John 14:15-16
“If you love me, obey me; and I will ask the Father and he will give you another Comforter, and he will never leave you.
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 years ago, my mother gave me a leather-bound copy of a devotional book, Jesus Calling*.
Inside the front cover, Mother wrote a note that said in part, “I hope
you’ll be reading the same page on the same day.” I have to say, I was
not diligent in reading this book each day. I know my mother read hers
virtually non-stop…and the pages of her copy are marked and the leather
cover is fairly worn to prove it.
Since Mother died a little over a month ago, I’ve been reading Jesus Calling pretty
well every day. Even though I didn’t read the same page as her when
she was alive on this earth…I am comforted by these words now – as if
somehow, she is with me through them. And indeed, the first four words
of the passage for today were: “I AM WITH YOU.”
I honestly don’t
know if those who have graduated to heaven are still “with us”…but I
know that the Holy Spirit is…and He comforts, shields and guides us each
and every day. I don’t think it is a stretch to assume that He uses
whatever methods and measures work in the moment to accomplish His goals
- even a daily devotional book shared by a mother with her daughter.
My
mother was always sharing a book or a card or SOMETHING to encourage
someone else. Just yesterday as I sorted through drawers, her husband
mentioned her “gift drawer”…a place in her office where she kept little
“inspirational books” and other items that could be given to someone who
needed a lift. In this way, my mother “fed the sheep” as the Holy
Spirit led her. And we are all called to do this!
I’m not saying
that we all need a “gift drawer” – or that we should start buying books
and cards to share with others. But I do believe that the Holy Spirit
speaks to each of us, according to God’s plans and will for our lives –
and the abilities with which He has entrusted us. OUR JOB is to
discover what we are supposed to do…WHO we are supposed to “feed”…and
then do this as the Holy Spirit guides us.
As you go about your
day, hear the Holy Spirit telling you, “I AM WITH YOU.” Feel His
presence. Rest in the comfort and safety of His protection and care…and
in the confidence that He will never leave you. Trust the Comforter to
also be your constant guide and “activity director.” And when and
where He leads, make sure you follow! Are you ready to answer the call
and “feed some sheep?” Don’t you think you should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*www.jesuscalling.com
Showing posts with label hearing from the Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hearing from the Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 22, 2015
Luke 4:4-8
But Jesus replied, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘Other things in life are much more important than bread!’”
Then Satan took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time; and the devil told him, “I will give you all these splendid kingdoms and their glory—for they are mine to give to anyone I wish—if you will only get down on your knees and worship me.”
Jesus replied, “We must worship God, and him alone. So it is written in the Scriptures.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“He wore me down!” If you have not uttered this sentence at some point in your life, you are probably lying! Whether it was a child who persisted in the “Please, can I have just one piece of candy/toy/whatever” or a friend who said, “C’mon, it won’t hurt to try just one,” to the person who convinced you that “Everyone is doing it…it’s not that bad”…we have all been “worn down” at one point or another.
This is the devil’s specialty – wearing us down. He has the patience of Job – and the persistence of a five-year-old who really, really wants something! And the only One who can truly stand up to him is Jesus Christ. “So you are saying there is no hope for us?” you may ask. No…I am saying that the only way that we can handle Satan is by calling on the power of Jesus Christ to work and through us.
Too many people think that the devil is just an imaginary “bogey man” that Christians use to manipulate others…that he isn’t real. And they couldn’t be more wrong. This evil being had the “chutzpah” to try to tempt Jesus Christ! So we should be anything but surprised that he would take a stab at us on a daily basis!
What does this mean for you and me? First, we must not think more highly of ourselves than we ought. We must remember that we are powerless without God. Additionally, we must work every single day to stay connected to God…to hear His voice…to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in our heart and mind, so that we have the strength and confidence to say, “I don’t need this…and I most certainly do not need you, Devil!”
Finally, we must not grow complacent. This, too, is the devil’s stock in trade. He needles us and whispers lies in our ears and waits for us to wear down – and to give in to his manipulations. He plays on our frustrations and the fact that everything doesn’t always go as we hoped…and he says, “I’ll make it ALL better if you will join me.” We MUST NOT fall for this!
I know this will make me sound wack-a-doodle (and a lot of you already think I am) but I often find myself saying, “Go away, Devil!” I say this several times a day…from the little things like when my serger machine will not re-thread easily to when someone cuts me off in traffic or I am tempted to lose my patience over something. (I've already had to speak to him this morning!) You may not believe that "the devil is in the details" of something so insignificant…but I assure you that this is the case! Satan will start with the smallest things and escalate them into big ones, just to get your attention – and your heart.
Recognize that Satan is real…and that he wants you in his camp. Stay connected to Jesus…listen for His voice and learn from His example. Remind yourself often that the “Bread of Life” is all you need…and thank God for sending His Son. Stand tall and strong against the devil, and never let him wear you down. Only JESUS can “make it all better” and give you the desires of your heart. Do not be fooled by this imposter. If you really want Jesus to make a difference in your life, you must surrender completely to His will and trust in His strength and sustenance…on all levels.
Join the “Wack-a-doodle Club” and learn to put the devil in his place. Call on Jesus to feed you and give you His will power. Instead of being worn down, wear the full armor of God and stand up…for Jesus – the only One who can really make everything better.
©2015 Debbie Robus
But Jesus replied, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘Other things in life are much more important than bread!’”
Then Satan took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time; and the devil told him, “I will give you all these splendid kingdoms and their glory—for they are mine to give to anyone I wish—if you will only get down on your knees and worship me.”
Jesus replied, “We must worship God, and him alone. So it is written in the Scriptures.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“He wore me down!” If you have not uttered this sentence at some point in your life, you are probably lying! Whether it was a child who persisted in the “Please, can I have just one piece of candy/toy/whatever” or a friend who said, “C’mon, it won’t hurt to try just one,” to the person who convinced you that “Everyone is doing it…it’s not that bad”…we have all been “worn down” at one point or another.
This is the devil’s specialty – wearing us down. He has the patience of Job – and the persistence of a five-year-old who really, really wants something! And the only One who can truly stand up to him is Jesus Christ. “So you are saying there is no hope for us?” you may ask. No…I am saying that the only way that we can handle Satan is by calling on the power of Jesus Christ to work and through us.
Too many people think that the devil is just an imaginary “bogey man” that Christians use to manipulate others…that he isn’t real. And they couldn’t be more wrong. This evil being had the “chutzpah” to try to tempt Jesus Christ! So we should be anything but surprised that he would take a stab at us on a daily basis!
What does this mean for you and me? First, we must not think more highly of ourselves than we ought. We must remember that we are powerless without God. Additionally, we must work every single day to stay connected to God…to hear His voice…to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in our heart and mind, so that we have the strength and confidence to say, “I don’t need this…and I most certainly do not need you, Devil!”
Finally, we must not grow complacent. This, too, is the devil’s stock in trade. He needles us and whispers lies in our ears and waits for us to wear down – and to give in to his manipulations. He plays on our frustrations and the fact that everything doesn’t always go as we hoped…and he says, “I’ll make it ALL better if you will join me.” We MUST NOT fall for this!
I know this will make me sound wack-a-doodle (and a lot of you already think I am) but I often find myself saying, “Go away, Devil!” I say this several times a day…from the little things like when my serger machine will not re-thread easily to when someone cuts me off in traffic or I am tempted to lose my patience over something. (I've already had to speak to him this morning!) You may not believe that "the devil is in the details" of something so insignificant…but I assure you that this is the case! Satan will start with the smallest things and escalate them into big ones, just to get your attention – and your heart.
Recognize that Satan is real…and that he wants you in his camp. Stay connected to Jesus…listen for His voice and learn from His example. Remind yourself often that the “Bread of Life” is all you need…and thank God for sending His Son. Stand tall and strong against the devil, and never let him wear you down. Only JESUS can “make it all better” and give you the desires of your heart. Do not be fooled by this imposter. If you really want Jesus to make a difference in your life, you must surrender completely to His will and trust in His strength and sustenance…on all levels.
Join the “Wack-a-doodle Club” and learn to put the devil in his place. Call on Jesus to feed you and give you His will power. Instead of being worn down, wear the full armor of God and stand up…for Jesus – the only One who can really make everything better.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 6, 2015
Psalm 119:105-112
By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.
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.
If you have spent any time at all with little kids, you know that a favorite question is “What’s next?” “What are we going to do when we finish this?” they will often ask…or “Where are we going next?” And these are really good questions for us to ask ourselves this day after Easter Sunday. What IS next for us? The candy has been eaten, the Easter finery has been worn, the eggs have all been hunted, and many of us have shared a family dinner and/or get-together. In spiritual terms, we have studied and celebrated Jesus’ birth, life, death by crucifixion, and resurrection. So the logical next question to ask is, “Where do we go from here?”
Jesus - the Light of the World - is illuminating our way along the path of righteousness. He has given us the instructions…and a “map” for staying on course. Now all we have to do is follow Him…walk in His light…listen for His voice…and carry His Holy Spirit in our heart. Will there be times of hardship, struggle, sadness and disappointment? Probably. Will we be tempted to go another direction…to venture down other paths? Most likely! Will the devil and his agents try to throw us off track? Definitely! Can we withstand these trials and temptations and remain faithful to Jesus? Absolutely!
Easter Sunday may be over, but life in Christ is just revving up! It’s time to apply all we have been taught…to be the hands and feet of Jesus each and every day…to walk in faith and stand on His promises. We have been told that Jesus is preparing a place for us for all Eternity…that Heaven is our real home – not this earth. We have been given His Holy Spirit to guide us every step of the way until we are called to our eternal Home, once and for all. And by the power and grace of God Almighty through Jesus Christ…we.can.do.this!
Are you ready to walk in the Light?
©2015 Debbie Robus
By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.
My life is as close as my own hands,
but I don’t forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.
I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.
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.
If you have spent any time at all with little kids, you know that a favorite question is “What’s next?” “What are we going to do when we finish this?” they will often ask…or “Where are we going next?” And these are really good questions for us to ask ourselves this day after Easter Sunday. What IS next for us? The candy has been eaten, the Easter finery has been worn, the eggs have all been hunted, and many of us have shared a family dinner and/or get-together. In spiritual terms, we have studied and celebrated Jesus’ birth, life, death by crucifixion, and resurrection. So the logical next question to ask is, “Where do we go from here?”
Jesus - the Light of the World - is illuminating our way along the path of righteousness. He has given us the instructions…and a “map” for staying on course. Now all we have to do is follow Him…walk in His light…listen for His voice…and carry His Holy Spirit in our heart. Will there be times of hardship, struggle, sadness and disappointment? Probably. Will we be tempted to go another direction…to venture down other paths? Most likely! Will the devil and his agents try to throw us off track? Definitely! Can we withstand these trials and temptations and remain faithful to Jesus? Absolutely!
Easter Sunday may be over, but life in Christ is just revving up! It’s time to apply all we have been taught…to be the hands and feet of Jesus each and every day…to walk in faith and stand on His promises. We have been told that Jesus is preparing a place for us for all Eternity…that Heaven is our real home – not this earth. We have been given His Holy Spirit to guide us every step of the way until we are called to our eternal Home, once and for all. And by the power and grace of God Almighty through Jesus Christ…we.can.do.this!
Are you ready to walk in the Light?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 31, 2015
1 John 4:6-7
But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Each January, countless people resolve to lose weight, get in shape, and improve their health. By the last day of this month, a good number of them have succumbed to all sorts of outside persuasions and temptations…and those good intentions have gone out the window.
Every day, we are bombarded with thoughts and ideas from a myriad of sources. Some of these are “healthy” views…but many are not. Try as we might to stay focused and headed in the right direction, the surrounding arguments and temptations often get the best of us. Just as there are no quick and permanent “fixes” for our health and fitness, our Spirit-filled fellowship with God requires continual “maintenance” as well. We will be bothered on all sides by those who wish to tempt or sway us toward their way of thinking…both unbelievers and those who believe in Jesus but do not listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit. And honestly, it can often be hard to discern who is Who!
I know this is a confusing passage. I’ve read it and studied more than a dozen commentaries just to try and get a handle on it for myself. And the conclusion I have drawn is that we are to continually seek God…through prayer, Bible study, fellowship with Spirit-filled believers, and genuine efforts to emulate the teachings of Jesus. We are to constantly strive to abide in God…to feel His presence and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This will help to insulate us from deceptive voices.
I find it amazing that we are already one month into this New Year! The time surely flew by for me! But there is still time to get on track…physically, mentally - and most assuredly – in a Spiritual sense. We can redouble our efforts to abide in Jesus and listen for His voice each and every minute of the day. We can tune out the noise and chatter of deceptive spirits…and strive to truly understand that we are children of God and belong to Him! He is with us…His love surrounds us! Our job is to embrace it. Are you ready to do exactly that? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception.
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Each January, countless people resolve to lose weight, get in shape, and improve their health. By the last day of this month, a good number of them have succumbed to all sorts of outside persuasions and temptations…and those good intentions have gone out the window.
Every day, we are bombarded with thoughts and ideas from a myriad of sources. Some of these are “healthy” views…but many are not. Try as we might to stay focused and headed in the right direction, the surrounding arguments and temptations often get the best of us. Just as there are no quick and permanent “fixes” for our health and fitness, our Spirit-filled fellowship with God requires continual “maintenance” as well. We will be bothered on all sides by those who wish to tempt or sway us toward their way of thinking…both unbelievers and those who believe in Jesus but do not listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit. And honestly, it can often be hard to discern who is Who!
I know this is a confusing passage. I’ve read it and studied more than a dozen commentaries just to try and get a handle on it for myself. And the conclusion I have drawn is that we are to continually seek God…through prayer, Bible study, fellowship with Spirit-filled believers, and genuine efforts to emulate the teachings of Jesus. We are to constantly strive to abide in God…to feel His presence and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This will help to insulate us from deceptive voices.
I find it amazing that we are already one month into this New Year! The time surely flew by for me! But there is still time to get on track…physically, mentally - and most assuredly – in a Spiritual sense. We can redouble our efforts to abide in Jesus and listen for His voice each and every minute of the day. We can tune out the noise and chatter of deceptive spirits…and strive to truly understand that we are children of God and belong to Him! He is with us…His love surrounds us! Our job is to embrace it. Are you ready to do exactly that? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 11, 2014
1 John 1:8-10
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of 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.
Suppose you plan a little party at your house, and you invite several people. One of these people plans a party – for the same date. Rather than say, “I can’t come…it seems I have scheduled my own party for the same night,” you get a phone call from this person with a made-up excuse about why they cannot attend your soirĂ©e.
Now you know that this person is having his/her own party. Several people who are coming to your event have said, “I can’t stay long…I’ll have to make an appearance at the other event, as well.” That’s fine…you understood that completely. You’re not even insulted that you were not invited to the other person’s party! But this person has told you a bold-faced lie…and you can’t figure out why…and their dishonesty stings! This is the perfect example of a case where the truth would be so much better.
I get that we sometimes want to spare others’ feelings. We make up excuses, rather than say, “I don’t want to do that,” or “Yes, that skirt makes you look fat,” or “I’m just not interested in you (or your hobby, or what is happening in your life…and more). We “play nice” to people we really do not like – for lot of reasons. Some would even say that this is hypocritical behavior. I am not advocating that you start saying hurtful things…or that you become honest to the point of insulting others. If we will stay attuned to God’s teachings, He will show us how to offer compassion and grace in our treatment of those we encounter…and in what we say to them.
It hurts to think someone would deliberately deceive you…for whatever reason. And when we do this to God, it hurts Him, too. He is insulted…disappointed…and grieved when we lie to Him. Claiming that we have it all together…acting as if we are better than the next guy - and at least compared to him/her, pretty much sinless – breaks God’s heart. Let’s face it, God knows better!
God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. He paid the ultimate price for them. To say that we are blameless – or superior in any way – is like saying, “Thanks for sending Jesus to take my sins…but I don’t need You anymore. I’ve got this now!” It even suggests that we feel like we really didn’t need God in the first place…or that we used our salvation as a “ticket to heaven”…and now we’ll handle things ourselves the rest of the way.
Salvation is not a one-shot deal! Don’t misunderstand me. I believe that once you accept Jesus as your Savior, He takes your sins and writes your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life…assuring you a seat at His table in Heaven for all Eternity. But I also believe that we have to keep returning to the cross (figuratively) each and every day. We have to stay close to God…and call on His Holy Spirit to keep us in check…to guard our thoughts, words, and deeds…and to restore us when we falter.
Think of our life in Christ like a delicate china teacup that falls off of the shelf and breaks. The teacup can be glued back together, but it will be forever fragile. Tender care will have to be exercised in its use…and there may be some repeat or additional breakage along the way that must be repaired. So it is with Jesus. We are broken…sinful. He restores us through His death on the cross. But we are fragile, vulnerable…and subject to more sin and breakage that only He can repair. To claim that we are “as good as new” and able to manage on our own - or that we are better than the next guy - amounts to lying…and God sees right through this!
The truth would be so much better. Admitting that we are fragile, vulnerable human beings who need Jesus each and every day is anything but shameful. Claiming the blood of Jesus…and acknowledging that we must be covered in it daily…attests to our faithfulness and dependency on Him for continual care and maintenance…for grace, mercy and forgiveness.
While we might not always recognize when someone lies to us…God always knows! This passage tells us that to lie to God is to not really know Him…to not fully understand who He is and how He operates. Where have you lied when the truth would be better…to others – and to God? Isn’t this the perfect day to “come clean”…to ask God to forgive you and restore you? Isn’t this the time to seek God’s guidance in living honestly with others…showing them compassion, grace, and mercy as you do your best to be truthful with them – but in a loving way?
Where do you need to admit your sins and shortcomings…and ask God to forgive you for them? Are you ready to operate in truth and receive the favor of God upon your life? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of 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.
Suppose you plan a little party at your house, and you invite several people. One of these people plans a party – for the same date. Rather than say, “I can’t come…it seems I have scheduled my own party for the same night,” you get a phone call from this person with a made-up excuse about why they cannot attend your soirĂ©e.
Now you know that this person is having his/her own party. Several people who are coming to your event have said, “I can’t stay long…I’ll have to make an appearance at the other event, as well.” That’s fine…you understood that completely. You’re not even insulted that you were not invited to the other person’s party! But this person has told you a bold-faced lie…and you can’t figure out why…and their dishonesty stings! This is the perfect example of a case where the truth would be so much better.
I get that we sometimes want to spare others’ feelings. We make up excuses, rather than say, “I don’t want to do that,” or “Yes, that skirt makes you look fat,” or “I’m just not interested in you (or your hobby, or what is happening in your life…and more). We “play nice” to people we really do not like – for lot of reasons. Some would even say that this is hypocritical behavior. I am not advocating that you start saying hurtful things…or that you become honest to the point of insulting others. If we will stay attuned to God’s teachings, He will show us how to offer compassion and grace in our treatment of those we encounter…and in what we say to them.
It hurts to think someone would deliberately deceive you…for whatever reason. And when we do this to God, it hurts Him, too. He is insulted…disappointed…and grieved when we lie to Him. Claiming that we have it all together…acting as if we are better than the next guy - and at least compared to him/her, pretty much sinless – breaks God’s heart. Let’s face it, God knows better!
God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. He paid the ultimate price for them. To say that we are blameless – or superior in any way – is like saying, “Thanks for sending Jesus to take my sins…but I don’t need You anymore. I’ve got this now!” It even suggests that we feel like we really didn’t need God in the first place…or that we used our salvation as a “ticket to heaven”…and now we’ll handle things ourselves the rest of the way.
Salvation is not a one-shot deal! Don’t misunderstand me. I believe that once you accept Jesus as your Savior, He takes your sins and writes your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life…assuring you a seat at His table in Heaven for all Eternity. But I also believe that we have to keep returning to the cross (figuratively) each and every day. We have to stay close to God…and call on His Holy Spirit to keep us in check…to guard our thoughts, words, and deeds…and to restore us when we falter.
Think of our life in Christ like a delicate china teacup that falls off of the shelf and breaks. The teacup can be glued back together, but it will be forever fragile. Tender care will have to be exercised in its use…and there may be some repeat or additional breakage along the way that must be repaired. So it is with Jesus. We are broken…sinful. He restores us through His death on the cross. But we are fragile, vulnerable…and subject to more sin and breakage that only He can repair. To claim that we are “as good as new” and able to manage on our own - or that we are better than the next guy - amounts to lying…and God sees right through this!
The truth would be so much better. Admitting that we are fragile, vulnerable human beings who need Jesus each and every day is anything but shameful. Claiming the blood of Jesus…and acknowledging that we must be covered in it daily…attests to our faithfulness and dependency on Him for continual care and maintenance…for grace, mercy and forgiveness.
While we might not always recognize when someone lies to us…God always knows! This passage tells us that to lie to God is to not really know Him…to not fully understand who He is and how He operates. Where have you lied when the truth would be better…to others – and to God? Isn’t this the perfect day to “come clean”…to ask God to forgive you and restore you? Isn’t this the time to seek God’s guidance in living honestly with others…showing them compassion, grace, and mercy as you do your best to be truthful with them – but in a loving way?
Where do you need to admit your sins and shortcomings…and ask God to forgive you for them? Are you ready to operate in truth and receive the favor of God upon your life? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 10, 2013
1 John 4:1
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.
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.
A few weeks ago, I bought a lace tablecloth at an estate sale. A friend of mine was managing the sale, and I commented to him that this cloth had a fairly large stain in the middle. He readily replied, “Fels-Naptha soap.” He went on to explain how to use this very old brand of laundry soap to remove stains from clothing. I told him that my “go-to” stain remover was OxiClean®, and he shook his head and said, “No… this is MUCH better.” So I came home and tried Fels-Naptha… with no success. The stain was still as vivid as ever. So I will probably wash the piece again with some OxiClean®… or possibly even some bleach.
Now I’m not saying my friend is a “false prophet.” And maybe this laundry soap does work for him on the stains he has encountered. But social media is FULL of supposed “magic bullets” for cleaning virtually everything these days. Many are sharing these “secrets” with others before they have tried them to personally determine how effective they truly are. And that’s where this scripture passage comes into the picture.
So many of us are taking the word of others over God’s declaration for our lives. We are listening to people who tell us we don’t need this or that… even well-meaning friends and family members who offer their “take” on what God intends. For example… many loving, caring Christians emphasize God’s displeasure with sin and the danger of being tossed into the fiery depths of hell exponentially more than they share with others how much God loves us. I didn’t truly learn about grace, mercy, forgiveness and serving out of a deep desire to show God how much I love Him until I was a grown woman. Like many, those who shared in my early faith lessons meant well… but they operated from a place of fear more than one of grace. And I have to tell you, there is very little peace in serving God from this perspective!
I am encouraging you to share with others and learn from them about what God has in store for you. Hear their thoughts… but test them for yourself. Spend time in prayer and Bible study… ASK God to clearly define what He is telling you. When it comes to the authenticity of God’s word and the presence of His Holy Spirit in your own life, don’t take others’ word for it. Ask questions, make investigations… test the waters a little and see if this is really what God intended for you. Focus on Jesus and His love and sacrifices for you. Operate from a deep, abiding desire to love Him back… not out of turmoil and a fear of retribution… and you will have incredible peace. Know that you know that you KNOW that you are really hearing from God… and enjoy the quiet serenity that comes with living in His wisdom and glory.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.
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.
A few weeks ago, I bought a lace tablecloth at an estate sale. A friend of mine was managing the sale, and I commented to him that this cloth had a fairly large stain in the middle. He readily replied, “Fels-Naptha soap.” He went on to explain how to use this very old brand of laundry soap to remove stains from clothing. I told him that my “go-to” stain remover was OxiClean®, and he shook his head and said, “No… this is MUCH better.” So I came home and tried Fels-Naptha… with no success. The stain was still as vivid as ever. So I will probably wash the piece again with some OxiClean®… or possibly even some bleach.
Now I’m not saying my friend is a “false prophet.” And maybe this laundry soap does work for him on the stains he has encountered. But social media is FULL of supposed “magic bullets” for cleaning virtually everything these days. Many are sharing these “secrets” with others before they have tried them to personally determine how effective they truly are. And that’s where this scripture passage comes into the picture.
So many of us are taking the word of others over God’s declaration for our lives. We are listening to people who tell us we don’t need this or that… even well-meaning friends and family members who offer their “take” on what God intends. For example… many loving, caring Christians emphasize God’s displeasure with sin and the danger of being tossed into the fiery depths of hell exponentially more than they share with others how much God loves us. I didn’t truly learn about grace, mercy, forgiveness and serving out of a deep desire to show God how much I love Him until I was a grown woman. Like many, those who shared in my early faith lessons meant well… but they operated from a place of fear more than one of grace. And I have to tell you, there is very little peace in serving God from this perspective!
I am encouraging you to share with others and learn from them about what God has in store for you. Hear their thoughts… but test them for yourself. Spend time in prayer and Bible study… ASK God to clearly define what He is telling you. When it comes to the authenticity of God’s word and the presence of His Holy Spirit in your own life, don’t take others’ word for it. Ask questions, make investigations… test the waters a little and see if this is really what God intended for you. Focus on Jesus and His love and sacrifices for you. Operate from a deep, abiding desire to love Him back… not out of turmoil and a fear of retribution… and you will have incredible peace. Know that you know that you KNOW that you are really hearing from God… and enjoy the quiet serenity that comes with living in His wisdom and glory.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 18, 2012
John 5:39-40
“You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want.
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.
The house where we live overlooks Greers Ferry Dam. A lot of days, fog comes and goes over the river. One evening shortly after we moved here, the dam “disappeared.” I told my husband, “I can’t see the dam!” He laughed and said, “Fog has rolled in. The dam is still there!”
A lot of us are walking around “in a fog.” Jesus is standing right in front of us, but often, we can’t see Him because of this. We fail to recognize His presence in our lives, especially when things become difficult, frustrating – or even mundane. We are so busy looking for a “Christmas Pageant.” We expect angels to sing and the heavens to open and bright light to pour forth. We anticipate some shift in the universe that signals the presence of God, when all the while, He never went anywhere. He was still there.
Today, I encourage you to stop, look and listen… and feel the presence of Jesus in your life. Experience His Holy Spirit working in and through you in every breath you take. As you read the scriptures and seek God, don’t miss Him. Hear His voice as His Holy Word leads you through each life. Feel the love, comfort, grace, and mercy He offers you. Never miss His wisdom and strength!
We’re in the middle of one of the busiest weeks of the year. It’s easy to lose focus… to find ourselves shrouded “in a fog.” Don’t let your life get so busy or out of focus that you lose sight of Jesus. He’s standing right before you. Are you ready to reach out to Him and embrace the life He offers?
©2012 Debbie Robus
“You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want.
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.
The house where we live overlooks Greers Ferry Dam. A lot of days, fog comes and goes over the river. One evening shortly after we moved here, the dam “disappeared.” I told my husband, “I can’t see the dam!” He laughed and said, “Fog has rolled in. The dam is still there!”
A lot of us are walking around “in a fog.” Jesus is standing right in front of us, but often, we can’t see Him because of this. We fail to recognize His presence in our lives, especially when things become difficult, frustrating – or even mundane. We are so busy looking for a “Christmas Pageant.” We expect angels to sing and the heavens to open and bright light to pour forth. We anticipate some shift in the universe that signals the presence of God, when all the while, He never went anywhere. He was still there.
Today, I encourage you to stop, look and listen… and feel the presence of Jesus in your life. Experience His Holy Spirit working in and through you in every breath you take. As you read the scriptures and seek God, don’t miss Him. Hear His voice as His Holy Word leads you through each life. Feel the love, comfort, grace, and mercy He offers you. Never miss His wisdom and strength!
We’re in the middle of one of the busiest weeks of the year. It’s easy to lose focus… to find ourselves shrouded “in a fog.” Don’t let your life get so busy or out of focus that you lose sight of Jesus. He’s standing right before you. Are you ready to reach out to Him and embrace the life He offers?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 9, 2012
1 John 2:27
Christ gave you the Holy Spirit and He lives in you. You do not need anyone to teach you. The Holy Spirit is able to teach you all things. What He teaches you is truth and not a lie. Live by the help of Christ as the Holy Spirit has taught you.
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.
My mother recently donated her encyclopedias to the used book store. The staff there said that people do buy them. When I was growing up, we depended on encyclopedias for all sorts of answers. I remember spending hours in the college library doing research and getting information and wisdom from the books that covered the shelves there. Today, with the Internet, we have up-to-the-minute info… literally at our fingertips! And with the advent of smart phones, tablets, and more, this information goes with us wherever we go!
Does this mean we never need school and teachers… college, specialized training and continuing education courses? Should we just “drop out” of life and depend on these technological innovations for all of our knowledge? Absolutely not! And this passage is not telling you to never take a Bible study course or to drop out of your Sunday school class.
But here’s what it is saying…you have the Holy Spirit within you, and He will guide you to the answers. They may come through prayer and Bible study. They may come in an organized class… from a Godly friend… or even that still small Voice you hear in your head. But the Holy Spirit will be your starting point.
A couple of years ago, I was so exasperated one day by a situation with my grandmother. I left her house feeling incredibly helpless, and I wracked my brain to think of someone I could talk to about this. I pulled into the parking lot at Wal-Mart, and before I went inside to shop, I sat in the car and said, “LORD… I don’t know what to do.” Very clearly, I heard Him ask, “If someone came to YOU with these questions, what would you tell them?”
I sat and thought about what my own advice would be in this very same situation… and I realized that the Holy Spirit had just revealed my answer to me. In that very instance, I didn’t need to talk to anyone else… I just needed to listen to The One who was in my heart already. And often, this is the case. If we will only sit still long enough to hear His voice, He will give us the wisdom and truth that we need… and we can take it to the bank!
Whatever you need today… whatever answers you seek… start with the Holy Spirit. Spend some time in His presence and ask Him, “Where do I go from here?” Feel the Holy Spirit surrounding you with wisdom and truth… and trust His answers. You may ultimately have to consult another person – or even a book! But the perfect starting point is always in your heart. Have you heard from the Holy Spirit today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Christ gave you the Holy Spirit and He lives in you. You do not need anyone to teach you. The Holy Spirit is able to teach you all things. What He teaches you is truth and not a lie. Live by the help of Christ as the Holy Spirit has taught you.
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.
My mother recently donated her encyclopedias to the used book store. The staff there said that people do buy them. When I was growing up, we depended on encyclopedias for all sorts of answers. I remember spending hours in the college library doing research and getting information and wisdom from the books that covered the shelves there. Today, with the Internet, we have up-to-the-minute info… literally at our fingertips! And with the advent of smart phones, tablets, and more, this information goes with us wherever we go!
Does this mean we never need school and teachers… college, specialized training and continuing education courses? Should we just “drop out” of life and depend on these technological innovations for all of our knowledge? Absolutely not! And this passage is not telling you to never take a Bible study course or to drop out of your Sunday school class.
But here’s what it is saying…you have the Holy Spirit within you, and He will guide you to the answers. They may come through prayer and Bible study. They may come in an organized class… from a Godly friend… or even that still small Voice you hear in your head. But the Holy Spirit will be your starting point.
A couple of years ago, I was so exasperated one day by a situation with my grandmother. I left her house feeling incredibly helpless, and I wracked my brain to think of someone I could talk to about this. I pulled into the parking lot at Wal-Mart, and before I went inside to shop, I sat in the car and said, “LORD… I don’t know what to do.” Very clearly, I heard Him ask, “If someone came to YOU with these questions, what would you tell them?”
I sat and thought about what my own advice would be in this very same situation… and I realized that the Holy Spirit had just revealed my answer to me. In that very instance, I didn’t need to talk to anyone else… I just needed to listen to The One who was in my heart already. And often, this is the case. If we will only sit still long enough to hear His voice, He will give us the wisdom and truth that we need… and we can take it to the bank!
Whatever you need today… whatever answers you seek… start with the Holy Spirit. Spend some time in His presence and ask Him, “Where do I go from here?” Feel the Holy Spirit surrounding you with wisdom and truth… and trust His answers. You may ultimately have to consult another person – or even a book! But the perfect starting point is always in your heart. Have you heard from the Holy Spirit today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 16, 2012
Matthew 25:1-13
“God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.
“In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’
“The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’
“They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’
“They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.
“Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’
“He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’
“So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive."
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.
One of the greatest inventions to come along for me is the DVR. So often, I sit down to watch a program, only to wake a few minutes to an hour later and realize I missed much of it. I have to admit that I’ve backed up and tried to watch the same several-minute stretch several times before, because each time I would fall asleep again! If you are laughing, it’s either because you have “been there, done that,” or you think this is nuts. If you fall into the latter category, you’ll understand all too soon!
With the DVR, I can back up and replay what I missed. In life, we don’t get “do-overs” like this. So we miss a lot of important moments. We are not awake and alert, so we miss the opportunity to offer to lend a hand to a friend. We don’t catch that someone is smiling on the outside but hurting deeply internally. We don’t feel that gentle nudge from God to take action that could have profound and lasting impact in our life and the lives of others.
Some of us get a “wake-up call” that jolts us into paying closer attention. More than a few of us need this sort of reminder. I know several people who have been bounced into a more acute sense of awareness by the death of a loved one. And often, someone will speak at the funeral of a friend or family member and urge others who are in attendance to turn to Jesus or change their way of living in some fashion. It shouldn’t have to take a death to awaken us to listening more closely for God’s voice. But God will use whatever He can to get our attention.
On some level, it would be great to have a DVR in our daily living… and especially in our life as a Christian. But then, we wouldn’t have to lean on God nearly as much – or listen carefully for His voice. God wants us to pay attention… to stay tuned in to His message and directives… and to be awake and alert for Him at all times. Have you been caught napping?
©2012 Debbie Robus
“God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.
“In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’
“The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’
“They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’
“They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.
“Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’
“He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’
“So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive."
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.
One of the greatest inventions to come along for me is the DVR. So often, I sit down to watch a program, only to wake a few minutes to an hour later and realize I missed much of it. I have to admit that I’ve backed up and tried to watch the same several-minute stretch several times before, because each time I would fall asleep again! If you are laughing, it’s either because you have “been there, done that,” or you think this is nuts. If you fall into the latter category, you’ll understand all too soon!
With the DVR, I can back up and replay what I missed. In life, we don’t get “do-overs” like this. So we miss a lot of important moments. We are not awake and alert, so we miss the opportunity to offer to lend a hand to a friend. We don’t catch that someone is smiling on the outside but hurting deeply internally. We don’t feel that gentle nudge from God to take action that could have profound and lasting impact in our life and the lives of others.
Some of us get a “wake-up call” that jolts us into paying closer attention. More than a few of us need this sort of reminder. I know several people who have been bounced into a more acute sense of awareness by the death of a loved one. And often, someone will speak at the funeral of a friend or family member and urge others who are in attendance to turn to Jesus or change their way of living in some fashion. It shouldn’t have to take a death to awaken us to listening more closely for God’s voice. But God will use whatever He can to get our attention.
On some level, it would be great to have a DVR in our daily living… and especially in our life as a Christian. But then, we wouldn’t have to lean on God nearly as much – or listen carefully for His voice. God wants us to pay attention… to stay tuned in to His message and directives… and to be awake and alert for Him at all times. Have you been caught napping?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 9, 2012
James 3:7-12
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.
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.
A friend of mine once shared a story about ironing her clothes one afternoon while she watched Oprah on TV. As she ironed the clothes, she sprayed them with lemon-scented “starch” to give the fabrics body, a crisp appearance, and longer-lasting wear. But she was also totally engrossed in the television show, so she wasn’t watching her work as closely as she should have been. When she was finished and the show was over, she looked at the items on her ironing board and discovered she had “starched” all of her clean laundry with Pledge® Lemon Clean furniture spray! She laughed about it and said “At least the clothes smelled good!”
Hopefully, the laundry was not ruined… but everything surely had to be washed and ironed again. All of my friend’s efforts were wasted because she was not paying close enough attention. And that’s how we are so much of the time with what we say and do. We get sidetracked and distracted… or we simply are not careful… and we make a mess of things. At the very least, what we have said or done has to be repeated and/or corrected. And too often, the damage is irreparable.
There is no way we will ever be able to control our words – and many of our actions – under our own power. If we have any hope of controlling our tongue, we must stay in constant communication with God. Our effectiveness as a Christian disciple will correlate directly to how well we interconnect with our Heavenly Father – and our daily exchanges with the Holy Spirit.
How are you doing these days? Are you “ironing with Pledge®” instead of spray starch? Are you making messes with your talk and action where you should be sharing the message of Jesus Christ? Are you distracted and sidetracked by the things of this world… the “busyness” of each and every day? Do you allow your mouth to engage before your brain has time to kick into gear? Isn’t it time to take a step back and regain your focus? Wouldn’t you rather say and do the right thing the first time and not have to worry about repairing the damage later?
Ask God to help you guard your heart – and your tongue. Call on the Holy Spirit to guide you each and every minute of the day. We can’t tame our tongue on our own… but God can give us a spirit of self-control. Have you asked Him to do this in your life? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.
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.
A friend of mine once shared a story about ironing her clothes one afternoon while she watched Oprah on TV. As she ironed the clothes, she sprayed them with lemon-scented “starch” to give the fabrics body, a crisp appearance, and longer-lasting wear. But she was also totally engrossed in the television show, so she wasn’t watching her work as closely as she should have been. When she was finished and the show was over, she looked at the items on her ironing board and discovered she had “starched” all of her clean laundry with Pledge® Lemon Clean furniture spray! She laughed about it and said “At least the clothes smelled good!”
Hopefully, the laundry was not ruined… but everything surely had to be washed and ironed again. All of my friend’s efforts were wasted because she was not paying close enough attention. And that’s how we are so much of the time with what we say and do. We get sidetracked and distracted… or we simply are not careful… and we make a mess of things. At the very least, what we have said or done has to be repeated and/or corrected. And too often, the damage is irreparable.
There is no way we will ever be able to control our words – and many of our actions – under our own power. If we have any hope of controlling our tongue, we must stay in constant communication with God. Our effectiveness as a Christian disciple will correlate directly to how well we interconnect with our Heavenly Father – and our daily exchanges with the Holy Spirit.
How are you doing these days? Are you “ironing with Pledge®” instead of spray starch? Are you making messes with your talk and action where you should be sharing the message of Jesus Christ? Are you distracted and sidetracked by the things of this world… the “busyness” of each and every day? Do you allow your mouth to engage before your brain has time to kick into gear? Isn’t it time to take a step back and regain your focus? Wouldn’t you rather say and do the right thing the first time and not have to worry about repairing the damage later?
Ask God to help you guard your heart – and your tongue. Call on the Holy Spirit to guide you each and every minute of the day. We can’t tame our tongue on our own… but God can give us a spirit of self-control. Have you asked Him to do this in your life? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 16, 2012
April 16 ~ Matthew 16:17-18
Jesus came back, "God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn't get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.
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.
Even though it’s been almost 26 years since I taught in the public schools, I still maintain a close relationship with several of my former students. I consider it a great blessing to keep up with their lives and accomplishments… to see their growth in so many areas. I’ve also enjoyed keeping up with those who attended my junior and senior high Sunday school classes in more recent years. Seeing them develop as productive citizens, wives, husbands and parents – and grow in their faith – has truly blessed me.
Recently, a former kindergarten student messaged me about the sudden accidental death of someone we both knew…the husband of a former fellow teacher. The man’s son is now a student of MY student, who teaches nursing at Arkansas Tech University. She was at a loss as to how to comfort this young man, and she voiced her frustrations. I offered her reassurance and tried to show her how God was using her to meet this student in ways she could not even imagine… and how He would use this experience to help both of them grow in their profession (and life in general) over time. She replied to thank me and said, “Sometimes I just need a little encouragement.”
After this exchange, I was struck by the thought that “this ole teacher” is still teaching! And then I began to think about former teachers of mine who are still teaching me new things, even today! My dear third-grade teacher, Mrs. Garner, taught me until the week she passed away about making the most of your circumstances. My sweet 2nd-grade Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Gloria Duckworth, helped instill in me a caring and concern for former students by always keeping up with me – and she encourages me even today. My grandmother still teaches me how to bless and care for others, according to your present abilities. And my former students are showing me that teaching – and learning – never ends.
I value all of the “life lessons” I have learned from influential people in my life. But more importantly, I value the lessons I learn every day from my Heavenly Father. God teaches me things that no one else can… He shows me Who He is… and often He does so through these “earthly teachers” and experiences. And what God has shown me is that I can accomplish much for His Kingdom - if I let Him have control. He can use each of us as the foundation rocks to serve as springboards for great work and blessings in His name. In this manner, the Teacher keeps on teaching.
God shows us new things every day. He offers us new insights – and He uses us to help others along the way. But we must be in constant contact with Him, so that we are receptive to His leadership… so that we hear from Him and know exactly what He wants us to do – and how to accomplish it! We must be sure that we are listening – and receiving – God’s message and allowing His Holy Spirit to establish a firm foundation within us for ministering to others.
How firm is your foundation today? Are you receiving the teaching and leadership of God’s Holy Spirit? Are you teaching others in His name? Are you living in such a way that you are one of the “rocks” of God’s church? Today, I encourage you to ask God to show you how – and where – He wants you to show up, teach, and serve in His name. Ask Him to make you one of His rocks… and to use you to build up His church. While you are at it, take a few minutes to thank God for the teachers in your life…all of the people He has used to build YOU up and show you who He truly is. May He bless each and every one of these servants… and may we aspire to follow in their footsteps.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus came back, "God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn't get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.
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.
Even though it’s been almost 26 years since I taught in the public schools, I still maintain a close relationship with several of my former students. I consider it a great blessing to keep up with their lives and accomplishments… to see their growth in so many areas. I’ve also enjoyed keeping up with those who attended my junior and senior high Sunday school classes in more recent years. Seeing them develop as productive citizens, wives, husbands and parents – and grow in their faith – has truly blessed me.
Recently, a former kindergarten student messaged me about the sudden accidental death of someone we both knew…the husband of a former fellow teacher. The man’s son is now a student of MY student, who teaches nursing at Arkansas Tech University. She was at a loss as to how to comfort this young man, and she voiced her frustrations. I offered her reassurance and tried to show her how God was using her to meet this student in ways she could not even imagine… and how He would use this experience to help both of them grow in their profession (and life in general) over time. She replied to thank me and said, “Sometimes I just need a little encouragement.”
After this exchange, I was struck by the thought that “this ole teacher” is still teaching! And then I began to think about former teachers of mine who are still teaching me new things, even today! My dear third-grade teacher, Mrs. Garner, taught me until the week she passed away about making the most of your circumstances. My sweet 2nd-grade Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Gloria Duckworth, helped instill in me a caring and concern for former students by always keeping up with me – and she encourages me even today. My grandmother still teaches me how to bless and care for others, according to your present abilities. And my former students are showing me that teaching – and learning – never ends.
I value all of the “life lessons” I have learned from influential people in my life. But more importantly, I value the lessons I learn every day from my Heavenly Father. God teaches me things that no one else can… He shows me Who He is… and often He does so through these “earthly teachers” and experiences. And what God has shown me is that I can accomplish much for His Kingdom - if I let Him have control. He can use each of us as the foundation rocks to serve as springboards for great work and blessings in His name. In this manner, the Teacher keeps on teaching.
God shows us new things every day. He offers us new insights – and He uses us to help others along the way. But we must be in constant contact with Him, so that we are receptive to His leadership… so that we hear from Him and know exactly what He wants us to do – and how to accomplish it! We must be sure that we are listening – and receiving – God’s message and allowing His Holy Spirit to establish a firm foundation within us for ministering to others.
How firm is your foundation today? Are you receiving the teaching and leadership of God’s Holy Spirit? Are you teaching others in His name? Are you living in such a way that you are one of the “rocks” of God’s church? Today, I encourage you to ask God to show you how – and where – He wants you to show up, teach, and serve in His name. Ask Him to make you one of His rocks… and to use you to build up His church. While you are at it, take a few minutes to thank God for the teachers in your life…all of the people He has used to build YOU up and show you who He truly is. May He bless each and every one of these servants… and may we aspire to follow in their footsteps.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 10, 2012
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.
The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. Some of us can speak with wisdom, while others can speak with knowledge, but these gifts come from the same Spirit. To others the Spirit has given great faith or the power to heal the sick or the power to work mighty miracles. Some of us are prophets, and some of us recognize when God's Spirit is present. Others can speak different kinds of languages, and still others can tell what these languages mean. But it is the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The last week or so, I’ve been sewing with fabrics in the same color family – a base of black or grey, with hues of deep teal, fuchsia, white, and celadon green. It may sound awful, but it’s really nice fabric. I’ve sewn stripes, “groovy guitars,” zoo animals, various sized circle outlines, mod daisy-like flowers, and polka dots. Now you are probably really thinking I’m nuts! But trust me, all of these fabrics work together in various combinations – with pleasing results!
And that’s the thing… I can combine stripes and guitars or zoo animals… but not stripes and flowers. Zoo animals and guitars don’t work in the same outfit, but they both work great with the stripes or polka dots… and maybe the circles, depending on how I use them. For instance, I made my great-niece Zola a striped dress with a border of guitars… and I made Timothy shorts in both the guitar and stripes fabrics. I made my cousin a sundress in the mod flowers… and her daughter is getting a blouse that has flowers bordered in polka dots!
Each fabric is very different. On the surface, they don’t appear to have much in common. But when I combine them thoughtfully, the end result is something quite surprising and pleasant… and the recipients are blessed by the outcome. All I have to do is stand back, look at the fabrics, and take time to consider how they might work best together… and the ideas begin to flow!
We all have gifts and abilities that may not seem to work well together. But when the Holy Spirit is involved in combining them and orchestrating things, the end result is always a blessing to others – and to God. And often the outcome is quite surprising and pleasant. You may feel you that have no “Spiritual gift,” but I assure you that this is not the case. Maybe you have not opened your heart to the Holy Spirit’s guidance… and maybe He has held your gift in reserve. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman… He will not force Himself upon us. We must invite Him in… and make Him welcome.
Whatever your “Spiritual gifts” may be, it would be such a shame not to receive them – and to use them for God’s glory. I encourage you to step back and look at the “fabrics” of your life and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how they go together. Invite Him to dwell in your heart, and listen for His voice each and every day. Call upon the Holy Spirit to bless you with your Spiritual gifts… and get busy using them. You will be amazed – and delighted – at the outcomes… and so will those who receive a blessing as a result.
©2012 Debbie Robus
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.
The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. Some of us can speak with wisdom, while others can speak with knowledge, but these gifts come from the same Spirit. To others the Spirit has given great faith or the power to heal the sick or the power to work mighty miracles. Some of us are prophets, and some of us recognize when God's Spirit is present. Others can speak different kinds of languages, and still others can tell what these languages mean. But it is the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The last week or so, I’ve been sewing with fabrics in the same color family – a base of black or grey, with hues of deep teal, fuchsia, white, and celadon green. It may sound awful, but it’s really nice fabric. I’ve sewn stripes, “groovy guitars,” zoo animals, various sized circle outlines, mod daisy-like flowers, and polka dots. Now you are probably really thinking I’m nuts! But trust me, all of these fabrics work together in various combinations – with pleasing results!
And that’s the thing… I can combine stripes and guitars or zoo animals… but not stripes and flowers. Zoo animals and guitars don’t work in the same outfit, but they both work great with the stripes or polka dots… and maybe the circles, depending on how I use them. For instance, I made my great-niece Zola a striped dress with a border of guitars… and I made Timothy shorts in both the guitar and stripes fabrics. I made my cousin a sundress in the mod flowers… and her daughter is getting a blouse that has flowers bordered in polka dots!
Each fabric is very different. On the surface, they don’t appear to have much in common. But when I combine them thoughtfully, the end result is something quite surprising and pleasant… and the recipients are blessed by the outcome. All I have to do is stand back, look at the fabrics, and take time to consider how they might work best together… and the ideas begin to flow!
We all have gifts and abilities that may not seem to work well together. But when the Holy Spirit is involved in combining them and orchestrating things, the end result is always a blessing to others – and to God. And often the outcome is quite surprising and pleasant. You may feel you that have no “Spiritual gift,” but I assure you that this is not the case. Maybe you have not opened your heart to the Holy Spirit’s guidance… and maybe He has held your gift in reserve. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman… He will not force Himself upon us. We must invite Him in… and make Him welcome.
Whatever your “Spiritual gifts” may be, it would be such a shame not to receive them – and to use them for God’s glory. I encourage you to step back and look at the “fabrics” of your life and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how they go together. Invite Him to dwell in your heart, and listen for His voice each and every day. Call upon the Holy Spirit to bless you with your Spiritual gifts… and get busy using them. You will be amazed – and delighted – at the outcomes… and so will those who receive a blessing as a result.
©2012 Debbie Robus
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