Daily Devotional for December 18, 2016

Matthew 6:1-4
When you do good deeds, don’t try to show off. If you do, you won’t get a reward from your Father in heaven.

When you give to the poor, don’t blow a loud horn. That’s what show-offs do in the meeting places and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward.

When you give to the poor, don’t let anyone know about it.Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret, and he will reward you.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Greg and I have seen a couple of CBS news stories this week by reporter Steve Hartman* about a “Secret Santa” whose origins have been traced back to the late Ted Horn of Houston, Mississippi.  In 1971, Horn noticed a homeless man who wandered into the Dixie Diner. The starving man ordered a big breakfast with the intention to sneak out before the bill came.  Horn realized what was happening and slipped up behind the man and handed him a $20 bill, saying, “I think you may have dropped this.”  The homeless man vowed that if he ever became wealthy, he would pay this kindness forward.  And Larry Stewart did indeed “make it big” in cable and long distance.  Stewart fulfilled his vow by randomly passing out $20 bills to strangers during the Christmas season.

Larry Stewart’s identity only became known after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2006. A friend - who remains anonymous - picked up the torch and has continued to pass out the donations. To date, over $2 million in $20 bills has been given away.  A follow-up story we saw featured Kansas City police officers, who the current “Secret Santa” enlisted to get in on the joy of giving.  The officers were each given $1000 to share with those they felt had a need.  A total of $30,000 was distributed to strangers in department stores, coffee shops, and on the street…and one officer gave his entire amount to a homeless mother with 2 children that he was already personally housing in a motel. For these Kansas City cops, the “rewards” were two-fold…they provided immediate joy to those who received the money, and they helped to build good relationships between the public and “men and women in blue.”

The whole key to the “Secret Santa” concept is…well…anonymity. There are a lot of “Larry Stewarts” in this world who perform random acts of kindness and generosity on a daily basis.  But there are also a lot of people who can’t hand a kid a nickel without wanting recognition for their “good deed.”  And this is what Jesus is referencing in these verses.  Not only do we make ourselves look arrogant by doing this…we also indicate a lack of faith in God.  After all, if we believe that serving Him is the “be-all-end-all,” and we trust that God knows everything about us…then why do we need to announce to the world that we have basically done what we are supposed to do?

We are called to be disciples of Christ - essentially “Secret Santas” of a kind - all.year.long.  Some of us have a handle on this…but others are still seeking the limelight.  It’s time for us to demonstrate the confidence of our faith…to step up and step out, and do what God calls us to do without anticipation of a moment’s recognition.

Are you ready to show the world the love and care of Jesus?  God’s reward of Eternity in heaven should be more than enough accolade for any of us.  Are you ready to demonstrate His love and care to others in secret?  Don’t you think it’s time you were?
          
©2016 Debbie Robus

*http://www.cbsnews.com/news/two-million-dollars-later-how-secret-santa-came-to-be/

Daily Devotional for November 30, 2016

1 Corinthians 16:2
On every Lord’s Day each of you should put aside something from what you have earned during the week, and use it for this offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

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 a little girl, our church gave a box of envelopes to every person in each family who were members.  There was one for each Sunday, and I think a box held enough envelopes for three months.  We were to put our “offering” in this envelope and take it to church on Sunday.  I’m sure there wasn’t much money in the envelopes for myself and my sister and brother…and I can remember a few times when we had nothing to put in and felt embarrassed.  When I took over caring for my Mam-ma Polly as she aged, I paid her “tithe” each month.  Mam-ma gave me her envelopes…almost the same ones as those from my childhood.  For a while, I put a check in the envelopes each week so that she could put on the collection plate…but she began to forget, and the envelopes collected in her purse!  So I started making a direct deposit each month.  When she would ask, “Did you send my tithe?” I would answer confidently, “Yes…it’s there.”

There are a lot of ways that I could go on this scripture passage, but what I want to emphasize today is not that we should give an envelope of money to the church each Sunday.  Rather, I would like to remind each of us that God wants us to be present and to give Him all we can each and every week.  If we have to set up some sort of “auto-draft” system for ourselves in order to serve Him, let’s do it!  The point is not to put off serving God until another day/week/month that seems better. In the words of the Apostle Paul, don’t wait until the end and try to collect your gifts to present all at once!

You know what I’m talking about.  We feel that gentle nudge from God to help someone or make a phone call, and we say, “I’ll do that later.”  And “later” never comes.  We say, “I would LOVE to serve in the soup kitchen or deliver Meals on Wheels” – or whatever it is that tugs at your heart…but we never do it.  This scripture is reminding us that NOW is the time to serve.  TODAY is the day to give!

I can assure you that none of us are assured another day on this earth…so procrastinating with our “giving” is simply not an option!  Use the “envelope” system or whatever helps you stay on track, but get busy giving in the name of Jesus!  When you meet Him face-to-face, be able to say, “I heard You calling, and I did my best to give my all.”  That’s the least we can do for the One who gave ALL for us, isn’t it?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 30, 2016

Matthew 6:1-4
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.

When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—‘playactors’ I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you 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.
 
Whenever I read this scripture passage, I cannot help but think of a handful of ladies (and a few men) who have greatly influenced my life.  Some are in heaven now, while others are still “getting it done” every day.  They “fly under the radar” with their deeds…and many never know how much these folks do for other people. But I assure you, the recipients of their acts of servitude take notice!

I would name these people, but those who are still with us would be embarrassed to be recognized…which is really the point! They don’t prepare and deliver meals, visit nursing homes and shut-ins, taxi those who cannot drive to a variety of appointments and events, serve in a myriad of positions at their churches, and so much more so that we can applaud their efforts and make a big deal of it!  They do this because they understand what it is to minister in the name of Jesus…to see needs and meet them without any fanfare or fame.

The “reward” is knowledge that God is pleased…that He sees their efforts – and believe me, He DOES! They have done what they could to honor the sacrifices made on their behalf by God as He gave us Jesus to teach us how to live…and to die for our sins.

It concerns me that the next generation(s) might not understand the concept of humble, quiet service that requires no recognition. We’ve made so much of our Christian faith and worship a spectacle and performance. There is competition (sometimes not so subtle) to see who can be the “best”.  Church has become something of a “numbers game.”  We want the biggest state-of-the-art buildings…the most members…the best musicians…impressive programs for all age groups, and more Bible studies and “activities” than any other body of believers. I cannot imagine that this truly pleases God.

There is a song that says, “We don’t need another hero,” and this is what Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:1-4.  He is the hero…pure and simple…and we only need the One!  Jesus needs us to be humble servants - dedicated workers who get the work done to build the Kingdom of Heaven.  There will be plenty of blessings along the way for those who minister obediently and quietly…and abundant opportunities for recognition when we get to heaven.

In our rush to be the biggest and best – or to gain recognition and accolades – we often lose sight of what is truly important.  Jesus called us to serve to others in His name…to bless them and glorify Him - not to draw attention to ourselves.  How well are you doing with this?  Are you willing to do the work and remain completely in the background?  Can you serve God without telling a single soul what you have done?  Can you quit worrying about what other people might think or how impressive your discipleship and ministry efforts appear to others…and concentrate on the tasks at hand?  And can you start today?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 6, 2016

Ephesians 4:17-24    
As a follower of the Lord, I order you to stop living like stupid, godless people. Their minds are in the dark, and they are stubborn and ignorant and have missed out on the life that comes from God. They no longer have any feelings about what is right, and they are so greedy that they do all kinds of indecent things.

But that isn’t what you were taught about Jesus Christ. He is the truth, and you heard about him and learned about him. You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits. Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Greg and I spent one year back in our home town of Heber Springs after college before returning to Russellville, Arkansas, the “college town” where we began our life together.  When I went to interview for a teaching position in Russellville, I first appeared before an “interview committee” that consisted of teachers and administrators from the district.  I wore my best dress (actually, it was almost my ONLY dress – a graduation gift made for me by Mother) and tried to make my best impression.

Two weeks later, I received a “call-back” from the superintendent for a personal interview.  I had no opportunity to find a new dress for my Saturday morning appointment.  So I swallowed hard and wore that same green dotted dress.

The superintendent was kind, and the interview went well.  Much to my chagrin, he noticed that I was wearing the same dress. I wanted the floor to open and swallow me whole.  But he said, “That helped me to remember you from the first interview!” Instead of this being a deterrent, this man turned it into a positive.  And for the eight years that I taught in the Russellville School District, Mr. Harvey Young and I maintained a great working relationship. Mr. Young saw beyond my outward appearance to my professional capabilities. I hope he noted that my concern was more with what I could do for the children than whether I wore a new dress to the interview.

What we say and do matters.  Appearance is important…but it’s not about name brand clothing or “knowing the right people.”  God calls us to stick our nose to the grindstone and “git-r-done” as He has directed.  Whatever and wherever He has called us to serve, we are expected to show up and show out for Him. Often, this means letting go of some old habits – and maybe an old association or two.  We are known by the company we keep…and while God wants us to love ALL people, He calls us to be careful about where and how we associate with a few of them.

This tax-free weekend, many of us will scramble to amass back-to-school items for kiddos.  We will think about the “fresh start” for children and teachers on August 15 (for Arkansas), and we will anticipate how nice everyone looks in their new clothes, toting new backpacks filled with fresh supplies.  It’s a “clean slate,” so to speak.

Many individuals and groups are working to ensure that ALL CHILDREN have a full backpack and nice things for this starting point…a “level playing field” on which to begin the school year.  But like the teacher interviewing twice in the same dress, I pray that what is important is the nurturing of the hearts and minds of these precious youngsters.  And I pray that like my superintendent, we look beyond the outward adornments and see what God sees…the inner person.

What will others see if they scrape away the layers and look at you?  Will they even get that far…or have you covered up with so much effort to fit in and be like everyone else (or someone else altogether) that the Christian disciple whom God has called you to be is buried beyond recognition?  Let this be the day that you remove the facade and allow your “servant self” to shine brightly.  Be the best possible form of you that God has designed.  Let others see someone they really want to be around – and emulate.  This can be something of a fresh start for all of us.  What will you make of yours?

©2016 Debbie Robus 

Daily Devotional for July 11, 2016

Romans 6:22-23
But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
  
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 known someone who had a good job with decent pay, a pension, and benefits…and he/she gave it all up for something that seemed like “quick, easy  money”?  The “get-rich-quick scheme” proved to be just that – a scheme.  And the person who had signed on for this was left looking for any job that would pay the bills…and facing a situation where he/she would have to work long past “retirement age” – if retirement could ever become a possibility.  I’ve heard more than one such person say, “If only I had stayed where I was and kept on working, I’d be enjoying my retirement now.”

There are times when a job change is merited.  There are legitimate offers and circumstances that  prove to be a good business opportunity for some folks.  But most of the time, there is no “easy way” to success and “riches”…and no substitute for hard work.  Usually, the grass truly isn’t any greener on the other side…although plenty of people stand before you and make such claims.  And it’s the same with sin.

We are faced with a barrage of opportunities to serve the devil.  He makes it look so fun and inviting…and so easy!  Criticize and talk about others, and your friends will think you are cool and “in the know.”  Do whatever it takes to get ahead, because nobody else is looking out for your interests!  Grab the gusto and take whatever you want, because life is short… and time’s a wastin’!  Stick up for your interests and your specific “ilk”  (race, socio-economic class, sexual orientation, ethnic group, political party, religious affiliation and/or denomination, gender, and more) – even at the expense of others. Because we live in a dog-eat-dog world, and if you don’t get what is rightfully yours, the other guy surely will!  Have all the fun you can – sow your wild oats – there is plenty of time to be “good” later!

You get my drift.  We are bombarded with temptations to sign on for a sin-filled life - and the instant gratification that it can seem to bring.  But we don’t think about the consequences. To many, the life as a servant of Jesus seems mundane…like drudgery that never ends. Some look at a life-long disciple of Christ and think, “He/she worked all his/her life to serve others…and where did it get them?”  I’ll tell you…headed for a mansion in Paradise, where the streets are paved with gold and there are no more tears or hardships of any kind!  Most likely, it also got them a life filled with blessings and peace as they served God and pleased Him – and reaped the benefits of the efforts put forth in His name.

So think about the “wages of sin”…what you ultimately receive for this sort of living.  Then consider the “reward” for serving Jesus.  I don’t know about you, but I know of some pretty miserable “millionaires”…and some extremely happy and blessed “poor folk!”  Now which camp would you really rather be in?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 26, 2016

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

Daily Devotional for March 31, 2016

Acts 7:54-60
The Jewish leaders were stung to fury by Stephen’s accusation and ground their teeth in rage. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and Jesus the Messiah standing beside God, at his right hand!”

Then they mobbed him, putting their hands over their ears, and drowning out his voice with their shouts, and dragged him out of the city to stone him. The official witnesses—the executioners—took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Paul.

And as the murderous stones came hurtling at him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And he fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” and with that, he died.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
 
I don’t know about you, but I feel like in so many ways, I have often failed to keep “the main thing” the main thing!  When “life” gets in the way, it’s sometimes hard to focus on what really matters, because we get stuck “in the weeds” of illness…death and the “business” that must be attended to afterward…holidays…work…studies…kids and their activities/needs…caregiving…and so much more.  We look up and realize that we have not spent much quality time with God. 

Oh, sure, we’ve talked to God and asked Him for help…strength…courage…stamina…and healing.  We’ve thrown out some desperate cries for His attention.  We might have even mentioned to someone else that we are getting through the days “only because of the grace of God.”  But are we really focused on Him?  Are we truly engaged in living for Jesus and sharing His Good News with others?

If you have a few minutes today, please read the entire seventh chapter of Acts.  Stephen was witnessing and preaching in Jerusalem, and as we read in Verse 9, he met up with “the Jewish cult of ‘The Freedmen’… joined by Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria in Egypt, and the Turkish provinces of Cilicia, and Asia Minor.”  Basically, Stephen gave these men a history lesson of Old Testament scripture, then accused them of resisting the Holy Spirit – and killing Jesus.  It was more than the group could handle…and they dragged Stephen out to the edge of town and stoned him to death.

I am struck by Stephen’s words as he saw the heavens open up and Jesus appeared.  He asked Jesus to receive his spirit…and also to forgive these men who were killing him. This was a truly amazing demonstration of “keeping the main thing the main thing.”  Even in the midst of this horrific act, Stephen was focused on Jesus.  And while hopefully, none of us will ever be literally stoned to death, this scripture passage has practical application for each of us.

Surely there have been times when you wrestled with which way to turn.  On one hand, you could “do the right thing” and face the ridicule (or even wrath) of those around you.  Your choice to honor God with your commitment and daily living might be uncomfortable in a lot of ways. Despite our best efforts to please God, there will be times when we fall short, because we are human. As I sifted through memories and “treasures” my mother saved, I found a 7-year baby book.  In it, she wrote an account of my 2nd birthday party, which included several invited guests.  Mother noted that “Debbie fought with Robin (my cousin, who was also two!), as usual…and Mommy was embarrassed.”  Trust me…it was not the last time I embarrassed my mother!  I know she loved me, but I could easily picture her greeting me with outstretched arms - and a look of disappointment on her face!

So often, we buckle when things get hard and take the easy way out.  And Stephen could have easily done this.  He could have “folded his tent” and moved on and left these rabble-rousers to believe and act as they pleased.  He could also have condemned them for stoning him to death and asked Jesus to “pour out your wrath” on these evil men!  But this would not have honored Stephen’s commitment to Jesus - or his trust in Him to handle such matters according to His will.  And the account of Stephen’s reaction as he saw the gates of Heaven open and His Lord standing there to greet him illustrates the consolation. 

I cling to the thought that when it’s all said and done, Jesus will great me at Heaven’s gate with outstretched arms and a look of delight.  It will make everything worthwhile, won’t it?  So I am working to make better choices…to keep the main thing (Jesus) the MAIN THING!  I am trying to let Him handle other people and mete out justice as He determines.  I look forward to the day when I can say with confidence, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” and see His welcoming smile.  What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 28, 2016

Acts 2:38-42   
Peter said, “Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no matter where they live.”

Peter told them many other things as well. Then he said, “I beg you to save yourselves from what will happen to all these evil people.” On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized. They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
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Three-year-olds can as a LOT of questions…and most start with the word “Why?”  And this is a question I have asked myself quite often lately.  WHY do we do some of the things I do?  WHY do we make sure our little ones get to church almost every Sunday?  WHY do I spend time writing daily devotionals? WHY does Greg spend a good part of his Monday mornings (and sometimes other days) delivering Meals on Wheels to some fourteen people…and take time to stop and visit with them, inquire about their well-being, offer a smile and a word or two of encouragement?  WHY does he do so much for so many others every week, including me?  WHY do we give to charitable organizations and contribute to our church?  WHY do we do what we can to share kindness and the love of Christ with others? 
   
In a nutshell, WHY do we bother?  Because, as I understand scripture - and as Jesus demonstrated in saving the thief on the cross - we don’t technically have to do any of these things in order to be cleansed of our sins by the blood of Jesus. As long as we confess our sins and give our heart to Jesus, we are still guaranteed a seat at His table in heaven…and a “mansion” all our own.  So why bother with serving Jesus on this earth?  What does it really matter?

The answer lies in this scripture passage from Acts 2…and throughout the New Testament writings.  Peter demonstrated this by preaching and teaching…by telling others about Jesus. In the Living Bible, verse 40 says that he “preached a long sermon, telling about Jesus.”  And then we read that they crowd fellowshipped together and even shared a meal and prayer time…that they treated each other like family.

Suppose you were up to your ears in debt and had a mountain of troubles, ranging from health issues to figuring out how to juggle a job and family obligations…and someone stepped in to help you – a “benefactor” of sorts who paid your debts, physically aided you with other challenges, and was generally available whenever and however you needed assistance.  This person assured you that nothing was required in return…that this was a gift to you bestowed out of love and concern. 

At the very least, wouldn’t you want to treat this person with the utmost respect and care?  Wouldn’t you seek ways to do little things for someone who did so much for you?  Wouldn’t take every opportunity to speak kindly of this person to others…to let them know that he/she was someone for whom you had utmost admiration and esteem?

Substitute Jesus for this “benefactor” - and your sins for the debts.  Insert your daily challenges for the issues that a human being might help you with and think of how the Holy Spirit helps you navigate the choppy waters of life.  Now ask yourself WHY you would serve the needy, encourage those in your circle of influence to worship, and demonstrate kindness and concern to others.  It’s because these things are the least we can do for the ONE who has done everything for us. 

Jesus doesn’t require this of us…although He did call us to serve.  He doesn’t stomp His foot or “write us out of the will” if we don’t comply.  Jesus doesn’t want us to serve out of obligation…but out of love and appreciation for all that He has given us.  And this is why I do what I do - out of profound gratitude and affection for my Lord and Savior…my Jesus!  What about you?
       
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 22, 2016

Acts 1:14-22
The apostles often met together and prayed with a single purpose in mind. The women and Mary the mother of Jesus would meet with them, and so would his brothers. One day there were about one hundred twenty of the Lord’s followers meeting together, and Peter stood up to speak to them. He said:

My friends, long ago by the power of the Holy Spirit, David said something about Judas, and what he said has now happened. Judas was one of us and had worked with us, but he brought the mob to arrest Jesus. Then Judas bought some land with the money he was given for doing that evil thing. He fell headfirst into the field. His body burst open, and all his insides came out. When the people of Jerusalem found out about this, they called the place Akeldama, which in the local language means “Field of Blood.”

In the book of Psalms it says, “Leave his house empty, and don’t let anyone live there.”

It also says, “Let someone else have his job.”

So we need someone else to help us tell others that Jesus has been raised from death. He must also be one of the men who was with us from the very beginning. He must have been with us from the time the Lord Jesus was baptized by John until the day he was taken to heaven.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

There is much about the story of “Holy Week” that is sad and horrific.  But for me, one of the most hopeless parts is the story of Judas Iscariot.  Jesus knew that Judas would betray him…and yet, He washed his feet in the Upper Room alongside the other disciples.  Jesus shared the bread and the cup with Judas.  And Judas took a bribe of 30 silver pieces in exchange for kissing Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane to “make” Him for Roman soldiers.

Many are shocked to read this account in the Book of Acts about how Judas died.  In Matthew 27:3-10, we are told that Judas threw the money at the high priests and then went out and hanged himself.  The silver was used to buy a “Potter’s Field” for burying the poor and homeless, and it was given the name of “Murderer’s Meadow.”

There is much argument about which account is more accurate…but the bottom line is that Judas Iscariot realized that he had done a terrible thing.  He committed a truly egregious sin…he denied His Lord and Savior.  But Judas was not the only person who did this.  Peter denied his own association with Jesus THREE TIMES before the night was out.  Yet he did not take his own life. And the difference in the choice these two men made had eternal consequences.

What does this mean for us?  I truly believe that had Judas come to Jesus and humbled himself, Jesus would have forgiven him, just as he did for Peter and the thief on the cross.  Jesus forgives each of us when we ask Him to do so.  And that is the primary message of this passage from Acts 1.  There is NOTHING that can separate us from Jesus when we humbly admit our sins and failures and ask for His forgiveness.  We are human…we will all sin and fall short.  But Jesus stands ready, willing, and more than able to redeem us.  This promise turns a devastatingly dismal passage of scripture into one of hope and promise!

I also find the last verses to be interesting.  The Disciples are told to choose a replacement for Judas…someone who knew and loved Jesus and could speak of His teachings to others.  It seems to me that there is a message for us there, as well.  We can sit and wring our hands over all that is wrong in our world.  We can gripe and complain about those who speak and act in a manner that is detrimental to the work of Jesus and furthering God’s Kingdom.  But we are instructed to get up and get going…to move forward with the work of our discipleship…to select and encourage those who are involved in this mission with us – and to nurture their efforts alongside our own.

Two messages of hope vs. a choice mired in despair.  We can opt to wallow in our sin and self-pity…and maybe even completely turn our backs on Jesus.  Or we can learn from Judas’ critical mistakes and renew our efforts to serve in Christ’s army…to seek His forgiveness and follow Him for all of our earthly lives – and into Eternity. The choice may not be an easy one…but the path of Hope and Promise seems pretty clear to me.  What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 19, 2016

John 20:1
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone was rolled aside from the entrance.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Yesterday, a woman from my church who operates a local “clothes closet” came and picked up all of my mother’s clothing.  This wonderful servant will sort everything and offer the clothing items to people who have real needs – those who lost everything in a fire, single mothers, women who have lost their jobs or have a great need of some sort.  The woman said that approximately 70 people visit the “clothes closet” every Monday.  For a town with a population of almost 7200, this is a surprising number to me!

My mother had a lot of really nice clothes…some still had tags on them.  Even though the closets and dresser drawers are now empty…the items that filled them will live on and clothe countless women.  These items represent more than just shirts, pants, skirts, pajamas and more…they signify hope and purpose.  Because of a nice outfit, a woman will feel better about herself.  Thanks to a warm coat, someone will not be cold these next few weeks of winter/early spring.  Stylish clothing may be just what some woman needs to present a good image for a job interview…and it will give her something decent to wear when she lands the position!

My mother is gone, but in many ways, she lives on…in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members…in her writing…in her students…through the influence she had on so many…and yes, even because of her clothing.  She is still “feeding the sheep” even now. 

As I read today’s scripture passage, I thought about how the tomb could not contain Jesus.  Death could not stop Him!  He is ALIVE!  He rose from the tomb, spent 40 days teaching His disciples and preparing them for the ministry ahead…and then He ascended into Heaven to sit beside God the Father.  But because of the “seeds” Jesus planted while He was with us, His “sheep” are being fed…and we are His “agents” and disciples – or we should be!

We won’t rise from the dead as Jesus did.  But we can leave a legacy for Him.  Through our efforts to serve as Christian disciples, the teachings and influence of Jesus can continue.  We can leave gifts of all kinds – both physical and intangible – that will affect the lives of countless people for generations to come.  Just like Jesus, we can make a point…or we can make a difference.  Which one will you choose?

©2016 Debbie Robus