1 Corinthians 14:33
God is not one who likes things to be disorderly and upset. He likes harmony, and he finds it in all the other churches.
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 months ago, I got
serious about cleaning closets and drawers in our house. In particular,
I spent about THREE DAYS working on my laundry/sewing room. Yes, it was
THAT bad! I organized drawers, labeled containers and sorted the
things to put in them. I cleared counter space and cleaned everything
thoroughly. I had come to the point where I said, “I cannot sew another
garment – or make another card – until I get this room in order.” There
was no harmony in that room, and I could not function properly in such
chaos and clutter.
The room isn’t perfect, but I am making a
concerted effort to maintain some semblance of order there. I try to
leave a few minutes at the end of the day/evening to clean up and put
things away. I find that I am more productive in this space now…that my
entire spirit has lifted, because for the most part, there is harmony
and order there.
In our relationship with God, a lot of us need
to spend some time giving things a good cleaning. We have become
scattered and jumped on one bandwagon too many! Are the “old ways” of
worship outdated and no longer relevant? Do we sell everything and give
to the poor and humble ourselves…or does God want us to be rich and
dripping in furs, diamonds and new cars/houses? Do we need to take to
the streets and “meet people where they are”…or do we need to build a
big new sanctuary as a literal “temple to God” that shows others how
much we love Him?
Do we need to raise our hands and play the
music louder…or do we need to “be still and know” His voice? Is God
over and done with worship on wooden pews with traditional hymns and
rituals? Does He now require that our services include a coffee bar,
light show and a full stage of musicians? Are choirs and organs
passé…does God now insist we praise Him with a full orchestra? Is
loving others…visiting the sick, helping the poor and needy, and simply
sharing your personal time and attention with others no longer a valid
way to minister in Jesus’ name? Does He now expect us to have
“programs” for such things?
I have prayed about all of these
questions…and many more…in recent weeks/months, and the answer I keep
getting is this…”Just go…be…do. Operate with order and harmony. Study
My word and see what has worked for centuries. You don’t have to
reinvent the wheel…you just have to do what I ask – to minister in My
name. I will show you how, where and when to do these things. Clear
away the clutter and focus on Me. Fix your eyes on the cross and
Jesus…and give Me space to work!”
I am constantly re-assessing my
craft/sewing/laundry area…checking to see where I might be getting a
little lax or letting some disorder creep back into the space. And we
must do this in our Spiritual lives, also. Every day, we must take a
few minutes to asses our relationship with God…how we are serving Him
and worshiping Him…whether we are truly hearing from Him and following
His lead. God enjoys harmony and order. When we strive to give Him
these things in our own lives, we will be amazed at what He can do in
and through us. I’m ready to get things in order and find out…what
about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label getting your life in order. Show all posts
Showing posts with label getting your life in order. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 18, 2013
May 18 ~ Genesis 6:3
Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In a few months, I hope our four-year-old Timothy will start to pre-K. Today, my almost-18-year-old cousin graduated from high school. My Jr/Sr-high Sunday school students from a few years ago are now graduating from college, beginning careers, getting married and starting their own families. All throughout these life stages, there will be rules and expectations… limits and consequences. For instance, young children have to be reminded over and again about certain things… don’t throw rocks, come when called, don’t hit your sister/brother! We try to be patient as they learn these lessons.
As children become teenagers, the “second chances” diminish. Older kids know that “No means no!” – or they should! By the time we are young adults, there are still instances in which we “test the waters”… but hopefully, most of us understand that life is full of choices, rules, and rewards. There are also consequences when we choose poorly or fail to comply.
This is no different for Christians. God is patient with us... to a point. He waits for us to choose to follow Jesus…granting us free will. He nurtures us in the first weeks/months/years after we become a Christian. God allows for our “humanness” – He understands that we are not perfect and never will be. But there comes a time when His patience wears thin. He will not tolerate “pre-K Christians” forever. And while God will not retract your salvation…He will withhold blessings and rewards.
God will not allow us to fully self-destruct… and possibly take down those around us… at least not indefinitely. He has given us clear guidelines for how to live… rules to follow and a distinct indication of the potential for blessings. God has also detailed the surety of consequences when we choose to go our own way. Just as our patience runs thin with children who don’t seem to learn as they grow… God loses patience with us when there is no progress in our Spiritual journey.
We all know the feeling when our patience wears thin with someone or something. This is not a sentiment that I want God to experience about me and my faith! What about you? Are you trying God’s patience? Isn’t it time you re-examined your life in Christ and determined where you need to make adjustments to get you back on track?
None of us will live forever. But let’s make the most of every minute God gives us on this earth. Let’s live in a way that indicates a deep desire to grow and serve Him each and every day. Let’s live a long, full life in Christ … and give God every reason to be pleased with our progress.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 25, 2012
Mark 11:22-25
Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins."
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 attempted to open a drawer, and it stuck on something? Try as you might, the drawer would only open so far, and then it would catch on whatever was sticking up and trapping the drawer’s forward progress in some manner. If you’re like me, sometimes it’s pretty tough to remove the displaced item and get the drawer to open smoothly…which probably says something about the organization and overall condition of my drawers!
Our personal lives are much like a household drawer… often unorganized and cluttered… perhaps filled to overflowing with all sorts of things. And once in a while, something will get turned “cattywompus” and derail everything. Until we take time to remove the source of our problem, nothing will go smoothly, and certainly “the drawer will not open!”
Let’s be honest… there are times when we just leave the “drawer” ajar and move on for a while. But that situation is not going to change. We have to do something. And in our personal lives, this most often means asking God to forgive us… or to help us forgive someone else. If you ever find that you have a situation where you feel like no answer comes… where you just can’t seem to have a breakthrough… stop and ask yourself, “What is blocking this? Where do I need to make an adjustment? Is there something or someone I need to forgive? Is there someone I need to ask to forgive me?”
Once we “get our drawer straight,” we often find that all sorts of things begin to operate more smoothly. Remember, with God all things are possible. But often, He is waiting on us to tidy up a few things before He delivers an answer or makes good on a promise. When was the last time you gave your drawers a good cleaning and organizing… for real, and in your personal life? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins."
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 attempted to open a drawer, and it stuck on something? Try as you might, the drawer would only open so far, and then it would catch on whatever was sticking up and trapping the drawer’s forward progress in some manner. If you’re like me, sometimes it’s pretty tough to remove the displaced item and get the drawer to open smoothly…which probably says something about the organization and overall condition of my drawers!
Our personal lives are much like a household drawer… often unorganized and cluttered… perhaps filled to overflowing with all sorts of things. And once in a while, something will get turned “cattywompus” and derail everything. Until we take time to remove the source of our problem, nothing will go smoothly, and certainly “the drawer will not open!”
Let’s be honest… there are times when we just leave the “drawer” ajar and move on for a while. But that situation is not going to change. We have to do something. And in our personal lives, this most often means asking God to forgive us… or to help us forgive someone else. If you ever find that you have a situation where you feel like no answer comes… where you just can’t seem to have a breakthrough… stop and ask yourself, “What is blocking this? Where do I need to make an adjustment? Is there something or someone I need to forgive? Is there someone I need to ask to forgive me?”
Once we “get our drawer straight,” we often find that all sorts of things begin to operate more smoothly. Remember, with God all things are possible. But often, He is waiting on us to tidy up a few things before He delivers an answer or makes good on a promise. When was the last time you gave your drawers a good cleaning and organizing… for real, and in your personal life? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 14, 2011
Psalm 144:3-4, 15
I wonder why you care, God — why do you bother with us at all? All we are is a puff of air; we're like shadows in a campfire.
How blessed the people who have all this! How blessed the people who have God for 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.
We are experiencing periods of heavy fog this week. When this happens, Greers Ferry Dam completely disappears from view out our back window. The dense fog keeps us from seeing even the bright lights that line the sides of the dam’s roadway and guide drivers safely from one end to the other. A visitor would never know that a big concrete dam was holding back the water on the river below our house. And the fog can rise very quickly on the river. Often the dam is visible one minute and gone the next.
We like to think about living a long life… and how important each and every minute, day, and year of our lives is in the scheme of things. But truly, we are here one day and gone the next. If you don’t believe me, just think about the past year and what has happened. I remarked to my husband a few days ago that I had to remove the names of several dear friends and loved ones from my Christmas card list, because they have gone to heaven since this time last year. Our lives are very much like a vaporous fog.
So why does God bother with us? He is, after all, GOD! In the time continuum and scheme of things, how can one of us be that important? And yet we are! Each one of us matters greatly to God. Our life, however lengthy or brief, matters. What happens to us – our hopes, dreams, needs, desires, the way we conduct ourselves and how we serve Him – all has significance. And we truly are blessed to have such a God.
Sadly, we take God for granted so much of the time. Amazingly, we fail to honor the One who has done such great things for someone as small as we are in the overall picture. But we can change this… and we can start today. Begin by thanking God in your prayer time for all He does in your life. Then start to live in a way that shows Him you mean what you said. Seek out ways to serve Him… to show kindness and love to others… and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ – in word and deed. Act like you are as important as God thinks you are… and praise Him for choosing us… and for being such a great and mighty God to each of His “vaporous puffs”!
©2011 Debbie Robus
I wonder why you care, God — why do you bother with us at all? All we are is a puff of air; we're like shadows in a campfire.
How blessed the people who have all this! How blessed the people who have God for 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.
We are experiencing periods of heavy fog this week. When this happens, Greers Ferry Dam completely disappears from view out our back window. The dense fog keeps us from seeing even the bright lights that line the sides of the dam’s roadway and guide drivers safely from one end to the other. A visitor would never know that a big concrete dam was holding back the water on the river below our house. And the fog can rise very quickly on the river. Often the dam is visible one minute and gone the next.
We like to think about living a long life… and how important each and every minute, day, and year of our lives is in the scheme of things. But truly, we are here one day and gone the next. If you don’t believe me, just think about the past year and what has happened. I remarked to my husband a few days ago that I had to remove the names of several dear friends and loved ones from my Christmas card list, because they have gone to heaven since this time last year. Our lives are very much like a vaporous fog.
So why does God bother with us? He is, after all, GOD! In the time continuum and scheme of things, how can one of us be that important? And yet we are! Each one of us matters greatly to God. Our life, however lengthy or brief, matters. What happens to us – our hopes, dreams, needs, desires, the way we conduct ourselves and how we serve Him – all has significance. And we truly are blessed to have such a God.
Sadly, we take God for granted so much of the time. Amazingly, we fail to honor the One who has done such great things for someone as small as we are in the overall picture. But we can change this… and we can start today. Begin by thanking God in your prayer time for all He does in your life. Then start to live in a way that shows Him you mean what you said. Seek out ways to serve Him… to show kindness and love to others… and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ – in word and deed. Act like you are as important as God thinks you are… and praise Him for choosing us… and for being such a great and mighty God to each of His “vaporous puffs”!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 6, 2011
Psalm 102:25-27
In the beginning, LORD, you laid the earth's foundation and created the heavens. They will all disappear and wear out like clothes. You change them, as you would a coat, but you last forever. You are always the same. Years cannot change you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I gave my closet what I considered a “good cleaning.” I have items of clothing that are more than a decade old… and some jackets that are even older. I know that a few people are probably saying, “I believe it… no wonder you look so outdated!” But I do not like to get rid of things. And honestly, some of these items are still in style – or they have come back into style – and they have a lot of good “wear” left in them!
Some of my shoes are really well-made and appear to be headed toward lasting forever. Others… like my favorite pair of more-than-10-year-old fake leather boots… recently started to “flake” apart. I had to admit that they were worn out and needed to go. And on closer inspection, a lot of the items I thought I couldn’t live without had seen better days or no longer were right for me. So I sacked and sorted and donated and threw away. And I have to admit… I’m really happy with my “new” closet. Even though there are fewer items there, it seems more orderly and spacious… and what is left seems to make more sense.
This is a good time of year for us to clean our “Spiritual” closet, too. It’s time to let go of some old, outdated – or misinformed – concepts we have and seek a sleeker, cleaner, more organized relationship with God. Because you see, His truths are not going anywhere! The love, grace, mercy, and indisputable word of God will never change. But our level of faith… our attitudes and study habits… our level of communication and connection with God… seems to fluctuate. We appear to change our relationship with God often - like we change our wardrobe!
Wouldn’t it feel good to “clean out the closet” once and for all… to get rid of the old, worn-out habits and ideas that stymie your faith and your walk with God? Wouldn’t it be great to have a “Spiritual closet” filled with the “timeless classics” of a solid relationship with Almighty God and His Holy Spirit? Set aside some time to search your heart… to talk to God about what needs to stay, what is missing… and what needs to go. Then give your heart the “Spiritual cleaning” of a lifetime. This time, vow to keep things in order. With God’s help, we can do this… and our Spiritual life will always be in style.
©2010 Debbie Robus
In the beginning, LORD, you laid the earth's foundation and created the heavens. They will all disappear and wear out like clothes. You change them, as you would a coat, but you last forever. You are always the same. Years cannot change you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I gave my closet what I considered a “good cleaning.” I have items of clothing that are more than a decade old… and some jackets that are even older. I know that a few people are probably saying, “I believe it… no wonder you look so outdated!” But I do not like to get rid of things. And honestly, some of these items are still in style – or they have come back into style – and they have a lot of good “wear” left in them!
Some of my shoes are really well-made and appear to be headed toward lasting forever. Others… like my favorite pair of more-than-10-year-old fake leather boots… recently started to “flake” apart. I had to admit that they were worn out and needed to go. And on closer inspection, a lot of the items I thought I couldn’t live without had seen better days or no longer were right for me. So I sacked and sorted and donated and threw away. And I have to admit… I’m really happy with my “new” closet. Even though there are fewer items there, it seems more orderly and spacious… and what is left seems to make more sense.
This is a good time of year for us to clean our “Spiritual” closet, too. It’s time to let go of some old, outdated – or misinformed – concepts we have and seek a sleeker, cleaner, more organized relationship with God. Because you see, His truths are not going anywhere! The love, grace, mercy, and indisputable word of God will never change. But our level of faith… our attitudes and study habits… our level of communication and connection with God… seems to fluctuate. We appear to change our relationship with God often - like we change our wardrobe!
Wouldn’t it feel good to “clean out the closet” once and for all… to get rid of the old, worn-out habits and ideas that stymie your faith and your walk with God? Wouldn’t it be great to have a “Spiritual closet” filled with the “timeless classics” of a solid relationship with Almighty God and His Holy Spirit? Set aside some time to search your heart… to talk to God about what needs to stay, what is missing… and what needs to go. Then give your heart the “Spiritual cleaning” of a lifetime. This time, vow to keep things in order. With God’s help, we can do this… and our Spiritual life will always be in style.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 1, 2011
Genesis 17:4
I promise that you will be the father of many nations. That's why I now change your name from Abram to Abraham.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When couples marry, the bride often changes her surname to that of the groom to signify her commitment and the beginning of a new life. While we don’t go to the extreme of changing our name on January 1st, many of us will vow to make significant changes in our lives… weight loss, kicking habits, getting a degree, starting an exercise program… maybe even starting a new career or moving to a new location! Change is inevitable… and often, change is good!
Making changes of a Spiritual nature are often just what The Doctor ordered. This is a great time to take stock of our Christian life and see where we need to make a few changes. Maybe we need to reinforce our prayer life. Maybe we need to confess a few sins and start living more like a disciple of Christ and less like the devil’s agent. Maybe we need to commit to serving God more and ourself a little less. Or maybe there are some who still need to make major changes – give their heart to Jesus and invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within their heart.
Whatever Spiritual changes you make, today is the perfect time to begin. The other changes you want to incorporate may be important – and positive – but nothing will trump your efforts to become more in tune with God’s will for your life. Spend some time today talking to Him about how and where to start… and Happy New Year! May the coming year be the best, most blessed year you’ve experienced yet!
©2010 Debbie Robus
I promise that you will be the father of many nations. That's why I now change your name from Abram to Abraham.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When couples marry, the bride often changes her surname to that of the groom to signify her commitment and the beginning of a new life. While we don’t go to the extreme of changing our name on January 1st, many of us will vow to make significant changes in our lives… weight loss, kicking habits, getting a degree, starting an exercise program… maybe even starting a new career or moving to a new location! Change is inevitable… and often, change is good!
Making changes of a Spiritual nature are often just what The Doctor ordered. This is a great time to take stock of our Christian life and see where we need to make a few changes. Maybe we need to reinforce our prayer life. Maybe we need to confess a few sins and start living more like a disciple of Christ and less like the devil’s agent. Maybe we need to commit to serving God more and ourself a little less. Or maybe there are some who still need to make major changes – give their heart to Jesus and invite the Holy Spirit to dwell within their heart.
Whatever Spiritual changes you make, today is the perfect time to begin. The other changes you want to incorporate may be important – and positive – but nothing will trump your efforts to become more in tune with God’s will for your life. Spend some time today talking to Him about how and where to start… and Happy New Year! May the coming year be the best, most blessed year you’ve experienced yet!
©2010 Debbie Robus
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