Isaiah 8:13
I am the one you should fear and respect. I am the holy God, the Lord All-Powerful!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When
I was a child…and even when my parents were children…there was a man
who lived in our county who was known as “Preacher Mullens.” This
gentle man was a traveling preacher…and at Christmas time, he dressed up
as Santa Claus and came to area schools to pass out candy canes. He
drove a red Jeep with REAL “reindeer” on the front…actually a mounted deer (or were there two?). Okay, so it wouldn’t be so politically correct today…but I
remember petting the deer and thinking it was the greatest thing
ever. And even though I knew that “Santa” was really Preacher Mullens,
he truly represented Santa to me…the only Santa of my childhood.
My
first year to teach, Preacher Mullens came to visit our school, and I
have a photo of him passing out candy canes to my first graders. That
was in 1977, and I think this was one of the last years that Mr. Mullens
did this. Today, at Timothy’s first grade Christmas party, a childhood
friend of mine who makes a truly fine Santa Claus visited the
classrooms and wished the children a Merry Christmas. I told him, “You
are carrying the torch for Preacher Mullens.” He quickly raised his
hands and said, “Oh, NO! There is no way!” He did not feel worthy to
be compared to this man who is so revered in our community as something
of a childhood folk hero. In my friend’s mind, there is only ONE
“Preacher Mullens”…and he cannot be replicated.
I’m here to
assure you that there is only ONE Jesus Christ…only ONE Lord and Savior.
There will be some pretty good people who come along in our lifetime –
and in the generations to come. There will be some fine folks who do
their best to love God and serve Him completely. And there will be some
amazing spiritual leaders who can help us understand scripture, guide us
in ministry, and assist us in accomplishing fantastic things in the
name of the LORD. But there will only ever be ONE God…and He only sent
ONE Son to save us.
So before we go singing the praises of each
other – or this evangelist or that minister or author… and giving too
much credit to a mere human, let’s get it straight. Let’s remember who
is the Lord All-Powerful…and let’s give HIM our utmost “fear” and
respect. In this season when we celebrate all sorts of things –
including Santa Claus and his reindeer…let’s remember Who we are really
supposed to be honoring. We need to remember to make Jesus the center
of attention and keep our perspective…and then we need to keep this up
all throughout the year.
I have such fond memories of Preacher
Mullens and all of the good he did for people in my part of the
state…and he did this throughout the year – not just at Christmas time.
There is a place in my “Christmas memories” for this magnificent man
and happy thoughts of the Santa Claus that he portrayed. But I must
make certain that I prioritize carefully – and that I don’t place Santa
Claus ahead of Jesus…in this season or any other time of the year. I am
determined to do this…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label fearing God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fearing God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for December 15, 2015
Hebrews 12:28-29
Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!
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.
Yesterday, I made a trek to our family cemetery to set out flowers on the graves of several loved ones. I do this two or three times a year…filling the little pipes that are driven into the ground at each marker with a few silk flowers. This time it was white poinsettias for the winter season. I also clean up stray flowers that have blown around and pull any weeds that have crept up around the headstones. In addition to paying respect and remembering our loved ones, this is an opportunity to check up on the overall condition of the cemetery and make sure that everything is in order.
But yesterday, everything was in tip-top shape. Not only had the grounds been mowed, but someone had actually run a weedeater around each grave and whacked away any stray grass and weeds. The day was sunny, crisp and clear. The sky was a bright blue, and wispy white clouds were being quickly blown along by a strong wind. I stayed longer than usual, talking to God and thinking about each person whose life was represented there.
It’s okay…I know I’m weird…but I have always loved visiting cemeteries. I am at peace there. I do not find them morbid, sad or frightening. As I walked among the family graves yesterday and set out the flowers, I thought of each person buried beneath the soil…and I thanked God for them. I laughed as I thought of how my brother totally disliked artificial flowers and would not have been a fan of the ones I placed on his grave. I thought of how artfully my Mam-ma Polly arranged flowers, and I could almost hear her clucking her tongue at my dismal efforts as I stuck several stems into the pipe at her headstone.
I stuck a few extra stems in the ground at the graves of my great-aunts, Fay and Lugilla…and I thought of these sweet women and how hard their lives were. I set out flowers for my dad and my Pap-pa Truman, knowing neither one of them would have cared less if their graves were decorated or not. And I thanked God for these people and what they meant to me…how they served Him and represented Jesus on this earth. I sat and looked around this pastoral cemetery, flanked by a meandering manmade lake, with Sugar Loaf Mountain in the distance as a backdrop…and I felt God’s peace AND His power.
God worked in the lives of every one of these people…each in a totally different way. But in the end, He cleansed them and made them into new creatures – both on this earth, and again as they entered the gates of Heaven. And He will do this for each of us, if we will let Him.
Someday, I will join my loved ones at this family plot…and that is not a scary thought for me. I know that I won’t really be there - that only what’s left of my earthly body will be physically present. I will have been cleansed once again by God’s fire and given a new body in heaven. I have an idea how I would like for it to look…but I know whatever God chooses for me will be even more perfect!
My prayer for you today is that you are not afraid of God’s cleansing fire…that you embrace His efforts to whack away the weeds and stray grasses and create something pure and lovely. I pray that you know the peace of a future secured for you in Heaven someday, complete with a perfect, beautiful body and more love and abundance than you can ever imagine. And I pray that you are serving God with a grateful heart…thankful for His cleansing fire and amazing love. We’ve been given an unshakable Kingdom…do you see it?!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He’s actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won’t quit until it’s all cleansed. God himself is Fire!
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.
Yesterday, I made a trek to our family cemetery to set out flowers on the graves of several loved ones. I do this two or three times a year…filling the little pipes that are driven into the ground at each marker with a few silk flowers. This time it was white poinsettias for the winter season. I also clean up stray flowers that have blown around and pull any weeds that have crept up around the headstones. In addition to paying respect and remembering our loved ones, this is an opportunity to check up on the overall condition of the cemetery and make sure that everything is in order.
But yesterday, everything was in tip-top shape. Not only had the grounds been mowed, but someone had actually run a weedeater around each grave and whacked away any stray grass and weeds. The day was sunny, crisp and clear. The sky was a bright blue, and wispy white clouds were being quickly blown along by a strong wind. I stayed longer than usual, talking to God and thinking about each person whose life was represented there.
It’s okay…I know I’m weird…but I have always loved visiting cemeteries. I am at peace there. I do not find them morbid, sad or frightening. As I walked among the family graves yesterday and set out the flowers, I thought of each person buried beneath the soil…and I thanked God for them. I laughed as I thought of how my brother totally disliked artificial flowers and would not have been a fan of the ones I placed on his grave. I thought of how artfully my Mam-ma Polly arranged flowers, and I could almost hear her clucking her tongue at my dismal efforts as I stuck several stems into the pipe at her headstone.
I stuck a few extra stems in the ground at the graves of my great-aunts, Fay and Lugilla…and I thought of these sweet women and how hard their lives were. I set out flowers for my dad and my Pap-pa Truman, knowing neither one of them would have cared less if their graves were decorated or not. And I thanked God for these people and what they meant to me…how they served Him and represented Jesus on this earth. I sat and looked around this pastoral cemetery, flanked by a meandering manmade lake, with Sugar Loaf Mountain in the distance as a backdrop…and I felt God’s peace AND His power.
God worked in the lives of every one of these people…each in a totally different way. But in the end, He cleansed them and made them into new creatures – both on this earth, and again as they entered the gates of Heaven. And He will do this for each of us, if we will let Him.
Someday, I will join my loved ones at this family plot…and that is not a scary thought for me. I know that I won’t really be there - that only what’s left of my earthly body will be physically present. I will have been cleansed once again by God’s fire and given a new body in heaven. I have an idea how I would like for it to look…but I know whatever God chooses for me will be even more perfect!
My prayer for you today is that you are not afraid of God’s cleansing fire…that you embrace His efforts to whack away the weeds and stray grasses and create something pure and lovely. I pray that you know the peace of a future secured for you in Heaven someday, complete with a perfect, beautiful body and more love and abundance than you can ever imagine. And I pray that you are serving God with a grateful heart…thankful for His cleansing fire and amazing love. We’ve been given an unshakable Kingdom…do you see it?!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 14, 2015
Hebrews 11:7
Noah was another who trusted God. When he heard God’s warning about the future, Noah believed him even though there was then no sign of a flood, and wasting no time, he built the ark and saved his family. Noah’s belief in God was in direct contrast to the sin and disbelief of the rest of the world—which refused to obey—and because of his faith he became one of those whom God has accepted.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The other day, Timothy asked me why God allows sin. “Why doesn’t He just take away everybody’s sin for good?” he asked me. My response was that God wants us to have “free will” – He wants us to choose NOT to sin and to ASK for His forgiveness. This tells God that we love Him and serve Him because we want to…not because we’re afraid of Him. Timothy also wanted to know why God lets people suffer. Again, I explained that God does not allow this because He is mean. I told Timothy that I believe that God uses our suffering for something good…but we may never know why this is for sure until we get to heaven. He seemed okay with these answers.
I told Timothy that someday soon, he will probably ask God to forgive all of his sins and make Jesus his “Forever Friend.” He said, “Oh, I’ve already done that!” “You have?” I asked. “That’s great! When did you do this?” Timothy replied matter-of-factly…”When I was two!” I smiled and told him that was wonderful - and he changed the subject, as six-year-olds do!
In this precious little boy’s heart, He and God are “square.” I have a feeling that Timothy will continue to grow in his faith and understanding of God, and that he will have many more questions. Like most of us, his faith will waver from time to time…but in total, I believe that Jesus will always be his “Forever Friend”…and he will serve Him faithfully. Hopefully Timothy will grow in his discipleship to a point where he would actually build an ark and gather the animals if God told him to do so!
I marvel at the depth of understanding that this little boy has…and how many people several decades older than he seem to have little to no grasp of what it really means to trust God. I am thankful that our children are already discovering how important it is to fully rely on God and obey Him…and I pray that they continue to grow in wisdom and dedication to serving Him completely.
I don’t know that my answers to Timothy about why God allows sin and suffering were all that substantial. I silently whispered a prayer before I spoke and trusted God to give me the words that this little boy needed at the moment. But what I really wanted to convey - and what I want you to understand - is that a lot of the “whys and wherefores” of our relationship with God cannot be fully explained. This doesn’t negate them in any way. Much of our relationship with God is based in complete, unabashed faith…in things we cannot see and understand, and in God’s ability to “make a way where we see none.” This is a hard thing to explain – to someone who is six or 96!
The best way to understand God’s plans and to strengthen our faith is to exercise it. When things happen…when suffering comes or challenges arise…we must trust God. When we feel Him telling us to “go this way” or “choose XYZ,” we have to obediently follow His lead. The more we do these things, the more we will choose God’s ways over our own sinful ones…and the more we will grow in confidence that He is guiding our steps.
My prayer is that we will each take the first steps today to begin to strengthen our faith. Listen to God’s voice…trust Him even in the hard things that come your way. Let go of your fears and embrace God completely. Rest in the rhythms and grace of your “Forever Friend,” and discover the great things that He has in store for you. God will probably never call on any of us to build an ark…but if He should, we will be ready!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Noah was another who trusted God. When he heard God’s warning about the future, Noah believed him even though there was then no sign of a flood, and wasting no time, he built the ark and saved his family. Noah’s belief in God was in direct contrast to the sin and disbelief of the rest of the world—which refused to obey—and because of his faith he became one of those whom God has accepted.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The other day, Timothy asked me why God allows sin. “Why doesn’t He just take away everybody’s sin for good?” he asked me. My response was that God wants us to have “free will” – He wants us to choose NOT to sin and to ASK for His forgiveness. This tells God that we love Him and serve Him because we want to…not because we’re afraid of Him. Timothy also wanted to know why God lets people suffer. Again, I explained that God does not allow this because He is mean. I told Timothy that I believe that God uses our suffering for something good…but we may never know why this is for sure until we get to heaven. He seemed okay with these answers.
I told Timothy that someday soon, he will probably ask God to forgive all of his sins and make Jesus his “Forever Friend.” He said, “Oh, I’ve already done that!” “You have?” I asked. “That’s great! When did you do this?” Timothy replied matter-of-factly…”When I was two!” I smiled and told him that was wonderful - and he changed the subject, as six-year-olds do!
In this precious little boy’s heart, He and God are “square.” I have a feeling that Timothy will continue to grow in his faith and understanding of God, and that he will have many more questions. Like most of us, his faith will waver from time to time…but in total, I believe that Jesus will always be his “Forever Friend”…and he will serve Him faithfully. Hopefully Timothy will grow in his discipleship to a point where he would actually build an ark and gather the animals if God told him to do so!
I marvel at the depth of understanding that this little boy has…and how many people several decades older than he seem to have little to no grasp of what it really means to trust God. I am thankful that our children are already discovering how important it is to fully rely on God and obey Him…and I pray that they continue to grow in wisdom and dedication to serving Him completely.
I don’t know that my answers to Timothy about why God allows sin and suffering were all that substantial. I silently whispered a prayer before I spoke and trusted God to give me the words that this little boy needed at the moment. But what I really wanted to convey - and what I want you to understand - is that a lot of the “whys and wherefores” of our relationship with God cannot be fully explained. This doesn’t negate them in any way. Much of our relationship with God is based in complete, unabashed faith…in things we cannot see and understand, and in God’s ability to “make a way where we see none.” This is a hard thing to explain – to someone who is six or 96!
The best way to understand God’s plans and to strengthen our faith is to exercise it. When things happen…when suffering comes or challenges arise…we must trust God. When we feel Him telling us to “go this way” or “choose XYZ,” we have to obediently follow His lead. The more we do these things, the more we will choose God’s ways over our own sinful ones…and the more we will grow in confidence that He is guiding our steps.
My prayer is that we will each take the first steps today to begin to strengthen our faith. Listen to God’s voice…trust Him even in the hard things that come your way. Let go of your fears and embrace God completely. Rest in the rhythms and grace of your “Forever Friend,” and discover the great things that He has in store for you. God will probably never call on any of us to build an ark…but if He should, we will be ready!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 10, 2015
Ecclesiastes 12:12-14
But, my son, be warned: there is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting!
Here is my final conclusion: fear God and obey his commandments, for this is the entire duty of man. For God will judge us for everything we do, including every hidden thing, good or bad.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In recent weeks, I have gained a whole new perspective on opinions…particularly when it comes to the medical community. Everyone has one…”My doctor is the best!”…”This procedure is the right/wrong one”…”Go here or there”…”See him or her”…”Take this drug”…”Don’t take that one!” It’s mind-boggling and numbing…not to mention frustrating!
In my mother’s battle with cancer, she has experienced all of this – and more. And at the end of the day, she says, “Nothing is going to work except God's healing hand.” There is tremendous peace in this declaration. When we have wrestled, massaged, mangled and worried our lives to the “Nth degree,” it is comforting to let go and give everything to God.
So where does the “fear God” part of this scripture passage come into play? First, we have to understand that the term “fear” in this application does not necessarily mean to be afraid. In this context, it means to revere, adore, respect, and hold God in highest esteem...to serve Him wholeheartedly and obediently in all things - at all times. We must trust God in all circumstances, with the confidence that we have followed His commands and ministered to others in Jesus’ name to the very best of our abilities.
I have to tell you…I am far from having it all together. I sin…I make mistakes…I can get into some of the biggest messes. But I love God, and I do my dead-level best to serve Him completely each and every day. Someday, when I stand before Him, I will have to answer for everything I’ve ever thought, said, or done. But I don’t fear this in the least. I know that the greatest moment of all will be when I hear God say to me… “You were washed clean by the blood of Jesus…you are totally forgiven. All past mistakes are wiped away.”
It is with this confidence and peace that I am able to echo my mother’s words – for her AND in numerous other situations - and say, “Nothing is going to work except God’s healing hand.” With this ringing in my ears, I forge ahead each day, do what I know God is calling me to do…and let Him handle the rest. God’s opinion is the only one that matters. Whose opinions are guiding you these days?
©2015 Debbie Robus
But, my son, be warned: there is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting!
Here is my final conclusion: fear God and obey his commandments, for this is the entire duty of man. For God will judge us for everything we do, including every hidden thing, good or bad.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In recent weeks, I have gained a whole new perspective on opinions…particularly when it comes to the medical community. Everyone has one…”My doctor is the best!”…”This procedure is the right/wrong one”…”Go here or there”…”See him or her”…”Take this drug”…”Don’t take that one!” It’s mind-boggling and numbing…not to mention frustrating!
In my mother’s battle with cancer, she has experienced all of this – and more. And at the end of the day, she says, “Nothing is going to work except God's healing hand.” There is tremendous peace in this declaration. When we have wrestled, massaged, mangled and worried our lives to the “Nth degree,” it is comforting to let go and give everything to God.
So where does the “fear God” part of this scripture passage come into play? First, we have to understand that the term “fear” in this application does not necessarily mean to be afraid. In this context, it means to revere, adore, respect, and hold God in highest esteem...to serve Him wholeheartedly and obediently in all things - at all times. We must trust God in all circumstances, with the confidence that we have followed His commands and ministered to others in Jesus’ name to the very best of our abilities.
I have to tell you…I am far from having it all together. I sin…I make mistakes…I can get into some of the biggest messes. But I love God, and I do my dead-level best to serve Him completely each and every day. Someday, when I stand before Him, I will have to answer for everything I’ve ever thought, said, or done. But I don’t fear this in the least. I know that the greatest moment of all will be when I hear God say to me… “You were washed clean by the blood of Jesus…you are totally forgiven. All past mistakes are wiped away.”
It is with this confidence and peace that I am able to echo my mother’s words – for her AND in numerous other situations - and say, “Nothing is going to work except God’s healing hand.” With this ringing in my ears, I forge ahead each day, do what I know God is calling me to do…and let Him handle the rest. God’s opinion is the only one that matters. Whose opinions are guiding you these days?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 2, 2015
2 Samuel 23:3-4
Our Mighty Rock,
the God of Jacob, told me,
“A ruler who obeys God
and does right
is like the sunrise
on a cloudless day,
or like rain that sparkles
on the grass.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A dear friend of ours shared a story during a recent worship service about a foster child who is staying with his wife and four children. Amy* arrived on a Tuesday evening before the first weekend of open season deer hunting. My friend and his 10-year-old son had plans to go to “deer camp” and hunt – and they did this. But when evening came, the father told his son that they had to pack up and go home. “Can’t we spend the night?” the son asked. They were having such a good time, and the “pull” to stay was strong. But the boy’s father said, “No…this is Amy’s first week with us, and we need to go home and spend time with her and the rest of the family.”
When the father/son duo got home, the dad found a note from the new visitor. She expressed how grateful she was to have been placed in such a wonderful, loving home…and she ended it by telling my friend, “I love you.” After just a few days in his home, she had formed a bond and a respect for this Christian father and his leadership in the home. This same little girl told my friend’s wife, “I knew you would be a nice mother, because your daughter is so kind.”
I share this to say that “leadership” and “rulers” come in many forms…even parents. And the difference between the leadership of mothers and fathers who obey God and do right and those who don’t is critical. In many ways, you and I are “leaders” or “rulers”. We may not realize it, but we are. Some of us are “leaders” at work or in a school setting among our peers. Some of us “rule” our family and manage the household. Others juggle responsibilities in the community, at church, and in personal relationships. And we all have a choice…we can obey God and do right, or we can try things our way and deal with the consequences.
Some fear that operating in obedience to God will represent a surrender of control. And they would be right - but not in the way that you think. When we surrender to the rule of God and allow Him to be our Supreme Leader, our decisions and choices are guided by His hand. And quite frankly, God does a far better job of this than we ever could! So in essence, obedience to God and doing what is right FREES us to live with confidence, peace and joy. We leave the “heavy lifting” to the One who can truly handle it…and we are released to move forward and do what needs to be done with a sense of certainty and conviction that we are on the right track.
My friend would have loved to stay in the “deer woods” with his son for another day. But he knew that God wanted Him to go home and be a dad to his entire family. And the rewards that resulted from his obedience were incredible. We all feel the tug to go our own way and do things the way we want, from time to time. But when we listen for God’s voice – and follow His directives, the results are “like the sunrise on a cloudless day or the rain that sparkles on grass.”
When we show honor and respect to God, He blesses us immeasurably. Aren’t you ready to get in on some of this?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*name changed
Our Mighty Rock,
the God of Jacob, told me,
“A ruler who obeys God
and does right
is like the sunrise
on a cloudless day,
or like rain that sparkles
on the grass.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A dear friend of ours shared a story during a recent worship service about a foster child who is staying with his wife and four children. Amy* arrived on a Tuesday evening before the first weekend of open season deer hunting. My friend and his 10-year-old son had plans to go to “deer camp” and hunt – and they did this. But when evening came, the father told his son that they had to pack up and go home. “Can’t we spend the night?” the son asked. They were having such a good time, and the “pull” to stay was strong. But the boy’s father said, “No…this is Amy’s first week with us, and we need to go home and spend time with her and the rest of the family.”
When the father/son duo got home, the dad found a note from the new visitor. She expressed how grateful she was to have been placed in such a wonderful, loving home…and she ended it by telling my friend, “I love you.” After just a few days in his home, she had formed a bond and a respect for this Christian father and his leadership in the home. This same little girl told my friend’s wife, “I knew you would be a nice mother, because your daughter is so kind.”
I share this to say that “leadership” and “rulers” come in many forms…even parents. And the difference between the leadership of mothers and fathers who obey God and do right and those who don’t is critical. In many ways, you and I are “leaders” or “rulers”. We may not realize it, but we are. Some of us are “leaders” at work or in a school setting among our peers. Some of us “rule” our family and manage the household. Others juggle responsibilities in the community, at church, and in personal relationships. And we all have a choice…we can obey God and do right, or we can try things our way and deal with the consequences.
Some fear that operating in obedience to God will represent a surrender of control. And they would be right - but not in the way that you think. When we surrender to the rule of God and allow Him to be our Supreme Leader, our decisions and choices are guided by His hand. And quite frankly, God does a far better job of this than we ever could! So in essence, obedience to God and doing what is right FREES us to live with confidence, peace and joy. We leave the “heavy lifting” to the One who can truly handle it…and we are released to move forward and do what needs to be done with a sense of certainty and conviction that we are on the right track.
My friend would have loved to stay in the “deer woods” with his son for another day. But he knew that God wanted Him to go home and be a dad to his entire family. And the rewards that resulted from his obedience were incredible. We all feel the tug to go our own way and do things the way we want, from time to time. But when we listen for God’s voice – and follow His directives, the results are “like the sunrise on a cloudless day or the rain that sparkles on grass.”
When we show honor and respect to God, He blesses us immeasurably. Aren’t you ready to get in on some of this?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*name changed
Daily Devotional for November 25, 2015
1 John 4:18
We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to us and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I am blessed to say that I am fully convinced of Greg’s love for me. I know that not everyone can say this about their relationship…nor can every child say this about his/her parents. Sadly, we live in a world where unconditional, perfect love is not the norm. And I do not wear rose-colored glasses. I know that sometimes I say/do things that aggravate Greg to no end. But still, he loves me and always has my best interests at heart. I do not take this for granted…but man, am I ever glad to be so loved. And I hope that he knows that I love him unconditionally, as well!
I also love Timothy, Zola and Nathan beyond description. I would do almost anything for these children…yet there are times that they get on my last nerve! They are, after all, normal children…so irritating adults is somewhat their job! But they know that I love them…and as far as I can tell, they are not the least bit afraid of me!
None of this “human love” can compare to God’s affection for us. Sure…we all aggravate Him immeasurably at times…but this does not diminish His love for us. Yet some of us are scared to death of Him. I will admit…for many years, I was afraid of God. I operated in fear…I worried that every time I failed Him, I was destined to be rejected and tossed into the depths of hell. Let me assure you…that was a miserable way to live – and it is NOT God’s desire for us in the least!
It is time for us to embrace God’s love for us – and accept Him completely. This is not the same thing as taking Him for granted, which would be totally wrong. Instead, we are to respect God and His power, care, grace, and mercy. But we are also to graciously and honorably say, “Thank you! I will gladly operate in Your love and care and do all I can to glorify such an amazing gift!”
This is the perfect week to shift from a relationship of fearful servanthood to discipleship based in love and gratitude. Are you fully convinced that God really loves you…and do you demonstrate this in your daily living? Isn’t this a good time to begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to us and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I am blessed to say that I am fully convinced of Greg’s love for me. I know that not everyone can say this about their relationship…nor can every child say this about his/her parents. Sadly, we live in a world where unconditional, perfect love is not the norm. And I do not wear rose-colored glasses. I know that sometimes I say/do things that aggravate Greg to no end. But still, he loves me and always has my best interests at heart. I do not take this for granted…but man, am I ever glad to be so loved. And I hope that he knows that I love him unconditionally, as well!
I also love Timothy, Zola and Nathan beyond description. I would do almost anything for these children…yet there are times that they get on my last nerve! They are, after all, normal children…so irritating adults is somewhat their job! But they know that I love them…and as far as I can tell, they are not the least bit afraid of me!
None of this “human love” can compare to God’s affection for us. Sure…we all aggravate Him immeasurably at times…but this does not diminish His love for us. Yet some of us are scared to death of Him. I will admit…for many years, I was afraid of God. I operated in fear…I worried that every time I failed Him, I was destined to be rejected and tossed into the depths of hell. Let me assure you…that was a miserable way to live – and it is NOT God’s desire for us in the least!
It is time for us to embrace God’s love for us – and accept Him completely. This is not the same thing as taking Him for granted, which would be totally wrong. Instead, we are to respect God and His power, care, grace, and mercy. But we are also to graciously and honorably say, “Thank you! I will gladly operate in Your love and care and do all I can to glorify such an amazing gift!”
This is the perfect week to shift from a relationship of fearful servanthood to discipleship based in love and gratitude. Are you fully convinced that God really loves you…and do you demonstrate this in your daily living? Isn’t this a good time to begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 24, 2015
1 John 1:9-10
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The 4th/5th grade Sunday school group and I discussed who might be in God’s family. Surely Moses and Abraham are included…and Mary and Joseph and Jesus’ disciples. Some named family members who have passed – and even a pet or two. We talked about how we are part of God’s family and will join Him and others in heaven someday.
Then one boy said, “Well, Elvis is not part of God’s family…because he ‘did drugs’.” So we had to have a little lesson in sin and salvation through the blood of Jesus. Another boy wisely inserted that “everybody sins.” And I explained that we all sin and do things that displease God, because we are human and imperfect.
But if we have given our heart to Jesus and trusted Him to wash away our sins…and IF we do our dead-level best to live for Him and honor this gift with our thoughts, words and actions, we are forgiven when we sin. And if Elvis did these things, we will meet him in heaven! To go even further, I explained that when we do sin, we must stop and admit this to God and ask His forgiveness. And 1 John 1:9-10 is the proof to back up my claims.
I told the children that we really don’t know who will be in heaven…but I have a feeling that we are in for a few surprises. I believe there will be some folks there that we thought would not “make the cut!” And this is where our judgments get us into trouble! Just as importantly, if we accept Jesus’ gift of salvation and then go on our merry way and do as we please and sin with wild abandon and no remorse, we have disrespected our relationship with God. I hope none of us never makes this mistake.
One point that I made with the students – and want to make with you – is that we must never serve God out of fear. We must never live for Him because we are afraid we will go to hell if we do otherwise. Yes, hell is real – and those who deny God and/or do not accept Jesus’ gift of salvation are destined to spend Eternity there. But fear of hell is not why we should serve God or follow Jesus’ teachings.
God wants us to live for Him out of a deep and abiding love and commitment. He wants us to want to belong to His family. He wants us to readily admit our sins and make a concerted effort to do better…to seek His forgiveness and bask in the unconditional manner in which He delivers redemption. God does not want us to “fear” Him in this manner – all references to “fear of the LORD” in the Bible speak of “healthy respect” – not trepidation and apprehension.
I pray that you are a part of God’s family…that a seat is being prepared for you at His heavenly table for all Eternity. And I pray that you love and serve Him out of a deep desire to belong to Him…and not out of worry and concern or doubt. I pray that your relationship with God is based on respect and understanding of how much He loves you…because in the life of a true Christian, operating in fear of any kind is simply not an option. Now…what are you afraid of?
©2015 Debbie Robus
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The 4th/5th grade Sunday school group and I discussed who might be in God’s family. Surely Moses and Abraham are included…and Mary and Joseph and Jesus’ disciples. Some named family members who have passed – and even a pet or two. We talked about how we are part of God’s family and will join Him and others in heaven someday.
Then one boy said, “Well, Elvis is not part of God’s family…because he ‘did drugs’.” So we had to have a little lesson in sin and salvation through the blood of Jesus. Another boy wisely inserted that “everybody sins.” And I explained that we all sin and do things that displease God, because we are human and imperfect.
But if we have given our heart to Jesus and trusted Him to wash away our sins…and IF we do our dead-level best to live for Him and honor this gift with our thoughts, words and actions, we are forgiven when we sin. And if Elvis did these things, we will meet him in heaven! To go even further, I explained that when we do sin, we must stop and admit this to God and ask His forgiveness. And 1 John 1:9-10 is the proof to back up my claims.
I told the children that we really don’t know who will be in heaven…but I have a feeling that we are in for a few surprises. I believe there will be some folks there that we thought would not “make the cut!” And this is where our judgments get us into trouble! Just as importantly, if we accept Jesus’ gift of salvation and then go on our merry way and do as we please and sin with wild abandon and no remorse, we have disrespected our relationship with God. I hope none of us never makes this mistake.
One point that I made with the students – and want to make with you – is that we must never serve God out of fear. We must never live for Him because we are afraid we will go to hell if we do otherwise. Yes, hell is real – and those who deny God and/or do not accept Jesus’ gift of salvation are destined to spend Eternity there. But fear of hell is not why we should serve God or follow Jesus’ teachings.
God wants us to live for Him out of a deep and abiding love and commitment. He wants us to want to belong to His family. He wants us to readily admit our sins and make a concerted effort to do better…to seek His forgiveness and bask in the unconditional manner in which He delivers redemption. God does not want us to “fear” Him in this manner – all references to “fear of the LORD” in the Bible speak of “healthy respect” – not trepidation and apprehension.
I pray that you are a part of God’s family…that a seat is being prepared for you at His heavenly table for all Eternity. And I pray that you love and serve Him out of a deep desire to belong to Him…and not out of worry and concern or doubt. I pray that your relationship with God is based on respect and understanding of how much He loves you…because in the life of a true Christian, operating in fear of any kind is simply not an option. Now…what are you afraid of?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 9, 2013
Isaiah 54:9-10
“This exile is just like the days of Noah for me:
I promised then that the waters of Noah
would never again flood the earth.
I’m promising now no more anger,
no more dressing you down.
For even if the mountains walk away
and the hills fall to pieces,
My love won’t walk away from you,
my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart.”
The God who has compassion on you says so.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
On the way home from church Sunday, Timothy was telling us about his Sunday school lesson. “God wants us to do our BEST!” he would say emphatically. He elaborated… “God wants us to pick up our toys when we pour them out. If we don’t, He will be so disappointed in us… maybe even angry!” Our little four-year-old can be pretty dramatic! But he kept talking about disappointing God and making Him angry, so I reminded him… “We talked about this… when you think you have done something that will disappoint God, talk to Him and tell Him you are sorry.” He lifted his eyes to the roof of the car, and we heard, “God, I’m sorry I didn’t pick up my blocks. Please don’t be disappointed.”
My husband and I stifled our grins from the front seat, and I reminded Timothy that you have to really be sorry… you can’t just say you are and go on misbehaving. But I also reassured Him that God always…ALWAYS loves us – even when we disappoint Him or make Him angry. Explaining compassion and unconditional love to a small child is a challenge. On one hand, we are trying to teach them to follow rules and be obedient and respectful… to their parents, teachers, other adults – and to GOD. But we also want them to understand that they can be forgiven… that their love and value is not based solely on their words and actions. We must make sure that we portray God in the proper light … as a loving, gracious, merciful Father Who has high expectations for each of us – but also as Someone who will never walk away.
I don’t know about you, but I grew up with more than healthy dose of fear about my relationship with God. I do not believe this was intentional…the people who nurtured me in my faith were loving, caring, well-meaning Christians. But the emphasis was on God’s retribution far more than His mercy and kindheartedness. I am so thankful that I have come to know the compassionate side of God… that I operate from a place of peace. I respect God and His authority over my life… but I no longer picture Him waiting like a lion tamer with a whip and a chair to chastise me for my every transgression!
The thought of God as someone who will not walk away from me when things get tough is incredibly comforting. The assurance that God loves me no matter what – that His promises are the real deal - makes me want to love Him and serve Him faithfully in return. In my book, a faith built on mutual trust and peace trumps one based in fear every time!
I know that there are times when God truly is disappointed with us… or possibly angry. I also know that He will never leave us or stop loving us, even in our worst moments. This is an incredibly peaceful – and powerful – guarantee! I pray that your faith is based in God’s peaceful promises rather than fear of His retribution… that His unconditional love makes you want to serve Him obediently- with your whole heart - and to always do your BEST. But you’ll still have to pick up your toys!
©2013 Debbie Robus
“This exile is just like the days of Noah for me:
I promised then that the waters of Noah
would never again flood the earth.
I’m promising now no more anger,
no more dressing you down.
For even if the mountains walk away
and the hills fall to pieces,
My love won’t walk away from you,
my covenant commitment of peace won’t fall apart.”
The God who has compassion on you says so.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
On the way home from church Sunday, Timothy was telling us about his Sunday school lesson. “God wants us to do our BEST!” he would say emphatically. He elaborated… “God wants us to pick up our toys when we pour them out. If we don’t, He will be so disappointed in us… maybe even angry!” Our little four-year-old can be pretty dramatic! But he kept talking about disappointing God and making Him angry, so I reminded him… “We talked about this… when you think you have done something that will disappoint God, talk to Him and tell Him you are sorry.” He lifted his eyes to the roof of the car, and we heard, “God, I’m sorry I didn’t pick up my blocks. Please don’t be disappointed.”
My husband and I stifled our grins from the front seat, and I reminded Timothy that you have to really be sorry… you can’t just say you are and go on misbehaving. But I also reassured Him that God always…ALWAYS loves us – even when we disappoint Him or make Him angry. Explaining compassion and unconditional love to a small child is a challenge. On one hand, we are trying to teach them to follow rules and be obedient and respectful… to their parents, teachers, other adults – and to GOD. But we also want them to understand that they can be forgiven… that their love and value is not based solely on their words and actions. We must make sure that we portray God in the proper light … as a loving, gracious, merciful Father Who has high expectations for each of us – but also as Someone who will never walk away.
I don’t know about you, but I grew up with more than healthy dose of fear about my relationship with God. I do not believe this was intentional…the people who nurtured me in my faith were loving, caring, well-meaning Christians. But the emphasis was on God’s retribution far more than His mercy and kindheartedness. I am so thankful that I have come to know the compassionate side of God… that I operate from a place of peace. I respect God and His authority over my life… but I no longer picture Him waiting like a lion tamer with a whip and a chair to chastise me for my every transgression!
The thought of God as someone who will not walk away from me when things get tough is incredibly comforting. The assurance that God loves me no matter what – that His promises are the real deal - makes me want to love Him and serve Him faithfully in return. In my book, a faith built on mutual trust and peace trumps one based in fear every time!
I know that there are times when God truly is disappointed with us… or possibly angry. I also know that He will never leave us or stop loving us, even in our worst moments. This is an incredibly peaceful – and powerful – guarantee! I pray that your faith is based in God’s peaceful promises rather than fear of His retribution… that His unconditional love makes you want to serve Him obediently- with your whole heart - and to always do your BEST. But you’ll still have to pick up your toys!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 10, 2013
April 10 ~ Exodus 20:18-20
When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.
And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!”
“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Will you talk to So-and-so about this for me?” Every one of us has uttered a form of this question at one point or another. Whether we are asking a sibling to talk to a parent for us… or we ask someone to put in a good word for us with a potential employer… or we want a friend to find out if that special someone really likes us…we don’t even realize how often we are asking someone else to intercede on our behalf – in a myriad of circumstances. Some requests are innocuous, as in “I’ll ask my husband what he thinks would be the best way for you to handle that repair job”… or “I’ll ask Mary who she recommends for washing machine repair.” Others represent our inability – for whatever reason – to step up and face the person directly, as in “Will you find out if Jim is still mad at me?” or “Will you talk to Sue for me and find out what the plan is, so that I don’t have to talk to her?”
In much the same way, many of us are unable – or unwilling – to speak directly to God. Like the Israelites, we are scared to death of what God might say to us… and we most certainly do not want to face Him in person! So we ask others to pray for us… we base our limited faith in God on the word of friends, acquaintances, and the occasional televangelist. We fail to develop a strong, well-rounded relationship with God… and our excuses run the gamut. “I’m not really that religious… I don’t know the Bible like others do… I prefer to experience God in nature… God doesn’t want to hear from me… I don’t know how to pray and/or talk to God – I wouldn’t know what to say… I’m not good enough for God… God is mad at me”…all of these – and countless more – are the excuses we offer.
The truth is that intercessory prayers have their place, but nobody can communicate with God on your behalf like you can. We will never be worthy… good enough… or “religious/spiritual” enough! Still, God wants to have a relationship with us. God is NOT mad at us… He loves us. Experiencing God in nature and a variety of other ways has its place… but fellowship with other believers, prayer, Bible study and worship all are important, too.
The bottom line is that we do not want to have a “second-hand relationship” with God. We need to communicate with Him directly, humbly, yet boldly. We need to come before Him with anything and everything… we need to hear from God in person! You might not always like what He has to say to in return… but remember, God doesn’t like everything we say and do –yet He loves and welcomes us. All you have to do is start the dialog… simply say, “LORD, I’m here… I need you…and I'm listening...” and He will answer.
What are your excuses? Isn’t it time you stopped having a “second-hand relationship” with God and got to know Him for yourself? Isn’t it time you heard His word for your life directly from Him instead of a third party? Don’t you think it’s time to build your own relationship with Him and cut out the middle-man? What are you waiting for… what is your excuse this time?
©2013 Debbie Robus
When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.
And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!”
“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Will you talk to So-and-so about this for me?” Every one of us has uttered a form of this question at one point or another. Whether we are asking a sibling to talk to a parent for us… or we ask someone to put in a good word for us with a potential employer… or we want a friend to find out if that special someone really likes us…we don’t even realize how often we are asking someone else to intercede on our behalf – in a myriad of circumstances. Some requests are innocuous, as in “I’ll ask my husband what he thinks would be the best way for you to handle that repair job”… or “I’ll ask Mary who she recommends for washing machine repair.” Others represent our inability – for whatever reason – to step up and face the person directly, as in “Will you find out if Jim is still mad at me?” or “Will you talk to Sue for me and find out what the plan is, so that I don’t have to talk to her?”
In much the same way, many of us are unable – or unwilling – to speak directly to God. Like the Israelites, we are scared to death of what God might say to us… and we most certainly do not want to face Him in person! So we ask others to pray for us… we base our limited faith in God on the word of friends, acquaintances, and the occasional televangelist. We fail to develop a strong, well-rounded relationship with God… and our excuses run the gamut. “I’m not really that religious… I don’t know the Bible like others do… I prefer to experience God in nature… God doesn’t want to hear from me… I don’t know how to pray and/or talk to God – I wouldn’t know what to say… I’m not good enough for God… God is mad at me”…all of these – and countless more – are the excuses we offer.
The truth is that intercessory prayers have their place, but nobody can communicate with God on your behalf like you can. We will never be worthy… good enough… or “religious/spiritual” enough! Still, God wants to have a relationship with us. God is NOT mad at us… He loves us. Experiencing God in nature and a variety of other ways has its place… but fellowship with other believers, prayer, Bible study and worship all are important, too.
The bottom line is that we do not want to have a “second-hand relationship” with God. We need to communicate with Him directly, humbly, yet boldly. We need to come before Him with anything and everything… we need to hear from God in person! You might not always like what He has to say to in return… but remember, God doesn’t like everything we say and do –yet He loves and welcomes us. All you have to do is start the dialog… simply say, “LORD, I’m here… I need you…and I'm listening...” and He will answer.
What are your excuses? Isn’t it time you stopped having a “second-hand relationship” with God and got to know Him for yourself? Isn’t it time you heard His word for your life directly from Him instead of a third party? Don’t you think it’s time to build your own relationship with Him and cut out the middle-man? What are you waiting for… what is your excuse this time?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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