John 10:7-13
…so he explained it to them.
“I
am the Gate for the sheep,” he said. “All others who came before me
were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them.
Yes, I am the Gate. Those who come in by way of the Gate will be saved
and will go in and out and find green pastures. The thief’s purpose is
to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its
fullness.
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down
his life for the sheep. A hired man will run when he sees a wolf coming
and will leave the sheep, for they aren’t his and he isn’t their
shepherd. And so the wolf leaps on them and scatters the flock. The
hired man runs because he is hired and has no real concern for the
sheep.
The Living Bible
copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights
reserved.
A few years ago, my mother-in-law came over
for dinner one spring evening. As she left, Greg and I walked her out
onto our porch and toward her car, which was parked just a few feet away
on our driveway. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of
something. I looked over and saw what turned out to be a
more-than-five-foot-long rat snake wound around the base of our wrought
iron lantern. I promptly screamed and ran back inside the house –
leaving Greg and his mother standing on the driveway! I was the “hired
man” who deserted his flock!
Yes, I am that afraid of snakes!
Hopefully, had I been with the little children rather than two grown
adults, I would have remained a bit more calm and ushered them to
safety. And thankfully, this big guy was relatively harmless and
slithered on his way about a half hour later…hopefully to protect our
yard from the poisonous reptiles that could actually do us some harm!
In
life, we are so often like the “hired man.” At the first sign of
trouble or controversy, we tuck tail and run. And I get that there are
times when it is appropriate to say, “Not my circus – not my monkeys.”
But there are lots of times when Jesus is calling us to trust Him…to
stay in step with Him and trust that He’s got our back. There are
moments when we must stand up and demonstrate Christian faith, love,
grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness – even when many would turn and
run.
We hear Jesus calling us to stand up for what He has
taught us…to remain calm and stand still in the presence of the snake.
And we have a choice…to remain faithful that He’s got our back and do
what He asks…or turn away – and essentially deny His sovereignty in our
lives. It’s often a tough call…I get that! But how deep IS your
faith? How much do you really trust Jesus to know better than you?
It
is time for us to stand our ground with Jesus…to take what may often be
an unpopular position as we declare Him the final authority in our
lives – and our every thought and action. The end results will be
amazing…of that I am certain. And I’m all in…what about you?
Will
this be the day that you stand firmly behind Jesus…or scream and run
away from the “snakes” of this world? Who is your good Shepherd…and do you
really know Him? Isn’t it time you did?
© Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label following through when God speaks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label following through when God speaks. Show all posts
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 May 25, 2013
Luke 8:15
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
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.
The major news networks continue to present story after story of courage from the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma last week. In particular, there have been numerous profiles of brave teachers who hunkered down – and hovered over – their precious charges…singing with them, praying, and assuring them that “This will be over soon.” One teacher said, “I just kept telling them, ‘It’s almost over! It’s almost over!’” Like most teachers and former teachers, these will tell you that our students become like our own children… each one precious to us. After all, for some nine months or more, teachers spend as much time – or more – with their students than their own parents do! I can tell you firsthand that a deep bond develops.
Last Monday in Moore, Oklahoma, the patience and perseverance of these teachers and students paid off hugely. Monthly tornado drills that suddenly became a reality helped to keep the children safe. The love and courage of dozens of teachers shielded these children… both physically and emotionally. And while there were heartbreaking losses… there were tremendous harvests of safe, relatively unscathed students and teachers. Experts of all kinds have asserted that nothing further could be done to protect those children. Even where students perished, the teachers and those involved were doing what they had trained to do… they were following protocol and heeding the instructions they had been given.
While earthly lives were lost, there are blessings and positive points even in these deaths. We have come to know a lot about the precious children who died… and their families. God has shown us courageous parents who are facing unbelievable heartache with boldness and resolution. We have learned about little ones who crammed more living into 9 years or so than many of us who live three, four, or even ten times that long!
Just as these teachers and students heeded the safety instructions they had been given… we must listen to God’s word. Just as these teachers planted seeds of love and devotion for their students and channeled that courage and conviction into becoming a human shield and shelter… we must plant seeds of the Good News of Jesus Christ with total conviction. We must nurture and shield others as we sew God’s love into them… and we must patiently wait on His harvest. And just as those children who lost their lives spent what time they had on earth embracing love and blessing others, we must do the same.
I’m sure that it seemed like the tornado roared over these Oklahoma cities for hours... even though it was minutes. And often, it seems like God’s answers and evidence of our efforts on His behalf are taking far too long. But I assure you, “It’s almost here… it’s almost here!” God’s answers are always perfect… and right on time. Our job is to stay hunkered down and keep working until He delivers. Are you patiently working – and waiting – on God? Are you anticipating a huge harvest? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
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.
The major news networks continue to present story after story of courage from the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma last week. In particular, there have been numerous profiles of brave teachers who hunkered down – and hovered over – their precious charges…singing with them, praying, and assuring them that “This will be over soon.” One teacher said, “I just kept telling them, ‘It’s almost over! It’s almost over!’” Like most teachers and former teachers, these will tell you that our students become like our own children… each one precious to us. After all, for some nine months or more, teachers spend as much time – or more – with their students than their own parents do! I can tell you firsthand that a deep bond develops.
Last Monday in Moore, Oklahoma, the patience and perseverance of these teachers and students paid off hugely. Monthly tornado drills that suddenly became a reality helped to keep the children safe. The love and courage of dozens of teachers shielded these children… both physically and emotionally. And while there were heartbreaking losses… there were tremendous harvests of safe, relatively unscathed students and teachers. Experts of all kinds have asserted that nothing further could be done to protect those children. Even where students perished, the teachers and those involved were doing what they had trained to do… they were following protocol and heeding the instructions they had been given.
While earthly lives were lost, there are blessings and positive points even in these deaths. We have come to know a lot about the precious children who died… and their families. God has shown us courageous parents who are facing unbelievable heartache with boldness and resolution. We have learned about little ones who crammed more living into 9 years or so than many of us who live three, four, or even ten times that long!
Just as these teachers and students heeded the safety instructions they had been given… we must listen to God’s word. Just as these teachers planted seeds of love and devotion for their students and channeled that courage and conviction into becoming a human shield and shelter… we must plant seeds of the Good News of Jesus Christ with total conviction. We must nurture and shield others as we sew God’s love into them… and we must patiently wait on His harvest. And just as those children who lost their lives spent what time they had on earth embracing love and blessing others, we must do the same.
I’m sure that it seemed like the tornado roared over these Oklahoma cities for hours... even though it was minutes. And often, it seems like God’s answers and evidence of our efforts on His behalf are taking far too long. But I assure you, “It’s almost here… it’s almost here!” God’s answers are always perfect… and right on time. Our job is to stay hunkered down and keep working until He delivers. Are you patiently working – and waiting – on God? Are you anticipating a huge harvest? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 13, 2013
April 13 ~ Genesis 3:12-13
“It was the woman you put here with me,” the man said. “She gave me some of the fruit, and I ate it.”
The Lord God then asked the woman, “What have you done?”
“The snake tricked me,” she answered. “And I ate some of that fruit.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My maternal grandmother’s younger sister, Mary Louise, was a character. When she was asked to do something that she didn’t want to do, she made up excuses or blamed something or someone else. One Christmas Day, the family had lunch at our house, and before the last dish was washed, “Aunt Wease”, as we called her, had to go home. I asked, “You’re leaving so soon?” She replied… “Oh yes, I have to wash my hair!” Another time, I invited her and my Uncle Earl to a cookout at our house. I called to invite them at least a week in advance, and Aunt Wease said, “Oh, we can’t come… the weather is not going to be good, and I will have allergy problems.” There was no way she could know the weather conditions that far in advance… but that was her story – and they did not come to the cookout!
Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, we have all sorts of excuses for the things we say and do… and ready justifications for not doing the things that do not interest us - or those we find unpleasant in some way. It’s never our fault… someone gave us a drink or pill and said “Try this… you’ll like it.” If we are asked, “Where did you get that?” our ready answer is, “It was given to me and I didn’t know what it was. I had no idea it was illegal/dangerous/stolen… you fill in the blanks.” We pretend to look the other way rather than confront someone who is telling an off-color joke or making a slur toward someone of another race, lifestyle, or socio-economic class. We didn’t fail to speak to Bob when we saw him at church – we simply didn’t see him (well, we did, but we walked really fast and looked in the other direction!).
Often, we don’t take responsibility for our words and actions, because to do so would mean that we have to admit we know that we are making poor decisions, at best. Adam and Eve were clearly told not to pick the fruit of the Tree of Life… yet Eve made a bad choice. When confronted, Adam blamed Eve… who in turn blamed the snake (devil). When we don’t want to do something, we rarely say, “I simply am not interested.” Instead, we roll out all sorts of excuses. Sometimes, we do this in an effort to protect the feelings of the other party. I’ve done this myself… often with disastrous results.
Other times, we are “discovered”… and more excuses start rolling off of our tongue. Instead of telling someone we didn’t come to visit them when they were sick or injured because we find hospitals and sick beds depressing and upsetting – or we got so engrossed in our own agendas that we totally forgot about this person - we say, “I’m sorry… I was just SO busy – but I thought about you!” (as if this makes it all okay). Rather than admit that we do not feel God calling us to participate in XYZ ministry or Bible study, we smile and say, “I would love to… but I’m just so busy at work/school/home.” When God says to us, “You should help that woman in front of you at the grocery check-out line who is fumbling with her wallet and a small child,” we whisper, “But God… that will embarrass him/her… she doesn’t know me!” and do nothing. Or we tell someone our allergies are flaring or we have to wash your hair in order to flee a social event that is not flipping our wig!
I am not saying to be blunt, unkind or harsh with explanations. But too many of us offer excuses to others – and to God – where none are needed. And often, these alibis and “good reasons” make things worse! God knows already! He knows what we are doing – and why – before we do! And often, the justifications we offer to others – or the blame we pass onto someone else – do nothing more than make us look ridiculous… particularly if the other party discovers the truth!
What is the solution? God is calling us to be genuine… to accept that we are sinners, pure and simple. We humans will make mistakes. We will occasionally exercise poor judgment. There will be unpleasant life situations in which we would rather not participate… and we will have to decide whether we can simply step back and refuse – or whether God is saying, “Do this for Me, and I will help you get through it.” In all things, we need to seek God… to ask Him, “LORD, what do YOU want me to do?” This will greatly reduce the number of lapses we have… and help to build our integrity in the bargain. The devil very well may have encouraged you to make a wrong choice. But Christian disciples can no longer hide behind Satan. Will you stand front and center for Jesus? Shouldn’t you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“It was the woman you put here with me,” the man said. “She gave me some of the fruit, and I ate it.”
The Lord God then asked the woman, “What have you done?”
“The snake tricked me,” she answered. “And I ate some of that fruit.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My maternal grandmother’s younger sister, Mary Louise, was a character. When she was asked to do something that she didn’t want to do, she made up excuses or blamed something or someone else. One Christmas Day, the family had lunch at our house, and before the last dish was washed, “Aunt Wease”, as we called her, had to go home. I asked, “You’re leaving so soon?” She replied… “Oh yes, I have to wash my hair!” Another time, I invited her and my Uncle Earl to a cookout at our house. I called to invite them at least a week in advance, and Aunt Wease said, “Oh, we can’t come… the weather is not going to be good, and I will have allergy problems.” There was no way she could know the weather conditions that far in advance… but that was her story – and they did not come to the cookout!
Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, we have all sorts of excuses for the things we say and do… and ready justifications for not doing the things that do not interest us - or those we find unpleasant in some way. It’s never our fault… someone gave us a drink or pill and said “Try this… you’ll like it.” If we are asked, “Where did you get that?” our ready answer is, “It was given to me and I didn’t know what it was. I had no idea it was illegal/dangerous/stolen… you fill in the blanks.” We pretend to look the other way rather than confront someone who is telling an off-color joke or making a slur toward someone of another race, lifestyle, or socio-economic class. We didn’t fail to speak to Bob when we saw him at church – we simply didn’t see him (well, we did, but we walked really fast and looked in the other direction!).
Often, we don’t take responsibility for our words and actions, because to do so would mean that we have to admit we know that we are making poor decisions, at best. Adam and Eve were clearly told not to pick the fruit of the Tree of Life… yet Eve made a bad choice. When confronted, Adam blamed Eve… who in turn blamed the snake (devil). When we don’t want to do something, we rarely say, “I simply am not interested.” Instead, we roll out all sorts of excuses. Sometimes, we do this in an effort to protect the feelings of the other party. I’ve done this myself… often with disastrous results.
Other times, we are “discovered”… and more excuses start rolling off of our tongue. Instead of telling someone we didn’t come to visit them when they were sick or injured because we find hospitals and sick beds depressing and upsetting – or we got so engrossed in our own agendas that we totally forgot about this person - we say, “I’m sorry… I was just SO busy – but I thought about you!” (as if this makes it all okay). Rather than admit that we do not feel God calling us to participate in XYZ ministry or Bible study, we smile and say, “I would love to… but I’m just so busy at work/school/home.” When God says to us, “You should help that woman in front of you at the grocery check-out line who is fumbling with her wallet and a small child,” we whisper, “But God… that will embarrass him/her… she doesn’t know me!” and do nothing. Or we tell someone our allergies are flaring or we have to wash your hair in order to flee a social event that is not flipping our wig!
I am not saying to be blunt, unkind or harsh with explanations. But too many of us offer excuses to others – and to God – where none are needed. And often, these alibis and “good reasons” make things worse! God knows already! He knows what we are doing – and why – before we do! And often, the justifications we offer to others – or the blame we pass onto someone else – do nothing more than make us look ridiculous… particularly if the other party discovers the truth!
What is the solution? God is calling us to be genuine… to accept that we are sinners, pure and simple. We humans will make mistakes. We will occasionally exercise poor judgment. There will be unpleasant life situations in which we would rather not participate… and we will have to decide whether we can simply step back and refuse – or whether God is saying, “Do this for Me, and I will help you get through it.” In all things, we need to seek God… to ask Him, “LORD, what do YOU want me to do?” This will greatly reduce the number of lapses we have… and help to build our integrity in the bargain. The devil very well may have encouraged you to make a wrong choice. But Christian disciples can no longer hide behind Satan. Will you stand front and center for Jesus? Shouldn’t you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 12, 2012
Judges 4:14
Deborah shouted, “Barak, it’s time to attack Sisera! Because today the Lord is going to help you defeat him. In fact, the Lord has already gone on ahead to fight for you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl learning to sew, my grandmother would often get a garment started for me, and then say, “Now, you finish it.” Perhaps you have had someone “make a few calls for you” in regard to a job search or getting into the college of your choice. Maybe you have a relative or friend who has “gone to bat” for you and defended your character, co-signed on a loan, or actually “sponsored” you in some way.
This person’s confidence in your ability to follow through and get the job done should never be taken lightly. When someone is willing to put their own money, time, or reputation on the line for us, we should honor this commitment with one of our own… a determination to do the very best we can to live up to the other person’s expectations or hype!
As Christians, we often fail to recognize that God “goes to bat” for us each and every day. He steps out ahead of us and “gets the garment started.” He vouches for us. He does more than co-sign our loan… He has already paid our debt! So when it is time to fight for Him… when we need to step up and serve with honor and gratitude… nothing less than our best is acceptable.
Our salvation was the biggest turning point we will ever experience, because in that single moment when we gave our hearts to Jesus, everything changed – forever! Our debts are paid… God walks ahead of us forevermore. He fights for us and paves the way for our success and blessings in all things. There will be other defining moments in our lives… other crossroads… but none will be more profound and impactful than this one.
Few among us would want to disappoint someone who vouched for us… to come up short or fail to honor this person’s commitment to us. So why do we do this to God? Why do we fail to step up and finish the fight He starts on our behalf? Why don’t we eagerly serve Him? Why don’t we ask, “What next?” instead of “Why now, LORD?” If we are earnest about our life as a Christian, we need to take a hard look at how we treat God and His tremendous gifts in our lives. We need to ask ourselves, “Was my salvation truly a turning point… or am I merely playing around at my Christian faith and witness like it’s some sort of game?”
The time has come to get serious… to say, “I’m in this all the way. I will fight for my God and serve Him as He wishes. He has paved the way for my redemption… He has paid ALL of my debts. Now it’s my turn to share His love, grace and mercy with others. I can’t work long, hard or fast enough to ever repay Him… but I can die trying!” Are you ready to step to the front of the line and fight for the God who fought – and won – for you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Deborah shouted, “Barak, it’s time to attack Sisera! Because today the Lord is going to help you defeat him. In fact, the Lord has already gone on ahead to fight for you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl learning to sew, my grandmother would often get a garment started for me, and then say, “Now, you finish it.” Perhaps you have had someone “make a few calls for you” in regard to a job search or getting into the college of your choice. Maybe you have a relative or friend who has “gone to bat” for you and defended your character, co-signed on a loan, or actually “sponsored” you in some way.
This person’s confidence in your ability to follow through and get the job done should never be taken lightly. When someone is willing to put their own money, time, or reputation on the line for us, we should honor this commitment with one of our own… a determination to do the very best we can to live up to the other person’s expectations or hype!
As Christians, we often fail to recognize that God “goes to bat” for us each and every day. He steps out ahead of us and “gets the garment started.” He vouches for us. He does more than co-sign our loan… He has already paid our debt! So when it is time to fight for Him… when we need to step up and serve with honor and gratitude… nothing less than our best is acceptable.
Our salvation was the biggest turning point we will ever experience, because in that single moment when we gave our hearts to Jesus, everything changed – forever! Our debts are paid… God walks ahead of us forevermore. He fights for us and paves the way for our success and blessings in all things. There will be other defining moments in our lives… other crossroads… but none will be more profound and impactful than this one.
Few among us would want to disappoint someone who vouched for us… to come up short or fail to honor this person’s commitment to us. So why do we do this to God? Why do we fail to step up and finish the fight He starts on our behalf? Why don’t we eagerly serve Him? Why don’t we ask, “What next?” instead of “Why now, LORD?” If we are earnest about our life as a Christian, we need to take a hard look at how we treat God and His tremendous gifts in our lives. We need to ask ourselves, “Was my salvation truly a turning point… or am I merely playing around at my Christian faith and witness like it’s some sort of game?”
The time has come to get serious… to say, “I’m in this all the way. I will fight for my God and serve Him as He wishes. He has paved the way for my redemption… He has paid ALL of my debts. Now it’s my turn to share His love, grace and mercy with others. I can’t work long, hard or fast enough to ever repay Him… but I can die trying!” Are you ready to step to the front of the line and fight for the God who fought – and won – for you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 26, 2012
1 John 3:18
Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“The Bucket List” is a movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. According to information found at http://imdb.com/ ...“Corporate billionaire Edward Cole [played by Nicholson] and working class mechanic Carter Chambers [played by Freeman] have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die, according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find joy in life.” Since this movie was released in 2007, the catch-phrase “bucket list” has become synonymous with actually doing things rather than just talking or dreaming about them. And many are on a mission to mark off things on their own personal inventories.
Perhaps we need a “bucket list” of sorts as Christians. Many of us talk a good game about doing things for God… but we are just that – all talk. When it comes to actually putting our words into action, we often fail miserably. So we talk about how we should call someone and see how they are doing… but we never pick up the phone. We say, “I need to make an effort to be more understanding of others”… and then we continue to treat people as we always have. We touch on how inspired we are by others who share the love of Christ in a myriad of ways… but we never seem to figure out our “niche” - how and where God wants US to serve!
The time has come for us to start working on our Christian “bucket list” – to stop talking and start showing love for others by truly helping them. It is time to ask God to show us where and how He wants us to serve… and then DO IT! Are you up for the challenge? Are you ready to start marking things off your list?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“The Bucket List” is a movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. According to information found at http://imdb.com/ ...“Corporate billionaire Edward Cole [played by Nicholson] and working class mechanic Carter Chambers [played by Freeman] have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die, according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find joy in life.” Since this movie was released in 2007, the catch-phrase “bucket list” has become synonymous with actually doing things rather than just talking or dreaming about them. And many are on a mission to mark off things on their own personal inventories.
Perhaps we need a “bucket list” of sorts as Christians. Many of us talk a good game about doing things for God… but we are just that – all talk. When it comes to actually putting our words into action, we often fail miserably. So we talk about how we should call someone and see how they are doing… but we never pick up the phone. We say, “I need to make an effort to be more understanding of others”… and then we continue to treat people as we always have. We touch on how inspired we are by others who share the love of Christ in a myriad of ways… but we never seem to figure out our “niche” - how and where God wants US to serve!
The time has come for us to start working on our Christian “bucket list” – to stop talking and start showing love for others by truly helping them. It is time to ask God to show us where and how He wants us to serve… and then DO IT! Are you up for the challenge? Are you ready to start marking things off your list?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 4, 2012
Ephesians 1:15-19
That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
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.
Lately, I’ve been buying a lot of fabric from an online store called QuiltHome.com. This company has a massive inventory of beautiful fabrics, and they offer the best customer service I’ve experienced in a long time. On all orders over $50, shipping is free. They send out a weekly e-mail newsletter promoting their newest products and featuring some of their fabric designers. They have frequent drawings for as much as $50 in free merchandise. And every time I order something, I receive the package in record time… with a hand-written note from one of the sales representatives who has noted how pretty the fabric is and how much she hopes I will enjoy using it in a sewing project.
Last week, a shipment of fabric arrived from this company, and one of the items I had ordered was supposed to be a full yard of material… but I only received one half yard of this fabric. I called the company, and a sales representative apologized over and over and said, “We’ll send another yard of fabric out to you right away at no charge.” Sure enough… a couple of days later, another package arrived, along with another note of apology for the mix-up. There were so many apologies that I almost felt like *I* should apologize!
In our Christian living, I’m afraid we are not often very good at “Customer Service.” We are pretty good at bringing others “into the fold.” But once we pray for someone and persuade him/her to surrender to Jesus, we often do a poor job of following up with that person. And sometimes, the longer someone has been “in the church,” the worse this becomes. It’s as if we associate “tenure” with a level of faith and a person’s need for nurture. The longer someone has been a Christian, the less attention and care they need from fellow believers… or so we appear to believe.
Can I tell you something? The person who appears to “have it all together”… the one who seems to be loving, nurturing and encouraging others in Jesus’ name may be the very person who needs to be lifted in prayer, nurtured or encouraged the most! The person who never misses a Sunday sermon and attends Sunday school and Bible study may be the person who is most confused and burdened… the one who is desperate for God’s wisdom and intelligence – and some answers to difficult challenges and questions.
Let’s not assume that anyone else “has it together!” Let’s assume that every other person is just like us… in a constant state of growth. Let’s pray for others, nurture them, encourage them, and ask God to grant them His intelligence and focus… blessings and the extravagance of His work in all of us. Let’s look around and see who we need to bless and encourage in the name of Jesus… whether it’s the person with obvious and visible needs or the one we would deem the “consummate Christian.”
The time has come for us to practice the ultimate in “Christian Customer Service.” We must thank God for each new believer, and then make sure that his/her needs are continually met…through prayer, nurture, love and encouragement. Who needs to hear from you today? Who needs your prayers and your support? What sort of “Christian Customer Service Rep” are? There is room for all of us to improve in this department. Are you ready to do your part?
©2012 Debbie Robus
That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
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.
Lately, I’ve been buying a lot of fabric from an online store called QuiltHome.com. This company has a massive inventory of beautiful fabrics, and they offer the best customer service I’ve experienced in a long time. On all orders over $50, shipping is free. They send out a weekly e-mail newsletter promoting their newest products and featuring some of their fabric designers. They have frequent drawings for as much as $50 in free merchandise. And every time I order something, I receive the package in record time… with a hand-written note from one of the sales representatives who has noted how pretty the fabric is and how much she hopes I will enjoy using it in a sewing project.
Last week, a shipment of fabric arrived from this company, and one of the items I had ordered was supposed to be a full yard of material… but I only received one half yard of this fabric. I called the company, and a sales representative apologized over and over and said, “We’ll send another yard of fabric out to you right away at no charge.” Sure enough… a couple of days later, another package arrived, along with another note of apology for the mix-up. There were so many apologies that I almost felt like *I* should apologize!
In our Christian living, I’m afraid we are not often very good at “Customer Service.” We are pretty good at bringing others “into the fold.” But once we pray for someone and persuade him/her to surrender to Jesus, we often do a poor job of following up with that person. And sometimes, the longer someone has been “in the church,” the worse this becomes. It’s as if we associate “tenure” with a level of faith and a person’s need for nurture. The longer someone has been a Christian, the less attention and care they need from fellow believers… or so we appear to believe.
Can I tell you something? The person who appears to “have it all together”… the one who seems to be loving, nurturing and encouraging others in Jesus’ name may be the very person who needs to be lifted in prayer, nurtured or encouraged the most! The person who never misses a Sunday sermon and attends Sunday school and Bible study may be the person who is most confused and burdened… the one who is desperate for God’s wisdom and intelligence – and some answers to difficult challenges and questions.
Let’s not assume that anyone else “has it together!” Let’s assume that every other person is just like us… in a constant state of growth. Let’s pray for others, nurture them, encourage them, and ask God to grant them His intelligence and focus… blessings and the extravagance of His work in all of us. Let’s look around and see who we need to bless and encourage in the name of Jesus… whether it’s the person with obvious and visible needs or the one we would deem the “consummate Christian.”
The time has come for us to practice the ultimate in “Christian Customer Service.” We must thank God for each new believer, and then make sure that his/her needs are continually met…through prayer, nurture, love and encouragement. Who needs to hear from you today? Who needs your prayers and your support? What sort of “Christian Customer Service Rep” are? There is room for all of us to improve in this department. Are you ready to do your part?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 9, 2011
Psalm 143:8-10
Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance. Please rescue me from my enemies, LORD! I come to you for safety. You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning when I awoke, the fog was rising over the river as the sunrise warmed the air. I thanked God for the beauty of this morning and asked Him to guide me through the day. Later, I was shopping in a local thrift store, when I met two ladies I know very well. One was the mother of my high school classmate, Sandra, who died in 1994 from breast cancer. I spoke to her – and to the other woman, who happens to be a Hospice nurse and my brother’s friend and colleague. She was actually at his bedside with us when he died.
I went on with my shopping, but I was reminded of something that had happened recently that I felt I should share with Sandra’s mom. I’ll admit that a part of me said, “Oh, you shouldn’t say that to her… it might upset her here in the store.” But still, I heard a stronger Voice saying, “Go ahead… share.” So as I made my way back past these ladies, I stopped and said to my friend, “I have to tell you that last Sunday when I decorated my Christmas tree, I hung a paper angel that Sandra made many years ago. I hang it every year and always think of her – and you!”
The woman beamed and her eyes lit up as she smiled brightly and thanked me. My brother’s friend – who has also lost a daughter in recent years – said, “We were just talking about how good it makes us feel when someone mentions our daughters to us.” I noted that I feel the same way when someone mentions a happy memory of my brother, Tim. We talked about the girls and my brother for a few minutes before I said my good-byes and walked away.
My take-away from this conversation was that God heard me ask for guidance, and He gave me an opportunity to listen to His voice and follow through. I am so glad that I did! By listening to God’s voice, I was able to brighten the morning for two mothers grieving the loss of their daughters during the holidays – and to have my own day blessed as well.
So often we hear God’s voice and say, “Nah… not right now…” or “That’s not really my style.” But by asking God for guidance and trusting His responses, we learn so much more about His love for us and others. I know that this experience has encouraged me to pay even closer attention… to ask for even more guidance… and to follow through when God answers. Will you do the same?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance. Please rescue me from my enemies, LORD! I come to you for safety. You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning when I awoke, the fog was rising over the river as the sunrise warmed the air. I thanked God for the beauty of this morning and asked Him to guide me through the day. Later, I was shopping in a local thrift store, when I met two ladies I know very well. One was the mother of my high school classmate, Sandra, who died in 1994 from breast cancer. I spoke to her – and to the other woman, who happens to be a Hospice nurse and my brother’s friend and colleague. She was actually at his bedside with us when he died.
I went on with my shopping, but I was reminded of something that had happened recently that I felt I should share with Sandra’s mom. I’ll admit that a part of me said, “Oh, you shouldn’t say that to her… it might upset her here in the store.” But still, I heard a stronger Voice saying, “Go ahead… share.” So as I made my way back past these ladies, I stopped and said to my friend, “I have to tell you that last Sunday when I decorated my Christmas tree, I hung a paper angel that Sandra made many years ago. I hang it every year and always think of her – and you!”
The woman beamed and her eyes lit up as she smiled brightly and thanked me. My brother’s friend – who has also lost a daughter in recent years – said, “We were just talking about how good it makes us feel when someone mentions our daughters to us.” I noted that I feel the same way when someone mentions a happy memory of my brother, Tim. We talked about the girls and my brother for a few minutes before I said my good-byes and walked away.
My take-away from this conversation was that God heard me ask for guidance, and He gave me an opportunity to listen to His voice and follow through. I am so glad that I did! By listening to God’s voice, I was able to brighten the morning for two mothers grieving the loss of their daughters during the holidays – and to have my own day blessed as well.
So often we hear God’s voice and say, “Nah… not right now…” or “That’s not really my style.” But by asking God for guidance and trusting His responses, we learn so much more about His love for us and others. I know that this experience has encouraged me to pay even closer attention… to ask for even more guidance… and to follow through when God answers. Will you do the same?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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