John 3:5-8
Jesus answered:
I tell you for
certain that before you can get into God’s kingdom, you must be born
not only by water, but by the Spirit. Humans give life to their
children. Yet only God’s Spirit can change you into a child of God.
Don’t be surprised when I say that you must be born from above. Only
God’s Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows
wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don’t know where it
comes from or where it is going.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last
year after Halloween, I bought “super-hero” costumes off the clearance
rack and gave Timothy, Zola and Nathan each a costume for Christmas.
The children have had capes and masks before…but this was the “whole
shebang”…suit, mask, and accessories. And all three kids have almost
worn these costumes threadbare. Ask Nathan who he is when in costume,
and he will tell you, “I’m Batman®!” or “I’m Spiderman®!” But ask about
the well-known superheroes…especially Spiderman®…and these children can
also readily tell you that he is the alter-ego of "Peter Parker." Even
though they believe that the costume makes them (at least temporarily)
into someone else (if only in a pretend sense), they also grasp the
concept of “human” – and “superhuman”.
I guess it should come
as no surprise to me how readily these little ones accept God. They
know we cannot see Him…they understand that “God lives ‘up there’ in
Heaven,” as Nathan puts it. They will even tell you that God lives in
our hearts, too…and they believe it! We are working to establish the
understanding that God is not just a “superhero” like Spiderman®, Iron
Man® or Superman®…that He is REAL all the time – even if we cannot “see”
Him – or an alter-ego - in the flesh.
I’m wondering at what
point we change from being children who readily accept that God exists
to the questioning beings that many of us are today. When do we stop
believing what God tells us and start to doubt Him? Why do so many of
us SAY we trust in Jesus, and then fail to act as if we do? How can we
possibly demonstrate Christian faith to others when our own confidence
is so terribly lacking?
We need to buckle down and spend some
time with God…both studying His word and in prayer and conversation. We
need to re-establish the connection of faith…and to truly grasp what it
means to be “born of water and spirit” – and changed into a child of
God. Some of us have not made that leap of faith – and fully embraced
the Holy Spirit. We’re like a little kid who put on the superhero
costume, then sat down and refused to play the part. The costume adds
nothing if we don’t put on the “spirit.” And once we take it off, we are
no different than when we began.
The time is here to put on the
“spirit” of God…to carry Him in our hearts every minute of the day. We
have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus…now it is time to put on
His whole armor…and keep it on…to become the spirit-filled child
of God that He has made us to be! By the time God calls us to heaven,
our “outfit” should be so threadbare that He can’t help but reward us
with a new one!
My question to you today is, “Who are you?”
Have you truly been transformed into a spirit-filled child of God? Can
others readily see this? Are you really ready to fully embrace your New
Life in Christ – and His Holy Spirit - forever and ever? Will this be
the day that you make the change?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label developing a relationship with Jesus and His Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label developing a relationship with Jesus and His Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 2, 2016
John 20:19-23
Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.
The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”
Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone’s sins, they’re gone for good. If you don’t forgive sins, what are you going to do with 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.
There's a funny thing about kids…they never want you to throw anything away. So they are devastated when they find “artwork” in the trash…or you gather toys they no longer play with to share with a younger child. I’ve even seen our children cling to clothing that they had outgrown. I’m particularly remembering a pair of “Ninja Turtles” pajamas that were far too snug and short (both in the leg length and the “stride”) for Timothy – and then Nathan – and both boys INSISTED that these still fit and fell apart when I mentioned giving them to a younger friend. I cannot count how many times we have had to do a little “purging” when the children were gone… and just hoped that they didn’t ask about the “missing” items!
You and I hang onto things, too…just open any closet or drawer! But we also cling to grudges…offenses…and memories of things that happened so long ago that the details are incredibly fuzzy to everyone – except us! As Christians, we are called to forgive…to let go of these things and move forward. As Jesus put it to the Disciples...if you don’t release old baggage, what will you do with it?
Some of us try to “wear” these old sins like the too-small pair of Ninja Turtles pajama pants. And I’m here to tell you, the look ain’t pretty! More importantly, it does not properly represent our relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The same deep breath that Jesus breathed into His Disciples, He breathes into each and every one of us who surrender to Him. He fills us with His Holy Spirit. But it is up to us to receive Him and recognize His presence…to fully operate under His guidance, wisdom, grace and mercy - each and every day.
So “out with the old…in with the new!” Think about what you need to let go of today…who you need to forgive…where you should release old grudges, insults, offenses and heartaches, so that the Holy Spirit has room to fill your heart with His joys and abundance. Don’t be afraid to get rid of the baggage and move forward with Christ. It’s time to truly trust Jesus to do what He has promised…and to extend His peace and love to others. Now ready…set…GO!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.
The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”
Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone’s sins, they’re gone for good. If you don’t forgive sins, what are you going to do with 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.
There's a funny thing about kids…they never want you to throw anything away. So they are devastated when they find “artwork” in the trash…or you gather toys they no longer play with to share with a younger child. I’ve even seen our children cling to clothing that they had outgrown. I’m particularly remembering a pair of “Ninja Turtles” pajamas that were far too snug and short (both in the leg length and the “stride”) for Timothy – and then Nathan – and both boys INSISTED that these still fit and fell apart when I mentioned giving them to a younger friend. I cannot count how many times we have had to do a little “purging” when the children were gone… and just hoped that they didn’t ask about the “missing” items!
You and I hang onto things, too…just open any closet or drawer! But we also cling to grudges…offenses…and memories of things that happened so long ago that the details are incredibly fuzzy to everyone – except us! As Christians, we are called to forgive…to let go of these things and move forward. As Jesus put it to the Disciples...if you don’t release old baggage, what will you do with it?
Some of us try to “wear” these old sins like the too-small pair of Ninja Turtles pajama pants. And I’m here to tell you, the look ain’t pretty! More importantly, it does not properly represent our relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The same deep breath that Jesus breathed into His Disciples, He breathes into each and every one of us who surrender to Him. He fills us with His Holy Spirit. But it is up to us to receive Him and recognize His presence…to fully operate under His guidance, wisdom, grace and mercy - each and every day.
So “out with the old…in with the new!” Think about what you need to let go of today…who you need to forgive…where you should release old grudges, insults, offenses and heartaches, so that the Holy Spirit has room to fill your heart with His joys and abundance. Don’t be afraid to get rid of the baggage and move forward with Christ. It’s time to truly trust Jesus to do what He has promised…and to extend His peace and love to others. Now ready…set…GO!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 6, 2016
Romans 8:15-17
God’s Spirit doesn’t make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father. God’s Spirit makes us sure that we are his children. His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ we will be given what God has promised. We will also share in the glory of Christ, because we have suffered with him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I confess …I turn down a lot of invitations these days. I am simply not interested in joining a club, participating in certain groups, or attending certain social activities. It’s not that I have commitment issues…or that I am an introvert or asocial. Sometimes the person(s) who are inviting will say, “You will have so much fun! You will really enjoy this”…or the ultimate, “You will be so blessed!” Yeah…maybe…but I will also feel obligated to continue to attend/participate. The activity will become drudgery, and NOBODY will be blessed by that!
If we are truly honest, a lot of us do this with God. When the Holy Spirit comes calling, we say, “I see what you are offering – and it sounds great on the surface. But over time, it could become hard work – or even boring or uninteresting. My relationship with you could become an obligation more than an honor…and I would not be serving you for the right reasons.” And we pull away.
I’m not going to lie…there will be times when serving in God’s Army isn’t exactly tea and roses. There will be days when you don’t want to smile and “play nice”…times when you don’t want to open your Bible and seek God’s word and will…worship events that you don’t want to attend…and people you don’t want to serve in the name of Jesus. But in these instances, if we do it anyway, we will essentially be “suffering with Christ” in a small way. I can assure you that JESUS did not want to be nailed to a cross for a single one of us…but He did it anyway.
There are things in our life in which we have every right to refuse to participate, for whatever reason. Some of them very well may make us feel like slaves. But serving God and surrendering to His will is not one of them. He is our Father…we are His children. He loves us beyond anything we can ever imagine. Nothing or no one will ever compare. What God calls us to do will bring blessings beyond what we could ever dream…and glory because we did these things for Him.
So refuse a lunch date…decline the offer to join a study group, fitness team, or even a social club…turn down that invitation to a party that sounds less fun than being waterboarded! But don’t miss out on the Holy Spirit’s invitation. Don’t say “No!” to the One who offers EVERYTHING! Jump in with both feet and say, “Yes! I’m ready, willing – and thanks to the power of Jesus – ABLE to do whatever you ask!”
©2016 Debbie Robus
God’s Spirit doesn’t make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father. God’s Spirit makes us sure that we are his children. His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ we will be given what God has promised. We will also share in the glory of Christ, because we have suffered with him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I confess …I turn down a lot of invitations these days. I am simply not interested in joining a club, participating in certain groups, or attending certain social activities. It’s not that I have commitment issues…or that I am an introvert or asocial. Sometimes the person(s) who are inviting will say, “You will have so much fun! You will really enjoy this”…or the ultimate, “You will be so blessed!” Yeah…maybe…but I will also feel obligated to continue to attend/participate. The activity will become drudgery, and NOBODY will be blessed by that!
If we are truly honest, a lot of us do this with God. When the Holy Spirit comes calling, we say, “I see what you are offering – and it sounds great on the surface. But over time, it could become hard work – or even boring or uninteresting. My relationship with you could become an obligation more than an honor…and I would not be serving you for the right reasons.” And we pull away.
I’m not going to lie…there will be times when serving in God’s Army isn’t exactly tea and roses. There will be days when you don’t want to smile and “play nice”…times when you don’t want to open your Bible and seek God’s word and will…worship events that you don’t want to attend…and people you don’t want to serve in the name of Jesus. But in these instances, if we do it anyway, we will essentially be “suffering with Christ” in a small way. I can assure you that JESUS did not want to be nailed to a cross for a single one of us…but He did it anyway.
There are things in our life in which we have every right to refuse to participate, for whatever reason. Some of them very well may make us feel like slaves. But serving God and surrendering to His will is not one of them. He is our Father…we are His children. He loves us beyond anything we can ever imagine. Nothing or no one will ever compare. What God calls us to do will bring blessings beyond what we could ever dream…and glory because we did these things for Him.
So refuse a lunch date…decline the offer to join a study group, fitness team, or even a social club…turn down that invitation to a party that sounds less fun than being waterboarded! But don’t miss out on the Holy Spirit’s invitation. Don’t say “No!” to the One who offers EVERYTHING! Jump in with both feet and say, “Yes! I’m ready, willing – and thanks to the power of Jesus – ABLE to do whatever you ask!”
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 5, 2016
Romans 8:12-14
So, dear brothers, you have no obligations whatever to your old sinful nature to do what it begs you to do. For if you keep on following it you are lost and will perish, but if through the power of the Holy Spirit you crush it and its evil deeds, you shall live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Some 20 years ago, Greg and I would have been spending summer Sunday afternoons out on the lake, with our pontoon boat tied together with several other pontoons and a ski boat or two. We would be with our friends, soaking up the sun and enjoying our beautiful crystal clear lake. This morning at church, one of our “boat buddies” (who is now the father of four children ages 2-10) said, “I no longer tie up in a cove like we used to do…it’s too dangerous for kids.” Greg and I no longer even own a boat. We take our children to the indoor pool at the local Aquatic Center. Times have changed…and we have changed with them!
We could buy another boat and go back to the cove on the lake with our friends. Some have grown children now…others have small, young families. It would be the same – yet different…and we are not bound to keep doing what we always did. Life changes, and we change with it.
In the same way, we are not bound to continue our old sinful ways once we give our hearts and lives to Jesus. We have a new focus…new interests…a new way of doing things. You may be one of those people who really had a pretty good life as a sinner. You didn’t break rules…you were kind to others and cared about their needs…you observed the laws, went to church, and “did all the right things.” It might seem like your “old life” was not all that different from the new one…that doing what you always did would not really be that bad even now.
Here’s the difference…the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of the commitment you made to Jesus…and His Holy Spirit working in and through you…everything about your “new life” is better. “New and improved” are the words of the day. It may not feel all that different…but your focus HAS shifted – or it should have. Instead of just going through the motions, you should now be calling on the Holy Spirit to guide your days…direct your paths…ordain your thoughts, words and actions. Where you once muddled through each day, He now gives you a life of “intention”…a holy purpose…and the promise of Eternal Life.
I sometimes think an afternoon on the lake would be fun. But then I think about the heat and sunburn…all of the gear to load and unload…the worry of making sure that the kids stayed safe…and I am totally content with things as they are. And I wouldn’t trade my “new life in Christ” and the company of the Holy Spirit for a single second of the “old life” as a sinner.
All I have to do is think of how glorious “life” will be in Paradise for all eternity…and how carefully God tends to my every need in this life through His Holy Spirit, and I know that this is the life for me…forever and ever. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
So, dear brothers, you have no obligations whatever to your old sinful nature to do what it begs you to do. For if you keep on following it you are lost and will perish, but if through the power of the Holy Spirit you crush it and its evil deeds, you shall live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Some 20 years ago, Greg and I would have been spending summer Sunday afternoons out on the lake, with our pontoon boat tied together with several other pontoons and a ski boat or two. We would be with our friends, soaking up the sun and enjoying our beautiful crystal clear lake. This morning at church, one of our “boat buddies” (who is now the father of four children ages 2-10) said, “I no longer tie up in a cove like we used to do…it’s too dangerous for kids.” Greg and I no longer even own a boat. We take our children to the indoor pool at the local Aquatic Center. Times have changed…and we have changed with them!
We could buy another boat and go back to the cove on the lake with our friends. Some have grown children now…others have small, young families. It would be the same – yet different…and we are not bound to keep doing what we always did. Life changes, and we change with it.
In the same way, we are not bound to continue our old sinful ways once we give our hearts and lives to Jesus. We have a new focus…new interests…a new way of doing things. You may be one of those people who really had a pretty good life as a sinner. You didn’t break rules…you were kind to others and cared about their needs…you observed the laws, went to church, and “did all the right things.” It might seem like your “old life” was not all that different from the new one…that doing what you always did would not really be that bad even now.
Here’s the difference…the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of the commitment you made to Jesus…and His Holy Spirit working in and through you…everything about your “new life” is better. “New and improved” are the words of the day. It may not feel all that different…but your focus HAS shifted – or it should have. Instead of just going through the motions, you should now be calling on the Holy Spirit to guide your days…direct your paths…ordain your thoughts, words and actions. Where you once muddled through each day, He now gives you a life of “intention”…a holy purpose…and the promise of Eternal Life.
I sometimes think an afternoon on the lake would be fun. But then I think about the heat and sunburn…all of the gear to load and unload…the worry of making sure that the kids stayed safe…and I am totally content with things as they are. And I wouldn’t trade my “new life in Christ” and the company of the Holy Spirit for a single second of the “old life” as a sinner.
All I have to do is think of how glorious “life” will be in Paradise for all eternity…and how carefully God tends to my every need in this life through His Holy Spirit, and I know that this is the life for me…forever and ever. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 7, 2016
1 John 4:13-16
And he has put his own Holy Spirit into our hearts as a proof to us that we are living with him and he with us. And furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now tell all the world that God sent his Son to be their Savior. Anyone who believes and says that Jesus is the Son of God has God living in him, and he is living with God.
We know how much God loves us because we have felt his love and because we believe him when he tells us that he loves us dearly. God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in 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.
Sometimes when I tell Nathan “No,” he has started responding with “You don’t love me anymore.” I laugh and assure him that indeed, I do love him very much. It’s a manipulative ploy on his part to get me to change my mind. We both know how much he is loved – by me and countless others!
Whether the children can verbalize it or not, they recognize the love and care that many adults continually pour into their lives in dozens of ways. From the personal notes Timothy’s mother puts in his lunch box…to the extra towels I roll up in their swim bags so they won’t be cold after we get out of the pool…to the sacks full of beautiful barely-worn clothes that a dear friend from church generously shared with Zola – these kids know that they are loved. I am hopeful that they will grow to understand just how much they are loved…how much is done for them behind the scenes. I am trusting that they will want to demonstrate their gratitude for such boundless kindness and affection…particularly by “paying it forward” to others.
I know it doesn’t always work out this way. Plenty of children who were loved madly grew up to be spoiled, unappreciative, and presumptive – as if the world owed them everything. And there are all sorts of levels of this in between. But our goal is to instill in others a healthy balance of unconditional love and acceptance – and a sense of respect and responsibility.
Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit so that we would always feel His presence, love and guidance. His intention is that we feel so safe and loved that we operate in confidence – not arrogance! Jesus wants us to draw on the wisdom and loving guidance of the Holy Spirit as we move through our day – and to convey these gifts and blessings to others.
Yesterday, I told the 6th-grade Sunday school students that one of the best ways we can proclaim the love and Good News of Jesus to others is by our daily living…how we speak and act – and how we treat others. If we are negative and critical…if we call others ugly names and talk about them disparagingly…if we discriminate, bully and condescend…others will certainly NOT see Jesus in us. And when we do these things, we are not living in God.
So how are you living today? Are you demonstrating the power and blessings of the Holy Spirit in your own life? Are you offering others an example that makes them say, “I want the Holy Spirit to dwell in me!”…a model that makes others want your peace and joy in Jesus for themselves? Isn’t it time you did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
And he has put his own Holy Spirit into our hearts as a proof to us that we are living with him and he with us. And furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now tell all the world that God sent his Son to be their Savior. Anyone who believes and says that Jesus is the Son of God has God living in him, and he is living with God.
We know how much God loves us because we have felt his love and because we believe him when he tells us that he loves us dearly. God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in 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.
Sometimes when I tell Nathan “No,” he has started responding with “You don’t love me anymore.” I laugh and assure him that indeed, I do love him very much. It’s a manipulative ploy on his part to get me to change my mind. We both know how much he is loved – by me and countless others!
Whether the children can verbalize it or not, they recognize the love and care that many adults continually pour into their lives in dozens of ways. From the personal notes Timothy’s mother puts in his lunch box…to the extra towels I roll up in their swim bags so they won’t be cold after we get out of the pool…to the sacks full of beautiful barely-worn clothes that a dear friend from church generously shared with Zola – these kids know that they are loved. I am hopeful that they will grow to understand just how much they are loved…how much is done for them behind the scenes. I am trusting that they will want to demonstrate their gratitude for such boundless kindness and affection…particularly by “paying it forward” to others.
I know it doesn’t always work out this way. Plenty of children who were loved madly grew up to be spoiled, unappreciative, and presumptive – as if the world owed them everything. And there are all sorts of levels of this in between. But our goal is to instill in others a healthy balance of unconditional love and acceptance – and a sense of respect and responsibility.
Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit so that we would always feel His presence, love and guidance. His intention is that we feel so safe and loved that we operate in confidence – not arrogance! Jesus wants us to draw on the wisdom and loving guidance of the Holy Spirit as we move through our day – and to convey these gifts and blessings to others.
Yesterday, I told the 6th-grade Sunday school students that one of the best ways we can proclaim the love and Good News of Jesus to others is by our daily living…how we speak and act – and how we treat others. If we are negative and critical…if we call others ugly names and talk about them disparagingly…if we discriminate, bully and condescend…others will certainly NOT see Jesus in us. And when we do these things, we are not living in God.
So how are you living today? Are you demonstrating the power and blessings of the Holy Spirit in your own life? Are you offering others an example that makes them say, “I want the Holy Spirit to dwell in me!”…a model that makes others want your peace and joy in Jesus for themselves? Isn’t it time you did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 5, 2016
1 John 2:24-27
Keep thinking about the message you first heard, and you will always be one in your heart with the Son and with the Father. The Son has promised us eternal life.
I am writing to warn you about those people who are misleading you. But Christ has blessed you with the Holy Spirit. Now the Spirit stays in you, and you don’t need any teachers. The Spirit is truthful and teaches you everything. So stay one in your heart with Christ, just as the Spirit has taught you to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In reading some of my mother’s prayer journals – and yes, she had SEVERAL – I came across an entry from a couple of years ago alongside a devotional titled, “A Mother’s Blessing.” My mother wrote, “I would like to say that I encouraged my children. But I don’t know. I fear that I may have imposed myself – my aspirations for them – my thinking of what was right, good – best – for them. I can only hope that each one knows – feels – the love I’ve always had for them. One of the largest blessings – the greatest privilege – in my life is to be a mother. She went on to talk about how a lot of how she perceived herself for much of her life was through her own mother’s opinions. And she concluded…”Yet, I am thankful for a mother who took me to church…who fed, clothed and sheltered me well…who encouraged me in school and in music.”
I share these personal insights to tell you that we will always be surrounded by opinions. A lot of people will have aspirations – and plans – for our lives. I admit…I picture Timothy, Zola, and Nathan as college graduates with “successful” careers and happy families…I desire that they excel in school and extracurricular activities and have tons of friends and happy relationships.
But what I most want for them…what really matters…is that they know Jesus…that their little hearts are filled with the Holy Spirit. Then - and only then – can they truly succeed and “excel.” With the Holy Spirit as their “heartsong,” they can overcome any obstacle or difficulty…they will have a core confidence and wisdom…and they will know the truest love of all.
THIS is what my mother desired for my sister, brother and me…and what her mother desired for her own daughters. This is what God desires for all of His children, including you and me…and what we should strive to instill in our own offspring and others in our circle of influence. Instead of worrying whether we are developing good athletes or the next President of the United States, we should be focused on developing Christ’s next disciples…and demonstrating in our own lives that we are powered by His Holy Spirit.
There is only one opinion that matters…and it doesn’t belong to your best friend…your parents or family members…your teachers, coaches or pastor…or your “significant other.” The opinion we must seek and nurture is that of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. If we stay one in heart with Him…He will guide each and every step of our lives, and we will know true “success.”
The question of the day is this…”Whose ‘heartsong’ guides you?” Let this be the day that you quit worrying about the opinions of others and start to focus on the One who really makes a difference!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Keep thinking about the message you first heard, and you will always be one in your heart with the Son and with the Father. The Son has promised us eternal life.
I am writing to warn you about those people who are misleading you. But Christ has blessed you with the Holy Spirit. Now the Spirit stays in you, and you don’t need any teachers. The Spirit is truthful and teaches you everything. So stay one in your heart with Christ, just as the Spirit has taught you to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In reading some of my mother’s prayer journals – and yes, she had SEVERAL – I came across an entry from a couple of years ago alongside a devotional titled, “A Mother’s Blessing.” My mother wrote, “I would like to say that I encouraged my children. But I don’t know. I fear that I may have imposed myself – my aspirations for them – my thinking of what was right, good – best – for them. I can only hope that each one knows – feels – the love I’ve always had for them. One of the largest blessings – the greatest privilege – in my life is to be a mother. She went on to talk about how a lot of how she perceived herself for much of her life was through her own mother’s opinions. And she concluded…”Yet, I am thankful for a mother who took me to church…who fed, clothed and sheltered me well…who encouraged me in school and in music.”
I share these personal insights to tell you that we will always be surrounded by opinions. A lot of people will have aspirations – and plans – for our lives. I admit…I picture Timothy, Zola, and Nathan as college graduates with “successful” careers and happy families…I desire that they excel in school and extracurricular activities and have tons of friends and happy relationships.
But what I most want for them…what really matters…is that they know Jesus…that their little hearts are filled with the Holy Spirit. Then - and only then – can they truly succeed and “excel.” With the Holy Spirit as their “heartsong,” they can overcome any obstacle or difficulty…they will have a core confidence and wisdom…and they will know the truest love of all.
THIS is what my mother desired for my sister, brother and me…and what her mother desired for her own daughters. This is what God desires for all of His children, including you and me…and what we should strive to instill in our own offspring and others in our circle of influence. Instead of worrying whether we are developing good athletes or the next President of the United States, we should be focused on developing Christ’s next disciples…and demonstrating in our own lives that we are powered by His Holy Spirit.
There is only one opinion that matters…and it doesn’t belong to your best friend…your parents or family members…your teachers, coaches or pastor…or your “significant other.” The opinion we must seek and nurture is that of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. If we stay one in heart with Him…He will guide each and every step of our lives, and we will know true “success.”
The question of the day is this…”Whose ‘heartsong’ guides you?” Let this be the day that you quit worrying about the opinions of others and start to focus on the One who really makes a difference!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 16, 2015
Romans 8:15-17
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with 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.
Last night was the final session of our church’s Vacation Bible School for this year. The kids had a wonderful time, but I have to say…we were all glad that VBS is over. Coupled with daily swim lessons, I think we were all pretty weary. Greg counted yesterday and determined that for the last several days, the children have been buckled in and out of the car at least six times a day! And I counted up at least 4 daily wardrobe changes for three kids plus myself! It’s July…and we have heat indexes over 100 degrees, which adds to the overall fatigue. Last night during Timothy’s crafts rotation at VBS, he told me, “Aunt Debbie, I have to tell you something…we played ‘Freeze Tag’ – and I’m exhausted!”
Today as we headed home from swim lessons, I reminded the kids, “Just one more day this week, and then we get a break.” There is light at the end of this tunnel, but we have journeyed far this last five days/nights. The children learned important Bible lessons…and their swimming skills are improving every day. But the schedule has been a bit much at times. And sometimes, we’ve kept them going with promises of a prize at the end…ice cream after a nap, suckers after swim lessons…or a chance to choose a new toy at the end of the week. There have been some tears and a tantrum or two…and the kids have been grumpy as well (just kidding!). But we are surviving, and the week is almost over.
In this scripture passage, Paul is comparing our Christian faith to that of a “Father/child relationship” in which we anticipate what is next with God…what lies ahead with our Heavenly Father. But in the meantime, we probably will have to go through some “stuff.” We will face challenges, temptations, and even hardships, sadness and disappointments. But it won’t be anything that Jesus didn’t endure. And even more importantly, we won’t go through anything on this earth without Jesus right there with us – at least we don’t have to!
For those of us who have surrendered fully to Christ…confessed our sins and given Him authority over our lives, we have gained a “Forever Friend.” Those of us who have invited the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts never go through anything alone…no matter how empty or frustrated we might feel at any particular moment. We are promised an unbelievable inheritance…but also a never-ending companionship.
I don’t know about you, but this keeps me going, to a large degree. I know that God won’t ask me to handle anything by myself…and I truly do believe that His rewards – both in the short and long term – will make it all worthwhile.
Like children who cling to the prizes – both big and little – we cling to hope in Jesus Christ…and His promises that an unbelievable inheritance awaits us someday. Meanwhile, we trust in Him to give us hope and encouragement…and an occasional nap doesn’t hurt, either! My prayer is that you feel God’s presence, promises, and peace this day…and in those to come.
©2015 Debbie Robus
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with 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.
Last night was the final session of our church’s Vacation Bible School for this year. The kids had a wonderful time, but I have to say…we were all glad that VBS is over. Coupled with daily swim lessons, I think we were all pretty weary. Greg counted yesterday and determined that for the last several days, the children have been buckled in and out of the car at least six times a day! And I counted up at least 4 daily wardrobe changes for three kids plus myself! It’s July…and we have heat indexes over 100 degrees, which adds to the overall fatigue. Last night during Timothy’s crafts rotation at VBS, he told me, “Aunt Debbie, I have to tell you something…we played ‘Freeze Tag’ – and I’m exhausted!”
Today as we headed home from swim lessons, I reminded the kids, “Just one more day this week, and then we get a break.” There is light at the end of this tunnel, but we have journeyed far this last five days/nights. The children learned important Bible lessons…and their swimming skills are improving every day. But the schedule has been a bit much at times. And sometimes, we’ve kept them going with promises of a prize at the end…ice cream after a nap, suckers after swim lessons…or a chance to choose a new toy at the end of the week. There have been some tears and a tantrum or two…and the kids have been grumpy as well (just kidding!). But we are surviving, and the week is almost over.
In this scripture passage, Paul is comparing our Christian faith to that of a “Father/child relationship” in which we anticipate what is next with God…what lies ahead with our Heavenly Father. But in the meantime, we probably will have to go through some “stuff.” We will face challenges, temptations, and even hardships, sadness and disappointments. But it won’t be anything that Jesus didn’t endure. And even more importantly, we won’t go through anything on this earth without Jesus right there with us – at least we don’t have to!
For those of us who have surrendered fully to Christ…confessed our sins and given Him authority over our lives, we have gained a “Forever Friend.” Those of us who have invited the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts never go through anything alone…no matter how empty or frustrated we might feel at any particular moment. We are promised an unbelievable inheritance…but also a never-ending companionship.
I don’t know about you, but this keeps me going, to a large degree. I know that God won’t ask me to handle anything by myself…and I truly do believe that His rewards – both in the short and long term – will make it all worthwhile.
Like children who cling to the prizes – both big and little – we cling to hope in Jesus Christ…and His promises that an unbelievable inheritance awaits us someday. Meanwhile, we trust in Him to give us hope and encouragement…and an occasional nap doesn’t hurt, either! My prayer is that you feel God’s presence, promises, and peace this day…and in those to come.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 15, 2015
John 14:15-17
“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When Timothy was a toddler, Greg and I sat out on our driveway one warm fall night and looked at a bright full moon. He would point and say, “Moon!” And we would remind him that wherever he was, all he had to do was look at the moon and know that we would be looking at it, too. “When you look at the moon, remember how much we love you,” I told him. In recent years, my mother has commented more than once when she was traveling that she looked at the moon and reminded herself that we at home were seeing the same moon. This is indeed a comforting thought.
When I was a child, the concept of the Holy Spirit – or “Holy Ghost” as people referenced Him…was nebulous and confusing enough to make me go, “Whaaaa???” I don’t know how or why I found this such a difficult – and even scary - concept…but now that I understand the “Spirit of Truth” and what a friend and comforter He is and how He guides me and protects my every breath, I am totally in love. And I want to do all I can to show Jesus how much I love Him for sending this Friend.
Just as a child of any age looks at the moon and knows that a grown-up sees the same lunar orb, I know that the Holy Spirit of Truth is always with me. Just as we can understand that others who look at the same moon we are viewing may think of us and care about our every thought and breath…we know that the Holy Spirit is with us wherever we are - that He cares about us and is available to help us with anything and everything!
The Holy Spirit is another gift from Jesus…a “Forever Friend” to accompany us 24/7. All that Jesus asks of us in return is that we demonstrate our love for Him by following His commands…loving others as we love ourselves…operating in humility, kindness and respect…feeding and clothing the hungry, homeless, widowed, orphaned and needy…spreading the Gospel…and offering hope and salvation through His cleansing blood to those who are lost, confused and hurting. This may sound like a tall order…but in comparison to the gifts of Salvation and the Holy Spirit, it is quite literally the least we can do.
You may be one of many who have received the gift of Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ...and this is wonderful! But have you received His gift of the Holy Spirit? Does He dwell in your heart…and do you feel His presence? Do you recognize the Spirit of Truth…is He your Forever Friend? Don’t you want this? Will you spend some time in prayer today and call on the Holy Spirit to fill your heart? All you have to do is ask…“Come, Holy Spirit…wash over me.” He’s waiting for the invitation…are you ready to extend it?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you. I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When Timothy was a toddler, Greg and I sat out on our driveway one warm fall night and looked at a bright full moon. He would point and say, “Moon!” And we would remind him that wherever he was, all he had to do was look at the moon and know that we would be looking at it, too. “When you look at the moon, remember how much we love you,” I told him. In recent years, my mother has commented more than once when she was traveling that she looked at the moon and reminded herself that we at home were seeing the same moon. This is indeed a comforting thought.
When I was a child, the concept of the Holy Spirit – or “Holy Ghost” as people referenced Him…was nebulous and confusing enough to make me go, “Whaaaa???” I don’t know how or why I found this such a difficult – and even scary - concept…but now that I understand the “Spirit of Truth” and what a friend and comforter He is and how He guides me and protects my every breath, I am totally in love. And I want to do all I can to show Jesus how much I love Him for sending this Friend.
Just as a child of any age looks at the moon and knows that a grown-up sees the same lunar orb, I know that the Holy Spirit of Truth is always with me. Just as we can understand that others who look at the same moon we are viewing may think of us and care about our every thought and breath…we know that the Holy Spirit is with us wherever we are - that He cares about us and is available to help us with anything and everything!
The Holy Spirit is another gift from Jesus…a “Forever Friend” to accompany us 24/7. All that Jesus asks of us in return is that we demonstrate our love for Him by following His commands…loving others as we love ourselves…operating in humility, kindness and respect…feeding and clothing the hungry, homeless, widowed, orphaned and needy…spreading the Gospel…and offering hope and salvation through His cleansing blood to those who are lost, confused and hurting. This may sound like a tall order…but in comparison to the gifts of Salvation and the Holy Spirit, it is quite literally the least we can do.
You may be one of many who have received the gift of Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ...and this is wonderful! But have you received His gift of the Holy Spirit? Does He dwell in your heart…and do you feel His presence? Do you recognize the Spirit of Truth…is He your Forever Friend? Don’t you want this? Will you spend some time in prayer today and call on the Holy Spirit to fill your heart? All you have to do is ask…“Come, Holy Spirit…wash over me.” He’s waiting for the invitation…are you ready to extend it?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 6, 2015
Psalm 119:105-112
By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.
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.
If you have spent any time at all with little kids, you know that a favorite question is “What’s next?” “What are we going to do when we finish this?” they will often ask…or “Where are we going next?” And these are really good questions for us to ask ourselves this day after Easter Sunday. What IS next for us? The candy has been eaten, the Easter finery has been worn, the eggs have all been hunted, and many of us have shared a family dinner and/or get-together. In spiritual terms, we have studied and celebrated Jesus’ birth, life, death by crucifixion, and resurrection. So the logical next question to ask is, “Where do we go from here?”
Jesus - the Light of the World - is illuminating our way along the path of righteousness. He has given us the instructions…and a “map” for staying on course. Now all we have to do is follow Him…walk in His light…listen for His voice…and carry His Holy Spirit in our heart. Will there be times of hardship, struggle, sadness and disappointment? Probably. Will we be tempted to go another direction…to venture down other paths? Most likely! Will the devil and his agents try to throw us off track? Definitely! Can we withstand these trials and temptations and remain faithful to Jesus? Absolutely!
Easter Sunday may be over, but life in Christ is just revving up! It’s time to apply all we have been taught…to be the hands and feet of Jesus each and every day…to walk in faith and stand on His promises. We have been told that Jesus is preparing a place for us for all Eternity…that Heaven is our real home – not this earth. We have been given His Holy Spirit to guide us every step of the way until we are called to our eternal Home, once and for all. And by the power and grace of God Almighty through Jesus Christ…we.can.do.this!
Are you ready to walk in the Light?
©2015 Debbie Robus
By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.
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.
If you have spent any time at all with little kids, you know that a favorite question is “What’s next?” “What are we going to do when we finish this?” they will often ask…or “Where are we going next?” And these are really good questions for us to ask ourselves this day after Easter Sunday. What IS next for us? The candy has been eaten, the Easter finery has been worn, the eggs have all been hunted, and many of us have shared a family dinner and/or get-together. In spiritual terms, we have studied and celebrated Jesus’ birth, life, death by crucifixion, and resurrection. So the logical next question to ask is, “Where do we go from here?”
Jesus - the Light of the World - is illuminating our way along the path of righteousness. He has given us the instructions…and a “map” for staying on course. Now all we have to do is follow Him…walk in His light…listen for His voice…and carry His Holy Spirit in our heart. Will there be times of hardship, struggle, sadness and disappointment? Probably. Will we be tempted to go another direction…to venture down other paths? Most likely! Will the devil and his agents try to throw us off track? Definitely! Can we withstand these trials and temptations and remain faithful to Jesus? Absolutely!
Easter Sunday may be over, but life in Christ is just revving up! It’s time to apply all we have been taught…to be the hands and feet of Jesus each and every day…to walk in faith and stand on His promises. We have been told that Jesus is preparing a place for us for all Eternity…that Heaven is our real home – not this earth. We have been given His Holy Spirit to guide us every step of the way until we are called to our eternal Home, once and for all. And by the power and grace of God Almighty through Jesus Christ…we.can.do.this!
Are you ready to walk in the Light?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 9, 2015
John 17:24-26
Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me, wherever I am. Then they will see the glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the world was created. Good Father, the people of this world don’t know you. But I know you, and my followers know that you sent me. I told them what you are like, and I will tell them even more. Then the love that you have for me will become part of them, and I will be one with them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever had a friendship with someone that started out fairly rocky – until you got to know each other? Maybe you thought this person was aloof, disinterested, or even over-bearing in some way. Maybe you just didn’t “click” for some reason. And maybe you almost didn’t give this person a second chance! But then you spent some time together…you got to really know him/her…and you discovered that you’d made a pretty great friend in the process!
It’s often like this with Jesus…many people simply don’t give Him a chance. They don’t take the time or put in the energy and effort to truly get to know Him – to see what a “great Guy” Jesus is, so to speak!
Perhaps you are one of the people who gave someone a second look and discovered a friend so precious that now you cannot imagine your life without him/her in it on a regular – if not daily - basis. And maybe you have made this same discovery about Jesus Christ. If you haven’t…you should!
Spend some quality time with Jesus. Read the New Testament and hear His words to the disciples…and to us as they have been shared through the ages. Get to know Jesus in a deep and profound way…learn how loyal and loving He is. Find out firsthand just how merciful and gracious Jesus can be…and cultivate an abiding and everlasting relationship with Him. Get to the point where you cannot imagine a single minute without Jesus in your life…and then nurture this bond - and offer a prayer of thanks that you don’t have to ever be without Him!
Too often, we make snap judgments – about other people and situations…and about our relationship with Jesus. In both cases, we risk missing out on some amazing opportunities and friendships. Will this be the day that you take a second look at others – and more importantly - at Jesus? Will this be the day that you truly get to know Jesus and learn what He has to offer? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me, wherever I am. Then they will see the glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the world was created. Good Father, the people of this world don’t know you. But I know you, and my followers know that you sent me. I told them what you are like, and I will tell them even more. Then the love that you have for me will become part of them, and I will be one with them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever had a friendship with someone that started out fairly rocky – until you got to know each other? Maybe you thought this person was aloof, disinterested, or even over-bearing in some way. Maybe you just didn’t “click” for some reason. And maybe you almost didn’t give this person a second chance! But then you spent some time together…you got to really know him/her…and you discovered that you’d made a pretty great friend in the process!
It’s often like this with Jesus…many people simply don’t give Him a chance. They don’t take the time or put in the energy and effort to truly get to know Him – to see what a “great Guy” Jesus is, so to speak!
Perhaps you are one of the people who gave someone a second look and discovered a friend so precious that now you cannot imagine your life without him/her in it on a regular – if not daily - basis. And maybe you have made this same discovery about Jesus Christ. If you haven’t…you should!
Spend some quality time with Jesus. Read the New Testament and hear His words to the disciples…and to us as they have been shared through the ages. Get to know Jesus in a deep and profound way…learn how loyal and loving He is. Find out firsthand just how merciful and gracious Jesus can be…and cultivate an abiding and everlasting relationship with Him. Get to the point where you cannot imagine a single minute without Jesus in your life…and then nurture this bond - and offer a prayer of thanks that you don’t have to ever be without Him!
Too often, we make snap judgments – about other people and situations…and about our relationship with Jesus. In both cases, we risk missing out on some amazing opportunities and friendships. Will this be the day that you take a second look at others – and more importantly - at Jesus? Will this be the day that you truly get to know Jesus and learn what He has to offer? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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