John 12:24-25
“Listen carefully: Unless a grain of
wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more
than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces
itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life
just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your
love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal."
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 summer time, which means
“swim lessons” for Timothy and Zola! I was talking to Timothy about
the lessons and how he will learn so much this summer (his second summer
for lessons). I said, “Soon, I hope you won’t even need your life
jacket any longer.” He immediately wailed, “Nooooo! I’ll DROWN!” I
assured him that this would not happen…that he would know how to swim,
and we adults would ensure his safety. He was not having any of it!
I
reminded Timothy that by the end of last summer, he was jumping into the
pool and “swimming” without his life jacket…that in order to “dive” to
the bottom and gather his toys, he would need to swim without it. He
continued to protest, and we changed the subject. I see countless
children at the local aquatic center who desperately want to jump into
the pool, but they are afraid to do so. The end result is that they
cling to the sides – or the ladders. Or, like my niece Zola, they cling
to the neck of an adult – like her Aunt Debbie’s!
This is very
much how we are as Christians…and even more so as unbelievers who are
apprehensive to surrender completely to Jesus. We see what lies before
us…forgiveness of sins…a “new life in Christ”…blessings, guidance and
wisdom from God…the promise of Eternal Life in Heaven...and much more.
And we want all of these things! But we are afraid to “take off our
life jackets,” let go of the rails or a grown-up’s neck, and jump into
the water!
In order to truly “live” as Christians, we have to
“die” to ourselves. And this is definitely a hard thing for most of
us. But it’s the only way. You cannot have both, no matter how hard
some try. True Christian living is an “either/or” situation. Either
you are “all in” with Him, or you’re like the seed that lies atop the
ground and goes nowhere…the happy child who is swimming and “diving” for
water toys…or the little kid who never even gets wet.
Before the
school year ended, the children had a “water day” at school, and Greg
and I visited Timothy’s class as they happily played on inflatable water
slides and other toys. One little boy stood in line behind Timothy,
and as children came off the slide, he moved aside and gave them his
place in the line. I said to this child, “Don’t you want to take your
turn?” He shook his head and said, “Water’s really not my ‘thing’.” I
don’t think he ever even got wet.
Let me ask you…is Jesus your
“thing?” Are you all in with Him…or standing on the sidelines? Isn’t
it time you “took the plunge” and got wet? Aren’t you ready to really
live in Jesus? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label fully engaging with God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fully engaging with God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 20, 2015
Philippians 3:1
Whatever happens, dear friends, be glad in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you this, and it is good for you to hear it again and again.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When I was teaching, my school district participated in something called PET…Program for Effective Teaching. PET training was intense, and consisted of actual classroom instruction in this method for all teachers…followed by exercises where we taught lessons using this method while we were observed and critiqued by those trained to determine if we were implementing the concepts correctly. So there was a lot of repetition…and some “trial and error” involved.
In PET, the concept is that each lesson has three components…the “set” – or quite literally, the set-up for the lesson…the lesson itself…and closure. In the “set”, the teacher provides an activity, a relatable analogy, plays a game, or does something to engage the students and provide relevance…and then he/she explains what the students will be learning. In the lesson, obviously the instruction and practice occur until the teacher is sure that the student understands the concept. Finally, the closure reviews what was learned. The objective is repeated during the closure to ensure that students remember it.
Studies have shown that people best remember the first and last things they are told, so in order to remember that middle “lesson”, repetition on the front and back end is necessary. Personally, I LOVED the PET method of teaching and have applied it to other areas of my life…from teaching a Sunday school lesson to writing these devotionals!
If you are still reading, you may be wondering what this has to do with the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians – and feeling God’s presence in your life. TV celebrity Dr. Phil and others like to say that “People don’t care what you know…until they know that you care!” And this is what I want you to remember today…that God loves you! He sent Jesus to die on the cross for you!
God cares about every single thing that is happening in your life…from that test you struggled to pass to your relationship breakup to how the waiter mixed up your order at the restaurant! He cares about your wayward child, your disagreeable spouse or aging parent(s), your health, your daily ups and downs – and even your struggle to lose a few pounds. God numbers the hairs on your head…whether they are blond, brunette, red, grey or purple…long, short – or fairy sparse!
Until we understand how much God loves us – how much He cares for us – we will never fully understand how much He is involved with each and every detail of our lives. We will miss out on blessings, comfort, wisdom, and peace, because we do not trust that God really IS with us…listening and loving us through every single experience of our lives. But we can change that! We can remind ourselves continually that “I am a child of God. He loves me as I am. God is always available to me…He is only a whisper away!” And we can begin today!
Are you ready to fully recognize God’s presence…to understand how much He cares for you? Will this be the day that you begin to operate differently…more completely in His wisdom and peace? Don’t you think it should be? Have you said “Hello” to God today? Isn’t it time you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Whatever happens, dear friends, be glad in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you this, and it is good for you to hear it again and again.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When I was teaching, my school district participated in something called PET…Program for Effective Teaching. PET training was intense, and consisted of actual classroom instruction in this method for all teachers…followed by exercises where we taught lessons using this method while we were observed and critiqued by those trained to determine if we were implementing the concepts correctly. So there was a lot of repetition…and some “trial and error” involved.
In PET, the concept is that each lesson has three components…the “set” – or quite literally, the set-up for the lesson…the lesson itself…and closure. In the “set”, the teacher provides an activity, a relatable analogy, plays a game, or does something to engage the students and provide relevance…and then he/she explains what the students will be learning. In the lesson, obviously the instruction and practice occur until the teacher is sure that the student understands the concept. Finally, the closure reviews what was learned. The objective is repeated during the closure to ensure that students remember it.
Studies have shown that people best remember the first and last things they are told, so in order to remember that middle “lesson”, repetition on the front and back end is necessary. Personally, I LOVED the PET method of teaching and have applied it to other areas of my life…from teaching a Sunday school lesson to writing these devotionals!
If you are still reading, you may be wondering what this has to do with the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians – and feeling God’s presence in your life. TV celebrity Dr. Phil and others like to say that “People don’t care what you know…until they know that you care!” And this is what I want you to remember today…that God loves you! He sent Jesus to die on the cross for you!
God cares about every single thing that is happening in your life…from that test you struggled to pass to your relationship breakup to how the waiter mixed up your order at the restaurant! He cares about your wayward child, your disagreeable spouse or aging parent(s), your health, your daily ups and downs – and even your struggle to lose a few pounds. God numbers the hairs on your head…whether they are blond, brunette, red, grey or purple…long, short – or fairy sparse!
Until we understand how much God loves us – how much He cares for us – we will never fully understand how much He is involved with each and every detail of our lives. We will miss out on blessings, comfort, wisdom, and peace, because we do not trust that God really IS with us…listening and loving us through every single experience of our lives. But we can change that! We can remind ourselves continually that “I am a child of God. He loves me as I am. God is always available to me…He is only a whisper away!” And we can begin today!
Are you ready to fully recognize God’s presence…to understand how much He cares for you? Will this be the day that you begin to operate differently…more completely in His wisdom and peace? Don’t you think it should be? Have you said “Hello” to God today? Isn’t it time you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 8, 2013
May 8 ~ Romans 2:28-29
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
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.
In the early 1980s, my husband’s father was mayor of our community. My maternal grandfather was mayor in the early 1950s. With two surname changes and over 50 years over and done, few people associate me with my grandfather’s term in office. But people still comment to my husband, “Oh, you’re the mayor’s son!” The thing is…people say this as if this somehow gives him special privilege. We didn’t even live in this community during my father-in-law’s term as mayor… and even if we had, we would have been no different than any other local citizens. Just because my father-in-law and grandfather were mayors doesn’t imply that we should have enjoyed any special advantages.
By the same token, this didn’t mean we were more loyal to our community… or that our community was more special to us. Each person who lives here should love and respect their city and its neighborhoods - and live in a manner that shows honor and value for this area and its residents. I have heard more than one newcomer to our town say, “We’ve grown to love it here.” And if you look closely, you will notice that these people embraced the community and its residents… got involved in activities and organizations… and truly got to know the history and heart of the surrounding area.
There are people who live in a community and never truly “get it.” They gripe and complain about “what’s wrong with this town”… all the while claiming residency. And indeed, they are legal residents. They live here and benefit from city services and more… but they don’t embrace the spirit of the community. They have no heart for the town and its citizenry.
Do you see what I am saying? Christians are all part of a “community” of believers. If we are saved by the blood of Jesus, we belong to God. But this does not mean we are engaged with Him… or truly serving as a Disciple of Christ. What I desperately want you to understand is that giving your heart to Jesus is important… and doing so ensures that you are His child and will live with Him for all eternity. But this is not enough! It’s like moving into a town and drawing all the blinds, locking your doors and never going outside. You’re a resident of the community… but you are not an active and involved citizen. Your heart has not changed.
I realize there can be mitigating circumstances whereby someone moves into a community and does not become involved. Perhaps there are physical or economical limitations. But you can still love and support your town. You can still lift it up when talking to others. You can be informed about local happenings, read area newspapers and church newsletters and other regional publications and stay up on current events. You can talk to others by telephone or social media and chat with visitors and stay connected.
These things are all true for Christians in their “faith walk” as well. We may have legitimate limitations with regard to serving. We may not be able to deliver Meals on Wheels or visit the sick – or even attend church services on a regular basis. We might not have the monetary resources to contribute to fundraisers and missions. But there is so much we can do to stay active and involved with God… to “bloom where we are planted.”
Claiming the name of Jesus and hiding behind our salvation is not acceptable. We have to do more. In a nutshell… you’re either all in, or you’re not “in” at all. And if you read this passage in some translations, Paul actually tells us that it’s worse to claim to be Disciples of Christ when we’re not than to do nothing at all. So where does this leave you? Are you “playing Christian?” Or are you “all in”…fully engaged… serving and supporting God to the best of your abilities and with all your heart.
When it comes to Christian faith, it does matter Who you know… but not in the way you might think. Stop making excuses and “dropping names” and start truly serving. Forget what others might think or say and concentrate on pleasing God. And get ready to be changed from the inside out. Get your heart truly right with God, and see how amazing life can be when you are fully involved in His community.
©2013 Debbie Robus
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
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.
In the early 1980s, my husband’s father was mayor of our community. My maternal grandfather was mayor in the early 1950s. With two surname changes and over 50 years over and done, few people associate me with my grandfather’s term in office. But people still comment to my husband, “Oh, you’re the mayor’s son!” The thing is…people say this as if this somehow gives him special privilege. We didn’t even live in this community during my father-in-law’s term as mayor… and even if we had, we would have been no different than any other local citizens. Just because my father-in-law and grandfather were mayors doesn’t imply that we should have enjoyed any special advantages.
By the same token, this didn’t mean we were more loyal to our community… or that our community was more special to us. Each person who lives here should love and respect their city and its neighborhoods - and live in a manner that shows honor and value for this area and its residents. I have heard more than one newcomer to our town say, “We’ve grown to love it here.” And if you look closely, you will notice that these people embraced the community and its residents… got involved in activities and organizations… and truly got to know the history and heart of the surrounding area.
There are people who live in a community and never truly “get it.” They gripe and complain about “what’s wrong with this town”… all the while claiming residency. And indeed, they are legal residents. They live here and benefit from city services and more… but they don’t embrace the spirit of the community. They have no heart for the town and its citizenry.
Do you see what I am saying? Christians are all part of a “community” of believers. If we are saved by the blood of Jesus, we belong to God. But this does not mean we are engaged with Him… or truly serving as a Disciple of Christ. What I desperately want you to understand is that giving your heart to Jesus is important… and doing so ensures that you are His child and will live with Him for all eternity. But this is not enough! It’s like moving into a town and drawing all the blinds, locking your doors and never going outside. You’re a resident of the community… but you are not an active and involved citizen. Your heart has not changed.
I realize there can be mitigating circumstances whereby someone moves into a community and does not become involved. Perhaps there are physical or economical limitations. But you can still love and support your town. You can still lift it up when talking to others. You can be informed about local happenings, read area newspapers and church newsletters and other regional publications and stay up on current events. You can talk to others by telephone or social media and chat with visitors and stay connected.
These things are all true for Christians in their “faith walk” as well. We may have legitimate limitations with regard to serving. We may not be able to deliver Meals on Wheels or visit the sick – or even attend church services on a regular basis. We might not have the monetary resources to contribute to fundraisers and missions. But there is so much we can do to stay active and involved with God… to “bloom where we are planted.”
Claiming the name of Jesus and hiding behind our salvation is not acceptable. We have to do more. In a nutshell… you’re either all in, or you’re not “in” at all. And if you read this passage in some translations, Paul actually tells us that it’s worse to claim to be Disciples of Christ when we’re not than to do nothing at all. So where does this leave you? Are you “playing Christian?” Or are you “all in”…fully engaged… serving and supporting God to the best of your abilities and with all your heart.
When it comes to Christian faith, it does matter Who you know… but not in the way you might think. Stop making excuses and “dropping names” and start truly serving. Forget what others might think or say and concentrate on pleasing God. And get ready to be changed from the inside out. Get your heart truly right with God, and see how amazing life can be when you are fully involved in His community.
©2013 Debbie Robus
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