Luke 13:23-30
A bystander said, “Master, will only a few be saved?”
He
said, “Whether few or many is none of your business. Put your mind on
your life with God. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires
your total attention. A lot of you are going to assume that you’ll sit
down to God’s salvation banquet just because you’ve been hanging around
the neighborhood all your lives. Well, one day you’re going to be
banging on the door, wanting to get in, but you’ll find the door locked
and the Master saying, ‘Sorry, you’re not on my guest list.’
“You’ll
protest, ‘But we’ve known you all our lives!’ only to be interrupted
with his abrupt, ‘Your kind of knowing can hardly be called knowing. You
don’t know the first thing about me.’
“That’s when you’ll find
yourselves out in the cold, strangers to grace. You’ll watch Abraham,
Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets march into God’s kingdom. You’ll
watch outsiders stream in from east, west, north, and south and sit down
at the table of God’s kingdom. And all the time you’ll be outside
looking in—and wondering what happened. This is the Great Reversal: the
last in line put at the head of the line, and the so-called first ending
up last.”
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.
In recent weeks, the world
has mourned the passing of the artist known as Prince. For the first few
days, the news reports covered this man’s contribution to music and the
arts…and his lesser-known philanthropic efforts, such as purchasing
solar panels for homes in the San Francisco Bay area of California - and
his involvement in #YesWeCode, a program to “connect 100,000
low-opportunity young adults to high-paying careers in technology.”*
People
flocked to the grounds of Prince’s home, Paisley Park Studios outside
of Minneapolis, Minnesota, to pay their respects. They felt a
connection to this man. Perhaps they had attended one of his public
parties on the grounds…or maybe they just liked his music and his
kindness to others. But when the day came for family to gather for a
memorial service, most of those mourners stood outside the gates as cars
entered the compound – and the services were conducted in private for a
relative few people.
Now, reports are surfacing of family
members who are coming out of the woodwork to at least investigate
whether or not there might be something for them in Prince’s will. This
happens a lot…people claim they are “close friends” of someone or assume
they are “in the will” of a loved one who has passed. They just know
that Grandpa, Uncle Jim, or Aunt Sue left them an “inheritance.” After
all, haven’t they been “family” forever? Haven’t they spoken at holiday
dinners and reunions? Wasn’t there that one time when Aunt Sue needed a
ride to the doctor and they took her – or Grandpa and this person had
that really long conversation about the “good ole days?” Didn’t Uncle
Jim always send these family members money on their birthday? Surely he
left them something in the will! Besides, they are “blood kin!”
And
then the will is read…and all of the money and assets went to someone
else…or to a charity…or even to a beloved pet! It happens. And these
people who thought they were so special and “in the loop” are
standing on the outside – looking in with bewilderment and
disappointment – if not downright anger!
I attended a Priscilla
Shirer simulcast even recently, and one of the spiritual leaders who
assisted made a point to remind us that a lot of people think they know
God…that they have a “guaranteed seat” at His table in Heaven for all
eternity…and they are dead wrong. They’ve done the Bible studies and
attended worship every week…they’ve paid their tithes and worn the
crosses and t-shirts. They have prayed and “done good works.” And all
of that doesn’t add up to a hill of beans when they stand before
God…because they didn’t surrender their hearts fully to Him and really
get to know Him.
They didn’t trust God for everything.
They looked good on the outside…but there was no true salvation and
submission in their hearts. They were so busy doing that they didn’t take time to really get to know God…so they will be “turned away at the gate.”
What does this mean for us? The message today is to be certain
that you truly know God. No one can do this for you. You have to
spend time in His presence. You have to study the word of God for
yourself…and talk to Him – about everything – then listen
for His response. You have to seek His will for your life…then follow
His lead with obedience and faith that whatever God calls you to do - He
will equip you to complete.
Salvation in Jesus Christ is simple
and complicated all at once. It is as easy as confessing your sins to
Jesus and asking Him to forgive you and live in your heart. But the
work comes in staying in continual communion with Him…seeking His word
on your life at every turn – and walking in full obedience to His
commands. Do not assume that you are “in the will” when it comes to
God. KNOW that you will be an invited guest at His table. Start today
to fully engage with Him and be His faith-filled disciple, so that one
day when you approach the gates to His eternal home, they will be open
wide – and you will be more than welcome.
©2016 Debbie Robus
* http://YesWeCode.org
Showing posts with label getting to know God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label getting to know God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 24, 2016
John 17:3
Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I subbed in the 2nd/3rd grade Sunday school class, and our scripture passage was from John 17. I gave the children a recap of earlier chapters of John, where Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, broke bread and shared the cup with them, and then gave them instructions for how to live after He returned to heaven. That brings us to John 17, where Jesus prayed. He asked God to glorify Him, that He (Jesus) might fully glorify the Father who sent Him. Jesus asked God to care for His believers…and then He prayed for non-believers.
This led to the next part of our discussion, which was about how well Jesus knows us…and how well we know Him! We talked about how important it is to really know God through Jesus Christ…how necessary it is to talk to Him about everything – and to listen for His voice. We discussed how critical it is that we demonstrate to others a positive Christian witness – and an abiding faith in God.
All of these things are direct indicators of how well we know God. One child asked where God came from…and who made GOD! I didn’t have a good answer for that…but I did stress to the students that what is important for us is that we believe that God is our Father, Shepherd, Protector, and LORD. On the way home, I asked our three little ones what they learned at Sunday school, and Zola began to tell us all about God in these terms…and how important it is that we know Him.
Timothy said, “Oh! I have known God since I was a little baby!” We smiled at that, because he has always seemed to have an amazing faith and understanding of God. But this is key for all of us. To know God is to trust Him…to fully believe that He is our LORD, Protector, Shepherd, and Father…and to accept this with confidence – even when we cannot explain where God came from or who birthed Him into existence. I know it’s confusing…and it’s REALLY hard for little kids to grasp…but they sometimes seem to accept this with faith and confidence that eludes many adults.
Today, let’s make sure we really know God…not in the same way that you know a good friend and his/her likes, dislikes, favorite foods and colors, and such. Let’s make sure we know God in terms of how He cares for us…how He loved us enough to send Jesus to save us from our sins – and to send the Holy Spirit to remain with us. Let’s know God in terms of who scriptures say He is, and how He protects us and guides us…forgives us when we fall short…heals and restores us…and gives us wisdom and comfort. Let’s know God for His incredible gift of Jesus…and the sacrifices that He made on the cross for our sins.
Let’s claim beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is only ONE GOD who could do all of this…only ONE LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because we know this to be true - and demonstrate that we have a deep and abiding knowledge of God through Jesus - we are assured a seat at the Lord’s table for all Eternity. Do YOU know God this well? Isn’t it time you do?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I subbed in the 2nd/3rd grade Sunday school class, and our scripture passage was from John 17. I gave the children a recap of earlier chapters of John, where Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, broke bread and shared the cup with them, and then gave them instructions for how to live after He returned to heaven. That brings us to John 17, where Jesus prayed. He asked God to glorify Him, that He (Jesus) might fully glorify the Father who sent Him. Jesus asked God to care for His believers…and then He prayed for non-believers.
This led to the next part of our discussion, which was about how well Jesus knows us…and how well we know Him! We talked about how important it is to really know God through Jesus Christ…how necessary it is to talk to Him about everything – and to listen for His voice. We discussed how critical it is that we demonstrate to others a positive Christian witness – and an abiding faith in God.
All of these things are direct indicators of how well we know God. One child asked where God came from…and who made GOD! I didn’t have a good answer for that…but I did stress to the students that what is important for us is that we believe that God is our Father, Shepherd, Protector, and LORD. On the way home, I asked our three little ones what they learned at Sunday school, and Zola began to tell us all about God in these terms…and how important it is that we know Him.
Timothy said, “Oh! I have known God since I was a little baby!” We smiled at that, because he has always seemed to have an amazing faith and understanding of God. But this is key for all of us. To know God is to trust Him…to fully believe that He is our LORD, Protector, Shepherd, and Father…and to accept this with confidence – even when we cannot explain where God came from or who birthed Him into existence. I know it’s confusing…and it’s REALLY hard for little kids to grasp…but they sometimes seem to accept this with faith and confidence that eludes many adults.
Today, let’s make sure we really know God…not in the same way that you know a good friend and his/her likes, dislikes, favorite foods and colors, and such. Let’s make sure we know God in terms of how He cares for us…how He loved us enough to send Jesus to save us from our sins – and to send the Holy Spirit to remain with us. Let’s know God in terms of who scriptures say He is, and how He protects us and guides us…forgives us when we fall short…heals and restores us…and gives us wisdom and comfort. Let’s know God for His incredible gift of Jesus…and the sacrifices that He made on the cross for our sins.
Let’s claim beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is only ONE GOD who could do all of this…only ONE LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because we know this to be true - and demonstrate that we have a deep and abiding knowledge of God through Jesus - we are assured a seat at the Lord’s table for all Eternity. Do YOU know God this well? Isn’t it time you do?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 16, 2014
Matthew 6:9
You should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
help us to honor your name.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The “LORD’s Prayer…we probably all know it by heart. Many of us recite it every Sunday during our weekly worship service. Yet most of us rarely stop to consider the words we are speaking…the meaning they impart…the intention of their phrasing. We might as well be reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance” or “Mary Had a Little Lamb”! Many of the prayers, hymns – and even scripture verses – we learned as children have become nothing more than rote recitations. We have gotten so complacent in our speaking of them that we no longer realize what we are saying!
Stop and read this scripture verse again. Truly think about the words of this sentence...”Our Father in heaven, help us to honor Your name.” What does this really imply? How do we honor God’s name?
The first step is to find God and genuinely get to know Him…to understand who He is and what He desires for us – and from us. We cannot do this by osmosis…merely sitting in a park and soaking up the sun and scenery won’t cut it. We can’t assume that just because our parents, grandparents, friends and acquaintances know God…we know Him, too. God cannot be the friend of a friend of a friend. We have to become truly familiar with Him…we must get to know Him intimately.
How do we do this? How do you get to know anyone? You spend time with them…you converse…you study their interests and behavior patterns and learn their likes and dislikes. It’s no different with God…it’s just more important! A relationship with God is the most critical bond you will ever cultivate.
Once you become familiar with God, you will better understand what is required to honor His name. You will know what words, thoughts and actions please Him…and which ones break His heart. You will understand what living for Him entails…you will discover how to recognize – and seize – opportunities to serve and minister on His behalf. When you truly find God and develop a connection with Him, you will find that your desire to honor His name increases exponentially. Hopefully this will eventually become second nature to you!
The “LORD’s Prayer” is rich with the message of Jesus…each line and phrase is important. But we must start with getting to know God and learning to honor His name. Once we have a good handle on this, the petitions that follow become even more profound and compelling.
Have YOU found God? Do you know Him intimately? Do you have a strong, interactive relationship with Him? Do you honor His name with the thoughts, words and actions of your daily living? When you pray the “LORD’s Prayer,” do the words express your genuine intentions with regard to your faith…or are you merely reciting a lesson of your youth? Isn’t it time to get to know God…and give power and meaning to your pledge to honor His name? Will this be the day you get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
You should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
help us to honor your name.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The “LORD’s Prayer…we probably all know it by heart. Many of us recite it every Sunday during our weekly worship service. Yet most of us rarely stop to consider the words we are speaking…the meaning they impart…the intention of their phrasing. We might as well be reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance” or “Mary Had a Little Lamb”! Many of the prayers, hymns – and even scripture verses – we learned as children have become nothing more than rote recitations. We have gotten so complacent in our speaking of them that we no longer realize what we are saying!
Stop and read this scripture verse again. Truly think about the words of this sentence...”Our Father in heaven, help us to honor Your name.” What does this really imply? How do we honor God’s name?
The first step is to find God and genuinely get to know Him…to understand who He is and what He desires for us – and from us. We cannot do this by osmosis…merely sitting in a park and soaking up the sun and scenery won’t cut it. We can’t assume that just because our parents, grandparents, friends and acquaintances know God…we know Him, too. God cannot be the friend of a friend of a friend. We have to become truly familiar with Him…we must get to know Him intimately.
How do we do this? How do you get to know anyone? You spend time with them…you converse…you study their interests and behavior patterns and learn their likes and dislikes. It’s no different with God…it’s just more important! A relationship with God is the most critical bond you will ever cultivate.
Once you become familiar with God, you will better understand what is required to honor His name. You will know what words, thoughts and actions please Him…and which ones break His heart. You will understand what living for Him entails…you will discover how to recognize – and seize – opportunities to serve and minister on His behalf. When you truly find God and develop a connection with Him, you will find that your desire to honor His name increases exponentially. Hopefully this will eventually become second nature to you!
The “LORD’s Prayer” is rich with the message of Jesus…each line and phrase is important. But we must start with getting to know God and learning to honor His name. Once we have a good handle on this, the petitions that follow become even more profound and compelling.
Have YOU found God? Do you know Him intimately? Do you have a strong, interactive relationship with Him? Do you honor His name with the thoughts, words and actions of your daily living? When you pray the “LORD’s Prayer,” do the words express your genuine intentions with regard to your faith…or are you merely reciting a lesson of your youth? Isn’t it time to get to know God…and give power and meaning to your pledge to honor His name? Will this be the day you get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 2, 2014
Jeremiah 29:13
You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Through no fault of their own, countless animals found themselves displaced in the April 27th tornados that ravaged central Arkansas. My Facebook wall is littered with photos of pets that have been found…and some who are still lost. I am thrilled every time I read a post about a happy reunion – and there have been many. People are earnestly seeking pets – and their owners – and there are quite a few “success stories”.
A few months ago, we took Timothy and Zola to the park to play after church one Sunday, and Timothy wandered away from the swings and went on an “exploration”. He was walking farther and farther away from us, but I had my eye on him the entire time. At one point, I could hear him yelling, “HELP! HELP! I’m LOST! Somebody save me!”…but of course, he was not lost at all! He would hold his hands to his face and wail, “WHY! Oh, WHY? Why won’t somebody save me?!” So we pretended to “rescue” him, and he came running to our open arms.
Now here’s the thing…we are never lost to God. Whether we have been tossed about in an actual tornado, the “storms of life”, or the pretend melodrama of a 4-year-old, God knows exactly where we are…and He is there with us. He is there in the rescues…but He is also with us when it seems that no help will ever come. If we look for Him, we will find Him. The trouble is that too many of us aren’t truly looking.
It’s a pretty safe bet that God is not going to literally tap you on the shoulder and say, “Hey, I’m right here!” So how DO you find God? Start by making Him a part of your daily routine. Talk to Him – often. Read the scriptures and think about the words in terms of your own life. How do they relate to what is happening at this very moment. How can they guide you and give you insights, hope and encouragement? I am confident that you will find that the scriptures are far more relevant and in tune with your life today than you ever imagined. Associate with fellow believers, and learn to share your thoughts and ideas about God…where He is, and how He shows up in your life in all kinds of circumstances.
The next time you feel “lost”…remember that you really aren’t. God is always with you. If you look for Him in earnest, you will find Him. If you make God a part of the very fabric of your life, you will find that He seems to show up more often! He has been there all along…you just didn’t know where to look. And now you do!
©2014 Debbie Robus
You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Through no fault of their own, countless animals found themselves displaced in the April 27th tornados that ravaged central Arkansas. My Facebook wall is littered with photos of pets that have been found…and some who are still lost. I am thrilled every time I read a post about a happy reunion – and there have been many. People are earnestly seeking pets – and their owners – and there are quite a few “success stories”.
A few months ago, we took Timothy and Zola to the park to play after church one Sunday, and Timothy wandered away from the swings and went on an “exploration”. He was walking farther and farther away from us, but I had my eye on him the entire time. At one point, I could hear him yelling, “HELP! HELP! I’m LOST! Somebody save me!”…but of course, he was not lost at all! He would hold his hands to his face and wail, “WHY! Oh, WHY? Why won’t somebody save me?!” So we pretended to “rescue” him, and he came running to our open arms.
Now here’s the thing…we are never lost to God. Whether we have been tossed about in an actual tornado, the “storms of life”, or the pretend melodrama of a 4-year-old, God knows exactly where we are…and He is there with us. He is there in the rescues…but He is also with us when it seems that no help will ever come. If we look for Him, we will find Him. The trouble is that too many of us aren’t truly looking.
It’s a pretty safe bet that God is not going to literally tap you on the shoulder and say, “Hey, I’m right here!” So how DO you find God? Start by making Him a part of your daily routine. Talk to Him – often. Read the scriptures and think about the words in terms of your own life. How do they relate to what is happening at this very moment. How can they guide you and give you insights, hope and encouragement? I am confident that you will find that the scriptures are far more relevant and in tune with your life today than you ever imagined. Associate with fellow believers, and learn to share your thoughts and ideas about God…where He is, and how He shows up in your life in all kinds of circumstances.
The next time you feel “lost”…remember that you really aren’t. God is always with you. If you look for Him in earnest, you will find Him. If you make God a part of the very fabric of your life, you will find that He seems to show up more often! He has been there all along…you just didn’t know where to look. And now you do!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 30, 2013
Titus 1:1-2
From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ.
I encourage God’s own people to have more faith and to understand the truth about religion. Then they will have the hope of eternal life that God promised long ago. And God never tells a lie!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Yesterday when I picked Timothy up, he said (as he often does), “I waited and waited for you to come, and I was worried that you weren’t coming!” I reminded him that his Uncle Greg and I will always come to get him when we say we will… that when we make a promise to him, we will not break it. He can trust us to keep our word. And for the record, I don’t think his mother even told him that we were coming after him until right before I arrived! But he always tells us that he waited and worried that we might not come. And I have to tell you…even if that is a manipulative ploy on the part of a 4-year-old boy… it tugs at my heart to think that he might actually fear that we won’t keep a promise.
As I read this passage and thought about Timothy’s comments, it struck me that God must feel much the same way. He has promised so much to us… and He would never lie to His children. So when we question and doubt… worry and wonder… it has to bother Him. And it also robs us of our hope, faith, confidence and peace.
So how can we combat this? Paul is very clear in his letter to Titus. He challenges us to understand God’s truths… which means to study His word, to spend time in communication with Him through prayer and meditation (listening for God’s voice), and to observe the words and actions of faith-filled Christian disciples in our midst. The old adage that “knowledge is power” has never been more profound than in this instance.
I reminded Timothy again yesterday that he never has to worry that we won’t come for him as promised… or that we will fail to keep any other promises we make to him. The timing may not be to his liking… and the circumstances may not line up perfectly with his expectations, but we will always respond. And God will also respond… to each of us who hopes, trusts, and believes in Him. As Timothy grows older, he will understand more about trust and who keeps their word and makes good on promises… including God. And as we study and understand more about God and the teachings of Jesus, the more our faith and hope will increase.
Are you studying and learning about God? Are you making efforts to increase your knowledge… and to grow your faith and hope in Him? Isn’t it time you did exactly this? As we move toward the New Year and make resolutions about everything under the sun, wouldn’t this be the perfect time to resolve to get to know God better? Will this be the year that you begin to really believe His promises for your life? Shouldn’t it be?
©2013 Debbie Robus
From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ.
I encourage God’s own people to have more faith and to understand the truth about religion. Then they will have the hope of eternal life that God promised long ago. And God never tells a lie!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Yesterday when I picked Timothy up, he said (as he often does), “I waited and waited for you to come, and I was worried that you weren’t coming!” I reminded him that his Uncle Greg and I will always come to get him when we say we will… that when we make a promise to him, we will not break it. He can trust us to keep our word. And for the record, I don’t think his mother even told him that we were coming after him until right before I arrived! But he always tells us that he waited and worried that we might not come. And I have to tell you…even if that is a manipulative ploy on the part of a 4-year-old boy… it tugs at my heart to think that he might actually fear that we won’t keep a promise.
As I read this passage and thought about Timothy’s comments, it struck me that God must feel much the same way. He has promised so much to us… and He would never lie to His children. So when we question and doubt… worry and wonder… it has to bother Him. And it also robs us of our hope, faith, confidence and peace.
So how can we combat this? Paul is very clear in his letter to Titus. He challenges us to understand God’s truths… which means to study His word, to spend time in communication with Him through prayer and meditation (listening for God’s voice), and to observe the words and actions of faith-filled Christian disciples in our midst. The old adage that “knowledge is power” has never been more profound than in this instance.
I reminded Timothy again yesterday that he never has to worry that we won’t come for him as promised… or that we will fail to keep any other promises we make to him. The timing may not be to his liking… and the circumstances may not line up perfectly with his expectations, but we will always respond. And God will also respond… to each of us who hopes, trusts, and believes in Him. As Timothy grows older, he will understand more about trust and who keeps their word and makes good on promises… including God. And as we study and understand more about God and the teachings of Jesus, the more our faith and hope will increase.
Are you studying and learning about God? Are you making efforts to increase your knowledge… and to grow your faith and hope in Him? Isn’t it time you did exactly this? As we move toward the New Year and make resolutions about everything under the sun, wouldn’t this be the perfect time to resolve to get to know God better? Will this be the year that you begin to really believe His promises for your life? Shouldn’t it be?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 7, 2012
Psalm 90:1-2
God, it seems you've been our home forever; long before the mountains were born, long before you brought earth itself to birth, from "once upon a time" to "kingdom come"—you are God.
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.
I can’t tell you how many friends and former classmates I’ve talked with – in person or online – who live somewhere else and tell me, “I am really working toward moving back home. You are so lucky to live in Heber Springs. I want so badly to live there once again.” And indeed, we do live in a wonderful community. What makes this place so special for me is the beauty of this area and the relative simplicity of life here… but just as importantly, many of the other residents who share this community with me.
Like many people who have lived most of their lives in the same place, there is a “pull” to this area. This is home. The thing is… this place existed long before I came into existence… and it will be here long after I am gone. What has made it feel like “home” for me is the experience – the people, the atmosphere, the warmth, comfort, love and security I have felt here. I have lived other places. I could move tomorrow and learn to love another area and its people. But this will always be home for me. There will always be a connection to this community and many of the people in it – both past and present.
For us as Christians, GOD is “home”… forever! He is our warmth, comfort, love and security… our strength and the center of nurture. Long before God created the earth and all that is in it, He knew about us. Isn’t that amazing? Long after we are gone from this earth, GOD will still know our name. In God, we are always… ALWAYS… home!
Do you get a warm, fuzzy feeling when you think about your home town? Does the mention of your home town stir a sense of nostalgia… and evoke feelings of “belonging?” Do you feel this same way when you think about your relationship with God? Are you truly at home with Him? Have you connected with God in such a way that He represents “home” to you, no matter where you find yourself physically?
I encourage you to spend time with God… to get to know Him. Develop the kind of relationship with God that creates an atmosphere where you feel comfortable… where you want to settle in and spend even more time in His presence. Cultivate a relationship where the door is always open… and you always feel welcome… just like at home. Kick your Spiritual “shoes” off and stay a while. You may not be able to live in your physical home town, but God can be your home wherever you are. Have you found your home in Him?
©2012 Debbie Robus
God, it seems you've been our home forever; long before the mountains were born, long before you brought earth itself to birth, from "once upon a time" to "kingdom come"—you are God.
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.
I can’t tell you how many friends and former classmates I’ve talked with – in person or online – who live somewhere else and tell me, “I am really working toward moving back home. You are so lucky to live in Heber Springs. I want so badly to live there once again.” And indeed, we do live in a wonderful community. What makes this place so special for me is the beauty of this area and the relative simplicity of life here… but just as importantly, many of the other residents who share this community with me.
Like many people who have lived most of their lives in the same place, there is a “pull” to this area. This is home. The thing is… this place existed long before I came into existence… and it will be here long after I am gone. What has made it feel like “home” for me is the experience – the people, the atmosphere, the warmth, comfort, love and security I have felt here. I have lived other places. I could move tomorrow and learn to love another area and its people. But this will always be home for me. There will always be a connection to this community and many of the people in it – both past and present.
For us as Christians, GOD is “home”… forever! He is our warmth, comfort, love and security… our strength and the center of nurture. Long before God created the earth and all that is in it, He knew about us. Isn’t that amazing? Long after we are gone from this earth, GOD will still know our name. In God, we are always… ALWAYS… home!
Do you get a warm, fuzzy feeling when you think about your home town? Does the mention of your home town stir a sense of nostalgia… and evoke feelings of “belonging?” Do you feel this same way when you think about your relationship with God? Are you truly at home with Him? Have you connected with God in such a way that He represents “home” to you, no matter where you find yourself physically?
I encourage you to spend time with God… to get to know Him. Develop the kind of relationship with God that creates an atmosphere where you feel comfortable… where you want to settle in and spend even more time in His presence. Cultivate a relationship where the door is always open… and you always feel welcome… just like at home. Kick your Spiritual “shoes” off and stay a while. You may not be able to live in your physical home town, but God can be your home wherever you are. Have you found your home in Him?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 2, 2012
May 2 ~ Ephesians 4:14
We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place.
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.
Please pardon my rather gross analogy today, but when I was teaching kindergarten, a fellow teacher used to tell our 5-year-olds, “Stop picking your nose… you’ll poke out your eye!” Apparently, many of the children believed she was telling the truth. Of course, as they grew older, I’m sure more than a few figured out that this truly would not happen. But the young students, eager to trust their teacher, took her admonishment to heart!
So many of us are like children when it comes to our faith… but not always in a good way. We trust others to tell us God’s truth instead of discovering Him for ourselves. We take the word of men and women – often well-meaning souls – who have decided that “this is what it says in the Bible,” which translates into… “this is what you ought to believe!” So some of us grow up in our faith believing certain interpretations created by man are actually literal scripture references. Sometimes we discover the true word of God in these situations and change our way of thinking… and sometimes we cling to these falsehoods and make them part of our own witness.
We can’t put words in God’s mouth… and we cannot merely accept the word of other “teachers” about what He says. We have to dig deeply on our own and discover God’s message for us. We can stay children who fear poking our eye out, or we can grow up and get to truly know God and what He desires for us.
It’s up to each one of us to decide whether we will stand in confidence that we have heard from God… or whether we will let others toss us about like the wind. Where do you stand today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place.
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.
Please pardon my rather gross analogy today, but when I was teaching kindergarten, a fellow teacher used to tell our 5-year-olds, “Stop picking your nose… you’ll poke out your eye!” Apparently, many of the children believed she was telling the truth. Of course, as they grew older, I’m sure more than a few figured out that this truly would not happen. But the young students, eager to trust their teacher, took her admonishment to heart!
So many of us are like children when it comes to our faith… but not always in a good way. We trust others to tell us God’s truth instead of discovering Him for ourselves. We take the word of men and women – often well-meaning souls – who have decided that “this is what it says in the Bible,” which translates into… “this is what you ought to believe!” So some of us grow up in our faith believing certain interpretations created by man are actually literal scripture references. Sometimes we discover the true word of God in these situations and change our way of thinking… and sometimes we cling to these falsehoods and make them part of our own witness.
We can’t put words in God’s mouth… and we cannot merely accept the word of other “teachers” about what He says. We have to dig deeply on our own and discover God’s message for us. We can stay children who fear poking our eye out, or we can grow up and get to truly know God and what He desires for us.
It’s up to each one of us to decide whether we will stand in confidence that we have heard from God… or whether we will let others toss us about like the wind. Where do you stand today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 25, 2011
Psalm 139:1-4
You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.
You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I recently watched an episode of “Our America with Lisa Ling” about identical twins. Ling pointed out the intense bond she shares with her sister, and she noted that it pales in comparison to the bond shared by identical twins. More than an emotional bond, these siblings share virtually identical DNA. In many, if not most cases, it’s safe to say these twins know all about each other. They finish each other’s sentences and seem to anticipate the other one’s very thoughts. They pretty much function as one unit and often suffer tremendous separation anxiety when they are apart.
Even identical twins separated at birth show incredible similarities when reunited. When interviewed, one set of 50-year-old identical twin sisters said, “People ask us what it’s like to be twins, and we tell them we don’t know what it’s like not to be a twin!” They are of one heart and mind, so to speak, and they know all about each other.
Each of us likes to think we have strong bonds with another… our siblings and other family members, our spouse or significant other, or a best friend. And these relationships are all perfectly honorable and important. But our bond with God trumps all others. He knows us inside and out. The question is… are we doing all we need to know Him in the same manner? We will never be able to know all that God is thinking before He speaks. But we will hopefully learn more about Him every day until we die. We must make our relationship with God a top priority. We must cultivate a close communication with Him that allows us to clearly recognize His voice and even anticipate what He will say to us.
How well do you know God? Is your goal to know God so well and communicate so closely with Him that you don’t know what it would be like not to know Him? Shouldn’t it be?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.
You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I recently watched an episode of “Our America with Lisa Ling” about identical twins. Ling pointed out the intense bond she shares with her sister, and she noted that it pales in comparison to the bond shared by identical twins. More than an emotional bond, these siblings share virtually identical DNA. In many, if not most cases, it’s safe to say these twins know all about each other. They finish each other’s sentences and seem to anticipate the other one’s very thoughts. They pretty much function as one unit and often suffer tremendous separation anxiety when they are apart.
Even identical twins separated at birth show incredible similarities when reunited. When interviewed, one set of 50-year-old identical twin sisters said, “People ask us what it’s like to be twins, and we tell them we don’t know what it’s like not to be a twin!” They are of one heart and mind, so to speak, and they know all about each other.
Each of us likes to think we have strong bonds with another… our siblings and other family members, our spouse or significant other, or a best friend. And these relationships are all perfectly honorable and important. But our bond with God trumps all others. He knows us inside and out. The question is… are we doing all we need to know Him in the same manner? We will never be able to know all that God is thinking before He speaks. But we will hopefully learn more about Him every day until we die. We must make our relationship with God a top priority. We must cultivate a close communication with Him that allows us to clearly recognize His voice and even anticipate what He will say to us.
How well do you know God? Is your goal to know God so well and communicate so closely with Him that you don’t know what it would be like not to know Him? Shouldn’t it be?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 18, 2011
Psalm 130:5-6
With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises. I wait for you more eagerly than a soldier on guard duty waits for the dawn. Yes, I wait more eagerly than a soldier on guard duty waits for the dawn.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Waiting… we aren’t very good at it, are we?! When I was a little girl, the hardest day of the year for me to wait was Christmas morning. I had trouble going to sleep on Christmas Eve when we got home from my grandparents’ farm. I would wake up every hour, if not more often, and check to see if it was time for everyone else to get up. I would sometimes go into the living room and check under the tree… and my mother would send me back to bed! Sometimes I got my sister up and made her play Monopoly or some other game with me in the closet until daylight dawned! It wasn’t just that I couldn’t wait to open my presents… I always got a kick out of watching others open what I had for them under the tree, as well! I thought they should be as eager as I was!
I find it funny that there are so many things we have a hard time waiting on… but waiting on God isn’t always at the top of that list! It should be… and the more I grow in my faith, the more I find myself placing Him there. I am waiting for the day when I see Him face to face… when I snuggle in His lap and have all of the answers and none of the cares! I am waiting for the time when He gives me a “Heavenly assignment” and equips me with everything I need to accomplish it perfectly. Meanwhile, I am waiting… maybe not quite with the anticipation of a child waiting for Christmas morning – yet! …but waiting all the same.
Who are you waiting for? Are you living in eager anticipation of meeting God face to face? Does this excite you? Or are you frightened by the prospect? Do you live in eager anticipation of this day… or some sense of dread and trepidation? I encourage you to talk to God about this. Get to know Him better and learn more about His promises, so that all fears and worries disappear as you grow in your knowledge of Him. Work on your relationship until you can honestly and eagerly say, “With all my heart, I am waiting on the LORD!”
©2011 Debbie Robus
With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises. I wait for you more eagerly than a soldier on guard duty waits for the dawn. Yes, I wait more eagerly than a soldier on guard duty waits for the dawn.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Waiting… we aren’t very good at it, are we?! When I was a little girl, the hardest day of the year for me to wait was Christmas morning. I had trouble going to sleep on Christmas Eve when we got home from my grandparents’ farm. I would wake up every hour, if not more often, and check to see if it was time for everyone else to get up. I would sometimes go into the living room and check under the tree… and my mother would send me back to bed! Sometimes I got my sister up and made her play Monopoly or some other game with me in the closet until daylight dawned! It wasn’t just that I couldn’t wait to open my presents… I always got a kick out of watching others open what I had for them under the tree, as well! I thought they should be as eager as I was!
I find it funny that there are so many things we have a hard time waiting on… but waiting on God isn’t always at the top of that list! It should be… and the more I grow in my faith, the more I find myself placing Him there. I am waiting for the day when I see Him face to face… when I snuggle in His lap and have all of the answers and none of the cares! I am waiting for the time when He gives me a “Heavenly assignment” and equips me with everything I need to accomplish it perfectly. Meanwhile, I am waiting… maybe not quite with the anticipation of a child waiting for Christmas morning – yet! …but waiting all the same.
Who are you waiting for? Are you living in eager anticipation of meeting God face to face? Does this excite you? Or are you frightened by the prospect? Do you live in eager anticipation of this day… or some sense of dread and trepidation? I encourage you to talk to God about this. Get to know Him better and learn more about His promises, so that all fears and worries disappear as you grow in your knowledge of Him. Work on your relationship until you can honestly and eagerly say, “With all my heart, I am waiting on the LORD!”
©2011 Debbie Robus
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