Just then a religion scholar stood up with a question to test Jesus. “Teacher, what do I need to do to get eternal life?”

He answered, “What’s written in God’s Law? How do you interpret it?”

He said, “That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.”

“Good answer!” said Jesus. “Do it and you’ll live.”

Looking for a loophole, he asked, “And just how would you define ‘neighbor’?”

Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.

“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’

“What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?”

“The one who treated him kindly,” the religion scholar responded.

Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”

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.

Police have apprehended the 28-year-old man who allegedly placed a series of homemade bombs along the streets of New York City and a couple of New Jersey communities in recent days.  Fingerprints left on some of the bombs led to this man’s arrest after a brief shootout with police in which he and two policemen were wounded.

Not long after news broke about this man’s apprehension, politicians took the airwaves to weigh in with their opinions.  One person complained loudly that this suspected bomber will most likely receive quality medical care and be treated by top-notch doctors. In my mind, there are two obvious reasons to do this…1) we don’t often apprehend a would-be bomber and have the opportunity to question him/her to possibly learn things that might help prevent future acts of terrorism; and just as importantly…2) it’s the right thing to do.

I watched news coverage as emergency personnel loaded this young man into an ambulance.  I looked at his face and thought of our own nephews – about this same age - and our little great-nephews and cousins who we love so dearly. I couldn’t help but look at him as the precious son of a mother and father – or the perhaps someone’s beloved brother or nephew. I do not in any way condone this man’s actions, and I do hope that justice is served.  But I also pray that he encounters some “Good Samaritans” among the law enforcement and medical personnel who will attend to him now.

Perhaps he will be treated by a doctor or nurse who will give him the same tender care that would be given to his/her own child or loved one. Maybe he will be handled with respect and fairness…and just MAYBE this young man will recognize that this is better than he deserves. It is possible that this would-be bomber might see the love of Jesus in the words and actions of those who are now guarding his every move…and that God will be glorified.

Every day, we waste countless opportunities to love others as Christ loves us.  We are so caught up in “What’s in it for me?” that we fail to see what Jesus wants us to see…to minister to others in His name and let Him control the end result.  We don’t look at others as Jesus sees them…with the same lens through which He views each of us.  We do not consider them to be as precious in Jesus’ sight…and we don’t love them like He does – or as He loves us.

Jesus is not ours exclusively…He came to save the world…not just the minuscule “sphere” in which you and I operate.  Isn’t it time you opened your heart and mind to what He desires?  Will this be the day that we become the “Good Samaritans” - wherever and whenever Christ provides us with an opportunity?  Don’t you think it’s time we did?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Luke 10:21-24
Then he was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the intellectuals and worldly wise and for revealing them to those who are as trusting as little children. Yes, thank you, Father, for that is the way you wanted it. I am the Agent of my Father in everything; and no one really knows the Son except the Father, and no one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Then, turning to the twelve disciples, he said quietly, “How privileged you are to see what you have seen. Many a prophet and king of old has longed for these days, to see and hear what you have seen and heard!”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
 
From the time Timothy was a baby, I have prayed that he would know Jesus at an early age and develop a strong, intimate relationship with Him.  When Zola and Nathan came along, my prayers expanded to include them.  I also pray this for the other “little ones” in our circle of family and friends – and all children really – but especially those with whom I have contact.  I consider it not only my obligation as a Christian disciple – but also my privilege – to share the love and teachings of Jesus with these children and offer them the opportunity to embrace Him for themselves.

What is gratifying – and somewhat amazing – is how readily most children accept the existence of God…and Jesus.  They sometimes question…”Where is God?” or “What does Jesus really look like?”  But when we talk about God and share stories of the Bible…when I tell them about Jesus and how “mean men” nailed Him to a cross, where He died because of our sins…they nod, agree and seem to readily accept and internalize this information.  They seem to grasp the concept of a “Forever Friend” (the Holy Spirit) who will live in their hearts and guide them each day - and help them make good choices. And my heart bursts with joy that they trust so eagerly.

Somewhere along the line, we become skeptical. I don’t know if the pressures of “the world at large” get to us or exactly what causes the shift…but we lose some of this innocent faith and start to crumble a bit. Some of us all but disintegrate!  We begin to question God…and His motives and methods. We let go of Jesus’ hand and close our hearts to the Holy Spirit…and we start to trust mere mortals instead.

We listen to the opinions of others, rather than the teachings of Jesus. Like Timothy, Zola and Nathan, some of us have heard the Word of God since we were tiny babies.  We have seen Christian faith in action through the role models and mentors in our lives. But when ungodly influences show up – and they always do – we are drawn to them as if they were irresistible shiny objects.  Remember, all the devil needs is the tiniest of openings, and he will sneak into our lives like the slimy creature that he is – and wreak havoc in our lives and the lives of those around us!

Jesus acts as God’s “Special Agent” and provides us with all of the information and tools that we need to live in accordance with His will – and to accomplish His missions for us on this earth.  For all of this to work as God ordained, we have to trust like little children.  Is this a leap of faith?  To some degree - yes. But don’t you know in your heart that this is how you should be living?  Don’t you realize how privileged we are to have Jesus as our Savior…and God as our Heavenly Father?

Isn’t it time we stopped acting like we are such high-brow intellectuals who know it all…and surrendered our hearts completely to Jesus?  Will this be the day that you “reconnect with your inner child” - and that level of innocence and faith - and let God have complete control in your life?  Aren’t you ready to be His kid again?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 17, 2016

Luke 10:1-6
The Lord now chose seventy other disciples and sent them on ahead in pairs to all the towns and villages he planned to visit later.

These were his instructions to them: “Plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers to help you, for the harvest is and the workers so few. Go now, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money with you, or a beggar’s bag, or even an extra pair of shoes. And don’t waste time along the way.

“Whenever you enter a home, give it your blessing. If it is worthy of the blessing, the blessing will stand; if not, the blessing will return to you.

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

If you are not an Arkansas Razorbacks fan, substitute the images of your favorite team and one or two of its biggest rivals in what I am about to tell you.  Now, imagine being with a group of rabid Razorbacks fans, dressed from head to toe in your best team garb.  The University of Arkansas president says, “I want you to pair off and go down to Texas.  Some of you go to Austin…the rest of you go to College Station.”  But I want you to knock on doors and convince those folks to start rooting for the Razorbacks. Get them to send their kids to college at the UofA and participate in Razorbacks athletics and other school activities.  Encourage them to renounce their allegiance to the Texas Longhorns and the A&M Aggies and support ONLY the Razorbacks in all things.

Would you do it?  Even if with every fiber of your being, you believed that the Razorbacks and the university they represent were superior in every way…that being an Arkansas Razorbacks fan would totally change your life – and all for the better – could you approach someone you felt certain did not share your beliefs and try to change their mind?  Do you think some folks in Texas would even open the door for you?  And would you be worried for your safety around those who did?

I know I’ve gone out on a ridiculous limb here, but think about what Jesus was instructing these 35 pair of disciples to do!  He was sending them into “enemy territory” for the most part - and in some ways saying, “Good luck out there!”  But here’s the thing…luck was not what these people needed.  While Jesus knew that they were taking big risks, He was walking with them every step of the way.  For those who listened to Jesus’ voice and trusted Him, their obedient faith made the difference.

If you get right down to it, Jesus is sending us out into the world just as He did those 70 early disciples.  He is telling us to interact with others…to spread the Good News to those who may/may not want to hear it…to “put on our Hog hat and knock on a Longhorn’s door” and invite the people inside to have a change of heart.

On a more basic, everyday level, Jesus is calling us to reach out to those who might differ from us in some way and say, “I serve a Savior who died for the sins of ALL of us…Who loves unconditionally and offers forgiveness and Eternal Life to anyone who will give their heart to Him.”  We are called to treat others as Jesus treats us…and for some of us, that is a tall order!  There is no room for malicious talk, judgment, hateful criticism, discrimination, an air of superiority, or unkindness of any sort.  It’s no wonder that some people put up a wall of defense or get downright nasty when we approach, because our attitude comes across as arrogant, unloving – and anything but “Christian.”

So “put on the whole armor of God” – nothing more or less - and get out there and share Jesus with others.  Demonstrate His love and compassion to each person you meet.  Love them as you wish to be loved – and as He loves you. Carry the Holy Spirit in your heart, and trust that any effort you make with a sincere and obedient faith will make a difference.  We’ll never convince many Longhorn and Aggie fans to “convert” to our side…but with the power of Jesus, we might just win a few souls to God’s Kingdom.  And that’s worth a Woo…Pig! Sooie!...don’t you think?!

©2016 Debbie Robus