John 20:11-18
Mary Magdalene stood crying
outside the tomb. She was still weeping, when she stooped down and saw
two angels inside. They were dressed in white and were sitting where
Jesus' body had been. One was at the head and the other was at the foot.
The angels asked Mary, “Why are you crying?”
She answered, “They have taken away my Lord’s body! I don’t know where they have put him.”
As
soon as Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there.
But she did not know who he was. Jesus asked her, “Why are you crying?
Who are you looking for?”
She thought he was the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.”
Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.”
Jesus
told her, “Don’t hold on to me! I have not yet gone to the Father. But
tell my disciples that I am going to the one who is my Father and my
God, as well as your Father and your God.” Mary Magdalene then went and
told the disciples that she had seen the Lord. She also told them what
he had said to her.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few years ago, my mother gave copies of a little book called Jesus Calling*
to me, my sister, and my niece. When Mother died in January, I found
extra copies in her “stash” of books, so I know that she shared this
inspirational book with many people over the years.
Mother spoke of Jesus Calling
often…she faithfully read her copy every day. I have it on my desk,
and often, I look at the notes she made and the parts she underlined. I
will admit that I didn’t pay much attention to my copy until Mother’s
last days on this earth. And while I sometimes get busy, I always catch
up on the entries at some point during the week. I would highly
recommend Jesus Calling to each of you…the passages are brief and
easy to understand – as if they were written from Jesus directly to us.
There are also scripture references for each entry that correlate the
message to actual Bible verses.
This morning, I was reading the
entry for August 30th, which begins…”There is no place so desolate that
you cannot find Me there.” In the second paragraph, “Jesus” tells us,
“No set of circumstances could ever isolate you from My loving
Presence.”
As I read this story from John 20 of Mary Magdalene
and how despondent and lonely she must have felt after Jesus’ death, I
was touched by the gentleness of Jesus’ encounter with her. He didn’t
yell at her…or scream, “Mary, it’s ME…JESUS! How could you not know
Me?” He gently and sweetly approached her. And with a simple
almost-whisper of her name, Mary recognized her Lord. The tenderness of
this image nearly moves me to tears. Jesus is always with us…but He
never forces Himself on us.
This may be a difficult day for you.
You may be so busy that you don’t see how you can possibly accomplish
everything on your “to-do” list. You may be brokenhearted with grief and
sadness…frightened about circumstances beyond your control…angry over
some injustice or wrong…sick or injured - and worried about your health
and well-being. Or you may be filled with uncontrollable joy and
excitement about wonderful things that are happening to you and/or
someone you love. Life may be exceptionally hard right now…or
incredibly good…or somewhere in between.
Regardless of your
situation and present circumstances, Jesus is with you. He is gently
and tenderly calling your name. You may be looking everywhere for Him…or
He may not even be “on your radar” today. But I assure you that you
are on His! He is with you…waiting to be recognized…ready to meet your
every need and walk with you through this day – and every other. Stop…look…listen…and call to Jesus! Recognize His presence, and take every opportunity to let others know that He is always available to each
of us.
Jesus IS calling…your Lord is right beside you! Will you acknowledge His presence?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*www.JesusCalling.com
Showing posts with label fully recognizing Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fully recognizing Jesus. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 25, 2016
John 21:1-14
Jesus later appeared to his disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias. Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John, were there, together with two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing!”
The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn’t catch a thing that night.
Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?”
“No!” they answered.
So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.”
They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
Jesus' favorite disciple told Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon heard that it was the Lord, he put on the clothes that he had taken off while he was working. Then he jumped into the water. The boat was only about a hundred yards from shore. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and dragged in the net full of fish.
When the disciples got out of the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. Jesus told his disciples, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” Simon Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were one hundred fifty-three large fish, but still the net did not rip.
Jesus said, “Come and eat!” But none of the disciples dared ask who he was. They knew he was the Lord. Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave some of it to his disciples. He did the same with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I got an e-mail from a dear friend who has always been something of a “big sister” influence. She wanted to let me know that she was thinking of me. Having lost her own mother a few years ago, she said she knew that this was probably about the time that reality was beginning to set in that Mother is truly gone…and I might need a little note from someone who understood. I responded to her that God always knows what – and WHO – I need at just the right time…and today, she was that person!
Now I don’t mean to imply that this “sister” is God. But I do believe that Jesus sometimes comes to us through various people and situations. Do we recognize Him? Are we attuned enough to know that He sent this person – or that word for us? I don’t believe there are coincidences. I believe that everything is orchestrated by God…which is why fisherman could fish for a whole night and catch nothing – and then set their nets on the other side of the boat and drag 153 large fish to shore, where Someone was waiting to cook a few of them for breakfast.
How deep is our faith? Do we trust God – and know Him well enough – to believe that He is involved in every aspect of our lives…even to the point of prompting a friend to send an e-mail message of encouragement on a specific day? Do we really “see” Jesus and live with confidence that He is in complete control…that He can – and will – meet our every need when we call on Him? Will this be the day that you “step out of the boat and wade to shore to share a meal with the Lord?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus later appeared to his disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias. Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John, were there, together with two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing!”
The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn’t catch a thing that night.
Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?”
“No!” they answered.
So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.”
They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
Jesus' favorite disciple told Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon heard that it was the Lord, he put on the clothes that he had taken off while he was working. Then he jumped into the water. The boat was only about a hundred yards from shore. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and dragged in the net full of fish.
When the disciples got out of the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. Jesus told his disciples, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” Simon Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were one hundred fifty-three large fish, but still the net did not rip.
Jesus said, “Come and eat!” But none of the disciples dared ask who he was. They knew he was the Lord. Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave some of it to his disciples. He did the same with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I got an e-mail from a dear friend who has always been something of a “big sister” influence. She wanted to let me know that she was thinking of me. Having lost her own mother a few years ago, she said she knew that this was probably about the time that reality was beginning to set in that Mother is truly gone…and I might need a little note from someone who understood. I responded to her that God always knows what – and WHO – I need at just the right time…and today, she was that person!
Now I don’t mean to imply that this “sister” is God. But I do believe that Jesus sometimes comes to us through various people and situations. Do we recognize Him? Are we attuned enough to know that He sent this person – or that word for us? I don’t believe there are coincidences. I believe that everything is orchestrated by God…which is why fisherman could fish for a whole night and catch nothing – and then set their nets on the other side of the boat and drag 153 large fish to shore, where Someone was waiting to cook a few of them for breakfast.
How deep is our faith? Do we trust God – and know Him well enough – to believe that He is involved in every aspect of our lives…even to the point of prompting a friend to send an e-mail message of encouragement on a specific day? Do we really “see” Jesus and live with confidence that He is in complete control…that He can – and will – meet our every need when we call on Him? Will this be the day that you “step out of the boat and wade to shore to share a meal with the Lord?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 23, 2014
Mark 13:33-37
So watch out and be ready! You don’t know when the time will come. It is like what happens when a man goes away for a while and places his servants in charge of everything. He tells each of them what to do, and he orders the guard to keep alert. So be alert! You don’t know when the master of the house will come back. It could be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or in the morning. But if he comes suddenly, don’t let him find you asleep. I tell everyone just what I have told you. Be alert!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Are you ready for Christmas?” This is the question of the day! And if you are like many people, the answer is a resounding…”NO!” There are still last-minute presents to wrap...turkeys, hams and pies to bake...rooms to be prepared for guests…and so much more! And smack in the middle of it all…anything could happen! A friend posted on Facebook that her mother was admitted to the hospital with Type A flu. I’m reminded of a childhood Christmas when my sister, brother and I got a stomach virus…and we could have cared less about Santa – much less eating anything! Three years ago on Christmas Eve, my Mam-ma Polly stepped out of my mom’s car, fell on our driveway, and hit her head…resulting in a concussion and a two-day hospital stay. She never made it into the house for our holiday celebration!
So “life” happens, and we don’t know what lies around the next bend…or even what the next hour will hold! But more importantly, Jesus “happens”…all around us – and we never know where or how He will show up…but I assure you, He IS coming! So we must be awake and alert, as the scripture tells us.
Just as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, kings and others did not know when the baby Jesus would arrive…we have no clue when He will show up in the flesh again. We just know that it will happen. Meanwhile, Jesus arrives every day in some way, shape or form…and in this regard, “Christmas” comes all the time. Do you recognize Him? Are YOU always and forever “ready for Christmas?” Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
So watch out and be ready! You don’t know when the time will come. It is like what happens when a man goes away for a while and places his servants in charge of everything. He tells each of them what to do, and he orders the guard to keep alert. So be alert! You don’t know when the master of the house will come back. It could be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or in the morning. But if he comes suddenly, don’t let him find you asleep. I tell everyone just what I have told you. Be alert!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Are you ready for Christmas?” This is the question of the day! And if you are like many people, the answer is a resounding…”NO!” There are still last-minute presents to wrap...turkeys, hams and pies to bake...rooms to be prepared for guests…and so much more! And smack in the middle of it all…anything could happen! A friend posted on Facebook that her mother was admitted to the hospital with Type A flu. I’m reminded of a childhood Christmas when my sister, brother and I got a stomach virus…and we could have cared less about Santa – much less eating anything! Three years ago on Christmas Eve, my Mam-ma Polly stepped out of my mom’s car, fell on our driveway, and hit her head…resulting in a concussion and a two-day hospital stay. She never made it into the house for our holiday celebration!
So “life” happens, and we don’t know what lies around the next bend…or even what the next hour will hold! But more importantly, Jesus “happens”…all around us – and we never know where or how He will show up…but I assure you, He IS coming! So we must be awake and alert, as the scripture tells us.
Just as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, kings and others did not know when the baby Jesus would arrive…we have no clue when He will show up in the flesh again. We just know that it will happen. Meanwhile, Jesus arrives every day in some way, shape or form…and in this regard, “Christmas” comes all the time. Do you recognize Him? Are YOU always and forever “ready for Christmas?” Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 13, 2014
Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius Caesar, a message came from God to John (the son of Zacharias), as he was living out in the deserts. (Pilate was governor over Judea at that time; Herod, over Galilee; his brother Philip, over Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, over Abilene; and Annas and Caiaphas were high priests.) Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned to God and away from their sins, in order to be forgiven.
In the words of Isaiah the prophet, John was “a voice shouting from the barren wilderness, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord to travel on! Widen the pathway before him! Level the mountains! Fill up the valleys! Straighten the curves! Smooth out the ruts! And then all mankind shall see the Savior sent from God.’”
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 days ago, I was invited to Timothy’s kindergarten class to sing Christmas carols with the children. Before I went, my mother reminded me to enjoy this activity, because these moments pass all too quickly. And she is right…we will blink, and the children will be grown! Too often, we wish away our lives in anticipation of “big events” and fail to recognize the joy and blessings of each and every day.
Most of us are incredibly busy right now as we prepare for Christmas Day. And in doing so, I am afraid that many of us are missing “Christmas”! We’re so busy “preparing the road”, “filling up the valleys” and “straightening out the curves” that the true joy of the Christmas season will pass right by us…and we won’t even notice! We’ll look up and find that it is December 26th…Christmas Day has come and gone…and we pretty much missed it!
It is one thing to miss the real celebration of the entire Christmas season…but it’s quite another to miss Jesus altogether. And I’m afraid we do this, too. We are often so focused on the “doing” that we totally miss the real intention of John’s message…and Jesus’ teachings. We are looking ahead…to the next miracle…to where God is leading us…to what God has planned for us in the future…or even to the joys of heaven and eternity in His presence - and we miss Jesus here…now…today…in this moment.
Prepare the road for Jesus…but don’t miss Him when He walks right up to you! Don’t look up to realize that Christmas came and went – and you didn’t fully enjoy the season. More importantly, don’t miss the presence of Jesus in the everyday moments of your life. Widen the pathway and level the mountains if you must…but stop to look into Christ’s face and acknowledge His love…this Christmas season, and all year long.
©2014 Debbie Robus
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius Caesar, a message came from God to John (the son of Zacharias), as he was living out in the deserts. (Pilate was governor over Judea at that time; Herod, over Galilee; his brother Philip, over Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, over Abilene; and Annas and Caiaphas were high priests.) Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned to God and away from their sins, in order to be forgiven.
In the words of Isaiah the prophet, John was “a voice shouting from the barren wilderness, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord to travel on! Widen the pathway before him! Level the mountains! Fill up the valleys! Straighten the curves! Smooth out the ruts! And then all mankind shall see the Savior sent from God.’”
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 days ago, I was invited to Timothy’s kindergarten class to sing Christmas carols with the children. Before I went, my mother reminded me to enjoy this activity, because these moments pass all too quickly. And she is right…we will blink, and the children will be grown! Too often, we wish away our lives in anticipation of “big events” and fail to recognize the joy and blessings of each and every day.
Most of us are incredibly busy right now as we prepare for Christmas Day. And in doing so, I am afraid that many of us are missing “Christmas”! We’re so busy “preparing the road”, “filling up the valleys” and “straightening out the curves” that the true joy of the Christmas season will pass right by us…and we won’t even notice! We’ll look up and find that it is December 26th…Christmas Day has come and gone…and we pretty much missed it!
It is one thing to miss the real celebration of the entire Christmas season…but it’s quite another to miss Jesus altogether. And I’m afraid we do this, too. We are often so focused on the “doing” that we totally miss the real intention of John’s message…and Jesus’ teachings. We are looking ahead…to the next miracle…to where God is leading us…to what God has planned for us in the future…or even to the joys of heaven and eternity in His presence - and we miss Jesus here…now…today…in this moment.
Prepare the road for Jesus…but don’t miss Him when He walks right up to you! Don’t look up to realize that Christmas came and went – and you didn’t fully enjoy the season. More importantly, don’t miss the presence of Jesus in the everyday moments of your life. Widen the pathway and level the mountains if you must…but stop to look into Christ’s face and acknowledge His love…this Christmas season, and all year long.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 8, 2014
Matthew 2:1-4
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
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.
Greg and I watched a sitcom recently in which a teenager found himself caught in a lie. His older sister convinced him that the best way to get out of it was to tell even BIGGER lies until people began to buy into the story and believe them to be truthful. Of course, this ultimately backfired, and the boy had to “come clean” about what had really happened.
Every single one of us has heard some news that had us scrambling to find out the details…to ask around and “get the skinny” on what was really going to happen. At the heart of the matter, we wanted to know what effect it would have on our own lives. Would this be good news for us…or bad news? When things are rocking along pretty well in our world, we don’t like to think about a change…especially one that might cause us some trouble!
Hopefully, such news has never left us terrified…at least not for the same reasons as Herod! Most assuredly, let’s hope that we never believe that the way to correct misinformation is with more untruths. At the heart of the matter, Herod was operating in fear and pride. His ego would not allow him to consider another king…not even one sent from God. So when he heard news that the Messiah had been born, all he could think about was figuring out a way to find Him and kill Him – or to convince his soldiers to do this! Now that’s some fear and pride at work!
I would hope that none of us plots evil things to cover our own sins – or to deal with our fears and the things that we believe will disrupt life as we know it! But just in case, let me leave you with this thought. Jesus is the light of the world. He tells us in John 10:10 that “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” There is nothing to fear about Jesus! With Him, ALL things are possible.
When a sense of fear or dread comes upon you, remember the Good News of Jesus Christ. Say a prayer and ask Him to help you squarely face whatever is in your path…and to give you wisdom and faith as you follow His lead. Like Herod and the “scholars”, we have two paths from which to choose. Make the right decision…follow Jesus, the King of Kings! Worship Him and walk in His ways, and you’ll never have to worry about the outcome.
©2014 Debbie Robus
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
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.
Greg and I watched a sitcom recently in which a teenager found himself caught in a lie. His older sister convinced him that the best way to get out of it was to tell even BIGGER lies until people began to buy into the story and believe them to be truthful. Of course, this ultimately backfired, and the boy had to “come clean” about what had really happened.
Every single one of us has heard some news that had us scrambling to find out the details…to ask around and “get the skinny” on what was really going to happen. At the heart of the matter, we wanted to know what effect it would have on our own lives. Would this be good news for us…or bad news? When things are rocking along pretty well in our world, we don’t like to think about a change…especially one that might cause us some trouble!
Hopefully, such news has never left us terrified…at least not for the same reasons as Herod! Most assuredly, let’s hope that we never believe that the way to correct misinformation is with more untruths. At the heart of the matter, Herod was operating in fear and pride. His ego would not allow him to consider another king…not even one sent from God. So when he heard news that the Messiah had been born, all he could think about was figuring out a way to find Him and kill Him – or to convince his soldiers to do this! Now that’s some fear and pride at work!
I would hope that none of us plots evil things to cover our own sins – or to deal with our fears and the things that we believe will disrupt life as we know it! But just in case, let me leave you with this thought. Jesus is the light of the world. He tells us in John 10:10 that “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” There is nothing to fear about Jesus! With Him, ALL things are possible.
When a sense of fear or dread comes upon you, remember the Good News of Jesus Christ. Say a prayer and ask Him to help you squarely face whatever is in your path…and to give you wisdom and faith as you follow His lead. Like Herod and the “scholars”, we have two paths from which to choose. Make the right decision…follow Jesus, the King of Kings! Worship Him and walk in His ways, and you’ll never have to worry about the outcome.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 10, 2014
Ephesians 5:20
Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Imagine that someone threw you a lavish party. You’d be grateful and thank them afterward…right? But what if you knew that the person who hosted the party truly did little more than write checks to cover the party venue, catering, gifts, and whatever else was provided? What if all he/she had to do was dress up and show up…and greet you and your guests? Of course you would still thank this person and be grateful for his/her wonderful hospitality and generosity. But there would be “behind-the-scenes” individuals and groups who deserved acknowledgment, too!
Quite often, I see posts on Facebook with photos of amazingly-decorated party cakes, or beautiful family portraits…or even a wonderful party or event – and the person who posted will say, “Thank you to So-and-So for the great cake/photos/effort of some sort.” These people acknowledged those who worked in the background. They understood that they could not have accomplished such things on their own. They needed the expertise and care of someone else to make it happen. In a nutshell…they gave credit where credit was due!
So often, we fail to give Jesus the credit for what is happening in our lives. Oh, we are right there to gripe and complain to Him when things go wrong. But when life is rolling along pretty well, we “zone out” and tend to forget Who is really “driving the car” or “preparing for the party”. And many times, if we DO acknowledge our blessings…we actually take most of the credit for them. “I worked so hard!” or “I had such a good day on the court or field…at work…at school…on a date or outing with friends.” We fail to recognize WHO did all of the work in the background to power our “good day or event”!
Every minute, Jesus is working in the background to affect your life and the activities that embody it. He is orchestrating the good things, “troubleshooting” the “bad” ones, and propelling you forward through it all. As much as we need to be grateful for His presence in our lives…we also need to be sure that we give Him the credit and glory. Pretty much all we do in life is show up…Jesus does the rest. Don’t you think it’s time you acknowledged His efforts?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Imagine that someone threw you a lavish party. You’d be grateful and thank them afterward…right? But what if you knew that the person who hosted the party truly did little more than write checks to cover the party venue, catering, gifts, and whatever else was provided? What if all he/she had to do was dress up and show up…and greet you and your guests? Of course you would still thank this person and be grateful for his/her wonderful hospitality and generosity. But there would be “behind-the-scenes” individuals and groups who deserved acknowledgment, too!
Quite often, I see posts on Facebook with photos of amazingly-decorated party cakes, or beautiful family portraits…or even a wonderful party or event – and the person who posted will say, “Thank you to So-and-So for the great cake/photos/effort of some sort.” These people acknowledged those who worked in the background. They understood that they could not have accomplished such things on their own. They needed the expertise and care of someone else to make it happen. In a nutshell…they gave credit where credit was due!
So often, we fail to give Jesus the credit for what is happening in our lives. Oh, we are right there to gripe and complain to Him when things go wrong. But when life is rolling along pretty well, we “zone out” and tend to forget Who is really “driving the car” or “preparing for the party”. And many times, if we DO acknowledge our blessings…we actually take most of the credit for them. “I worked so hard!” or “I had such a good day on the court or field…at work…at school…on a date or outing with friends.” We fail to recognize WHO did all of the work in the background to power our “good day or event”!
Every minute, Jesus is working in the background to affect your life and the activities that embody it. He is orchestrating the good things, “troubleshooting” the “bad” ones, and propelling you forward through it all. As much as we need to be grateful for His presence in our lives…we also need to be sure that we give Him the credit and glory. Pretty much all we do in life is show up…Jesus does the rest. Don’t you think it’s time you acknowledged His efforts?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 14, 2014
1 Peter 2:21-25
This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.
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.
This morning, I substituted in Timothy’s Sunday school class as an assistant leader. As this little group of five-year-olds waited for their parents to pick them up after class, I watched while each took turns “hanging” from a miniature “cross” that was placed against the wall in one corner of the classroom. “Look!” one of the little girls cried, “Timothy is nailed to the cross!” And sure enough, there stood Timothy...arms raised to the cross-beam...body pressed against the vertical post. I didn’t fuss at them... I just smiled at the children and nodded as I called the names of those whose parents had arrived.
These precious five-year-olds do not – and cannot – fully grasp the meaning of the cross. They have been told that Jesus died on the cross for their sins...they’ve seen pictures and heard stories. But they don’t fully understand what happened there...the “how and why” of it all, or the holiness – and healing - of this symbol. But the sad thing is...for the most part, neither do we.
Very few of us really grasp the power of the cross. It’s understandable that we don’t fully comprehend the grace, mercy and love that God extended to us through Jesus in this manner. Even more difficult for us to take in is how the wounds of Jesus became our healing...mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Jesus took everything that happens to us on His shoulders. He essentially asked, “What else have you got? I’ll take that, too!”
So the next time you start to start to worry and stew over something...think of the cross. When you are sick or injured, and fear and panic start to set in...remember that the wounds of Jesus are your healing. When you are confused or uncertain...when you face difficult decisions and circumstances...remember Whose you are. When all seems hopeless or you feel like you cannot take another step, remind yourself that you are named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your soul.
The One who never did anything wrong or said anything amiss paid a huge price for our “healing”. Isn’t it time we recognized Him? What does the cross mean to you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.
He never did one thing wrong,They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
Not once said anything amiss.
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.
This morning, I substituted in Timothy’s Sunday school class as an assistant leader. As this little group of five-year-olds waited for their parents to pick them up after class, I watched while each took turns “hanging” from a miniature “cross” that was placed against the wall in one corner of the classroom. “Look!” one of the little girls cried, “Timothy is nailed to the cross!” And sure enough, there stood Timothy...arms raised to the cross-beam...body pressed against the vertical post. I didn’t fuss at them... I just smiled at the children and nodded as I called the names of those whose parents had arrived.
These precious five-year-olds do not – and cannot – fully grasp the meaning of the cross. They have been told that Jesus died on the cross for their sins...they’ve seen pictures and heard stories. But they don’t fully understand what happened there...the “how and why” of it all, or the holiness – and healing - of this symbol. But the sad thing is...for the most part, neither do we.
Very few of us really grasp the power of the cross. It’s understandable that we don’t fully comprehend the grace, mercy and love that God extended to us through Jesus in this manner. Even more difficult for us to take in is how the wounds of Jesus became our healing...mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Jesus took everything that happens to us on His shoulders. He essentially asked, “What else have you got? I’ll take that, too!”
So the next time you start to start to worry and stew over something...think of the cross. When you are sick or injured, and fear and panic start to set in...remember that the wounds of Jesus are your healing. When you are confused or uncertain...when you face difficult decisions and circumstances...remember Whose you are. When all seems hopeless or you feel like you cannot take another step, remind yourself that you are named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your soul.
The One who never did anything wrong or said anything amiss paid a huge price for our “healing”. Isn’t it time we recognized Him? What does the cross mean to you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 20, 2014
Colossians 1:13-14
God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.
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.
This afternoon, we took Timothy to see his first movie at a theater...Planes: Fire & Rescue. We had given the children a DVD of the original “Planes” movie for Christmas. So when this sequel came to our local theater, we decided it was time to take a certain 5-year-old for a “real” movie experience! And he loved this animated Disney production.
The star of the movies is “Dusty Crophopper,” a former crop-dusting plane. According to the synopsis provided by Disney for http://IMDb.com ...”When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.”
There are many twists and turns in this 84-minute feature, including a scene where Dusty takes on more than he can handle and crashes into the river rapids...and must be rescued by Blade Ranger. To say that Dusty finds himself in a pit is an understatement. The mercy and compassion of his fellow rescue vehicle are called into play more than once. Let’s just say that while Dusty Crophopper has a good heart and the best of intentions, he seems to have a penchant for bravado...and biting off more than he can chew!
Doesn’t this describe most of us? Aren’t we prone to think we know more than we really do...or that we can tackle things on our own without the assistance of others? How many of us jump into situations with both feet...and consider the ramifications later? More importantly, who among us really stops to spend time in consultation with God about countless choices and decisions each day – both those that seem rather insignificant, and the ones that matter greatly?
Is it any wonder that we often find ourselves in dead-end alleys, dark dungeons, and pits of desperation? Isn’t it also a wonder that God continues to extend HIS grace and mercy – and to rescue us?
Don’t you think it is time that we learned from some of our mistakes and shortcomings? Shouldn’t we turn to the One who loves us so much that He has prepared a whole Kingdom for us? Would you be willing to offer grace, mercy, and rescue to those in your midst, just as surely as God rescues you? When will we realize that God has our back...and we really, really need Him?
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that all turns out well for Dusty Crophopper and his “friends”. But our lives are not an animated Disney movie! All can work out well for us, if we will recognize how Jesus has paid the price for our sins and shortcomings. It’s time to stop repeating the same mistakes and acknowledge that we need a hefty dose of His daily wisdom as much as His grace and mercy. Jesus is the ultimate “Rescue Hero”...have you made Him yours? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.
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.
This afternoon, we took Timothy to see his first movie at a theater...Planes: Fire & Rescue. We had given the children a DVD of the original “Planes” movie for Christmas. So when this sequel came to our local theater, we decided it was time to take a certain 5-year-old for a “real” movie experience! And he loved this animated Disney production.
The star of the movies is “Dusty Crophopper,” a former crop-dusting plane. According to the synopsis provided by Disney for http://IMDb.com ...”When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.”
There are many twists and turns in this 84-minute feature, including a scene where Dusty takes on more than he can handle and crashes into the river rapids...and must be rescued by Blade Ranger. To say that Dusty finds himself in a pit is an understatement. The mercy and compassion of his fellow rescue vehicle are called into play more than once. Let’s just say that while Dusty Crophopper has a good heart and the best of intentions, he seems to have a penchant for bravado...and biting off more than he can chew!
Doesn’t this describe most of us? Aren’t we prone to think we know more than we really do...or that we can tackle things on our own without the assistance of others? How many of us jump into situations with both feet...and consider the ramifications later? More importantly, who among us really stops to spend time in consultation with God about countless choices and decisions each day – both those that seem rather insignificant, and the ones that matter greatly?
Is it any wonder that we often find ourselves in dead-end alleys, dark dungeons, and pits of desperation? Isn’t it also a wonder that God continues to extend HIS grace and mercy – and to rescue us?
Don’t you think it is time that we learned from some of our mistakes and shortcomings? Shouldn’t we turn to the One who loves us so much that He has prepared a whole Kingdom for us? Would you be willing to offer grace, mercy, and rescue to those in your midst, just as surely as God rescues you? When will we realize that God has our back...and we really, really need Him?
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that all turns out well for Dusty Crophopper and his “friends”. But our lives are not an animated Disney movie! All can work out well for us, if we will recognize how Jesus has paid the price for our sins and shortcomings. It’s time to stop repeating the same mistakes and acknowledge that we need a hefty dose of His daily wisdom as much as His grace and mercy. Jesus is the ultimate “Rescue Hero”...have you made Him yours? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 21, 2013
John 14:5-7
Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t even know where you are going! How can we know the way?”
“I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father. If you had known me, you would have known the Father. But from now on, you do know him, and you have seen him.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This week, 78-year-old Christian author Henry Blackaby was reported missing in Atlanta, Georgia. Blackaby is the author of Experiencing God, a best-selling workbook for Christian discipleship that was published in the 1990s. The author’s family reported that he was a diabetic, and he did not have his medication with him. Volunteers combed the Atlanta area in an attempt to assist police in locating Blackaby. Some 29 hours later, he was found.
This updated information was posted on the website for Blackaby Ministries International (www.henryblackaby.com)...
I saw several e-mail reports about this situation throughout the day. While we live over 500 miles from the Atlanta area, we were asked to pray for this family and those who were searching for Henry. Information was given in each update, including a description of his car and the license plate number and the fact that he was a diabetic without his medication - indicating that he might need immediate medical attention, if found. I can’t help but believe that God answered the prayers of many by providing clues such as the credit card purchases, so that Henry could be found.
I know you are wondering… has she lost her mind? What does this have to do with John 14? More than you might think! See, Jesus’ disciples were questioning Him. They wanted physical proof of His true identity… that what He told them was true. It wasn’t enough that He said, “If you have seen me, you have seen my Father!” They wanted Him to show them. Moreover, they seemed clueless about how to follow Him… how to get to Heaven. He kept telling them, “I am the way”… but they wanted a map – or at least some pretty good directions…and maybe more than a few clues and hints.
And here’s the thing… God’s “clues” are all around us. Some are subtle and easily missed… that “still, small voice” you sometimes get…a scripture verse that keeps popping up and you wonder, “Why do I keep seeing this?”…a passing comment from a friend that keeps running through your head. Others are smack-you-in-the-face obvious, like when an elderly friend of mine said that three times in one morning she had an encounter with another driver who pulled in front of her. She told me, “I think God’s trying to get my attention and telling me I need to stop driving!”
The trouble with us is that we’re stubborn! We don’t pay attention. We walk right past God’s equivalent of flashing neon signs and choose to look the other direction. Now maybe we don’t do this deliberately, but in essence, we make choices every day with regard to whether we will pay attention to what God is telling and showing us… or not. God shows us how to follow Him… the direct path to true discipleship and an eternity spent with Him in Heaven… and we are so busy doing what we choose that it often doesn’t even register. I’m not saying that we necessarily make a conscious effort to ignore God. But by choosing to allow ourselves to be preoccupied with other things… or to serve our own interests… we essentially do exactly that!
I don’t know what clues and signals God is sending you today. But I know that we can either choose to pay attention – to look and listen for God’s messages and guidance… or we can choose to ignore the signs and “wing it.” If you ask me, the latter choice is the surest way to end up in your own equivalent of driving aimlessly around Atlanta for twenty-nine hours. Mr. Blackaby’s outcome could have been far more serious… and so could ours, if we don’t figure out who God really is and start following Him. Is this a chance you are willing to take?
What choices have you made that need rethinking? The “search party” is out on your behalf. God wants you found and returned to Him… restored and placed back on the right path. Won’t you recognize His presence and choose to follow His lead?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t even know where you are going! How can we know the way?”
“I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. “Without me, no one can go to the Father. If you had known me, you would have known the Father. But from now on, you do know him, and you have seen him.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This week, 78-year-old Christian author Henry Blackaby was reported missing in Atlanta, Georgia. Blackaby is the author of Experiencing God, a best-selling workbook for Christian discipleship that was published in the 1990s. The author’s family reported that he was a diabetic, and he did not have his medication with him. Volunteers combed the Atlanta area in an attempt to assist police in locating Blackaby. Some 29 hours later, he was found.
This updated information was posted on the website for Blackaby Ministries International (www.henryblackaby.com)...
On Thursday, September 19, Henry Blackaby drove his car to pick up his wife Marilynn from an appointment. Henry apparently suffered a heart attack while driving. He became disoriented and unable to find his way back home. He drove for the next 29 hours until finally being found in a small town south of Atlanta. He did not have his cell phone with him nor insulin for his diabetes. As a result, his blood sugar rose and his kidneys began to struggle as well. The family was able to track his movements as he used a credit card to make occasional purchases. He is currently in a hospital undergoing extensive tests. He seems to be in good spirits and lucid. We appreciate your prayers. With Henry disoriented, suffering from a heart attack, and driving for 29 hours throughout the night all over Atlanta, it is clear that GOD HEARD AND ANSWERED THE PRAYERS OF HIS PEOPLE! Thank you to everyone who prayed and helped in the search.Any time someone is missing, there is confusion and uncertainty. Where do you begin the search for them? How do you make sure that someone will recognize them? There are choices to make… when to truly declare a person missing… who are the proper authorities are to which this should be reported… how the search should be handled – and who should be involved. In this case, it all came down to a credit card. By tracing Henry Blackaby’s credit card transactions, searchers could figure out where he was and follow him. You may not find it a stretch that someone thought to check his credit card activity… but that a man in his physical and mental condition actually used said card in his condition is nothing short of miraculous in my mind!
I saw several e-mail reports about this situation throughout the day. While we live over 500 miles from the Atlanta area, we were asked to pray for this family and those who were searching for Henry. Information was given in each update, including a description of his car and the license plate number and the fact that he was a diabetic without his medication - indicating that he might need immediate medical attention, if found. I can’t help but believe that God answered the prayers of many by providing clues such as the credit card purchases, so that Henry could be found.
I know you are wondering… has she lost her mind? What does this have to do with John 14? More than you might think! See, Jesus’ disciples were questioning Him. They wanted physical proof of His true identity… that what He told them was true. It wasn’t enough that He said, “If you have seen me, you have seen my Father!” They wanted Him to show them. Moreover, they seemed clueless about how to follow Him… how to get to Heaven. He kept telling them, “I am the way”… but they wanted a map – or at least some pretty good directions…and maybe more than a few clues and hints.
And here’s the thing… God’s “clues” are all around us. Some are subtle and easily missed… that “still, small voice” you sometimes get…a scripture verse that keeps popping up and you wonder, “Why do I keep seeing this?”…a passing comment from a friend that keeps running through your head. Others are smack-you-in-the-face obvious, like when an elderly friend of mine said that three times in one morning she had an encounter with another driver who pulled in front of her. She told me, “I think God’s trying to get my attention and telling me I need to stop driving!”
The trouble with us is that we’re stubborn! We don’t pay attention. We walk right past God’s equivalent of flashing neon signs and choose to look the other direction. Now maybe we don’t do this deliberately, but in essence, we make choices every day with regard to whether we will pay attention to what God is telling and showing us… or not. God shows us how to follow Him… the direct path to true discipleship and an eternity spent with Him in Heaven… and we are so busy doing what we choose that it often doesn’t even register. I’m not saying that we necessarily make a conscious effort to ignore God. But by choosing to allow ourselves to be preoccupied with other things… or to serve our own interests… we essentially do exactly that!
I don’t know what clues and signals God is sending you today. But I know that we can either choose to pay attention – to look and listen for God’s messages and guidance… or we can choose to ignore the signs and “wing it.” If you ask me, the latter choice is the surest way to end up in your own equivalent of driving aimlessly around Atlanta for twenty-nine hours. Mr. Blackaby’s outcome could have been far more serious… and so could ours, if we don’t figure out who God really is and start following Him. Is this a chance you are willing to take?
What choices have you made that need rethinking? The “search party” is out on your behalf. God wants you found and returned to Him… restored and placed back on the right path. Won’t you recognize His presence and choose to follow His lead?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 18, 2013
January 18 ~ Romans 5:3-5
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
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.
I wish I had a dollar for every time we have watched “Frosty the Snowman” at our house in the last month! I have to say… I had forgotten how “deep” this little story really is until we started watching it with Timothy before Christmas. Now do not misunderstand me… I am not elevating “Frosty” to the status of Jesus in the least. But at the same time, I believe we can use the lessons of this jovial snowman to begin to introduce our children to the strength, love, grace and mercy of God… and maybe learn a few things for ourselves in the bargain.
Hear me out on this…
Santa Claus essentially shuts down the magician… admonishing him to go away and leave Frosty and the children alone… and outlining serious consequences if he does not. He tells the children that Frosty is going away with him to the North Pole, but that they will see him again someday… and it is at least implied that the “spirit of Christmas” will live in their hearts each and every day.
There is so much we do not understand about Jesus… how He could love us enough to come to earth and sacrifice His very life for ours. We often have trouble accepting that God could care about us enough to send His Son to die for our sins… then leave His Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage us each and every day. Just as surely as that evil magician kept popping up in “Frosty the Snowman”… the devil keeps rearing his ugly head and giving us troubles and trials. But God is still with us, persistently offering protection and fortitude… giving us hope and confidence.
Maybe it’s time we became more like little children… readily trusting in a magical snowman who came to life when he donned an old black magician’s hat. Perhaps it’s time to recognize the presence, care and strength of our Heavenly Father in the form of His Holy Spirit… to fully embrace how much He loves us and the amazing care we are offered each and every day. Isn’t it possible that we need to step out in faith and open our hearts and minds to the power of Jesus in our daily living… to renew our resolve to believe in Him and respect His abundant and profound attention to every detail of our lives?
I have to tell you, I have developed a new perspective on “Frosty the Snowman.” Someday soon, we will be able to use this little story to help our toddlers understand how God sent Jesus to earth to guide and protect us… and how He will return someday. We will most certainly instill in them the understanding that Jesus is far more important, powerful and loving than Frosty... how He cares about every single aspect of our lives and stands ready to help us with all of them.
Maybe you and I need to become a little more childlike today in our faith and understanding of the presence and impact of God in our lives. Do you truly grasp how much you are loved by God? Do you really “get it” that Jesus gave up His very life for yours? Are you confident that you will see Him again someday… and that He is available to you every minute of the day in the meantime? Have you tapped into the supernatural power and strength He offers? Wouldn’t this be a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
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.
I wish I had a dollar for every time we have watched “Frosty the Snowman” at our house in the last month! I have to say… I had forgotten how “deep” this little story really is until we started watching it with Timothy before Christmas. Now do not misunderstand me… I am not elevating “Frosty” to the status of Jesus in the least. But at the same time, I believe we can use the lessons of this jovial snowman to begin to introduce our children to the strength, love, grace and mercy of God… and maybe learn a few things for ourselves in the bargain.
Hear me out on this…
- When Frosty first comes to life, the children are all eager to follow him.
- There is an “evil magician” who is continually trying to destroy Frosty and hurt those who choose to love the jovial snowman.
- In an effort to stay frozen, Frosty and Hocus Pocus (the rabbit with a hefty fur coat) board a refrigerated train car with the little girl, Karen, in tow… and head for the North Pole. Karen gets very cold, and at his own expense, Frosty departs the train car and starts to seek a way to keep Karen warm. He enlists the forest animals to build a warming fire for her.
- When the evil magician stomps out the fire, Frosty takes Karen to a nearby greenhouse used for growing poinsettias, so that she can get warm. He knows that doing this will cause him great personal harm… but he sacrifices his own life for Karen’s.
- Frosty melts, and Karen is heartbroken. Santa Claus arrives and assures Karen that Frosty will come back to life… and he does.
- Frosty goes to the North Pole to live with Santa Claus. While Karen and the others are sad to see him go, they are reassured that he will be back again someday.
Santa Claus essentially shuts down the magician… admonishing him to go away and leave Frosty and the children alone… and outlining serious consequences if he does not. He tells the children that Frosty is going away with him to the North Pole, but that they will see him again someday… and it is at least implied that the “spirit of Christmas” will live in their hearts each and every day.
There is so much we do not understand about Jesus… how He could love us enough to come to earth and sacrifice His very life for ours. We often have trouble accepting that God could care about us enough to send His Son to die for our sins… then leave His Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage us each and every day. Just as surely as that evil magician kept popping up in “Frosty the Snowman”… the devil keeps rearing his ugly head and giving us troubles and trials. But God is still with us, persistently offering protection and fortitude… giving us hope and confidence.
Maybe it’s time we became more like little children… readily trusting in a magical snowman who came to life when he donned an old black magician’s hat. Perhaps it’s time to recognize the presence, care and strength of our Heavenly Father in the form of His Holy Spirit… to fully embrace how much He loves us and the amazing care we are offered each and every day. Isn’t it possible that we need to step out in faith and open our hearts and minds to the power of Jesus in our daily living… to renew our resolve to believe in Him and respect His abundant and profound attention to every detail of our lives?
I have to tell you, I have developed a new perspective on “Frosty the Snowman.” Someday soon, we will be able to use this little story to help our toddlers understand how God sent Jesus to earth to guide and protect us… and how He will return someday. We will most certainly instill in them the understanding that Jesus is far more important, powerful and loving than Frosty... how He cares about every single aspect of our lives and stands ready to help us with all of them.
Maybe you and I need to become a little more childlike today in our faith and understanding of the presence and impact of God in our lives. Do you truly grasp how much you are loved by God? Do you really “get it” that Jesus gave up His very life for yours? Are you confident that you will see Him again someday… and that He is available to you every minute of the day in the meantime? Have you tapped into the supernatural power and strength He offers? Wouldn’t this be a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 15, 2012
Mark 9:1-7
Then he drove it home by saying, “This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you who are standing here are going to see it happen, see the kingdom of God arrive in full force.”
Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them. Elijah, along with Moses, came into view, in deep conversation with Jesus.
Peter interrupted, “Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let’s build three memorials—one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah.” He blurted this out without thinking, stunned as they all were by what they were seeing.
Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him.”
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.
Have you ever heard someone talk of an encounter with another person in which they described a turning point experience? Perhaps they said something like, “In that moment, I saw him for who he really was,” or “For the first time, I fully understood where she was coming from.” More than one of us has said something like, “I thought I knew So-and-So until THIS happened.” Sometimes, our entire perception of someone else can change in a matter of minutes.
Peter, James and John had a unique and profound experience with Jesus. God allowed them to see Him as much more than a “mere mortal.” He revealed the full glory of Jesus to them, and as described, Jesus all but glowed in brilliant white clothing. The trio was engulfed in a light-radiant cloud as they heard the voice of God himself. To say that this was a moment of transformation - a turning point for these three men - would be an understatement! And God’s statement…“This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to Him”… is powerful!
Sadly, many of us fail to recognize the full glory of Jesus. He never becomes more than a “man among men” to us. We talk about who Jesus was/is… how important He is to us. But we don’t fully get it. While we most likely will never have such a literal “aha moment” as Peter, James and John, our relationship with Jesus can be transformed in an intense and no-less-life-changing manner. When we fully grasp what it means to be marked by God’s love… when we begin to truly comprehend the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifices on our behalf and what it means to serve Him, we can’t help but be forever changed.
I like the image of Jesus in His glory… the awesomeness of the blinding light and the whiter than bleached clothing. It humbles me to think about Someone of this magnitude caring about the most mundane parts of my life. When I consider Jesus as “the Kingdom of God in full force,” I am wowed, astounded, and transformed! We talk about serving a mighty God, but we don’t truly picture Him this way – at least not often enough!
I encourage you to stop for a few minutes and consider Jesus in all of His glory. Re-read this passage and imagine every facet of His appearance… the blinding bright light… the whiteness of his garments… the glow that radiates from Him, and the cloud of radiant light that encompasses you as you stand before Him. Humble yourself in Jesus’ presence… picture Him embracing you in His arms. See Jesus for who He truly is… and revere Him for loving you so deeply.
I dare you to do all of this and not feel just a tad overwhelmed! Jesus’ love for us truly is astounding. We would do well to take a few minutes to bask in His glory… to give Him praise and thanks for accepting us in our unworthiness… and to marvel at His magnificence. Have you truly seen Jesus in His brilliance? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Then he drove it home by saying, “This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you who are standing here are going to see it happen, see the kingdom of God arrive in full force.”
Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them. Elijah, along with Moses, came into view, in deep conversation with Jesus.
Peter interrupted, “Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let’s build three memorials—one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah.” He blurted this out without thinking, stunned as they all were by what they were seeing.
Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him.”
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.
Have you ever heard someone talk of an encounter with another person in which they described a turning point experience? Perhaps they said something like, “In that moment, I saw him for who he really was,” or “For the first time, I fully understood where she was coming from.” More than one of us has said something like, “I thought I knew So-and-So until THIS happened.” Sometimes, our entire perception of someone else can change in a matter of minutes.
Peter, James and John had a unique and profound experience with Jesus. God allowed them to see Him as much more than a “mere mortal.” He revealed the full glory of Jesus to them, and as described, Jesus all but glowed in brilliant white clothing. The trio was engulfed in a light-radiant cloud as they heard the voice of God himself. To say that this was a moment of transformation - a turning point for these three men - would be an understatement! And God’s statement…“This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to Him”… is powerful!
Sadly, many of us fail to recognize the full glory of Jesus. He never becomes more than a “man among men” to us. We talk about who Jesus was/is… how important He is to us. But we don’t fully get it. While we most likely will never have such a literal “aha moment” as Peter, James and John, our relationship with Jesus can be transformed in an intense and no-less-life-changing manner. When we fully grasp what it means to be marked by God’s love… when we begin to truly comprehend the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifices on our behalf and what it means to serve Him, we can’t help but be forever changed.
I like the image of Jesus in His glory… the awesomeness of the blinding light and the whiter than bleached clothing. It humbles me to think about Someone of this magnitude caring about the most mundane parts of my life. When I consider Jesus as “the Kingdom of God in full force,” I am wowed, astounded, and transformed! We talk about serving a mighty God, but we don’t truly picture Him this way – at least not often enough!
I encourage you to stop for a few minutes and consider Jesus in all of His glory. Re-read this passage and imagine every facet of His appearance… the blinding bright light… the whiteness of his garments… the glow that radiates from Him, and the cloud of radiant light that encompasses you as you stand before Him. Humble yourself in Jesus’ presence… picture Him embracing you in His arms. See Jesus for who He truly is… and revere Him for loving you so deeply.
I dare you to do all of this and not feel just a tad overwhelmed! Jesus’ love for us truly is astounding. We would do well to take a few minutes to bask in His glory… to give Him praise and thanks for accepting us in our unworthiness… and to marvel at His magnificence. Have you truly seen Jesus in His brilliance? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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