John 3:16-18
“This is how much God loved the
world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that
no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole
and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son
merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He
came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is
acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under
the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s
failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to
him.
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 morning, I read a harrowing
newspaper account of the confession from a man who abducted, sexually
assaulted, and murdered 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling on October 22,
1989, in a field near Minneapolis, Minnesota. The assailant recently
led authorities to the little boy’s remains, 27 years after the crime
was committed. I tried to put myself in the shoes of Jacob’s parents,
and I was moved to tears as I thought of them listening to this man’s
confession and picturing their little boy…frightened and alone as a
deranged man kidnapped and abused him, then put a gun to his head and
pulled the trigger.
Whether we are eleven or one hundred and
eleven, there will be things in life that happen to us that we cannot
control. I realize that parents - and adults who love children like
their own - cannot be with them 24/7. I understand that there will be
good AND bad things that will happen to those we love, and we won’t be
there to revel in the joys…or to protect them from dangers – and even
moments of fear and panic. If you let your mind dwell on these things,
it can become overwhelming.
Instead, I consider John 3:16-18, in
which we are promised that God loved the world so much that He allowed
HIS only Son to enter into it and be subjected to all sorts of
encounters and experiences…both incredibly good – and unimaginably bad.
But God never left Jesus. He was with Him through every single moment.
And the GOOD NEWS is that because of this, God never leaves us. He is
with us in the form of His Holy Spirit, now and forevermore.
Even
when you or I cannot be with our children (of any age), God is there.
When a loved one draws his/her last breath – and there is nothing we can
do about it – God is with them. God is with us for our highest
highs…and our lowest lows…and everything in between. He loves us SO
much that He was willing to sacrifice HIS son in order that this might
be the case. We must learn trust Him and live in His presence.
I
won’t pretend that this is an easy – or instant – “fix”…that once we
invite Jesus into our hearts, we are immediately able to surrender every
single thought, experience, and emotion to Him. And certainly, for a
child the age of Jacob Wetterling, it might be asking too much to hope
that He had the spiritual maturity to call on God in this instance. But
I have to believe that God did flood this child’s heart with a
supernatural calm and peace. I am confident that we are commissioned to
instill in others the faith and assurance that God loves us so much that
He is with us in every situation…and we must especially do this for our
children.
Many will ask, “If God loves us so much, why does He
allow suffering and the occurrence of horrific atrocities?” My honest
answer is that “I don’t know.” But I know that God does not do this to
be cruel…that He suffers with us in these things. I also know that God
rescues and redeems - and never wastes any experience.
In the
case of Jacob Wetterling, his mother became a national advocate for
missing children. And in 1994, a federal law, named after Jacob, was
enacted that requires all states to establish registries for sex
offenders. If we really begin to look at the big picture, we see how
God knits together all sorts of experiences for outcomes we couldn’t
even imagine…because of His incredible love for us.
The best gift
we will ever receive is salvation through Jesus Christ – and the
continual presence of His Holy Spirit. The best gift we can give
another person is a demonstration of this love and presence in action in
our own daily living. We must demonstrate that God is with us in each
circumstance…that He loves us SO much that He sent Jesus to take our
sins and show us how to fully live with faith and hope in His promises.
Have
you accepted God’s “love gift?” Do you live in His presence on a daily
basis? Don’t you want to? Are you ready to look for God in all
situations and trust Him to surround you with His power and peace? Will
this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label demonstrating the love of Christ to others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label demonstrating the love of Christ to others. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 4, 2016
Ephesians 5:2
Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to 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 morning, Nathan brushed the crumbs from his lunch onto the kitchen floor. I fussed at him and told him…”This does not make me happy. When you finish eating, we’re going to pick all of that up and put it into your napkin to throw away.” I looked into his little face, and I saw a look of devastation. His eyes welled with tears, and his lip swelled and protruded. I know that this can sometimes be a manipulative ploy by children to get out of a troubling situation. But this little guy was genuinely crushed to think that I was not happy with him.
I hugged Nathan and told him, “It will be okay…we’ll pick up together…but you cannot ever throw your food on the floor again. That is not nice, and it does not make me happy.” Nathan softened a bit, but then he looked at me and said, “You cannot ever act like that again!” I had to turn away so that he would not see how hard I was trying to stifle a laugh! At the end of the day, we do love these little ones…even in the “teachable moments.”
When Nathan finished eating, we cleaned up the floor together. And I gently reminded him that this was never to happen again, although I am sure we will have to repeat this lesson a few more times. And this is exactly how it is with Jesus. He has to tell us repeatedly how to live…remind us not to sin…and help us clean up the mess we make of our lives. Jesus is probably disappointed with many of us – myself among them – on an hourly basis. But still, He loves us so much that He was willing to be beaten, tortured, and crucified so that we would not have to carry the burden of our sins any longer.
As much as I love Timothy, Zola and Nathan - and many other “children” of all ages - my love does not even begin to come close to that of Jesus. He loves us in ways that we will never be able to comprehend. BUT…God wants us to TRY to love like Jesus - to see others as His creatures…just as precious in His eyes as we are. God wants us to share the Good News of Christ with all others…to be accepting and encompassing – forgiving and compassionate.
It’s hard to emulate Jesus when someone is getting on your last nerve – or even saying/doing something to cause you actual harm. But all we have to do is look at His example…and we know that this is what we are called to do. So who will you help pick up the crumbs today? How will you demonstrate the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus to others? Are you ready to go “full in” as a disciple of Christ – and share His teachings by putting them into actual practice? Isn’t it time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to 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 morning, Nathan brushed the crumbs from his lunch onto the kitchen floor. I fussed at him and told him…”This does not make me happy. When you finish eating, we’re going to pick all of that up and put it into your napkin to throw away.” I looked into his little face, and I saw a look of devastation. His eyes welled with tears, and his lip swelled and protruded. I know that this can sometimes be a manipulative ploy by children to get out of a troubling situation. But this little guy was genuinely crushed to think that I was not happy with him.
I hugged Nathan and told him, “It will be okay…we’ll pick up together…but you cannot ever throw your food on the floor again. That is not nice, and it does not make me happy.” Nathan softened a bit, but then he looked at me and said, “You cannot ever act like that again!” I had to turn away so that he would not see how hard I was trying to stifle a laugh! At the end of the day, we do love these little ones…even in the “teachable moments.”
When Nathan finished eating, we cleaned up the floor together. And I gently reminded him that this was never to happen again, although I am sure we will have to repeat this lesson a few more times. And this is exactly how it is with Jesus. He has to tell us repeatedly how to live…remind us not to sin…and help us clean up the mess we make of our lives. Jesus is probably disappointed with many of us – myself among them – on an hourly basis. But still, He loves us so much that He was willing to be beaten, tortured, and crucified so that we would not have to carry the burden of our sins any longer.
As much as I love Timothy, Zola and Nathan - and many other “children” of all ages - my love does not even begin to come close to that of Jesus. He loves us in ways that we will never be able to comprehend. BUT…God wants us to TRY to love like Jesus - to see others as His creatures…just as precious in His eyes as we are. God wants us to share the Good News of Christ with all others…to be accepting and encompassing – forgiving and compassionate.
It’s hard to emulate Jesus when someone is getting on your last nerve – or even saying/doing something to cause you actual harm. But all we have to do is look at His example…and we know that this is what we are called to do. So who will you help pick up the crumbs today? How will you demonstrate the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus to others? Are you ready to go “full in” as a disciple of Christ – and share His teachings by putting them into actual practice? Isn’t it time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 4, 2016
Ephesians 5:2
Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to 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 morning, Nathan brushed the crumbs from his lunch onto the kitchen floor. I fussed at him and told him…”This does not make me happy. When you finish eating, we’re going to pick all of that up and put it into your napkin to throw away.” I looked into his little face, and I saw a look of devastation. His eyes welled with tears, and his lip swelled and protruded. I know that this can sometimes be a manipulative ploy by children to get out of a troubling situation. But this little guy was genuinely crushed to think that I was not happy with him.
I hugged Nathan and told him, “It will be okay…we’ll pick up together…but you cannot ever throw your food on the floor again. That is not nice, and it does not make me happy.” Nathan softened a bit, but then he looked at me and said, “You cannot ever act like that again!” I had to turn away so that he would not see how hard I was trying to stifle a laugh! At the end of the day, we do love these little ones…even in the “teachable moments.”
When Nathan finished eating, we cleaned up the floor together. And I gently reminded him that this was never to happen again, although I am sure we will have to repeat this lesson a few more times. And this is exactly how it is with Jesus. He has to tell us repeatedly how to live…remind us not to sin…and help us clean up the mess we make of our lives. Jesus is probably disappointed with many of us – myself among them – on an hourly basis. But still, He loves us so much that He was willing to be beaten, tortured, and crucified so that we would not have to carry the burden of our sins any longer.
As much as I love Timothy, Zola and Nathan - and many other “children” of all ages - my love does not even begin to come close to that of Jesus. He loves us in ways that we will never be able to comprehend. BUT…God wants us to TRY to love like Jesus - to see others as His creatures…just as precious in His eyes as we are. God wants us to share the Good News of Christ with all others…to be accepting and encompassing – forgiving and compassionate.
It’s hard to emulate Jesus when someone is getting on your last nerve – or even saying/doing something to cause you actual harm. But all we have to do is look at His example…and we know that this is what we are called to do. So who will you help pick up the crumbs today? How will you demonstrate the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus to others? Are you ready to go “full in” as a disciple of Christ – and share His teachings by putting them into actual practice? Isn’t it time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to 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 morning, Nathan brushed the crumbs from his lunch onto the kitchen floor. I fussed at him and told him…”This does not make me happy. When you finish eating, we’re going to pick all of that up and put it into your napkin to throw away.” I looked into his little face, and I saw a look of devastation. His eyes welled with tears, and his lip swelled and protruded. I know that this can sometimes be a manipulative ploy by children to get out of a troubling situation. But this little guy was genuinely crushed to think that I was not happy with him.
I hugged Nathan and told him, “It will be okay…we’ll pick up together…but you cannot ever throw your food on the floor again. That is not nice, and it does not make me happy.” Nathan softened a bit, but then he looked at me and said, “You cannot ever act like that again!” I had to turn away so that he would not see how hard I was trying to stifle a laugh! At the end of the day, we do love these little ones…even in the “teachable moments.”
When Nathan finished eating, we cleaned up the floor together. And I gently reminded him that this was never to happen again, although I am sure we will have to repeat this lesson a few more times. And this is exactly how it is with Jesus. He has to tell us repeatedly how to live…remind us not to sin…and help us clean up the mess we make of our lives. Jesus is probably disappointed with many of us – myself among them – on an hourly basis. But still, He loves us so much that He was willing to be beaten, tortured, and crucified so that we would not have to carry the burden of our sins any longer.
As much as I love Timothy, Zola and Nathan - and many other “children” of all ages - my love does not even begin to come close to that of Jesus. He loves us in ways that we will never be able to comprehend. BUT…God wants us to TRY to love like Jesus - to see others as His creatures…just as precious in His eyes as we are. God wants us to share the Good News of Christ with all others…to be accepting and encompassing – forgiving and compassionate.
It’s hard to emulate Jesus when someone is getting on your last nerve – or even saying/doing something to cause you actual harm. But all we have to do is look at His example…and we know that this is what we are called to do. So who will you help pick up the crumbs today? How will you demonstrate the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus to others? Are you ready to go “full in” as a disciple of Christ – and share His teachings by putting them into actual practice? Isn’t it time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 14, 2016
John 10:14-18
“I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They’ll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd.
This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
It’s Valentine’s Day…the day when expressions of love flow freely between almost all of us. Flowers, candy, jewelry and more cards than can be counted are exchanged between people of all ages. According to an article at Money.com, the average amount many will spend on Valentine’s Day this year is nearly $150. And the words written on Valentine cards run the gamut from the silly to the sappy…but the general gist of most is that the recipient has captured our hearts!
In this scripture passage, Jesus is telling us that He has captured God’s heart…and God has captured His. More than that…WE have captured His heart…and He wants to capture ours. Jesus knows us intimately – and He wants us to know Him just as well. Going one step further…Jesus wants us to share this love with others…to develop a deep, abiding affection for others that mimics His love for us. In this manner, we can demonstrate to them how much God loves us - and create in them a desire to become part of the flock.
If God sent us a Valentine, I imagine it might feature Jesus gathering His flock of sheep, with Ephesians 3:18 written across the front…” And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love.”
God wants us to be His …and to so clearly demonstrate to the world how special this relationship is that others can’t help but want to join in, also. His love is incredible and vast - and there is room for all of us. This is GREAT NEWS!
1 John 4:19 reminds us that…”First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.” Who do you love…and how will you show it? Will you demonstrate your love for God today…and will you share His love with others? You don’t have to spend $150 to do this. There are countless ways to express your affection and appreciation for God and others. Which ones will you choose today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They’ll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd.
This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
It’s Valentine’s Day…the day when expressions of love flow freely between almost all of us. Flowers, candy, jewelry and more cards than can be counted are exchanged between people of all ages. According to an article at Money.com, the average amount many will spend on Valentine’s Day this year is nearly $150. And the words written on Valentine cards run the gamut from the silly to the sappy…but the general gist of most is that the recipient has captured our hearts!
In this scripture passage, Jesus is telling us that He has captured God’s heart…and God has captured His. More than that…WE have captured His heart…and He wants to capture ours. Jesus knows us intimately – and He wants us to know Him just as well. Going one step further…Jesus wants us to share this love with others…to develop a deep, abiding affection for others that mimics His love for us. In this manner, we can demonstrate to them how much God loves us - and create in them a desire to become part of the flock.
If God sent us a Valentine, I imagine it might feature Jesus gathering His flock of sheep, with Ephesians 3:18 written across the front…” And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love.”
God wants us to be His …and to so clearly demonstrate to the world how special this relationship is that others can’t help but want to join in, also. His love is incredible and vast - and there is room for all of us. This is GREAT NEWS!
1 John 4:19 reminds us that…”First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.” Who do you love…and how will you show it? Will you demonstrate your love for God today…and will you share His love with others? You don’t have to spend $150 to do this. There are countless ways to express your affection and appreciation for God and others. Which ones will you choose today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 19, 2015
Proverbs 15:1
A kind answer
soothes angry feelings,
but harsh words
stir them up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Headline on the front cover of the October 2010 edition of Tails magazine: “Rachel Ray finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog.” Oh, the difference a comma or two can make!
So often, it’s not just what we say…but how we say it. We are masters at filling our mouths with our feet. And sometimes, the difference between “kind answers” and “harsh words” is just a matter of a comma…a few seconds…a quick prayer…10 breaths…time to think over what we are about to say. I am as guilty of this as the next person, so this is as much a message for me as it is for you or anyone else.
God wants us to be thoughtful…intentional…to choose our words wisely and carefully. He wants us to soothe angry feelings, not stir them up. God wants us to be agents of peace and joy…to operate in His love for every other person. And we cannot do this if we are creating feelings of anger and outrage.
Look…everyone has opinions. And yours may differ from someone else’s. But the attitude with which you present yours may be the catalyst for either a mutual understanding – or a major fiasco. You may have already inadvertently damaged a friendship or acquaintance by your words and actions. Or you may have been the vehicle for a mended relationship by the way you spoke and/or acted with kindness and consideration for all concerned.
I am asking God to help me operate in the kindness lane…to be someone who offers answers that soothe feelings and demonstrate His love and care for ALL people. My prayer is that you will do the same. Together, we can make a change in the overall “vibe” of the atmosphere that surrounds us. We can be the “comma” that makes all the difference. It begins with each one of us and our thoughts, words and actions. Are you willing to do your part? Will you ask God to help you begin today?
©2015 Debbie Robus
A kind answer
soothes angry feelings,
but harsh words
stir them up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Headline on the front cover of the October 2010 edition of Tails magazine: “Rachel Ray finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog.” Oh, the difference a comma or two can make!
So often, it’s not just what we say…but how we say it. We are masters at filling our mouths with our feet. And sometimes, the difference between “kind answers” and “harsh words” is just a matter of a comma…a few seconds…a quick prayer…10 breaths…time to think over what we are about to say. I am as guilty of this as the next person, so this is as much a message for me as it is for you or anyone else.
God wants us to be thoughtful…intentional…to choose our words wisely and carefully. He wants us to soothe angry feelings, not stir them up. God wants us to be agents of peace and joy…to operate in His love for every other person. And we cannot do this if we are creating feelings of anger and outrage.
Look…everyone has opinions. And yours may differ from someone else’s. But the attitude with which you present yours may be the catalyst for either a mutual understanding – or a major fiasco. You may have already inadvertently damaged a friendship or acquaintance by your words and actions. Or you may have been the vehicle for a mended relationship by the way you spoke and/or acted with kindness and consideration for all concerned.
I am asking God to help me operate in the kindness lane…to be someone who offers answers that soothe feelings and demonstrate His love and care for ALL people. My prayer is that you will do the same. Together, we can make a change in the overall “vibe” of the atmosphere that surrounds us. We can be the “comma” that makes all the difference. It begins with each one of us and our thoughts, words and actions. Are you willing to do your part? Will you ask God to help you begin today?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 12, 2015
Hebrews 10:26-31
If we give up and turn our backs on all we’ve learned, all we’ve been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ’s sacrifice and are left on our own to face the Judgment—and a mighty fierce judgment it will be! If the penalty for breaking the law of Moses is physical death, what do you think will happen if you turn on God’s Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit? This is no light matter. God has warned us that he’ll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite explicit: “Vengeance is mine, and I won’t overlook a thing” and “God will judge his people.” Nobody’s getting by with anything, believe me.
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.
When I was teaching kindergarten, my all-time favorite “film” to share with my students was Marlo Thomas’ production of Free to Be…You and Me. I had to order it from the Arkansas Department of Education’s film library, and it was so popular that I sometimes waited all year for our “turn” to arrive. This “film” is now available on DVD*, and I recently gave Timothy, Zola and Nathan a copy. The illustrations of presenting a positive image and being who God called you to be (although Thomas does not reference God directly), are invaluable.
Thomas included several stories by a well-known children’s author, Maurice Sendak…such as “Where the Wild Things Are,” and “Pierre.” The latter story is a really good lesson for the children in attitude. It begins…”There once was a boy named Pierre…who only would say, ‘I don’t care!’” Pierre doesn’t care about anything, and as a result, he ends up being eaten by a lion! In the end, the lion spits him out, but the adventure that ensues in the meantime is captivating and instructive!
And so it is with us as Christians. Too many of us have looked God square in the eye and said, “I don’t care!” And just as the storybook character’s choice led to a disastrous result, this sort of attitude will have the same outcome for us.
Don’t confuse sin with denial. We will all sin. All who have been saved by the blood of Jesus will need to stay continually close and repeatedly beg for His forgiveness – because we are human, and the devil is persistent. But to consciously deny Jesus…to turn our backs on Him and say, “I’m done with You,” or “I don’t care!” is to invalidate the incredible sacrifice that He made for each of us - and God will not stand for this! If you accept salvation through Jesus Christ and then throw it away…you are discarding everything…God’s blessings…His forgiveness…and ultimately, the gift of Eternity in Paradise.
In the last pages of the children’s story, Pierre decides that he cares greatly! And the lion spits him out, and all is forgiven. The last line of the book is, “The moral of ‘Pierre’ is…CARE!” The moral of our story is to care…about Jesus…about His gift of salvation…and about our attitude and our demonstration of faith to others. Every day, we must let His light shine through us. We must show God AND the world that we care about Jesus greatly…and never turn our backs on all that we have learned.
We are not little boys with bad attitudes…or we shouldn’t be! Are you showing God and others know how much you care? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* http://www.amazon.com/Free-Be-You-Marlo-Thomas/dp/B0042DN4TU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434121102&sr=8-1&keywords=free+to+be+you+and+me+dvd
If we give up and turn our backs on all we’ve learned, all we’ve been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ’s sacrifice and are left on our own to face the Judgment—and a mighty fierce judgment it will be! If the penalty for breaking the law of Moses is physical death, what do you think will happen if you turn on God’s Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit? This is no light matter. God has warned us that he’ll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite explicit: “Vengeance is mine, and I won’t overlook a thing” and “God will judge his people.” Nobody’s getting by with anything, believe me.
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.
When I was teaching kindergarten, my all-time favorite “film” to share with my students was Marlo Thomas’ production of Free to Be…You and Me. I had to order it from the Arkansas Department of Education’s film library, and it was so popular that I sometimes waited all year for our “turn” to arrive. This “film” is now available on DVD*, and I recently gave Timothy, Zola and Nathan a copy. The illustrations of presenting a positive image and being who God called you to be (although Thomas does not reference God directly), are invaluable.
Thomas included several stories by a well-known children’s author, Maurice Sendak…such as “Where the Wild Things Are,” and “Pierre.” The latter story is a really good lesson for the children in attitude. It begins…”There once was a boy named Pierre…who only would say, ‘I don’t care!’” Pierre doesn’t care about anything, and as a result, he ends up being eaten by a lion! In the end, the lion spits him out, but the adventure that ensues in the meantime is captivating and instructive!
And so it is with us as Christians. Too many of us have looked God square in the eye and said, “I don’t care!” And just as the storybook character’s choice led to a disastrous result, this sort of attitude will have the same outcome for us.
Don’t confuse sin with denial. We will all sin. All who have been saved by the blood of Jesus will need to stay continually close and repeatedly beg for His forgiveness – because we are human, and the devil is persistent. But to consciously deny Jesus…to turn our backs on Him and say, “I’m done with You,” or “I don’t care!” is to invalidate the incredible sacrifice that He made for each of us - and God will not stand for this! If you accept salvation through Jesus Christ and then throw it away…you are discarding everything…God’s blessings…His forgiveness…and ultimately, the gift of Eternity in Paradise.
In the last pages of the children’s story, Pierre decides that he cares greatly! And the lion spits him out, and all is forgiven. The last line of the book is, “The moral of ‘Pierre’ is…CARE!” The moral of our story is to care…about Jesus…about His gift of salvation…and about our attitude and our demonstration of faith to others. Every day, we must let His light shine through us. We must show God AND the world that we care about Jesus greatly…and never turn our backs on all that we have learned.
We are not little boys with bad attitudes…or we shouldn’t be! Are you showing God and others know how much you care? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* http://www.amazon.com/Free-Be-You-Marlo-Thomas/dp/B0042DN4TU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434121102&sr=8-1&keywords=free+to+be+you+and+me+dvd
Daily Devotional for April 29, 2015
1 Peter 1:23
For you have a new life. It was not passed on to you from your parents, for the life they gave you will fade away. This new one will last forever, for it comes from Christ, God’s ever-living Message to men.
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 scanning old photographs recently…and taking a trip down “Memory Lane” in the process. As I look back over the years at pictures of my family members, I’ve thought a lot about how certain people have played significant roles in my life…special times we have shared…and the “life lessons” they have provided.
My own parents have been “accomplished” in many ways. My dad was talented and creative…and he never met a stranger. Half of the wrought iron and metal work in this county was probably created by my daddy in his welding shop – and designed on a paper napkin as he ate a bologna sandwich for lunch! He could literally put out fires as a volunteer fireman, or console grieving families in his role as a funeral director. My dad was the ultimate jack-of-all-trades…and I thought there was nothing that he couldn’t do.
Countless children got their “start” at the feet of my mother as she taught kindergarten, both in our home and then in the public schools. She is responsible for the musical foundation of more than one accomplished pianist or organist, including the woman who been the heart and soul our local public school music program for over 40 years. Mother is a well-known and respected writer… author of seven books to date. “Granny”, as the kids call her, is known for her tuna casserole, chicken pie, pimiento cheese and sweet potatoes with marshmallows. And she is a “documented” dog lover. Countless people know her as the lady whose dogs walked HER all over town!
My parents gave me a wonderful start in life…and I am proud of both of them. But they gave me something else that is far more important…an example of what it means to have New Life in Christ. In recent years, I have gained a new appreciation for how both of my parents embraced Jesus and served Him…not only through service to their church and its missions – but in the community at large. None of us is perfect, but my parents both have reputations for loving and encouraging others, demonstrating tremendous faith and courage in the face of crises and difficulties, and recognizing that their New Life in Christ is the one that truly matters.
Here’s the thing…we can have great parents who give us tremendous examples of how to live well. We can be nurtured, encouraged, trained and inspired by them and other “parental figures” in our lives…and we can turn out to be pretty great people, by all accounts. But if we are not reborn in Christ Jesus, none of it matters. You can have the best parents in the world, but if you don’t claim your place as a child of the Most High God, you can’t truly “live”. And we must “pay this forward” and encourage others to invite Jesus to live in our hearts…and join His heavenly family, as well.
I am so very grateful for all that my parents have given me. But at the same time, I am even more indebted to Jesus for what HE did for me…how He suffered, bled and died for my sins…how He came to earth to show us how to truly live. And I am convicted that we who are His children are called to tell others about the New Life that Jesus offers…to encourage others to be reborn in Him and secure THEIR place at His heavenly table forever and ever.
The question we have to ask ourselves is which life we are living…the one our natural parents gave us…or the one secured for us by Jesus Christ. Your answer matters…for all Eternity. Which “life” will you choose?
©2015 Debbie Robus
For you have a new life. It was not passed on to you from your parents, for the life they gave you will fade away. This new one will last forever, for it comes from Christ, God’s ever-living Message to men.
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 scanning old photographs recently…and taking a trip down “Memory Lane” in the process. As I look back over the years at pictures of my family members, I’ve thought a lot about how certain people have played significant roles in my life…special times we have shared…and the “life lessons” they have provided.
My own parents have been “accomplished” in many ways. My dad was talented and creative…and he never met a stranger. Half of the wrought iron and metal work in this county was probably created by my daddy in his welding shop – and designed on a paper napkin as he ate a bologna sandwich for lunch! He could literally put out fires as a volunteer fireman, or console grieving families in his role as a funeral director. My dad was the ultimate jack-of-all-trades…and I thought there was nothing that he couldn’t do.
Countless children got their “start” at the feet of my mother as she taught kindergarten, both in our home and then in the public schools. She is responsible for the musical foundation of more than one accomplished pianist or organist, including the woman who been the heart and soul our local public school music program for over 40 years. Mother is a well-known and respected writer… author of seven books to date. “Granny”, as the kids call her, is known for her tuna casserole, chicken pie, pimiento cheese and sweet potatoes with marshmallows. And she is a “documented” dog lover. Countless people know her as the lady whose dogs walked HER all over town!
My parents gave me a wonderful start in life…and I am proud of both of them. But they gave me something else that is far more important…an example of what it means to have New Life in Christ. In recent years, I have gained a new appreciation for how both of my parents embraced Jesus and served Him…not only through service to their church and its missions – but in the community at large. None of us is perfect, but my parents both have reputations for loving and encouraging others, demonstrating tremendous faith and courage in the face of crises and difficulties, and recognizing that their New Life in Christ is the one that truly matters.
Here’s the thing…we can have great parents who give us tremendous examples of how to live well. We can be nurtured, encouraged, trained and inspired by them and other “parental figures” in our lives…and we can turn out to be pretty great people, by all accounts. But if we are not reborn in Christ Jesus, none of it matters. You can have the best parents in the world, but if you don’t claim your place as a child of the Most High God, you can’t truly “live”. And we must “pay this forward” and encourage others to invite Jesus to live in our hearts…and join His heavenly family, as well.
I am so very grateful for all that my parents have given me. But at the same time, I am even more indebted to Jesus for what HE did for me…how He suffered, bled and died for my sins…how He came to earth to show us how to truly live. And I am convicted that we who are His children are called to tell others about the New Life that Jesus offers…to encourage others to be reborn in Him and secure THEIR place at His heavenly table forever and ever.
The question we have to ask ourselves is which life we are living…the one our natural parents gave us…or the one secured for us by Jesus Christ. Your answer matters…for all Eternity. Which “life” will you choose?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 8, 2015
February 8 ~ Colossians 1:9-12
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We went to the park to play after church and lunch, and of course, the children wanted to swing. I think Timothy and Zola love swings as much as any children I’ve ever known. Today, Zola said, “I’ll swing myself!” She was adamant…until she could not make herself go back and forth as she had hoped. Try as she might to “push and pull”, the swing stayed pretty well stationary…and she called for some help to get the swing going!
When it comes to our relationship with God, we are a lot like the little kid who wants to do it all herself. We ought to be able to figure it all out on our own. We have a Bible…we know how to pray…what else is needed? There are two parts to the answer: 1) developing our faith and fellowship with God takes time and practice… and 2) one of the greatest blessings of being a Christian lies in the support of fellow believers. So as others pray for us and encourage us in our understanding of God and communion with Him, we are strengthened and nurtured. Our wisdom, discernment, and confidence grow. We find joy in the love and fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ who join us in corporate and collective worship.
There is nothing wrong with needing a little “push” from time to time. All Christians need an occasional cheerleader - and the prayers of their fellow believers. Take joy and comfort in knowing that others pray for you and undergird your efforts to walk with Christ. Pay it forward by praying for your fellow Christians and offering them encouragement and insight whenever possible and/or appropriate.
As we grow in our faith, we become more able to “swing ourselves”…but we all still enjoy a little push from a friend once in a while. Who’s giving you the inspiration and support you need these days…and who are you uplifting in return?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We went to the park to play after church and lunch, and of course, the children wanted to swing. I think Timothy and Zola love swings as much as any children I’ve ever known. Today, Zola said, “I’ll swing myself!” She was adamant…until she could not make herself go back and forth as she had hoped. Try as she might to “push and pull”, the swing stayed pretty well stationary…and she called for some help to get the swing going!
When it comes to our relationship with God, we are a lot like the little kid who wants to do it all herself. We ought to be able to figure it all out on our own. We have a Bible…we know how to pray…what else is needed? There are two parts to the answer: 1) developing our faith and fellowship with God takes time and practice… and 2) one of the greatest blessings of being a Christian lies in the support of fellow believers. So as others pray for us and encourage us in our understanding of God and communion with Him, we are strengthened and nurtured. Our wisdom, discernment, and confidence grow. We find joy in the love and fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ who join us in corporate and collective worship.
There is nothing wrong with needing a little “push” from time to time. All Christians need an occasional cheerleader - and the prayers of their fellow believers. Take joy and comfort in knowing that others pray for you and undergird your efforts to walk with Christ. Pay it forward by praying for your fellow Christians and offering them encouragement and insight whenever possible and/or appropriate.
As we grow in our faith, we become more able to “swing ourselves”…but we all still enjoy a little push from a friend once in a while. Who’s giving you the inspiration and support you need these days…and who are you uplifting in return?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 30, 2015
1 John 2:13
I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A neighbor knocked on our door one recent morning and offered me a book on “end times”. He insisted that this was the definitive explanation of everything. I thanked him, but I explained that I do not get caught up in all of the fuss about “end times”…I don’t plan to be here for them! I also have more unread books on my shelves than I could get to in a year, so I am really don’t want/need more reading material!
I don’t mean to be flippant about the second coming of Christ. But so many people – including those who claim to be Spirit-filled Christians – are pretty well consumed by these studies. Their talk has an edge of fear to it. Yes, the Bible tells us that after the Rapture, there will be years of unthinkable horrors…and no, we do NOT want to be “left behind”.
But the solution is easy…give your heart to Jesus and live for Him now. Enjoy a deep and abiding fellowship with our Heavenly Father now…and forever...and get on with living in His blessings and promises every single day.
How does this relate to the scripture passage for today? I believe that John is telling us that God is available to all who call on Him…whether you are an “old”, seasoned Christian who has walked with Him for decades…or a new Christian who just surrendered your heart and asked for His forgiveness. A good case in point would be a 98-year-old lady in our community who passed away recently. This little lady gave her heart to Jesus on her deathbed…and I am confident that she was welcomed into His arms at Heaven’s gate.
John’s message is that God is here with us…His love and care is available for all of us – young and old in Christ. All who believe and receive Him will miss the Rapture – one way or another! This is GOOD NEWS! We need to embrace this amazing gift and get busy basking in the love of Christ – and sharing Him with others as He leads us. If the Rapture comes in our lifetime…I’ll see you on the other side! Meanwhile, I plan to be busy living for Jesus…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A neighbor knocked on our door one recent morning and offered me a book on “end times”. He insisted that this was the definitive explanation of everything. I thanked him, but I explained that I do not get caught up in all of the fuss about “end times”…I don’t plan to be here for them! I also have more unread books on my shelves than I could get to in a year, so I am really don’t want/need more reading material!
I don’t mean to be flippant about the second coming of Christ. But so many people – including those who claim to be Spirit-filled Christians – are pretty well consumed by these studies. Their talk has an edge of fear to it. Yes, the Bible tells us that after the Rapture, there will be years of unthinkable horrors…and no, we do NOT want to be “left behind”.
But the solution is easy…give your heart to Jesus and live for Him now. Enjoy a deep and abiding fellowship with our Heavenly Father now…and forever...and get on with living in His blessings and promises every single day.
How does this relate to the scripture passage for today? I believe that John is telling us that God is available to all who call on Him…whether you are an “old”, seasoned Christian who has walked with Him for decades…or a new Christian who just surrendered your heart and asked for His forgiveness. A good case in point would be a 98-year-old lady in our community who passed away recently. This little lady gave her heart to Jesus on her deathbed…and I am confident that she was welcomed into His arms at Heaven’s gate.
John’s message is that God is here with us…His love and care is available for all of us – young and old in Christ. All who believe and receive Him will miss the Rapture – one way or another! This is GOOD NEWS! We need to embrace this amazing gift and get busy basking in the love of Christ – and sharing Him with others as He leads us. If the Rapture comes in our lifetime…I’ll see you on the other side! Meanwhile, I plan to be busy living for Jesus…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 10, 2014
Ephesians 5:20
Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Imagine that someone threw you a lavish party. You’d be grateful and thank them afterward…right? But what if you knew that the person who hosted the party truly did little more than write checks to cover the party venue, catering, gifts, and whatever else was provided? What if all he/she had to do was dress up and show up…and greet you and your guests? Of course you would still thank this person and be grateful for his/her wonderful hospitality and generosity. But there would be “behind-the-scenes” individuals and groups who deserved acknowledgment, too!
Quite often, I see posts on Facebook with photos of amazingly-decorated party cakes, or beautiful family portraits…or even a wonderful party or event – and the person who posted will say, “Thank you to So-and-So for the great cake/photos/effort of some sort.” These people acknowledged those who worked in the background. They understood that they could not have accomplished such things on their own. They needed the expertise and care of someone else to make it happen. In a nutshell…they gave credit where credit was due!
So often, we fail to give Jesus the credit for what is happening in our lives. Oh, we are right there to gripe and complain to Him when things go wrong. But when life is rolling along pretty well, we “zone out” and tend to forget Who is really “driving the car” or “preparing for the party”. And many times, if we DO acknowledge our blessings…we actually take most of the credit for them. “I worked so hard!” or “I had such a good day on the court or field…at work…at school…on a date or outing with friends.” We fail to recognize WHO did all of the work in the background to power our “good day or event”!
Every minute, Jesus is working in the background to affect your life and the activities that embody it. He is orchestrating the good things, “troubleshooting” the “bad” ones, and propelling you forward through it all. As much as we need to be grateful for His presence in our lives…we also need to be sure that we give Him the credit and glory. Pretty much all we do in life is show up…Jesus does the rest. Don’t you think it’s time you acknowledged His efforts?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Imagine that someone threw you a lavish party. You’d be grateful and thank them afterward…right? But what if you knew that the person who hosted the party truly did little more than write checks to cover the party venue, catering, gifts, and whatever else was provided? What if all he/she had to do was dress up and show up…and greet you and your guests? Of course you would still thank this person and be grateful for his/her wonderful hospitality and generosity. But there would be “behind-the-scenes” individuals and groups who deserved acknowledgment, too!
Quite often, I see posts on Facebook with photos of amazingly-decorated party cakes, or beautiful family portraits…or even a wonderful party or event – and the person who posted will say, “Thank you to So-and-So for the great cake/photos/effort of some sort.” These people acknowledged those who worked in the background. They understood that they could not have accomplished such things on their own. They needed the expertise and care of someone else to make it happen. In a nutshell…they gave credit where credit was due!
So often, we fail to give Jesus the credit for what is happening in our lives. Oh, we are right there to gripe and complain to Him when things go wrong. But when life is rolling along pretty well, we “zone out” and tend to forget Who is really “driving the car” or “preparing for the party”. And many times, if we DO acknowledge our blessings…we actually take most of the credit for them. “I worked so hard!” or “I had such a good day on the court or field…at work…at school…on a date or outing with friends.” We fail to recognize WHO did all of the work in the background to power our “good day or event”!
Every minute, Jesus is working in the background to affect your life and the activities that embody it. He is orchestrating the good things, “troubleshooting” the “bad” ones, and propelling you forward through it all. As much as we need to be grateful for His presence in our lives…we also need to be sure that we give Him the credit and glory. Pretty much all we do in life is show up…Jesus does the rest. Don’t you think it’s time you acknowledged His efforts?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 8, 2014
John 17:17-18
Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last year, my cousin Natalie introduced me to the writings of Jen Hatmaker, a wife and mother of three children who is also an author and Bible teacher. I will admit that I have not read any of Hatmaker’s books or Bible study guides…yet! But her blog posts are compelling AND entertaining, and she speaks the truth about real life and how we Christians can navigate the “troubled waters” it often brings. So when Natalie posted a link on Facebook to Hatmaker’s blog about teachers*, I was naturally “all in”!
I encourage you to take a few minutes and read this blog post. It’s not just for teachers – or former teachers. EVERYONE needs to read it! And here’s how I believe it applies to this scripture passage...
Hatmaker points out that we often fail to recognize all of the “truths” that are imparted to us and our children via teachers. She writes of teachers…”If only you were evaluated on what you do best and what actually matters: teaching kids to love learning, to love books and authors and words, to love numbers, to embrace science, to discover history, to create art, to think critically and practice good citizenship and leadership and resourcefulness and determination.”
Teachers are the vehicle for sharing truths and knowledge with students. Hopefully, they motivate and encourage their students to go out into the world and use this knowledge…to share their wisdom, skills and abilities with others and to be productive, citizens who “pay it forward”. Teachers are supposed to make the lessons “leap from the page”, so to speak…to clarify difficult math exercises and give “life” to historical events…to unlock the scientific mysteries and to help their students to develop the “whole person”. My piano teacher, Mrs. Little, taught me so much more than how to play the notes that were printed on a page…she unlocked the secret of making the music “sing”. I learned how to fully understand what the composer intended…and how to convey that message to the best of my ability.
Jesus came to earth to unlock some of the mysteries of God’s word…to explain many of God’s teachings with personal demonstrations of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. He clarified God’s laws and encouraged us in our missions and our ministries. Jesus showed us how to “pay it forward” in our witness to others…and He unlocked the secret of carrying the Holy Spirit with us and living for God each and every minute of the day. Jesus was the ultimate Teacher…in Him, we truly find God.
Hatmaker makes a number of important points in her blog post…in particular how teachers’ efforts are often under-appreciated. She writes, “Because we have no idea how to appropriately thank them for their incredible labor, we say, ‘Here is this mug and also a gift card to Chili’s. Be blessed.’” I believe this is how we often treat Jesus and the incredible lessons and messages He has given us about God’s word. We give Him “lip service”…we talk the talk, but we fail to walk the walk. The time has come for us to recognize the lessons of Jesus…to hear His truths concerning God’s word…and to put them into action.
If only we evaluated Jesus on what actually matters: teaching us to love learning about God’s word...to love the Bible...to embrace the beauty and sanctity of God’s creations. If only we discovered how the history of the scriptures knits together to create the perfect picture of God’s orchestration of people and events to bring about His plans. If only we looked to the models Jesus gave us for creativity, critical thinking, and the practice of good citizenship and leadership - resourcefulness and determination. These are the truths and lessons from God that He brings to us. OUR JOB is to recognize and appreciate them…and to carry them forward.
Will this be the day that you begin to fully appreciate the teachings of Jesus? Will this be the day that you listen to His truths and really begin to find God? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2014/05/06/my-wish-list-for-teachers
Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last year, my cousin Natalie introduced me to the writings of Jen Hatmaker, a wife and mother of three children who is also an author and Bible teacher. I will admit that I have not read any of Hatmaker’s books or Bible study guides…yet! But her blog posts are compelling AND entertaining, and she speaks the truth about real life and how we Christians can navigate the “troubled waters” it often brings. So when Natalie posted a link on Facebook to Hatmaker’s blog about teachers*, I was naturally “all in”!
I encourage you to take a few minutes and read this blog post. It’s not just for teachers – or former teachers. EVERYONE needs to read it! And here’s how I believe it applies to this scripture passage...
Hatmaker points out that we often fail to recognize all of the “truths” that are imparted to us and our children via teachers. She writes of teachers…”If only you were evaluated on what you do best and what actually matters: teaching kids to love learning, to love books and authors and words, to love numbers, to embrace science, to discover history, to create art, to think critically and practice good citizenship and leadership and resourcefulness and determination.”
Teachers are the vehicle for sharing truths and knowledge with students. Hopefully, they motivate and encourage their students to go out into the world and use this knowledge…to share their wisdom, skills and abilities with others and to be productive, citizens who “pay it forward”. Teachers are supposed to make the lessons “leap from the page”, so to speak…to clarify difficult math exercises and give “life” to historical events…to unlock the scientific mysteries and to help their students to develop the “whole person”. My piano teacher, Mrs. Little, taught me so much more than how to play the notes that were printed on a page…she unlocked the secret of making the music “sing”. I learned how to fully understand what the composer intended…and how to convey that message to the best of my ability.
Jesus came to earth to unlock some of the mysteries of God’s word…to explain many of God’s teachings with personal demonstrations of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. He clarified God’s laws and encouraged us in our missions and our ministries. Jesus showed us how to “pay it forward” in our witness to others…and He unlocked the secret of carrying the Holy Spirit with us and living for God each and every minute of the day. Jesus was the ultimate Teacher…in Him, we truly find God.
Hatmaker makes a number of important points in her blog post…in particular how teachers’ efforts are often under-appreciated. She writes, “Because we have no idea how to appropriately thank them for their incredible labor, we say, ‘Here is this mug and also a gift card to Chili’s. Be blessed.’” I believe this is how we often treat Jesus and the incredible lessons and messages He has given us about God’s word. We give Him “lip service”…we talk the talk, but we fail to walk the walk. The time has come for us to recognize the lessons of Jesus…to hear His truths concerning God’s word…and to put them into action.
If only we evaluated Jesus on what actually matters: teaching us to love learning about God’s word...to love the Bible...to embrace the beauty and sanctity of God’s creations. If only we discovered how the history of the scriptures knits together to create the perfect picture of God’s orchestration of people and events to bring about His plans. If only we looked to the models Jesus gave us for creativity, critical thinking, and the practice of good citizenship and leadership - resourcefulness and determination. These are the truths and lessons from God that He brings to us. OUR JOB is to recognize and appreciate them…and to carry them forward.
Will this be the day that you begin to fully appreciate the teachings of Jesus? Will this be the day that you listen to His truths and really begin to find God? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2014/05/06/my-wish-list-for-teachers
Daily Devotional for May 5, 2014
John 12:37-40
Jesus said all this, and then went into hiding. All these God-signs he had given them and they still didn’t get it, still wouldn’t trust him. This proved that the prophet Isaiah was right:
God, who believed what we preached?
Who recognized God’s arm, outstretched and ready to act?
First they wouldn’t believe, then they couldn’t—again, just as Isaiah said:
Our bishop for the Arkansas United Methodists, Gary Mueller, posts a daily “GodNMe” devotional on Facebook. He focused today on how – and why – some people seem to be turning away from God. He cited several reasons, including how our culture seems to encourage this on some levels…and how technology and advances have given us a sense that we can do so many more things for ourselves, so we feel that we really don’t need God’s help. But what struck me the most was the sentence where he said that sadly…”people of faith make it hard for others to believe because of the way we behave.” He conceded that this was a hard fact to admit…but I really think he is on to something.
Dare I remind you again…people.are.watching. Like it or not, they judge us by how we behave. When we throw up our hands and blame God for our troubles, they notice. When we gossip…they see someone who either doesn’t truly love one another – or loves “selectively”. When we judge others, we do not demonstrate God’s unconditional love. When we are negative, wallow in self-pity, and criticize…they wonder, “Will they do the same to me? Is this what it means to walk with God?” If we mistreat or disrespect our family…our teachers…our coworkers and bosses…our friends…our leaders…and even our pets, others will question just how tender our hearts truly are – and whether we’ve made room there for God.
In short, I am afraid that we are often God’s worst enemy. We offer a “faith” that causes others to say, “If that is what it means to find God, I’m not up for it!” And who would blame them?!
We can’t have it both ways. And honestly, if you have really found God and made Him an integral part of your life, you won’t want to act this way. If you start every day seeking God and inviting Him to guide your steps, you will check your words AND your body language. You will bite your tongue, smile and look for the positives in every person and situation. If you trust God to meet your every need, you will look at the darkest, most desperate situation and ask, “Where are you in this, LORD?” – and then you will wait and watch for Him - because He will appear! This might not happen immediately…but your demonstration of faith and perseverance will be its own testimony. If you are kind and loving…friendly and approachable - even toward those who are unlovely and at times unlovable – others will notice. And they will want what you have…WHO you have!
Don’t be the reason that others turn away from God. Do not make it hard for them to believe. Being a Christian is challenging enough at times without fellow believers raising doubts and causing confusion. Truly seek God for yourself…make Him an integral part of your daily living…and honor His presence with your outward behavior. Soften your heart and let the healing begin – both within you and toward those around you. Do you really get it with God? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus said all this, and then went into hiding. All these God-signs he had given them and they still didn’t get it, still wouldn’t trust him. This proved that the prophet Isaiah was right:
God, who believed what we preached?
Who recognized God’s arm, outstretched and ready to act?
First they wouldn’t believe, then they couldn’t—again, just as Isaiah said:
Their eyes are blinded,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.
their hearts are hardened,
So that they wouldn’t see with their eyes
and perceive with their hearts,
And turn to me, God,
so I could heal them.
Our bishop for the Arkansas United Methodists, Gary Mueller, posts a daily “GodNMe” devotional on Facebook. He focused today on how – and why – some people seem to be turning away from God. He cited several reasons, including how our culture seems to encourage this on some levels…and how technology and advances have given us a sense that we can do so many more things for ourselves, so we feel that we really don’t need God’s help. But what struck me the most was the sentence where he said that sadly…”people of faith make it hard for others to believe because of the way we behave.” He conceded that this was a hard fact to admit…but I really think he is on to something.
Dare I remind you again…people.are.watching. Like it or not, they judge us by how we behave. When we throw up our hands and blame God for our troubles, they notice. When we gossip…they see someone who either doesn’t truly love one another – or loves “selectively”. When we judge others, we do not demonstrate God’s unconditional love. When we are negative, wallow in self-pity, and criticize…they wonder, “Will they do the same to me? Is this what it means to walk with God?” If we mistreat or disrespect our family…our teachers…our coworkers and bosses…our friends…our leaders…and even our pets, others will question just how tender our hearts truly are – and whether we’ve made room there for God.
In short, I am afraid that we are often God’s worst enemy. We offer a “faith” that causes others to say, “If that is what it means to find God, I’m not up for it!” And who would blame them?!
We can’t have it both ways. And honestly, if you have really found God and made Him an integral part of your life, you won’t want to act this way. If you start every day seeking God and inviting Him to guide your steps, you will check your words AND your body language. You will bite your tongue, smile and look for the positives in every person and situation. If you trust God to meet your every need, you will look at the darkest, most desperate situation and ask, “Where are you in this, LORD?” – and then you will wait and watch for Him - because He will appear! This might not happen immediately…but your demonstration of faith and perseverance will be its own testimony. If you are kind and loving…friendly and approachable - even toward those who are unlovely and at times unlovable – others will notice. And they will want what you have…WHO you have!
Don’t be the reason that others turn away from God. Do not make it hard for them to believe. Being a Christian is challenging enough at times without fellow believers raising doubts and causing confusion. Truly seek God for yourself…make Him an integral part of your daily living…and honor His presence with your outward behavior. Soften your heart and let the healing begin – both within you and toward those around you. Do you really get it with God? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 1, 2014
2 Timothy 1:5-7
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One recent Sunday as we ate our Burger King lunch, Timothy launched into a presentation of several lines from the vintage film, “Frosty the Snowman”…as in, “When the thermometer turns red, I start to melt. I don’t like red thermometers.” He went on for several minutes. We don’t know what prompted this, but he often quotes movie lines. He is a walking encyclopedia of movie excerpts. Zola has begun to find her “voice,” and often, she mimics Timothy – or the adults around her. For instance, on a recent trip to the playground, she kept saying, “Be careful, Timmy! Be careful!” I know she had heard either Greg or me say that to her big brother. Let me tell you, Timothy and Zola miss virtually NOTHING!
I know I sound like a broken record, but someone is almost always watching. They see when you gripe and complain in the grocery store line. They notice when you smile and say “Hello.” They observe how you interact with your family members and friends…whether you are kind and considerate – or rude and obnoxious. People notice when you speak to them…and when you don’t! People also pay attention to whether your talk matches your actions – or doesn’t. So when you sing in the youth choir – or are front and center at every Bible study and worship service – then speak unkindly about someone or always seem to have an axe to grind…others take note!
When “Christians” talk about their faith and how much God means to them in one breath…and belittle the less fortunate or spew hateful remarks about those who differ in their politics, denomination or religious belief, race, creed, color and/or sexual orientation…all of that “witness” goes out the window. Who will believe you when you say you care, if you have behaved in a manner that indicates anything other than compassion and acceptance?
I realize that all of us say or do things at one time or another that are ungodly…or at best, not very nice. But in general, I was blessed that my upbringing apparently included more examples of tolerance and compassion than those that were undisciplined or exclusive. And I am trying very hard to be a good example to those whom I encounter – of all ages - but especially the younger ones. When I see Timothy and Zola greet others politely and with a smile…when I hear them speak to others and answer, “I’m just fine…how are you?” to those who inquire of them…I am blessed. I see God working in these little children to create a spirit of love and compassion for others…and I am more determined to foster a spirit of power and self-discipline in them, their little brother Nathan, and other youngsters whom we encounter. Perhaps someday they will look back and think of their Uncle Greg and Aunt Debbie as faith-filled Christians who demonstrated God’s love and care to others – and taught them to do the same.
What about you? Regardless of your upbringing, you have the ultimate “Fatherly” example of how to treat others in the life of Jesus Christ. You have God’s word…and if you are in close communication with Him, you have His guidance and understand His will. Essentially, you have no excuse for behaving with a “spirit of fear and timidity”. If you are truly listening to God and following His lead, you can’t help but operate in His power and unconditional love for others. Because of God’s influence, you should be able to exercise self-discipline and keep your words, thoughts and actions in line with His will and Jesus’ example.
It’s time for us to take a personal assessment…time to give our lives a good hard look…to examine what we are showing to others. People are watching and listening…they are looking at us and deciding whether or not we demonstrate Jesus’ love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion.
When others look at you…what do they see? More importantly, what image of Jesus are you sharing with them? Will the faith of those who preceded you continue strongly through you and on to future generations? Will it even be visible at all?
©2014 Debbie Robus
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One recent Sunday as we ate our Burger King lunch, Timothy launched into a presentation of several lines from the vintage film, “Frosty the Snowman”…as in, “When the thermometer turns red, I start to melt. I don’t like red thermometers.” He went on for several minutes. We don’t know what prompted this, but he often quotes movie lines. He is a walking encyclopedia of movie excerpts. Zola has begun to find her “voice,” and often, she mimics Timothy – or the adults around her. For instance, on a recent trip to the playground, she kept saying, “Be careful, Timmy! Be careful!” I know she had heard either Greg or me say that to her big brother. Let me tell you, Timothy and Zola miss virtually NOTHING!
I know I sound like a broken record, but someone is almost always watching. They see when you gripe and complain in the grocery store line. They notice when you smile and say “Hello.” They observe how you interact with your family members and friends…whether you are kind and considerate – or rude and obnoxious. People notice when you speak to them…and when you don’t! People also pay attention to whether your talk matches your actions – or doesn’t. So when you sing in the youth choir – or are front and center at every Bible study and worship service – then speak unkindly about someone or always seem to have an axe to grind…others take note!
When “Christians” talk about their faith and how much God means to them in one breath…and belittle the less fortunate or spew hateful remarks about those who differ in their politics, denomination or religious belief, race, creed, color and/or sexual orientation…all of that “witness” goes out the window. Who will believe you when you say you care, if you have behaved in a manner that indicates anything other than compassion and acceptance?
I realize that all of us say or do things at one time or another that are ungodly…or at best, not very nice. But in general, I was blessed that my upbringing apparently included more examples of tolerance and compassion than those that were undisciplined or exclusive. And I am trying very hard to be a good example to those whom I encounter – of all ages - but especially the younger ones. When I see Timothy and Zola greet others politely and with a smile…when I hear them speak to others and answer, “I’m just fine…how are you?” to those who inquire of them…I am blessed. I see God working in these little children to create a spirit of love and compassion for others…and I am more determined to foster a spirit of power and self-discipline in them, their little brother Nathan, and other youngsters whom we encounter. Perhaps someday they will look back and think of their Uncle Greg and Aunt Debbie as faith-filled Christians who demonstrated God’s love and care to others – and taught them to do the same.
What about you? Regardless of your upbringing, you have the ultimate “Fatherly” example of how to treat others in the life of Jesus Christ. You have God’s word…and if you are in close communication with Him, you have His guidance and understand His will. Essentially, you have no excuse for behaving with a “spirit of fear and timidity”. If you are truly listening to God and following His lead, you can’t help but operate in His power and unconditional love for others. Because of God’s influence, you should be able to exercise self-discipline and keep your words, thoughts and actions in line with His will and Jesus’ example.
It’s time for us to take a personal assessment…time to give our lives a good hard look…to examine what we are showing to others. People are watching and listening…they are looking at us and deciding whether or not we demonstrate Jesus’ love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion.
When others look at you…what do they see? More importantly, what image of Jesus are you sharing with them? Will the faith of those who preceded you continue strongly through you and on to future generations? Will it even be visible at all?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 20, 2014
Galatians 2:6-10
And the leaders of the church had nothing to add to what I was preaching. (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.) Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles.
In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In The Glass Castle, author Jeanette Walls talks a lot about being poor. It’s not that her parents weren’t capable of earning a decent living and providing for Walls and her three siblings. But both were poor managers - and a little unstable mentally and/or emotionally – and they pretty much chose not to work. Their theory was that “allowing” the children to fend for themselves would build character and develop lifelong survival skills. You probably cannot imagine your parents doing this…but I’ve worked with enough children and families to know that a somewhat “subconscious” form of this mindset exists more often than we want to believe.
Whether children learn survival skills as a result of this upbringing or not isn’t as important as how this treatment affects them psychologically. Walls describes how she and her siblings ate out of the garbage cans at the school cafeteria when no one was looking. They had no lunch money - and their mother absolutely forbade them to accept “free lunch” – so they would pretend they were not hungry. Then they would secretly steal away to the garbage cans and pilfer leftovers. Their clothes were ratty, and they even painted their skin to try to camouflage the holes in their garments. They were frequently cold… Walls’ brother, Brian, once turned a boat upside-down over his “bed” to keep the rain that dipped through holes in the roof from hitting him while he slept.
Like countless children throughout the world, these children simply wanted to be accepted…to fit in…to feel loved and nurtured. A college professor once accused Walls of not understanding the plight of the homeless, and she did not respond out of a fear that her own situation would be uncovered. Today, Walls is a successful author. She is married…and quite wealthy. Her father died from the ravages of alcoholism. Despite Wall’s efforts to provide her with a home and what most would consider “creature comforts”, Walls’ mother is homeless – by choice – on the streets of New York City.
What does this have to do with Paul’s words to the Galatians…and what is the message in this passage and illustration for us? If you read the verses again, you will see that God used Paul to preach to the Gentiles…and Peter reached out to the Jews. Both were serving God, but they were doing so out of their respective backgrounds. Sometimes, we can put ourselves in the other guy’s shoes…and sometimes, “it takes one to know one.” Does this mean that we cannot minister to the poor if we have never done without? Absolutely not! To the contrary, we must ask God to give us compassion for others, regardless of who they are. I’m not talking about pity…I’m talking about a true love and caring for others that transcends race, creed, color, sexual orientation, addictions, income levels, intellect, and more.
But there will also be instances where we can help others because of personal knowledge and insights. If you have gone through a divorce or nasty breakup…you can reach out to someone else who is experiencing this - and share how God got you through it. If you are battling an illness, you can offer support to someone else going through the same thing. If you struggled with college Algebra, you can help someone else in the same boat. Who can better counsel and comfort someone who is grieving a loss than those who have experienced this in their own lives? If you have overcome financial troubles and become debt-free (or close to it), you are in the perfect position to offer concrete, first-hand wisdom and encouragement to someone else who is struggling with this.
In addition, we need to stop and realize that none of us truly knows what is going on behind the scenes. Countless families like Jeanette Wall’s make every effort to “put on a good front”. We have no clue that there are problems at home…that kids are cold and hungry…that parents are suffering from illnesses and addictions…that there are relationship conflicts, abuses, and financial troubles. Sometimes, the cover-ups are “successful” – and no one is the wiser. Sometimes, things blow up at some point…and the results are devastating and ugly. OUR JOB as Disciples of Christ is to be awake and alert…to be loving, full of grace and mercy, kind and compassionate…and to offer others a safe “soft place to fall” if they decide to seek help.
How you demonstrate the love of Jesus in your daily living may make the difference between a child who suffers in silence – and one who feels comfortable enough to say, “I am in trouble, and I need your help.” Your kindness to someone who is disheveled and dirty or cold and hungry may allow him/her to stick around long enough to discover the love of Christ – and His power to create lifelong changes and improvements. Your willingness to listen to someone who has opinions and ideas that are different, at best – and maybe downright preposterous in your estimate – might be the catalyst for this person’s willingness to consider an alternative mindset. If we are quick to judge and suggest that it’s “our way or the highway”…we may permanently alienate the very people who desperately need to see and hear Jesus through us.
We need to smile more…to exude an air of kindness, grace, mercy, and acceptance…to honestly emulate Jesus Christ and His unconditional love for others. I saw the photo of a T-shirt on Facebook that said, “Love Thy Neighbor…thy homeless neighbor…thy Muslim neighbor…thy black neighbor…thy gay neighbor…thy white neighbor…thy Jewish neighbor…thy Christian neighbor…thy atheist neighbor…thy racist neighbor…thy addicted neighbor”.
What if we really did this? Paul tells us in this passage from Galatians 2 that God has equipped each of us to do this. He has tailored our individual “skillsets” to reach specific people. Have you determined yours? Do you know who – and how – God is calling you to share the love of Jesus with others? Are you selective in your witness, or do you genuinely desire to serve wherever God sends you – and to whomever He chooses – even the poor? Just how serious are you about your faith and discipleship? How willing – and eager - are you to share God’s love and the message of Jesus Christ with others? Don’t you think it’s time you knew?
©2014 Debbie Robus
And the leaders of the church had nothing to add to what I was preaching. (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.) Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles.
In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In The Glass Castle, author Jeanette Walls talks a lot about being poor. It’s not that her parents weren’t capable of earning a decent living and providing for Walls and her three siblings. But both were poor managers - and a little unstable mentally and/or emotionally – and they pretty much chose not to work. Their theory was that “allowing” the children to fend for themselves would build character and develop lifelong survival skills. You probably cannot imagine your parents doing this…but I’ve worked with enough children and families to know that a somewhat “subconscious” form of this mindset exists more often than we want to believe.
Whether children learn survival skills as a result of this upbringing or not isn’t as important as how this treatment affects them psychologically. Walls describes how she and her siblings ate out of the garbage cans at the school cafeteria when no one was looking. They had no lunch money - and their mother absolutely forbade them to accept “free lunch” – so they would pretend they were not hungry. Then they would secretly steal away to the garbage cans and pilfer leftovers. Their clothes were ratty, and they even painted their skin to try to camouflage the holes in their garments. They were frequently cold… Walls’ brother, Brian, once turned a boat upside-down over his “bed” to keep the rain that dipped through holes in the roof from hitting him while he slept.
Like countless children throughout the world, these children simply wanted to be accepted…to fit in…to feel loved and nurtured. A college professor once accused Walls of not understanding the plight of the homeless, and she did not respond out of a fear that her own situation would be uncovered. Today, Walls is a successful author. She is married…and quite wealthy. Her father died from the ravages of alcoholism. Despite Wall’s efforts to provide her with a home and what most would consider “creature comforts”, Walls’ mother is homeless – by choice – on the streets of New York City.
What does this have to do with Paul’s words to the Galatians…and what is the message in this passage and illustration for us? If you read the verses again, you will see that God used Paul to preach to the Gentiles…and Peter reached out to the Jews. Both were serving God, but they were doing so out of their respective backgrounds. Sometimes, we can put ourselves in the other guy’s shoes…and sometimes, “it takes one to know one.” Does this mean that we cannot minister to the poor if we have never done without? Absolutely not! To the contrary, we must ask God to give us compassion for others, regardless of who they are. I’m not talking about pity…I’m talking about a true love and caring for others that transcends race, creed, color, sexual orientation, addictions, income levels, intellect, and more.
But there will also be instances where we can help others because of personal knowledge and insights. If you have gone through a divorce or nasty breakup…you can reach out to someone else who is experiencing this - and share how God got you through it. If you are battling an illness, you can offer support to someone else going through the same thing. If you struggled with college Algebra, you can help someone else in the same boat. Who can better counsel and comfort someone who is grieving a loss than those who have experienced this in their own lives? If you have overcome financial troubles and become debt-free (or close to it), you are in the perfect position to offer concrete, first-hand wisdom and encouragement to someone else who is struggling with this.
In addition, we need to stop and realize that none of us truly knows what is going on behind the scenes. Countless families like Jeanette Wall’s make every effort to “put on a good front”. We have no clue that there are problems at home…that kids are cold and hungry…that parents are suffering from illnesses and addictions…that there are relationship conflicts, abuses, and financial troubles. Sometimes, the cover-ups are “successful” – and no one is the wiser. Sometimes, things blow up at some point…and the results are devastating and ugly. OUR JOB as Disciples of Christ is to be awake and alert…to be loving, full of grace and mercy, kind and compassionate…and to offer others a safe “soft place to fall” if they decide to seek help.
How you demonstrate the love of Jesus in your daily living may make the difference between a child who suffers in silence – and one who feels comfortable enough to say, “I am in trouble, and I need your help.” Your kindness to someone who is disheveled and dirty or cold and hungry may allow him/her to stick around long enough to discover the love of Christ – and His power to create lifelong changes and improvements. Your willingness to listen to someone who has opinions and ideas that are different, at best – and maybe downright preposterous in your estimate – might be the catalyst for this person’s willingness to consider an alternative mindset. If we are quick to judge and suggest that it’s “our way or the highway”…we may permanently alienate the very people who desperately need to see and hear Jesus through us.
We need to smile more…to exude an air of kindness, grace, mercy, and acceptance…to honestly emulate Jesus Christ and His unconditional love for others. I saw the photo of a T-shirt on Facebook that said, “Love Thy Neighbor…thy homeless neighbor…thy Muslim neighbor…thy black neighbor…thy gay neighbor…thy white neighbor…thy Jewish neighbor…thy Christian neighbor…thy atheist neighbor…thy racist neighbor…thy addicted neighbor”.
What if we really did this? Paul tells us in this passage from Galatians 2 that God has equipped each of us to do this. He has tailored our individual “skillsets” to reach specific people. Have you determined yours? Do you know who – and how – God is calling you to share the love of Jesus with others? Are you selective in your witness, or do you genuinely desire to serve wherever God sends you – and to whomever He chooses – even the poor? Just how serious are you about your faith and discipleship? How willing – and eager - are you to share God’s love and the message of Jesus Christ with others? Don’t you think it’s time you knew?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 10, 2014
Colossians 3:22-25
Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.
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.
On a recent episode of CBS’ Sunday Morning*, we were introduced to Gabe Sonnier, an elementary school principal in Port Barre, Louisiana. Sonnier appears to be one of the happiest men on the planet. In fact, the reporter said that Sonnier had “the most contagious smile in Cajun Country!” Sonnier said, “That smile just wants to break out…that’s just me!” What makes this story so remarkable is that Gabe Sonnier began his “career in education” 30 years at Port Barre Elementary School with a totally different office…the mop room.
Yes, Sonnier was once the school’s custodian! In 1985, the former principal, Westley Jones, told him, “I would rather see you grading papers than picking them up.” Sonnier took this to heart, and as the reporter told us, “When he wasn’t cleaning classrooms, he was studying in them.” Sonnier now has a Master’s Degree in education…and he even aspires to possibly become the school district’s superintendent someday. He says he thinks he would like that!
The “punctuation mark” to this story is that Gabe Sonnier still cleans his own office. He could easily order the new custodian to do it. But as the reporter noted…“You can take the janitor out of the mop room, but you can’t take the work ethic out of the janitor”…at least not in this case. And therein lies the lesson for all of us. When we are able to find the joy and satisfaction in something as seemingly menial or insignificant as cleaning a floor, we have turned a significant corner. More importantly, when we recognize that even cleaning our office can glorify God, we have discovered a valuable component of Christian discipleship. It’s not that cleaning is so important on its own…it’s about the spirit with which we do it.
So as I clean my house, I thank God that He has given me such a comfortable, beautiful place to live. I honor Him by keeping it neat and clean. When you clean your room – or your car – tell God how much you appreciate Him for providing you with a means of transportation…a safe ride and/or a roof over your head…and more. When you go to school and study, thank God that you are granted the means to learn and grow in wisdom…that He has given you the opportunity to develop and fulfill the potential He has placed within you. When you go to work, give God thanks for providing you with a job. Remember that many would give anything to have employment and a means to support themselves.
If you are retired, thank God for getting you to this point…and ask Him to show you how and where He wants you to serve and honor Him in this phase of your life. Is God calling you to be a good friend and neighbor…a servant in ministry of some sort…a prayer warrior…someone who encourages others with cards and phone calls…a mentor to young people??? Are you fully engaged in honoring God, showing your gratitude - and sharing this appreciativeness with others? Is it clearly evident that you will not be content with shoddy work…that you consider your “performance” in even the smallest task a reflection of your Discipleship and devotion to God?
Your smile may not be as prominent and continual as Gabe Sonnier’s. But we can all find a way to express our joy and gratitude as we perform every single task to the glory of God. We can encourage others and lift their spirits by demonstrating the blessings of doing good work and giving God our very best.
Gabe Sonnier summed up his life’s work with a sentence that he often offers to his students…“It’s not where you start…it’s how you finish.” What will be said of you? What does your daily “work ethic” show others about your faith? Are you content with shoddy work… or are you offering God your very best in every single task? Do others see an example of God’s blessings and glory in your efforts? Isn’t it time they did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/louisiana-principals-remarkable-success-story/
Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.
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.
On a recent episode of CBS’ Sunday Morning*, we were introduced to Gabe Sonnier, an elementary school principal in Port Barre, Louisiana. Sonnier appears to be one of the happiest men on the planet. In fact, the reporter said that Sonnier had “the most contagious smile in Cajun Country!” Sonnier said, “That smile just wants to break out…that’s just me!” What makes this story so remarkable is that Gabe Sonnier began his “career in education” 30 years at Port Barre Elementary School with a totally different office…the mop room.
Yes, Sonnier was once the school’s custodian! In 1985, the former principal, Westley Jones, told him, “I would rather see you grading papers than picking them up.” Sonnier took this to heart, and as the reporter told us, “When he wasn’t cleaning classrooms, he was studying in them.” Sonnier now has a Master’s Degree in education…and he even aspires to possibly become the school district’s superintendent someday. He says he thinks he would like that!
The “punctuation mark” to this story is that Gabe Sonnier still cleans his own office. He could easily order the new custodian to do it. But as the reporter noted…“You can take the janitor out of the mop room, but you can’t take the work ethic out of the janitor”…at least not in this case. And therein lies the lesson for all of us. When we are able to find the joy and satisfaction in something as seemingly menial or insignificant as cleaning a floor, we have turned a significant corner. More importantly, when we recognize that even cleaning our office can glorify God, we have discovered a valuable component of Christian discipleship. It’s not that cleaning is so important on its own…it’s about the spirit with which we do it.
So as I clean my house, I thank God that He has given me such a comfortable, beautiful place to live. I honor Him by keeping it neat and clean. When you clean your room – or your car – tell God how much you appreciate Him for providing you with a means of transportation…a safe ride and/or a roof over your head…and more. When you go to school and study, thank God that you are granted the means to learn and grow in wisdom…that He has given you the opportunity to develop and fulfill the potential He has placed within you. When you go to work, give God thanks for providing you with a job. Remember that many would give anything to have employment and a means to support themselves.
If you are retired, thank God for getting you to this point…and ask Him to show you how and where He wants you to serve and honor Him in this phase of your life. Is God calling you to be a good friend and neighbor…a servant in ministry of some sort…a prayer warrior…someone who encourages others with cards and phone calls…a mentor to young people??? Are you fully engaged in honoring God, showing your gratitude - and sharing this appreciativeness with others? Is it clearly evident that you will not be content with shoddy work…that you consider your “performance” in even the smallest task a reflection of your Discipleship and devotion to God?
Your smile may not be as prominent and continual as Gabe Sonnier’s. But we can all find a way to express our joy and gratitude as we perform every single task to the glory of God. We can encourage others and lift their spirits by demonstrating the blessings of doing good work and giving God our very best.
Gabe Sonnier summed up his life’s work with a sentence that he often offers to his students…“It’s not where you start…it’s how you finish.” What will be said of you? What does your daily “work ethic” show others about your faith? Are you content with shoddy work… or are you offering God your very best in every single task? Do others see an example of God’s blessings and glory in your efforts? Isn’t it time they did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/louisiana-principals-remarkable-success-story/
Daily Devotional for January 31, 2014
1 John 5:13-15
My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.
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.
Timothy and our cousin Owen (who is six weeks younger than Timothy) both visited us one day last summer. I had to laugh at them. Owen has not spent nearly as much time at our house as Timothy has…and Timothy made sure Owen knew that! He demonstrated his familiarity by helping himself to his “owie bags” from the freezer and more. Timothy knew where we kept his favorite snacks…what items and areas of our house were off limits, and more. And he felt quite comfortable making himself at home and asking for anything…confident that we were listening and would answer (and hopefully give him whatever he requested)!
Timothy wasn’t ugly about it, but he clearly let Owen knew that he “belonged” at our house…and this gave him special advantages! He was kind and shared his toys (for the most part)…and in the end, I am sure Owen thought our house was a pretty neat place to visit, too.
What about us? Do we let others know that a relationship with God through Jesus Christ is pretty neat? Do we live in such a way that others see the “perks” of belonging to Jesus? Do we share His gifts and blessings…love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and understanding with others? Or are we selfish with them…even smug and arrogant about our salvation and the relationship we have with Jesus? Do we let others know that they can enjoy the same bond with Christ that we have?
Do we demonstrate the power of prayer…by offering to pray for others and letting them know how God has answered us? Or are we embarrassed – or even too lazy or ashamed – to share our faith with others? Do we keep our blessings in Christ to ourselves? Do others even know we are a Christian?
Isn’t it time that we started claiming God’s amazing gift and blessings in our life…and freely communicating with Him in full confidence that His will is perfect – and anything we ask for that aligns with His will, He will grant us? Shouldn’t we be demonstrating our hope and confidence in Christ to others? Shouldn’t they be readily able to discern Whose we are…and shouldn’t they desire this same salvation and access to God for themselves?
Just how familiar are you with God? Are you comfortable making yourself at home with Him and asking for anything? How often do you give others a reason to desire these same advantages for themselves? Isn’t it time you started “representing” Jesus? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. And how bold and free we then become in his presence, freely asking according to his will, sure that he’s listening. And if we’re confident that he’s listening, we know that what we’ve asked for is as good as ours.
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.
Timothy and our cousin Owen (who is six weeks younger than Timothy) both visited us one day last summer. I had to laugh at them. Owen has not spent nearly as much time at our house as Timothy has…and Timothy made sure Owen knew that! He demonstrated his familiarity by helping himself to his “owie bags” from the freezer and more. Timothy knew where we kept his favorite snacks…what items and areas of our house were off limits, and more. And he felt quite comfortable making himself at home and asking for anything…confident that we were listening and would answer (and hopefully give him whatever he requested)!
Timothy wasn’t ugly about it, but he clearly let Owen knew that he “belonged” at our house…and this gave him special advantages! He was kind and shared his toys (for the most part)…and in the end, I am sure Owen thought our house was a pretty neat place to visit, too.
What about us? Do we let others know that a relationship with God through Jesus Christ is pretty neat? Do we live in such a way that others see the “perks” of belonging to Jesus? Do we share His gifts and blessings…love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and understanding with others? Or are we selfish with them…even smug and arrogant about our salvation and the relationship we have with Jesus? Do we let others know that they can enjoy the same bond with Christ that we have?
Do we demonstrate the power of prayer…by offering to pray for others and letting them know how God has answered us? Or are we embarrassed – or even too lazy or ashamed – to share our faith with others? Do we keep our blessings in Christ to ourselves? Do others even know we are a Christian?
Isn’t it time that we started claiming God’s amazing gift and blessings in our life…and freely communicating with Him in full confidence that His will is perfect – and anything we ask for that aligns with His will, He will grant us? Shouldn’t we be demonstrating our hope and confidence in Christ to others? Shouldn’t they be readily able to discern Whose we are…and shouldn’t they desire this same salvation and access to God for themselves?
Just how familiar are you with God? Are you comfortable making yourself at home with Him and asking for anything? How often do you give others a reason to desire these same advantages for themselves? Isn’t it time you started “representing” Jesus? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 25, 2013
1 Corinthians 13:3-7
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.
The quote for this date in my desktop flip calendar came from the late Gilda Radner… “I base my fashion taste on what doesn’t itch.” I like that… and I would add, “…or cinch me too tightly, creep or crawl!” The truth is that our lives are filled with “itchy, scratchy, creeping, crawly, too-tight situations”… and not just in our fashions! The only “garment” that will always fit is the “robe” of love in Christ Jesus. This is the “full armor of God” – but it is never too heavy or uncomfortable. Jesus’ love is easy to wear… and “one size fits all.”
Our pastor reminded us again yesterday that there is at least one broken heart on every pew. You may think you have problems… but wait until you hear the next guy’s! No one is immune to struggles and challenges. I have been asking God to reveal Himself to me and answer several questions… and this scripture popped up on my outline. In a word…God’s answer seems to be… “Love.” I’m not talking “pie-in-the-sky-let’s-just-love-everybody-and-all-will-be-well” love. I’m talking 1 Corinthians 13 love. And there is a difference.
In this passage, Paul isn’t telling us that a “peace-and-love-mumu-type-love” from the 1970s will make everything okay. He is saying that the love of Christ is our “one-size-fits-all” garment… because this love has many facets. The love Paul speaks of is patient, kind, calm and enduring. So when you are struggling in a relationship with another person – friend, family member, co-worker, classmate or teacher, significant other, or even a fellow believer… remember to put on your “love robe.” When you have challenges of any kind, don’t forget to put on your “raincoat” of kind, humble, self-less, trusting, optimistic, persistent love. Even though others give up on you and your relationship... God never gives up. He keeps on loving… and so should we.
This does not mean that we allow others to walk over us… or that we look the other way when there is injustice or disobedience. But we are called to handle every situation with the love of Christ. Sure… there will be times when you are angry, frustrated, insulted, and deeply wounded. You may be the person on the pew with a broken heart! But the love of Christ is what will sustain you… and you must never stop extending that love to others. I’ve talked to God a lot lately about how hard this is… how I often find it difficult to be a loving disciple when what I really want to do is yell, kick and scream! And each time, I hear Him saying… “Now you know how I feel most of the time!” And I am truly humbled.
I feel so shrouded in the protective love of God… covered by the “robe” of Jesus’ grace, mercy, kindness and forgiveness. I know that God has a closet full of “robes” that He wants to distribute to others… and we are the vehicle for this circulation. How are you doing? Are you fully operating in 1 Corinthians 13 love? Does the love of Christ fit you like a silken, flowing robe that never binds, creeps, crawls or itches? What are you wearing these days? Do you need to make a “wardrobe change?”
©2013 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.
The quote for this date in my desktop flip calendar came from the late Gilda Radner… “I base my fashion taste on what doesn’t itch.” I like that… and I would add, “…or cinch me too tightly, creep or crawl!” The truth is that our lives are filled with “itchy, scratchy, creeping, crawly, too-tight situations”… and not just in our fashions! The only “garment” that will always fit is the “robe” of love in Christ Jesus. This is the “full armor of God” – but it is never too heavy or uncomfortable. Jesus’ love is easy to wear… and “one size fits all.”
Our pastor reminded us again yesterday that there is at least one broken heart on every pew. You may think you have problems… but wait until you hear the next guy’s! No one is immune to struggles and challenges. I have been asking God to reveal Himself to me and answer several questions… and this scripture popped up on my outline. In a word…God’s answer seems to be… “Love.” I’m not talking “pie-in-the-sky-let’s-just-love-everybody-and-all-will-be-well” love. I’m talking 1 Corinthians 13 love. And there is a difference.
In this passage, Paul isn’t telling us that a “peace-and-love-mumu-type-love” from the 1970s will make everything okay. He is saying that the love of Christ is our “one-size-fits-all” garment… because this love has many facets. The love Paul speaks of is patient, kind, calm and enduring. So when you are struggling in a relationship with another person – friend, family member, co-worker, classmate or teacher, significant other, or even a fellow believer… remember to put on your “love robe.” When you have challenges of any kind, don’t forget to put on your “raincoat” of kind, humble, self-less, trusting, optimistic, persistent love. Even though others give up on you and your relationship... God never gives up. He keeps on loving… and so should we.
This does not mean that we allow others to walk over us… or that we look the other way when there is injustice or disobedience. But we are called to handle every situation with the love of Christ. Sure… there will be times when you are angry, frustrated, insulted, and deeply wounded. You may be the person on the pew with a broken heart! But the love of Christ is what will sustain you… and you must never stop extending that love to others. I’ve talked to God a lot lately about how hard this is… how I often find it difficult to be a loving disciple when what I really want to do is yell, kick and scream! And each time, I hear Him saying… “Now you know how I feel most of the time!” And I am truly humbled.
I feel so shrouded in the protective love of God… covered by the “robe” of Jesus’ grace, mercy, kindness and forgiveness. I know that God has a closet full of “robes” that He wants to distribute to others… and we are the vehicle for this circulation. How are you doing? Are you fully operating in 1 Corinthians 13 love? Does the love of Christ fit you like a silken, flowing robe that never binds, creeps, crawls or itches? What are you wearing these days? Do you need to make a “wardrobe change?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
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