John 4:25-30
The woman said, “I don’t know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we’ll get the whole story.”
“I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.”
Just
then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn’t believe
he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all
thinking, but their faces showed it.
The woman took the hint and
left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she
told the people, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did,
who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?”
And they went out to see for themselves.
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.
There are several television
shows now that feature “mediums” – people who claim they can talk to the
spirits of our loved ones who have “passed over” and deliver messages
to us. Skepticism abounds…but invariably, each “medium” is able to
deliver information that at least seems so personal and tailored
to us that no other living soul would know this. We MUST be hearing
from our departed friend or loved one.
Children love to role play
– to pretend to be someone other than themselves. And often, in order
to be included in their game, they will say, “What’s the password?” We
have to provide the right word or clue in order for them to accept us.
I
honestly don’t know if there are people who can communicate with the
dead. And I will be the first to tell you that there have been several
times when I have not known the proper “password” to be included in one
of our kids’ games. But when it comes to Jesus, neither of these
vehicles are necessary. And I am so glad, because I do NOT want to miss
Him!
Do we really need so much proof? Does Jesus have to appear
to us like a psychic or medium and say, “You did ABC on this day” and
“XYZ happened to you at some point in time!”? Do we have to have signs
and wonders or the presentation of stories and events about which no one
else could possibly have knowledge in order to believe that Jesus
really is with us?
How well do you know Jesus? Do you
readily recognize His presence in your daily living? Are you fully
aware of the Holy Spirit's existence within your heart? Have you invited
Him to dwell there? Do you need to gather friends, neighbors and
relatives and examine physical “proof” in order to find Jesus in your
life? Or are you so attuned to His voice…the word of God…the Holy
Spirit and how Jesus intricately orchestrates every second of your life
that you KNOW that He is with you?
Just as importantly, do
others see Jesus with you? Do they readily recognize the presence of
Jesus in everything from your facial expressions and body language to
how you actually conduct the daily business of your life and treat each
person you encounter?
Some of us have acknowledged Jesus, while
others have walked right past Him. Many are questioning His existence
in some manner. Jesus’ words to the woman at the well are equally true
for you and me…we don’t have to wait any longer or look any further. He
is HERE…Jesus is with us NOW - and for all eternity. Do you see him?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label hearing from God's Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hearing from God's Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 5, 2016
1 John 2:24-27
Keep thinking about the message you first heard, and you will always be one in your heart with the Son and with the Father. The Son has promised us eternal life.
I am writing to warn you about those people who are misleading you. But Christ has blessed you with the Holy Spirit. Now the Spirit stays in you, and you don’t need any teachers. The Spirit is truthful and teaches you everything. So stay one in your heart with Christ, just as the Spirit has taught you to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In reading some of my mother’s prayer journals – and yes, she had SEVERAL – I came across an entry from a couple of years ago alongside a devotional titled, “A Mother’s Blessing.” My mother wrote, “I would like to say that I encouraged my children. But I don’t know. I fear that I may have imposed myself – my aspirations for them – my thinking of what was right, good – best – for them. I can only hope that each one knows – feels – the love I’ve always had for them. One of the largest blessings – the greatest privilege – in my life is to be a mother. She went on to talk about how a lot of how she perceived herself for much of her life was through her own mother’s opinions. And she concluded…”Yet, I am thankful for a mother who took me to church…who fed, clothed and sheltered me well…who encouraged me in school and in music.”
I share these personal insights to tell you that we will always be surrounded by opinions. A lot of people will have aspirations – and plans – for our lives. I admit…I picture Timothy, Zola, and Nathan as college graduates with “successful” careers and happy families…I desire that they excel in school and extracurricular activities and have tons of friends and happy relationships.
But what I most want for them…what really matters…is that they know Jesus…that their little hearts are filled with the Holy Spirit. Then - and only then – can they truly succeed and “excel.” With the Holy Spirit as their “heartsong,” they can overcome any obstacle or difficulty…they will have a core confidence and wisdom…and they will know the truest love of all.
THIS is what my mother desired for my sister, brother and me…and what her mother desired for her own daughters. This is what God desires for all of His children, including you and me…and what we should strive to instill in our own offspring and others in our circle of influence. Instead of worrying whether we are developing good athletes or the next President of the United States, we should be focused on developing Christ’s next disciples…and demonstrating in our own lives that we are powered by His Holy Spirit.
There is only one opinion that matters…and it doesn’t belong to your best friend…your parents or family members…your teachers, coaches or pastor…or your “significant other.” The opinion we must seek and nurture is that of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. If we stay one in heart with Him…He will guide each and every step of our lives, and we will know true “success.”
The question of the day is this…”Whose ‘heartsong’ guides you?” Let this be the day that you quit worrying about the opinions of others and start to focus on the One who really makes a difference!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Keep thinking about the message you first heard, and you will always be one in your heart with the Son and with the Father. The Son has promised us eternal life.
I am writing to warn you about those people who are misleading you. But Christ has blessed you with the Holy Spirit. Now the Spirit stays in you, and you don’t need any teachers. The Spirit is truthful and teaches you everything. So stay one in your heart with Christ, just as the Spirit has taught you to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In reading some of my mother’s prayer journals – and yes, she had SEVERAL – I came across an entry from a couple of years ago alongside a devotional titled, “A Mother’s Blessing.” My mother wrote, “I would like to say that I encouraged my children. But I don’t know. I fear that I may have imposed myself – my aspirations for them – my thinking of what was right, good – best – for them. I can only hope that each one knows – feels – the love I’ve always had for them. One of the largest blessings – the greatest privilege – in my life is to be a mother. She went on to talk about how a lot of how she perceived herself for much of her life was through her own mother’s opinions. And she concluded…”Yet, I am thankful for a mother who took me to church…who fed, clothed and sheltered me well…who encouraged me in school and in music.”
I share these personal insights to tell you that we will always be surrounded by opinions. A lot of people will have aspirations – and plans – for our lives. I admit…I picture Timothy, Zola, and Nathan as college graduates with “successful” careers and happy families…I desire that they excel in school and extracurricular activities and have tons of friends and happy relationships.
But what I most want for them…what really matters…is that they know Jesus…that their little hearts are filled with the Holy Spirit. Then - and only then – can they truly succeed and “excel.” With the Holy Spirit as their “heartsong,” they can overcome any obstacle or difficulty…they will have a core confidence and wisdom…and they will know the truest love of all.
THIS is what my mother desired for my sister, brother and me…and what her mother desired for her own daughters. This is what God desires for all of His children, including you and me…and what we should strive to instill in our own offspring and others in our circle of influence. Instead of worrying whether we are developing good athletes or the next President of the United States, we should be focused on developing Christ’s next disciples…and demonstrating in our own lives that we are powered by His Holy Spirit.
There is only one opinion that matters…and it doesn’t belong to your best friend…your parents or family members…your teachers, coaches or pastor…or your “significant other.” The opinion we must seek and nurture is that of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. If we stay one in heart with Him…He will guide each and every step of our lives, and we will know true “success.”
The question of the day is this…”Whose ‘heartsong’ guides you?” Let this be the day that you quit worrying about the opinions of others and start to focus on the One who really makes a difference!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 29, 2016
1 Corinthians 2:14
But the man who isn’t a Christian can’t understand and can’t accept these thoughts from God, which the Holy Spirit teaches us. They sound foolish to him because only those who have the Holy Spirit within them can understand what the Holy Spirit means. Others just can’t take it in.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Have you ever had a change in plans that turned out to be a real “blessing in disguise?” Has someone ever quite shown up – literally or symbolically – in your life at just the right time? How many times have you wondered, “How did that happen?” or “How did he/she know what I needed?”
We all have these experiences. And for some of us, they truly are a mystery. But for those of us who are attuned to the Holy Spirit, we know better! The more I get to know God and understand how He works in my life, the more often I recognize when His Holy Spirit shows up – and frequently shows out!
Every day, God orchestrates the events of our lives. Just recently, I have noticed how many times I start to work on a devotional and a particular scripture passage…and that very concept will be the theme of my passage from a devotional book…or someone will mention a scripture on Facebook, and it dovetails neatly with what I have just read/written! There are days when I know that God is completely guiding me to write in a certain direction…and days when I feel the Holy Spirit leading me down a totally different path.
For a long time, I was like many people...somewhat awed – and at times even rattled - by how things just seemed to “happen.” Now I know better. And yes, there are times that I say to someone, “The Holy Spirit did that!” – and they look at me like I am from Mars. But I know His voice…and I hope that by sharing this, they will come to know it, too! I want others to think of the Holy Spirit as a friend and comforter…not some ghostly apparition that is meant to scare and intimidate us! When I was a child, most adults referred to “the Holy Ghost”…and I didn’t have a clue who or what that was! Now I know…and I am so glad!
I want others to understand how the Holy Spirit can work in our lives. I am learning to rest in His daily “steering” of me in the right direction…and I want others to do the same. So I am glad to point out when the Holy Spirit orchestrates events in my life and creates a far better situation than I ever could. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
But the man who isn’t a Christian can’t understand and can’t accept these thoughts from God, which the Holy Spirit teaches us. They sound foolish to him because only those who have the Holy Spirit within them can understand what the Holy Spirit means. Others just can’t take it in.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Have you ever had a change in plans that turned out to be a real “blessing in disguise?” Has someone ever quite shown up – literally or symbolically – in your life at just the right time? How many times have you wondered, “How did that happen?” or “How did he/she know what I needed?”
We all have these experiences. And for some of us, they truly are a mystery. But for those of us who are attuned to the Holy Spirit, we know better! The more I get to know God and understand how He works in my life, the more often I recognize when His Holy Spirit shows up – and frequently shows out!
Every day, God orchestrates the events of our lives. Just recently, I have noticed how many times I start to work on a devotional and a particular scripture passage…and that very concept will be the theme of my passage from a devotional book…or someone will mention a scripture on Facebook, and it dovetails neatly with what I have just read/written! There are days when I know that God is completely guiding me to write in a certain direction…and days when I feel the Holy Spirit leading me down a totally different path.
For a long time, I was like many people...somewhat awed – and at times even rattled - by how things just seemed to “happen.” Now I know better. And yes, there are times that I say to someone, “The Holy Spirit did that!” – and they look at me like I am from Mars. But I know His voice…and I hope that by sharing this, they will come to know it, too! I want others to think of the Holy Spirit as a friend and comforter…not some ghostly apparition that is meant to scare and intimidate us! When I was a child, most adults referred to “the Holy Ghost”…and I didn’t have a clue who or what that was! Now I know…and I am so glad!
I want others to understand how the Holy Spirit can work in our lives. I am learning to rest in His daily “steering” of me in the right direction…and I want others to do the same. So I am glad to point out when the Holy Spirit orchestrates events in my life and creates a far better situation than I ever could. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 28, 2016
1 Corinthians 2:10-13
The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you’re thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he’s thinking, but he lets us in on it.
God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
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.
Regretfully, I have been unable to find a hand-written copy of my mother’s signature Chicken Pie recipe. Mother served this dish at virtually every family dinner…particularly in the last few years. I know it took her a couple of days to create, because she would boil a chicken one day, debone it the next, then skim the broth and add peas and carrots and seasonings to make the filling. Then she topped this with homemade biscuits. Just last fall, I told her, “I do not have a copy of your Chicken Pie recipe.” She replied, “Well, I’ll have to see what I can do about that!” Things deteriorated quickly, and she never got this done.
One of Mother’s lifelong friends has graciously shared HER recipe, which is similar, but not quite the same. One of my “other mothers” and I have discussed the dish and tried to figure out how to improvise and come close to the original. In the end, I will probably have to do some “trial and error” runs and hope that my mother speaks to me from heaven and guides my efforts.
The beautiful thing about our relationship with God is that we don’t have to guess and wonder. There is no such thing as “trial and error.” As we read in this passage, all we have to do is stay attuned to the word and will of God…to communicate with the Holy Spirit and genuinely seek His guidance…and He will give it to us. The more you learn to focus on Jesus and listen for His Holy Spirit, the easier it becomes to know that you know that you know that He is guiding you. And just like when we recreate an unwritten recipe, we can demonstrate to others how to operate in this confidence in Jesus and the Holy Spirit, also.
I used to ask my Mam-ma Polly for recipes, and she would say, “Sugar, I just need to show you.” Because I knew I would not necessarily remember all that she told me, I did coax her to write down a lot of the recipes that she demonstrated to me. And we do have a written “back-up” of Jesus’ commands and teachings to share with others in the Holy Bible. But God wants us to live in such a way that we physically illustrate to others what it means to operate fully in His will…to listen for Jesus speaking through His Holy Spirit…and to confidently act on His wishes.
I’ll do my best to reconstruct the chicken pie, because when we eat it, my family and I will remember my mother and how much love she poured into it. And I will do my best to operate in the will of Jesus as He speaks to me via the Holy Spirit, so that I can share His love for us with those in my circle of influence. If we all do this, imagine what we could accomplish for God’s Kingdom! What do you say…are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you’re thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he’s thinking, but he lets us in on it.
God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
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.
Regretfully, I have been unable to find a hand-written copy of my mother’s signature Chicken Pie recipe. Mother served this dish at virtually every family dinner…particularly in the last few years. I know it took her a couple of days to create, because she would boil a chicken one day, debone it the next, then skim the broth and add peas and carrots and seasonings to make the filling. Then she topped this with homemade biscuits. Just last fall, I told her, “I do not have a copy of your Chicken Pie recipe.” She replied, “Well, I’ll have to see what I can do about that!” Things deteriorated quickly, and she never got this done.
One of Mother’s lifelong friends has graciously shared HER recipe, which is similar, but not quite the same. One of my “other mothers” and I have discussed the dish and tried to figure out how to improvise and come close to the original. In the end, I will probably have to do some “trial and error” runs and hope that my mother speaks to me from heaven and guides my efforts.
The beautiful thing about our relationship with God is that we don’t have to guess and wonder. There is no such thing as “trial and error.” As we read in this passage, all we have to do is stay attuned to the word and will of God…to communicate with the Holy Spirit and genuinely seek His guidance…and He will give it to us. The more you learn to focus on Jesus and listen for His Holy Spirit, the easier it becomes to know that you know that you know that He is guiding you. And just like when we recreate an unwritten recipe, we can demonstrate to others how to operate in this confidence in Jesus and the Holy Spirit, also.
I used to ask my Mam-ma Polly for recipes, and she would say, “Sugar, I just need to show you.” Because I knew I would not necessarily remember all that she told me, I did coax her to write down a lot of the recipes that she demonstrated to me. And we do have a written “back-up” of Jesus’ commands and teachings to share with others in the Holy Bible. But God wants us to live in such a way that we physically illustrate to others what it means to operate fully in His will…to listen for Jesus speaking through His Holy Spirit…and to confidently act on His wishes.
I’ll do my best to reconstruct the chicken pie, because when we eat it, my family and I will remember my mother and how much love she poured into it. And I will do my best to operate in the will of Jesus as He speaks to me via the Holy Spirit, so that I can share His love for us with those in my circle of influence. If we all do this, imagine what we could accomplish for God’s Kingdom! What do you say…are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 6, 2015
Philippians 4:13
…for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve been working on a lesson for 4th and 5th graders for this Sunday, and the objective is that “Jesus still has the power to perform miracles today as we pray.” There are several activities that we will conduct during the class to demonstrate how there are things that we cannot do under our own power – and how Jesus can “make a way where we see none.” I’m not necessarily talking about physical actions, like walking on water…but more the miracles and “intangible” thoughts and experiences that Jesus helps us with each day.
In our lifetimes, we will all encounter situations and circumstances that seem impossible to handle…setbacks, illnesses, the death of loved ones, disappointments. We will all face challenges…from how to get up and speak in front of a group when we are scared stiff to trepidation about traveling in bad weather…to passing that chemistry test that has us worried sick or surviving a baby’s bout with colic on little to no sleep…to starting a new job, class, or small group. There will be times when we have no clue about how we are to proceed – or what decision is the right one. There will be nights when sleep doesn’t come…and days that we think won’t ever end. And Jesus can help us with all of them.
Sunday, I hope that the children will learn more about the power of prayer and how to keep Jesus close at all times. We will hopefully gain a better understanding of his strength and power…and a key point in this scripture - that Jesus strengthens and empowers us to do all that God desires for us. In other words, there will be times when we do not get the wishes of our heart…because they don’t line up with God’s plans. But when we learn to trust Jesus’ answers and recognize that His guidance is perfect, we confidently operate in His power and find lasting peace.
This is one of my favorite Bible verses. I know that God’s plans for my life are perfect. When I listen for His voice and follow His lead, I know that the power of Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit will always guide me to the right answers - and protect me perfectly. With Christ’s strength and power, I truly can do everything that God asks me to do. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
…for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve been working on a lesson for 4th and 5th graders for this Sunday, and the objective is that “Jesus still has the power to perform miracles today as we pray.” There are several activities that we will conduct during the class to demonstrate how there are things that we cannot do under our own power – and how Jesus can “make a way where we see none.” I’m not necessarily talking about physical actions, like walking on water…but more the miracles and “intangible” thoughts and experiences that Jesus helps us with each day.
In our lifetimes, we will all encounter situations and circumstances that seem impossible to handle…setbacks, illnesses, the death of loved ones, disappointments. We will all face challenges…from how to get up and speak in front of a group when we are scared stiff to trepidation about traveling in bad weather…to passing that chemistry test that has us worried sick or surviving a baby’s bout with colic on little to no sleep…to starting a new job, class, or small group. There will be times when we have no clue about how we are to proceed – or what decision is the right one. There will be nights when sleep doesn’t come…and days that we think won’t ever end. And Jesus can help us with all of them.
Sunday, I hope that the children will learn more about the power of prayer and how to keep Jesus close at all times. We will hopefully gain a better understanding of his strength and power…and a key point in this scripture - that Jesus strengthens and empowers us to do all that God desires for us. In other words, there will be times when we do not get the wishes of our heart…because they don’t line up with God’s plans. But when we learn to trust Jesus’ answers and recognize that His guidance is perfect, we confidently operate in His power and find lasting peace.
This is one of my favorite Bible verses. I know that God’s plans for my life are perfect. When I listen for His voice and follow His lead, I know that the power of Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit will always guide me to the right answers - and protect me perfectly. With Christ’s strength and power, I truly can do everything that God asks me to do. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 19, 2015
John 4:21-24
“Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God’s way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”
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.
A pastor friend shared a blog post on Facebook titled “9 Sins the Church is Okay With.”* This is a thought-provoking read that I urge you to make time for. The blogger, Frank Powell, is a college/young adult minister at the Campbell Street Church of Christ in Jackson, TN. Powell outlines nine areas that church members have internalized and readily accepted, even though scripture teaches something contrary. These 9 “sins” are: fear, apathy, gluttony (excess), worry, flattery, comfort, consumerism, patriotism, and lying.
Just as we read in the words of Jesus from this passage of John 4, a lot of us have made “church” something it is not. We have molded our Christian faith into something that fits us, rather than bare our hearts and souls to God and let His Holy Spirit lead where He deems to be the right course. We’ve inserted fear into our witness…we’ve grown too comfortable and complacent with “how we have always done things.” Conversely, we’ve chased the latest and greatest fad with voracious consumerism…we’ve lusted after everything bigger, better, and MORE!
We have waffled from the extreme of complete apathy to one of a constant chase for flattery and affirmation that we are “all that and a bag of chips!” We’ve worried…a lot…about anything and everything! We’ve waved the flag and preached “God and Country!” – and blurred the lines between “church and state.” And we have lied – to ourselves and everyone else!
And then, to make ourselves feel better, we have shined a spotlight on other people and their “sins” (because most of these are purely judgment calls on our part!)…and we’ve set ourselves apart and created an “us vs. them” division. We have declared ourselves and our version of Christian faith to be superior…and woe to those who believe differently!
I’ve done a lot of soul searching lately about divisiveness among Christians. I’ve spent a good deal of time in study and prayer about how to worship with those who feel differently than I do on many issues - great and small. How can I share in corporate worship with people who make no bones about expressing their disdain for others who are different in some way? How can I associate with those who openly question the Christian faith of others…and attempt to set themselves apart in the process? How can I hear the voice of God in the din of those who want to point fingers while they wave flags in one hand and Bibles in the other?
I feel that God is telling me to “be still.” God is assuring me that He is still in control…that His word and will are still clear and pure…and all-encompassing. He loves those who are being attacked…and their attackers. I believe that God is brokenhearted by the discord…but He has not changed – and He is still with us. So I am waiting…and listening…and finding God’s Holy Spirit where I can. He comes to me through the hymns and the beautiful offertories that Mrs. Barbara plays on Sunday mornings…the anthems presented by our choir…the scriptures that are read...and the faithful service and examples of men and women who have been a part of my life - and the life of the church - for decades.
God’s Holy Spirit reveals His message of hope and promise in the faces and words of our little ones who exit their classrooms singing, “The Fruits of the Spirit” and telling us what they discovered about Jesus. When they talk about how God wants them to act and listen and learn…and how much He loves them…I am reminded that He is with me. THIS is God’s Spirit in its purest form…and I am learning to drown out all of the “noise” and immerse myself in Him.
I don’t know what is in your heart…or how God is speaking to you these days. I have no clue whether these 9 “sins” have crept into your heart…or what burdens and struggles you may have. But I do know that the words of this passage are true and right for all of us…that the Father is looking for those who are simply and honestly offering themselves before Him in their worship…those who serve out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves – in constant adoration. I know that it is who we are and how we live that testifies to the purity of our faith.
I hope these words describe you and me and our relationship with God. If we live according to this model, God will handle the rest - to His glory. Are you ready to pare away the baggage and be your true self in worship of our Heavenly Father? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* http://www.faithit.com/9-sins-the-church-is-okay-with/
“Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God’s way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”
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.
A pastor friend shared a blog post on Facebook titled “9 Sins the Church is Okay With.”* This is a thought-provoking read that I urge you to make time for. The blogger, Frank Powell, is a college/young adult minister at the Campbell Street Church of Christ in Jackson, TN. Powell outlines nine areas that church members have internalized and readily accepted, even though scripture teaches something contrary. These 9 “sins” are: fear, apathy, gluttony (excess), worry, flattery, comfort, consumerism, patriotism, and lying.
Just as we read in the words of Jesus from this passage of John 4, a lot of us have made “church” something it is not. We have molded our Christian faith into something that fits us, rather than bare our hearts and souls to God and let His Holy Spirit lead where He deems to be the right course. We’ve inserted fear into our witness…we’ve grown too comfortable and complacent with “how we have always done things.” Conversely, we’ve chased the latest and greatest fad with voracious consumerism…we’ve lusted after everything bigger, better, and MORE!
We have waffled from the extreme of complete apathy to one of a constant chase for flattery and affirmation that we are “all that and a bag of chips!” We’ve worried…a lot…about anything and everything! We’ve waved the flag and preached “God and Country!” – and blurred the lines between “church and state.” And we have lied – to ourselves and everyone else!
And then, to make ourselves feel better, we have shined a spotlight on other people and their “sins” (because most of these are purely judgment calls on our part!)…and we’ve set ourselves apart and created an “us vs. them” division. We have declared ourselves and our version of Christian faith to be superior…and woe to those who believe differently!
I’ve done a lot of soul searching lately about divisiveness among Christians. I’ve spent a good deal of time in study and prayer about how to worship with those who feel differently than I do on many issues - great and small. How can I share in corporate worship with people who make no bones about expressing their disdain for others who are different in some way? How can I associate with those who openly question the Christian faith of others…and attempt to set themselves apart in the process? How can I hear the voice of God in the din of those who want to point fingers while they wave flags in one hand and Bibles in the other?
I feel that God is telling me to “be still.” God is assuring me that He is still in control…that His word and will are still clear and pure…and all-encompassing. He loves those who are being attacked…and their attackers. I believe that God is brokenhearted by the discord…but He has not changed – and He is still with us. So I am waiting…and listening…and finding God’s Holy Spirit where I can. He comes to me through the hymns and the beautiful offertories that Mrs. Barbara plays on Sunday mornings…the anthems presented by our choir…the scriptures that are read...and the faithful service and examples of men and women who have been a part of my life - and the life of the church - for decades.
God’s Holy Spirit reveals His message of hope and promise in the faces and words of our little ones who exit their classrooms singing, “The Fruits of the Spirit” and telling us what they discovered about Jesus. When they talk about how God wants them to act and listen and learn…and how much He loves them…I am reminded that He is with me. THIS is God’s Spirit in its purest form…and I am learning to drown out all of the “noise” and immerse myself in Him.
I don’t know what is in your heart…or how God is speaking to you these days. I have no clue whether these 9 “sins” have crept into your heart…or what burdens and struggles you may have. But I do know that the words of this passage are true and right for all of us…that the Father is looking for those who are simply and honestly offering themselves before Him in their worship…those who serve out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves – in constant adoration. I know that it is who we are and how we live that testifies to the purity of our faith.
I hope these words describe you and me and our relationship with God. If we live according to this model, God will handle the rest - to His glory. Are you ready to pare away the baggage and be your true self in worship of our Heavenly Father? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* http://www.faithit.com/9-sins-the-church-is-okay-with/
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