2 Corinthians 5:10-12
For we must all stand
before Christ to be judged and have our lives laid bare—before him. Each
of us will receive whatever he deserves for the good or bad things he
has done in his earthly body.
It is because of this solemn fear
of the Lord, which is ever present in our minds, that we work so hard to
win others. God knows our hearts, that they are pure in this matter,
and I hope that, deep within, you really know it too.
Are we
trying to pat ourselves on the back again? No, I am giving you some good
ammunition! You can use this on those preachers of yours who brag about
how well they look and preach but don’t have true and honest hearts.
You can boast about us that we, at least, are well intentioned and
honest.
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’ve been practicing on the children’s
Christmas program for a month now. The first night, things were very
rough. We were all just learning some of the music for the first time.
It’s a mix of traditional Christmas hymns and new songs…but the rhythms
and nuances of each song are a little un-traditional. I am an
assistant to the leader, and I was helping the children with the tempo
of the songs. I admit, I was learning right along with them - and
fumbling more than a little.
Midway through the practice, a first
grader got up and came to me and said, “You need to go home and
practice so that you can learn these songs better and teach them to
us!” And with a “Hmmph!,” the child spun around and sat down again! I
laughed and agreed that yes, I did need to practice and better learn
these variations on the songs. And I’ve done that!
I thought
this was funny. But there were a few people with whom I shared this
story who thought it was appalling. I’ve dealt with enough young
children to know that they speak their mind…and this pretty well goes
with the territory.
Here’s the thing…I could have played the
“adult card” and told this child that I knew better how things should
go. I could have spoken to the child’s mother about how I was
addressed. But neither of these responses would have been appropriate.
Any reaction other than a laugh would indicate that I took myself a
little too seriously. And this is what Paul is telling us in this
scripture passage.
None of us is perfect. We all make mistakes.
Some of us are humble enough to admit that we don’t have all of the
answers…that we need God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness each and every
day. And some of us think we are “all that and a bag of chips”…and we
at least act as if we have no flaws and never make a mess of things!
What
does this say to the person who doesn’t fully understand God’s love and
mercy? When someone who knows that he/she is an imperfect sinner sees a
person who claims to be a Christian - yet operates with a smug
arrogance - what is this person to think about the gift of salvation
through Jesus?
The point is that we must serve God with respect
and humility…knowing that He knows everything we think, say and do – and
we will have to answer for these someday. But we must also demonstrate
confidence that God is merciful and full of grace – and because we have
accepted salvation through the blood of Jesus, the “slate” will be
wiped clean.
We must share this same tender grace and mercy
with others…and give them an example of Christian faith that they want
to claim for themselves. We must give them a reason to confess their
sins before God and ask for His forgiveness. We must be the example
that what God is doing in our lives…He will surely do in the lives of
others. And we can’t do this if we are busy trying to be better than
the other guy.
What does your daily living say about who you are
as a Christian? Do you operate with respect for God and a humble
spirit? Or are you judgmental, arrogant, and a little too smug about
your salvation? People are watching…what are you showing them?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label demonstrating grace mercy forgiveness love and compassion to others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label demonstrating grace mercy forgiveness love and compassion to others. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 30, 2014
1 Corinthians 13:3-10
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
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.
Only a precious friend...and a “sister in Christ” like my dear cousin Natalie...could truly understand how I worry about certain people and situations. For my birthday, she presented me with a leather bracelet that is tooled with this inscription, “only love today”. I am to wear it to remind me of God’s love for me – and for those people and circumstances over which I fret and stew - but cannot control. I’m not supposed to handle these things. I am supposed to remember that God’s got this!
So I’m wearing the bracelet...and looking at its words often throughout the day. I am reminded of tremendous love...the complete, all-encompassing, unselfish, unconditional and perfect love that God provides...and that of a beautiful, Godly cousin who totally “gets” me – and loves me anyway! I am reminded of all of the things in this scripture passage...and the power, grace and mercy of God’s love for me – and through me toward others.
You may not struggle so much with worry over situations and people. You may battle other issues...proper expression of your thoughts and feelings, gossip, jealousy, insecurities, depression, discord or judgment... or something else completely. It doesn’t matter what your challenge is...God’s love can cover it. He can graciously and mercifully wrap His arms around you and handle whatever causes you discomfort or distress. And because of His love...you can “pay it forward” to others.
Here’s your phrase to remember... “only love today”. Even if you don’t wear a leather bracelet inscribed with these words, you can remind yourself throughout the day that God truly IS love. You can vow to operate ONLY in His love today, and always. So let’s do this thing! Let’s fill our “bank accounts” with God’s love and keep it going. Are you in? Ready, set, GO!
©2014 Debbie Robus
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
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.
Only a precious friend...and a “sister in Christ” like my dear cousin Natalie...could truly understand how I worry about certain people and situations. For my birthday, she presented me with a leather bracelet that is tooled with this inscription, “only love today”. I am to wear it to remind me of God’s love for me – and for those people and circumstances over which I fret and stew - but cannot control. I’m not supposed to handle these things. I am supposed to remember that God’s got this!
So I’m wearing the bracelet...and looking at its words often throughout the day. I am reminded of tremendous love...the complete, all-encompassing, unselfish, unconditional and perfect love that God provides...and that of a beautiful, Godly cousin who totally “gets” me – and loves me anyway! I am reminded of all of the things in this scripture passage...and the power, grace and mercy of God’s love for me – and through me toward others.
You may not struggle so much with worry over situations and people. You may battle other issues...proper expression of your thoughts and feelings, gossip, jealousy, insecurities, depression, discord or judgment... or something else completely. It doesn’t matter what your challenge is...God’s love can cover it. He can graciously and mercifully wrap His arms around you and handle whatever causes you discomfort or distress. And because of His love...you can “pay it forward” to others.
Here’s your phrase to remember... “only love today”. Even if you don’t wear a leather bracelet inscribed with these words, you can remind yourself throughout the day that God truly IS love. You can vow to operate ONLY in His love today, and always. So let’s do this thing! Let’s fill our “bank accounts” with God’s love and keep it going. Are you in? Ready, set, GO!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 25, 2014
Ephesians 4:1-6
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My pastor called to tell me that one of our church members, Miss Ollie Fae Jackson, passed away. She was 92 and had lived in a local nursing home for some time now. Our pastor has only lived here for about six years, so he didn’t know much about Miss Jackson and hoped that I might be able to share some memories of her.
Miss Jackson was our high school business teacher for 30 years. She taught my mother and dad, my sister, brother and me - and countless other students – how to type. She also taught accounting, stenography (how to take dictation), and she managed the school newspaper and yearbook production. She was a very tiny woman who sort of reminded me of Popeye’s girlfriend, “Olive Oyl”. Miss Jackson zipped around the classroom and hallways in canvas “Redball Jets” tennis shoes...earning herself the nickname of “Jet Jackson”. She did not approve of this moniker...and many mischievous students reveled in whispering “Jet” within earshot and watching her bristle.
To say that students were not very nice to Miss Jackson at times would be an understatement. One could argue that they were just being kids...and that this was how they coped with her serious attitude and seemingly brusque demeanor. But what none of us realized was that Miss Jackson had a lot of responsibilities...and probably more than a few burdens, too. Her dad passed away in 1951...the year she began her teaching career at our high school. My mother remembers when she learned to drive, which was probably out of necessity to shuttle herself and her mother where they needed to go. Miss Jackson and her mother lived in a really tiny house in the heart of town. Her mother passed away in 1979, and Miss Jackson was her caregiver.
Miss Jackson was always faithfully devoted to her church, and after her retirement from teaching, she turned her attention to caring for family members and people in the community. She cooked and delivered countless meals to those who were sick or in need...and she did this well into her 80s! Very few people knew that she did these things. She was a quiet, humble servant and disciple.
I put a post on Facebook and asked fellow students to share their memories of Miss Jackson. Almost to a person, those who responded credited her with teaching them to type. Many shared stories of how she had helped them or been particularly lenient and kind. One woman shared that Miss Jackson helped her figure out how to type while accounting for the fact that she was missing a thumb!
My point in sharing all of this is to say that this precious servant demonstrated many of the traits of Ephesians 4:1-6. She may not have been particularly gentle with us...but she certainly operated in humility and patience. She put up with the antics and teasing of teenagers and did her best to live in peace with others. She continued to demonstrate love for others even when some did not act very lovingly toward her - and in spite of the hardships and struggles that her peppered her life. It is no surprise that teenagers often do not fully understand the adults who are part of their lives...or appreciate them as fellow human beings. But the grace and mercy of God is evident in people like Miss Jackson, who continue to faithfully pass on these gifts and blessings to others, regardless of how they are treated in return.
To many, it might appear that Miss Jackson didn’t have all that great of a life. She never married, lived in a teeny little house and cared for her aging mother, then lived there alone for almost 40 years as her siblings and other family members passed on and left her behind. But I would argue that Miss Jackson didn’t see it that way at all. In fact, I bet she would tell you how rich, wonderful...and blessed her life was. She recognized the ministry in her life’s work...and she was at peace with the circumstances. And we would do well to emulate her.
True Christian discipleship is not about where we live, how much we have, whether we marry and have children, or our physical appearance. A faith-filled servant demonstrates humility, gentleness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, patience, and love – and displays peace and joy in all circumstances. Miss Jackson projected all of these things...and in doing so, she was more of a teacher than even she realized. Many learned a whole lot more from her than merely typing and bookkeeping!
What have you learned from the “teachers” in your midst? Are you a “teacher” of the Good News of Jesus Christ? When your earthly life ends, how will others remember you? How do they know you now?
©2014 Debbie Robus
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My pastor called to tell me that one of our church members, Miss Ollie Fae Jackson, passed away. She was 92 and had lived in a local nursing home for some time now. Our pastor has only lived here for about six years, so he didn’t know much about Miss Jackson and hoped that I might be able to share some memories of her.
Miss Jackson was our high school business teacher for 30 years. She taught my mother and dad, my sister, brother and me - and countless other students – how to type. She also taught accounting, stenography (how to take dictation), and she managed the school newspaper and yearbook production. She was a very tiny woman who sort of reminded me of Popeye’s girlfriend, “Olive Oyl”. Miss Jackson zipped around the classroom and hallways in canvas “Redball Jets” tennis shoes...earning herself the nickname of “Jet Jackson”. She did not approve of this moniker...and many mischievous students reveled in whispering “Jet” within earshot and watching her bristle.
To say that students were not very nice to Miss Jackson at times would be an understatement. One could argue that they were just being kids...and that this was how they coped with her serious attitude and seemingly brusque demeanor. But what none of us realized was that Miss Jackson had a lot of responsibilities...and probably more than a few burdens, too. Her dad passed away in 1951...the year she began her teaching career at our high school. My mother remembers when she learned to drive, which was probably out of necessity to shuttle herself and her mother where they needed to go. Miss Jackson and her mother lived in a really tiny house in the heart of town. Her mother passed away in 1979, and Miss Jackson was her caregiver.
Miss Jackson was always faithfully devoted to her church, and after her retirement from teaching, she turned her attention to caring for family members and people in the community. She cooked and delivered countless meals to those who were sick or in need...and she did this well into her 80s! Very few people knew that she did these things. She was a quiet, humble servant and disciple.
I put a post on Facebook and asked fellow students to share their memories of Miss Jackson. Almost to a person, those who responded credited her with teaching them to type. Many shared stories of how she had helped them or been particularly lenient and kind. One woman shared that Miss Jackson helped her figure out how to type while accounting for the fact that she was missing a thumb!
My point in sharing all of this is to say that this precious servant demonstrated many of the traits of Ephesians 4:1-6. She may not have been particularly gentle with us...but she certainly operated in humility and patience. She put up with the antics and teasing of teenagers and did her best to live in peace with others. She continued to demonstrate love for others even when some did not act very lovingly toward her - and in spite of the hardships and struggles that her peppered her life. It is no surprise that teenagers often do not fully understand the adults who are part of their lives...or appreciate them as fellow human beings. But the grace and mercy of God is evident in people like Miss Jackson, who continue to faithfully pass on these gifts and blessings to others, regardless of how they are treated in return.
To many, it might appear that Miss Jackson didn’t have all that great of a life. She never married, lived in a teeny little house and cared for her aging mother, then lived there alone for almost 40 years as her siblings and other family members passed on and left her behind. But I would argue that Miss Jackson didn’t see it that way at all. In fact, I bet she would tell you how rich, wonderful...and blessed her life was. She recognized the ministry in her life’s work...and she was at peace with the circumstances. And we would do well to emulate her.
True Christian discipleship is not about where we live, how much we have, whether we marry and have children, or our physical appearance. A faith-filled servant demonstrates humility, gentleness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, patience, and love – and displays peace and joy in all circumstances. Miss Jackson projected all of these things...and in doing so, she was more of a teacher than even she realized. Many learned a whole lot more from her than merely typing and bookkeeping!
What have you learned from the “teachers” in your midst? Are you a “teacher” of the Good News of Jesus Christ? When your earthly life ends, how will others remember you? How do they know you now?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 20, 2014
Colossians 3:12-14
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I used to watch a reality TV show about a professional stylist named Rachel Zoe. Fashion was her “thing”...and her job was to dress some of the world’s most famous people for events and appearances. She combed the world for just the right items of clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories to make her clients look their best...she tried to make them memorable! She wanted people to say, “Rachel Zoe” dressed me...and she ALWAYS makes me look good!
Now I will also have to say that there is often nothing humble about these celebrities...and their stylist is anything but even tempered and quick to forgive offenses! She takes her work personally, and every criticism is an affront to her sense of style - if not her personal self-worth!
I love how The Message translation depicts the fruits of the Spirit as our wardrobe...and how the Apostle Paul tells us that our basic, go-with-anything-never-leave-home-without-it garment is love. And while I may have appeared harshly critical of Rachel Zoe and how her work is ego-driven, I fully acknowledge that we are all exactly like her in many ways.
We are front and center to make the other guy look good or feel better about himself...as long as WE look good in the bargain! If we are honest, there are plenty of times when we reach out to others out of an effort to propel ourselves to the top of the heap and boost our own egos – more than a deep love and concern for anyone else. And heaven help the person who offends us or even attempts to one-up us in some way!
I can’t help but think about Jesus. The more I study Him and get to know Him, the more I see how effectively He operated in these very traits...compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline – and most certainly, LOVE! Yes, there were times when Jesus asserted His position... “Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” (Matthew 16:24) But His proclamation was in a factual context...not a show of arrogance. And let’s face it...Jesus could back up His claim with definitive actions and demonstrations.
I’ve been thinking for a long time that my “closet” needs a good cleaning...both literally, and spiritually. I need to take out the things that fit poorly or are worn and outdated. And maybe you need to do this, too. You may even have some “vanity items” in your closet that need to go...items that say, “Hey, look at me and how special I am!” Maybe you have some attitudes that need to go on the “discard” heap. Maybe you need to add a few things or upgrade your “basics”...especially love and humility.
To be completely truthful, many of the outfits Rachel Zoe assembles for her clients look pretty bad to me. I struggle to see where there is any “style” to them...or where they flatter the person who wears them. And when we do our own “styling” and leave God out of the mix, the results may not be all that attractive, either. There is no time like the present for cleaning up our wardrobes and making a fresh start. And the logical place to begin is with a simple prayer.
Ask God to be your “stylist”...to show you how to weed out the unnecessary garments and accessories... and to pare your “closet” down to His basic “love suit” and only the best accessories and enhancements. When we allow God to “dress” us, we are always in style...and others are blessed in the bargain. What are YOU wearing these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I used to watch a reality TV show about a professional stylist named Rachel Zoe. Fashion was her “thing”...and her job was to dress some of the world’s most famous people for events and appearances. She combed the world for just the right items of clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories to make her clients look their best...she tried to make them memorable! She wanted people to say, “Rachel Zoe” dressed me...and she ALWAYS makes me look good!
Now I will also have to say that there is often nothing humble about these celebrities...and their stylist is anything but even tempered and quick to forgive offenses! She takes her work personally, and every criticism is an affront to her sense of style - if not her personal self-worth!
I love how The Message translation depicts the fruits of the Spirit as our wardrobe...and how the Apostle Paul tells us that our basic, go-with-anything-never-leave-home-without-it garment is love. And while I may have appeared harshly critical of Rachel Zoe and how her work is ego-driven, I fully acknowledge that we are all exactly like her in many ways.
We are front and center to make the other guy look good or feel better about himself...as long as WE look good in the bargain! If we are honest, there are plenty of times when we reach out to others out of an effort to propel ourselves to the top of the heap and boost our own egos – more than a deep love and concern for anyone else. And heaven help the person who offends us or even attempts to one-up us in some way!
I can’t help but think about Jesus. The more I study Him and get to know Him, the more I see how effectively He operated in these very traits...compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline – and most certainly, LOVE! Yes, there were times when Jesus asserted His position... “Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” (Matthew 16:24) But His proclamation was in a factual context...not a show of arrogance. And let’s face it...Jesus could back up His claim with definitive actions and demonstrations.
I’ve been thinking for a long time that my “closet” needs a good cleaning...both literally, and spiritually. I need to take out the things that fit poorly or are worn and outdated. And maybe you need to do this, too. You may even have some “vanity items” in your closet that need to go...items that say, “Hey, look at me and how special I am!” Maybe you have some attitudes that need to go on the “discard” heap. Maybe you need to add a few things or upgrade your “basics”...especially love and humility.
To be completely truthful, many of the outfits Rachel Zoe assembles for her clients look pretty bad to me. I struggle to see where there is any “style” to them...or where they flatter the person who wears them. And when we do our own “styling” and leave God out of the mix, the results may not be all that attractive, either. There is no time like the present for cleaning up our wardrobes and making a fresh start. And the logical place to begin is with a simple prayer.
Ask God to be your “stylist”...to show you how to weed out the unnecessary garments and accessories... and to pare your “closet” down to His basic “love suit” and only the best accessories and enhancements. When we allow God to “dress” us, we are always in style...and others are blessed in the bargain. What are YOU wearing these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 20, 2014
Colossians 1:13-14
God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.
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 afternoon, we took Timothy to see his first movie at a theater...Planes: Fire & Rescue. We had given the children a DVD of the original “Planes” movie for Christmas. So when this sequel came to our local theater, we decided it was time to take a certain 5-year-old for a “real” movie experience! And he loved this animated Disney production.
The star of the movies is “Dusty Crophopper,” a former crop-dusting plane. According to the synopsis provided by Disney for http://IMDb.com ...”When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.”
There are many twists and turns in this 84-minute feature, including a scene where Dusty takes on more than he can handle and crashes into the river rapids...and must be rescued by Blade Ranger. To say that Dusty finds himself in a pit is an understatement. The mercy and compassion of his fellow rescue vehicle are called into play more than once. Let’s just say that while Dusty Crophopper has a good heart and the best of intentions, he seems to have a penchant for bravado...and biting off more than he can chew!
Doesn’t this describe most of us? Aren’t we prone to think we know more than we really do...or that we can tackle things on our own without the assistance of others? How many of us jump into situations with both feet...and consider the ramifications later? More importantly, who among us really stops to spend time in consultation with God about countless choices and decisions each day – both those that seem rather insignificant, and the ones that matter greatly?
Is it any wonder that we often find ourselves in dead-end alleys, dark dungeons, and pits of desperation? Isn’t it also a wonder that God continues to extend HIS grace and mercy – and to rescue us?
Don’t you think it is time that we learned from some of our mistakes and shortcomings? Shouldn’t we turn to the One who loves us so much that He has prepared a whole Kingdom for us? Would you be willing to offer grace, mercy, and rescue to those in your midst, just as surely as God rescues you? When will we realize that God has our back...and we really, really need Him?
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that all turns out well for Dusty Crophopper and his “friends”. But our lives are not an animated Disney movie! All can work out well for us, if we will recognize how Jesus has paid the price for our sins and shortcomings. It’s time to stop repeating the same mistakes and acknowledge that we need a hefty dose of His daily wisdom as much as His grace and mercy. Jesus is the ultimate “Rescue Hero”...have you made Him yours? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.
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 afternoon, we took Timothy to see his first movie at a theater...Planes: Fire & Rescue. We had given the children a DVD of the original “Planes” movie for Christmas. So when this sequel came to our local theater, we decided it was time to take a certain 5-year-old for a “real” movie experience! And he loved this animated Disney production.
The star of the movies is “Dusty Crophopper,” a former crop-dusting plane. According to the synopsis provided by Disney for http://IMDb.com ...”When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.”
There are many twists and turns in this 84-minute feature, including a scene where Dusty takes on more than he can handle and crashes into the river rapids...and must be rescued by Blade Ranger. To say that Dusty finds himself in a pit is an understatement. The mercy and compassion of his fellow rescue vehicle are called into play more than once. Let’s just say that while Dusty Crophopper has a good heart and the best of intentions, he seems to have a penchant for bravado...and biting off more than he can chew!
Doesn’t this describe most of us? Aren’t we prone to think we know more than we really do...or that we can tackle things on our own without the assistance of others? How many of us jump into situations with both feet...and consider the ramifications later? More importantly, who among us really stops to spend time in consultation with God about countless choices and decisions each day – both those that seem rather insignificant, and the ones that matter greatly?
Is it any wonder that we often find ourselves in dead-end alleys, dark dungeons, and pits of desperation? Isn’t it also a wonder that God continues to extend HIS grace and mercy – and to rescue us?
Don’t you think it is time that we learned from some of our mistakes and shortcomings? Shouldn’t we turn to the One who loves us so much that He has prepared a whole Kingdom for us? Would you be willing to offer grace, mercy, and rescue to those in your midst, just as surely as God rescues you? When will we realize that God has our back...and we really, really need Him?
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that all turns out well for Dusty Crophopper and his “friends”. But our lives are not an animated Disney movie! All can work out well for us, if we will recognize how Jesus has paid the price for our sins and shortcomings. It’s time to stop repeating the same mistakes and acknowledge that we need a hefty dose of His daily wisdom as much as His grace and mercy. Jesus is the ultimate “Rescue Hero”...have you made Him yours? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 19, 2014
Acts 4:8-12
With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I’ll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’ Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.”
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 few weeks ago, I signed up to receive e-mails from Christian
author/speaker Jen Hatmaker. Several days ago, I was notified of the
opportunity to be one of 250 bloggers to review an advanced copy of
Hatmaker’s newest book, Interrupted*. This is actually a
rewrite of a Bible study by the same name. I submitted my contact
information...and I was selected to become one of the reviewers. I
received a downloaded copy of the book, and I will be sent a hard copy
in the mail later. In exchange for reading this book, I must post at
least one review of it on my blog (http://auntdebsattic.blogspot.com). I
am more than halfway through the book now, and I have already begun
sharing information to alert readers of a formal book release in August.
Interrupted tells the story of how Jen and Brandon Hatmaker came to redefine their idea of church...how God spoke to them and revealed new (to them) insights into what He wanted the church to be. In other words, God “Interrupted” their cozy “as-we-know-it” Christian faith and challenged them to think differently.
In one particular chapter, the Hatmakers refer to their epiphany as a discovery of “barefoot church”. The Hatmakers were invited to attend an Easter Sunday night service at a small church in a rough area of Austin, Texas. They nervously left their car in a roughshod parking lot and hurried past a weird-looking homeless guy (who turned out to be their speaker in disguise). During one of the opening songs, Brandon Hatmaker had a vision of a homeless guy yelling from the sidewalk, “Hey, give me your boots!”
It so happened that this was an unusually chilly evening in Austin, Texas, and the Hatmakers were both wearing cowboy boots...nice, expensive ones they had given each other for Christmas. As the service ended, the speaker told the group that he had ministered that morning to homeless people in San Antonio. He had asked the homeless what their biggest need was, and they told him...shoes. It seems that homeless people are on their feet a lot, and the shoes they receive from Goodwill and shelters are used – and often worn down. They do not offer adequate support for people who are walking or standing on their feet a lot.
So the speaker said to his group, “...if you want to, you can leave your shoes at the altar when you take Communion. Oh! And leave your socks, too. We’ll wash them and deliver them to the homeless community in San Antonio tomorrow.” Now imagine...there stand this young minister and his author/speaker wife, desperately seeking a closer walk with Jesus...wanting to go “all in” for Him...yet being asked to surrender some expensive, and admittedly treasured possessions – not to mention they would be stepping out into the cold night completely barefoot. But as Jen Hatmaker explains it, she felt Jesus telling her, “I want you and Brandon to figure out what it means to be a barefooted church.” And Brandon Hatmaker says of his earlier vision, “God had spoken loudly and very personally. ‘Yes, Brandon, I’m in this.’”
What does this story have to do with the disciples healing a sick man on the Sabbath? Pretty much everything. Because the disciples who had mercy on a sick man and healed him without any consideration for what day it was served the same Jesus who would have us give up our shoes and go barefooted so that homeless people - who have literally NOTHING - can at least walk more comfortably. Until we start to operate in the grace and mercy of Jesus rather than the ritualistic rules that have governed us for so long...until we step out of our comfort zone when Jesus calls us to do something and listen for HIS voice instead of others’...we won’t truly get it. As Brandon Hatmaker explained it, we need to take the focus off of ourselves and place it on others, specifically “the least of these” as described in Matthew 25 (specifically, verse 45).
Are we “all in” for Jesus? Is He truly our cornerstone...the foundation on which we do everything? Do others really see Him in us? Do they experience His grace and mercy through our words and actions? Or are we so busy keeping up appearances – both personally and as a church – that we have neglected to truly operate in the teachings of Jesus...much less represent Him to others?
How far are you willing to go for Jesus? Would you be able to give up a valuable pair of shoes for Him – much less something more significant? Are you prepared to be judged and ridiculed for your faith in action? Are you ready to be a “barefooted disciple” for the one Who gave His very life for yours? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*Order your copy of Interrupted before July 31st and receive a 20% discount. Click here to order.
With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I’ll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’ Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.”
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 few weeks ago, I signed up to receive e-mails from Christian
author/speaker Jen Hatmaker. Several days ago, I was notified of the
opportunity to be one of 250 bloggers to review an advanced copy of
Hatmaker’s newest book, Interrupted*. This is actually a
rewrite of a Bible study by the same name. I submitted my contact
information...and I was selected to become one of the reviewers. I
received a downloaded copy of the book, and I will be sent a hard copy
in the mail later. In exchange for reading this book, I must post at
least one review of it on my blog (http://auntdebsattic.blogspot.com). I
am more than halfway through the book now, and I have already begun
sharing information to alert readers of a formal book release in August.Interrupted tells the story of how Jen and Brandon Hatmaker came to redefine their idea of church...how God spoke to them and revealed new (to them) insights into what He wanted the church to be. In other words, God “Interrupted” their cozy “as-we-know-it” Christian faith and challenged them to think differently.
In one particular chapter, the Hatmakers refer to their epiphany as a discovery of “barefoot church”. The Hatmakers were invited to attend an Easter Sunday night service at a small church in a rough area of Austin, Texas. They nervously left their car in a roughshod parking lot and hurried past a weird-looking homeless guy (who turned out to be their speaker in disguise). During one of the opening songs, Brandon Hatmaker had a vision of a homeless guy yelling from the sidewalk, “Hey, give me your boots!”
It so happened that this was an unusually chilly evening in Austin, Texas, and the Hatmakers were both wearing cowboy boots...nice, expensive ones they had given each other for Christmas. As the service ended, the speaker told the group that he had ministered that morning to homeless people in San Antonio. He had asked the homeless what their biggest need was, and they told him...shoes. It seems that homeless people are on their feet a lot, and the shoes they receive from Goodwill and shelters are used – and often worn down. They do not offer adequate support for people who are walking or standing on their feet a lot.
So the speaker said to his group, “...if you want to, you can leave your shoes at the altar when you take Communion. Oh! And leave your socks, too. We’ll wash them and deliver them to the homeless community in San Antonio tomorrow.” Now imagine...there stand this young minister and his author/speaker wife, desperately seeking a closer walk with Jesus...wanting to go “all in” for Him...yet being asked to surrender some expensive, and admittedly treasured possessions – not to mention they would be stepping out into the cold night completely barefoot. But as Jen Hatmaker explains it, she felt Jesus telling her, “I want you and Brandon to figure out what it means to be a barefooted church.” And Brandon Hatmaker says of his earlier vision, “God had spoken loudly and very personally. ‘Yes, Brandon, I’m in this.’”
What does this story have to do with the disciples healing a sick man on the Sabbath? Pretty much everything. Because the disciples who had mercy on a sick man and healed him without any consideration for what day it was served the same Jesus who would have us give up our shoes and go barefooted so that homeless people - who have literally NOTHING - can at least walk more comfortably. Until we start to operate in the grace and mercy of Jesus rather than the ritualistic rules that have governed us for so long...until we step out of our comfort zone when Jesus calls us to do something and listen for HIS voice instead of others’...we won’t truly get it. As Brandon Hatmaker explained it, we need to take the focus off of ourselves and place it on others, specifically “the least of these” as described in Matthew 25 (specifically, verse 45).
Are we “all in” for Jesus? Is He truly our cornerstone...the foundation on which we do everything? Do others really see Him in us? Do they experience His grace and mercy through our words and actions? Or are we so busy keeping up appearances – both personally and as a church – that we have neglected to truly operate in the teachings of Jesus...much less represent Him to others?
How far are you willing to go for Jesus? Would you be able to give up a valuable pair of shoes for Him – much less something more significant? Are you prepared to be judged and ridiculed for your faith in action? Are you ready to be a “barefooted disciple” for the one Who gave His very life for yours? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*Order your copy of Interrupted before July 31st and receive a 20% discount. Click here to order.
Daily Devotional for July 18, 2014
Acts 3:17-20
“Dear brothers, I realize that what you did to Jesus was done in ignorance; and the same can be said of your leaders. But God was fulfilling the prophecies that the Messiah must suffer all these things. Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord and send Jesus your Messiah back to you again.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It happens every day...all over the world...in workplaces, among family members and friends, on social media, and yes – in even in our churches. People make snap judgments, say and do hurtful things, and mistreat others out of their own ignorance – or at best, a failure to collect all of the facts beforehand.
Here’s the thing...we would all do well to stop “shooting from the hip” so often. We would be better served to pause, look, listen...and PRAY before we pass judgment, open our mouths, or jump into action. We need to start at the top...and treat our relationship with Jesus more tenderly, reverently and respectfully...then ask Him to help us expand these mercies outwardly in our interactions and associations with others. We should remember that we are representatives of Jesus to the world at large...and when we fail to operate in grace and mercy, we project a false depiction of the love of Christ and the refreshing renewal that He offers to each of us through His blood on the Cross.
We have been given such an incredible gift in the form of salvation through Jesus. His mercies toward us are poured out new every single day – often many times! Now it is our time to share these mercies with others...to turn around and face His cleansing refreshment, receive His restoring love and care – and share it with the world.
Which direction are you facing today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“Dear brothers, I realize that what you did to Jesus was done in ignorance; and the same can be said of your leaders. But God was fulfilling the prophecies that the Messiah must suffer all these things. Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord and send Jesus your Messiah back to you again.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It happens every day...all over the world...in workplaces, among family members and friends, on social media, and yes – in even in our churches. People make snap judgments, say and do hurtful things, and mistreat others out of their own ignorance – or at best, a failure to collect all of the facts beforehand.
- “We wouldn’t need Food Stamps and other forms of public assistance if people would quit being so lazy and get a job.” There is no effort to understand how difficult some families and individuals find it to stretch a dollar while working at a minimum wage job.
- “He has such musical talent...if he really loved the LORD, he’d sing in the choir.” Perhaps this person has a “plate” already so full - and burdens so big - that there simply is not a spare minute to devote to such an activity, even if he wanted to do so!
- “She must not care about her aging mother...I never see her visit, and I’ve noticed that other people are always doing things for this dear woman that her daughter should be doing.” Maybe this person’s needs exceed what the daughter is medically qualified to handle...or maybe she visits at odd hours. Perhaps she has a spouse who is ill...or small children - and a job...and others have offered to step in and help her with these duties. Or perhaps her mother has told her that she does not want her care and “interference”.
- “I don’t understand why that child’s parents allow him/her to look/behave that way...they should try harder.” Perhaps this child has special needs that offer a challenge to everyone concerned with his/her care. Maybe the parents ARE trying...or maybe they need a loving, caring person to offer them gentle, concrete assistance and guidance.
- “Tell your mom that you all need to get to church on time...your family is always late!” Is this really the child’s fault? Does this help get the family to church sooner, or will it make the children feel badly – and irritate the parents that someone nagged them? Shouldn’t this person be glad the children actually came to church, rather than berate them for their tardiness?
- “That kid is just weird. He never does anything with other students. He isn’t all that friendly, and all he does is read or stare into space.” This kid lives with a single mom who has a drug addiction and an eating disorder. He never knows if she will be alive when he returns home. Or perhaps there is abuse and neglect in his home. His heart is heavy...and his mind is full. It’s all he can do to get back and forth to school each day.
Here’s the thing...we would all do well to stop “shooting from the hip” so often. We would be better served to pause, look, listen...and PRAY before we pass judgment, open our mouths, or jump into action. We need to start at the top...and treat our relationship with Jesus more tenderly, reverently and respectfully...then ask Him to help us expand these mercies outwardly in our interactions and associations with others. We should remember that we are representatives of Jesus to the world at large...and when we fail to operate in grace and mercy, we project a false depiction of the love of Christ and the refreshing renewal that He offers to each of us through His blood on the Cross.
We have been given such an incredible gift in the form of salvation through Jesus. His mercies toward us are poured out new every single day – often many times! Now it is our time to share these mercies with others...to turn around and face His cleansing refreshment, receive His restoring love and care – and share it with the world.
Which direction are you facing today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 17, 2014
Acts 10:42-43
God told us to announce clearly to the people that Jesus is the one he has chosen to judge the living and the dead. Every one of the prophets has said that all who have faith in Jesus will have their sins forgiven in his name.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were sitting at the VBS closing one night, and Timothy asked, “What does Jesus look like?” I explained that we really don’t know…because He lived a long, long time ago. But some people think Jesus had long hair and wore something called a robe…sort of like a man’s dress or a long shirt. His next question is, “But where IS Jesus?” I told him that Jesus lives in Heaven – with Mam-ma Polly – but His spirit lives in our heart…that He is always with us, sees everything we do and hears everything we say. “But we can’t SEE Him!” Timothy protested. No, I explained, He is with us like a spirit. I asked if he knew what a spirit was…sort of like a ghost. He nodded yes. “Well, this is how Jesus’ spirit lives in our heart with us.” “Okay!” Timothy said happily. He was more satisfied with my answers than I was!
Explaining Jesus to a small child is a challenge at best. You don’t want to say the wrong thing and make Jesus out to be some sort of cartoon character or magic fairy…but you have to describe Him in relatable terms that a child can understand. I’ll be honest…describing Jesus to grown-ups isn’t a whole lot easier!
What we can tell children of all ages is how much Jesus loves us. We can talk about His grace, mercy, compassion, and incredible sacrifice on our behalf. We can share His promises of being reunited in Heaven someday – of spending all eternity in His presence. And we can talk about how Jesus fills our heart and guides our steps each and every day.
Faith is an incredibly nebulous concept. People tell us to have faith that Jesus is with us…to trust that God will heal our bodies and those of our friends and loved ones…to have confidence that Jesus is coming back someday…to believe that Jesus died for our sins, and that all we have to do is invite Him to be our LORD and Savior, and we are guaranteed to spend Eternity in His presence. But all we have is the word of another…and the scriptures. We operate 100% on what we have been told by other people – and what we sense is true in our heart…our only visible example is that of believers and disciples among us who strive to emulate Jesus on a daily basis. It’s no wonder that we wonder…and sometimes doubt!
We must be merciful and tender toward those who question. We must demonstrate our own faithfulness to others. We must encourage them and give them reason to believe what they read and hear about Jesus as they observe how we demonstrate grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and compassion in His name. We must confidently declare that Jesus is real…and that His Holy Spirit is alive and well within us. And we must encourage child-like acceptance of these declarations and offerings.
Questions are normal…and necessary. But we Christians have to be ready with confident answers and a heavy dose of God’s grace and mercy. Are you prepared? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
God told us to announce clearly to the people that Jesus is the one he has chosen to judge the living and the dead. Every one of the prophets has said that all who have faith in Jesus will have their sins forgiven in his name.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were sitting at the VBS closing one night, and Timothy asked, “What does Jesus look like?” I explained that we really don’t know…because He lived a long, long time ago. But some people think Jesus had long hair and wore something called a robe…sort of like a man’s dress or a long shirt. His next question is, “But where IS Jesus?” I told him that Jesus lives in Heaven – with Mam-ma Polly – but His spirit lives in our heart…that He is always with us, sees everything we do and hears everything we say. “But we can’t SEE Him!” Timothy protested. No, I explained, He is with us like a spirit. I asked if he knew what a spirit was…sort of like a ghost. He nodded yes. “Well, this is how Jesus’ spirit lives in our heart with us.” “Okay!” Timothy said happily. He was more satisfied with my answers than I was!
Explaining Jesus to a small child is a challenge at best. You don’t want to say the wrong thing and make Jesus out to be some sort of cartoon character or magic fairy…but you have to describe Him in relatable terms that a child can understand. I’ll be honest…describing Jesus to grown-ups isn’t a whole lot easier!
What we can tell children of all ages is how much Jesus loves us. We can talk about His grace, mercy, compassion, and incredible sacrifice on our behalf. We can share His promises of being reunited in Heaven someday – of spending all eternity in His presence. And we can talk about how Jesus fills our heart and guides our steps each and every day.
Faith is an incredibly nebulous concept. People tell us to have faith that Jesus is with us…to trust that God will heal our bodies and those of our friends and loved ones…to have confidence that Jesus is coming back someday…to believe that Jesus died for our sins, and that all we have to do is invite Him to be our LORD and Savior, and we are guaranteed to spend Eternity in His presence. But all we have is the word of another…and the scriptures. We operate 100% on what we have been told by other people – and what we sense is true in our heart…our only visible example is that of believers and disciples among us who strive to emulate Jesus on a daily basis. It’s no wonder that we wonder…and sometimes doubt!
We must be merciful and tender toward those who question. We must demonstrate our own faithfulness to others. We must encourage them and give them reason to believe what they read and hear about Jesus as they observe how we demonstrate grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and compassion in His name. We must confidently declare that Jesus is real…and that His Holy Spirit is alive and well within us. And we must encourage child-like acceptance of these declarations and offerings.
Questions are normal…and necessary. But we Christians have to be ready with confident answers and a heavy dose of God’s grace and mercy. Are you prepared? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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