May 27 ~ Psalm 24:1
The earth belongs to God! Everything in all the world is his!
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 friend shared a video
this morning of a woman talking about how she reached a point in her
life where she felt quite sure she had become invisible. She would go
into a room and ask her children to turn down the television…and they
would ignore her. She walked up to her husband at a party (after they
had been there for several hours) and signaled that she was ready to
leave…and he kept talking to his friends. She said it hit her…”I am
invisible.”
Then a friend gave her a beautiful book filled with
photos of ancient cathedrals. Picture after picture carried a
note…”builder unknown.” The friend had written a note inside the book
that essentially said, “You are building important things that others
may never acknowledge…but God knows.” The mom realized that it didn’t
matter if her kids brought their friends home to visit and bragged about
all she did…as long as they came home and brought their friends. It
didn’t matter whether she was physically acknowledged…as long as God was
glorified.
A lot of us want to ask, “What’s in it for me?” The
real question we should be asking is, “Am I being a good steward of what
belongs to God?”…because truly, EVERYTHING belongs to Him. He created
ALL of us…He designed us to serve His purposes. Our job is to make sure
that GOD is seen…yet many of us turn this around and try to make it
about us. We scramble to make sure that WE are seen and heard…and that our efforts are recognized.
The
message for today is that God sees you…He hears you…He knows your
efforts to serve Him (and of the ones that fall short). And He loves
you…warts and all. Stop trying so hard to be noticed and focus more on
putting God – and the mission(s) He has given you - in the spotlight.
Take yourself a little less seriously and put the emphasis on seeking
God’s will…and making it your own. Let your ultimate recognition be
God’s whisper of a “well done” – and the blessings that He is waiting to
shower upon you.
Nobody ever said being a Christian disciple
would be easy…or filled with accolades, wealth, or fame. The earth –
and everything in all the world – belongs to God. Are you making a
point – or making a difference? What will you do as His earthly
steward?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label glorifying God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label glorifying God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 5, 2016
Psalm 99:1-3
God rules. On your toes, everybody!
He rules from his angel throne—take notice!
God looms majestic in Zion,
He towers in splendor over all the big names.
Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you!
Holy. Yes, holy.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When we were looking through things at my Mother’s, we found a little “Tell-a-Tales" book that had belonged to my maternal grandmother. She read it to my sister, brother and me when we were children. The book…Little Black Sambo. Today, I read this book to Nathan before his nap.
Some of you may think I am politically incorrect to share this book with our little ones. But let me remind you of the story, if you don’t remember it or have never heard it. Little Black Sambo’s parents are Black Jumbo (the father) and Black Mumbo (the mother). Black Jumbo goes to the bazaar and buys a suit of clothing for Little Black Sambo…a jacket, pants, shoes, and a parasol (umbrella). Remember, this book was written in 1899!
Little Black Sambo feels truly fine and regal in his new clothes. But as he goes through the jungle, he encounters tigers…and one by one, they strip him of his clothing under the threat of “eating him up!” Little Black Sambo convinces the evil tigers to take his articles of clothing instead…and each tiger declares himself to be “the grandest tiger in the jungle.”
Ultimately, the tigers meet up and get into a fight over who truly is the grandest. They grab each other by the tail and begin to chase themselves around a tree - until there is nothing left but a big puddle of pure butter. Black Jumbo happens along and discovers the butter and takes it home to his family. Black Mumbo makes pancakes for the family and fries them in the butter. And Little Black Sambo gathers up his clothing and returns home to enjoy his pancakes.
I cannot tell you how many times we read this story when I was a child. And the lesson we learned was not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought…that we are not “all that and a bag of chips”…and that “things” do not make you grand or powerful – and thinking otherwise can get you into a lot of trouble!
A lot of people have gotten into a battle with each other and are chasing around and around a palm tree (metaphorically) in competition for the title of “Most Powerful” or “Grandest in the Jungle!” And as you can see from this children’s story, the end result is often anything but what these “tigers” expected!
In my mind, we should be like “Little Black Sambo”…going about our business…serving God…respecting His authority and supremacy…and refusing to buy into the tricks of the “tigers” in our lives. Better to give them our shirt or shoes than to risk either becoming like them – or being swallowed up by them. These agents of the devil hold no true power, if we stay focused on God. Their names will never be as big as His…or as brightly spotlighted. They can put on fancy shoes or a beautifully tailored jacket and pretend to be majestic or persuasive. But those who trust in God and listen for His voice know Who is really in charge!
My question today is this…”Who are you chasing…God or the devil’s ‘tigers’?” Have you bought into their lies and joined the pack that chases its tails in vain? Aren’t you ready to step back and regroup – to shift your focus to the One who deserves to be honored and glorified? Make this the day that you step up on your toes and shout to the Heavens, “God is my King…let everyone praise Him! Holy, yes, HOLY! Amen and AMEN!” Let this be your battle cry - and your defining statement…forever and always.
©2016 Debbie Robus
God rules. On your toes, everybody!
He rules from his angel throne—take notice!
God looms majestic in Zion,
He towers in splendor over all the big names.
Great and terrible your beauty: let everyone praise you!
Holy. Yes, holy.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When we were looking through things at my Mother’s, we found a little “Tell-a-Tales" book that had belonged to my maternal grandmother. She read it to my sister, brother and me when we were children. The book…Little Black Sambo. Today, I read this book to Nathan before his nap.
Some of you may think I am politically incorrect to share this book with our little ones. But let me remind you of the story, if you don’t remember it or have never heard it. Little Black Sambo’s parents are Black Jumbo (the father) and Black Mumbo (the mother). Black Jumbo goes to the bazaar and buys a suit of clothing for Little Black Sambo…a jacket, pants, shoes, and a parasol (umbrella). Remember, this book was written in 1899!
Little Black Sambo feels truly fine and regal in his new clothes. But as he goes through the jungle, he encounters tigers…and one by one, they strip him of his clothing under the threat of “eating him up!” Little Black Sambo convinces the evil tigers to take his articles of clothing instead…and each tiger declares himself to be “the grandest tiger in the jungle.”
Ultimately, the tigers meet up and get into a fight over who truly is the grandest. They grab each other by the tail and begin to chase themselves around a tree - until there is nothing left but a big puddle of pure butter. Black Jumbo happens along and discovers the butter and takes it home to his family. Black Mumbo makes pancakes for the family and fries them in the butter. And Little Black Sambo gathers up his clothing and returns home to enjoy his pancakes.
I cannot tell you how many times we read this story when I was a child. And the lesson we learned was not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought…that we are not “all that and a bag of chips”…and that “things” do not make you grand or powerful – and thinking otherwise can get you into a lot of trouble!
A lot of people have gotten into a battle with each other and are chasing around and around a palm tree (metaphorically) in competition for the title of “Most Powerful” or “Grandest in the Jungle!” And as you can see from this children’s story, the end result is often anything but what these “tigers” expected!
In my mind, we should be like “Little Black Sambo”…going about our business…serving God…respecting His authority and supremacy…and refusing to buy into the tricks of the “tigers” in our lives. Better to give them our shirt or shoes than to risk either becoming like them – or being swallowed up by them. These agents of the devil hold no true power, if we stay focused on God. Their names will never be as big as His…or as brightly spotlighted. They can put on fancy shoes or a beautifully tailored jacket and pretend to be majestic or persuasive. But those who trust in God and listen for His voice know Who is really in charge!
My question today is this…”Who are you chasing…God or the devil’s ‘tigers’?” Have you bought into their lies and joined the pack that chases its tails in vain? Aren’t you ready to step back and regroup – to shift your focus to the One who deserves to be honored and glorified? Make this the day that you step up on your toes and shout to the Heavens, “God is my King…let everyone praise Him! Holy, yes, HOLY! Amen and AMEN!” Let this be your battle cry - and your defining statement…forever and always.
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 23, 2012
Romans 12:3
I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The final two contestants on American Idol were 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, from San Diego, California… and 21-year-old Phillip Phillips, from Leesburg, Georgia. Both have amazing talent. Sanchez sings like someone almost twice her age. Phillips has a knack for sounding like a lot of musical artists… and creating his own “sound” as well. Neither of these young people were taught how to do these things… their talent is a God-given gift. For either of them to take personal credit for their abilities – or the ultimate title of American Idol – would be ludicrous. With coaching and instruction, each would probably be a good singer/entertainer. But what sets them apart from the average singer in any town in America is an extraordinary talent – a gift from God.
There are things we can accomplish on our own, perhaps. We can study and learn… we can exercise and build muscle mass and strength… we can practice playing a musical instrument and become fairly adept at creating a pretty sound. But for everything we can do “on our own,” there are countless things that we would never be able to accomplish without God’s help… His grace, mercy, love and blessings. And honestly, our ability to learn anything is in itself a gift from God. If God had not blessed us with the capability to absorb knowledge… or to move physically… we would never be able to learn or move! Everything we have and are is a gift from God!
Knowing this… why on earth would we ever take credit for things? Why would we ever think we are better than we really are? We are only as good as the gifts God gives us – and what we do with them. Does that mean that some of us could not do a whole lot better? Do many of us squander what God has given us? Absolutely! Do most of us fail to fully recognize and acknowledge God’s presence in our lives? Most certainly! So what are we doing about this? Shouldn’t our aim become to do better at giving credit where credit is due? Isn’t it time we focused on praising God for all He has done for us… all He has given us… and putting our own ego in the back seat?
God may not be calling us to be the next American Idol, rocket scientist, or CEO of a major corporation. He may be calling us to be the best “ordinary” servant we can be. Our job is to pay attention… to be ready to serve however and wherever God desires… and to give Him all the glory for what He accomplishes in and through us. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The final two contestants on American Idol were 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, from San Diego, California… and 21-year-old Phillip Phillips, from Leesburg, Georgia. Both have amazing talent. Sanchez sings like someone almost twice her age. Phillips has a knack for sounding like a lot of musical artists… and creating his own “sound” as well. Neither of these young people were taught how to do these things… their talent is a God-given gift. For either of them to take personal credit for their abilities – or the ultimate title of American Idol – would be ludicrous. With coaching and instruction, each would probably be a good singer/entertainer. But what sets them apart from the average singer in any town in America is an extraordinary talent – a gift from God.
There are things we can accomplish on our own, perhaps. We can study and learn… we can exercise and build muscle mass and strength… we can practice playing a musical instrument and become fairly adept at creating a pretty sound. But for everything we can do “on our own,” there are countless things that we would never be able to accomplish without God’s help… His grace, mercy, love and blessings. And honestly, our ability to learn anything is in itself a gift from God. If God had not blessed us with the capability to absorb knowledge… or to move physically… we would never be able to learn or move! Everything we have and are is a gift from God!
Knowing this… why on earth would we ever take credit for things? Why would we ever think we are better than we really are? We are only as good as the gifts God gives us – and what we do with them. Does that mean that some of us could not do a whole lot better? Do many of us squander what God has given us? Absolutely! Do most of us fail to fully recognize and acknowledge God’s presence in our lives? Most certainly! So what are we doing about this? Shouldn’t our aim become to do better at giving credit where credit is due? Isn’t it time we focused on praising God for all He has done for us… all He has given us… and putting our own ego in the back seat?
God may not be calling us to be the next American Idol, rocket scientist, or CEO of a major corporation. He may be calling us to be the best “ordinary” servant we can be. Our job is to pay attention… to be ready to serve however and wherever God desires… and to give Him all the glory for what He accomplishes in and through us. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 21, 2011
Luke 11:2-4
So he said, "When you pray, say,
Father,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil."
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 all familiar with “The Lord’s Prayer.” We all learned to recite it at a very early age, and each of us can probably recite a version of it without even thinking. And this is part of the problem. We can recite the words to this prayer, but we give very little thought to what we are saying.
I believe we can read the same passage of scripture many times and take away something completely different in each instance. For me, one verse in particular stood out recently… “Set the world right.” This is the “Thy will be done on earth and in Heaven” verse… but “Set the world right” really rang home with me.
Whatever is happening in your “world” right now, God can set right. Whatever troubles you have… heartaches… challenges… disappointments… frustrations… struggles… sins… He can handle all of them. God will be there to celebrate your highest highs… and to lift you from your lowest lows. And in the process, He will feed your body and your soul, forgive you when you disappoint, and help you overcome the temptations of the devil.
I’ve prayed this prayer several times in recent days. My 46-year-old cousin, Carla Lou, died on Palm Sunday. She suffered a brain aneurysm while attending a college class reunion in Little Rock. This left us shocked and confused… why was someone so young and in seemingly good health taken from us? Why had we not communicated more in recent years after she moved to Ohio? How do we process the fact that in the blink of an eye, she is just gone forever?
Through all of these questions, and more, I’ve heard this phrase repeated over and over, “God will set the world right.” He knows my heartaches… and yours. He knows what I need at this very moment… and He will deliver exactly that… and He stands ready to do the same for you!
“The Lord’s Prayer” is a great model for our everyday prayers. The points covered in these two verses are a great basis for our conversations with God… starting with praise and ending with an acknowledgment that His Kingdom is forever and ever. But let’s remember to stop and truly think about what we are saying when we recite this prayer – or when we pray at any time. Make your words count… speak from the heart, and truly communicate with God. He’s waiting to hear from us… to set our world right… and to meet every one of our needs. “Our Father, who art in heaven… set my world right…and be glorified.”
©2011 Debbie Robus
So he said, "When you pray, say,
Father,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil."
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 all familiar with “The Lord’s Prayer.” We all learned to recite it at a very early age, and each of us can probably recite a version of it without even thinking. And this is part of the problem. We can recite the words to this prayer, but we give very little thought to what we are saying.
I believe we can read the same passage of scripture many times and take away something completely different in each instance. For me, one verse in particular stood out recently… “Set the world right.” This is the “Thy will be done on earth and in Heaven” verse… but “Set the world right” really rang home with me.
Whatever is happening in your “world” right now, God can set right. Whatever troubles you have… heartaches… challenges… disappointments… frustrations… struggles… sins… He can handle all of them. God will be there to celebrate your highest highs… and to lift you from your lowest lows. And in the process, He will feed your body and your soul, forgive you when you disappoint, and help you overcome the temptations of the devil.
I’ve prayed this prayer several times in recent days. My 46-year-old cousin, Carla Lou, died on Palm Sunday. She suffered a brain aneurysm while attending a college class reunion in Little Rock. This left us shocked and confused… why was someone so young and in seemingly good health taken from us? Why had we not communicated more in recent years after she moved to Ohio? How do we process the fact that in the blink of an eye, she is just gone forever?
Through all of these questions, and more, I’ve heard this phrase repeated over and over, “God will set the world right.” He knows my heartaches… and yours. He knows what I need at this very moment… and He will deliver exactly that… and He stands ready to do the same for you!
“The Lord’s Prayer” is a great model for our everyday prayers. The points covered in these two verses are a great basis for our conversations with God… starting with praise and ending with an acknowledgment that His Kingdom is forever and ever. But let’s remember to stop and truly think about what we are saying when we recite this prayer – or when we pray at any time. Make your words count… speak from the heart, and truly communicate with God. He’s waiting to hear from us… to set our world right… and to meet every one of our needs. “Our Father, who art in heaven… set my world right…and be glorified.”
©2011 Debbie Robus
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