Luke 3:12-14
When tax collectors came to be baptized, they asked John, “Teacher, what should we do?”
John told them, “Don’t make people pay more than they owe.”
Some soldiers asked him, “And what about us? What do we have to do?”
John told them, “Don’t force people to pay money to make you leave them alone. Be satisfied with your pay.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The
children in Timothy’s Sunday school class have been studying the book
of James this month – in particular, James 1:22…”But be doers of the
word, and not hearers only…” We have talked each Sunday about how
important it is to learn what God wants for us…and to put it into
action.
So as we look at these verses from James 1 and Luke 3 -
and think about our own lives - we may sometimes wonder, “How will we
convince people that we have really changed? What about the person who
knew us ‘back in the day’…how will he/she ever believe that we are a new
creature in Christ? How can we be sure that others see Jesus in our
everyday living?”
The answer lies in John’s response to the tax
collectors and soldiers…demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus in
how you live – and how you treat others. Be doers of the Word. You
have to go the extra mile, do the right thing, and conduct yourself in a
manner that honors Jesus in all things.
Too many “Christians”
accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation…then went right back to their old
habits. They still gossip, discriminate, call people names, take bribes
and overcharge. They gripe and complain about everything from their job
to the weather. Their circle of friends and the influences in their
lives have not changed - and neither have their attitudes. Most
observers would be hard-pressed to say that any transformation has
occurred in these people…that Jesus has really made any difference in
their lives.
It is one thing to say, “I’ve given my heart to
Jesus…but it is totally another to demonstrate this in our daily
living.” The tiniest details are what will make a real difference for
God’s Kingdom. We can attend worship services on Sundays and participate
in weekly Bible study groups…carry our Bibles…quote scripture…do
“mission work” and listen to “Christian” music.
We can wear our
crosses and drive cars with bumper stickers that say, “Honk if you love
Jesus.” We can post those memes on social media about loving Jesus and
believing in God. But none of this makes us a true Christian disciple.
If our attitude and even SOME of our actions do not line up with God’s
word and will - and the teachings of Jesus – our “witness” is
contaminated.
Examine your daily living – every thought, word
and action. See if what you are demonstrating represents true Christian
discipleship – and glorifies Jesus. Make His teachings on attitudes and actions your
daily habits. If second and third graders can learn to be “doers of the
Word,” surely we adults can do the same. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label demonstrating the teachings of Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label demonstrating the teachings of Jesus. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 30, 2016
Matthew 6:38-40
I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.
“This, in a nutshell, is that will: that everything handed over to me by the Father be completed—not a single detail missed—and at the wrap-up of time I have everything and everyone put together, upright and whole. This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole at the completion of time.”
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.
For decades, a women’s circle at my church has hosted a breakfast for the graduating high school seniors shortly before their last day of school. This year, I offered to help with the preparation and serving of this breakfast. As the students finished their meal, the class sponsor went over some important information with them…dates and times for baccalaureate…when and where to be for graduation rehearsal…the rescheduling of a group photo… and more. She covered many details, making sure that everything was neatly prepared and tied together so that everyone will be ready for these events - and the final ceremony will hopefully go off without a hitch.
The sponsor also read a little devotional to the students and talked to them about what happens after high school…how college is different – and continual study is required. She reminded them that even those who are joining the workforce will need to learn to discipline themselves to get up and get going every day…that whatever happens in this next chapter of life for these almost-adults, effort will be required to be successful and productive.
Several times, this teacher told the group…”This is not my rule…it came from the administration.” Or she would say, “I did not decide this…I’m telling you what I was told to share.” As for the “life lesson,” she cited comments from several college students and graduates who had told her how challenging life can be after high school. In this passage, Jesus tells His disciples that “I came to do God’s will…and I am giving you EVERYTHING you need, so that when I return for those who believe in Me, you will all be ready.”
The students at the breakfast trust that the information the teacher/sponsor gave them is accurate and vital. We who have given our hearts to Jesus are expected to trust His word for us - and to follow His instructions. What does this include? Jesus has told us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul…and to love others as we love Him. He has commanded us to share His Good News with everyone we encounter…to trust Him in all things…and to have hope and faith that He is preparing a place for us with Him for all Eternity.
Jesus performed miracles to demonstrate that He is all-powerful…that anything is possible with Him. He demonstrated incomparable sacrifice by dying on the cross for our sins. He rose from the grave three days later and instructed His disciples concerning how to minister to others in His absence. And He gave us the Holy Spirit to be our Forever Friend in the interim.
Jesus “covered all the bases.” He left nothing to chance or assumption. He was clear and distinct in His directives to us…and in His demonstrations of why we should trust Him and believe in Him. And if we follow through on these instructions, everything should go exactly as it is supposed to on the day when we are called to Heaven…whether this happens before Christ returns for His church – or during.
I hope all of the students were listening carefully yesterday to the words from the sponsor. More importantly, I hope that WE are listening to Jesus’ words for each of us. He has accomplished the will of the One who sent Him…now it is time to do OUR part to honor His commitment and commandments. How do you think you are doing so far?
©2016 Debbie Robus
I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.
“This, in a nutshell, is that will: that everything handed over to me by the Father be completed—not a single detail missed—and at the wrap-up of time I have everything and everyone put together, upright and whole. This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole at the completion of time.”
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.
For decades, a women’s circle at my church has hosted a breakfast for the graduating high school seniors shortly before their last day of school. This year, I offered to help with the preparation and serving of this breakfast. As the students finished their meal, the class sponsor went over some important information with them…dates and times for baccalaureate…when and where to be for graduation rehearsal…the rescheduling of a group photo… and more. She covered many details, making sure that everything was neatly prepared and tied together so that everyone will be ready for these events - and the final ceremony will hopefully go off without a hitch.
The sponsor also read a little devotional to the students and talked to them about what happens after high school…how college is different – and continual study is required. She reminded them that even those who are joining the workforce will need to learn to discipline themselves to get up and get going every day…that whatever happens in this next chapter of life for these almost-adults, effort will be required to be successful and productive.
Several times, this teacher told the group…”This is not my rule…it came from the administration.” Or she would say, “I did not decide this…I’m telling you what I was told to share.” As for the “life lesson,” she cited comments from several college students and graduates who had told her how challenging life can be after high school. In this passage, Jesus tells His disciples that “I came to do God’s will…and I am giving you EVERYTHING you need, so that when I return for those who believe in Me, you will all be ready.”
The students at the breakfast trust that the information the teacher/sponsor gave them is accurate and vital. We who have given our hearts to Jesus are expected to trust His word for us - and to follow His instructions. What does this include? Jesus has told us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul…and to love others as we love Him. He has commanded us to share His Good News with everyone we encounter…to trust Him in all things…and to have hope and faith that He is preparing a place for us with Him for all Eternity.
Jesus performed miracles to demonstrate that He is all-powerful…that anything is possible with Him. He demonstrated incomparable sacrifice by dying on the cross for our sins. He rose from the grave three days later and instructed His disciples concerning how to minister to others in His absence. And He gave us the Holy Spirit to be our Forever Friend in the interim.
Jesus “covered all the bases.” He left nothing to chance or assumption. He was clear and distinct in His directives to us…and in His demonstrations of why we should trust Him and believe in Him. And if we follow through on these instructions, everything should go exactly as it is supposed to on the day when we are called to Heaven…whether this happens before Christ returns for His church – or during.
I hope all of the students were listening carefully yesterday to the words from the sponsor. More importantly, I hope that WE are listening to Jesus’ words for each of us. He has accomplished the will of the One who sent Him…now it is time to do OUR part to honor His commitment and commandments. How do you think you are doing so far?
©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 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 13, 2016
Genesis 1:27-30
God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God’s nature.He created them male and female. God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.”
Then God said, “I’ve given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth and every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food. To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes, I give whatever grows out of the ground for food.” And there it was.
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 my mother was placed on Hospice and returned back to her house, two of her husband’s daughters (who both live in Tennessee) – Janet and Suzanne - came to help with her care. Both women are nurses, and their expertise was greatly appreciated. Janet’s husband, Craig, accompanied her…as well as their daughter, Sara, who was still on winter break from college. Almost upon their arrival, Janet and Craig sat down and made a menu plan. Then off to the store Craig went.
Craig returned with multiple sacks of groceries, and the kitchen became a beehive of activity. He browned hamburger meat and chicken, chopped and sautéed vegetables, and boiled pasta. He and Janet even baked two delicious chocolate “Texas Sheet Cakes!” In short, Craig created meals to sustain us for the next several days. Along with dishes generously provided by friends of my mother, we ate like kings and queens.
The beautiful thig about all of this is that my sister, Greg and I did not have to do a thing. All of our needs were met as we focused on caring for Mother and tending to other important business. We knew that we would be physically fed. But we were “fed” in other ways, also, as people reached out to provide for all of our needs as best they could. We were encouraged, nurtured, and prayed over. Cards, flowers, phone calls and countless electronic messages reminded us to “hang in there”…”get some rest”…and “be sure to remember to breathe.” All that we needed in that moment was provided.
There is a wonderful old hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” – written in 1925 by Thomas Chisholm. One line of the chorus says…”All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided.” Truly, God provides all that we need, in every circumstance. God provided for our needs in ways I cannot even describe in the last two months…and I know that He will continue to do so. His command to us is to go…to do… to represent Him as good stewards of all that His hand hath provided…to “feed His sheep” in every sense of the word.
Look around…who needs you? Where do you need to use what God has provided to “prosper and reproduce?” This is about more than creating future generations. God wants us to be good stewards of ALL of His gifts…and to multiply His kingdom by sharing His love, grace, kindness and mercy with others so that they want to belong to Him, also. What opportunities lie before you to accomplish this goal with whatever means God has equipped you?
Isn’t it time we got busy fulfilling the commands of Genesis 1? How will you feed the sheep of Jesus? When and where will you “prosper and reproduce” in His name? Don’t you think it’s time to decide?
©2016 Debbie Robus
God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God’s nature.He created them male and female. God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.”
Then God said, “I’ve given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth and every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food. To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes, I give whatever grows out of the ground for food.” And there it was.
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 my mother was placed on Hospice and returned back to her house, two of her husband’s daughters (who both live in Tennessee) – Janet and Suzanne - came to help with her care. Both women are nurses, and their expertise was greatly appreciated. Janet’s husband, Craig, accompanied her…as well as their daughter, Sara, who was still on winter break from college. Almost upon their arrival, Janet and Craig sat down and made a menu plan. Then off to the store Craig went.
Craig returned with multiple sacks of groceries, and the kitchen became a beehive of activity. He browned hamburger meat and chicken, chopped and sautéed vegetables, and boiled pasta. He and Janet even baked two delicious chocolate “Texas Sheet Cakes!” In short, Craig created meals to sustain us for the next several days. Along with dishes generously provided by friends of my mother, we ate like kings and queens.
The beautiful thig about all of this is that my sister, Greg and I did not have to do a thing. All of our needs were met as we focused on caring for Mother and tending to other important business. We knew that we would be physically fed. But we were “fed” in other ways, also, as people reached out to provide for all of our needs as best they could. We were encouraged, nurtured, and prayed over. Cards, flowers, phone calls and countless electronic messages reminded us to “hang in there”…”get some rest”…and “be sure to remember to breathe.” All that we needed in that moment was provided.
There is a wonderful old hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” – written in 1925 by Thomas Chisholm. One line of the chorus says…”All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided.” Truly, God provides all that we need, in every circumstance. God provided for our needs in ways I cannot even describe in the last two months…and I know that He will continue to do so. His command to us is to go…to do… to represent Him as good stewards of all that His hand hath provided…to “feed His sheep” in every sense of the word.
Look around…who needs you? Where do you need to use what God has provided to “prosper and reproduce?” This is about more than creating future generations. God wants us to be good stewards of ALL of His gifts…and to multiply His kingdom by sharing His love, grace, kindness and mercy with others so that they want to belong to Him, also. What opportunities lie before you to accomplish this goal with whatever means God has equipped you?
Isn’t it time we got busy fulfilling the commands of Genesis 1? How will you feed the sheep of Jesus? When and where will you “prosper and reproduce” in His name? Don’t you think it’s time to decide?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 15, 2015
John 14:11-14
“Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see — these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.
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.
Arkansas Razorbacks basketball forward Bobby Portis announced that he will not return to college for his junior year. Instead, he has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft this summer. Portis weighed the pros and cons of this decision, and in the end, the need to provide for his family probably proved to be the tipping point. Portis has already done wonderful things in his college career. He set school records as a Razorback…received national accolades…and won the hearts of Arkansans in particular – and Razorbacks fans in general. I am sure that his mother would tell you that his accomplishments far exceed her own – or anyone else’s in the Portis family.
Parents will often say, “I want better for my own kids than I had.” I don’t think too many parents would say, “I want my children to be mediocre,” or even, “If they do half as well as I have done, I’ll be happy!” So when we read this scripture and think about what Jesus is saying, it seems to me that He isn’t expecting us to literally turn water into wine or cast out demons. He most certainly does not expect us to be nailed to a cross for the sins of man, because HE has already covered that detail! I believe that Jesus wants us to “take a page from His book”, so to speak…and do all that we can to continue His work.
What are the works of Jesus? I made a mental list of some of them…and I am sure I have missed many. But in part, Jesus: demonstrated honor and glory to God, humility, kindness, mercy and compassion, respect for others, tolerance and forgiveness…fed the hungry…healed the sick and the injured…ministered to the poor…consoled the grieving and “poor in spirit”…and taught us how to pray – and to love one another.
Clearly, we cannot literally heal the sick and injured (unless we are physicians and nurses)…but we can do our best to minister to those who are experiencing these conditions. We can meet their needs to the best of our ability – and with the strength and power of God Almighty. We can feed the hungry – both literally and figuratively…we can show respect, tolerance, forgiveness, humility, kindness, mercy, and compassion. We can minister to the poor…we can console and encourage those who are grieving and hurting. We can pray…and love one another as God loved us. And in all of these things, we can give glory and honor to God!
At the end of the day, we will be doing what is best for our “family” – the body that we are a part of as believers in Jesus Christ and children of the Most High God. If we humbly do the works of Jesus according to God’s guidance and wisdom…and we call on Him to equip us… we will “do greater things” – not because WE are so wonderful, but because God is empowering our efforts.
We cannot all be NBA players and support our families in this manner. But we can serve on “Team Jesus” and do great things for the family of God. This should be our daily goal…to trust God to equip us to do whatever He ordains. We should confidently ask Him to give us these abilities, knowing that whatever we ask for that He has sanctioned will be accomplished.
There is no doubt that Bobby Portis would have garnered many more accolades in the next two years as an Arkansas Razorbacks basketball star. And I am sure he will receive a lot of recognition in the NBA. But at the end of the day, Bobby had to decide whether to make a difference and provide for his family now…or to stick around and make more of a name for himself in his home state. We have to decide the same thing – in a different way. Will we focus on what feels good to us…what promotes OUR agenda…or will we do the work of Jesus, and give God the glory? Will we make a point…or will we make a difference?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see — these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.
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.
Arkansas Razorbacks basketball forward Bobby Portis announced that he will not return to college for his junior year. Instead, he has declared himself eligible for the NBA draft this summer. Portis weighed the pros and cons of this decision, and in the end, the need to provide for his family probably proved to be the tipping point. Portis has already done wonderful things in his college career. He set school records as a Razorback…received national accolades…and won the hearts of Arkansans in particular – and Razorbacks fans in general. I am sure that his mother would tell you that his accomplishments far exceed her own – or anyone else’s in the Portis family.
Parents will often say, “I want better for my own kids than I had.” I don’t think too many parents would say, “I want my children to be mediocre,” or even, “If they do half as well as I have done, I’ll be happy!” So when we read this scripture and think about what Jesus is saying, it seems to me that He isn’t expecting us to literally turn water into wine or cast out demons. He most certainly does not expect us to be nailed to a cross for the sins of man, because HE has already covered that detail! I believe that Jesus wants us to “take a page from His book”, so to speak…and do all that we can to continue His work.
What are the works of Jesus? I made a mental list of some of them…and I am sure I have missed many. But in part, Jesus: demonstrated honor and glory to God, humility, kindness, mercy and compassion, respect for others, tolerance and forgiveness…fed the hungry…healed the sick and the injured…ministered to the poor…consoled the grieving and “poor in spirit”…and taught us how to pray – and to love one another.
Clearly, we cannot literally heal the sick and injured (unless we are physicians and nurses)…but we can do our best to minister to those who are experiencing these conditions. We can meet their needs to the best of our ability – and with the strength and power of God Almighty. We can feed the hungry – both literally and figuratively…we can show respect, tolerance, forgiveness, humility, kindness, mercy, and compassion. We can minister to the poor…we can console and encourage those who are grieving and hurting. We can pray…and love one another as God loved us. And in all of these things, we can give glory and honor to God!
At the end of the day, we will be doing what is best for our “family” – the body that we are a part of as believers in Jesus Christ and children of the Most High God. If we humbly do the works of Jesus according to God’s guidance and wisdom…and we call on Him to equip us… we will “do greater things” – not because WE are so wonderful, but because God is empowering our efforts.
We cannot all be NBA players and support our families in this manner. But we can serve on “Team Jesus” and do great things for the family of God. This should be our daily goal…to trust God to equip us to do whatever He ordains. We should confidently ask Him to give us these abilities, knowing that whatever we ask for that He has sanctioned will be accomplished.
There is no doubt that Bobby Portis would have garnered many more accolades in the next two years as an Arkansas Razorbacks basketball star. And I am sure he will receive a lot of recognition in the NBA. But at the end of the day, Bobby had to decide whether to make a difference and provide for his family now…or to stick around and make more of a name for himself in his home state. We have to decide the same thing – in a different way. Will we focus on what feels good to us…what promotes OUR agenda…or will we do the work of Jesus, and give God the glory? Will we make a point…or will we make a difference?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 17, 2015
Luke 9:51-56
When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead. They came to a Samaritan village to make arrangements for his hospitality. But when the Samaritans learned that his destination was Jerusalem, they refused hospitality. When the disciples James and John learned of it, they said, “Master, do you want us to call a bolt of lightning down out of the sky and incinerate them?”
Jesus turned on them: “Of course not!” And they traveled on to another village.
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 passage reminds me of the classic “Want me to beat him/her up for you?” scenario of a zealous friend or big brother/sister from our childhood! The notes surrounding these verses indicate that the Jews had referred to the Samaritans as “half-breeds”, which obviously did not go over well.
Information found at Catholic Answers* explains…“Because of their imperfect adherence to Judaism and their partly pagan ancestry, the Samaritans were despised by ordinary Jews. Rather than contaminate themselves by passing through Samaritan territory, Jews who were traveling from Judea to Galilee or vice versa would cross over the river Jordan, bypass Samaria by going through Transjordan, and cross over the river again as they neared their destination.”
Everyone is entitled to their opinion…even the Samaritans who didn’t approve of Jesus visiting Jerusalem. But this doesn’t give us reason to make a scene…and actually, to do so tarnishes our Christian witness. We saw a good example of this recently in Ferguson, Missouri. People felt strongly on both sides of this issue…and there were proper channels for expressing disapproval and outrage. But the rioting and burning of buildings and businesses…some of which were in no way involved in this whole debacle…was just plain wrong. And anyone who participated in these acts while claiming to be a Christian dishonored their faith and discipleship.
Like the reactions of our childhood, sometimes we want to lash out. It’s a natural, human tendency. But we are called to be better than this…and we have the Perfect Example of how and why it’s a bad idea. If anyone ever had reason for retaliation, it was Jesus…and yet, He never lost His cool. So what makes us think this should ever be okay for us?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/who-were-the-samaritans-and-why-were-they-important
When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead. They came to a Samaritan village to make arrangements for his hospitality. But when the Samaritans learned that his destination was Jerusalem, they refused hospitality. When the disciples James and John learned of it, they said, “Master, do you want us to call a bolt of lightning down out of the sky and incinerate them?”
Jesus turned on them: “Of course not!” And they traveled on to another village.
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 passage reminds me of the classic “Want me to beat him/her up for you?” scenario of a zealous friend or big brother/sister from our childhood! The notes surrounding these verses indicate that the Jews had referred to the Samaritans as “half-breeds”, which obviously did not go over well.
Information found at Catholic Answers* explains…“Because of their imperfect adherence to Judaism and their partly pagan ancestry, the Samaritans were despised by ordinary Jews. Rather than contaminate themselves by passing through Samaritan territory, Jews who were traveling from Judea to Galilee or vice versa would cross over the river Jordan, bypass Samaria by going through Transjordan, and cross over the river again as they neared their destination.”
Everyone is entitled to their opinion…even the Samaritans who didn’t approve of Jesus visiting Jerusalem. But this doesn’t give us reason to make a scene…and actually, to do so tarnishes our Christian witness. We saw a good example of this recently in Ferguson, Missouri. People felt strongly on both sides of this issue…and there were proper channels for expressing disapproval and outrage. But the rioting and burning of buildings and businesses…some of which were in no way involved in this whole debacle…was just plain wrong. And anyone who participated in these acts while claiming to be a Christian dishonored their faith and discipleship.
Like the reactions of our childhood, sometimes we want to lash out. It’s a natural, human tendency. But we are called to be better than this…and we have the Perfect Example of how and why it’s a bad idea. If anyone ever had reason for retaliation, it was Jesus…and yet, He never lost His cool. So what makes us think this should ever be okay for us?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/who-were-the-samaritans-and-why-were-they-important
Daily Devotional for December 30, 2014
1 Timothy 6:2-5
These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there’s an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.
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, a female Cardinal perched on a privet hedge branch outside my window. I stopped and studied her as she sat in the sunshine on this very cold, breezy day. The female is not the showier of the Cardinals…her sandy brown body sports just a hint of bright red at the crest and on the tail - unlike her male counterpart who is a brilliant red (hence the name “Cardinal”!) Yet she exuded such sweetness…such beauty…such purpose!
Surely at some point, this little bird will become a mother. She will shoulder the responsibility of ministering to her little charges. While her mate will assist her…much of the responsibility for setting a good example will fall to her. This little bird may not be a showoff, but her “mission” is vital…and that makes her all the more beautiful to me – and important in the circle of life.
The Apostle Paul is speaking this message to Timothy…”stay focused on what is the true mission of the church. Don’t get caught up in flash and grandeur…and most certainly do not begin to emphasize money – or its gain. Pay attention to the solid words of our Master Jesus – and emulate His teachings – and the rest will take care of itself. Recognize those who have a different agenda for who and what the church is about…and do not buy into what they are peddling!”
The message for all of us is to focus on the teachings of Jesus…grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, inclusion, compassion, and hope. This type of ministry may not be as glamorous or visually attractive as flashy trappings, grand buildings and expensive adornments. But like the mother Cardinal…your “mission” is vital and precious to Jesus. And that is really all that matters. Are YOU teaching and preaching the things that Jesus desires? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there’s an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.
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, a female Cardinal perched on a privet hedge branch outside my window. I stopped and studied her as she sat in the sunshine on this very cold, breezy day. The female is not the showier of the Cardinals…her sandy brown body sports just a hint of bright red at the crest and on the tail - unlike her male counterpart who is a brilliant red (hence the name “Cardinal”!) Yet she exuded such sweetness…such beauty…such purpose!
Surely at some point, this little bird will become a mother. She will shoulder the responsibility of ministering to her little charges. While her mate will assist her…much of the responsibility for setting a good example will fall to her. This little bird may not be a showoff, but her “mission” is vital…and that makes her all the more beautiful to me – and important in the circle of life.
The Apostle Paul is speaking this message to Timothy…”stay focused on what is the true mission of the church. Don’t get caught up in flash and grandeur…and most certainly do not begin to emphasize money – or its gain. Pay attention to the solid words of our Master Jesus – and emulate His teachings – and the rest will take care of itself. Recognize those who have a different agenda for who and what the church is about…and do not buy into what they are peddling!”
The message for all of us is to focus on the teachings of Jesus…grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, inclusion, compassion, and hope. This type of ministry may not be as glamorous or visually attractive as flashy trappings, grand buildings and expensive adornments. But like the mother Cardinal…your “mission” is vital and precious to Jesus. And that is really all that matters. Are YOU teaching and preaching the things that Jesus desires? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 27, 2014
1 Corinthians 10:6-7, 10
The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—“First the people partied, then they threw a dance.”
We must be careful not to stir up discontent; discontent destroyed them.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“Attitude…not aptitude…determines altitude.” - Zig Ziglar
Our kids did not get expensive gifts for Christmas this year. Yet more than once, Timothy declared this “…the BEST Christmas EVER!” Our nephew’s wife posted a photo of their 6-month-old daughter, surrounded by Christmas gifts…and playing with a water bottle! While children are often content with the simplest of objects, toys or situations, they are also masters at wanting things their own way – and doing whatever it takes to achieve this. And a lot of us have continued this manipulation into our adulthood.
It might be cute on a 5-year-old or a six-month-old, but selfishness and discord are not attractive traits as we get older. Our 3-year-old Zola was adorable when she told me that she wanted to stay overnight with us…then pointed to 5-year-old Timothy and said, “but I don’t want HIM to stay!” It’s not pretty at all when we adults say, “This person is welcome…but HE/SHE is not!”…based on their appearance, their opinions, their lifestyle choices, and more.
God sent Jesus to earth to share love, grace, mercy, compassion and salvation with ALL of us. Jesus came that we might have abundant, joyful, and peaceful life…that we might get along as brothers and sisters in Him. Just like a child favors some Christmas gifts over others, we won’t always enjoy the presence of every single one of God’s creatures. People and situations will rub us the wrong way at times – even big brothers and little sisters! But when we look UP…when we keep our focus on Jesus and strive to emulate His teachings, our attitude can’t help but improve.
It’s not about you – or me…it’s about Jesus. When we figure this out and call on Him to show us how to make “life” work, we are elevated in His love and grace. Our attitude does indeed determine our altitude. How high are you ready to soar with Jesus?
©2014 Debbie Robus
The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—“First the people partied, then they threw a dance.”
We must be careful not to stir up discontent; discontent destroyed them.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“Attitude…not aptitude…determines altitude.” - Zig Ziglar
Our kids did not get expensive gifts for Christmas this year. Yet more than once, Timothy declared this “…the BEST Christmas EVER!” Our nephew’s wife posted a photo of their 6-month-old daughter, surrounded by Christmas gifts…and playing with a water bottle! While children are often content with the simplest of objects, toys or situations, they are also masters at wanting things their own way – and doing whatever it takes to achieve this. And a lot of us have continued this manipulation into our adulthood.
It might be cute on a 5-year-old or a six-month-old, but selfishness and discord are not attractive traits as we get older. Our 3-year-old Zola was adorable when she told me that she wanted to stay overnight with us…then pointed to 5-year-old Timothy and said, “but I don’t want HIM to stay!” It’s not pretty at all when we adults say, “This person is welcome…but HE/SHE is not!”…based on their appearance, their opinions, their lifestyle choices, and more.
God sent Jesus to earth to share love, grace, mercy, compassion and salvation with ALL of us. Jesus came that we might have abundant, joyful, and peaceful life…that we might get along as brothers and sisters in Him. Just like a child favors some Christmas gifts over others, we won’t always enjoy the presence of every single one of God’s creatures. People and situations will rub us the wrong way at times – even big brothers and little sisters! But when we look UP…when we keep our focus on Jesus and strive to emulate His teachings, our attitude can’t help but improve.
It’s not about you – or me…it’s about Jesus. When we figure this out and call on Him to show us how to make “life” work, we are elevated in His love and grace. Our attitude does indeed determine our altitude. How high are you ready to soar with Jesus?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 25, 2014
Ephesians 4:1-6
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My pastor called to tell me that one of our church members, Miss Ollie Fae Jackson, passed away. She was 92 and had lived in a local nursing home for some time now. Our pastor has only lived here for about six years, so he didn’t know much about Miss Jackson and hoped that I might be able to share some memories of her.
Miss Jackson was our high school business teacher for 30 years. She taught my mother and dad, my sister, brother and me - and countless other students – how to type. She also taught accounting, stenography (how to take dictation), and she managed the school newspaper and yearbook production. She was a very tiny woman who sort of reminded me of Popeye’s girlfriend, “Olive Oyl”. Miss Jackson zipped around the classroom and hallways in canvas “Redball Jets” tennis shoes...earning herself the nickname of “Jet Jackson”. She did not approve of this moniker...and many mischievous students reveled in whispering “Jet” within earshot and watching her bristle.
To say that students were not very nice to Miss Jackson at times would be an understatement. One could argue that they were just being kids...and that this was how they coped with her serious attitude and seemingly brusque demeanor. But what none of us realized was that Miss Jackson had a lot of responsibilities...and probably more than a few burdens, too. Her dad passed away in 1951...the year she began her teaching career at our high school. My mother remembers when she learned to drive, which was probably out of necessity to shuttle herself and her mother where they needed to go. Miss Jackson and her mother lived in a really tiny house in the heart of town. Her mother passed away in 1979, and Miss Jackson was her caregiver.
Miss Jackson was always faithfully devoted to her church, and after her retirement from teaching, she turned her attention to caring for family members and people in the community. She cooked and delivered countless meals to those who were sick or in need...and she did this well into her 80s! Very few people knew that she did these things. She was a quiet, humble servant and disciple.
I put a post on Facebook and asked fellow students to share their memories of Miss Jackson. Almost to a person, those who responded credited her with teaching them to type. Many shared stories of how she had helped them or been particularly lenient and kind. One woman shared that Miss Jackson helped her figure out how to type while accounting for the fact that she was missing a thumb!
My point in sharing all of this is to say that this precious servant demonstrated many of the traits of Ephesians 4:1-6. She may not have been particularly gentle with us...but she certainly operated in humility and patience. She put up with the antics and teasing of teenagers and did her best to live in peace with others. She continued to demonstrate love for others even when some did not act very lovingly toward her - and in spite of the hardships and struggles that her peppered her life. It is no surprise that teenagers often do not fully understand the adults who are part of their lives...or appreciate them as fellow human beings. But the grace and mercy of God is evident in people like Miss Jackson, who continue to faithfully pass on these gifts and blessings to others, regardless of how they are treated in return.
To many, it might appear that Miss Jackson didn’t have all that great of a life. She never married, lived in a teeny little house and cared for her aging mother, then lived there alone for almost 40 years as her siblings and other family members passed on and left her behind. But I would argue that Miss Jackson didn’t see it that way at all. In fact, I bet she would tell you how rich, wonderful...and blessed her life was. She recognized the ministry in her life’s work...and she was at peace with the circumstances. And we would do well to emulate her.
True Christian discipleship is not about where we live, how much we have, whether we marry and have children, or our physical appearance. A faith-filled servant demonstrates humility, gentleness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, patience, and love – and displays peace and joy in all circumstances. Miss Jackson projected all of these things...and in doing so, she was more of a teacher than even she realized. Many learned a whole lot more from her than merely typing and bookkeeping!
What have you learned from the “teachers” in your midst? Are you a “teacher” of the Good News of Jesus Christ? When your earthly life ends, how will others remember you? How do they know you now?
©2014 Debbie Robus
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My pastor called to tell me that one of our church members, Miss Ollie Fae Jackson, passed away. She was 92 and had lived in a local nursing home for some time now. Our pastor has only lived here for about six years, so he didn’t know much about Miss Jackson and hoped that I might be able to share some memories of her.
Miss Jackson was our high school business teacher for 30 years. She taught my mother and dad, my sister, brother and me - and countless other students – how to type. She also taught accounting, stenography (how to take dictation), and she managed the school newspaper and yearbook production. She was a very tiny woman who sort of reminded me of Popeye’s girlfriend, “Olive Oyl”. Miss Jackson zipped around the classroom and hallways in canvas “Redball Jets” tennis shoes...earning herself the nickname of “Jet Jackson”. She did not approve of this moniker...and many mischievous students reveled in whispering “Jet” within earshot and watching her bristle.
To say that students were not very nice to Miss Jackson at times would be an understatement. One could argue that they were just being kids...and that this was how they coped with her serious attitude and seemingly brusque demeanor. But what none of us realized was that Miss Jackson had a lot of responsibilities...and probably more than a few burdens, too. Her dad passed away in 1951...the year she began her teaching career at our high school. My mother remembers when she learned to drive, which was probably out of necessity to shuttle herself and her mother where they needed to go. Miss Jackson and her mother lived in a really tiny house in the heart of town. Her mother passed away in 1979, and Miss Jackson was her caregiver.
Miss Jackson was always faithfully devoted to her church, and after her retirement from teaching, she turned her attention to caring for family members and people in the community. She cooked and delivered countless meals to those who were sick or in need...and she did this well into her 80s! Very few people knew that she did these things. She was a quiet, humble servant and disciple.
I put a post on Facebook and asked fellow students to share their memories of Miss Jackson. Almost to a person, those who responded credited her with teaching them to type. Many shared stories of how she had helped them or been particularly lenient and kind. One woman shared that Miss Jackson helped her figure out how to type while accounting for the fact that she was missing a thumb!
My point in sharing all of this is to say that this precious servant demonstrated many of the traits of Ephesians 4:1-6. She may not have been particularly gentle with us...but she certainly operated in humility and patience. She put up with the antics and teasing of teenagers and did her best to live in peace with others. She continued to demonstrate love for others even when some did not act very lovingly toward her - and in spite of the hardships and struggles that her peppered her life. It is no surprise that teenagers often do not fully understand the adults who are part of their lives...or appreciate them as fellow human beings. But the grace and mercy of God is evident in people like Miss Jackson, who continue to faithfully pass on these gifts and blessings to others, regardless of how they are treated in return.
To many, it might appear that Miss Jackson didn’t have all that great of a life. She never married, lived in a teeny little house and cared for her aging mother, then lived there alone for almost 40 years as her siblings and other family members passed on and left her behind. But I would argue that Miss Jackson didn’t see it that way at all. In fact, I bet she would tell you how rich, wonderful...and blessed her life was. She recognized the ministry in her life’s work...and she was at peace with the circumstances. And we would do well to emulate her.
True Christian discipleship is not about where we live, how much we have, whether we marry and have children, or our physical appearance. A faith-filled servant demonstrates humility, gentleness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, patience, and love – and displays peace and joy in all circumstances. Miss Jackson projected all of these things...and in doing so, she was more of a teacher than even she realized. Many learned a whole lot more from her than merely typing and bookkeeping!
What have you learned from the “teachers” in your midst? Are you a “teacher” of the Good News of Jesus Christ? When your earthly life ends, how will others remember you? How do they know you now?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)