1 John 5:3
Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn’t hard at all;
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Greg and I have some pretty
simple, straightforward “rules” at our house. The children know that
we don’t allow jumping on the furniture…and that they eat and drink at
the dining table or kitchen counter - and not in the other rooms. They
know that when we go somewhere and leave the car, we hold hands and
stick together.
The children understand that we use “inside
voices” when we are in the house – and that they are not to be bossy
toward their siblings – or toward us or other grown-ups! They remember
that there are certain things at our house that are off limits and are
not to be touched. And for the most part, they do very well with these
guidelines. They have their moments, as all children do…but by and
large, they do a really good job of staying within our parameters. And I
honestly think that this makes things easier for them.
The
children know what is expected…and what is accepted. They don’t have to
worry or wonder. In a way, this frees them to enjoy their time with
us. They know that when they operate within these guidelines, everyone
will get along and be happy…and there might even be a “reward” or two
along the way for such good behavior and obedience. When we are pleased
with the children, we love to shower them with “blessings.”
Do
you see my point? So many people want to think of the life of a
Christian as restrictive, when in truth, it can actually be just the
opposite. When we follow God’s commands and serve Him in all things, we
know where we stand at all times. We are freed of the burden of worry -
and wondering whether or not God is happy with us. Like little
children, there are times when we slip up…when we say or do something
that displeases God. But if we make every effort to live within His
parameters and serve Him wholeheartedly, God will bless us with His
abundant gifts of grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, healing,
forgiveness – and amazing surprises and opportunities.
Will
everything always be a bed of roses? Absolutely not? Will some seem to
have more blessings than others? Certainly! Will this assure us a
life free of suffering and difficulties? No way! Nobody ever said
being a Christian disciple would mean life on Easy Street! But I
promise you, when we follow God’s commands and have some semblance of an
understanding about where we stand with Him, everything is just so much
better.
Aren’t you ready to try living in the freedom of following God’s will? Is this the day you’ll get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label following Gods instructions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label following Gods instructions. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 2, 2016
1 John 2:3-6
Here’s how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep his commandments.
If someone claims, “I know him well!” but doesn’t keep his commandments, he’s obviously a liar. His life doesn’t match his words. But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God. Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
It’s probably just me…but I don’t know when I have ever been so keenly aware of people claiming the name of Jesus while “acting a fool.” My mother was a great student of history, and she always noted that name calling and “mud-slinging” are nothing new…that if we knew all that was said and done to Abraham Lincoln, we would completely lose our minds. But my mother was also the QUEEN of the phrase, “Two wrongs don’t make a right!” So just because this has happened throughout history doesn’t mean it is acceptable today.
The point is this…there are a LOT of people running around right now spewing venom in one breath – and inviting people to a Bible study in the next. Lots of people are raising their hands on Sunday morning to worship Jesus, and then shaking their fists at a referee throughout the week. More than a few are wearing their “cross” jewelry and placing signs in the yard to invite people to their particular house of worship…then gossiping, posting ugly things on social media, and disparaging anyone who is different from them – in any way.
Here we go again…PEOPLE ARE WATCHING! And what we say and do – or DON’T say and do – matters greatly. It matters to God…and it matters in our efforts to further His Kingdom. If you want to demonstrate God’s mature love, you have got to make your life match your words and actions that claim this as the case. And this means keeping God’s commandments…ALL of them – especially the one about loving your neighbor as yourself.
So the next time you start to say something that is even a little bit unkind or critical, stop and ask yourself if this demonstrates God’s love for us and others. When you are ready to rail against perceived injustices (or the teacher or referee who did your kid wrong), ask God if this fits into His plans and reflects the teachings of Jesus. When you start to get riled up about this situation or that one, check with God and see what He has to say about operating in offense.
If we want to know God in the right way, we have to fully embrace His commandments – and walk/talk them every minute of each day. People ARE watching. What – and WHO – do they see when they look at you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Here’s how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep his commandments.
If someone claims, “I know him well!” but doesn’t keep his commandments, he’s obviously a liar. His life doesn’t match his words. But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God. Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
It’s probably just me…but I don’t know when I have ever been so keenly aware of people claiming the name of Jesus while “acting a fool.” My mother was a great student of history, and she always noted that name calling and “mud-slinging” are nothing new…that if we knew all that was said and done to Abraham Lincoln, we would completely lose our minds. But my mother was also the QUEEN of the phrase, “Two wrongs don’t make a right!” So just because this has happened throughout history doesn’t mean it is acceptable today.
The point is this…there are a LOT of people running around right now spewing venom in one breath – and inviting people to a Bible study in the next. Lots of people are raising their hands on Sunday morning to worship Jesus, and then shaking their fists at a referee throughout the week. More than a few are wearing their “cross” jewelry and placing signs in the yard to invite people to their particular house of worship…then gossiping, posting ugly things on social media, and disparaging anyone who is different from them – in any way.
Here we go again…PEOPLE ARE WATCHING! And what we say and do – or DON’T say and do – matters greatly. It matters to God…and it matters in our efforts to further His Kingdom. If you want to demonstrate God’s mature love, you have got to make your life match your words and actions that claim this as the case. And this means keeping God’s commandments…ALL of them – especially the one about loving your neighbor as yourself.
So the next time you start to say something that is even a little bit unkind or critical, stop and ask yourself if this demonstrates God’s love for us and others. When you are ready to rail against perceived injustices (or the teacher or referee who did your kid wrong), ask God if this fits into His plans and reflects the teachings of Jesus. When you start to get riled up about this situation or that one, check with God and see what He has to say about operating in offense.
If we want to know God in the right way, we have to fully embrace His commandments – and walk/talk them every minute of each day. People ARE watching. What – and WHO – do they see when they look at you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 28, 2016
1 Corinthians 2:10-13
The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you’re thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he’s thinking, but he lets us in on it.
God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
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.
Regretfully, I have been unable to find a hand-written copy of my mother’s signature Chicken Pie recipe. Mother served this dish at virtually every family dinner…particularly in the last few years. I know it took her a couple of days to create, because she would boil a chicken one day, debone it the next, then skim the broth and add peas and carrots and seasonings to make the filling. Then she topped this with homemade biscuits. Just last fall, I told her, “I do not have a copy of your Chicken Pie recipe.” She replied, “Well, I’ll have to see what I can do about that!” Things deteriorated quickly, and she never got this done.
One of Mother’s lifelong friends has graciously shared HER recipe, which is similar, but not quite the same. One of my “other mothers” and I have discussed the dish and tried to figure out how to improvise and come close to the original. In the end, I will probably have to do some “trial and error” runs and hope that my mother speaks to me from heaven and guides my efforts.
The beautiful thing about our relationship with God is that we don’t have to guess and wonder. There is no such thing as “trial and error.” As we read in this passage, all we have to do is stay attuned to the word and will of God…to communicate with the Holy Spirit and genuinely seek His guidance…and He will give it to us. The more you learn to focus on Jesus and listen for His Holy Spirit, the easier it becomes to know that you know that you know that He is guiding you. And just like when we recreate an unwritten recipe, we can demonstrate to others how to operate in this confidence in Jesus and the Holy Spirit, also.
I used to ask my Mam-ma Polly for recipes, and she would say, “Sugar, I just need to show you.” Because I knew I would not necessarily remember all that she told me, I did coax her to write down a lot of the recipes that she demonstrated to me. And we do have a written “back-up” of Jesus’ commands and teachings to share with others in the Holy Bible. But God wants us to live in such a way that we physically illustrate to others what it means to operate fully in His will…to listen for Jesus speaking through His Holy Spirit…and to confidently act on His wishes.
I’ll do my best to reconstruct the chicken pie, because when we eat it, my family and I will remember my mother and how much love she poured into it. And I will do my best to operate in the will of Jesus as He speaks to me via the Holy Spirit, so that I can share His love for us with those in my circle of influence. If we all do this, imagine what we could accomplish for God’s Kingdom! What do you say…are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you’re thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he’s thinking, but he lets us in on it.
God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
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.
Regretfully, I have been unable to find a hand-written copy of my mother’s signature Chicken Pie recipe. Mother served this dish at virtually every family dinner…particularly in the last few years. I know it took her a couple of days to create, because she would boil a chicken one day, debone it the next, then skim the broth and add peas and carrots and seasonings to make the filling. Then she topped this with homemade biscuits. Just last fall, I told her, “I do not have a copy of your Chicken Pie recipe.” She replied, “Well, I’ll have to see what I can do about that!” Things deteriorated quickly, and she never got this done.
One of Mother’s lifelong friends has graciously shared HER recipe, which is similar, but not quite the same. One of my “other mothers” and I have discussed the dish and tried to figure out how to improvise and come close to the original. In the end, I will probably have to do some “trial and error” runs and hope that my mother speaks to me from heaven and guides my efforts.
The beautiful thing about our relationship with God is that we don’t have to guess and wonder. There is no such thing as “trial and error.” As we read in this passage, all we have to do is stay attuned to the word and will of God…to communicate with the Holy Spirit and genuinely seek His guidance…and He will give it to us. The more you learn to focus on Jesus and listen for His Holy Spirit, the easier it becomes to know that you know that you know that He is guiding you. And just like when we recreate an unwritten recipe, we can demonstrate to others how to operate in this confidence in Jesus and the Holy Spirit, also.
I used to ask my Mam-ma Polly for recipes, and she would say, “Sugar, I just need to show you.” Because I knew I would not necessarily remember all that she told me, I did coax her to write down a lot of the recipes that she demonstrated to me. And we do have a written “back-up” of Jesus’ commands and teachings to share with others in the Holy Bible. But God wants us to live in such a way that we physically illustrate to others what it means to operate fully in His will…to listen for Jesus speaking through His Holy Spirit…and to confidently act on His wishes.
I’ll do my best to reconstruct the chicken pie, because when we eat it, my family and I will remember my mother and how much love she poured into it. And I will do my best to operate in the will of Jesus as He speaks to me via the Holy Spirit, so that I can share His love for us with those in my circle of influence. If we all do this, imagine what we could accomplish for God’s Kingdom! What do you say…are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 12, 2016
Ephesians 2:1-6
It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us.
Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.
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
Each day before Nathan naps, I read to him. One of his recent favorites is a pop-up book that tells the story of the three little pigs. We all know that story…the mother pig sends her three little pigs out into the world, and the first pig gets in a big hurry and builds a straw house, which the wolf promptly blows over. Pig #2 builds his house out of sticks, and the wolf blows it over, as well. Pig #3 has a little more sense, and he builds a brick house. It takes longer and requires more effort…but in the end, all three pigs live there safely…and the old wolf is sent packing for good.
There are some interesting parallels for us in this children’s story. The mother pig wants what is best for her children, just as God wants what is best for us. She sends them out into the world…each one a “clean slate” so to speak…just as we are cleansed of our sins, sent out and commissioned by Jesus to share His message with the world. Some of us get in a hurry and take the path of least resistance, while others just plain do things like they want. The end result is never pretty for any of those who choose to “pollute their lungs with unbelief and exhale disobedience.”
Some, like the third little pig, work slowly and steadily…keeping their focus on the end result. Not only that, they share their blessings with others…have an “open-door policy” for even those who disobey and cut corners. They operate in grace, mercy and forgiveness - and in the wisdom of the LORD - at all times and in all things.
The end result is that the wolf (a.k.a. the devil!) doesn’t stand a chance! Those who serve with love and obedience are rewarded for their faithfulness…and the ones who receive grace and mercy are shown the face of Christ in these words and actions.
I agree with the Apostle Paul…I am astounded that God doesn’t just throw up His hands and wipe the earth clean of each and every one of us. He could probably start over more easily than He could deal with some of the messes we make. God could create a new people who would love more deeply and serve more earnestly…who would treat others with more kindness and compassion and encourage them to love Jesus and serve Him wholeheartedly.
But God didn’t do this. For some unknown reason, He chose us…and He really, REALLY wants us to choose Him in return. I have to tell you, I am incredibly moved that ANYONE would do that for me…so moved that I want more than anything to give back to Him in return…to be the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth for as many people as I can - and to serve Him in everything I say and do. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us.
Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.
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
Each day before Nathan naps, I read to him. One of his recent favorites is a pop-up book that tells the story of the three little pigs. We all know that story…the mother pig sends her three little pigs out into the world, and the first pig gets in a big hurry and builds a straw house, which the wolf promptly blows over. Pig #2 builds his house out of sticks, and the wolf blows it over, as well. Pig #3 has a little more sense, and he builds a brick house. It takes longer and requires more effort…but in the end, all three pigs live there safely…and the old wolf is sent packing for good.
There are some interesting parallels for us in this children’s story. The mother pig wants what is best for her children, just as God wants what is best for us. She sends them out into the world…each one a “clean slate” so to speak…just as we are cleansed of our sins, sent out and commissioned by Jesus to share His message with the world. Some of us get in a hurry and take the path of least resistance, while others just plain do things like they want. The end result is never pretty for any of those who choose to “pollute their lungs with unbelief and exhale disobedience.”
Some, like the third little pig, work slowly and steadily…keeping their focus on the end result. Not only that, they share their blessings with others…have an “open-door policy” for even those who disobey and cut corners. They operate in grace, mercy and forgiveness - and in the wisdom of the LORD - at all times and in all things.
The end result is that the wolf (a.k.a. the devil!) doesn’t stand a chance! Those who serve with love and obedience are rewarded for their faithfulness…and the ones who receive grace and mercy are shown the face of Christ in these words and actions.
I agree with the Apostle Paul…I am astounded that God doesn’t just throw up His hands and wipe the earth clean of each and every one of us. He could probably start over more easily than He could deal with some of the messes we make. God could create a new people who would love more deeply and serve more earnestly…who would treat others with more kindness and compassion and encourage them to love Jesus and serve Him wholeheartedly.
But God didn’t do this. For some unknown reason, He chose us…and He really, REALLY wants us to choose Him in return. I have to tell you, I am incredibly moved that ANYONE would do that for me…so moved that I want more than anything to give back to Him in return…to be the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth for as many people as I can - and to serve Him in everything I say and do. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 9, 2015
Galatians 2:4
While we were in conference we were infiltrated by spies pretending to be Christians, who slipped in to find out just how free true Christians are. Their ulterior motive was to reduce us to their brand of servitude. We didn’t give them the time of day. We were determined to preserve the truth of the Message for 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.
Someone shared a link on Facebook to an article titled “Dear Church, Here's Why People Are Really Leaving You”* Of course, this title grabbed my attention…and I have to say, the article is filled with valid points. As I read this scripture passage from Galatians, I was reminded of one particular comment made in “Point #5”…
I encourage you to spend some time in prayer and Bible study and determine “the truth of the Message”…then do everything you can to preserve it. Honor your relationship with God – and your commitment to Him - by turning a deaf ear to the noise of those who have ulterior motives and/or a personal agenda. Appreciate that your fellow believer’s “path” may not be exactly like yours…that his/her missions and ministries may not exactly line up with yours – and that’s okay.
As long as we are serving God with an obedient, faithful heart, we belong to Him…and God is bigger than any “church”. If we are the problem – from either side of the equation – it’s time that we made some changes. This is a good day to begin…wouldn’t you agree?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.faithit.com/dear-church-heres-why-people-are-really-leaving-you/.VK7OXdDwj30.facebook
While we were in conference we were infiltrated by spies pretending to be Christians, who slipped in to find out just how free true Christians are. Their ulterior motive was to reduce us to their brand of servitude. We didn’t give them the time of day. We were determined to preserve the truth of the Message for 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.
Someone shared a link on Facebook to an article titled “Dear Church, Here's Why People Are Really Leaving You”* Of course, this title grabbed my attention…and I have to say, the article is filled with valid points. As I read this scripture passage from Galatians, I was reminded of one particular comment made in “Point #5”…
I let you know how judged and ridiculed I feel when I'm with you, how much like a hopeless, failing outsider I feel on the periphery of your inward, judgmental communities, and you proceeded to tell me how "lost" I am, how hopelessly "in love with my sin" I must be to leave you, reminding me that I never really belonged with you anyway. Maybe you're right, Church. Maybe I am the problem.We always have to guard our heart – against discrimination and intolerance of others, AND against those who wish to judge us and make our relationship with God look just like theirs or fit their personal agenda. You do not have to “drink the Kool-Aid” for every single idea your fellow church members have. You should not be pressured with guilt or shamed into participating in missions or practices that you know in your heart are not what God has ordained for you. You don’t have to agree with the pervading positions on politics, economics, lifestyle choices, cultural differences, and more. Just because “everyone else is doing it” doesn’t make it right for you…even in the church!
I encourage you to spend some time in prayer and Bible study and determine “the truth of the Message”…then do everything you can to preserve it. Honor your relationship with God – and your commitment to Him - by turning a deaf ear to the noise of those who have ulterior motives and/or a personal agenda. Appreciate that your fellow believer’s “path” may not be exactly like yours…that his/her missions and ministries may not exactly line up with yours – and that’s okay.
As long as we are serving God with an obedient, faithful heart, we belong to Him…and God is bigger than any “church”. If we are the problem – from either side of the equation – it’s time that we made some changes. This is a good day to begin…wouldn’t you agree?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.faithit.com/dear-church-heres-why-people-are-really-leaving-you/.VK7OXdDwj30.facebook
Daily Devotional for August 25, 2013
Psalms 119:165
Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.
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.
Recently, I tried out a couple of new recipes I found on Pinterest. We invited my mother-in-law, Elaine, over for dinner. It’s always dicey to try out new recipes on a dinner guest, but Elaine is a good sport… and the dishes were actually quite tasty – crock pot lasagna and a peanut butter pie. As we finished dessert, Elaine asked, “Did you have a recipe for this pie?” I laughed and said “Oh, yes… no telling how this pie would have turned out if I had made it up in my head!” I know that I would probably not have thought to follow the same steps – and the taste and texture of my “version” would have been markedly different!
There are a few dishes in my repertoire that I have made enough times that I don’t really need to follow a recipe (although I guess technically, I still follow the recipe in my head!). But printed instructions for most entrees and desserts serve as a comfort – and a confidence booster! If I follow the recipe, I have a pretty good idea that I won’t stumble… and that gives me great peace. The same can be said for sewing patterns. When I veer off course and try to create a garment without referring to the pattern and instructions, I have a pretty good shot at making something that is un-wearable… or at the very least doesn’t fit correctly. And when I stray from a recipe, there is a fairly good chance the dish won’t be nearly as tasty.
When it comes to following God’s instructions, there is really no difference. We can try to do things our way…and sometimes skirt by with little repercussion. But more often, we experience an epic fail. We make a huge mess of things…and our life is anything but peaceful and filled with days of “smooth sailing”. And it’s almost always because we didn’t follow “God’s recipe or pattern”.
In Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (CEV), we read “Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only true God! So love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Memorize his laws and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. Write down copies and tie them to your wrists and foreheads to help you obey them. Write these laws on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.” In Matthew and Luke, Jesus instructs us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This is what I would call a good “pattern” or “recipe”! If we will truly commit to following these guidelines, our lives should be filled with steady steps and great peace. There will surely be “bumps in the road”… but God will be with us to help us regroup and move forward.
Whose “recipe” or “pattern” will you follow? Will you love the instructions God has given us and make them an innate part of your daily living? Are you really willing to risk God’s peace and a relatively bump-free road in life just to have your own way? Are you following your own rules… or God’s? How’s that working for you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.
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.
Recently, I tried out a couple of new recipes I found on Pinterest. We invited my mother-in-law, Elaine, over for dinner. It’s always dicey to try out new recipes on a dinner guest, but Elaine is a good sport… and the dishes were actually quite tasty – crock pot lasagna and a peanut butter pie. As we finished dessert, Elaine asked, “Did you have a recipe for this pie?” I laughed and said “Oh, yes… no telling how this pie would have turned out if I had made it up in my head!” I know that I would probably not have thought to follow the same steps – and the taste and texture of my “version” would have been markedly different!
There are a few dishes in my repertoire that I have made enough times that I don’t really need to follow a recipe (although I guess technically, I still follow the recipe in my head!). But printed instructions for most entrees and desserts serve as a comfort – and a confidence booster! If I follow the recipe, I have a pretty good idea that I won’t stumble… and that gives me great peace. The same can be said for sewing patterns. When I veer off course and try to create a garment without referring to the pattern and instructions, I have a pretty good shot at making something that is un-wearable… or at the very least doesn’t fit correctly. And when I stray from a recipe, there is a fairly good chance the dish won’t be nearly as tasty.
When it comes to following God’s instructions, there is really no difference. We can try to do things our way…and sometimes skirt by with little repercussion. But more often, we experience an epic fail. We make a huge mess of things…and our life is anything but peaceful and filled with days of “smooth sailing”. And it’s almost always because we didn’t follow “God’s recipe or pattern”.
In Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (CEV), we read “Listen, Israel! The Lord our God is the only true God! So love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Memorize his laws and tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you’re at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning. Write down copies and tie them to your wrists and foreheads to help you obey them. Write these laws on the door frames of your homes and on your town gates.” In Matthew and Luke, Jesus instructs us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This is what I would call a good “pattern” or “recipe”! If we will truly commit to following these guidelines, our lives should be filled with steady steps and great peace. There will surely be “bumps in the road”… but God will be with us to help us regroup and move forward.
Whose “recipe” or “pattern” will you follow? Will you love the instructions God has given us and make them an innate part of your daily living? Are you really willing to risk God’s peace and a relatively bump-free road in life just to have your own way? Are you following your own rules… or God’s? How’s that working for you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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