Daily Devotional for November 29, 2016

1 Chronicles 29:10-20
Then, in front of everyone, David sang praises to the Lord:

I praise you forever, Lord! You are the God our ancestor Jacob worshiped. Your power is great, and your glory is seen everywhere in heaven and on earth. You are king of the entire world, and you rule with strength and power. You make people rich and powerful and famous. We thank you, our God, and praise you.

But why should we be happy that we have given you these gifts? They belong to you, and we have only given back what is already yours. We are only foreigners living here on earth for a while, just as our ancestors were. And we will soon be gone, like a shadow that suddenly disappears.

Our Lord God, we have brought all these things for building a temple to honor you. They belong to you, and you gave them to us. But we are happy, because everyone has voluntarily given you these things. You know what is in everyone’s heart, and you are pleased when people are honest. Always make us eager to give, and help us be faithful to you, just as our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob faithfully worshiped you. And give Solomon the desire to completely obey your laws and teachings, and the desire to build the temple for which I have provided these gifts.

David then said to the people, “Now it’s your turn to praise the Lord, the God your ancestors worshiped!” So everyone praised the Lord, and they bowed down to honor him and David their king.

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

I’m in all-out decorating mode this week.  The children and I started Sunday afternoon, and I continued yesterday.  All semblance of “fall” has given way to Christmas, and a magical holiday wonderland is emerging.

I admit…I’m a big kid when it comes to Christmas, and I overdo it with the decorations.  But when I see the looks on the children’s faces, every single ornament, snowman and holly sprig is worth it. As they get older, the children are beginning to appreciate the dozens of nativity scenes I display in our piano room…and the different ornaments on the tree that have sentimental significance.  And of course, they love “their” tree, the lights, and the singing reindeer!

It is a LOT of work to put this all out…and then take it all down. And I’ll be honest…there was a huge part of me that wanted to just skip it all this year.  For the last decade or more, my mother did not put up a Christmas tree or decorate much at her house.  She would say…”I’ll just enjoy Debbie’s decorations.” There has been a lump in my throat as I set out some of her treasures that now are part of my collection…and a smile on my face as I remembered how much she enjoyed many of them - like a big golden Santa that was a gift from her friend, Branson entertainer Shoji Tabuchi.

I reminded myself this morning that this effort is a gift.  God gave us Jesus - and a zillion reasons to celebrate. We do all we can to maintain the focus on Jesus during this Christmas season…but even the secular decorations contribute to the overall joy and wonder of the holiday season.  In total, this transformation of our home says, “Something special is happening…we are celebrating the greatest birthday ever.”  We are “making a fuss” to let God know how grateful we are for His best Gift ever…Jesus Christ! And we are saying to others, “We love Jesus enough to celebrate His birth and share this joy and festivity with each of you!”

So I will finish the decorating.  I may not put out EVERYTHING this year (who am I kidding?!)…but I will make our home a “party palace for Jesus!”  I will give this gift to those who visit…and give the glory to God Almighty. I will praise the Lord and bow down to honor Him with every ornament and piece of tinsel. Let the celebration of Jesus’ birth begin! Now it’s your turn!

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 24, 2016

Psalm 139:17-18
How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!

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

My desktop flip calendar quote for today said, “A little boy ended a lengthy prayer that had included everyone he could think of by saying: ‘And dear God, take care of Yourself.  If anything happens to You, we’re all sunk.’”  While there is humor here…there is also a lot of truth. We need to stop and ponder the God who thinks about us constantly.

Today, I helped the elementary school nurse and her team screen children for hearing and vision deficiencies.  As luck would have it, the “lunch break” paralleled Timmy’s lunch time, so I went with his class to the cafeteria.  On the way back to the classroom, Timmy and another boy were talking about Christmas and how excited they were.  The other little boy said, “My favorite part of Christmas is all of the toys I will get.”  I said my favorite part was celebrating Jesus’ birthday.

Timmy agreed…”Yeah, because if we didn’t have Jesus, we would have all of those frogs and locusts!”  He was recalling our Sunday school lesson about Moses and the plagues that God sent upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their disobedience.  Another child chimed in and said, “Without Jesus we would just have God…and if we didn’t have GOD…that would be REALLY bad!” Talk about perfect timing for today’s message!  These second-grade boys – and the little boy offering the “prayer” on my calendar – are exactly right.  Without God, we really would be sunk!

So stop and thank God for loving us so well.  Thank Him for sending Jesus to pour out His blood for our sins, so that we no longer have to make living sacrifices for our sins.  Thank Him for watching over us…for planning our lives before we were even formed…for thinking of us even before we awaken…and turning His thoughts toward each of us countless times throughout the day.  Who else does that?!

No one loves us like God loves us.  How precious it is that He thinks about us constantly…and how truly “sunk” we would be if He didn’t!  Stop and tell God how much you love Him…and get busy demonstrating this in everything you think, say and do!

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 10, 2016

Matthew 4:1-4
Then Jesus was led out into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, to be tempted there by Satan. For forty days and forty nights he ate nothing and became very hungry. Then Satan tempted him to get food by changing stones into loaves of bread.

“It will prove you are the Son of God,” he said.

But Jesus told him, “No! For the Scriptures tell us that bread won’t feed men’s souls: obedience to every word of God is what we need.”

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

Excuses! Excuses!  We’ve all made them…

• “If I don’t look the other way, I’ll lose my job.”
• “If I make my kids behave, they won’t like me.”
• “If I speak out against racist remarks, I’ll lose my friends.”
• “If I don’t serve on high profile committees in my church, people will think I don’t love God.”
• “I don’t approve of this person, but if I don’t support him/her, things will be really tough for me.

You and I are often very hungry…for attention, for reassurance, for friendship, for acceptance and approval.  It’s as if we have been in the desert for 40 days without food, and the devil comes along and says, “Have all you can eat.  It comes with some ‘strings’ and some compromises, but they won’t really matter.  What’s important is how YOU feel…what this means for YOU in the short run.  I know what you’re going through…and only I can make you feel better!  So EAT!”

Here’s the thing…when we compromise our values or fall victim to the devil’s schemes – or when we succumb to his temptations, we lose big time.  Not only that…when we “eat” from Satan’s plate of lies, we totally deprecate our faith that God can handle things. We are often so fearful of what will happen to us if we stand up for what we KNOW God is telling us is the right thing that we completely turn our backs on Him.  Essentially we say, “LORD, I know You SAID you could handle anything, but I really don’t believe You!”

So where will you stand today?  Are you really ready to tell the devil to get lost - and trust God…for EVERYTHING?  Dare to say, “I have no clue what this may cost me in the short run…but I am willing to risk it to stay in Your will, LORD.”  God will make a way where you see none at all.  I know, because I have done this…more than once!

More than a few of us are “wandering in the desert” today…and we are starving.  The devil is standing before us with the most attractive and delectable offerings to tempt us over to his side.  But God is standing there, also…and I promise, what He offers makes Satan’s enticements look like ridiculous.

Don’t be fooled…and don’t make the mistake of choosing poorly.  TRUST GOD!  Allow HIM to feed you and meet your needs.  He can…and He will!  Are you ready to take a leap of faith?    

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 11, 2016

John 4:21-24
“Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God’s way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.

“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”
  
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

Today we pause to remember the people who perished in the terroristic attacks on the World Trade Center exactly 15 years ago.  We think of the family members and friends who were left to grieve and suffer…the survivors who spent hours/days/weeks/months/years recuperating and physically recovering to some degree.  We pray for all who were affected…and weren’t we ALL affected in some way?

As I read this scripture passage, it struck me that the God I love…the God I trust and serve each and every day…was the same God that many – if not most of us - prayed to and sought in the midst of this horrific event.  There has been much talk about how the events of 9/11 brought us together as a country…and I think to some degree, this is true.  We didn’t see color, race, ethnic background, gender, sexual identity, socio-economic level, intellect, or even political leanings. We just saw people who were frightened, hurting and suffering…people who had great needs and endured tremendous losses…people who were “just like us” in so many fundamental ways.  We asked God to meet them right where they were…and I believe He did just that.

We reached out…we served in the name of Jesus…we sent aid of all kinds…and we genuinely expressed sympathy and empathy for these victims and their extended “families.”  We didn’t give it a second thought, really…we just knew that this was what the God we worshipped and adored wanted of us…and we did it.

I don’t know what shifted…or really why…but we have lost a good deal of this honest and simple faith and servitude in recent years. We’ve become skeptical, cynical, and self-absorbed.  Even worse, we have become elitist…the God we serve is OUR God.  His reach cannot possibly encompass those who are different from us in even the slightest way.  We are like the college kid who makes good grades so Mom and Dad will keep sending money…we serve God out of a sense of duty, obligation, and fear that to do otherwise would result in a disconnect of sorts from His blessings and rewards in our lives.

As devastating as the events of 9/11 were, God brought about so many good things.  Every time our country goes through a crisis, we seem to rally just a bit – though not as much as we did fifteen years ago. But it shouldn’t take a catastrophe to gather us to God…and I pray that we don’t fall into the pattern of only turning to Him and embracing one another when the unthinkable happens.

Where does this leave us?  Are we simply and honestly ourselves before God and others?  Are we serving God with a spirit of inclusiveness and adoration?  Do we desire that ALL PEOPLE cultivate a relationship with God…and are we doing everything in our power to share His Spirit with the masses?  Are you a reactionary who only reaches out to others in the midst of a crisis…or do others see your heart for Jesus – and ALL who God has created – each and every day?

Will this anniversary serve as a reminder that God sent Jesus for EVERYONE…and not just you and me?  Will you live in a way that this is evident to others?  Don’t you think you should?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 18, 2016

James 1:16-18
So don’t be misled, dear brothers.

But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow. And it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family.

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

The last time Timothy and Nathan visited for the day, we had a surprise for them…an odd assortment of Lego® pieces and accessories to add to their collection.  There was an anchor…a “police” car hood, some cool tubes and extensions, and much more.  The boys were thrilled with this surprise…and Greg and I delighted in THEIR joy and excitement.

More than once, Timothy has asked Greg and me, “WHY are you so nice to me?”  This usually comes on the heels of getting something he really wants…like a new Lego® set.  But sometimes it is the result of extra attention or praise.  There are also times when things are not quite going their way and one of the children will say to us…”You NEVER do anything nice for me!”  Yes, kids can be quite fickle!

Thankfully, God is never inconsistent…and He loves to give us gifts and blessings.  I can just imagine the joy He finds in watching us revel in the wonder of an unexpected gift…everything from a friendly word or gesture from another person to some kind of “windfall” that we were not anticipating.  My mother called such surprise blessings “silver boxes.”  I would tell her about something wonderful that happened out of the blue, and she would say, “There’s your ‘silver box’ for today!”

God loves to give us “silver boxes.” These are the “Lego® sets” of His universe.  “Shadows” do come into our lives from time to time…and like little children, we often question God about them.  But these are not His doing.  God is never fickle...His light never falters.  The “clouds” that occasionally block our awareness of His presence come from our own sin - and are the devil’s doing.  But God is still there…loving us…blessing us…caring about our every breath!

“Silver boxes” are all around us.  We never know when we will receive one…but God has an unending stash of them just waiting to be shared.  As we grow in our faith, let’s learn to recognize these more readily…to stomp down any notions that God would withhold His gifts from us or ever mistreat us in any way.  Let’s understand that God is in the business of giving His children all that they need…and then some!

When God gives you a “silver box,” will you recognize that it came from Him?  Do you fully appreciate ALL of God’s good gifts…and have you told Him so lately?  Isn’t this the perfect day to get your “attitude of gratitude” right, once and for all?  What will God give you today? Are you really ready to for His light to shine?
      
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 16, 2016

James 1:9-11
A Christian who doesn’t amount to much in this world should be glad, for he is great in the Lord’s sight. But a rich man should be glad that his riches mean nothing to the Lord, for he will soon be gone, like a flower that has lost its beauty and fades away, withered—killed by the scorching summer sun. So it is with rich men. They will soon die and leave behind all their busy activities.

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

In our daily newspaper, I read the heart-wrenching story by New York Times reporter Liz Alderman of a 28-year-old Syrian woman and her four young children who are detained in a refugee camp in Idomeni, Greece.  The family spends their days foraging for food and begging for help for this mother and her dusty, mosquito-bite-covered children.  They are dirty, hungry, tired, and frustrated.  Promises of aid have not materialized…and this mother told Alderman that she would have stayed in Syria and taken her chances, had she known it would be like this. The tone of despair in this report was palpable…and I have to tell you, I was somewhat ashamed of my own material “wealth.”

Just by virtue of where we live, most of us are “rich” by much of the world’s standards.  And yet, many of us perpetually crave more. We measure our wealth – and our worth – in dollars and cents.  We constantly compare ourselves to others…and we work pretty hard to keep up with them!

Today, Greg and I have been married for 42 years. We celebrated by going out to breakfast at a local diner – and we took Greg’s mother with us!  We enjoyed every bite of the meal – and the company – as we reminisced about the years we’ve shared. God has blessed us with more than our portion of “creature comforts” throughout our marriage…but He has also given us a strong bond with our family.  We are rich in His love…and in our relationships with family members and friends.  We try to accumulate memories and special experiences together rather than material possessions and expendable resources.  Don’t misunderstand…we have more than plenty materially.  But “things” do not matter nearly as much as they once did…and we have learned to appreciate the joy and comfort in simple pleasures.

We are both keenly aware how quickly life can change.  We look in the mirror and recognize that youth surely fades…and “beauty” takes on a whole new meaning!  We look around at those who appear to have a good grasp on what makes a person truly “rich”…and we notice that they are busy seeking God and serving Him rather than worrying about their own “wealth” or appearance.  They exude a joy and peace that is captivating – and enviable – and we want this for ourselves!!

I pray that we would never take our “wealth” for granted…both the gift of God’s grace, mercy, and salvation through the blood of Jesus – AND, the physical possessions that we have accumulated.  I pray that God would keep us humble – and grateful for His abundance and the freedoms that we enjoy…that we would never grow complacent about anything or anyone for even one minute!

Should God see fit to give Greg and me more years together, I pray that we will always recognize how rich we are in His love and blessings…and always see each other through the “lens of love” that overlooks wrinkles, age spots and gray hair.  I pray that we would be busy sharing God’s love rather than trying to make ourselves look younger or impressive.

I pray that you would discover for yourself what makes you “rich” in God’s eyes…that you would think of the young refugee mother who just wants her children to be safe and fed - and thank God that you enjoy these comforts every single day.  This automatically makes you richer than a large percentage of the world’s population, praise God!  Do you recognize how “wealthy” He has made you in all things?  Do your words and actions demonstrate your appreciation and gratitude for His gifts and blessings?  Isn’t it time they did?

How “rich” are you today in the things that truly matter for all Eternity?  Aren’t you ready to find out, once and for all?  Will this be the day that you get started?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 13, 2016

Isaiah 1:16-20
Oh, wash yourselves! Be clean! Let me no longer see you doing all these wicked things; quit your evil ways. Learn to do good, to be fair, and to help the poor, the fatherless, and widows.

Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool! If you will only let me help you, if you will only obey, then I will make you rich! But if you keep on turning your backs and refusing to listen to me, you will be killed by your enemies; I, the Lord, have spoken.

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

When we spill something on our clothing…the carpet…or the couch, our first instinct is to grab a cloth or sponge and start rubbing!  Often, the result is that we push the stain further into the fibers and make permanent removal more difficult – if not a near impossibility.  Today, there are all sorts of cleaners and sprays that can be applied to essentially “fizz” the stain out and dissolve it. You have to be careful…some of the “oxi” treatments can actually bleach the material(s). But much of the time, these “treatments” work beautifully and can save a lot of trouble and disappointment.

The kids are always saying, “Aww…I spilled XYZ on my shirt.” I find that I am often telling them, “That’s okay…I can get that out…” or “I’ll wash it, and everything will be fine.” (And sometimes, I find myself scrubbing and “fizzing” a stain that proved more difficult to remove than I imagined!)

Do you see where I am headed?  We are the “children” – God is the parent.  We stain our lives…He removes the blemishes.  Sometimes, the “stains” have been rubbed in…we’ve worked them over pretty well!  Other times, the sin is just so big that it takes more “elbow grease” to get it out, once and for all.  But God is able to do all of this…if only we will humbly admit our errors and ask Him to forgive us and wash us clean!

OUR JOB is to do all that we can to “get clean” - and stay that way…to be careful with our words and actions.  We must care for others and serve God according to His directions…and never, ever “rub the stain of sin” further into our lives.  Some of us are so stubborn.  We want to have things our way…to turn our backs on the word and wisdom of God and do as we please. This is our choice…but we must understand that we are also choosing to risk the consequences of God’s displeasure.

Just because we give our hearts to Jesus doesn’t mean that we can “stain our shirts” and assume that He will clean up the mess.  With redemption comes responsibility…and we should be so grateful to Jesus for His salvation that we would be willing to do anything and everything to honor Him.

So I ask you today…what’s on your shirt?  Have you rubbed in the stain or tried to cover it up?  Or have you made every effort to allow God to clean you, once and for all…and worked hard to keep things neat and tidy as you move forward? Will this be the day that He washes you “whiter than snow”…and you make every effort to stay that way?  Don’t you think it should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 25, 2016

1 Peter 3:18, 22    
Christ died once for our sins. An innocent person died for those who are guilty. Christ did this to bring you to God, when his body was put to death
and his spirit was made alive.

Christ is now in heaven, where he sits at the right side of God. All angels, authorities, and powers are under his control.

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

I keep replaying Timothy’s question to Greg and me the other day when we gave the children some new Play-doh®…”Why are you so NICE to us?”  It seems like I ask God this same question a LOT!  WHY do You bless me so often and abundantly?  WHY did You sacrifice Your only Son on the cross for MY sins – and those of others?”

Our answer to Timothy is that we love him and his siblings so much.  It is our joy and delight to do nice things for them.  And scripture tells us that this is God’s answer, too…although, for the life of me, I cannot comprehend that much love and care!  I do not think I could ever sacrifice a child – for anything or anyone!  I am profoundly moved by the sentence, “An innocent person died for those who are guilty.”  You and I are among those “guilty” parties.

So this makes God’s love even more profound.  This causes me to appreciate God even more to think that He would allow such horrific things to happen to Jesus – just for me…and for you!  Doesn’t this motivate you to serve better…to be more obedient…to go the second mile?  We serve the most amazing, mighty, powerful…and LOVING God.  No One could love us more than He does.  No One could have sacrificed more than God did, through Jesus Christ.

The next time you start to say or do something that dishonors such a great gift, ask yourself, “Is this a fitting way to show God my gratitude and appreciation?”  As you look at those in your midst and are tempted to criticize, judge, disparage or call them names, consider that EVERYTHING that God has done for you, He offers the other person, also.

WHY does God love us so much?  I really don’t know…but I know that He does.  And that is reason enough for me to love Him back as much as possible.  What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 20, 2016

1 Peter 3:7
The same goes for you husbands: Be good husbands to your wives. Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God’s grace, you’re equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don’t run aground.

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.

Please don’t skip this devotional.  This verse is about so much more than just how husbands treat their wives. For all of the strides we have made in recognizing the abilities and rights of women AND other “minorities”…we still have a long way to go.

God blessed me with a husband who has never treated me as less than equal.  Yes, Greg is physically stronger than I am.  But I can’t think of anything that he has ever discouraged me from doing because he felt I was not capable intellectually, creatively…or for any other reason.  In our nearly 42 years of marriage, Greg has included me in all decisions, made me his equal, and supported me in any and all endeavors.  And I thank God for such a blessing!

I’ve seen my share of marriages and associations where this was not the case - and that’s where you fit into this message.  See, we tend to treat a lot of people as “less than” - in all sorts of relationships…our jobs…friendships…the community…and even in “church work” and Christian service!  We do not honor and delight in the strengths and abilities of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We are often so busy making a name for ourselves that we will do anything and everything to get ahead – even at the expense of someone else.

As this verse illustrates, when we fail to honor – if not elevate - those around us, we diminish our Christian witness.  When we do not acknowledge their importance, God is greatly disappointed.  God takes this into account as He considers our prayers and petitions.  How we treat others matters greatly!

People are watching.  They notice how we treat those with whom we interact…family, friends, co-workers – and even strangers.  When we disparage others…criticize and cut them down…treat them with disrespect as we try to elevate ourselves to a position of superiority, we dishonor God and discount our pledge to be Disciples of Christ.

God doesn’t make any distinction…those in the world spotlight have no more obligation in this regard than “regular folk” like you and I do.  We must stop name calling, criticisms and cutting remarks, crude and ugly references, and any form of disrespect or denigration.  If we are going to truly honor God and represent Him, we have to start treating our wives – and all others – as equals.  There is much work to be done in this area…are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get busy?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 18, 2016

1 John 5:3
Loving God means doing what he tells us to do, and really, that isn’t hard at all;

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

Greg and I have some pretty simple, straightforward “rules” at our house.  The children know that we don’t allow jumping on the furniture…and that they eat and drink at the dining table or kitchen counter - and not in the other rooms.  They know that when we go somewhere and leave the car, we hold hands and stick together.

The children understand that we use “inside voices” when we are in the house – and that they are not to be bossy toward their siblings – or toward us or other grown-ups!  They remember that there are certain things at our house that are off limits and are not to be touched.  And for the most part, they do very well with these guidelines.  They have their moments, as all children do…but by and large, they do a really good job of staying within our parameters.  And I honestly think that this makes things easier for them.

The children know what is expected…and what is accepted.  They don’t have to worry or wonder.  In a way, this frees them to enjoy their time with us.  They know that when they operate within these guidelines, everyone will get along and be happy…and there might even be a “reward” or two along the way for such good behavior and obedience.  When we are pleased with the children, we love to shower them with “blessings.”

Do you see my point?  So many people want to think of the life of a Christian as restrictive, when in truth, it can actually be just the opposite.  When we follow God’s commands and serve Him in all things, we know where we stand at all times.  We are freed of the burden of worry - and wondering whether or not God is happy with us.  Like little children, there are times when we slip up…when we say or do something that displeases God.  But if we make every effort to live within His parameters and serve Him wholeheartedly, God will bless us with His abundant gifts of grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, healing, forgiveness – and amazing surprises and opportunities.

Will everything always be a bed of roses?  Absolutely not?  Will some seem to have more blessings than others?  Certainly!  Will this assure us a life free of suffering and difficulties?  No way!  Nobody ever said being a Christian disciple would mean life on Easy Street!  But I promise you, when we follow God’s commands and have some semblance of an understanding about where we stand with Him, everything is just so much better.

Aren’t you ready to try living in the freedom of following God’s will?  Is this the day you’ll get started?
  
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 13, 2016

1 Corinthians 10:1-5
Remember our history, friends, and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and taken miraculously through the Sea. They went through the waters, in a baptism like ours, as Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation life. They all ate and drank identical food and drink, meals provided daily by God. They drank from the Rock, God’s fountain for them that stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ. But just experiencing God’s wonder and grace didn’t seem to mean much—most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased.

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.

Years ago, I had a housekeeper who did an amazing job.  She kept our house thoroughly clean and pretty well did a better job than I did!  When this person left to take another job, I hired someone new.  I should have known there was a problem when the new woman could “clean” the same house in about half the time of the first housekeeper.  For a while, I marveled at how nice and neat the house looked – and chalked it up to the additional help from a relative who came along to share the workload.

After a month or two, I began to notice that the house didn’t seem all that clean.  It would look nice and neat for a day or so…but I discovered areas that had really not been scrubbed at all…like the shower.  A light rub-down and spritz of cleaner gave it a sparkly appearance…but underneath, there was a buildup of grime and scum that soon became disgustingly apparent.  And that was the tip of the iceberg.  It ultimately took me several days to get our house back to the condition that the other housekeeper had maintained for us.  And I ended up doing the housekeeping myself afterward.  I’d had the best, and I didn’t think I could ever replicate her level of commitment again!

How does this relate to our spiritual life – and this scripture passage?  It’s all about going the second mile. Moses’ people listened to God speak through him…they followed God and pledged allegiance to Him – for a while.  And then they went back to their old ways.  They were “all in” for God’s gifts, goodness and blessings…but they didn’t fully internalize His message.  They didn’t embrace His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and healing - and allow Him to change them from the inside out.  So essentially, things looked all sparkly and shiny on the surface…but underneath, a layer of grime and scum built up that could not be ignored.

God has so much to offer us.  And most of us are eager to sign on and take all that He will give!  But are we willing to go the extra mile…to do the “deep cleaning” of our hearts and minds…to do the hard work of maintaining a spotless vessel for Him?  Are we demonstrating a level of commitment to God that is beyond reproach? Or are we giving Him justification to throw up His hands and say, “Enough!  I’m done with him/her!” Oh, how I hope it’s not the latter!

I don’t think that any of us want to deliberately disappoint God.  But we do get caught up in the temptations of the devil and this world…and we tend to cut corners in our walk with God – and hope that He will overlook this.  Let’s not play that game!  Let’s give God our very best efforts every single day.  Let’s honor God and His blessings over us by serving wholeheartedly and going the second mile.  The Bible says that our bodies are God’s “houses”…that we are His vessels on this earth.  What sort of “housekeeper” are you these days?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 30, 2016

May 30 ~ Romans 11:1-5
I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel: “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me"? And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.  And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
As Nathan approaches his fourth birthday, he has taken up the rally cry of “You don’t love me anymore!” when he is reprimanded.  We assure him that we do, and he often follows with, “Well, then I don’t love YOU anymore!”…or the “knife-to-the-heart” response – “I am not your bestest friend any MORE!”  We smile and say, “Okay”…and he has to do his “time out” or whatever anyway!

Timothy, our resident worry-wart, will often spontaneously ask, “Are you mad at me?” …as if he has done something that upset us – or that he knows he should not do.  Of course, we assure him that we are NOT mad at him.  And Zola just goes with the flow!  The three children are in many ways a microscopic model of the world at large and how we operate and react in regard to others – particularly authority figures and leaders.

I have long heard it said (and more frequently in recent  months)…that by all rights, God should wipe us all out and either start over or give up completely.  We’ve all said and done things that must make God crazy in any given moment.  The quote for this date on my daily calendar says, “Only some of us can learn by other people’s mistakes.  The rest of us have to be the other people.”  And this is where God’s grace comes into play.

Without God’s grace, we surely would be totally banished from the face of the earth.  He could not put up with us otherwise!  Because of God’s grace, we are given second chances – often, lots of them!  God honors His promise to redeem us through the blood of Jesus.  So those of us who have surrendered our hearts to Jesus Christ and admitted our sins and shortcomings are covered by God’s grace and mercy.  This is not a license to live as we please…but it IS a reminder that our “good works” will not get us into God’s “good graces.”

The message for today is that God is occasionally mad at us - or disappointed.  He may not feel like being our “bestest friend” in the moment.  But because of the blood of Jesus…and God’s amazing grace…we are part of the “remnant” who are protected and given more chances than we deserve to turn things around.  Let’s show God just how grateful we are and make the most of them, shall we?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 22, 2016

May 22 ~ Matthew 6:19-21
“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

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.

In Sao Paulo, Brazil, a wealthy businessman dug a hole in his back yard and made a big media “splash” as he claimed he would bury his $500,000 Bentley there.  His excuse was that he had studied the burial practices of Egyptian Pharaohs and wanted to ensure that he had a luxurious ride to the next life.  People were stunned that this man was actually going to bury this expensive car…and as it turned out, this was all a publicity stunt. 

The man had survived a serious illness, and he was trying to make a point that people bury something more valuable than this half-million-dollar car every day – their body organs.  He claimed that he was trying to raise awareness for organ donations.  Okay…I guess that’s one way to do it!

The point is that we really can’t take it with us…and an expensive car in the ground will not transport us to Heaven in luxury!  But there IS treasure we can store for Heaven…love, grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, faithful obedience to God’s will, empathy, kindness, service to others, and more.  When our treasure is the kind that demonstrates Christian faith and discipleship, God will exchange this for blessings and abundance when He calls us to Heaven.  Material wealth is not heavenly currency!

So think about what matters most to you.  Are you more interested in accumulating “things”…or blessings?  Is it more important to you what others think of you…or are you more concerned with serving – and pleasing – God?  Is your time better spent making yourself feel good and important in the “here and now”…or in helping to build God’s Kingdom for all Eternity? 

What really matters to you…and what will matter when you get to Heaven?  If the two do not line up, something is out of whack somewhere.  It’s up to us to figure it out and make necessary adjustments.  What are YOU storing these days?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 29, 2016

John 6:28-29
“What exactly does God want us to do?” the people asked.

Jesus answered, “God wants you to have faith in the one he sent.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
The children and I have been going back and forth about swimming.  The oldest two have had formal swimming lessons, but Nathan has not.  In their defense, none of these three little ones can touch bottom in the pool at our community’s Aquatic Center…so they lack confidence to swim without their life jackets.  I have persuaded each child to remove his/her life jacket and let me help them swim a short distance to the wall.  But it’s not good.  Each child is fearful…and despite my best efforts to assure them that I will not let anything happen to them – that they will not drown – they protest, cry and pretty well refuse to try.

We are hoping that a summer of “swimming” at the lake, where they can wade in and control the depth of the water, will help alleviate this.  I am anticipating a day when I take them to the pool and say, “Let’s swim without your lifejacket,” and each child has faith in my promise to keep them safe - and readily agrees.

So many of us are just like these apprehensive children.  We let our fear of the unknown – of “being unable to touch bottom” – keep us from doing what God has called us to do.  Essentially, we fail to fully trust God to equip us to do the things that He has designed us to do…and we dishonor His incredible gifts and blessings.

Let’s be clear…God will not always call us to do things that are easy and fun.  Sometimes, He will steer us in the direction of someone who is difficult and tries our patience…a task that seems a little “lowly” or unpleasant…an opportunity that seems daunting and beyond our capabilities.  And when God sanctifies these things for us, He will fully enable us to accomplish them, just as He ordained.  All we have to do is trust Him and demonstrate faith and confidence in His ability to protect, undergird, and complete the mission.

How deep is your faith?  How much do you really trust God?  Are you ready to “swim without a lifejacket” and demonstrate confidence in the lessons He has taught you  - and the promises that He has made?  Will this be the day that you fully “let go and let God?”  Don’t you think it should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 27, 2016

John 3:16-18    
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

Suppose you really wanted to spend your weekend relaxing and doing as you pleased…but someone you loved desperately needed you to do something with them.  So you gave up what YOU wanted in favor of what this person wanted or needed.  And then that person acted totally ungrateful.  Let’s say you drove this person to a class reunion…spent your time and gas money to get him/her there…and then he/she acted as if you didn’t exist. You were not introduced to anyone…this person didn’t give you as much as the time of day. You pretty well spent the whole event sitting in the corner…or maybe even in your car!

How would you feel?  Would you be eager to help this person out again in the future?  Even though you might not stop loving this individual – particularly if he/she was a relative…you probably would not feel very generous toward him/her.

Now imagine the sacrifice that God made for us.  He gave His ONLY SON to DIE for our sins.  He allowed Jesus to suffer unimaginably for each of us…totally out of love and a desire to help us and care for us.  And many of us treat Him like that person who drove us to the class reunion. We act as if we don’t know Him…we pretend that He is not important – that we don’t need Him.  And in some cases, we act like He doesn’t exist – if we don’t claim as much directly.

It’s no wonder that God doesn’t take too kindly to this kind of treatment!  Who among us would accept rejection from others and continue to lavish them with love and attention?  Unless you enjoy being a doormat for people, I suspect that there comes a point where you cut your losses in such situations and move on.  So why would we expect God to continue to give us a pass?

Let’s be clear…God will pursue us to the bitter end.  As long as we draw a breath, He will love us and want us to belong to Him…to accept salvation in Jesus Christ, surrender our sins to Him, and become His disciple.  But God will not be mocked – or denied – and wave His hand and say, “It’s okay…there is still a place for you in Heaven.  I’ll continue to bless you on this earth and prepare an Eternal mansion for you. Just do your thing and be YOU, and don’t worry about serving me!”

God has given us more than we can ever imagine – for no reason other than that He loves us more than we can ever comprehend.  What’s not to love in return?  Why would we ever not want to serve Him with all of the gratitude and humility we can muster?  How could we willingly and deliberately turn our backs on such a gift?  Yet some do.  I pray that you are not among them…and if you are, I pray that you will change this – now…today…this minute! 

God loves us SO MUCH that He sent Jesus to die for us.  How are you responding?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 9, 2016

1 John 5:5-10
The person who wins out over the world’s ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus—the Divine Christ! He experienced a life-giving birth and a death-killing death. Not only birth from the womb, but baptismal birth of his ministry and sacrificial death. And all the while the Spirit is confirming the truth, the reality of God’s presence at Jesus’ baptism and crucifixion, bringing those occasions alive for us. A triple testimony: the Spirit, the Baptism, the Crucifixion. And the three in perfect agreement.

If we take human testimony at face value, how much more should we be reassured when God gives testimony as he does here, testifying concerning his Son.

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’m sure you have heard the phrase, “If you read it on the Internet, then it must be true!”  This is said tongue-in-cheek, of course.  But sadly, a lot of people “buy in” to the word of others – on a wide variety of topics!  I was dismayed to hear some sixth-graders discussing politicians last week at church.  I was disappointed by how (I’m sure with help from their parents) they appear to believe what these people are peddling…hook, line, and sinker.  Never mind the name calling and infantile behaviors of some of these folks…these kids are “in” – and you can tell that they want to be just like the candidate their family is supporting.

So the question being asked in this scripture passage is this…”Why are we so eager to believe and support the word of mere human beings, yet we often fail to accept what God tells us – not once, but three times?  Why will we accept the word of someone who says that the world is falling apart, and he/she knows how to fix it…but we don’t act like we believe that with God, all things are possible?  Why do we laugh – and even cheer – when a politician berates, belittles or disparages others – as we fail to respect Jesus’ holy commandment to “love one another?” 

Do we really know who Jesus is…and how He operates in our lives?  If God spoke to us through Jesus’ baptism and crucifixion…and His Holy Spirit nudges our hearts and minds every day…why do we not believe that Jesus is the Son of God?  “Oh, we DO believe this!” you may be saying.  Really?  Are you acting as if you believe it?  Are you following God’s commandments, demonstrating love, forgiveness, grace, mercy and compassion to all other people?  Are you living each and every day in a way that says to others, “Jesus is alive within me.  His Holy Spirit flows through me every single day.”? 

Many of us are terribly gullible and naïve.  We are ready to believe anyone who comes along looking impressive and knowledgeable.  We trust that whatever is placed before us – such as on the Internet – MUST be true (which would explain the picture I got last week on Facebook of a “nursing” mother rattlesnake with about a dozen “babies” laid out along her side!).  We willingly step in line and follow a lot of people who are peddling nothing more than veritable “snake oil.”  And yet, when presented with THREE testimonies to the sovereignty and supremacy of Jesus Christ, we act like we need more proof!

Misplaced priorities and allegiance?  You tell me!  Misguided loyalty?  I’d say so!  Are we failing to recognize Jesus for Who He really is?  Unforgivable!  It’s time to get real…about our faith…about who Jesus is in our heart and mind…and about how we live for Him.  And it begins today.  Are you ready to choose Jesus over the world at large?  Don’t you think it’s time you did?
   
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 4, 2016

February 4 ~ Psalm 89:7
You are the most fearsome
    of all who live in heaven;
    all the others fear
    and greatly honor you.

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

When Greg and I started our own business nearly 30 years ago, I did “PR” work on the side to help pay for our office equipment. Some of this work had me “rubbing elbows” with a few well-known public figures – and even a celebrity or two.  I don’t mean to name drop, but I’ve spent time with President Bill Clinton (when he was Governor of Arkansas) – and even dined with Hillary.  I’ve met well-known authors like the late Norman Mailer…and I used to be on a first-name basis with home, beauty and fashion editors from coast to coast - and the CEO’s of several companies in the RV/Camping industry. 

I know a back-up singer for Christian recording artist CeCe Winans, three former pro football players, and my childhood neighbor is a retired Arkansas Supreme Court Judge. Another childhood friend edits videos for the likes of Garth Brooks, Justin Bieber, and Lady Antebellum…and one of my lifelong friends has been the secretary for every Arkansas Razorbacks Football Coach since Lou Holtz!

How does this relate to Psalm 89:7?  As I have grown closer to God, I have learned a valuable lesson…these are all just “plain folks” like you and me.  Oh, a few celebrities and notables may feel that they are more important…but I can tell you that each one of them grew up pretty well as you and I did.  They had typical childhood experiences, played outside with friends, went to school, and grew up similarly to us. They had challenges, heartaches, and disappointments, too. Some of them may want you to think they are “all that and a bag of chips” now…but their “roots” are probably about as common as anyone else’s.

So I am not all that impressed with “notoriety.”  My heart does not pound faster when I’m near someone with wide-spread recognition.  I am not awed by them…nor all that dazzled by an opportunity to meet them and shake their hands.  I can remember standing in line to get the autograph of a well-known athlete…and yes, James Taylor actually signed my denim jacket at one of his concerts.  But I also remember passing up a chance to walk over and speak to a US Olympic boxer and actor who was standing just a few feet away.

There is only ONE who can bring me to my knees and cause me to tremble in “fear” and excitement…and that is God Almighty.  This scripture passage says that even the angels shake in His presence!  God is the only “celebrity” worthy of my awe…the only One whose “autograph” I truly wish to own.  I want Him to write His name on my heart…and I’ll keep it there forever.  I am happy to “name drop” big time when it comes to God…I want everyone to know that I know Him.  I will never become complacent about our relationship – He will always make my heart beat faster. 

What about you?  Are you “star-struck” for mere mortals?  Do you have respect and reverence for God…and more importantly, is He the object of your deepest “celebrity crush?”  Have you got your priorities in order…and do you understand that in God’s eyes, we are all created equal…from the orphan and homeless woman on the street to the drug addict, to the leader of the free world – and everyone in between?  Do you get that God is in a league all His own - far and away superior to all others…and yet, He calls you His child?

Will this be the day that you begin to give God the respect and “billing” that He deserves?  If angels tremble in His sight with respect and reverence, don’t you think you should, as well?  Who causes you to tremble with fear and excitement?  Isn’t it time you figured it out?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 1, 2016

Psalm 5:7
But as for me, I will come into your Temple protected by your mercy and your love; I will worship you with deepest awe.

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

My childhood neighborhood was filled with residents who were old enough to be my grandparents.  My sister, brother and I were welcomed into their homes like we truly were their grandchildren.  We pretty much had free run of the neighborhood and felt welcome, protected, and loved in each and every home.  It was like that for the other handful of kids who lived near us, also.

So as I told a friend about our four-year-old niece Zola - and how she had practically bathed in cologne Sunday morning before church – she remembered a time that she went to visit one of her neighbors.  She said, “I got into her sachet one evening at a visit  - then denied it to the death!”  Those were the days…when we felt comfortable and safe enough to go to a neighbor’s and pilfer - even if it was a bad thing to do!

We have tried to teach the little ones that it is impolite to help yourself in others’ homes…but all three feel pretty comfortable and cozy with checking the fridge and pantry when they visit us…or getting in the closet to grab a superhero costume or a toy they know is kept there. And I want them to feel at home when they visit.  I want them to experience grace and mercy in our presence…and to always feel loved.  But I want them to also learn respect for us, our home, and our belongings.

More importantly, I want to teach the children to feel God’s love and protection…His grace and mercy.  I want them to always be comfortable in His presence…and to worship Him with deepest awe and respect. I want them to respect God - and what belongs to Him - as they learn to truly worship and serve.  This should be our goal, also…regardless of our age.

Just as children should learn not to pilfer and get into things – in their own home or that of others – we should learn to respect and revere God and His belongings.  We should not overindulge – in anything – or assume that we have “carte blanche” with God.  But at the same time, we need to understand how much He loves us – how He continually extends grace and mercy to us…covers us and protects us…and overlooks more of our transgressions and childish behaviors than any of us deserves.

We are so often like the impetulant child who got into a grown-up’s sachet or cologne and denies doing so.  We don’t deserve to have our misdeeds overlooked or forgiven…and yet this is often exactly what God does, out of His incredible love and mercy.  Will this be the day that you begin to show more gratitude…to demonstrate your reverence and deepest awe – and do your best to love God more and serve Him better?  Don’t you think it should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 10, 2015

Matthew 6:24
You cannot be the slave of two masters! You will like one more than the other or be more loyal to one than the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

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 it isn’t also true for a poor single Christian mom in Haiti, it isn’t true.” – Jen Hatmaker, For The Love*

Consider this something of a “plug” for Jen Hatmaker’s latest book, For the Love.  After I settled on this scripture passage from Matthew 6, I opened Jen’s book to the third chapter, and this quote practically leapt from the pages!  She refers to it as a “biblical benchmark.”  In other words, if money and “things” are as important as we make them out to be, they must be equally important to the poor single Christian mom in Haiti.

If having kids that excel in every sport…or being the top salesperson in your division or “Number 1” in anything is critical to your joy, well-being and sense of “success,” it must also be so for this mother.  If what others think of you, how attractive you are, whether you have the latest fashions and “pretty friends” who are incredibly popular matters to you…it must matter to this poor single Christian mom in Haiti.

Feeling a little silly yet?  I know we are not supposed to compare ourselves to others…but in this instance, I think it has merit.  Because you see, God’s gifts, blessings, and abundance in the things that truly matter are just as readily available to that poor single Christian mom in Haiti as they are for you and me.  Salvation through Jesus Christ and the promise of Eternity at His feet in Heaven has nothing to do with how hard we work, how attractive we are, whether we excel at earthly things, how much money we make, or how much “stuff” we have! 

Our relationship with God has nothing to do with our social status, socio-economic level, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, size…or how many friends we have.  Serving God is about just that…serving GOD! 

We are called to love God…to love others as He loves us – and as we love ourselves…to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and encourage as many people as we can to give their hearts to Him.  We are told to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and suffering, and encourage those who are struggling. And we are told NOT to make anything or anyone else our god.

So the next time you find yourself thinking more about things of this world – or your own selfish desires – and less about God and His missions and ministries, consider the poor single Christian mom in Haiti.  Where do you suppose she places her hope and trust?  Isn’t that where yours should lie also?   

©2015 Debbie Robus

*For The Love - ©2015  Thomas Nelson Books for HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.  ~  http://www.amazon.com/Love-Fighting-Grace-Impossible-Standards/dp/0718031822/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441913947&sr=8-1&keywords=for+the+love+hatmaker

Daily Devotional for May 31, 2015

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
You realize, don’t you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God’s temple, you can be sure of that. God’s temple is sacred—and you, remember, are the temple.

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.

Everywhere we turn, someone is telling us how to treat our bodies.  Eat this…don’t eat that…use this workout program to lose the most weight in the shortest amount of time…stop smoking…drink responsibly…just say no to drugs…take this drug/supplement…beware of XYZ medication if you suffer from any of a litany of conditions, and anticipate even worse side effects than what you took the drug to treat in the first place…YOU may be a candidate for lapband or the latest curative surgery…visit ABC cosmetic center and get lifted, tucked, lipo’d and restructured!  It’s all a bit mind boggling! 

Not to be outdone, we can work on our hearts and minds, as well.  We can read books, watch videos, and attend seminars to get ahead in our careers, better parent our children, rescue any relationship, and improve our abilities to be all that we can be!

When we read this passage from Paul to the people of Corinth, we generally tend to think in terms of things like overeating, smoking, drinking and drug abuse.  But if we stop and consider His words carefully…that our body is God’s sacred temple…we come to realize that most of us vandalize this “temple” every single day in one way or another.  I keep being reminded of the phrase, “Garbage in…garbage out!”

I am guilty of eating the wrong things – and too much in general. I spend excess time in front of a TV or computer screen rather than exercising my body. I am also prone to watch more reality TV than I should, spend too much time viewing one more cute cat video that I found on Facebook or “liking” other friends’ posts…and giving far too much energy and consideration to “mindless drivel” and “piddling”.  And I am not all that different from you or anyone else.

Not a single one of us would seriously consider vandalizing property – our own or that of another person.  Most certainly, we would never even think about doing harm to a church or temple.  So why do we treat our own “temples” so cavalierly? 

We talk about doing all the right things…but we often do exactly the opposite.  Why is this?  Why do we “vandalize” our “temples?”  I know it sounds cliché, but I believe it comes down to a matter of willpower - ours (fueled by encouragement from the devil) vs. that of God Almighty.  This is why Paul tells us in Romans 7:14-16 that “Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.”

This is our answer, also.  God’s command IS necessary.  We must spend more time with Him, learning His ways, listening for His voice…and putting His will for our lives into action.  It may be challenging at first – maybe even a little bit difficult as we surrender to God and allow Him to have control.  But we will be healthier in every way because of it.  We will be stronger – and ultimately more confident and complete - because of WHO is powering our efforts.  Our “temples” will glorify God and represent a place that He is proud to inhabit.  This should be our ultimate goal!  Is it yours?

©2015 Debbie Robus