Psalm 36:1
Sinners don’t respect God;
sin is all they think about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A couple of Sundays ago, we took the children to a local man-made lake to look at Trumpeter Swans that migrate here from Canada each winter .
The lake is adjacent to some pastureland on one side. On the other
side, there is a road that meanders along and leads to a nearby
subdivision. The road is narrow and has a fairly good bit of traffic.
There is a “turn-out” sort of parking lot just off this road where
spectators park to view the swans and ducks. The parking lot is
delineated in part by a row of rather large rocks that wind parallel to
the road.
So while we were looking at the swans, Timothy
discovered these rocks, and he stepped up on one and took off…hopping
from rock to rock – and getting farther and farther away from us. I
called for him to come back, but he was so caught up in his adventure
that he either ignored me – or didn’t really “hear” me calling to him.
Now, I’m pretty sure he heard me…but whether it really registered with
him that “Hey, I better turn back!” or not is another story! At any
rate, I had to go after our boy and admonish him not to go so far – and
to come back we called to him!
So often, we are like a
six-year-old boy on a big adventure. We get so caught up in our sin
that we totally lose focus. I’m not excusing sin…I’m just saying that
the devil does his dead-level best to make it fun on a stick! So while
God is calling, “Come back! You’re headed into dangerous
territory!”…all we hear is the devil whispering, “This is GREAT! You
are happy and having the time of your life. Don’t stop now!" And sin
is all we think about.
We really have to work at staying on
track…because the devil is relentless. He will use every trick in the
book – and the tiniest opportunity – to get us into his camp. He will
make it easy to disrespect God. In fact, he will do all he can to keep
us from thinking about God in the first place! Don’t let this happen in
your life. Keep your focus on the One who loves you like no other.
Never let God out of your sight…never tune out His voice. Always listen
for His call. Drown out the devil’s sly suggestions that you are doing
just fine without God…that there is no need to listen to His voice.
Despite
your best efforts not to wander too far from God, there will be times
when you get a little too far off course…when the lure of the rocks and
what lies around the bend is just too tempting. This is when the devil
will try to convince you to keep on running…to stray a little longer and
have just a little more fun. Don’t be convinced! Keep your focus and
avoid these pitfalls. Make respect for God and His authority your
number one priority - and give Him your full attention, so that there is
no opportunity for the devil to garner your notice.
The draw
of sin is often alluring – and compelling…and it’s easy to fall into the
devil’s trap – and out of respect and obedience to God. Nobody said
being a Christian would be easy…but staying on track is so worth the
effort. How are you doing these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label focus on God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label focus on God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 26, 2015
Mark 12:28-31
One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, “What is the most important commandment?”
Jesus answered, “The most important one says: ‘People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is more important than these.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched national news at all in recent months (or any time, for that matter), you have heard reporters ask someone – especially politicians – a direct question…and the person replies with an answer that is totally about something else. Sometimes, the reporters will even ask…”Why won’t you answer my question?” And the short answer is that the politician or other person doesn’t want to address that particular issue. They want to divert attention and make the discussion about something else entirely.
So when the religious scholar asked Jesus to list the most important commandment, it’s likely he thought that Jesus would change the subject…or redirect the conversation to something else. But Jesus boldly and clearly answered. He made no bones about telling everyone within earshot that we only have one Lord and God…that the most important commandment is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He added that the second most important commandment is to love others as much as we love ourselves.
I’d say Jesus knows us pretty well, doesn’t He? Jesus knows that 99.9% of us operate in the “What’s-in-it-for-me?” realm…and He clearly told us that the Number One question is supposed to be “What’s-in-it-for-God?”…followed closely by “What can I do for the other guy?” So we have some work to do! It’s not exactly easy to shift the focus from ourselves sometimes. And the devil will do everything he can to see that we stay bogged down in selfish thinking.
But I have learned that the more I focus on God…the more I focus on myself. The more I love Him and seek ways to hear from Him and to serve Him…the less I care about whether I get anything out of it or not. I’m not totally “there” yet…but I’m working hard to get closer. When our focus is on loving God…loving others is easier - and there is no need to change the subject. Who is on your heart and mind today…and what is the Number One commandment for YOU?
©2015 Debbie Robus
One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, “What is the most important commandment?”
Jesus answered, “The most important one says: ‘People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is more important than these.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched national news at all in recent months (or any time, for that matter), you have heard reporters ask someone – especially politicians – a direct question…and the person replies with an answer that is totally about something else. Sometimes, the reporters will even ask…”Why won’t you answer my question?” And the short answer is that the politician or other person doesn’t want to address that particular issue. They want to divert attention and make the discussion about something else entirely.
So when the religious scholar asked Jesus to list the most important commandment, it’s likely he thought that Jesus would change the subject…or redirect the conversation to something else. But Jesus boldly and clearly answered. He made no bones about telling everyone within earshot that we only have one Lord and God…that the most important commandment is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He added that the second most important commandment is to love others as much as we love ourselves.
I’d say Jesus knows us pretty well, doesn’t He? Jesus knows that 99.9% of us operate in the “What’s-in-it-for-me?” realm…and He clearly told us that the Number One question is supposed to be “What’s-in-it-for-God?”…followed closely by “What can I do for the other guy?” So we have some work to do! It’s not exactly easy to shift the focus from ourselves sometimes. And the devil will do everything he can to see that we stay bogged down in selfish thinking.
But I have learned that the more I focus on God…the more I focus on myself. The more I love Him and seek ways to hear from Him and to serve Him…the less I care about whether I get anything out of it or not. I’m not totally “there” yet…but I’m working hard to get closer. When our focus is on loving God…loving others is easier - and there is no need to change the subject. Who is on your heart and mind today…and what is the Number One commandment for YOU?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 2, 2015
1 Timothy 2:1-4
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.
He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned: that there’s one God and only one...
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Like many people, I am a multi-tasker. Most mornings, I eat my breakfast while “watching” the news and scrolling through messages on my computer and/or “reading” the daily newspaper. I listen to television while I sew, iron and fold laundry, or cook dinner. And I will admit that, at best, I only see/hear about two-thirds of what I “view”.
There are some programs that I must sit and watch while I do nothing else, in order to catch everything that is said and done. Otherwise, I find myself backing up and viewing certain scenes again. The “pause” and “rewind” buttons on the remote come in handy quite often as I attempt to do several things at once and keep up with what is being aired.
All of us are susceptible to constant distractions…and nowhere is this more evident than in our Spiritual lives. The devil loves to get us off track…to fill our plates with all sorts of responsibilities and “noise” so that we have trouble finding time to be still and listen for the voice of God. Before you know it…we have distanced ourselves so far from Him and filled in the gaps with other things…and we wonder what happened – and where God went!
The Apostle Paul is telling Timothy – and us – two things: 1) pray every way you know how, so that you keep the lines of communication with God open; and 2) pray for others…that each person would stay focused and on task, so that we are free to do the things that God has designed for us without the distractions and additional baggage from others. This sounds like a selfish motive…but actually, it is quite the opposite.
We cannot be in full fellowship with God when we are distracted or trying to do too much at once. When we take on the duties and drama of others, our own ministries are often diluted. Yes, we are to care about those in our midst…to serve God by serving them and offering love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and more. But God did not call us to be all things to all people. He created a plan and a purpose for each of us.
So we must pray that each person does his/her part…in order that we might do ours. There are no “pause” or “rewind” buttons for our faith. We’re on “play” all the time. Ask God to give you – and all of His children – focus and intention, so that we might be able to spread the Good News of Jesus with confidence and conviction. Find time to “be still and know God”…and discover what He really has to say.
©2015 Debbie Robus
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.
He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned: that there’s one God and only one...
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Like many people, I am a multi-tasker. Most mornings, I eat my breakfast while “watching” the news and scrolling through messages on my computer and/or “reading” the daily newspaper. I listen to television while I sew, iron and fold laundry, or cook dinner. And I will admit that, at best, I only see/hear about two-thirds of what I “view”.
There are some programs that I must sit and watch while I do nothing else, in order to catch everything that is said and done. Otherwise, I find myself backing up and viewing certain scenes again. The “pause” and “rewind” buttons on the remote come in handy quite often as I attempt to do several things at once and keep up with what is being aired.
All of us are susceptible to constant distractions…and nowhere is this more evident than in our Spiritual lives. The devil loves to get us off track…to fill our plates with all sorts of responsibilities and “noise” so that we have trouble finding time to be still and listen for the voice of God. Before you know it…we have distanced ourselves so far from Him and filled in the gaps with other things…and we wonder what happened – and where God went!
The Apostle Paul is telling Timothy – and us – two things: 1) pray every way you know how, so that you keep the lines of communication with God open; and 2) pray for others…that each person would stay focused and on task, so that we are free to do the things that God has designed for us without the distractions and additional baggage from others. This sounds like a selfish motive…but actually, it is quite the opposite.
We cannot be in full fellowship with God when we are distracted or trying to do too much at once. When we take on the duties and drama of others, our own ministries are often diluted. Yes, we are to care about those in our midst…to serve God by serving them and offering love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and more. But God did not call us to be all things to all people. He created a plan and a purpose for each of us.
So we must pray that each person does his/her part…in order that we might do ours. There are no “pause” or “rewind” buttons for our faith. We’re on “play” all the time. Ask God to give you – and all of His children – focus and intention, so that we might be able to spread the Good News of Jesus with confidence and conviction. Find time to “be still and know God”…and discover what He really has to say.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 24, 2014
Proverbs 4:20-27
Dear friend, listen well to my words;
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.
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.
As I write this devotional, Greg is busy mowing our yard. His head is down, and he is focused straight ahead as he makes sure that each row neatly lines up next to the one before it - with no gaps. Were he to look to the left or right and allow his focus to wander, there is no telling what "pattern" we might end up with in our yard! Like a lot of things in life, this is a task that requires one to "keep it between the lines" and to "ignore all sideshow distractions."
How does this have relevance for us? Think about your life as if you were mowing a lawn. You have a task at hand...school, work, caring for your family, staying healthy, eating, sleeping, maintaining relationships...and yes, working on your Christian discipleship through prayer, Bible study, discipleships, and fellowship/worship with other believers. As long as you "push the mower" in a straight line and stay focused, everything goes well.
Then a "distraction" comes along. "Life" throws you a curve ball. Someone asks you to do something you don't want to do - or can't - and rather than tell them "No," you dodge and weave and say, "Let me think about it and get back to you." You've just looked to the left and gotten off track. Or someone says, "Hey, did you hear about So-and-so?" and you drop what you are doing to hear all of the juicy tidbits. You just veered to the right...and there goes another "jog" in your neatly trimmed "yard"!
Someone makes you doubt yourself - or your faith - and you stop in your tracks...frozen...unable to move in any direction. Your friends or family members express viewpoints with which you do not agree...or speak against someone or a particular group. You are uncomfortable and feel God telling you that this is not right...but you don't want to embarrass anyone - especially yourself - so you say nothing...or nod in silent agreement. Either way, you have veered off the course that God set for your life...and you probably don't fell all that great deep within your heart because of it.
This passage is a reminder for us to examine our hearts...and to spend some time talking with God. It's a wake-up call to have something of a "review" or "tune-up" to see where we have gotten off course...and where God is calling us to get back into His "lane"!
When Greg gets done mowing our yard, it looks like a beautiful, smooth green carpet. I'm afraid that the "carpet" of our lives often has quite a few frays and snags that stick up or out and mar the landscape. But we can change this. We can ask God to help us get back on track, and to stay there. God can help us keep vigilant watch over our hearts...and to avoid the distractions that pull us to one side or the other. And in doing so, we can really live...healthy, happy, and bursting with confidence that He is guiding our steps.
Who is really steering your life these days? It's a question we all need to ask ourselves. Getting to the right answer may take some work and attention, but it will be so worth the effort. Are you ready to start paying closer attention? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Dear friend, listen well to my words;
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.
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.
As I write this devotional, Greg is busy mowing our yard. His head is down, and he is focused straight ahead as he makes sure that each row neatly lines up next to the one before it - with no gaps. Were he to look to the left or right and allow his focus to wander, there is no telling what "pattern" we might end up with in our yard! Like a lot of things in life, this is a task that requires one to "keep it between the lines" and to "ignore all sideshow distractions."
How does this have relevance for us? Think about your life as if you were mowing a lawn. You have a task at hand...school, work, caring for your family, staying healthy, eating, sleeping, maintaining relationships...and yes, working on your Christian discipleship through prayer, Bible study, discipleships, and fellowship/worship with other believers. As long as you "push the mower" in a straight line and stay focused, everything goes well.
Then a "distraction" comes along. "Life" throws you a curve ball. Someone asks you to do something you don't want to do - or can't - and rather than tell them "No," you dodge and weave and say, "Let me think about it and get back to you." You've just looked to the left and gotten off track. Or someone says, "Hey, did you hear about So-and-so?" and you drop what you are doing to hear all of the juicy tidbits. You just veered to the right...and there goes another "jog" in your neatly trimmed "yard"!
Someone makes you doubt yourself - or your faith - and you stop in your tracks...frozen...unable to move in any direction. Your friends or family members express viewpoints with which you do not agree...or speak against someone or a particular group. You are uncomfortable and feel God telling you that this is not right...but you don't want to embarrass anyone - especially yourself - so you say nothing...or nod in silent agreement. Either way, you have veered off the course that God set for your life...and you probably don't fell all that great deep within your heart because of it.
This passage is a reminder for us to examine our hearts...and to spend some time talking with God. It's a wake-up call to have something of a "review" or "tune-up" to see where we have gotten off course...and where God is calling us to get back into His "lane"!
When Greg gets done mowing our yard, it looks like a beautiful, smooth green carpet. I'm afraid that the "carpet" of our lives often has quite a few frays and snags that stick up or out and mar the landscape. But we can change this. We can ask God to help us get back on track, and to stay there. God can help us keep vigilant watch over our hearts...and to avoid the distractions that pull us to one side or the other. And in doing so, we can really live...healthy, happy, and bursting with confidence that He is guiding our steps.
Who is really steering your life these days? It's a question we all need to ask ourselves. Getting to the right answer may take some work and attention, but it will be so worth the effort. Are you ready to start paying closer attention? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 19, 2013
Psalm 27:4-5
The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
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.
“All I want for Christmas…” is a phrase that is uttered countless times by children of ALL ages every year. This is the first year that Timothy has really understood about Santa Claus. And he has a list – a Spiderman pillow pal, cars and trucks, and “other stuff”!
Isn’t that how we are so much of the time? We have a list of specific things that we want from God… and a lot of “other stuff”. We are anything but single-minded, when in fact, all we need is to seek the house of the LORD all the days of our life… to delight in His perfections and meditate in His temple. If we focus on God, He truly will conceal us in the sanctuary of His love, grace, wisdom and mercy when the troubles come…and they will come in this earthly lifetime!
In this season when our focus is scattered in a zillion different directions, let’s stop and take a minute to reel things in… to pull back on the festivities and plans and wishes and expectations and focus on God’s gift of Jesus Christ… the real reason for Christmas and so much more. If we pin our hopes on Jesus… if we concentrate on living with Him as the center of our very being… everything else truly is “other stuff”… as it should be.
What are you asking for this Christmas? Who are you seeking? Are you hoping for – and expecting – to receive your heart’s desires… because they line up with those of God Almighty through His Son, Jesus Christ? Will this be the season that you begin to seek the One Thing that matters and forget the “other stuff”? Are you ready to rest in the safety of His love and care? Will this be the day you start to make it happen?
©2013 Debbie Robus
The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
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.
“All I want for Christmas…” is a phrase that is uttered countless times by children of ALL ages every year. This is the first year that Timothy has really understood about Santa Claus. And he has a list – a Spiderman pillow pal, cars and trucks, and “other stuff”!
Isn’t that how we are so much of the time? We have a list of specific things that we want from God… and a lot of “other stuff”. We are anything but single-minded, when in fact, all we need is to seek the house of the LORD all the days of our life… to delight in His perfections and meditate in His temple. If we focus on God, He truly will conceal us in the sanctuary of His love, grace, wisdom and mercy when the troubles come…and they will come in this earthly lifetime!
In this season when our focus is scattered in a zillion different directions, let’s stop and take a minute to reel things in… to pull back on the festivities and plans and wishes and expectations and focus on God’s gift of Jesus Christ… the real reason for Christmas and so much more. If we pin our hopes on Jesus… if we concentrate on living with Him as the center of our very being… everything else truly is “other stuff”… as it should be.
What are you asking for this Christmas? Who are you seeking? Are you hoping for – and expecting – to receive your heart’s desires… because they line up with those of God Almighty through His Son, Jesus Christ? Will this be the season that you begin to seek the One Thing that matters and forget the “other stuff”? Are you ready to rest in the safety of His love and care? Will this be the day you start to make it happen?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 23, 2013
Luke 10:38-42
The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!”
The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, a friend posted a video on Facebook from former NFL wide receiver (and Little Rock, Arkansas native) Trent Shelton, who founded a Christian, non-profit organization called Rehab Time. Shelton travels the country as an author and motivational speaker, and he conducts seminars on how to “rehab” your life. The theme of this video by Shelton was “Evaluating Your Circle.” Using references to athletic teamwork, Shelton explained how we must evaluate those in our “circle” and ask if they are “playing for the team… or playing for themselves”. He asks, “Do they use ‘me’ instead of ‘we’… ‘I’ instead of ‘us’?”
Shelton notes that “Successful teams have loyal, committed people who are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the team succeeds. Everybody is a role player.” He asks, “Who’s sitting at your table with a personal agenda… who is sitting at your table that refuses to sacrifice? Who’s sitting at your table and bringing more problems to it than solutions? Make sure that everyone at your table is more concerned about what they can do for each other than what they can do for themselves.”
In this familiar scripture passage that tells the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha, we find two friends of Jesus’ - both of whom He loved dearly…and they loved Him in return. Both were “on His team”. And while neither would totally fit Shelton’s description of someone who was playing for herself rather than the team, it’s safe to say that one of them was a tad misguided. Martha was so concerned with all of the little details… whether the meal was just right… whether the table was set correctly…had she forgotten anything – and would Jesus be disappointed. Mary plopped down at Jesus’ feet and simply absorbed His presence. She listened and learned His ways… she internalized the “team mission” and made mental note of what Jesus was saying – and what He was calling her to do. There would be plenty of time to fret and stress over details like table settings and meal planning. Jesus was here… the need for her full attention was now! Her personal agenda could wait.
I will be the first to tell you that I have been a “Martha” far too often. I’m a details person… I like to make sure that things are done correctly and nicely. I love to make memories for others. So when I share baked goods or a casserole, I like to send it in a nice dish with a pretty card. When I prepare a family dinner, I like for the table to be decorated… and I want the food to be special. Would a loaf of banana bread wrapped in tin foil taste just as good to a grieving family or someone who is ill? Certainly! Would my family be any less gathered together to enjoy one another’s company if I served bologna sandwiches on paper plates? Not in the least! Would the “spirit” of the gestures be lessened if I paid more attention to their intention and less on “looking good”? Absolutely!
Fifteen years ago this morning, angels carried my 37-year-old brother, Tim, to heaven. It was a beautiful, sunny morning… much like this one, although not as cool and crisp. Time has lessened the grief of his passing, but not the ache I often feel in my heart for his earthly presence. There’s a good chance that you have a similar ache in your heart for someone who was special and dear to you. In the days leading to and surrounding his death, I learned that the most important thing I could do was spend time with Him and my family. This was a lesson I have never forgotten.
I saw how countless friends and members of my parents’ church dropped everything to come and stay from dusk to dawn, preparing and organizing meals, cleaning the house, running errands, and more. Casseroles, desserts and full meals appeared off and on in the days before Tim passed. When he died, people came to prepare coffee and pastries for breakfast… and someone mopped the kitchen floor at bedtime each night before leaving - for almost a week. It might sound like we were never granted a private moment, but you would be amazed at the stealth with which these servants operated. They were in the background, completing the “teamwork”, and focusing completely on meeting our needs.
I never cease to be amazed at how God uses even the most heart-wrenching circumstances to teach us more about His love, grace and mercy. I have tried to take to heart the lessons I learned in observing those who came to our aid at this sad time… and again 13 months later when my dad followed Tim to heaven. I have tried to set aside personal agendas to serve others in Jesus’ name, as I felt Him leading me. And when another “Tim” came into our lives four years ago, followed by his sister Zola and brother Nathan, I vowed to instill in them a spirit of “teamwork” and service above self. It’s not always easy… there are plenty of days when I would rather do what I had in mind than to do something for someone else. We are still human, after all!
We all make choices. It is so easy to become self-centered… to focus on just making it through the day and meeting your own personal needs. But Jesus has told us that… “only one thing is necessary” - that we focus on Him and His agenda. And He has promised that the “sacrifice” of this choice will not be taken from us. In other words… this is where the real joy and blessings lie!
Trent Shelton’s reminder to evaluate our “circle” is timely. We do need to take a look at who is on our “team”, as well as our own role there. How are we functioning… who are we serving? Is it time to reposition ourselves… or could we possibly be playing for the wrong team? Do we need to choose more wisely… and isn’t this a good time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
http://trentshelton.com
The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!”
The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, a friend posted a video on Facebook from former NFL wide receiver (and Little Rock, Arkansas native) Trent Shelton, who founded a Christian, non-profit organization called Rehab Time. Shelton travels the country as an author and motivational speaker, and he conducts seminars on how to “rehab” your life. The theme of this video by Shelton was “Evaluating Your Circle.” Using references to athletic teamwork, Shelton explained how we must evaluate those in our “circle” and ask if they are “playing for the team… or playing for themselves”. He asks, “Do they use ‘me’ instead of ‘we’… ‘I’ instead of ‘us’?”
Shelton notes that “Successful teams have loyal, committed people who are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the team succeeds. Everybody is a role player.” He asks, “Who’s sitting at your table with a personal agenda… who is sitting at your table that refuses to sacrifice? Who’s sitting at your table and bringing more problems to it than solutions? Make sure that everyone at your table is more concerned about what they can do for each other than what they can do for themselves.”
In this familiar scripture passage that tells the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha, we find two friends of Jesus’ - both of whom He loved dearly…and they loved Him in return. Both were “on His team”. And while neither would totally fit Shelton’s description of someone who was playing for herself rather than the team, it’s safe to say that one of them was a tad misguided. Martha was so concerned with all of the little details… whether the meal was just right… whether the table was set correctly…had she forgotten anything – and would Jesus be disappointed. Mary plopped down at Jesus’ feet and simply absorbed His presence. She listened and learned His ways… she internalized the “team mission” and made mental note of what Jesus was saying – and what He was calling her to do. There would be plenty of time to fret and stress over details like table settings and meal planning. Jesus was here… the need for her full attention was now! Her personal agenda could wait.
I will be the first to tell you that I have been a “Martha” far too often. I’m a details person… I like to make sure that things are done correctly and nicely. I love to make memories for others. So when I share baked goods or a casserole, I like to send it in a nice dish with a pretty card. When I prepare a family dinner, I like for the table to be decorated… and I want the food to be special. Would a loaf of banana bread wrapped in tin foil taste just as good to a grieving family or someone who is ill? Certainly! Would my family be any less gathered together to enjoy one another’s company if I served bologna sandwiches on paper plates? Not in the least! Would the “spirit” of the gestures be lessened if I paid more attention to their intention and less on “looking good”? Absolutely!
Fifteen years ago this morning, angels carried my 37-year-old brother, Tim, to heaven. It was a beautiful, sunny morning… much like this one, although not as cool and crisp. Time has lessened the grief of his passing, but not the ache I often feel in my heart for his earthly presence. There’s a good chance that you have a similar ache in your heart for someone who was special and dear to you. In the days leading to and surrounding his death, I learned that the most important thing I could do was spend time with Him and my family. This was a lesson I have never forgotten.
I saw how countless friends and members of my parents’ church dropped everything to come and stay from dusk to dawn, preparing and organizing meals, cleaning the house, running errands, and more. Casseroles, desserts and full meals appeared off and on in the days before Tim passed. When he died, people came to prepare coffee and pastries for breakfast… and someone mopped the kitchen floor at bedtime each night before leaving - for almost a week. It might sound like we were never granted a private moment, but you would be amazed at the stealth with which these servants operated. They were in the background, completing the “teamwork”, and focusing completely on meeting our needs.
I never cease to be amazed at how God uses even the most heart-wrenching circumstances to teach us more about His love, grace and mercy. I have tried to take to heart the lessons I learned in observing those who came to our aid at this sad time… and again 13 months later when my dad followed Tim to heaven. I have tried to set aside personal agendas to serve others in Jesus’ name, as I felt Him leading me. And when another “Tim” came into our lives four years ago, followed by his sister Zola and brother Nathan, I vowed to instill in them a spirit of “teamwork” and service above self. It’s not always easy… there are plenty of days when I would rather do what I had in mind than to do something for someone else. We are still human, after all!
We all make choices. It is so easy to become self-centered… to focus on just making it through the day and meeting your own personal needs. But Jesus has told us that… “only one thing is necessary” - that we focus on Him and His agenda. And He has promised that the “sacrifice” of this choice will not be taken from us. In other words… this is where the real joy and blessings lie!
Trent Shelton’s reminder to evaluate our “circle” is timely. We do need to take a look at who is on our “team”, as well as our own role there. How are we functioning… who are we serving? Is it time to reposition ourselves… or could we possibly be playing for the wrong team? Do we need to choose more wisely… and isn’t this a good time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
http://trentshelton.com
Daily Devotional for May 22, 2012
Romans 12:1-2
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity 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.
One of my dearest friends (who is now in Heaven) used to say, “I never did anything with my life.” This was so far from the truth that it was almost laughable. What Becky meant was that she never finished college – never got the nursing degree she had hoped to obtain… never “spread her wings” and lived anywhere but her home town. What she didn’t always recognize was how successful she was as a wife, mother, servant in her church and community, office manager in her dad’s construction business, and friend to more than she could count. Becky could never fathom that her life would leave such a mark on others that we still speak of her with admiration and respect to this day.
The point is that God doesn’t call everyone to become a celebrity or live in the limelight. And honestly, He uses the ordinary, everyday experiences of our lives as much or more than those we consider grand and impressive – if we are living for Him. In the coming weeks, many will graduate from high school or college, marry, move, or begin new jobs and new adventures. If you are one of them, remember that whatever you do is important to God… when you offer it to Him.
Whether you are spending the summer as an intern, babysitting, or filling boats with gas at a marina, you can serve God. If you are starting graduate school or an entry-level job, you can offer your work to Him and conduct yourself in a way that glorifies His name. If you are a stay-at-home mom or a retired grandpa who spends his days building bluebird houses or piddling in the garden, you can give these activities to God, and He will bless them.
My point is that God can use anything and everyone. When you do the laundry clean your house, wash the car or mow the lawn, you are caring for your family and being a good steward of God’s blessings… and He will bless you for doing so. When you nurture children, smile at the clerk at Wal-Mart, or rescue stray animals, God can be glorified. You don’t have to earn a Ph.D. or live in a mega-mansion for God to use you… although He can! You don’t have to be a certain age, have a specific amount of money, be a world-class athlete, or look like a model…you are special to God just as you are!
You may have heard the phrase, “Bloom where you are planted.” God wants us to bloom for Him… wherever He plants us. Recognize that everything you do and say is an opportunity to glorify His name. Don’t try to become something you are not – or that God did not design for you. Don’t let the world dictate how you think, speak or act. Ask GOD who you should be… and live comfortably and simply in His will… regardless of your age or where you find yourself these days,
If you are not completely certain you are living a mature, Christ-centered life, ask God to help you shift your focus and turn your attention back to Him. Whatever your age or station in life, you can focus on God and glorify Him in all you do. Are you blooming where you’ve been planted?
©2012 Debbie Robus
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity 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.
One of my dearest friends (who is now in Heaven) used to say, “I never did anything with my life.” This was so far from the truth that it was almost laughable. What Becky meant was that she never finished college – never got the nursing degree she had hoped to obtain… never “spread her wings” and lived anywhere but her home town. What she didn’t always recognize was how successful she was as a wife, mother, servant in her church and community, office manager in her dad’s construction business, and friend to more than she could count. Becky could never fathom that her life would leave such a mark on others that we still speak of her with admiration and respect to this day.
The point is that God doesn’t call everyone to become a celebrity or live in the limelight. And honestly, He uses the ordinary, everyday experiences of our lives as much or more than those we consider grand and impressive – if we are living for Him. In the coming weeks, many will graduate from high school or college, marry, move, or begin new jobs and new adventures. If you are one of them, remember that whatever you do is important to God… when you offer it to Him.
Whether you are spending the summer as an intern, babysitting, or filling boats with gas at a marina, you can serve God. If you are starting graduate school or an entry-level job, you can offer your work to Him and conduct yourself in a way that glorifies His name. If you are a stay-at-home mom or a retired grandpa who spends his days building bluebird houses or piddling in the garden, you can give these activities to God, and He will bless them.
My point is that God can use anything and everyone. When you do the laundry clean your house, wash the car or mow the lawn, you are caring for your family and being a good steward of God’s blessings… and He will bless you for doing so. When you nurture children, smile at the clerk at Wal-Mart, or rescue stray animals, God can be glorified. You don’t have to earn a Ph.D. or live in a mega-mansion for God to use you… although He can! You don’t have to be a certain age, have a specific amount of money, be a world-class athlete, or look like a model…you are special to God just as you are!
You may have heard the phrase, “Bloom where you are planted.” God wants us to bloom for Him… wherever He plants us. Recognize that everything you do and say is an opportunity to glorify His name. Don’t try to become something you are not – or that God did not design for you. Don’t let the world dictate how you think, speak or act. Ask GOD who you should be… and live comfortably and simply in His will… regardless of your age or where you find yourself these days,
If you are not completely certain you are living a mature, Christ-centered life, ask God to help you shift your focus and turn your attention back to Him. Whatever your age or station in life, you can focus on God and glorify Him in all you do. Are you blooming where you’ve been planted?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 12, 2012
Luke 10:17-20
When the seventy-two followers returned, they were excited and said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed when we spoke in your name!” Jesus told them: I saw Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. I have given you the power to trample on snakes and scorpions and to defeat the power of your enemy Satan. Nothing can harm you. But don’t be happy because evil spirits obey you. Be happy that your names are written in heaven!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
More than once, an actor or entertainer has stood before a crowd to accept an award and thanked numerous people… only to realize later they forgot to thank their spouse, family, parents, or someone else who was vital to their success. The excuse is always that they got caught up in the excitement of the moment. But the fact remains they failed to give credit where it was due.
As Christians, we do this a lot. We get so caught up in the “power trip” that we forget to credit the Power Source! We overcome a temptation or an addiction and we revel in our success. We praise God for His deliverance from difficult situations, trials and tribulations… and we should. But how often do we simply say, “LORD, thank You for saving me. Thank You for writing my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life! Thank You for preparing a place in Your kingdom for me for all Eternity!”?
I am as happy as anyone that the devil has no authority over me. He is a wannabe God, and he cannot hurt me. The devil is the last person I will fear or respect. And Satan is most certainly not the object of my focus! Offense is the devil’s number one tool… and distraction… and I am working diligently to remove all evidence of this menace from my life. At the same time, I am renewing my determination to totally live in Christ… to wake up every day grateful for what He has done for me… to recognize His beauty and blessings that surround me. Call it focusing on the positive more than the negative, if you will.
We have no trouble running to God when there is trouble or we are in need. But how often do we run to Him “just because?” Isn’t it time we focused more on what God does for us each and every day? Let’s acknowledge God’s power over the devil and his agents. But let’s leave the bragging and bravado behind in favor of a focus on genuine praise and appreciation for all that He has given us. Let’s concentrate on less on our victory over Satan and more on the promise of Heaven… and all that is yet to come!
©2012 Debbie Robus
When the seventy-two followers returned, they were excited and said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed when we spoke in your name!” Jesus told them: I saw Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. I have given you the power to trample on snakes and scorpions and to defeat the power of your enemy Satan. Nothing can harm you. But don’t be happy because evil spirits obey you. Be happy that your names are written in heaven!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
More than once, an actor or entertainer has stood before a crowd to accept an award and thanked numerous people… only to realize later they forgot to thank their spouse, family, parents, or someone else who was vital to their success. The excuse is always that they got caught up in the excitement of the moment. But the fact remains they failed to give credit where it was due.
As Christians, we do this a lot. We get so caught up in the “power trip” that we forget to credit the Power Source! We overcome a temptation or an addiction and we revel in our success. We praise God for His deliverance from difficult situations, trials and tribulations… and we should. But how often do we simply say, “LORD, thank You for saving me. Thank You for writing my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life! Thank You for preparing a place in Your kingdom for me for all Eternity!”?
I am as happy as anyone that the devil has no authority over me. He is a wannabe God, and he cannot hurt me. The devil is the last person I will fear or respect. And Satan is most certainly not the object of my focus! Offense is the devil’s number one tool… and distraction… and I am working diligently to remove all evidence of this menace from my life. At the same time, I am renewing my determination to totally live in Christ… to wake up every day grateful for what He has done for me… to recognize His beauty and blessings that surround me. Call it focusing on the positive more than the negative, if you will.
We have no trouble running to God when there is trouble or we are in need. But how often do we run to Him “just because?” Isn’t it time we focused more on what God does for us each and every day? Let’s acknowledge God’s power over the devil and his agents. But let’s leave the bragging and bravado behind in favor of a focus on genuine praise and appreciation for all that He has given us. Let’s concentrate on less on our victory over Satan and more on the promise of Heaven… and all that is yet to come!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)