Matthew 7:6
“Don’t be flip with the sacred. Banter
and silliness give no honor to God. Don’t reduce holy mysteries to
slogans. In trying to be relevant, you’re only being cute and inviting
sacrilege.
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.
My brother had a little rat
terrier named Frisker, who lived with my grandparents on their farm.
My grandparents fed Frisker table scraps after each meal…and let me tell
you, that dog ate well! Later on, my sister’s white Labrador retriever,
Otis, ended up living with my parents, and my dad fed him food from the
table…namely ice cream that Otis licked from a spoon. But Daddy
bragged one day that Otis also liked shrimp and steak. Yes, my dad
shared shrimp and steak from his own plate with the family dog!
It probably wasn’t the healthiest idea to feed Frisker the table scraps, but to my grandparents, these were literally the scraps…bits
of leftover food that was of no value to anyone else, so the dog just
as well eat it. This was his “dog food.” But Otis did NOT need shrimp
and steak! If my parents were not going to eat all of the food that was
on their plate, they could have served smaller portions and saved the
rest to create another meal…or they could have invited someone to join
them at their table and enjoy the delicious bounty! Yes, Otis enjoyed
these treats and was “impressed” by them, but honestly, steak and shrimp
were pretty well wasted on him. He was just as happy with what my
mother called “crunchies” dog food!
In many ways, this is what
you and I do with God’s gifts. We waste them in ways that do not truly
glorify Him or further His kingdom. We place emphasis on developing
catchy phrases and “mission statements”…and we neglect the actual
mission. We’re often more concerned with what it says on our t-shirts
than what we are actually doing for others in Jesus’ name. We’re all
about the “production value” of our worship services, while we neglect
the heartache that hangs out on every pew. We surely looked great as we
worshipped…but did we really say anything that shared the Good News of
Jesus or let anyone know how much He cares about us?
In many
translations of this verse, there is a reference to throwing “pearls
before swine.” Our gifts and blessings from God are the pearls…and we
often waste them on those who do not see Jesus in our efforts – and/or
don’t care! We “preach to the choir” and neglect those who really need
to hear from God. We give the “good stuff” to the dogs, so to speak,
while some who could really use it are left hungry. We spend our time
and energy on “looking Godly” and trying to impress our friends and
fellow believers, while those who need us to be the hands and feet of
Jesus are left in the shadows - glad to get as much as a scrap of our
attention or ministry.
We really need to shift our focus and
start paying attention to the mission that God has given us. We need to
be good stewards of His gifts and apply them where He sends us…not
where it feels good or makes a big splash. We need to figure out who is
hungry for God’s word or ministry…and feed this desire with all that He
has given us. And we need to start today. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label how we use Gods gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label how we use Gods gifts. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for December 26, 2013
Romans 5:13
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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.
This is traditionally a day filled with a mixed bag of emotions. For some, there is a let-down. Christmas is officially “over” in their household, and it’s back to work – and on with “life”. Some will spend the day rushing to take down the tree and put away every indicator of the Christmas celebrated just a few hours ago. Others will be busy playing with new toys – or even new electronic gadgets and gizmos – and thinking about how to incorporate them into their daily living in the next few weeks/months. Still others will be completely relieved that a painful reminder of the loneliness and sadness in their lives has passed… and they can try to return to some semblance of “normalcy”.
I’ll admit… for just a few minutes after everyone left our house last night and it got really quiet, I looked around and wished everything was put away. But it was more a weariness from the busy day - and the thought of actually putting it all back in the closet - than a sense of finality. Several years ago, I gave myself permission to leave most of the Christmas decorations out until after New Year’s Day. For one thing, it takes me 2-3 days to get everything decorated… and it seems a shame to rush to put them away just 23 days later! More importantly, I’m simply not done with Christmas yet… and truly, none of us should be!
Hear me out… I’m not talking about the decorations and the gifts. Maybe you feel like you will burst or go into a diabetic coma if you eat one more cookie, bite of turkey or ham, or piece of chocolate. But that’s not the true story of Christmas anyway, now… is it?! The message of Christmas is the hope that God sent us in the form of a tiny baby who grew into a wise-beyond-his-years boy… and then into a young adult leader/teacher/healer. The story is how God came to us in human form to show us how to live for Him… how to walk with Him… and then suffered and died for us so that we can carry the power of His Holy Spirit in our hearts forever! We really, really need to revel in that a little while longer. If keeping the decorations up and celebrating with cookies and cocoa helps us to do that…then, we shouldn’t rush to “un-decorate”!
More importantly, we should do whatever it takes to keep the “spirit of Christmas” alive in our hearts and minds all through the year. We need to take some time to talk to God and study His word and allow Him to fill us with complete joy and peace. We must invite Him to fill our hearts and souls with the power of His Holy Spirit… and an unending source – and sense – of hope. We may not say “Merry Christmas” in June or July… but our attitude and demeanor should convey the joy, kindness and warmth that seem to flow so easily and readily in the first three weeks of December.
How will you treat your faith and God’s gift of hope in the next few days/weeks/months? Will this be the day that you pack Him away with the tree and decorations, dust your hands and say, “That’s it until next year!”? Or will you take time to sit quietly and reflect on the amazing gift God gave you? Will you give as much time and attention to thinking about how you can utilize God’s power and the teachings of Jesus in the coming months as you do to the new gifts you opened yesterday?
Isn’t this a day to take some time for a relaxing cup of cocoa or coffee… one last Christmas cookie…and a little conversation with God about where – and how – you’ll use His bequests in the coming year? Christmas isn’t over… it should be just beginning! In the words of the old carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” this is actually the Second Day! How are you spending yours?
©2013 Debbie Robus
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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.
This is traditionally a day filled with a mixed bag of emotions. For some, there is a let-down. Christmas is officially “over” in their household, and it’s back to work – and on with “life”. Some will spend the day rushing to take down the tree and put away every indicator of the Christmas celebrated just a few hours ago. Others will be busy playing with new toys – or even new electronic gadgets and gizmos – and thinking about how to incorporate them into their daily living in the next few weeks/months. Still others will be completely relieved that a painful reminder of the loneliness and sadness in their lives has passed… and they can try to return to some semblance of “normalcy”.
I’ll admit… for just a few minutes after everyone left our house last night and it got really quiet, I looked around and wished everything was put away. But it was more a weariness from the busy day - and the thought of actually putting it all back in the closet - than a sense of finality. Several years ago, I gave myself permission to leave most of the Christmas decorations out until after New Year’s Day. For one thing, it takes me 2-3 days to get everything decorated… and it seems a shame to rush to put them away just 23 days later! More importantly, I’m simply not done with Christmas yet… and truly, none of us should be!
Hear me out… I’m not talking about the decorations and the gifts. Maybe you feel like you will burst or go into a diabetic coma if you eat one more cookie, bite of turkey or ham, or piece of chocolate. But that’s not the true story of Christmas anyway, now… is it?! The message of Christmas is the hope that God sent us in the form of a tiny baby who grew into a wise-beyond-his-years boy… and then into a young adult leader/teacher/healer. The story is how God came to us in human form to show us how to live for Him… how to walk with Him… and then suffered and died for us so that we can carry the power of His Holy Spirit in our hearts forever! We really, really need to revel in that a little while longer. If keeping the decorations up and celebrating with cookies and cocoa helps us to do that…then, we shouldn’t rush to “un-decorate”!
More importantly, we should do whatever it takes to keep the “spirit of Christmas” alive in our hearts and minds all through the year. We need to take some time to talk to God and study His word and allow Him to fill us with complete joy and peace. We must invite Him to fill our hearts and souls with the power of His Holy Spirit… and an unending source – and sense – of hope. We may not say “Merry Christmas” in June or July… but our attitude and demeanor should convey the joy, kindness and warmth that seem to flow so easily and readily in the first three weeks of December.
How will you treat your faith and God’s gift of hope in the next few days/weeks/months? Will this be the day that you pack Him away with the tree and decorations, dust your hands and say, “That’s it until next year!”? Or will you take time to sit quietly and reflect on the amazing gift God gave you? Will you give as much time and attention to thinking about how you can utilize God’s power and the teachings of Jesus in the coming months as you do to the new gifts you opened yesterday?
Isn’t this a day to take some time for a relaxing cup of cocoa or coffee… one last Christmas cookie…and a little conversation with God about where – and how – you’ll use His bequests in the coming year? Christmas isn’t over… it should be just beginning! In the words of the old carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” this is actually the Second Day! How are you spending yours?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 4, 2013
Philemon 1:3
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
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.
Suppose someone you loved and trusted came to you with a Rolex watch and said, “I want you to have this.” Wouldn’t you feel confident that the watch was authentic? If one of your parents, grandparents, or another close relative handed you an envelope with a lot of money and said, “This is a gift. Spend it however you please.”… would you believe them? Would you feel free to spend the money on whatever you wanted?
Why can we so readily believe human beings… yet when Jesus tells us, “My peace I leave with you…” we figure there must be a catch? Either Jesus’ peace comes with strings attached… or it isn’t truly real in the first place. We need to understand that neither of these statements is true.
Jesus sacrificed everything for our salvation…to give us complete peace in Him. Because of Jesus, we can find peace even when we are worried about college or an upcoming test. When we face a major change in our life… a move, a new job, marriage – or the end of a relationship, the birth of a baby and the rearing of children, illness, aging, or even death… Jesus offers us His peace as we work our way through every circumstance. When we are saddled with grief, loneliness, uncertainty, fear, conflict, or sadness of any sort… peace in Jesus is only a prayer away.
Along with His peace, Jesus also offers us grace. So as our hearts are breaking, or we are so mad and upset we could spit nails… we can find peace in Him and handle the situation with poise and dignity. When we are scared out of our wits or so nervous we cannot eat or sleep, Jesus can give us peace and grace to calm down, stick out our chin, and face the day with confidence. And the best part is that these gifts don’t cost us a dime. We don’t have to do anything to earn Jesus’ peace and grace… we cannot do anything to earn these gifts, and we can “spend” them any way we desire. Really, the only way to mess this up is to ignore Jesus’ offerings… or refuse to accept them in the first place!
All we have to do to receive the peace and grace of Jesus is to accept it… to trust that these gifts are genuine… that He is authentic… and to fully embrace His amazing gestures of love. God sends us many incredible blessings and gifts through Jesus Christ…but His peace and grace are among two of the greatest. Have you received these for yourself? Are you ready to fully acknowledge His constant presence and strength in your life? Will this be the day you begin to fully operate in Jesus’ peace and grace? Have you fully accepted His gifts?
©2013 Debbie Robus
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
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.
Suppose someone you loved and trusted came to you with a Rolex watch and said, “I want you to have this.” Wouldn’t you feel confident that the watch was authentic? If one of your parents, grandparents, or another close relative handed you an envelope with a lot of money and said, “This is a gift. Spend it however you please.”… would you believe them? Would you feel free to spend the money on whatever you wanted?
Why can we so readily believe human beings… yet when Jesus tells us, “My peace I leave with you…” we figure there must be a catch? Either Jesus’ peace comes with strings attached… or it isn’t truly real in the first place. We need to understand that neither of these statements is true.
Jesus sacrificed everything for our salvation…to give us complete peace in Him. Because of Jesus, we can find peace even when we are worried about college or an upcoming test. When we face a major change in our life… a move, a new job, marriage – or the end of a relationship, the birth of a baby and the rearing of children, illness, aging, or even death… Jesus offers us His peace as we work our way through every circumstance. When we are saddled with grief, loneliness, uncertainty, fear, conflict, or sadness of any sort… peace in Jesus is only a prayer away.
Along with His peace, Jesus also offers us grace. So as our hearts are breaking, or we are so mad and upset we could spit nails… we can find peace in Him and handle the situation with poise and dignity. When we are scared out of our wits or so nervous we cannot eat or sleep, Jesus can give us peace and grace to calm down, stick out our chin, and face the day with confidence. And the best part is that these gifts don’t cost us a dime. We don’t have to do anything to earn Jesus’ peace and grace… we cannot do anything to earn these gifts, and we can “spend” them any way we desire. Really, the only way to mess this up is to ignore Jesus’ offerings… or refuse to accept them in the first place!
All we have to do to receive the peace and grace of Jesus is to accept it… to trust that these gifts are genuine… that He is authentic… and to fully embrace His amazing gestures of love. God sends us many incredible blessings and gifts through Jesus Christ…but His peace and grace are among two of the greatest. Have you received these for yourself? Are you ready to fully acknowledge His constant presence and strength in your life? Will this be the day you begin to fully operate in Jesus’ peace and grace? Have you fully accepted His gifts?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 22, 2013
John 14:27
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
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.
My maternal grandmother was very opinionated about gifts. She had criteria for what constituted a “gift” and what didn’t. So when my grandfather gave her a box of loose “face powder” one Christmas, she had a fit! “That is NOT a gift!” she told my mother - AND my grandfather! Even though she enjoyed using this product – and it was an expensive item you had to buy at a high-end department store or a pharmacy with a cosmetics counter – she did not consider this an appropriate gift. When my grandmother gave us a present, we learned to make a huge fuss over it. If not, she would usually say, “I can tell you don’t like that. I’ll just take it back.” Sometimes gifts come with “strings” attached!
Just a few years ago, my Mam-ma Polly gave me “birthday money.” Soon afterward, we were driving home from her beauty shop appointment one afternoon, and she asked, “What did you buy with your money?” It was important to her to know that I had used her gift to get something I wanted or needed… and that I had not just stuck it into my pocket and used it for everyday expenses, like gas for the car, a sub sandwich, or diapers for the little ones! Sometimes, what we do with our gifts matters greatly!
Jesus’ “gift” – peace of mind and heart in the form of the Holy Spirit – is not something that can be wrapped in a box with pretty paper and a bow. The presence of the Holy Spirit is not an item that you can purchase at Wal-Mart, a high-end department store, or even in church! Your parents, spouse, best friend, or pastor cannot give you this peace. And you know what else? The peace of the Holy Spirit doesn’t come with “strings” attached! This is a FREE gift to you from Jesus. All you have to do in return is to welcome Him… to recognize His presence…and to treat Him with love, reverence, respect, and gratitude.
The Holy Spirit will not impose upon you. His presence must be invited… requested. Jesus will not ask you, “What did you do with this gift?” Oh, sure… He knows already. But the whole point of Jesus giving us His Holy Spirit is that it comes to us at no charge… with no “conditions of use.” Still, we must ask ourselves…how are we treating the Holy Spirit? Have we made room for Him in our hearts? Do we recognize the incomparable peace He brings us? How are we utilizing this extraordinary present? What will we do with it?
There are a lot of things in life that can give us peace of mind… good health, a steady income, food on the table and a roof over our heads, good friends, a loving family, and more. There are even people in our lives who bring us joy and a semblance of peace. But none of these can compare to the gift of peace and comfort from the Holy Spirit. Nothing can alleviate our troubles and fears like His presence. No other bequest will ever compare… none will offer anything near the benefits and blessings of His presence. Have you received Jesus’ gift of continual peace for your mind and heart? Do you recognize the Holy Spirit and nurture your relationship with Him? How are you “spending” this amazing offering? What you do with this “gift”… truly does matter! What will be your response?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
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.
My maternal grandmother was very opinionated about gifts. She had criteria for what constituted a “gift” and what didn’t. So when my grandfather gave her a box of loose “face powder” one Christmas, she had a fit! “That is NOT a gift!” she told my mother - AND my grandfather! Even though she enjoyed using this product – and it was an expensive item you had to buy at a high-end department store or a pharmacy with a cosmetics counter – she did not consider this an appropriate gift. When my grandmother gave us a present, we learned to make a huge fuss over it. If not, she would usually say, “I can tell you don’t like that. I’ll just take it back.” Sometimes gifts come with “strings” attached!
Just a few years ago, my Mam-ma Polly gave me “birthday money.” Soon afterward, we were driving home from her beauty shop appointment one afternoon, and she asked, “What did you buy with your money?” It was important to her to know that I had used her gift to get something I wanted or needed… and that I had not just stuck it into my pocket and used it for everyday expenses, like gas for the car, a sub sandwich, or diapers for the little ones! Sometimes, what we do with our gifts matters greatly!
Jesus’ “gift” – peace of mind and heart in the form of the Holy Spirit – is not something that can be wrapped in a box with pretty paper and a bow. The presence of the Holy Spirit is not an item that you can purchase at Wal-Mart, a high-end department store, or even in church! Your parents, spouse, best friend, or pastor cannot give you this peace. And you know what else? The peace of the Holy Spirit doesn’t come with “strings” attached! This is a FREE gift to you from Jesus. All you have to do in return is to welcome Him… to recognize His presence…and to treat Him with love, reverence, respect, and gratitude.
The Holy Spirit will not impose upon you. His presence must be invited… requested. Jesus will not ask you, “What did you do with this gift?” Oh, sure… He knows already. But the whole point of Jesus giving us His Holy Spirit is that it comes to us at no charge… with no “conditions of use.” Still, we must ask ourselves…how are we treating the Holy Spirit? Have we made room for Him in our hearts? Do we recognize the incomparable peace He brings us? How are we utilizing this extraordinary present? What will we do with it?
There are a lot of things in life that can give us peace of mind… good health, a steady income, food on the table and a roof over our heads, good friends, a loving family, and more. There are even people in our lives who bring us joy and a semblance of peace. But none of these can compare to the gift of peace and comfort from the Holy Spirit. Nothing can alleviate our troubles and fears like His presence. No other bequest will ever compare… none will offer anything near the benefits and blessings of His presence. Have you received Jesus’ gift of continual peace for your mind and heart? Do you recognize the Holy Spirit and nurture your relationship with Him? How are you “spending” this amazing offering? What you do with this “gift”… truly does matter! What will be your response?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 28, 2012
1 Peter 4:11
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
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.
Today, many in our state are without power, following an epic Christmas Day blizzard. These folks are staying with friends or family members… huddled around a space heater powered by a generator… or bundled up in layers of clothing and blankets trying to stay warm in a freezing cold house. Thousands of support people are working diligently throughout the area to provide safety, emergency medical services, transportation, a warm meal, and whatever assistance is needed. Men and women from our state and those around us are making every effort to clear downed trees and power lines and restore electrical connections.
Whether they realize it or not, all of these people are exercising their gifts and calling on the strength and energy that God supplies to accomplish vital tasks. You may have never considered that providing a warm meal or a place to stay for a needy neighbor or relative was your gift… but it certainly can be! You may not have thought about those who work for utility companies or soldiers in the National Guard as people who are answering God’s call on their life… but this very well may be the case. As I spent a snowy day doing laundry in my warm, cozy house, I thought about the clothes I washed, dried and folded. Believe it or not, keeping a clean, well-run household… and yes, even doing laundry, can bring glory to God when done right! These simple tasks show others that you care about them - and their comfort and appearance.
Cleaning your room and holding up your end of the household bargain, being a good student and doing your best in school, caring for family pets, doing your best as a parent and/or spouse, and working hard at your job can all be considered gifts. When done to the best of our ability, whatever we do can be strengthened and energized by God. And when we give Him our best, He magnifies and multiplies our efforts.
So the next time you start to think of the things you do in a day as routine, mundane or unimportant, ask yourself how well you are performing the task… and whether you have given an effort that God cares to bless and strengthen. Are you using your gifts to glorify Him? Are you giving Him your best at all times? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
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.
Today, many in our state are without power, following an epic Christmas Day blizzard. These folks are staying with friends or family members… huddled around a space heater powered by a generator… or bundled up in layers of clothing and blankets trying to stay warm in a freezing cold house. Thousands of support people are working diligently throughout the area to provide safety, emergency medical services, transportation, a warm meal, and whatever assistance is needed. Men and women from our state and those around us are making every effort to clear downed trees and power lines and restore electrical connections.
Whether they realize it or not, all of these people are exercising their gifts and calling on the strength and energy that God supplies to accomplish vital tasks. You may have never considered that providing a warm meal or a place to stay for a needy neighbor or relative was your gift… but it certainly can be! You may not have thought about those who work for utility companies or soldiers in the National Guard as people who are answering God’s call on their life… but this very well may be the case. As I spent a snowy day doing laundry in my warm, cozy house, I thought about the clothes I washed, dried and folded. Believe it or not, keeping a clean, well-run household… and yes, even doing laundry, can bring glory to God when done right! These simple tasks show others that you care about them - and their comfort and appearance.
Cleaning your room and holding up your end of the household bargain, being a good student and doing your best in school, caring for family pets, doing your best as a parent and/or spouse, and working hard at your job can all be considered gifts. When done to the best of our ability, whatever we do can be strengthened and energized by God. And when we give Him our best, He magnifies and multiplies our efforts.
So the next time you start to think of the things you do in a day as routine, mundane or unimportant, ask yourself how well you are performing the task… and whether you have given an effort that God cares to bless and strengthen. Are you using your gifts to glorify Him? Are you giving Him your best at all times? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 17, 2012
Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus left Galilee and went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John kept objecting and said, “I ought to be baptized by you. Why have you come to me?”
Jesus answered, “For now this is how it should be, because we must do all that God wants us to do.” Then John agreed.
So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever gotten an extravagant gift? Maybe someone did something for you that in no way could you repay or reciprocate. Perhaps you protested genuinely… “Oh, you shouldn’t have. I cannot accept.” Maybe the person persisted… “I insist! I want you to have this,” or “I want to do this for you.” Maybe someone offered to do something incredibly generous for you and said, “You must let me do this for you. I won’t allow you to refuse.”
Learning to accept gifts graciously is a big life lesson for many of us. And accepting Jesus’ gifts with obedience and gratitude is no exception. See, none of us deserves anything from Jesus. We truly are not worthy to even hear Him whisper our name, much less receive any of the blessings He bestows on us. Truly, John… the anointed forerunner of Christ… acknowledged that he was not worthy to baptize Jesus. But at the same time, John realized that obedience trumps worthiness. So when Jesus said, “… this is how it should be,” John listened.
I wonder…how well are we listening to God? Does it even occur to us that we really are not worthy of the things Jesus has done for us… the blessings, grace and mercy He continues to shower on us through His Holy Spirit each and every day? Have we grown so used to His gifts that we no longer feel the urge to protest? Do we act out of a sense of obedience to a God who has given so generously to us, or have we become complacent and now take Him for granted?
John’s baptism of Jesus was a major turning point in Christian history. Not only was Jesus’ significance to God emphasized, but both Jesus and John exemplified obedience. Jesus also demonstrated grace. In this moment, the importance of listening to God and doing what He commands was brought home in a profound way. We will never deserve a single thing from God. Yet He continues to shower us with His goodness. Our responsibility is to be obedient… even if it is to say, “Thank You for such a wonderful gift.”
With God, there is no need for “Oh, you shouldn’t have…” because that is a “given.” But a heartfelt, “Thank You, Master… how can I serve You?” is always appropriate. Have you stopped lately to thank God for what He does for you every minute of the day? Are you respectful and submissive? Do you attend to His will out of a sense of gratitude and faithfulness… or because you think you have to earn your way? When we come to a point in our Christian living where we operate from a profound sense of obedience and gratitude, we have turned a corner. When God calls on you to do something, how will you answer?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus left Galilee and went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John kept objecting and said, “I ought to be baptized by you. Why have you come to me?”
Jesus answered, “For now this is how it should be, because we must do all that God wants us to do.” Then John agreed.
So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever gotten an extravagant gift? Maybe someone did something for you that in no way could you repay or reciprocate. Perhaps you protested genuinely… “Oh, you shouldn’t have. I cannot accept.” Maybe the person persisted… “I insist! I want you to have this,” or “I want to do this for you.” Maybe someone offered to do something incredibly generous for you and said, “You must let me do this for you. I won’t allow you to refuse.”
Learning to accept gifts graciously is a big life lesson for many of us. And accepting Jesus’ gifts with obedience and gratitude is no exception. See, none of us deserves anything from Jesus. We truly are not worthy to even hear Him whisper our name, much less receive any of the blessings He bestows on us. Truly, John… the anointed forerunner of Christ… acknowledged that he was not worthy to baptize Jesus. But at the same time, John realized that obedience trumps worthiness. So when Jesus said, “… this is how it should be,” John listened.
I wonder…how well are we listening to God? Does it even occur to us that we really are not worthy of the things Jesus has done for us… the blessings, grace and mercy He continues to shower on us through His Holy Spirit each and every day? Have we grown so used to His gifts that we no longer feel the urge to protest? Do we act out of a sense of obedience to a God who has given so generously to us, or have we become complacent and now take Him for granted?
John’s baptism of Jesus was a major turning point in Christian history. Not only was Jesus’ significance to God emphasized, but both Jesus and John exemplified obedience. Jesus also demonstrated grace. In this moment, the importance of listening to God and doing what He commands was brought home in a profound way. We will never deserve a single thing from God. Yet He continues to shower us with His goodness. Our responsibility is to be obedient… even if it is to say, “Thank You for such a wonderful gift.”
With God, there is no need for “Oh, you shouldn’t have…” because that is a “given.” But a heartfelt, “Thank You, Master… how can I serve You?” is always appropriate. Have you stopped lately to thank God for what He does for you every minute of the day? Are you respectful and submissive? Do you attend to His will out of a sense of gratitude and faithfulness… or because you think you have to earn your way? When we come to a point in our Christian living where we operate from a profound sense of obedience and gratitude, we have turned a corner. When God calls on you to do something, how will you answer?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 20, 2012
2 Chronicles 1:1,7-12
Solomon, David’s son, was securely established over his kingdom because the LORD his God was with him and made him very great.
That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
“You showed so much kindness to my father David,” Solomon replied to God, “and you have made me king in his place. Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be fulfilled because you have made me king over a people as numerous as the earth’s dust. Give me wisdom and knowledge so I can lead this people, because no one can govern this great people of yours without your help.”
God said to Solomon, “Since this is what you wish, and because you’ve asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I’ve made you king—rather than asking for wealth, riches, fame, victory over those who hate you, or even a long life— your request for wisdom and knowledge is granted. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame beyond that of any king before you or after you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In his book, Shepherding a Child’s Heart, author Ted Tripp talks about placing children in extra-curricular activities. He questions the parents’ motives, in many cases. Do we want kids to participate in sporting activities so that they will be physically fit, develop characteristics of good sportsmanship, and learn the value of working with others as a team… or do we want them to become star athletes in their own right and winners? He maintains that when we focus on the former benefits, we often get the latter… but they must not be our primary motive. Tripp also maintains that we must carefully examine any activity in which we or our children engage and ask, “Why are we doing this?” If the motives aren’t pure and based in developing the heart – physically and emotionally – we probably shouldn’t be doing them.
In the words of comedian Bill Engvall… “here’s your sign” in 2 Chronicles 1. Solomon’s motives were pure. He desired wisdom and knowledge so that he could better lead God’s people. And because he asked for help to utilize the gifts God gave him and didn’t ask for fame and fortune, he got that as a bonus.
Often, when we ask God for the right things, He blesses us with more. God has so much He wants to give us… but He wants to make sure our heart and motives are pure first. This is something most of us have to work on all the time. We need to be asking ourselves, “Why am I doing this? If I get the things I want, will they help me serve God better?” If God helps you get a college degree and a good job, will you do all you can in your work setting to serve Him? If you are blessed with a wonderful companion and a solid relationship, will you cherish him/her and work as a couple to serve God and bless others in His name? If you live in a comfortable house and drive a nice car, will you open your doors to show hospitality to others… or even offer an occasional ride to someone who needs one?
When we take the focus off of us and put it on GOD, He shows up in ways we didn’t expect. When we consider His desires and make them ours, we often experience blessings far beyond what we expected – or even imagined! And if we don’t, that’s okay, too… because getting more than we expected or receiving God’s blessings was not our primary motive to begin with.
Where is your focus today? What are you asking of God? And even if you are asking for the right things… is that what’s really in your heart? God knows the difference! Make sure that your heart’s desires line up with God’s… and prepare to be amazed by His answers to your prayers.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Solomon, David’s son, was securely established over his kingdom because the LORD his God was with him and made him very great.
That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
“You showed so much kindness to my father David,” Solomon replied to God, “and you have made me king in his place. Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be fulfilled because you have made me king over a people as numerous as the earth’s dust. Give me wisdom and knowledge so I can lead this people, because no one can govern this great people of yours without your help.”
God said to Solomon, “Since this is what you wish, and because you’ve asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I’ve made you king—rather than asking for wealth, riches, fame, victory over those who hate you, or even a long life— your request for wisdom and knowledge is granted. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame beyond that of any king before you or after you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In his book, Shepherding a Child’s Heart, author Ted Tripp talks about placing children in extra-curricular activities. He questions the parents’ motives, in many cases. Do we want kids to participate in sporting activities so that they will be physically fit, develop characteristics of good sportsmanship, and learn the value of working with others as a team… or do we want them to become star athletes in their own right and winners? He maintains that when we focus on the former benefits, we often get the latter… but they must not be our primary motive. Tripp also maintains that we must carefully examine any activity in which we or our children engage and ask, “Why are we doing this?” If the motives aren’t pure and based in developing the heart – physically and emotionally – we probably shouldn’t be doing them.
In the words of comedian Bill Engvall… “here’s your sign” in 2 Chronicles 1. Solomon’s motives were pure. He desired wisdom and knowledge so that he could better lead God’s people. And because he asked for help to utilize the gifts God gave him and didn’t ask for fame and fortune, he got that as a bonus.
Often, when we ask God for the right things, He blesses us with more. God has so much He wants to give us… but He wants to make sure our heart and motives are pure first. This is something most of us have to work on all the time. We need to be asking ourselves, “Why am I doing this? If I get the things I want, will they help me serve God better?” If God helps you get a college degree and a good job, will you do all you can in your work setting to serve Him? If you are blessed with a wonderful companion and a solid relationship, will you cherish him/her and work as a couple to serve God and bless others in His name? If you live in a comfortable house and drive a nice car, will you open your doors to show hospitality to others… or even offer an occasional ride to someone who needs one?
When we take the focus off of us and put it on GOD, He shows up in ways we didn’t expect. When we consider His desires and make them ours, we often experience blessings far beyond what we expected – or even imagined! And if we don’t, that’s okay, too… because getting more than we expected or receiving God’s blessings was not our primary motive to begin with.
Where is your focus today? What are you asking of God? And even if you are asking for the right things… is that what’s really in your heart? God knows the difference! Make sure that your heart’s desires line up with God’s… and prepare to be amazed by His answers to your prayers.
©2012 Debbie Robus
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