Daily Devotional for November 12, 2016

Revelation 1:1-7
This is what God showed to Jesus Christ, so that he could tell his servants what must happen soon. Christ then sent his angel with the message to his servant John. And John told everything that he had seen about God’s message and about what Jesus Christ had said and done.

God will bless everyone who reads this prophecy to others, and he will bless everyone who hears and obeys it. The time is almost here.

From John to the seven churches in Asia.

I pray that you will be blessed with kindness and peace from God, who is and was and is coming. May you receive kindness and peace from the seven spirits before the throne of God. May kindness and peace be yours from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. Jesus was the first to conquer death, and he is the ruler of all earthly kings. Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free from our sins. He lets us rule as kings and serve God his Father as priests. To him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds. Everyone will see him, even the ones who stuck a sword through him. All people on earth will weep because of him. Yes, it will happen! Amen.

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

Let me begin by saying that I respect the Book of Revelation, but I am by no means an “End Times” scholar.  Frankly, I am not worried about what will happen when Jesus returns, because I know where I am headed!  At the same time, I read these words today and considered them in light of what is happening in our world.  I also read the entries in Jesus Calling* for November 11th and 12th, and a very clear message emerged…one of hope and promise - and kindness!

In the November 11th entry, I read that Jesus knows what our days will contain – both difficulties and blessings – and He empowers us according to how willing we are to rely on Him for help AND how difficult the circumstances may be.  We are encouraged to look at challenges as “opportunities to receive more of My Power than usual.”  We are to receive His kindness and peace…and share this with others.

In today’s entry, the speaker talks of how we have trudged through weeks (and maybe months) of challenges and difficulties…and now, we are enjoying a season of abundance and blessings.  Maybe you don’t feel like you are “there” yet!  But as I look at my own life over the last several months, I see how a lot of what I have experienced was akin to trudging through a deep, dark forest with heavy underbrush…and now I am somewhat emerging into the openness of “lush meadows drenched in warm sunshine.”

I feel Jesus with me.  I know that He has my best interests at heart.  This entry says that we often fail to receive all that Jesus wants to give us because we decide that we are unworthy.  Let me assure you, NONE OF US are worthy!  We did nothing…we can do nothing…to deserve Jesus and all that He has sacrificed for us. There is no logical reason for Him to return for us…much less prepare a place for us with Him for all Eternity.  These are GIFTS…and when we don’t readily accept and receive them, He is insulted – and heartbroken.

So I will take the gifts that Jesus is offering.  I will gratefully thank Him for bringing me through dark times and bathing me in His light and blessings.  I will share His kindness and peace with others and encourage them along the way.  I look forward to the day when I can sit at Jesus’ feet all the time and bask in His glory – forever and ever.  I am not afraid…of anything, past, present or future.  I am empowered by the Savior of the World…and He will never desert me.

Emboldened by the power of Jesus Christ, I look at the challenges and difficulties of this world and say…“Bring it on!”  Are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus

*Jesus Calling – http://jesuscalling.com

Daily Devotional for October 7, 2016

Matthew 21:12-14
Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants. He quoted this text:

My house was designated a house of prayer;
You have made it a hangout for thieves.

Now there was room for the blind and crippled to get in. They came to Jesus and he healed them.

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.

How many people do you know who cannot park their car in the garage, because it is full of other things?  Maybe you are one of them!  I know people who live in an RV and use their shower/tub for a closet – and shower at RV park or truck stop bath/shower houses. Please don’t misunderstand me…this is totally none of my business where you park your car, bathe or shower!  But we all understand the concept of clutter and how it can overtake our lives – and our space!

The same can be said for “spiritual clutter.”  And just like those who set up shop in the temple and moved the focus away from that structure’s intended purpose, we fill our hearts and minds with things that truly don’t belong there and do not glorify God.  And at some point, Jesus calls us to clean house…to clear away the clutter of those things that steer our focus away from Him…and to make room in our heart and mind for His healing power.

All of my life, I’ve heard this story of Jesus kicking over tables in the Temple and scattering the money and merchandise of the merchants and thieves who had set up shop there.  And I can picture Jesus figuratively slashing at the things in our hearts that distract us and pull us away from a relationship that serves Him and honors our salvation – and the mission He calls us to accomplish in His name.

In a way, this is painful and shocking…but it is also necessary from time to time, because we are all human and imperfect.  But we can work on this.  We can make a concerted effort to keep our lives steeped in prayer…to ensure that we always have room for the will of God – and that our focus is on creating an atmosphere where Jesus has plenty of room to work.

What is cluttering your heart and mind?  Where in your life do you have areas that have become a “hangout for thieves” rather than a “house of prayer?”  Is there room for “the blind and the crippled” to get in…and for Jesus to heal them?  Are you a catalyst for His message and ministries…or do you need to get busy and clear out some clutter to make room for Him to work?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 27, 2016

Luke 6:30-35    
Give to everyone who asks and don’t ask people to return what they have taken from you. Treat others just as you want to be treated.

If you love only someone who loves you, will God praise you for that? Even sinners love people who love them. If you are kind only to someone who is kind to you, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners are kind to people who are kind to them. If you lend money only to someone you think will pay you back, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners lend to sinners because they think they will get it all back.

But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.

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

It’s happened more than once.  A person I thought was a friend did something hurtful toward me – or toward another friend or loved one.  And then this person acted as if nothing had happened. There are also a few people who never respond to my kindnesses…who never say “Thank You” when I wish them well or do something nice for them. And I continue to do it anyway. Why? Because decades ago, someone gave me some excellent (and scriptural) advice when another person had treated me poorly…”Kill ‘em with kindness.”

Here’s the thing…think of all that you have done that broke Jesus’ heart.  Did He turn His back on you? Did Jesus say, “You mistreated Me, so I am not doing another thing for you!”…or “You are dead to Me!” No, Jesus continues to love us and bless us even as we disappoint Him on a daily basis.  We are offered unmerited favor, also known as GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.  And we are called to extend this same gift to others.

At every turn, we must ask ourselves, “How do we wish to be treated?”  We must consider how Jesus treats us – even when we falter…how He reacts when we “borrow” and don’t repay…how He loves us even when we break His heart.  We have to ask ourselves whether we think we are better than Jesus…or whether we should be implementing His model of compassion, grace, mercy and forgiveness in our daily interaction with others.

The answer is clear to me.  I won’t say that I don’t have to sometimes grit my teeth and bite my tongue while I smile and say or do nice things for someone else.  But because of God’s grace, I try to treat others as I wish to be treated…whether they reciprocate or not. At some point, your efforts may be noticed. The “borrower” or “offender” may acknowledge that you treated him/her better than he/she deserved.  But either way, you will be able to say to yourself – and most importantly, to Jesus – “I did my best to honor what You commanded. I treated others as YOU treat me…and as I wish to be treated.”

There are people who will hurt us...people who will borrow and never repay…people who will disappoint us – or even break our hearts – and then act as if nothing ever happened.  Bad things will happen to “good” people…at the hands of other people we thought were inherently “good.” How we react and respond speaks volumes about where we are as a Christian disciple.  What  - and WHO - are you showing to others these days?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 12, 2016

John 4:25-30
The woman said, “I don’t know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we’ll get the whole story.”

“I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.”

Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn’t believe he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it.

The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, “Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?” And they went out to see for themselves.

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 are several television shows now that feature “mediums” – people who claim they can talk to the spirits of our loved ones who have “passed over” and deliver messages to us. Skepticism abounds…but invariably, each “medium” is able to deliver information that at least seems so personal and tailored to us that no other living soul would know this.  We MUST be hearing from our departed friend or loved one.

Children love to role play – to pretend to be someone other than themselves.  And often, in order to be included in their game, they will say, “What’s the password?”  We have to provide the right word or clue in order for them to accept us.

I honestly don’t know if there are people who can communicate with the dead. And I will be the first to tell you that there have been several times when I have not known the proper “password” to be included in one of our kids’ games.  But when it comes to Jesus, neither of these vehicles are necessary.  And I am so glad, because I do NOT want to miss Him!

Do we really need so much proof?  Does Jesus have to appear to us like a psychic or medium and say, “You did ABC on this day” and “XYZ happened to you at some point in time!”?  Do we have to have signs and wonders or the presentation of stories and events about which no one else could possibly have knowledge in order to believe that Jesus really is with us?

How well do you know Jesus?  Do you readily recognize His presence in your daily living?  Are you fully aware of the Holy Spirit's existence within your heart? Have you invited Him to dwell there?  Do you need to gather friends, neighbors and relatives and examine physical “proof” in order to find Jesus in your life?  Or are you so attuned to His voice…the word of God…the Holy Spirit and how Jesus intricately orchestrates every second of your life that you KNOW that He is with you?

Just as importantly, do others see Jesus with you?  Do they readily recognize the presence of Jesus in everything from your facial expressions and body language to how you actually conduct the daily business of your life and treat each person you encounter?

Some of us have acknowledged Jesus, while others have walked right past Him.  Many are questioning His existence in some manner.  Jesus’ words to the woman at the well are equally true for you and me…we don’t have to wait any longer or look any further. He is HERE…Jesus is with us NOW - and for all eternity.  Do you see him?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 8, 2016

John 3:19-21
“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.”

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 cannot stress often enough what a wonderful study tool I have found in the book, Jesus Calling*.  I am not affiliated with this author or publisher in any way - but these devotionals speak to me every time I read them. The September 6th entry says in part that (and remember, this is supposed to be Jesus speaking), “The desire to act independently – apart from Me – springs from the root of pride.  Self-sufficiency is subtle, insinuating its way into your thoughts and actions without your realizing it.  But apart from Me, you can do nothing: that is, nothing of eternal value.”

The passage goes on to encourage us to depend on Jesus in every situation…but we are reminded that we have to want to do this.  While it would be simpler for Jesus to force us to be obedient servants, the author explains that freedom to choose is a “godlike privilege I bestowed on you as My image-bearer.”

Let’s be honest…the devil makes it pretty easy and attractive for us to live in darkness. A former pastor used to say that “Sin is fun…otherwise, nobody would be interested!”  When I thought about today’s scripture passage – and the Jesus Calling entry from a couple of days ago – I couldn’t help but think how many people who claim to be Christians have gotten caught up in the collective shadows of dissension that seem to permeate our country today.

Lines are firmly drawn in the sand. It’s become cool and popular to speak one’s mind and let the chips fall where they may…to pit one group against another and deride good people – just because others seem to like it!  There is a good deal of the “speak now and apologize later” mentality – and the fallout from this in some cases is permanent and irreparable.  We want to be cool…to fit in…to be accepted. So we go along with rhetoric that divides rather than unites.

We operate like people who have stepped out of a building into the brightness of a sunny day without wearing any sunglasses. We prefer to jump back into the “comfort” of the shadows as quickly as possible. We are not willing to make the effort to adjust to the bright light – and enjoy it!  We don’t appreciate the warmth of the sun’s life-giving rays.  We have no desire to put on sunscreen and protective clothing and stick around.

And so it is with Jesus.  We don’t want to do the work.  We would rather coast along in the darkness and act like we’re “all that,” and enjoy the relative “comfort” of fitting in and not making waves.

Understand this…sometimes, being a Christian is messy.  It takes courage, confidence, hope and faith.  It takes a willingness to step out of the darkness and say, “I’m following the LIGHT!”  We have to swallow our pride and put on the full armor of God and say, “Wherever You lead, I will follow!” Are YOU courageous enough to do this?  Will you place everything on the line for the One who has already done this - and so much more - for you?

Aren’t you ready to step out of the darkness and into the brilliant Light of Christ, once and for all?  Will this be the day that you do?

©2016 Debbie Robus
  
*Jesus Calling ~ http://jesuscalling.com – is available at most bookstores and major retailers, including Walmart and Target.

Daily Devotional for April 26, 2016

John 21:15-19
After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

He then asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”

Jesus said, “Shepherd my sheep.”

Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.”

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

While Timothy was out of school for Spring Break, he delivered Meals on Wheels with Greg, and afterward, they went to Walmart. Timothy had a little spending money, and Greg let him pick out a toy – and he made up the difference in price.  So when the boys came to stay with us last week, Timothy assumed that we would return to the store and shop for more toys.  He was quite disappointed to learn that this was not in our plans.  Trust me…our kids have MORE THAN ENOUGH toys already and get plenty of “treats!”

At one point, Timothy was talking about all we were going to do while he and Nathan visited, and he said, “You must not want to share your love with us anymore.”  I asked him why he thought that, and he said, “Well, if you loved me, you would do what I want!” I laughed.  He knows better than this…he was just being a six-year-old.  But as I read Jesus’ words to His disciples in this passage, I did think about how WE adults often make demands on JESUS – and place conditions on His love.

We have it all twisted.  We want to tell Jesus, “If You loved ME, You would do such-and-such. You would fix ABC or XYZ and make everything perfect in our little world.”  Jesus has nothing to prove to us. The evidence of His love is all around us…and just like Timothy knows that we love him…WE know better when it comes to Jesus’ love! WE should be seeking ways to demonstrate our love to Jesus…not the other way around!

We are not six-year-olds…and it’s time we grew up and developed some “faith muscle.”  Jesus has been very clear about how to show our love to Him - feed His sheep…serve...encourage…love others others…and nurture them in their faith. Offer whatever you can to help people - and give them hope.  Live in a way that instills confidence in the promises of God…and assurance of Eternity in His presence for all who believe in Him.

Feed the lambs…shepherd the sheep…show Jesus how much you love Him.  Jesus shows us His love and care every single day.  He gave His very life on the cross for our sins.  He is preparing a place in Heaven for us for all of Eternity!  It is abundantly clear how much He loves us.  If we truly love HIM…it’s time to show Him.  The time has come to get busy on this…are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus

September 3 ~ Matthew 25:41-45
“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—

I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’

“Then those ‘goats’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn’t help?’

“He will answer them, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.’

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

• I am fat, and you look at me with disgust.
• I am dirty and disheveled, and you cut me a wide berth.
• I am a member of the LGBTQ community, and you discriminate against me and speak of me with disgust.
• I am of a different race, ethnicity, or nationality…and you make ugly comments about me and treat me differently.
• I practice a different religious faith…and you condemn me and tell me that I’m going to hell.
• I belong to another political party than yours…and you “talk trash” about me and my candidates and causes.
• I am on public assistance to try to feed and care for my family, and you treat me like a Second Class citizen and declare me “lazy” and “backward.”
• I am an unwed mother, and you judge me.
• I had an abortion, and you shun me.
• I had an affair, and you tell everyone you know and talk about all of the “sordid details” as you think you know them.
• I got a divorce, and you treat me differently because of it.
• I am a recovering alcoholic or drug addict, and you act like I have a contagious disease.
• I have a criminal record, and you treat me as if you’re afraid of me.
• I served in the military and suffer from PTSD, and you make me feel like I really am crazy.

This list could continue…but I’ll stop here for now.  Still, I want you to read this list and think about the people you encounter each and every day.  Some of them fit one or more of these statements.  Is this really how you treat them? Now substitute the image of their faces for that of Jesus.  Still want to treat them the same way?

Are we so far removed from what God’s word says about Jesus’ teachings that we think this is acceptable behavior?  Did we skip this passage from Matthew 25?  Because it doesn’t just say, “When you feed the hungry and clothe the naked, you do this to Me.”  It also says, “When you DON’T do these things, you do them to Me.”  And the underlying message is that “When you mistreat others – or judge them, you are essentially judging Me.” 

Does your faith really allow you to judge and abuse Jesus?  What message does this send to others…particularly to unbelievers?  Who in their right mind would want to be part of a faith that “green lights” disrespect and mistreatment of its God?  But this is exactly what we do when we participate in any of the actions I’ve listed - and countless others.  Whenever we operate in anything but love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion, we have failed Jesus…and denied our relationship with Him.  This breaks His heart…and it should break ours.

You and I have work to do…and we need to get started today.  Where do you need to make changes and start treating people like you would treat Jesus?  Will this be the day that you humble yourself before Him, beg His forgiveness, and start to model His teachings toward others?  Don’t you think it should be?

©2015 Debbie Robus