Proverbs 19:17
Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
If you follow my daily devotionals, you know that this has been a
rough year for us. I wrote in our Christmas newsletter that 2016 kicked
us in the gut…and it did. But God ushered us through all of it. We
even welcomed a new arrival last March – my cousin, Hudson Edward.
Nothing blesses like a new baby to snuggle!
One of the things I have been keenly aware of this year is how God fills
gaps. When my mother died, Greg told me that he was worried about how I
would fill in the time that she and I spent each day talking on the
phone or exchanging email messages. I can’t tell you how God did it…but
I think I’ve coped with this loss better than I could have ever
imagined – or explained. And somehow, those daily “gaps” were filled.
Greg and I kept our nephew, Nathan, on Mondays and Fridays for over a
year…and when he went back to school in September, I went to school, too
– the elementary school! Each Friday, I find needs in all sizes,
shapes and ages…and I try to give what I can to fill them. When I read
this verse from Proverbs 19, it struck me that my “mercy” to students
and teachers may be a loan to God and a gift to the “needy,” but it
blesses ME most of all.
I’ve also learned to stop and be present in the moment more…and this is a
form of “mercy to the needy,” as well. When our 17+-year-old cat Mabel
demands that I sit in a reclining chair and let her sleep between my
feet, I comply. These are moments I won’t ever get back…and they give
me time to reflect on how well she has loved us all of these years – and
the joy that this little calico bundle has brought to our lives. They
also give me time to sit, breathe and just “be” for a while…to slow
down, rest, and regroup. God knows that I need this…and out of my
“mercy” for an elderly cat, He provides me with a reprieve.
These are only two illustrations…there are dozens more. The point is
that our concept of the “needy” and God’s are not the same. His are far
more encompassing. We ALL have opportunities every single day to give
to the “poor in spirit,” as well as those who are physically in some
form of need. Every time we share mercy, grace, forgiveness and
kindness with someone else, we are doing this in Jesus’ name – or we
should be. In this way, we are “loaning” ourselves to God to serve on
His behalf…and Scripture tells us that He repays these loans with
interest!
We need to get to a point in our love of Christ and desire to serve Him
where we would do this regardless of the “reward.” We ought to be so in
love with Jesus that we want to do everything we can to share Him with
others – in whatever form they need and He directs…and this really
should come “second-nature” to us. Are you there yet? Are you working
toward this level of Christian discipleship? Isn’t it time you were?
I don’t know what God is calling you to do…where He is asking you to
offer mercy to the needy – or in what capacity. But I do know that God
wants to fill in the gaps in your life as He shows you how to fill in
those for others. Are you ready to follow His lead? Will this be the
day you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label how we share Jesus with others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how we share Jesus with others. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for December 16, 2016
Matthew 25:1-13
“God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.
“In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’
“The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’
“They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’
“They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.
“Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’
“He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’
“So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I went to Walmart this afternoon after I finished helping with Timothy’s class at school. I know…Friday afternoon at Walmart = BAD IDEA! But it was especially chaotic today, and I chalked it up to the fact that there are only 9 days left until Christmas. Maybe people had decided, as had I, that along with our milk and bread, it would be a good idea to go ahead and pick up a few things for the holiday meal…last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers…and anything else we might need in the next week. Hopefully, this would save us a return trip…or at least some of the hassle of a lengthy shopping trip.
When I entered the store, it was a miserable 37 degrees outside - with a pretty good wind. When I left, there was also a fine mist in the air. I didn’t know until I got home that freezing drizzle is just north of us in neighboring counties! Let me tell you, nothing will send people to Walmart faster than a little precipitation and near-freezing temps or the mention of ice and/or snow in the forecast – and we have both!
Isn’t it funny that we are all about going to the store and getting milk and bread if we think there is even the slightest chance of frozen precipitation…but we are more than willing to play fast and loose with our Christian faith! We’ll stockpile food, movies, and everything we need to be “snowed in” for a few days…but we won’t store up the things that draw us closer to God and prepare us for a face-to-face meeting with Jesus. We’ve got all manner of time and energy to drop everything and gather our supplies for a “snowstorm”…but we don’t have time to open our Bibles or talk to God about anything and everything – much less share the Good News of Jesus with someone else.
We don’t have time to help a neighbor…stop and truly ask someone how he/she is doing – and stick around to hear the answer…or offer another person kindness and care. We are too busy with WHATEVER to do the things that Jesus clearly says in scripture will make the difference for God’s Kingdom. We may not know the hour of Jesus’ return, but we are in no hurry to “stock up on milk and bread” so that we are prepared.
Christmas IS coming in nine days…and most of us will be ready – for Santa, celebrations, and packages under the tree. But will we be ready for Jesus? Will we have “bought enough oil, milk and bread” and made provisions to ensure that we are not left “standing out in the cold?” Don’t you think it’s time we did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.
“In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’
“The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’
“They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’
“They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.
“Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’
“He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’
“So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I went to Walmart this afternoon after I finished helping with Timothy’s class at school. I know…Friday afternoon at Walmart = BAD IDEA! But it was especially chaotic today, and I chalked it up to the fact that there are only 9 days left until Christmas. Maybe people had decided, as had I, that along with our milk and bread, it would be a good idea to go ahead and pick up a few things for the holiday meal…last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers…and anything else we might need in the next week. Hopefully, this would save us a return trip…or at least some of the hassle of a lengthy shopping trip.
When I entered the store, it was a miserable 37 degrees outside - with a pretty good wind. When I left, there was also a fine mist in the air. I didn’t know until I got home that freezing drizzle is just north of us in neighboring counties! Let me tell you, nothing will send people to Walmart faster than a little precipitation and near-freezing temps or the mention of ice and/or snow in the forecast – and we have both!
Isn’t it funny that we are all about going to the store and getting milk and bread if we think there is even the slightest chance of frozen precipitation…but we are more than willing to play fast and loose with our Christian faith! We’ll stockpile food, movies, and everything we need to be “snowed in” for a few days…but we won’t store up the things that draw us closer to God and prepare us for a face-to-face meeting with Jesus. We’ve got all manner of time and energy to drop everything and gather our supplies for a “snowstorm”…but we don’t have time to open our Bibles or talk to God about anything and everything – much less share the Good News of Jesus with someone else.
We don’t have time to help a neighbor…stop and truly ask someone how he/she is doing – and stick around to hear the answer…or offer another person kindness and care. We are too busy with WHATEVER to do the things that Jesus clearly says in scripture will make the difference for God’s Kingdom. We may not know the hour of Jesus’ return, but we are in no hurry to “stock up on milk and bread” so that we are prepared.
Christmas IS coming in nine days…and most of us will be ready – for Santa, celebrations, and packages under the tree. But will we be ready for Jesus? Will we have “bought enough oil, milk and bread” and made provisions to ensure that we are not left “standing out in the cold?” Don’t you think it’s time we did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 1, 2016
John 20:11-18
Mary Magdalene stood crying outside the tomb. She was still weeping, when she stooped down and saw two angels inside. They were dressed in white and were sitting where Jesus' body had been. One was at the head and the other was at the foot. The angels asked Mary, “Why are you crying?”
She answered, “They have taken away my Lord’s body! I don’t know where they have put him.”
As soon as Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know who he was. Jesus asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”
She thought he was the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.”
Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.”
Jesus told her, “Don’t hold on to me! I have not yet gone to the Father. But tell my disciples that I am going to the one who is my Father and my God, as well as your Father and your God.” Mary Magdalene then went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord. She also told them what he had said to her.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few years ago, my mother gave copies of a little book called Jesus Calling* to me, my sister, and my niece. When Mother died in January, I found extra copies in her “stash” of books, so I know that she shared this inspirational book with many people over the years.
Mother spoke of Jesus Calling often…she faithfully read her copy every day. I have it on my desk, and often, I look at the notes she made and the parts she underlined. I will admit that I didn’t pay much attention to my copy until Mother’s last days on this earth. And while I sometimes get busy, I always catch up on the entries at some point during the week. I would highly recommend Jesus Calling to each of you…the passages are brief and easy to understand – as if they were written from Jesus directly to us. There are also scripture references for each entry that correlate the message to actual Bible verses.
This morning, I was reading the entry for August 30th, which begins…”There is no place so desolate that you cannot find Me there.” In the second paragraph, “Jesus” tells us, “No set of circumstances could ever isolate you from My loving Presence.”
As I read this story from John 20 of Mary Magdalene and how despondent and lonely she must have felt after Jesus’ death, I was touched by the gentleness of Jesus’ encounter with her. He didn’t yell at her…or scream, “Mary, it’s ME…JESUS! How could you not know Me?” He gently and sweetly approached her. And with a simple almost-whisper of her name, Mary recognized her Lord. The tenderness of this image nearly moves me to tears. Jesus is always with us…but He never forces Himself on us.
This may be a difficult day for you. You may be so busy that you don’t see how you can possibly accomplish everything on your “to-do” list. You may be brokenhearted with grief and sadness…frightened about circumstances beyond your control…angry over some injustice or wrong…sick or injured - and worried about your health and well-being. Or you may be filled with uncontrollable joy and excitement about wonderful things that are happening to you and/or someone you love. Life may be exceptionally hard right now…or incredibly good…or somewhere in between.
Regardless of your situation and present circumstances, Jesus is with you. He is gently and tenderly calling your name. You may be looking everywhere for Him…or He may not even be “on your radar” today. But I assure you that you are on His! He is with you…waiting to be recognized…ready to meet your every need and walk with you through this day – and every other. Stop…look…listen…and call to Jesus! Recognize His presence, and take every opportunity to let others know that He is always available to each of us.
Jesus IS calling…your Lord is right beside you! Will you acknowledge His presence?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*www.JesusCalling.com
Mary Magdalene stood crying outside the tomb. She was still weeping, when she stooped down and saw two angels inside. They were dressed in white and were sitting where Jesus' body had been. One was at the head and the other was at the foot. The angels asked Mary, “Why are you crying?”
She answered, “They have taken away my Lord’s body! I don’t know where they have put him.”
As soon as Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know who he was. Jesus asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”
She thought he was the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.”
Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.”
Jesus told her, “Don’t hold on to me! I have not yet gone to the Father. But tell my disciples that I am going to the one who is my Father and my God, as well as your Father and your God.” Mary Magdalene then went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord. She also told them what he had said to her.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few years ago, my mother gave copies of a little book called Jesus Calling* to me, my sister, and my niece. When Mother died in January, I found extra copies in her “stash” of books, so I know that she shared this inspirational book with many people over the years.
Mother spoke of Jesus Calling often…she faithfully read her copy every day. I have it on my desk, and often, I look at the notes she made and the parts she underlined. I will admit that I didn’t pay much attention to my copy until Mother’s last days on this earth. And while I sometimes get busy, I always catch up on the entries at some point during the week. I would highly recommend Jesus Calling to each of you…the passages are brief and easy to understand – as if they were written from Jesus directly to us. There are also scripture references for each entry that correlate the message to actual Bible verses.
This morning, I was reading the entry for August 30th, which begins…”There is no place so desolate that you cannot find Me there.” In the second paragraph, “Jesus” tells us, “No set of circumstances could ever isolate you from My loving Presence.”
As I read this story from John 20 of Mary Magdalene and how despondent and lonely she must have felt after Jesus’ death, I was touched by the gentleness of Jesus’ encounter with her. He didn’t yell at her…or scream, “Mary, it’s ME…JESUS! How could you not know Me?” He gently and sweetly approached her. And with a simple almost-whisper of her name, Mary recognized her Lord. The tenderness of this image nearly moves me to tears. Jesus is always with us…but He never forces Himself on us.
This may be a difficult day for you. You may be so busy that you don’t see how you can possibly accomplish everything on your “to-do” list. You may be brokenhearted with grief and sadness…frightened about circumstances beyond your control…angry over some injustice or wrong…sick or injured - and worried about your health and well-being. Or you may be filled with uncontrollable joy and excitement about wonderful things that are happening to you and/or someone you love. Life may be exceptionally hard right now…or incredibly good…or somewhere in between.
Regardless of your situation and present circumstances, Jesus is with you. He is gently and tenderly calling your name. You may be looking everywhere for Him…or He may not even be “on your radar” today. But I assure you that you are on His! He is with you…waiting to be recognized…ready to meet your every need and walk with you through this day – and every other. Stop…look…listen…and call to Jesus! Recognize His presence, and take every opportunity to let others know that He is always available to each of us.
Jesus IS calling…your Lord is right beside you! Will you acknowledge His presence?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*www.JesusCalling.com
Daily Devotional for August 28, 2016
John 15:9-14
“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.
“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.
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.
Anyone who knows us very well knows that we are huge “homebodies.” As founders and publishers of Workamper News*, a magazine and website that tell people how to find work while traveling…people readily assumed that Greg and I were criss-crossing the country in an RV. In truth, for the 18 years we owned this business – and in the years since – we’ve rarely gone anywhere. Our business was home-based for most of the first 16 years…quite literally in an adjoining room of our house for about a decade. For another six years or so, our office was located a short golf-cart ride away - but still on the same property. We could – and did – work in our pajamas, if we wanted!
Thankfully Greg and I get along quite well, because we have been virtually inseparable since 1987! We are blessed with a special relationship that allows us to live and work together amicably…and to give each other “space” for special interests/hobbies. We revel in our individual joys, as well as common purposes. Like many couples who have been together for a long time, we share experiences…joys and triumphs – and heartaches and concerns. There is nothing that we would not do for each other…no burden OR delight that we would not take on together.
As idyllic as this all sounds, I have to tell you that I firmly believe the only reason such a relationship is possible is because we are “at home” in the love of Christ. We are just as comfortable in our relationship with Jesus as we are with each other. We have made ourselves at home in His love. Jesus shares our joys, triumphs and accomplishments…and our disappointments, burdens and sorrows. He undergirds everything about our lives and creates a safe haven in which to rest and reside.
As I grow in my relationship with Jesus, I have less and less desire or temptation to “travel” to areas that don’t include Him. The “lure” of sin has lost its appeal. I find that I stop in my tracks more often if/when I am tempted to speak or act in a manner that might disrespect or degrade our relationship in any way. I am quite cozy, comfortable, and “at home” in the arms of Jesus.
This does not mean that I am complacent. With any “home,” maintenance and upkeep are required…and it is no different in my relationship with Jesus. We must cultivate and nurture conversation, shared activities and goals…and Christ’s mission. We must make the time and effort to encourage others to settle in with Him, as well…and we must demonstrate His love by loving them just as He does.
Take some time today to think about your home. Is it a place you pass through on your way to something or somewhere else? Are you comfortable there…secure and content? Would you say that this describes your “home” in the love of Christ? Is your relationship with Jesus like a place where you store your clothes and other belongings…but spend little to no time there? Or do you delight in dwelling in His presence and serving as His disciple?
Are you in some ways running from Jesus…and does it show in your daily living? Are you ready to fully embrace your relationship with Christ – and then share the blessings of His love with others? Will this be the day that your joy fully matures and you settle in to “make your home” with Him? Don’t you want it to be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://workamper.com
“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.
“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.
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.
Anyone who knows us very well knows that we are huge “homebodies.” As founders and publishers of Workamper News*, a magazine and website that tell people how to find work while traveling…people readily assumed that Greg and I were criss-crossing the country in an RV. In truth, for the 18 years we owned this business – and in the years since – we’ve rarely gone anywhere. Our business was home-based for most of the first 16 years…quite literally in an adjoining room of our house for about a decade. For another six years or so, our office was located a short golf-cart ride away - but still on the same property. We could – and did – work in our pajamas, if we wanted!
Thankfully Greg and I get along quite well, because we have been virtually inseparable since 1987! We are blessed with a special relationship that allows us to live and work together amicably…and to give each other “space” for special interests/hobbies. We revel in our individual joys, as well as common purposes. Like many couples who have been together for a long time, we share experiences…joys and triumphs – and heartaches and concerns. There is nothing that we would not do for each other…no burden OR delight that we would not take on together.
As idyllic as this all sounds, I have to tell you that I firmly believe the only reason such a relationship is possible is because we are “at home” in the love of Christ. We are just as comfortable in our relationship with Jesus as we are with each other. We have made ourselves at home in His love. Jesus shares our joys, triumphs and accomplishments…and our disappointments, burdens and sorrows. He undergirds everything about our lives and creates a safe haven in which to rest and reside.
As I grow in my relationship with Jesus, I have less and less desire or temptation to “travel” to areas that don’t include Him. The “lure” of sin has lost its appeal. I find that I stop in my tracks more often if/when I am tempted to speak or act in a manner that might disrespect or degrade our relationship in any way. I am quite cozy, comfortable, and “at home” in the arms of Jesus.
This does not mean that I am complacent. With any “home,” maintenance and upkeep are required…and it is no different in my relationship with Jesus. We must cultivate and nurture conversation, shared activities and goals…and Christ’s mission. We must make the time and effort to encourage others to settle in with Him, as well…and we must demonstrate His love by loving them just as He does.
Take some time today to think about your home. Is it a place you pass through on your way to something or somewhere else? Are you comfortable there…secure and content? Would you say that this describes your “home” in the love of Christ? Is your relationship with Jesus like a place where you store your clothes and other belongings…but spend little to no time there? Or do you delight in dwelling in His presence and serving as His disciple?
Are you in some ways running from Jesus…and does it show in your daily living? Are you ready to fully embrace your relationship with Christ – and then share the blessings of His love with others? Will this be the day that your joy fully matures and you settle in to “make your home” with Him? Don’t you want it to be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://workamper.com
Daily Devotional for August 1, 2016
Acts 7:54-60
When the council members heard Stephen’s speech, they were angry and furious. But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked toward heaven, where he saw our glorious God and Jesus standing at his right side. Then Stephen said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!”
The council members shouted and covered their ears. At once they all attacked Stephen and dragged him out of the city. Then they started throwing stones at him. The men who had brought charges against him put their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As Stephen was being stoned to death, he called out, “Lord Jesus, please welcome me!” He knelt down and shouted, “Lord, don’t blame them for what they have done.” Then he died.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On October 10, 2008, a woman stood up in a town hall meeting in Minnesota, and declared to Senator John McCain that Barack Obama was an Arab. As reported by Politico.com*, Senator McCain took the microphone from her and stated…"No, ma'am. He's a decent family man [and] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that's what this campaign's all about. He's not [an Arab]."
This was a gutsy – and honest reply. But a lot of people did not like it. No doubt, these words cost John McCain some votes. I like to think that Senator McCain can live with peace of mind that he spoke the truth that day. To have said otherwise – or even ignored the woman’s comments – would have essentially been an endorsement of her statements by omission.
Most of us will never run for public office and have to worry about garnering votes. None of us will probably ever cause a full-blown riot with our words and actions…at least I hope not! Surely none of us will ever be stoned to death in a public square for preaching the Gospel of Jesus – or speaking the truth on any issue. But many of us will suffer consequences for our obedience as we say and do what God tells us.
We will lose friends and relationships…maybe engage in an argument or two…and possibly be ostracized by some. I know that I have been “unfriended” by a few people on Facebook – and blocked by others on e-mail. Some have asked to be removed from the list to receive these Daily Devotionals because of what I said in them. It’s not the same as the stoning of Stephen – not by a long shot! But these actions still have an impact on us as we strive to be obedient to God's message.
No one ever said that serving as a Christian Disciple…or standing up for the truth…was going to be easy. When we take a stand and speak as God directs us, there will be some who will take offense…and take out their frustrations on us and others. Acts 6:15 tells us…”As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!” The glow of the Holy Spirit was visibly evident on his face…even as he was pummeled and asked God to forgive those who were participating in his murder.
I cannot fathom that level of faithfulness and obedience…and I would never wish to be tortured or murdered for my truthfulness. But I sure would like to be more in tune with the Holy Spirit – and more obedient to God’s directives for my life. Wouldn’t you? What are you willing to do to make that happen? Will this be the day that you start to find out?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://www.politico.com/story/2008/10/mccain-obama-not-an-arab-crowd-boos-014479#ixzz4G6L0keIj
When the council members heard Stephen’s speech, they were angry and furious. But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked toward heaven, where he saw our glorious God and Jesus standing at his right side. Then Stephen said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!”
The council members shouted and covered their ears. At once they all attacked Stephen and dragged him out of the city. Then they started throwing stones at him. The men who had brought charges against him put their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As Stephen was being stoned to death, he called out, “Lord Jesus, please welcome me!” He knelt down and shouted, “Lord, don’t blame them for what they have done.” Then he died.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On October 10, 2008, a woman stood up in a town hall meeting in Minnesota, and declared to Senator John McCain that Barack Obama was an Arab. As reported by Politico.com*, Senator McCain took the microphone from her and stated…"No, ma'am. He's a decent family man [and] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that's what this campaign's all about. He's not [an Arab]."
This was a gutsy – and honest reply. But a lot of people did not like it. No doubt, these words cost John McCain some votes. I like to think that Senator McCain can live with peace of mind that he spoke the truth that day. To have said otherwise – or even ignored the woman’s comments – would have essentially been an endorsement of her statements by omission.
Most of us will never run for public office and have to worry about garnering votes. None of us will probably ever cause a full-blown riot with our words and actions…at least I hope not! Surely none of us will ever be stoned to death in a public square for preaching the Gospel of Jesus – or speaking the truth on any issue. But many of us will suffer consequences for our obedience as we say and do what God tells us.
We will lose friends and relationships…maybe engage in an argument or two…and possibly be ostracized by some. I know that I have been “unfriended” by a few people on Facebook – and blocked by others on e-mail. Some have asked to be removed from the list to receive these Daily Devotionals because of what I said in them. It’s not the same as the stoning of Stephen – not by a long shot! But these actions still have an impact on us as we strive to be obedient to God's message.
No one ever said that serving as a Christian Disciple…or standing up for the truth…was going to be easy. When we take a stand and speak as God directs us, there will be some who will take offense…and take out their frustrations on us and others. Acts 6:15 tells us…”As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!” The glow of the Holy Spirit was visibly evident on his face…even as he was pummeled and asked God to forgive those who were participating in his murder.
I cannot fathom that level of faithfulness and obedience…and I would never wish to be tortured or murdered for my truthfulness. But I sure would like to be more in tune with the Holy Spirit – and more obedient to God’s directives for my life. Wouldn’t you? What are you willing to do to make that happen? Will this be the day that you start to find out?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://www.politico.com/story/2008/10/mccain-obama-not-an-arab-crowd-boos-014479#ixzz4G6L0keIj
Daily Devotional for April 2, 2016
Ephesians 1:4
Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own through what Christ would do for us; he decided then to make us holy in his eyes, without a single fault—we who stand before him covered with his love.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This week, my family welcomed a new addition. Our cousin, Hudson Edward, arrived early on the morning of March 30th. We knew he was coming this week. We even knew his name. At a recent baby shower, there were all sorts of darling cowboy-themed items that heralded Hudson. He will be one well-dressed lil’ cowpoke!
My cousin and his wife wanted another baby, and they may have even somewhat planned for Hudson. But they had no control over whether they would give birth to a “Hudson” or a “Hannah!” While they could do all in their power to stay healthy and produce a “perfect” baby, there was ultimately no guarantee that Hudson would arrive will ten fingers and toes, two eyes that see and two ears that hear. All of these things…and thousands more…lie totally in the hands of God.
When we stop and think that God planned for us even before Jesus walked the earth…that He knew every detail about us…it is astounding. When we try to wrap our brains around the fact that God knew that we would be unholy – and He chose Jesus to rescue us and stand in the gap so that we could become faultless in His eyes…well, that’s nothing short of astounding! To think that God would go to such great lengths for each of us is also incredibly humbling – at least it is for me.
So as I look at Hudson Edward…and our little ones… the man on the street who appears disheveled and down on his luck…that person who gets on my last nerve…and so many others on the whole “spectrum of life,” I will remind myself of this verse from Ephesians. I will think about how each one of them is equally important and precious to God. He chose THEM, too! And hopefully, this will change how I look at them…how I treat them. What God did – and does – for me, He will do for others, as well.
My prayer is that we would each live in a way that demonstrates appreciation for the fact that God chose us…humility that He sacrificed His Only Son to save us…and gratitude in the form of grace and mercy toward others. May we truly be Jesus’ hands and feet on this earth – and at least try to live up to His incredible gift and sacrifice. And may we do so in a way that others want in on this “holy inheritance” for themselves. This is the mission for which we have been selected…are you up to the call?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own through what Christ would do for us; he decided then to make us holy in his eyes, without a single fault—we who stand before him covered with his love.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This week, my family welcomed a new addition. Our cousin, Hudson Edward, arrived early on the morning of March 30th. We knew he was coming this week. We even knew his name. At a recent baby shower, there were all sorts of darling cowboy-themed items that heralded Hudson. He will be one well-dressed lil’ cowpoke!
My cousin and his wife wanted another baby, and they may have even somewhat planned for Hudson. But they had no control over whether they would give birth to a “Hudson” or a “Hannah!” While they could do all in their power to stay healthy and produce a “perfect” baby, there was ultimately no guarantee that Hudson would arrive will ten fingers and toes, two eyes that see and two ears that hear. All of these things…and thousands more…lie totally in the hands of God.
When we stop and think that God planned for us even before Jesus walked the earth…that He knew every detail about us…it is astounding. When we try to wrap our brains around the fact that God knew that we would be unholy – and He chose Jesus to rescue us and stand in the gap so that we could become faultless in His eyes…well, that’s nothing short of astounding! To think that God would go to such great lengths for each of us is also incredibly humbling – at least it is for me.
So as I look at Hudson Edward…and our little ones… the man on the street who appears disheveled and down on his luck…that person who gets on my last nerve…and so many others on the whole “spectrum of life,” I will remind myself of this verse from Ephesians. I will think about how each one of them is equally important and precious to God. He chose THEM, too! And hopefully, this will change how I look at them…how I treat them. What God did – and does – for me, He will do for others, as well.
My prayer is that we would each live in a way that demonstrates appreciation for the fact that God chose us…humility that He sacrificed His Only Son to save us…and gratitude in the form of grace and mercy toward others. May we truly be Jesus’ hands and feet on this earth – and at least try to live up to His incredible gift and sacrifice. And may we do so in a way that others want in on this “holy inheritance” for themselves. This is the mission for which we have been selected…are you up to the call?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 27, 2016
Acts 2:29-32
My friends, it is right for me to speak to you about our ancestor David. He died and was buried, and his tomb is still here. But David was a prophet, and he knew that God had made a promise he would not break. He had told David that someone from his own family would someday be king.
David knew this would happen, and so he told us that Christ would be raised to life. He said that God would not leave him in the grave or let his body decay. All of us can tell you that God has raised Jesus to life!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the valley outside our window. My first thought was one of great comfort and joy…“Jesus is Risen!” I looked around the room at all of the preparations that had been made for this day. The table was set to serve lunch to eleven, and the ham and side dishes were in the oven. There were “Easter sacks” on the hearth filled with gifts for Timothy, Zola and Nathan. The children had new outfits to wear today, and there were plenty of gifts and “new” things from others, as well.
This also signaled a new chapter in the life of our family…our first holiday dinner since my mother died. She is spending this Easter Sunday in Heaven with Jesus… my dad and brother, her own parents and in-laws, and countless cousins and other relatives and friends. No doubt, theirs will be a huge meal, with all of the “family favorites”…and the fellowship will be unbelievable. I cannot wrap my brain around literally sharing “family dinners” with Jesus…but I look forward to the day when I can!
The message of Easter is not death…but life! We sometimes miss this! We get so bogged down in the events that led up to this day…and they are important. But a friend shared a blog post yesterday in which the writer aptly reminded us that Jesus rose from the grave and spent the next 40 days telling us how to spread the Good News. He didn’t talk about Heaven…Jesus talked about how we were to go…preach…love others…share the Gospel…and “make disciples.”
So as you attend worship today, enjoy a sumptuous meal, hide and hunt the eggs, and eat far more candy than one person ought to consume…consider WHY Jesus rose from the grave. Think of what He has called us to do…and all that this week means for us. He saved us, cleansed us of our sins…and called us to do great things in His name. All parts of this equation are important.
We cannot accept salvation in Jesus, then sit down and wait to die. We must get up and get going! Jesus is Risen…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
My friends, it is right for me to speak to you about our ancestor David. He died and was buried, and his tomb is still here. But David was a prophet, and he knew that God had made a promise he would not break. He had told David that someone from his own family would someday be king.
David knew this would happen, and so he told us that Christ would be raised to life. He said that God would not leave him in the grave or let his body decay. All of us can tell you that God has raised Jesus to life!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I awoke to a beautiful sunrise over the valley outside our window. My first thought was one of great comfort and joy…“Jesus is Risen!” I looked around the room at all of the preparations that had been made for this day. The table was set to serve lunch to eleven, and the ham and side dishes were in the oven. There were “Easter sacks” on the hearth filled with gifts for Timothy, Zola and Nathan. The children had new outfits to wear today, and there were plenty of gifts and “new” things from others, as well.
This also signaled a new chapter in the life of our family…our first holiday dinner since my mother died. She is spending this Easter Sunday in Heaven with Jesus… my dad and brother, her own parents and in-laws, and countless cousins and other relatives and friends. No doubt, theirs will be a huge meal, with all of the “family favorites”…and the fellowship will be unbelievable. I cannot wrap my brain around literally sharing “family dinners” with Jesus…but I look forward to the day when I can!
The message of Easter is not death…but life! We sometimes miss this! We get so bogged down in the events that led up to this day…and they are important. But a friend shared a blog post yesterday in which the writer aptly reminded us that Jesus rose from the grave and spent the next 40 days telling us how to spread the Good News. He didn’t talk about Heaven…Jesus talked about how we were to go…preach…love others…share the Gospel…and “make disciples.”
So as you attend worship today, enjoy a sumptuous meal, hide and hunt the eggs, and eat far more candy than one person ought to consume…consider WHY Jesus rose from the grave. Think of what He has called us to do…and all that this week means for us. He saved us, cleansed us of our sins…and called us to do great things in His name. All parts of this equation are important.
We cannot accept salvation in Jesus, then sit down and wait to die. We must get up and get going! Jesus is Risen…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 10, 2016
1 Peter 5:4
Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a little cartoon that has circulated on the Internet that says, “My dentist told me I needed a crown…and I was like, ‘I know – right?!’” It makes me laugh every time I see it. I don’t know a little girl beyond the age of 3 who doesn’t covet a crown at some point. Crowns are sold in the toy aisles, awarded at “beauty” pageants and other contests. From the time we are able to recognize them, crowns are promoted as something to which we should aspire.
Boys aren’t left out either…it may not be a “crown” per se…but a trophy, sword, badge or medal…some tangible (and usually shiny) reward symbolizes success and accomplishment…and we have been conditioned to covet them. Clearly, this is not totally a bad thing – 1 Peter 5:4 illustrates that crowns are “Biblical!” The rub comes in what KIND of crown we seek…and this makes all the difference!
When I was a little girl, I won a pageant and received a “crown” that was made of cardboard covered in glitter. I thought it was fantastic…but I was 5! Later, when I was a majorette in the high school band, my uniform included a glittery rhinestone tiara purchased at the jewelry store. It made me feel festive and special to wear that sparkling adornment. And when I was finished with high school, the crown passed to the girl who replaced me. A friend posted a Facebook photo of her child wearing a store-bought toy crown that had been improved with extra flourishes and baubles…supposedly to enhance its glory.
Here’s the thing…all of these “crowns”, medallions, badges, trophies, and ribbons are wonderful in this earthly context. They signify accomplishments and rewards – and there is nothing wrong with that. But the crown we will receive when Christ returns will totally outshine any and all of these. The “gifts and prizes” that await us in Heaven will make all others pale by comparison!
Those of us who have surrendered our hearts to Jesus are heirs to His throne! The crown that God has waiting for us is not made of cardboard…it will not need any enhancements…it will never tarnish – and it is not temporary. Our job in the meantime is to behave in a manner worthy of such a crown…to demonstrate Jesus’ love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to others…and to encourage as many people as we can to get in on this “inheritance” for themselves.
The only One I want to hear tell me, “You need a crown” is Jesus Himself. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a little cartoon that has circulated on the Internet that says, “My dentist told me I needed a crown…and I was like, ‘I know – right?!’” It makes me laugh every time I see it. I don’t know a little girl beyond the age of 3 who doesn’t covet a crown at some point. Crowns are sold in the toy aisles, awarded at “beauty” pageants and other contests. From the time we are able to recognize them, crowns are promoted as something to which we should aspire.
Boys aren’t left out either…it may not be a “crown” per se…but a trophy, sword, badge or medal…some tangible (and usually shiny) reward symbolizes success and accomplishment…and we have been conditioned to covet them. Clearly, this is not totally a bad thing – 1 Peter 5:4 illustrates that crowns are “Biblical!” The rub comes in what KIND of crown we seek…and this makes all the difference!
When I was a little girl, I won a pageant and received a “crown” that was made of cardboard covered in glitter. I thought it was fantastic…but I was 5! Later, when I was a majorette in the high school band, my uniform included a glittery rhinestone tiara purchased at the jewelry store. It made me feel festive and special to wear that sparkling adornment. And when I was finished with high school, the crown passed to the girl who replaced me. A friend posted a Facebook photo of her child wearing a store-bought toy crown that had been improved with extra flourishes and baubles…supposedly to enhance its glory.
Here’s the thing…all of these “crowns”, medallions, badges, trophies, and ribbons are wonderful in this earthly context. They signify accomplishments and rewards – and there is nothing wrong with that. But the crown we will receive when Christ returns will totally outshine any and all of these. The “gifts and prizes” that await us in Heaven will make all others pale by comparison!
Those of us who have surrendered our hearts to Jesus are heirs to His throne! The crown that God has waiting for us is not made of cardboard…it will not need any enhancements…it will never tarnish – and it is not temporary. Our job in the meantime is to behave in a manner worthy of such a crown…to demonstrate Jesus’ love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness to others…and to encourage as many people as we can to get in on this “inheritance” for themselves.
The only One I want to hear tell me, “You need a crown” is Jesus Himself. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 7, 2015
Colossians 1:24-25
You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don’t walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message.
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.
“Did you get my message?” This is a common question frequently asked by many of us…in many contexts… Did you receive my text? ~ Did you hear the voice mail message I left you? ~ Do you understand what I am saying to you? ~ ARE YOU LISTENING?
When it comes to the message of Jesus, we who have committed our lives to following and serving Him are to convey His teachings, sentiments, and desires for mankind to the world at large. And as Paul points out, we often get distracted or diverted. We are so busy making a point rather than making a difference that we fail to keep the main thing the main thing! (How do you like how I managed to work TWO clichés into one sentence there?!)
Many people are so busy promoting their own agendas and trying to instill fear in others that they have not only distorted the Message…they have quit listening to God for themselves. Rather than emphasize that Jesus died on the cross for ALL OF US…they would rather promote an “us vs. them” mentality – toward people of other religious beliefs, races, ethnicities, political viewpoints, sexual orientations, economic levels, and more.
Take a good hard look at Jesus…He practiced NONE of these behaviors. He did not say to the woman at the well, “You’re unworthy to talk to Me.” He did not look at those who were mentally ill and say, “I want nothing to do with you.” Jesus didn’t look down on the poor and afflicted, the Samaritans, or the tax collectors. Jesus did not choose one person or group of people over another!
If we want to be like Jesus…if we truly want to be His messengers…we have to follow His example. We have to stop sharing gossip, propaganda, and untruths. We have to start being kind to ALL people. We have to quit judging others. We must start loving every person and seeing him/her as God’s creation…worthy of that same incredible gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ which we have received. This is not the same as condoning sinful actions. Study Jesus…you will see how He made the distinction. We must learn to do this in our own daily living.
The Apostle Paul was exactly right…You don’t walk away from a gift like Jesus, and there is no other Message but His. Are you grounded and steady in a bond of trust, constantly tuned in and focused on Him? Are you truly a messenger of HIS Message? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don’t walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message.
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.
“Did you get my message?” This is a common question frequently asked by many of us…in many contexts… Did you receive my text? ~ Did you hear the voice mail message I left you? ~ Do you understand what I am saying to you? ~ ARE YOU LISTENING?
When it comes to the message of Jesus, we who have committed our lives to following and serving Him are to convey His teachings, sentiments, and desires for mankind to the world at large. And as Paul points out, we often get distracted or diverted. We are so busy making a point rather than making a difference that we fail to keep the main thing the main thing! (How do you like how I managed to work TWO clichés into one sentence there?!)
Many people are so busy promoting their own agendas and trying to instill fear in others that they have not only distorted the Message…they have quit listening to God for themselves. Rather than emphasize that Jesus died on the cross for ALL OF US…they would rather promote an “us vs. them” mentality – toward people of other religious beliefs, races, ethnicities, political viewpoints, sexual orientations, economic levels, and more.
Take a good hard look at Jesus…He practiced NONE of these behaviors. He did not say to the woman at the well, “You’re unworthy to talk to Me.” He did not look at those who were mentally ill and say, “I want nothing to do with you.” Jesus didn’t look down on the poor and afflicted, the Samaritans, or the tax collectors. Jesus did not choose one person or group of people over another!
If we want to be like Jesus…if we truly want to be His messengers…we have to follow His example. We have to stop sharing gossip, propaganda, and untruths. We have to start being kind to ALL people. We have to quit judging others. We must start loving every person and seeing him/her as God’s creation…worthy of that same incredible gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ which we have received. This is not the same as condoning sinful actions. Study Jesus…you will see how He made the distinction. We must learn to do this in our own daily living.
The Apostle Paul was exactly right…You don’t walk away from a gift like Jesus, and there is no other Message but His. Are you grounded and steady in a bond of trust, constantly tuned in and focused on Him? Are you truly a messenger of HIS Message? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 30, 2015
Joel 2:28-32
“After I have poured out my rains again, I will pour out my Spirit upon all of you! Your sons and daughters will prophesy; your old men will dream dreams, and your young men see visions. And I will pour out my Spirit even on your slaves, men and women alike, and put strange symbols in the earth and sky—blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
“The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon to blood before the great and terrible Day of the Lord shall come.
“Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved; even in Jerusalem some will escape, just as the Lord has promised, for he has chosen some to survive.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Have you heard about the “Blood Moons?” According to information found at EarthSky.org…” The first Blood Moon eclipse in a series of four happened on the night of April 14-15, 2014. The second one took place on the night of October 7-8, 2014. The third one is coming up on April 4, 2015 and will be visible to North American skywatchers. A series of four total lunar eclipses is called a tetrad. We in astronomy had not heard the term Blood Moon used in quite this way before this year, but now the term has become widespread in the media.”*
Another lunar eclipse is scheduled to occur on September 28, 2015. There are pastors and others in the religious community who cite Joel 2:31 – and the rest of this passage – and try to make a correlation between these events and the Second Coming of Christ. Books have been written…seminars have been held and attended…and a general state of unrest has been stirred among some believers.
I do not mean to belittle anyone’s faith. But here is my “take” on all of this. The “blood moons” (a phrase coined by one of those “religious” authors) are beautiful. If you get a chance to observe one, by all means, do so! But do not panic. If Jesus is just about ready to return, so what? This is GREAT NEWS! As I told a neighbor who wanted to talk to me about “End Times” recently…”Bring ‘em! I don’t plan on being here!”
See, I’ve already been “bought and paid for” by the blood of Jesus. I surrendered my heart to Him a long time ago, and whenever He is ready for me, I’m ready to go to heaven. This could happen in the next 30 minutes…or I could still be here when He returns for His church at large. Either way, I know that this is not my final destination, but just an important stop along the way. I have work to do on behalf of my Lord and Savior…and He is going to provide me with signs, wonders, dreams, visions, and beautiful phenomena like “blood moons” to enjoy during the journey.
I don’t have an “exclusive” on salvation. What God has done for me through Jesus Christ…He will gladly do for you. No one needs operate in fear for even one minute. This is glorious…amazing…exciting! Embrace it…embrace Jesus! And revel in the promise that you will LIVE with Him for all eternity…whenever He decides to call for you!
And let’s stop scaring folks about the “End Times”. Let’s talk about how wonderful heaven is…how blessed we are to serve a Risen Savior…and how glorious it will be to belong to Him for all eternity. We Christians have operated in fear long enough…and it’s not working for us OR those we wish to reach for Jesus! Let’s start showing others how joyful and excited we are to be children of the Most High God…and demonstrate happy anticipation of all that He has in store for us!
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://earthsky.org
“After I have poured out my rains again, I will pour out my Spirit upon all of you! Your sons and daughters will prophesy; your old men will dream dreams, and your young men see visions. And I will pour out my Spirit even on your slaves, men and women alike, and put strange symbols in the earth and sky—blood and fire and pillars of smoke.
“The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon to blood before the great and terrible Day of the Lord shall come.
“Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved; even in Jerusalem some will escape, just as the Lord has promised, for he has chosen some to survive.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Have you heard about the “Blood Moons?” According to information found at EarthSky.org…” The first Blood Moon eclipse in a series of four happened on the night of April 14-15, 2014. The second one took place on the night of October 7-8, 2014. The third one is coming up on April 4, 2015 and will be visible to North American skywatchers. A series of four total lunar eclipses is called a tetrad. We in astronomy had not heard the term Blood Moon used in quite this way before this year, but now the term has become widespread in the media.”*
Another lunar eclipse is scheduled to occur on September 28, 2015. There are pastors and others in the religious community who cite Joel 2:31 – and the rest of this passage – and try to make a correlation between these events and the Second Coming of Christ. Books have been written…seminars have been held and attended…and a general state of unrest has been stirred among some believers.
I do not mean to belittle anyone’s faith. But here is my “take” on all of this. The “blood moons” (a phrase coined by one of those “religious” authors) are beautiful. If you get a chance to observe one, by all means, do so! But do not panic. If Jesus is just about ready to return, so what? This is GREAT NEWS! As I told a neighbor who wanted to talk to me about “End Times” recently…”Bring ‘em! I don’t plan on being here!”
See, I’ve already been “bought and paid for” by the blood of Jesus. I surrendered my heart to Him a long time ago, and whenever He is ready for me, I’m ready to go to heaven. This could happen in the next 30 minutes…or I could still be here when He returns for His church at large. Either way, I know that this is not my final destination, but just an important stop along the way. I have work to do on behalf of my Lord and Savior…and He is going to provide me with signs, wonders, dreams, visions, and beautiful phenomena like “blood moons” to enjoy during the journey.
I don’t have an “exclusive” on salvation. What God has done for me through Jesus Christ…He will gladly do for you. No one needs operate in fear for even one minute. This is glorious…amazing…exciting! Embrace it…embrace Jesus! And revel in the promise that you will LIVE with Him for all eternity…whenever He decides to call for you!
And let’s stop scaring folks about the “End Times”. Let’s talk about how wonderful heaven is…how blessed we are to serve a Risen Savior…and how glorious it will be to belong to Him for all eternity. We Christians have operated in fear long enough…and it’s not working for us OR those we wish to reach for Jesus! Let’s start showing others how joyful and excited we are to be children of the Most High God…and demonstrate happy anticipation of all that He has in store for us!
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://earthsky.org
Daily Devotional for November 1, 2014
Romans 8:9-11
But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won’t know what we’re talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God’s terms.
It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s!
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 am still in the process of reading/studying Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts**. Voskamp maintains that the core of our relationship with God begins with a heart of gratitude. In fact, she cites another author, Brennan Manning, who wrote Ruthless Truth: The Ragamuffin's Path to God**. Manning says that “The foremost quality of a trusting disciple is gratefulness.”
So when we think of God living and breathing in us and delivering us from a dead life of sin and all of its burdens and destructiveness, how can we be anything BUT grateful? The greatest gift we will ever receive is Salvation through the blood of Jesus. The best friend and companion we will ever have is the Holy Spirit. The most wonderful, generous, gracious, merciful, loving and forgiving Father we could ever ask for is God Almighty. We are blessed beyond measure! We are loved beyond description! We are rich beyond our wildest dreams! But are we grateful?
Do we fully embrace this tremendous blessing and gift? Are we filled with gratitude for all that God has done for us? Do we really live in a way that demonstrates that God lives and breathes in us and delivered us from a dead life? Are we truly thankful…and does it show? God’s abundant gift of New Life in Christ…His deliverance from the death of sin…His residence in our lives…is available to any and all who welcome Him. But here’s the thing…are we living in a way that makes others want this for themselves?
Do we demonstrate the life of a trusting disciple? Are we filled with gratitude and “life” so abundantly that others say, “I’ll have what he/she has!” in their own lives? Isn’t it time we did? What are you waiting for? What must happen in order for you to fully experience a heart of gratefulness and fully embrace all that God has for you? Will this be the day you begin to find out? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
**Ruthless Truth: The Ragamuffin's Path to God ~ ©2000 Brennan Manning ~ HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., New York, NY.
But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won’t know what we’re talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God’s terms.
It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s!
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 am still in the process of reading/studying Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts**. Voskamp maintains that the core of our relationship with God begins with a heart of gratitude. In fact, she cites another author, Brennan Manning, who wrote Ruthless Truth: The Ragamuffin's Path to God**. Manning says that “The foremost quality of a trusting disciple is gratefulness.”
So when we think of God living and breathing in us and delivering us from a dead life of sin and all of its burdens and destructiveness, how can we be anything BUT grateful? The greatest gift we will ever receive is Salvation through the blood of Jesus. The best friend and companion we will ever have is the Holy Spirit. The most wonderful, generous, gracious, merciful, loving and forgiving Father we could ever ask for is God Almighty. We are blessed beyond measure! We are loved beyond description! We are rich beyond our wildest dreams! But are we grateful?
Do we fully embrace this tremendous blessing and gift? Are we filled with gratitude for all that God has done for us? Do we really live in a way that demonstrates that God lives and breathes in us and delivered us from a dead life? Are we truly thankful…and does it show? God’s abundant gift of New Life in Christ…His deliverance from the death of sin…His residence in our lives…is available to any and all who welcome Him. But here’s the thing…are we living in a way that makes others want this for themselves?
Do we demonstrate the life of a trusting disciple? Are we filled with gratitude and “life” so abundantly that others say, “I’ll have what he/she has!” in their own lives? Isn’t it time we did? What are you waiting for? What must happen in order for you to fully experience a heart of gratefulness and fully embrace all that God has for you? Will this be the day you begin to find out? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
**Ruthless Truth: The Ragamuffin's Path to God ~ ©2000 Brennan Manning ~ HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., New York, NY.
Daily Devotional for March 2, 2013
1 Kings 9:4-5
“As for you, if you will follow me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. For I made this promise to your father, David: ‘One of your descendants will always sit on the throne of Israel.’”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When I was in high school, I truly enjoyed math… probably in large part because of my teacher, Mrs. Marilyn Berry. She really cared about her students – inside and outside of the classroom- and I loved her dearly. Now don’t get me wrong… on plenty of days, Mrs. Berry frustrated my classmates and me by giving us tests that didn’t seem to fit what we had just studied – especially in geometry. I loved geometry… there was a “method” to it. Geometry was not so much about finding the right answer as showing how we arrived at it… our “proof.” And as Mrs. Berry would review where we went wrong on the tests and point out the flaws in our “proofs,” the right path would reveal itself.
The heart of geometry lies in hypothesis and conclusion – or proof. According to information at http://hstutorials.net, the geometry definition of hypothesis is explained this way… “A conjecture is something believed to be true, but not yet proved true. We usually state these as if...then statements. The "if" part is the hypothesis...the "then" part is the conclusion.” For us as Christians, life is a lot like geometry. We have been promised eternal life in Jesus Christ. If we have truly committed our hearts to Him (which is the hypothesis)… our place in heaven is secured (which would be the conclusion). But the proof of our devotion and commitment lies in how we get there – which path we take.
God has made great promises over our lives and the lives of our descendants. He has shown us the right path to choose. He has offered us things we could never earn, much less deserve. If we truly want to prove that we appreciate His generosity, we have to operate in obedience, humility, faithfulness… and with integrity. Our word and actions have to be our bond.
People have to know that when we say we will show up… we will show up. When we tell someone we will keep their secret… we must keep it and not go blabbing to everyone we know. When someone asks us to pray for them, we should do so. We need to show up for work, school, church services and activities - even dates with friends or significant others – on time… if not a little bit early. We must be where we are supposed to be, when we are supposed to be there. When we are at work, we should be working… when we are engaged in any task or activity, we should be fully committed to it. We should be genuine, attentive, and responsible in our relationships with friends, family members, co-workers, church members and acquaintances.
As Christians, we must be fully committed to God. We promised to love Him and to love others as ourselves. How are you doing with that? We promised to serve Him and tell others about the amazing life He offers… the incredible sacrifices He made for all of us through Jesus Christ…the love, care, grace, mercy and forgiveness He provides for us each and every day. Are you doing these things? Are you truly a person of integrity? What is your proof? God has said, “If you will do these things, then I will bless and keep you.” I believe God’s promises (conclusion) to be true… and my “proof” will not be finished until I get to heaven. But I plan to work on it every single day. What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“As for you, if you will follow me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. For I made this promise to your father, David: ‘One of your descendants will always sit on the throne of Israel.’”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When I was in high school, I truly enjoyed math… probably in large part because of my teacher, Mrs. Marilyn Berry. She really cared about her students – inside and outside of the classroom- and I loved her dearly. Now don’t get me wrong… on plenty of days, Mrs. Berry frustrated my classmates and me by giving us tests that didn’t seem to fit what we had just studied – especially in geometry. I loved geometry… there was a “method” to it. Geometry was not so much about finding the right answer as showing how we arrived at it… our “proof.” And as Mrs. Berry would review where we went wrong on the tests and point out the flaws in our “proofs,” the right path would reveal itself.
The heart of geometry lies in hypothesis and conclusion – or proof. According to information at http://hstutorials.net, the geometry definition of hypothesis is explained this way… “A conjecture is something believed to be true, but not yet proved true. We usually state these as if...then statements. The "if" part is the hypothesis...the "then" part is the conclusion.” For us as Christians, life is a lot like geometry. We have been promised eternal life in Jesus Christ. If we have truly committed our hearts to Him (which is the hypothesis)… our place in heaven is secured (which would be the conclusion). But the proof of our devotion and commitment lies in how we get there – which path we take.
God has made great promises over our lives and the lives of our descendants. He has shown us the right path to choose. He has offered us things we could never earn, much less deserve. If we truly want to prove that we appreciate His generosity, we have to operate in obedience, humility, faithfulness… and with integrity. Our word and actions have to be our bond.
People have to know that when we say we will show up… we will show up. When we tell someone we will keep their secret… we must keep it and not go blabbing to everyone we know. When someone asks us to pray for them, we should do so. We need to show up for work, school, church services and activities - even dates with friends or significant others – on time… if not a little bit early. We must be where we are supposed to be, when we are supposed to be there. When we are at work, we should be working… when we are engaged in any task or activity, we should be fully committed to it. We should be genuine, attentive, and responsible in our relationships with friends, family members, co-workers, church members and acquaintances.
As Christians, we must be fully committed to God. We promised to love Him and to love others as ourselves. How are you doing with that? We promised to serve Him and tell others about the amazing life He offers… the incredible sacrifices He made for all of us through Jesus Christ…the love, care, grace, mercy and forgiveness He provides for us each and every day. Are you doing these things? Are you truly a person of integrity? What is your proof? God has said, “If you will do these things, then I will bless and keep you.” I believe God’s promises (conclusion) to be true… and my “proof” will not be finished until I get to heaven. But I plan to work on it every single day. What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 18, 2013
Romans 12:20-21
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
There is a familiar adage that says “Living well is the best revenge.” This scripture passage seems to be saying … “Loving others well in Jesus name is the best ‘revenge.’” I don’t really like the word revenge… but if we can think of this in terms of “getting the best of evil,” then it would seem that “revenge” has its place in the life of a Christian.
Think about the people you encounter. Hopefully you don’t have any true “enemies,” but there may very well be people in your life who offend you… hurt your feelings… treat you poorly… cause you embarrassment or speak unkindly or untruthfully about you. And your temptation may be to retaliate… or to revel in this person’s misfortunes and shortcomings. This would be like taking delight in learning that your childhood bully grew up to be unsuccessful in life and relationships – or now weighs just shy of 300 pounds! Or you might have studied under a difficult professor who later lost tenure or was dismissed for some transgression he/she committed at the university – or a boss who lost his/her job for wrongdoing… and you and your former classmates or co-workers celebrated this news.
Any time we take pleasure in another person’s misfortune – even if it seems they “got what they had coming” – we have let evil get the best of us. Instead, learn to pray for those who insult or injure you in some fashion. When an opportunity arises to show them kindness, take full advantage of it. Greet the person who has spoken ill of you to others with a smile and a handshake. In other words, “kill ‘em with kindness!” - to quote another good old adage!
More than once, I have heard of someone who was mistreated and chose to repay this unkindness with love, grace and mercy… and the person who was being mean or abusive took notice. In many instances, he/she came back and asked, “Why did you treat me so well after what I did to you? I did not deserve this!” Whether you ever have this experience or not, set yourself in position for it. Be ready to say, “I did this for you because this is what Jesus does for me every single day.” This may not come easily at first, but if you really begin to practice getting the best of evil by doing good, you can get better at it!
Revenge may feel good for the moment, but I guarantee you, loving others – even those whom you feel don’t deserve it – really does feel better for the long haul. Think of Jesus and what He does for you every single day. Remind yourself that the goal is to be more like Him. Don’t let evil get the best of you… learn to love others well in the name of Jesus instead. See for yourself exactly how your generosity can affect others. Celebrate the love of Jesus by sharing it with EVERYONE you encounter… even your “enemies.”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
There is a familiar adage that says “Living well is the best revenge.” This scripture passage seems to be saying … “Loving others well in Jesus name is the best ‘revenge.’” I don’t really like the word revenge… but if we can think of this in terms of “getting the best of evil,” then it would seem that “revenge” has its place in the life of a Christian.
Think about the people you encounter. Hopefully you don’t have any true “enemies,” but there may very well be people in your life who offend you… hurt your feelings… treat you poorly… cause you embarrassment or speak unkindly or untruthfully about you. And your temptation may be to retaliate… or to revel in this person’s misfortunes and shortcomings. This would be like taking delight in learning that your childhood bully grew up to be unsuccessful in life and relationships – or now weighs just shy of 300 pounds! Or you might have studied under a difficult professor who later lost tenure or was dismissed for some transgression he/she committed at the university – or a boss who lost his/her job for wrongdoing… and you and your former classmates or co-workers celebrated this news.
Any time we take pleasure in another person’s misfortune – even if it seems they “got what they had coming” – we have let evil get the best of us. Instead, learn to pray for those who insult or injure you in some fashion. When an opportunity arises to show them kindness, take full advantage of it. Greet the person who has spoken ill of you to others with a smile and a handshake. In other words, “kill ‘em with kindness!” - to quote another good old adage!
More than once, I have heard of someone who was mistreated and chose to repay this unkindness with love, grace and mercy… and the person who was being mean or abusive took notice. In many instances, he/she came back and asked, “Why did you treat me so well after what I did to you? I did not deserve this!” Whether you ever have this experience or not, set yourself in position for it. Be ready to say, “I did this for you because this is what Jesus does for me every single day.” This may not come easily at first, but if you really begin to practice getting the best of evil by doing good, you can get better at it!
Revenge may feel good for the moment, but I guarantee you, loving others – even those whom you feel don’t deserve it – really does feel better for the long haul. Think of Jesus and what He does for you every single day. Remind yourself that the goal is to be more like Him. Don’t let evil get the best of you… learn to love others well in the name of Jesus instead. See for yourself exactly how your generosity can affect others. Celebrate the love of Jesus by sharing it with EVERYONE you encounter… even your “enemies.”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 26, 2013
Matthew 6:14-15
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
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.
“Hello, God! It’s me again. I really made a big mess of things this time! Can you please help me? I so need your forgiveness. I promise… I’ve learned my lesson. If you will please forgive me, I will do better… I truly will.”
“So… you’re ready to forgive Paul for that thing he said about you to your friends?”
“Well…um… not exactly. That was a terrible, horrible thing to say about me. What he said was not true… and it damaged my reputation. I lost a lot of friends because of him… and it nearly cost me my job!”
“Are you ready to stop posting negative, derogatory comments and images on Facebook about other people and let go of your beef with those whose views or lifestyles have offended you?”
“Well now really, LORD… I have to stand up for my beliefs, don’t I? If we don’t speak out, the ‘other guy’ will trample all over us! I just need You to forgive ME so I can get back on track here.”
“Are you at least ready to show grace, mercy and forgiveness to your family and friends for minor irritations, rather than griping and grumbling and making them pay for aggravating you… even when they don’t know what they did?”
“You know, LORD…I really just came to you today with a need to be forgiven for this thing I’ve done. It’s weighing on me, and I honestly can’t move forward until You do. These other things are not the issue.”
“Oh, but they ARE! I didn’t send my only Son to die on the cross for your sins so that you could treat others however you pleased. Because of His blood and sacrifice, your sins can be forgiven. But by acceptance of this gift of salvation, you also accepted the call to serve as Jesus’ disciple… to allow Him to operate in and through you and minister to others in His name. This means, as He forgave you… now YOU must forgive others. Before I can do anything more for you, I’m going to have to see some proof that you are truly sincere about your discipleship.”
“Does this mean that you won’t love me if I don’t forgive others?”
“I will always love you. Nothing can separate you from my love. But that doesn’t mean that I am always pleased with you. Do you see the difference? When you do your best to follow the commandments of Jesus and become more like Him… I am pleased. It’s your effort and your obedience that I seek. I know you won’t get it right every time… but if you genuinely try to follow the teachings of Jesus… if you offer forgiveness, grace, mercy and love to others in His name – even when it doesn’t feel good – I am satisfied.”
“So let me get this straight… in order to ask for your forgiveness, I must be willing to forgive others… right? You will always love me… and as long as I do my best to humbly serve You and follow Your commandments, you will be pleased with my efforts…correct? I ask You to help me forgive these who have offended me in some way… will you then forgive ME for my mistakes and sins?”
“Now you get it! I will strengthen you and give you sufficient grace – for yourself AND for those who have hurt you or offended you in some way. All you have to do is ask… I am always here. It’s good to hear from you… call on me again soon! Now get busy with your day… as you have forgiven others, so have I forgiven you!”
©2013 Debbie Robus
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
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.
“Hello, God! It’s me again. I really made a big mess of things this time! Can you please help me? I so need your forgiveness. I promise… I’ve learned my lesson. If you will please forgive me, I will do better… I truly will.”
“So… you’re ready to forgive Paul for that thing he said about you to your friends?”
“Well…um… not exactly. That was a terrible, horrible thing to say about me. What he said was not true… and it damaged my reputation. I lost a lot of friends because of him… and it nearly cost me my job!”
“Are you ready to stop posting negative, derogatory comments and images on Facebook about other people and let go of your beef with those whose views or lifestyles have offended you?”
“Well now really, LORD… I have to stand up for my beliefs, don’t I? If we don’t speak out, the ‘other guy’ will trample all over us! I just need You to forgive ME so I can get back on track here.”
“Are you at least ready to show grace, mercy and forgiveness to your family and friends for minor irritations, rather than griping and grumbling and making them pay for aggravating you… even when they don’t know what they did?”
“You know, LORD…I really just came to you today with a need to be forgiven for this thing I’ve done. It’s weighing on me, and I honestly can’t move forward until You do. These other things are not the issue.”
“Oh, but they ARE! I didn’t send my only Son to die on the cross for your sins so that you could treat others however you pleased. Because of His blood and sacrifice, your sins can be forgiven. But by acceptance of this gift of salvation, you also accepted the call to serve as Jesus’ disciple… to allow Him to operate in and through you and minister to others in His name. This means, as He forgave you… now YOU must forgive others. Before I can do anything more for you, I’m going to have to see some proof that you are truly sincere about your discipleship.”
“Does this mean that you won’t love me if I don’t forgive others?”
“I will always love you. Nothing can separate you from my love. But that doesn’t mean that I am always pleased with you. Do you see the difference? When you do your best to follow the commandments of Jesus and become more like Him… I am pleased. It’s your effort and your obedience that I seek. I know you won’t get it right every time… but if you genuinely try to follow the teachings of Jesus… if you offer forgiveness, grace, mercy and love to others in His name – even when it doesn’t feel good – I am satisfied.”
“So let me get this straight… in order to ask for your forgiveness, I must be willing to forgive others… right? You will always love me… and as long as I do my best to humbly serve You and follow Your commandments, you will be pleased with my efforts…correct? I ask You to help me forgive these who have offended me in some way… will you then forgive ME for my mistakes and sins?”
“Now you get it! I will strengthen you and give you sufficient grace – for yourself AND for those who have hurt you or offended you in some way. All you have to do is ask… I am always here. It’s good to hear from you… call on me again soon! Now get busy with your day… as you have forgiven others, so have I forgiven you!”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 26, 2013
Matthew 6:14-15
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
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.
“Hello, God! It’s me again. I really made a big mess of things this time! Can you please help me? I so need your forgiveness. I promise… I’ve learned my lesson. If you will please forgive me, I will do better… I truly will.”
“So… you’re ready to forgive Paul for that thing he said about you to your friends?”
“Well…um… not exactly. That was a terrible, horrible thing to say about me. What he said was not true… and it damaged my reputation. I lost a lot of friends because of him… and it nearly cost me my job!”
“Are you ready to stop posting negative, derogatory comments and images on Facebook about other people and let go of your beef with those whose views or lifestyles have offended you?”
“Well now really, LORD… I have to stand up for my beliefs, don’t I? If we don’t speak out, the ‘other guy’ will trample all over us! I just need You to forgive ME so I can get back on track here.”
“Are you at least ready to show grace, mercy and forgiveness to your family and friends for minor irritations, rather than griping and grumbling and making them pay for aggravating you… even when they don’t know what they did?”
“You know, LORD…I really just came to you today with a need to be forgiven for this thing I’ve done. It’s weighing on me, and I honestly can’t move forward until You do. These other things are not the issue.”
“Oh, but they ARE! I didn’t send my only Son to die on the cross for your sins so that you could treat others however you pleased. Because of His blood and sacrifice, your sins can be forgiven. But by acceptance of this gift of salvation, you also accepted the call to serve as Jesus’ disciple… to allow Him to operate in and through you and minister to others in His name. This means, as He forgave you… now YOU must forgive others. Before I can do anything more for you, I’m going to have to see some proof that you are truly sincere about your discipleship.”
“Does this mean that you won’t love me if I don’t forgive others?”
“I will always love you. Nothing can separate you from my love. But that doesn’t mean that I am always pleased with you. Do you see the difference? When you do your best to follow the commandments of Jesus and become more like Him… I am pleased. It’s your effort and your obedience that I seek. I know you won’t get it right every time… but if you genuinely try to follow the teachings of Jesus… if you offer forgiveness, grace, mercy and love to others in His name – even when it doesn’t feel good – I am satisfied.”
“So let me get this straight… in order to ask for your forgiveness, I must be willing to forgive others… right? You will always love me… and as long as I do my best to humbly serve You and follow Your commandments, you will be pleased with my efforts…correct? I ask You to help me forgive these who have offended me in some way… will you then forgive ME for my mistakes and sins?”
“Now you get it! I will strengthen you and give you sufficient grace – for yourself AND for those who have hurt you or offended you in some way. All you have to do is ask… I am always here. It’s good to hear from you… call on me again soon! Now get busy with your day… as you have forgiven others, so have I forgiven you!”
©2013 Debbie Robus
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.
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.
“Hello, God! It’s me again. I really made a big mess of things this time! Can you please help me? I so need your forgiveness. I promise… I’ve learned my lesson. If you will please forgive me, I will do better… I truly will.”
“So… you’re ready to forgive Paul for that thing he said about you to your friends?”
“Well…um… not exactly. That was a terrible, horrible thing to say about me. What he said was not true… and it damaged my reputation. I lost a lot of friends because of him… and it nearly cost me my job!”
“Are you ready to stop posting negative, derogatory comments and images on Facebook about other people and let go of your beef with those whose views or lifestyles have offended you?”
“Well now really, LORD… I have to stand up for my beliefs, don’t I? If we don’t speak out, the ‘other guy’ will trample all over us! I just need You to forgive ME so I can get back on track here.”
“Are you at least ready to show grace, mercy and forgiveness to your family and friends for minor irritations, rather than griping and grumbling and making them pay for aggravating you… even when they don’t know what they did?”
“You know, LORD…I really just came to you today with a need to be forgiven for this thing I’ve done. It’s weighing on me, and I honestly can’t move forward until You do. These other things are not the issue.”
“Oh, but they ARE! I didn’t send my only Son to die on the cross for your sins so that you could treat others however you pleased. Because of His blood and sacrifice, your sins can be forgiven. But by acceptance of this gift of salvation, you also accepted the call to serve as Jesus’ disciple… to allow Him to operate in and through you and minister to others in His name. This means, as He forgave you… now YOU must forgive others. Before I can do anything more for you, I’m going to have to see some proof that you are truly sincere about your discipleship.”
“Does this mean that you won’t love me if I don’t forgive others?”
“I will always love you. Nothing can separate you from my love. But that doesn’t mean that I am always pleased with you. Do you see the difference? When you do your best to follow the commandments of Jesus and become more like Him… I am pleased. It’s your effort and your obedience that I seek. I know you won’t get it right every time… but if you genuinely try to follow the teachings of Jesus… if you offer forgiveness, grace, mercy and love to others in His name – even when it doesn’t feel good – I am satisfied.”
“So let me get this straight… in order to ask for your forgiveness, I must be willing to forgive others… right? You will always love me… and as long as I do my best to humbly serve You and follow Your commandments, you will be pleased with my efforts…correct? I ask You to help me forgive these who have offended me in some way… will you then forgive ME for my mistakes and sins?”
“Now you get it! I will strengthen you and give you sufficient grace – for yourself AND for those who have hurt you or offended you in some way. All you have to do is ask… I am always here. It’s good to hear from you… call on me again soon! Now get busy with your day… as you have forgiven others, so have I forgiven you!”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 6, 2012
Matthew 10:12-15
“When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they’ll be mighty sorry—but it’s no concern of yours now.
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.
According to an article on www.ehow.com titled “What Are My Rights With a Court Processor?”… “A court processor serves legal documents. He delivers them to the person to whom the document is intended. The documents can include complaints, subpoenas, summons, writs, order to show cause and various other legal documents. A person can try to evade a court processor, but they're trained, they know every trick in the book, and they will find you eventually. Even if you refuse to accept the documents, you have still been technically served.” Read more: What Are My Rights With a Court Processor?
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8394480_rights-court-processor.html#ixzz2BPoqjp5r
I don’t think I’d be very good at this job! Clearly, a court processor cannot become emotionally invested. His/her job is to deliver the documents. Whether the recipient is happy about it is truly none of the court processor’s concern. I would imagine that he/she must develop the ability to stay calm and not overreact… to do the job, deliver the papers, and be on his/her way.
We Christians are essentially “court processors” for Jesus. Our job is to deliver His Good News… to tell others about Him, to serve in His name, and to model love of others, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. We are to be diligent in our ministry…but comport ourselves in a kind, calm manner. We are to quietly go about our business – which is the business of representing Jesus to others. We are not to make a scene. If people are receptive to us and our message, that’s wonderful. If not, we must lovingly and quietly retreat. Our only responsibility is to “serve the documents” – not to act as judge and jury… or try to force Jesus on anyone - in any way.
This is not easy for many Christians. We want to go in, “guns blazing,” and save the world for Jesus! We cram our faith and morals down others’ throats, quote scripture, act all high and mighty and “holier than thou”… and then we wonder why people don’t want to be around us! We are quick to judge those who don’t agree with us. We are overbearing in our presentation of a life in Christ, and basically, we give others the impression (if not the outright claim) that “it’s pretty much my way or the highway!”
This is not the way to win friends and influence people, much less add to the Kingdom of Heaven! Remember… our “job guidelines” as Christians are very specific. We are to share the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ with others in a calm, quiet, graceful manner, and then we are to step aside and allow God room to work. If we are mistreated or given a poor reception, this is not an invitation to press harder. We are to move on… to say, “LORD, I’ve been obedient… I’ve planted the seeds… I’m trusting you for the outcome.”
What about you? Are you a gentle witness… a respectable “court processor” for Jesus Christ? Or are you pushy and overbearing… and as a result, fairly ineffective? Ask God to show you where you have allowed your personal feelings and emotions get in the way of truly serving Him… and serving well. Call on Him to reveal where – and how – you can improve your “processing” skills. Cultivate your ability to effectively deliver the message of Jesus to others… and then to faithfully move on with confidence that the outcome is not up to you. This is the “let go and let God” thing again! If people answer your knock at the door, will they be glad that they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
“When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they’ll be mighty sorry—but it’s no concern of yours now.
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.
According to an article on www.ehow.com titled “What Are My Rights With a Court Processor?”… “A court processor serves legal documents. He delivers them to the person to whom the document is intended. The documents can include complaints, subpoenas, summons, writs, order to show cause and various other legal documents. A person can try to evade a court processor, but they're trained, they know every trick in the book, and they will find you eventually. Even if you refuse to accept the documents, you have still been technically served.” Read more: What Are My Rights With a Court Processor?
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8394480_rights-court-processor.html#ixzz2BPoqjp5r
I don’t think I’d be very good at this job! Clearly, a court processor cannot become emotionally invested. His/her job is to deliver the documents. Whether the recipient is happy about it is truly none of the court processor’s concern. I would imagine that he/she must develop the ability to stay calm and not overreact… to do the job, deliver the papers, and be on his/her way.
We Christians are essentially “court processors” for Jesus. Our job is to deliver His Good News… to tell others about Him, to serve in His name, and to model love of others, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. We are to be diligent in our ministry…but comport ourselves in a kind, calm manner. We are to quietly go about our business – which is the business of representing Jesus to others. We are not to make a scene. If people are receptive to us and our message, that’s wonderful. If not, we must lovingly and quietly retreat. Our only responsibility is to “serve the documents” – not to act as judge and jury… or try to force Jesus on anyone - in any way.
This is not easy for many Christians. We want to go in, “guns blazing,” and save the world for Jesus! We cram our faith and morals down others’ throats, quote scripture, act all high and mighty and “holier than thou”… and then we wonder why people don’t want to be around us! We are quick to judge those who don’t agree with us. We are overbearing in our presentation of a life in Christ, and basically, we give others the impression (if not the outright claim) that “it’s pretty much my way or the highway!”
This is not the way to win friends and influence people, much less add to the Kingdom of Heaven! Remember… our “job guidelines” as Christians are very specific. We are to share the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ with others in a calm, quiet, graceful manner, and then we are to step aside and allow God room to work. If we are mistreated or given a poor reception, this is not an invitation to press harder. We are to move on… to say, “LORD, I’ve been obedient… I’ve planted the seeds… I’m trusting you for the outcome.”
What about you? Are you a gentle witness… a respectable “court processor” for Jesus Christ? Or are you pushy and overbearing… and as a result, fairly ineffective? Ask God to show you where you have allowed your personal feelings and emotions get in the way of truly serving Him… and serving well. Call on Him to reveal where – and how – you can improve your “processing” skills. Cultivate your ability to effectively deliver the message of Jesus to others… and then to faithfully move on with confidence that the outcome is not up to you. This is the “let go and let God” thing again! If people answer your knock at the door, will they be glad that they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 22, 2012
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.
A few weekends ago, my mom and her husband had dinner at a local restaurant. When they went to the register to pay the bill, it had already been covered anonymously. I heard a recent news story about a patron who tried to use her credit card at a Target store, and the card was denied. A stranger standing nearby paid the bill in full – more than $160. The Target employee who handled the transaction said the lady whose bill was covered dissolved into tears. She could not figure out why anyone would do something so generous for a person they didn’t even know. The employee said that the “Good Samaritan” who had stepped up to pay the bill told her, “I’ve been there. We’ve all had hard times and needed help at some point.”
These are just two examples of people who fully understand how to do a good deed without showing off. You may know of countless others… or have been the recipient of someone else’s kindness yourself. Such actions do not have to be directed at someone who is financially poor - i.e. lacking money. In one way or another, we are all the “poor” at one time or another… with needs that are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. And God is calling us to meet the needs of others – regardless of their form – and to do so in secret.
I don’t know about you, but I get almost giddy when I do something for another person without any prompting or fanfare. God blesses me far more than the recipient. I’ve given money to those in need before, but there are so many other ways we can minister to the “hungry” among us. We can bless, encourage and uplift in countless ways… and here are just a few:
©2012 Debbie Robus
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.
A few weekends ago, my mom and her husband had dinner at a local restaurant. When they went to the register to pay the bill, it had already been covered anonymously. I heard a recent news story about a patron who tried to use her credit card at a Target store, and the card was denied. A stranger standing nearby paid the bill in full – more than $160. The Target employee who handled the transaction said the lady whose bill was covered dissolved into tears. She could not figure out why anyone would do something so generous for a person they didn’t even know. The employee said that the “Good Samaritan” who had stepped up to pay the bill told her, “I’ve been there. We’ve all had hard times and needed help at some point.”
These are just two examples of people who fully understand how to do a good deed without showing off. You may know of countless others… or have been the recipient of someone else’s kindness yourself. Such actions do not have to be directed at someone who is financially poor - i.e. lacking money. In one way or another, we are all the “poor” at one time or another… with needs that are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. And God is calling us to meet the needs of others – regardless of their form – and to do so in secret.
I don’t know about you, but I get almost giddy when I do something for another person without any prompting or fanfare. God blesses me far more than the recipient. I’ve given money to those in need before, but there are so many other ways we can minister to the “hungry” among us. We can bless, encourage and uplift in countless ways… and here are just a few:
- Offer to help a neighbor or friend with a project – yard work, painting and repairs, pet sitting, spring cleaning, or even running errands.
- Send a note of encouragement to someone – “just because”.
- Share your extra baked goods – or double your casserole and take the extra to someone you know could probably use it… a busy family, an elderly person, someone who is recovering from an injury or illness.
- Offer to give someone a ride.
- When you are talking to someone who expresses worries or concerns, offer to pray for them.
- Donate to local charities… and offer your time and talents along with your money.
- Take time to stop and thank someone you encounter frequently – the checker at the grocery store…your pharmacist, hairdresser, or your child’s teacher or daycare worker…the server at your coffee shop or restaurant…your mail carrier. Tell them how grateful you are for their service.
- Clean your closet and donate clothing and other items you never use/wear to your favorite charity – or offer them to someone who you feel could use them.
- Spend some time with an elderly person or shut-in who doesn’t get much company.
- Check on your neighbors. Ask if there is anything you can do for them… and mean it!
©2012 Debbie Robus
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