John 8:6-8
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger
in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and
said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending
down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
Have
you ever been around two little kids who were arguing, and rather than
get in the middle of things and settle the conflict, you stood back to
see what they could do? There are several reasons to try this (if you
can stand it!)…1) the children are allowed to grow and work through
their issue; 2) the adult demonstrates how petty and insignificant the
“fuss” is; and 3) the adult withholds attention and choosing sides,
which is often what the kids are after in the first place.
Here’s how I believe this applies to this scripture passage from John 8...
- Jesus
was drawing in the dirt and listening to the religious scholars and
Pharisees argue about stoning a woman caught in adultery. By their own
behavior, they were acting in an unloving manner. Jesus made no
discrepancy among people…He spent time with everyone from religious
leaders to murderers, adulterers, lepers and other “undesirables.” He
never played favorites or talked down to anyone. By drawing in the dirt,
Jesus was essentially saying, “Work it out amongst yourselves.”
- Jesus
was also demonstrating how insignificant this argument was to Him…so
unimportant that He didn’t even look up from doodling in the sand to
give much of a response.
- Jesus did not choose sides.
More importantly, He put the problem smack in the laps of those involved
and challenged the one who was guiltless to cast the first stone.
There
are several lessons here, and chief among them is the fact that none of
us is perfect. Not a single one of us has the right to judge
another…or to call him/her out for their sins. Before we even think of
doing so, we had better take a hard look at our own lives. Would we
want someone to point out OUR faults and failures? Would we want the
world to know how WE have failed to honor God in our thoughts, words and
actions?
Additionally, are we busy pleasing Jesus – and serving
Him? Or are we more concerned with making ourselves look big and
important… or with making sure that everyone knows how good we are, how
much we give and do for others, and how pleased God must be with us?
Are we busy trying to get Jesus to pick favorites? Because I can assure
you that this is a huge waste of time for everyone!
This is a
good day to humble ourselves before God and admit that we are nowhere
near worthy to “cast the first stone.” We will always be loved
unconditionally and incredibly by Jesus…but He will never have a
favorite. And we just as well figure that out now and get busy serving
out of gratitude rather than any effort to gain extra “points.” We need
to quit wasting our time on pettiness and discrimination. We need to
stop trying to figure out who is right and wrong and concentrate on
sharing the Good News of Jesus and how much He loves each and every one
of us…the good, the bad, and the ugly!
We need to stop making
excuses, passing judgments, and disparaging/condemning others…and take a
long, hard look in the mirror. And we don’t have a minute to waste.
Are you ready to drop your rock and fall on your knees in the dirt
beside Jesus? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I
wish you could have been in the car with me this morning as Timothy,
Nathan, and I drove home from the library. It was hot when we got in
our car, and I turned the air conditioning on full blast. Timothy
asked, “Will we sweat in heaven?” I told him probably not! Then he
asked, “Who makes the laws in Heaven?” I told him that God makes the
laws…and Timothy wanted to know what kind of laws God makes. I told him “Good ones!”
A
conversation ensued about heaven and God, and Timothy added…“Even if I
am bad, God will still love me.” So we started talking about Jesus and
how He died on the cross for our sins…and when we tell Jesus that we are
sorry for our sins and ask Him to forgive us, He does – forever and
ever. This doesn’t mean that we can act badly. In fact, because Jesus
loved us enough to do this, we should want to thank Him by doing our
very best not to sin.
Imagine, if you will, the indignity of a
4-year-old and a seven-year-old as we talked about how badly Jesus was
treated. They were aghast that “those mean people” did such awful
things to Him – particularly on the cross…and both readily said, “I will
beat them up for that!” I tried to explain that 1) this is not
possible; and 2) Jesus would not want this. We still have a lot of work
to do as the children mature enough to understand the grace and mercy of
Jesus…but hopefully, you are in a far different place!
So let me
spell this out for you. Yes, we should be offended by how Jesus was
treated. But think of how you and I have treated Jesus. What if He
got offended about that? Where would that leave us? Would we have the
gift of salvation and the promise of Eternity with Him? If we fail to
forgive others…do we really honor all that Jesus has done for us?
I
stressed to the boys that Jesus wants us to love other people…to share
His message with them and tell them how much He loves us. We cannot do
that if we are busy beating each other up…literally and figuratively –
with thoughts, words and actions. So I hope that today, you will stop
and examine your life and your attitudes and behaviors. Where have you
failed to forgive…and where have you dishonored Jesus in doing so?
Make
this the day that you redouble your efforts to demonstrate your
gratitude for all that Jesus has done – and continues to do for us. Ask
Him once again to forgive YOU for your transgressions...then get busy
showing others what it means to glorify Him in every aspect of your
daily living. And thank Him that when we get to heaven, sweat will
never be a concern!
©2016 Debbie Robus
John 21:15-19
After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
He then asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”
Jesus said, “Shepherd my sheep.”
Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter
was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he
answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to
know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I’m telling
you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and
went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch
out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you
don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which
Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.”
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.
While Timothy was out of
school for Spring Break, he delivered Meals on Wheels with Greg, and
afterward, they went to Walmart. Timothy had a little spending money,
and Greg let him pick out a toy – and he made up the difference in
price. So when the boys came to stay with us last week, Timothy assumed
that we would return to the store and shop for more toys. He was quite
disappointed to learn that this was not in our plans. Trust me…our
kids have MORE THAN ENOUGH toys already and get plenty of “treats!”
At
one point, Timothy was talking about all we were going to do while he
and Nathan visited, and he said, “You must not want to share your love
with us anymore.” I asked him why he thought that, and he said, “Well,
if you loved me, you would do what I want!” I laughed. He knows better
than this…he was just being a six-year-old. But as I read Jesus’ words
to His disciples in this passage, I did think about how WE adults often
make demands on JESUS – and place conditions on His love.
We have
it all twisted. We want to tell Jesus, “If You loved ME, You would do
such-and-such. You would fix ABC or XYZ and make everything perfect in
our little world.” Jesus has nothing to prove to us. The evidence of
His love is all around us…and just like Timothy knows that we love
him…WE know better when it comes to Jesus’ love! WE should be seeking
ways to demonstrate our love to Jesus…not the other way around!
We
are not six-year-olds…and it’s time we grew up and developed some
“faith muscle.” Jesus has been very clear about how to show our love to
Him - feed His sheep…serve...encourage…love others others…and nurture
them in their faith. Offer whatever you can to help people - and give
them hope. Live in a way that instills confidence in the promises of
God…and assurance of Eternity in His presence for all who believe in
Him.
Feed the lambs…shepherd the sheep…show Jesus how much you
love Him. Jesus shows us His love and care every single day. He gave
His very life on the cross for our sins. He is preparing a place in
Heaven for us for all of Eternity! It is abundantly clear how much He
loves us. If we truly love HIM…it’s time to show Him. The time has
come to get busy on this…are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Matthew 17:1-8
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James,
and his brother John to the top of a high and lonely hill, and as they
watched, his appearance changed so that his face shone like the sun and
his clothing became dazzling white.
Suddenly Moses and Elijah
appeared and were talking with him. Peter blurted out, “Sir, it’s
wonderful that we can be here! If you want me to, I’ll make three
shelters, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
But
even as he said it, a bright cloud came over them, and a voice from the
cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, and I am wonderfully pleased with
him. Obey him.”
At this the disciples fell face downward to the
ground, terribly frightened. Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,”
he said, “don’t be afraid.”
And when they looked, only Jesus was with them.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Billy Graham…John Hagee…Joyce
Meyer…Beth Moore…Dr. Phil…Deepak Chopra…the Dalai Lama…Bill
O’Reilly…Anderson Cooper…Rachel Maddow…Megyn Kelly...your pastor…your
children…your spouse or significant other…your home, car and
possessions…your job…your hobby…your favorite team…your pet...your
favorite entertainer or celebrity...
All of these, and countless
other people and things that we could list, have been given a place of
“worship” in the lives of many of us. We have essentially made
“shelters” for people and things that are not nearly as worthy of
adoration as we make them. In fact, God clearly indicates in this
passage that only ONE is worthy of praise and reverence! Even the likes
of Moses and Elijah – both great men of God – are not who we should
place on such a pedestal.
There is nothing wrong with having
respect and admiration for great men and women of God…or people whom we
feel are intelligent and have their finger on the pulse of current
events or seem to have figured out quite a bit about mental health and
sound living. We should honor our spouses, children and pets – and care
deeply about them. We need to work hard, do our best, and make every
effort to be well-rounded and interesting. It’s fine to have hobbies
and to support a team or three – or to enjoy the performances and
talents of someone else.
But we must be careful to remember Who deserves our ultimate worship. We must remember that God chose Jesus…His beloved Son,
to lead and guide us. He sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins…and
in return, we are told to obey Him…to follow His teachings and make Him the center of our being - not something or someone else.
So
let’s examine our hearts and lives today and see Who we have made the
object of our adoration. Where have we misplaced our loyalties…if only a
little. Where do we need to shift and adjust our focus – and place it
more squarely on Jesus Christ? Are we ready to make only ONE shelter in
our hearts and minds – for the One who truly deserves it? Don’t you
think this is a good day to start?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the suffering
and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted, to announce
liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Unless you have been under a
rock lately, you know that there are almost two dozen "contenders" to
be the next President of the United States…and to hear many of them
tell it, the Spirit of the Lord God is upon them, and they have been
anointed to save the world! Were it not so sad and serious, it might
almost be laughable, as each of these men and women rushes to outdo the
others in their efforts to convince “we the people” how lofty and noble
they are…and how qualified they are to lead us!
It will probably
take the better part of this next year to sift through all of the noise
and figure out who truly might be at least partly suited to be our next
President. I know that it will take a lot of prayer and careful
consideration as we formulate our opinions and come to what hopefully
will be a wise conclusion.
Meanwhile, let there be NO question
about who has been anointed by God to bring the Good News to each of us -
the “suffering and afflicted” referenced by the prophet Isaiah. Let us
be assured that Jesus Christ has indeed come “to comfort the
brokenhearted, to announce liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of
the blind.”
My prayer is that we never get confused about
this…that we never doubt…and that we live in such a way that others are
certain of where we stand – and with WHOM we stand! It doesn’t matter
whether you and I agree about who should lead our nation…but it matters
profoundly that we agree about Who leads our hearts and souls…and
controls the destiny of our every breath - and our Eternity.
Do
you live in a way that demonstrates your faith and confidence in the
Good News of Jesus Christ? Have you received His anointing upon your
life…and are you busy acting on His behalf in a way that brings glory
and honor to Jesus? When others look at you, do they want what (and
Who) you have in their life? Or are you one more arrogant and confusing
“voice” in the mix?
The time has come for us to figure out who
we are as Christ’s disciples…and to pare down, in many instances, to
what He has anointed…and discard anything that we have added. Are you
really ready to do this? Are you prepared to deliver the unadulterated,
pure and true Good News to others in every aspect of your daily
living? Will you stand out from the crowd for Jesus in a good way? Or
are you just one more in a line of noisy distractions?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus came to them and said:
I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I set out a vintage elf ornament last Christmas and dubbed him “Henry Truman”. This is my version of “Elf on a Shelf,” and the children love him. Christmas night, when the family gathered, Henry Truman was perched atop a holiday pillow. I told the kids that he stuck around to say “Goodbye”…but he would soon be headed back to the North Pole to live until next year.
An “Elf on the Shelf” may only hang around for the month of December, but thankfully, Jesus is not seasonal. We’ll pack away the holiday decorations…but let’s not pack away our Savior, too! We celebrate so much more than the birth of Jesus during this season…or we should. This is a time to count our blessings, to humbly thank God for sending His Son and to celebrate all that He taught us and sacrificed for us. The best way to celebrate is to heed the words of Jesus…to go out into the world and share His message of love, grace, mercy and salvation with others.
Jesus is with us always…He told us so. The true spirit of Christmas should live in our hearts every single day of the year…and others should readily see it. Will this be the year that you make it so in your own life? Is this “day after Christmas” when Christmas really begins for you? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
1 Timothy 1:12-14
I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were invective and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing—didn’t know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We have a running joke in our family about our niece and nephew – both grown now with children of their own – and their “competitive” card playing some twenty-plus years ago. One would claim the other cheated, and the “winner” would gloat like there was no tomorrow. There was no grace or mercy in their games of “Old Maid”…it was every person for himself/herself, and the “winner” bragged unapologetically!
As you might imagine, there were quite a few hurt feelings as a result of these exchanges…and each gained a “reputation” as a “cheater” – or at least a “bad sport”. But as the kids grew and matured, they learned to “forgive and forget” (although an occasional tongue-in-cheek jab still appears from time to time on Facebook!)…and the two of them have mutual love and respect for each other today. They realize that these were the behaviors of somewhat-innocent children who really didn’t know better or fully understand the long-term ramifications of breaking the rules - even in a child’s game of “Old Maid”.
We are like these children…eager to have our own way – and perhaps willing to say or do things we shouldn’t in order to get it. At least, this would have described many of us before we had a personal encounter with Jesus. And perhaps even today, some of us who claim to know Him continue to be critical…insulting…and arrogant. We ridicule others and gloat about everything from “our” team’s latest win to our personal possessions and accomplishments. And we fail to remember that Jesus told us in Matthew 25:40 that…" When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me!” (Living Bible)
Today, I am humbled and grateful for Jesus’s “grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me.” I am thankful that He offers me mercy and forgives my sins. I want to honor the trust that Jesus has placed in me to “minister” to others in His name by acting with integrity and respect – for Him and for others. I want to conduct myself in a way that reflects His grace and mercy over me...and to share Him in this same manner with those whom I encounter.
Often, our immediate “gut-reaction” to outside comments and actions is to retaliate…to yell, “He/she cheated!” But Jesus has demonstrated compassion and tolerance…and if we want to be like Him, we must pay this forward.
Let’s start today with a prayer of gratitude for the grace, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance that Jesus offers each of us. And then let’s make a concerted effort to honor Him by sharing these things with everyone we meet…even those who insult or disrespect us or show us no mercy in return. It won’t always be easy, but that will make it even more honorable and tender to Jesus. Isn’t He worth the effort? How grateful are you for what He has done in your life…and just how far are you willing to go to show it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Galatians 6:1-3
Live creatively, friends. If someone
falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments
for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out.
Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their
burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for
that, you are badly deceived.
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.
Speaker and author Jen Hatmaker has just released a revised version of her book Interrupted...subtitled
“When Jesus wrecks your comfortable Christianity”. Hatmaker maintains
that we should operate in a “Matthew 25” mentality, where Jesus says...”
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of
the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”(NIV)
She talks a lot about “the least” and says that many of us will stand
before Jesus someday and tell him that we loved the poor, we invited the
lonely into our homes, we clothed the naked and fed the hungry...and
“We did that all for You.” And she says Jesus will say that...”you did that unto Me.”
She explains...”It’s not surprising that He is pleased when we adopt
His bias toward the bottom. It’s startling that He is actually served.
We clearly don’t comprehend how personally Jesus takes it when we love
suffering people.”
This same principle applies to those who sin
or offend us in some way. When we operate in forgiveness, grace and
mercy to them...when we share their burdens and give them the benefit of
the doubt...we are demonstrating the love of Christ for them – and
pleasing Him immensely at the same time.
I don’t know about you, but I so want to please Jesus. I want to represent Him...and represent Him well!
I want others to see His love and tender care in my actions and
gestures...and to want to know Him intimately themselves. This cannot
happen if we are critical and judgmental. It will not result from our
indifference or downright disdain for “the least”. We have to toss aside
all of our smug attitudes and “holier-than-thou” stances...and seek
Jesus’ guidance as we live creatively...mercifully...graciously.
Hatmaker
says, “As for me, I’m going to gamble on the fact that Jesus didn’t
have much patience with believers who attempted to limit the scope of
‘who my neighbor is’ to the fewest possible people (see Luke 10:25-37).
Jesus always colored outside the lines here, extending grace and
healing to those well beyond His people group. He often healed people
first; they believed second. If I’m wrong, the worst thing that could
happen is that some desperate people are cared for, and I’m guessing
Jesus will look the other way. He seems to favor unmerited grace. To
me, this is a wheat-and-weeds issue, and since that’s not my call to
make, I’ll just err on the side of mercy and let Jesus sort it out at
the harvest.”
What about you? Are you willing to “err on the
side of mercy”? Are you willing to show grace and compassion for “the
least” and those who fall into sin? Have you fully recognized that YOU
could be the one in need of grace and mercy...even within the next few
minutes? Don’t you think it’s time we started to live out a Matthew 25
faith and complete Christ’s law? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*Order your copy of Interrupted before July 31st and receive a 20% discount. Click here
to order. The website says that this item is presently out of stock
and will be available July 30. According to information I have been given, you should still be able to get the discount
on that date!
2 Corinthians 2:5-8
Remember that the man I wrote
about, who caused all the trouble, has not caused sorrow to me as much
as to all the rest of you—though I certainly have my share in it too. I
don’t want to be harder on him than I should. He has been punished
enough by your united disapproval. Now it is time to forgive him and
comfort him. Otherwise he may become so bitter and discouraged that he
won’t be able to recover. Please show him now that you still do love him
very much.
The Living
Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All
rights reserved.
Last night was “Movie in the Park” night at our local city park. The film presented was the Disney hit, Frozen…you
know…the one that has the theme song, “Let it Go”! That pretty well
sums up what the Apostle Paul is saying here…”Don’t hold a grudge…get
over it…move ahead…LET.IT.GO.”
I know…I know! Someone
did you wrong…REALLY did you wrong. You’re mad, upset, disappointed,
hurt…or whatever. Not only are YOU upset, but your friends and family
are unhappy, too. The person who wronged you has earned the wrath and
fury of your whole team!
I get it! I know what it feels like to
be troubled in some way by another person…to feel sorrow, betrayal, or
mistreatment of some sort at their expense. I think most of us have had
this experience, to some extent. But Paul makes the point that to
continue to harbor these feelings…or to harp on them to the person who
has wronged you and/or others…serves no purpose. The bitterness will
eat you alive…and your resentment toward the other guy will not
demonstrate the love of Christ to anyone.
See, we’ve all caused
Jesus PLENTY of trouble and sorrow. We’ve mistreated Him in ways we
cannot even articulate. Yet Jesus went to the cross for us, knowing
every single thing we would ever say and do to Him…fully recognizing all
that we would do to hurt others - and all of the countless ways that we
would disappoint and wound Him in our lifetime. He gave His life for
ours…knowing all of this. The grace, mercy, forgiveness and love that
Jesus showed to each of us on the cross are beyond what I can
comprehend.
If Jesus deems us worth all of this…worth His very
life on the cross…surely we can show some semblance of grace, mercy,
forgiveness and love to others. We’re not letting the other guy off the
hook…we’re stepping up to the plate and honoring our relationship with
Jesus Christ. There will be retribution and consequences for the bad
behaviors of others…but meting these out is not our responsibility. Our job
as Christians is to love others like Jesus loves us. And that means
knowing when to forgive, forget, and get over whatever has been done to
us.
Are you ready to show Jesus how much you love Him? Will
this be the day that you “let it go” and offer His grace and mercy to
the other guy? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Philippians 3:13-14
No, dear brothers, I am still
not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this
one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I
strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God
is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
When
I was in my twenties, I took up running as a form of exercise…and I
competed in a few 5K and 10K races. Working toward the race gave me
motivation and a goal. I had to train and prepare. I couldn’t just
show up on Race Day and run 3.1 to 6.2 miles…I had to build up my
stamina, endurance, and strength. So I would go on 3-to-6-mile runs
every day to get my body (and my mind) ready for the actual event.
I’ll
tell you, each day was different. Some “training days” were good…and
others I’d just as soon forget! In fact, even within the run itself, I
would tell myself, “Okay, you can’t think about the 4.5 miles you have
already run and how tired you are…you have to focus on this last 1.5
miles and getting finished.” Honestly, there were lots of times that I
wasn’t even all that concerned with how well I ran…I just wanted to be
done! And for me, it wasn’t about the prize or medal on Race Day…it was
about the personal satisfaction of knowing that I worked toward a goal
and completed it. But there were indeed “prizes” and medals…and I did
pick up a few - usually because in the early 1980s, there were so few
women who ran competitively!
Most of us are working toward
something…a high school diploma or college degree…a promotion at
work…saving up enough money to buy a house or a car…finding the right
partner and starting a family…saving for retirement…making it to the
eligibility point for receiving Social Security and Medicare
benefits…living to a certain age – or long enough to see our children or
grandchildren grown…or getting to travel to a certain destination or
experience things on a “bucket list”. Dreams and goals are important!
They give our lives purpose…and the “prize” or reward we seek often
motivates us to keep going.
I wonder…how motivated are we
spiritually? Do we truly desire to be better today than we were
yesterday? Do we really “press on toward the mark” and strive to do
more for Jesus each day? Do we get bogged down in our past and use that
as a crutch for failing to serve as faithfully or enthusiastically as
we should? Are we as diligent in our efforts to be faithful Christian
disciples as we are to save for a house or a car…or to achieve other
personal goals? Do we work as hard for Jesus as we do for ourselves?
Is
the “prize for which God is calling us up to Heaven” - the promise of
Eternity in His presence - enough motivation for us to “bring all of our
energies to bear” on what we do in this earthly lifetime? Shouldn’t it
be? Are we giving all we can to the one who gave so much for us, so
that we can rest with Him in Heaven someday? Or are we taking His
“prize” for granted…and “resting on our laurels”?
How you answer
these questions matters! Which “prizes” have caught your eye and
garnered your attention? You will have plenty of time to rest when
Jesus calls you “home” for good. What are you doing in the meantime?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Ephesians 5:21
Honor Christ and put others first.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my favorite television sitcoms is “The Big Bang Theory”. It showcases four nerdy geeks who are geniuses in the scientific world…but almost literally cannot get in out of the rain in everyday life. One of the nerdiest is a character named Sheldon Cooper. According to a fan website… http://the-big-bang-theory.com - “Sheldon is the uber geek, he possesses a Master's degree and 2 PhDs, and conducts string theory research at Caltech.” Sheldon is also an egomaniac, and when he’s particularly proud of something he has said or done, he shouts, “Bazinga!” Here are a few examples of “Sheldon quotes” from various episodes…
- Sheldon: Why are you crying?
Penny: Because I'm stupid!
Sheldon: That's no reason to cry. One cries because one is sad. For example, I cry because others are stupid, and that makes me sad.
- Sheldon: I assure you, you'll be sorry that you wasted your money on an iPod when Microsoft comes out with theirs.
Rajesh: Do you have an opinion about everything?
Sheldon: Yes.
Howard: And you just assume you're right?
Sheldon: It's not an assumption.
- Sheldon: Howard, you know me to be a very smart man. Don't you think that if I were wrong, I'd know it?
You get the picture…it’s all about Sheldon – all the time. And for the record, this character’s background includes a devoutly Christian mother from Texas - and Sheldon often makes references to his church upbringing. While he sometimes cites moral dilemmas…such as claiming not to drink coffee because his mother admonished him “not to do drugs”, his focus does not appear to be on honoring Christ – and he most certainly would not choose to put others first!
“Sheldon Cooper” is an extreme example…but don’t we all know some version of him? Maybe you are even one of these people. When someone is sick, you have to tell them about YOUR ailments rather than offer empathy for theirs. It’s one thing to say, “I had that once, and it is miserable”… or “I remember how sad I felt when MY mother died…and I am so very sorry”…or “Losing my job was the catalyst for me to go back to school and start a new career...I am praying that you will find a new beginning, as well.” It’s quite another to launch into a dissertation about your litany of illnesses and/or injuries, or to go on and on about how you are mired in your own grief…or to be flippant about a job loss, disappointment, or challenge. It’s even worse to turn these into opportunities to toot your own horn – or to appeal to others for sympathy or commiseration on your own behalf.
I’ve quoted my pastor several times, but “there is a heartache on every pew”. I am pretty sure for everything you and I think we are enduring in the course of a day…someone else has it worse! Yes, we are important…our feelings matter – especially to God. But the way we glorify God and demonstrate His love to others is to step outside of ourselves…and into the shoes of the other guy…and to focus on his/her needs.
Use the experiences of your life to minister to others. If you’ve had the same illness, you know best how to encourage someone as he/she convalesces. If you have lost a parent, grandparent, sibling or other loved one – or even a beloved pet – you can offer first-hand understanding and condolence to someone else enduring the same loss. Whether it’s a happy occurrence or a tragic one, you have actual, personal familiarity with a variety of situations that equips you to minister to others in the same boat. And in doing so, you honor Christ.
There are an awful lot of “Sheldon Coopers” among us…people who have the intellect and capacity for showing compassion to others – and sharing the love of Christ in the bargain…but choose instead to place the focus of pretty much everything on themselves. Don’t be one of these people. Open your eyes and ears – and your heart – and see who needs you today. Then get busy blessing them in Jesus’ name…and give God a reason to shout, “Bazinga!”
©2014 Debbie Robus
1 Peter 1:3-5
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!
God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.
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 concept of a “future” is a funny thing. Many picture their “future” as… “when I graduate from high school – or college”… “when I get married”… “when I get my first car/house/job”…”when I get older”…”when the kids are grown and gone from home” …”when I retire”…”when I can no longer live alone and/or I have to have help with things”. You probably have a few ideas of your own about what constitutes the “future”.
But here’s the thing. Your “future” starts NOW. In fact, it started the day you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior… and this passage reminds us of this clearly. Everything about your life is part of your future, because every single day matters. The future is not some nebulous, far-away place or event. Your future with Christ includes whatever you are doing even in the next few minutes!
This should come as good news to us. Because of Jesus, we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to enjoy His blessings. Because of Jesus, we can look forward to what lies ahead for us – here and now. Yes, things will be better and brighter there. Yes, we will have no worries about calories, illnesses, blemishes, and disabilities. But what we have today… here… now… can be as awesome and spectacular as we choose to make it – all because of Jesus and what He promises us in our “future” in Heaven.
So what are you waiting for? Are you living for a future far, far away in a distant galaxy? Or are you living the hopeful life of someone who knows that Jesus was raised from the dead and has given you everything to live for… including a future in Heaven that has already begun?
If Jesus is the author and creator of your future…isn’t it time you acted like it? If you have not yet secured your future in Heaven with Jesus, isn’t this the perfect time to fall to your knees, confess your sins, and invite Him to dwell in your heart forever? The future is NOW… or it can be…and the choice is totally up to you. Are you in?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Genesis 1:26-28
God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them
reflecting our nature
So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,
the birds in the air, the cattle,
And, yes, Earth itself,
and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.”
God created human beings;
he created them godlike,
Reflecting God’s nature.
He created them male and female.
God blessed them:
“Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!
Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air,
for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.”
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 friend told me about the experience he and his wife shared when they went to a local animal shelter to adopt two cats. The shelter staff members came to their house to “interview” them and make sure that their house was a suitable domain for the cats… and that they would be good “parents”. The shelter representatives were impressed with what they discovered and readily agreed to the adoption. They realized that these people had a healthy respect for the responsibility of caring for these two kitties… and that they took this role as good pet owners very seriously.
Have you ever considered that God has entrusted you with the care of many things…property, your environment, family members, perhaps even children of your own, maybe a pet or two (or three or four?!)… and so much more. Hopefully, He has granted you salvation through Jesus Christ and is trusting that you will serve faithfully as a Disciple of Christ who loves and cares for others in His name. Honestly, all of these responsibilities are incredibly serious… and handling them respectfully and with utmost care is vital!
As you go about your day, think of all that God has handed over to you. Ask yourself, “Am I a good steward of His gifts? Is my treatment and respect toward these people and things in line with what God expects of me? Am I honoring my commitments to Him by taking charge, prospering, reproducing and filling the earth with good things that please Him? Am I serving Jesus Christ and honoring Him with my discipleship?”
Pay close attention and look for areas where you may be slacking off – even a little… situations and relationships where you might be shirking your responsibilities and/or acting even a little irresponsibly. Ask God to equip you to do better… to give you the wisdom, strength, courage and desire to “step it up a notch” and honor Him by giving your very best. Remind yourself often of the words from James 1:17, where we read… “Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven.”
Treat everything that God has entrusted to you with utmost respect and care. Honor His very best gifts to you by giving Him your very best in return.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Matthew 5:2-12
Jesus' disciples gathered around him, and he taught them:
God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!
God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!
God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!
God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!
God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!
God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Remember the story of The Little Red Hen? She asked for help with planting, harvesting and grinding her wheat into flour, and no one was available. So she quietly and dutifully went about getting everything done. When she turned her flour into warm, tasty loaves of bread, all of those who had refused to help were suddenly interested in “helping” her eat the bread. Now I ask you, what should she do? In the story, she reminds all of her friends that they refused to help… so now they will not get to eat! She then eats the bread herself… and feeds her chicks.
Apparently the Little Red Hen didn’t read this scripture passage! The moral of the story is that “only those who work will eat.” But for Christians, there is more to the story. Can we really refuse to feed our neighbor who is hungry just because he/she won’t work? When someone fails to help us out when we are in need, does this give us license to do the same in return? Do we have the right to lie for our boss or a friend just to keep our job? Will God understand if we let our relationship with Him lapse because we are busy or preoccupied… sick or in trouble?
This passage is a wonderful outline for how to live as a disciple of Christ. Coupled with the commandments in Luke 10:27 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind,” and “Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself,” these verses give us a great road map for Christian living. When we follow these teachings, we live in a manner that pleases God and leads to incredible blessings – both on this earth and in heaven.
These guidelines are not always easy to follow. Yes, there will be ridicule, difficulty, and frustration as you strive to follow them. But as the scriptures tell us, there will also be great rewards and blessings. You will not serve alone… your efforts will not be in vain. When you get to the point where your “Little Red Hen” story includes feeding those who are hungry – even when they didn’t help – you have truly turned a corner in your Christian living. When you care more about serving God than about what others think, an entirely new world of possibilities with Christ opens up to you. When you humble yourself and begin to depend totally on God… and genuinely grieve over the sufferings of others, you discover the joys of knowing that God will more than meet your every need. He will bless and care for you in this lifetime… and for all eternity.
Where are you in your Disciple life? Are you still a “Little Red Hen” Christian who is out to get all you can for yourself and those in your circle? Or are you “in it to win it” with Jesus… totally focused on Him and allowing Him to work in and through you for His glory? Do others see Jesus in your actions and daily living? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Mark 9:1-7
Then he drove it home by saying, “This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you who are standing here are going to see it happen, see the kingdom of God arrive in full force.”
Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them. Elijah, along with Moses, came into view, in deep conversation with Jesus.
Peter interrupted, “Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let’s build three memorials—one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah.” He blurted this out without thinking, stunned as they all were by what they were seeing.
Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever heard someone talk of an encounter with another person in which they described a turning point experience? Perhaps they said something like, “In that moment, I saw him for who he really was,” or “For the first time, I fully understood where she was coming from.” More than one of us has said something like, “I thought I knew So-and-So until THIS happened.” Sometimes, our entire perception of someone else can change in a matter of minutes.
Peter, James and John had a unique and profound experience with Jesus. God allowed them to see Him as much more than a “mere mortal.” He revealed the full glory of Jesus to them, and as described, Jesus all but glowed in brilliant white clothing. The trio was engulfed in a light-radiant cloud as they heard the voice of God himself. To say that this was a moment of transformation - a turning point for these three men - would be an understatement! And God’s statement…“This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to Him”… is powerful!
Sadly, many of us fail to recognize the full glory of Jesus. He never becomes more than a “man among men” to us. We talk about who Jesus was/is… how important He is to us. But we don’t fully get it. While we most likely will never have such a literal “aha moment” as Peter, James and John, our relationship with Jesus can be transformed in an intense and no-less-life-changing manner. When we fully grasp what it means to be marked by God’s love… when we begin to truly comprehend the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifices on our behalf and what it means to serve Him, we can’t help but be forever changed.
I like the image of Jesus in His glory… the awesomeness of the blinding light and the whiter than bleached clothing. It humbles me to think about Someone of this magnitude caring about the most mundane parts of my life. When I consider Jesus as “the Kingdom of God in full force,” I am wowed, astounded, and transformed! We talk about serving a mighty God, but we don’t truly picture Him this way – at least not often enough!
I encourage you to stop for a few minutes and consider Jesus in all of His glory. Re-read this passage and imagine every facet of His appearance… the blinding bright light… the whiteness of his garments… the glow that radiates from Him, and the cloud of radiant light that encompasses you as you stand before Him. Humble yourself in Jesus’ presence… picture Him embracing you in His arms. See Jesus for who He truly is… and revere Him for loving you so deeply.
I dare you to do all of this and not feel just a tad overwhelmed! Jesus’ love for us truly is astounding. We would do well to take a few minutes to bask in His glory… to give Him praise and thanks for accepting us in our unworthiness… and to marvel at His magnificence. Have you truly seen Jesus in His brilliance? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Ephesians 1:11-14
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
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.
When my husband and I first started our own business, we stuck to a very strict monthly budget. We had allotted so much for the basics… groceries, utilities, gas for the vehicles, insurance, and other household expenses. We also had allotted a certain amount each month for business expenses…office supplies, postage, telephone bill, and more. Because we had planned carefully and spent frugally early in our careers, we had saved enough money to pay for our home outright. So we didn’t have the monthly expense of a house payment or rent. This was very liberating!
We also had what we called a “nest egg” – money we had set aside from our retirement funds and savings, in case we had an emergency or the business did not develop and go well. We worked very hard… God blessed us… and our business was successful. After a few years, we didn’t have to adhere to the budget nearly as tightly as we did those first years.
Think of your life sort of like a budget. You must be careful with the details… how you conduct yourself, where you spend your time and energy. When you give your heart to Jesus, it’s sort of like when we paid for our house… there is a burden lifted… you no longer have to worry about eternity or forgiveness for your sins. Does this mean you can “blow the budget?” Absolutely not! You still must be careful, monitor all “expenditures” and how you conduct your life. But you have the security of knowing that your future is secure in Jesus Christ… you will spend eternity with Him in heaven someday.
Now think of the Holy Spirit as your “nest egg” – the gift God has given you of a guiding force in your life… someone who you can fall back on in hard times... something of a security blanket. Again, you can’t expect the Holy Spirit to carry you while you coast along and do as you please. But you know He is there… that He is directing your path when you ask for help… that He will watch over you and help you plan a future filled with abundance and blessings.
Budgets and plans are wonderful tools. I’m so glad that God “budgeted and planned” for me… and that the Holy Spirit is helping me each and every day. What an amazing God we serve. To think that He cares that deeply for each of us boggles my mind. But I’m surely glad He does… aren’t you?
How are you budgeting these days… not just in the regular world, but spiritually, as well? Are you a good steward of God’s gifts? Do you take advantage of the presence of His Holy Spirit? Are you living in a way that says, “I’m ready for the next level! I know that God has great things in store for me, and I can’t wait to experience them!”? Today is the perfect time to start to live according to God’s plan… to pay closer attention to how you are using the gifts and blessings He has provided… and to “operate within the budget.” Are you ready to do this?
©2012 Debbie Robus
James 2:12-13
Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.
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 couple of dear friends of mine have been taken to task on Facebook lately for their political choices. One of these friends decided he had been quiet long enough, and with his usual flair for kindness and fair play, he began to calmly outline his justifications for believing as he does and choosing a particular candidate. The other friend received some particularly nasty posts and decided to fight back with a – let’s just call it somewhat “snarky” – post of her own. Almost immediately, she regretted this… and she said so in a follow-up post.
We all have moments when we lash out… call it “human nature.” And many of us regret what we say or do before the words are barely out of our mouths. Politics is a slippery slope at best. In order for our democracy to work, we have to be able to voice our opinions and state our positions – on both sides of the aisle. But often, we have to exercise great courage in order to do this… even if we are careful to stick to the facts as we know them and deliver our views calmly and nonjudgmentally. At any given moment, we must be prepared for a deluge of harsh discrimination and nastiness from “the other side.” We frequently see this when we try to share our faith and religious beliefs with others, as well.
Should we say nothing… fearing that we will be judged – or even ridiculed – by the other guy? No! We are called by God to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. And as citizens of a democracy, we are obligated to exercise our right to support one candidate and platform or another. The problems lie with our delivery… our talk and action. If we try to bully our way in via a “my way or the highway” approach, we can expect some pretty rude responses. If we retaliate when others act in a discourteous or disrespectful manner, we have become no better than that person… and God is disappointed, at best.
My friend with the flair for speaking fairly and kindly still gets flack, but if any of it is truly nasty, I don’t see it. I honestly believe that the way he approaches these subjects with objectivity, kindness, love for the other guy, and most of all – a calm sense of evenhandedness – rubs off on others. He doesn’t return unkindness, even when he receives it. He doesn’t try to cram his ideas down the other guy’s throat. He merely states the facts as he knows them and lets the dust settle.
We would do well to act accordingly. Whether we are “arguing politics” with another person or group, testifying to our walk with Christ and witnessing to others, or merely going about our daily living… we must remember that in all things, we represent Jesus Christ. We must consider whether others see in us a person who represents love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness… and acceptance of those who think or act differently from us… or whether they see someone with a personal agenda.
If we don’t behave in a way that would please Jesus and glorify His sacrifices for each of us, we are really no different from the other guy… and we both need a change of heart. When you voice your opinions these days, how are they received by others? As you go about your daily living, do people see someone who reflects the teachings of Jesus… or someone who practices “Burger King Religion” and has to “have it his/her way” in life?
Jesus offers us freedom to do and say what is truly in our heart… and He has given us Biblical guidelines for our delivery. What are your words and actions saying to others today? Are you operating in the freedoms of kindness and mercy and even-handedness? Isn’t this a good time to start?
©2012 Debbie Robus
1 Peter 2:13-17
Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.
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.
Oh, how we need these scripture verses nowadays! From every side, our government has become fair game for human target practice. Somehow, we tend to gloss over the Bible’s admonition to respect our leaders. We are not told to agree with them… but we are commanded to respect them. Yet all you have to do is scroll down the “Home” page on any social media outlet to see people disrespecting leaders on both sides of the political aisle. I’m not talking about statements of disagreement or disapproval… I’m talking about venomous, bigoted, spiteful comments that reek of disdain – if not outright hatred – for those who have been elected to office.
I will be the first to tell you that there are unscrupulous legislators, public officials, judges and government leaders at every level. But God calls us to treat them – and all people – with respect and decorum. To treat anyone with less than the utmost dignity belies the grace and mercy that was given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus died for those in public office, too! He died for your fellow church members and the other citizens in your city, state, country…and around the globe. If you think for one minute your salvation is exclusive in any way, you have totally missed Jesus’ message!
Today, I am thinking of several people in the public eye – and some “ordinary folk” as well – who claim to be Christians yet never miss an opportunity to say something unkind and distasteful about our government leaders. I have to wonder if they ever stop to consider what God thinks about this behavior. Do they ever read their Bible… and more importantly, do they truly hear what God is saying through passages like this one?
The time has come for us to wake up and realize that hiding behind God’s name and bashing others – for any reason – is disrespectful… and un-Christian! If you want to please God (and we all should want this!), you have to listen to what He is saying and do what He tells you – even if that means showing respect for elected officials and others you do not like. The only way to truly be free is to follow God’s rules and let Him have complete control. Are you fully exercising your freedoms today? Are you showing respect for God… and for others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Colossians 1:26-29
This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I’ve been reading my grandmother’s journal again, and on the first page, she has written a tribute to her mother. I never knew this great-grandmother, Mary Caroline Cullum Thrasher. She died in 1946, more than a decade before I was born. But my grandmother speaks of her with great reverence… “She was a saint, a Godly woman and very strong willed. One of the things was her reading of the Bible every day, even in her last days. When she sat down to rest, it was her Bible she reached for.” On the subject of her personal appearance and attention to detail, my grandmother writes, “I can see her now as the early morning chores were done. She took time for herself… to be ready for the day… took her bath, combed her hair, put on a pretty little apron, cleaned her shoes, and – believe it or not – she polished her shoes with soot from the chimney.”
My grandmother concludes her tribute by saying of her own mother… “She was a very neat lady… one who had a real hard life. But when she went to be with her LORD, she left behind a legacy that it’s better to be true and loyal than to be what some might call ‘great’.” When I think of my great-grandmother Thrasher – and even my grandmother, I think of this passage… and the words… “Christ! No more, no less.” Some of us are so busy trying to add to the message… to make ourselves look better with “things”… fancy clothes and makeup, nice houses and cars, the latest gadgets and gizmos… when what we really need is a clean apron and a little soot on our shoes – and the word of God in our lap at the end of the day.
All I know of my great-grandmother Thrasher is what my grandmother, aunts and others have told me… and for the most part, it has all echoed my grandmother’s journal entry. I have always been told that she was a hard worker who made the best of what she had… and her circumstances. I know she bore ten children, and the eldest five died before my grandmother turned six. Then when my grandmother was not quite a teenager, my great-grandfather left and started another family in another state. Yet I have never heard anyone talk about my great-grandmother saying a negative or unkind word toward this man.
My point in sharing this is that challenges and heartaches are nothing new… and neither are great examples of faithful, common-sense discipleship to Jesus Christ. If anything, it seems like we have more of the former and less of the latter these days. And this might explain the imbalance! We need to humbly seek the wisdom of God. We need to pare down and simplify our faith. It’s not about big churches, amazing sound systems, rock-star quality praise music or even a compelling evangelist who can deliver earth-shattering sermons. It’s not about what we have, how much we can spend, or who we know, as long as we know Jesus. What matters is Jesus Christ… no more, no less… who lives in each of us who have professed a faith in Him. Our job is to simply love Him, serve Him in whatever capacity He designates, and truly share His love and care with others on His behalf.
Today, I encourage you to sit quietly for a few minutes and ask God to show you where you need to “trim the fat” – and where you need to step up to the plate. Who needs to see Jesus through you today? What wisdom is God trying to give you… if only you would stop and listen? Are you operating with a spirit of profound common sense? Are you neat, orderly, humble and faithful? How will you live for Jesus this day? What – and Who – will others see when they look at you?
Are you the “real deal” for Christ – no more, no less? Shouldn’t you be?
©2012 Debbie Robus
1 Corinthians 11:27-32
Anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Master irreverently is like part of the crowd that jeered and spit on him at his death. Is that the kind of "remembrance" you want to be part of? Examine your motives, test your heart, come to this meal in holy awe.
If you give no thought (or worse, don't care) about the broken body of the Master when you eat and drink, you're running the risk of serious consequences. That's why so many of you even now are listless and sick, and others have gone to an early grave. If we get this straight now, we won't have to be straightened out later on. Better to be confronted by the Master now than to face a fiery confrontation later.
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.
From the time we are very small, we know about Holy Communion. We may not participate directly, but we most likely see our parents “take communion” at church services… or we may have even seen this ritual portrayed in movies or on television. While very young children probably do not have the capacity to understand the true meaning of Holy Communion, emphasizing that this is a reverent and important gesture is certainly appropriate.
Sadly, many of us come to adulthood with a sense that Holy Communion is a ritual… and little more. We understand the symbolism of eating the bread and drinking the cup… but we don’t truly grasp the full meaning represented in this sacrament. I’m afraid this is true of many of the ways we represent Jesus in our everyday life. We have gotten pretty good at going through the motions of our faith, while giving little thought to their impact or importance.
I will admit that I was well into my thirties before I truly grasped the significance of Holy Communion. This sacrament is a vital component of the Emmaus Walk and is celebrated each day participants are in attendance. At the Emmaus Walk, I fully realized that eating the bread not only represents the body of Christ… it also represents our sins – surrendered to Him. The cup represents the blood of Jesus washing us clean, covering those sins, and creating in us a new life. The first time you participate in Holy Communion with this in mind can be a truly humbling and moving experience. And I will tell you, I have never thought of Communion the same since. It is an honor and a privilege to participate in this ceremony… and to renew my commitment and covenant with Jesus in the process.
At the same time, we need to all examine other actions and rituals in which we participate with regard to our faith. Remember, Jesus has told us that what we have done to the least… we have done to Him. So how we treat others… how we react to them… how we think and act in everything from participating in all aspects of a worship service to smiling at someone in Wal-Mart… matters! The next time you tell someone you will pray for them… follow through and remember them to God. When you start to make fun of someone or belittle them – whether to another person or directly – consider that this person belongs to Jesus just as you do. Remember that to belittle another is to belittle Jesus. When you can’t decide whether to pay your bills and honor the commitment you made when you placed charges on your credit card or rented the apartment and hooked up the utilities… or whether to blow your paycheck on dinner out with friends, a new outfit, the latest video game or a weekend at the casino… consider the commitment Jesus made to you. What if He blew you off? What if Jesus said, “I’ll let somebody else worry about that,” or “Today, I’m going to do what *I* want to do… I’ll think about the rest later.” Do you see that in failing to honor your worldly commitments, you fail to honor your commitment to Jesus?
In everything we do, we need to be humble, deliberate, and mindful of Jesus. There will be times when we still miss the mark. Believe me…I have plenty! But I am more aware these days of how important it is to strive to live honorably in Christ. Every choice I make has consequences – in this life and for eternity. When I eat the bread and take the cup, I am saying to Jesus, “Here I am LORD… take my sin and wash me clean. Set me upright for another day.” But I want to do more. I want to back this up with my day-to-day living.
I encourage you to look for ways each day to remember Jesus… and to ask Him to remember you. You don’t have to literally eat bread and drink wine to have a “Holy Communion” experience with Jesus each and every day. Always keep Christ at the forefront. Come before Him with a spirit of humility – and thanksgiving - and He will remember you in all things.
©2012 Debbie Robus
