Matthew 15:13-20
Jesus answered, “Every plant
that my Father in heaven did not plant will be pulled up by the roots.
Stay away from those Pharisees! They are like blind people leading other
blind people, and all of them will fall into a ditch.”
Peter replied, “What did you mean when you talked about the things that make people unclean?”
Jesus
then said: Don’t any of you know what I am talking about by now? Don’t
you know that the food you put into your mouth goes into your stomach
and then out of your body? But the words that come out of your mouth
come from your heart. And they are what make you unfit to worship God.
Out of your heart come evil thoughts, murder, unfaithfulness in
marriage, vulgar deeds, stealing, telling lies, and insulting others.
These are what make you unclean. Eating without washing your hands will
not make you unfit to worship God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our
three-year-old nephew, Nathan, is in his “bath phase.” He begs to take
a bath at our house…which is more like a “swim” in a small pool with
lots of tub toys! One day last week, his mother said that he had three
baths in one day…one before coming to our house, a 30-minute soak with
us, and another bath that he insisted on taking before bedtime. Nathan
is one clean three-year-old!
If only we could soak in a bubble
bath and wash our heart clean…what a quick, easy “fix” that would be!
But this is not how matters of the heart and Christian faith work…and
sadly, Jesus says that our heart is what truly makes us unclean. I want
you to notice the list of “unclean” thoughts and actions in this
scripture passage that Jesus says come from our heart…and among them, He
lists “unfaithfulness in marriage” and “insulting others.” In my mind,
Jesus is painting with a broad brush today…and catching a lot of us
with each “stroke!”
Most of us would readily agree that things
like lying, stealing, and murder are sinful – or “unclean” – actions.
But when you start to recognize that putting work, a friendship, the
love of possessions and quest for more, or a hobby above your spouse and
family falls into the category of “unfaithfulness”…a whole lot of
people are caught in the snare. When you stop to think that the unkind
comments we all make…the criticisms, judgments and discriminations…are
all considered part of “insulting others,” we are all incredibly
guilty. Each one of us could use an extra “bath!”
The time has
come to stop picking and choosing. We’ve pigeonholed sin into neat
little categories…usually those that we feel do not encompass our own
thoughts, words, and actions. We’ve excused ourselves and pretended that
it’s the other guy who is really unclean and in need of a bath in the
blood of Jesus! Dear friend, you and I need this cleansing just as much
as anyone. We need to examine our heart and see what lies there…and we
need to ask Jesus to wash us clean from the inside out, once and for
all.
Are you ready to come before God and allow Him to strip
away the dirt and grime of your unclean actions and attitudes? Will
this be the day that you get an extra “bath” – one that signifies the
beginning of a renewed, pure heart? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label judgment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label judgment. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 3, 2015
Galatians 5:13-15
It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?
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.
For almost 40 years, I have dabbled in genealogy. I started with oral histories from my grandmothers and great-aunts. They would often tell me snippets about family members with the caveat…”You don’t want to dig too deeply!” Over the years, I learned that there were often at least two sides (or more) to the stories…but I have to admit, some of their memories colored my opinions of our ancestors. And in a few cases, I took on the resentments and feelings of ill will that were shared with me.
Over time, I have started to let go of grudges and resentments. I have asked God to show me how to love others as He loves me…to help me to see them as He sees them. And as I learn to release my prejudices and pre-conceived notions, I am discovering a tremendous freedom. I find that life is lighter…fuller…more joyful when I concentrate on operating in Christ’s love.
Who are we to judge and disparage another…and then expect God to love us and forgive our sins? What right do we have to place ourselves on pedestals and condemn those we have decided are wrong in some way? Aside from the fact that this flies in the face of the primary commandment of Jesus Christ (who died for our sins, by the way!), we fail to realize the burden that we impose on ourselves by judging others and operating in anything other than love. It gets to the point sometimes where we need a score card to remember who we are supposed to like/love…and who is “on our list” for some reason!
I’ve started to look at old pictures and oral histories and try to imagine the people in them as Jesus would…to see what He sees…and to love them with His heart. It’s made a world of difference in my attitude…and in the joy of “tracing my roots!” And I am transferring this newfound wisdom to my everyday living…and trying to love and accept others as equals in the eyes of Jesus.
Satan wants to weigh us down with the chains and shackles of judgment, resentment, bias, and disdain – if not outright hate. But Jesus wants us to cast our burdens and heartaches on Him…and operate in the freedom of His love. In large part, this is a conscious choice that we must make…but it’s essentially a “game changer!” Won’t you kick your grudges and judgments to the curb and experience the freedom of loving as Jesus loves? Isn’t this the perfect day to begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?
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.
For almost 40 years, I have dabbled in genealogy. I started with oral histories from my grandmothers and great-aunts. They would often tell me snippets about family members with the caveat…”You don’t want to dig too deeply!” Over the years, I learned that there were often at least two sides (or more) to the stories…but I have to admit, some of their memories colored my opinions of our ancestors. And in a few cases, I took on the resentments and feelings of ill will that were shared with me.
Over time, I have started to let go of grudges and resentments. I have asked God to show me how to love others as He loves me…to help me to see them as He sees them. And as I learn to release my prejudices and pre-conceived notions, I am discovering a tremendous freedom. I find that life is lighter…fuller…more joyful when I concentrate on operating in Christ’s love.
Who are we to judge and disparage another…and then expect God to love us and forgive our sins? What right do we have to place ourselves on pedestals and condemn those we have decided are wrong in some way? Aside from the fact that this flies in the face of the primary commandment of Jesus Christ (who died for our sins, by the way!), we fail to realize the burden that we impose on ourselves by judging others and operating in anything other than love. It gets to the point sometimes where we need a score card to remember who we are supposed to like/love…and who is “on our list” for some reason!
I’ve started to look at old pictures and oral histories and try to imagine the people in them as Jesus would…to see what He sees…and to love them with His heart. It’s made a world of difference in my attitude…and in the joy of “tracing my roots!” And I am transferring this newfound wisdom to my everyday living…and trying to love and accept others as equals in the eyes of Jesus.
Satan wants to weigh us down with the chains and shackles of judgment, resentment, bias, and disdain – if not outright hate. But Jesus wants us to cast our burdens and heartaches on Him…and operate in the freedom of His love. In large part, this is a conscious choice that we must make…but it’s essentially a “game changer!” Won’t you kick your grudges and judgments to the curb and experience the freedom of loving as Jesus loves? Isn’t this the perfect day to begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 6, 2013
Joel 3:1-2
In those days, yes, at that very time when I put life back together again for Judah and Jerusalem, I’ll assemble all the godless nations.
I’ll lead them down into Judgment Valley and put them all on trial, and judge them one and all because of their treatment of my own people Israel.
They scattered my people all over the pagan world and grabbed my land 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.
We are entering that time of the year where everyone seems to go a little nuts with food and drink. It starts with Halloween and continues straight through Christmas and into winter. “I’ll only have a couple of pieces of candy… after all, it is Halloween!” we tell ourselves. But two pieces becomes twenty during the weeks of November (or maybe even sooner for some!). On Thanksgiving Day, we justify piling our plate high with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes (with marshmallows, of course!), hot rolls and more. No tossed salad for us… but bring on the congealed ones laden with all sorts of rich deliciousness! Hey, it’s only Jello® and Cool Whip®… right? And we simply must try a slice of each kind of pie on the buffet... to resist the whipped cream on top would be downright unpatriotic!
This gets us to the first of December, where each day brings one cookie and/or piece of candy after the next… parties galore… rich finger foods, eggnog and all sorts of tantalizing drinks, and of course - hot cocoa! By the time New Year’s arrives, many of us will have added extra poundage… not to mention how sluggish and cranky we will feel! So we’ll make our resolutions to take off the weight and “get ready for swimsuit season!” We’ll ride a roller coaster of workouts and diets and winter nights with hot cocoa and a good movie… and in the end, we may or may not regain our health and drop the weight.
Over time, I can tell you that this will have a cumulative effect. And while you may be young and able to somewhat handle this yo-yo approach to life…there may come a day when you sit across the desk from a doctor who tells you that you have diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease… or you may find yourself in the back of an ambulance headed for the ER after suffering a stroke due to high blood pressure. You may develop arthritis and hip/knee problems because you have taxed your body’s capacity for bearing weight. Or if you manage to avoid these “judgments”, you may spend a good chunk of your adulthood battling the scales, struggling with your willpower, and trying to squeeze into the too-small clothes in your closet!
I’ve watched enough seasons of NBC’s The Biggest Loser and heard the stories of a sufficient number of the contestants to see that many people in this country reach a point where God steps in and gives them a wake-up call. In essence, He says, “It’s time to stop the madness!”… and He offers them an opportunity to reclaim their life – and their health. He gives them a chance to do the necessary work to come back into alignment (physically, mentally, and emotionally)… and to build a truly healthy life – in every sense of the word.
Not everyone will respond successfully… some will choose to continue down a destructive path. But many will make permanent life changes. They will develop a vital respect for God’s desire for them to be completely healthy and well. They will trust Him to help them learn balance… and how to confidently say “No!” where necessary. God will guide them back into a right relationship with food and good health… and they will enter subsequent holiday seasons with His protection and support as they exercise willpower and resolve!
If you are one of those for whom the temptations of the holiday offerings are not a problem…congratulations! But here’s the thing… we all encounter temptations and missteps in our lives. Your “issue” may not be food... but I bet there is some area of your life in which you struggle to maintain balance. And that’s where God comes into the equation. The scriptures tell us that God will bring all of His people together again someday and judge each of us. He will hold us accountable for how we respected Him and all that He gave us… and that includes our bodies, our thoughts, and our actions.
In the meantime, God won’t let us continue down the wrong path forever with a vow to “play now and pay later”. I firmly believe that God sends “wake-up calls” to His children… and in some instances, He calls them home sooner than later in order to put a halt to their irresponsibility and disrespect. While I am ready for heaven - and I hope you are, also - I don’t want to live in a way that frustrates God and disrespects all that He has done for me. I want to give everything I have every single day… to serve and honor Him in each word and action.
Just as each of us will slip up from time to time and eat more cookies than we know we should… or slack off on our workouts once in a while… I know that I will make plenty of mistakes, even as I try my hardest to give God my very best. When God gathers us together for judgment, I want Him to smile at me and see far more that pleases Him than He does mistakes and disappointments. Don’t you? What are you doing about this? Have you asked God to help you… to equip you with the fortitude and determination you need to make healthy decisions – in every area of your life? Are you showing God the respect He deserves? Isn’t it time you did? Will this be the “season” that you get off the roller coaster and start truly living well? Are you ready to get started?
©2013 Debbie Robus
In those days, yes, at that very time when I put life back together again for Judah and Jerusalem, I’ll assemble all the godless nations.
I’ll lead them down into Judgment Valley and put them all on trial, and judge them one and all because of their treatment of my own people Israel.
They scattered my people all over the pagan world and grabbed my land 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.
We are entering that time of the year where everyone seems to go a little nuts with food and drink. It starts with Halloween and continues straight through Christmas and into winter. “I’ll only have a couple of pieces of candy… after all, it is Halloween!” we tell ourselves. But two pieces becomes twenty during the weeks of November (or maybe even sooner for some!). On Thanksgiving Day, we justify piling our plate high with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes (with marshmallows, of course!), hot rolls and more. No tossed salad for us… but bring on the congealed ones laden with all sorts of rich deliciousness! Hey, it’s only Jello® and Cool Whip®… right? And we simply must try a slice of each kind of pie on the buffet... to resist the whipped cream on top would be downright unpatriotic!
This gets us to the first of December, where each day brings one cookie and/or piece of candy after the next… parties galore… rich finger foods, eggnog and all sorts of tantalizing drinks, and of course - hot cocoa! By the time New Year’s arrives, many of us will have added extra poundage… not to mention how sluggish and cranky we will feel! So we’ll make our resolutions to take off the weight and “get ready for swimsuit season!” We’ll ride a roller coaster of workouts and diets and winter nights with hot cocoa and a good movie… and in the end, we may or may not regain our health and drop the weight.
Over time, I can tell you that this will have a cumulative effect. And while you may be young and able to somewhat handle this yo-yo approach to life…there may come a day when you sit across the desk from a doctor who tells you that you have diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease… or you may find yourself in the back of an ambulance headed for the ER after suffering a stroke due to high blood pressure. You may develop arthritis and hip/knee problems because you have taxed your body’s capacity for bearing weight. Or if you manage to avoid these “judgments”, you may spend a good chunk of your adulthood battling the scales, struggling with your willpower, and trying to squeeze into the too-small clothes in your closet!
I’ve watched enough seasons of NBC’s The Biggest Loser and heard the stories of a sufficient number of the contestants to see that many people in this country reach a point where God steps in and gives them a wake-up call. In essence, He says, “It’s time to stop the madness!”… and He offers them an opportunity to reclaim their life – and their health. He gives them a chance to do the necessary work to come back into alignment (physically, mentally, and emotionally)… and to build a truly healthy life – in every sense of the word.
Not everyone will respond successfully… some will choose to continue down a destructive path. But many will make permanent life changes. They will develop a vital respect for God’s desire for them to be completely healthy and well. They will trust Him to help them learn balance… and how to confidently say “No!” where necessary. God will guide them back into a right relationship with food and good health… and they will enter subsequent holiday seasons with His protection and support as they exercise willpower and resolve!
If you are one of those for whom the temptations of the holiday offerings are not a problem…congratulations! But here’s the thing… we all encounter temptations and missteps in our lives. Your “issue” may not be food... but I bet there is some area of your life in which you struggle to maintain balance. And that’s where God comes into the equation. The scriptures tell us that God will bring all of His people together again someday and judge each of us. He will hold us accountable for how we respected Him and all that He gave us… and that includes our bodies, our thoughts, and our actions.
In the meantime, God won’t let us continue down the wrong path forever with a vow to “play now and pay later”. I firmly believe that God sends “wake-up calls” to His children… and in some instances, He calls them home sooner than later in order to put a halt to their irresponsibility and disrespect. While I am ready for heaven - and I hope you are, also - I don’t want to live in a way that frustrates God and disrespects all that He has done for me. I want to give everything I have every single day… to serve and honor Him in each word and action.
Just as each of us will slip up from time to time and eat more cookies than we know we should… or slack off on our workouts once in a while… I know that I will make plenty of mistakes, even as I try my hardest to give God my very best. When God gathers us together for judgment, I want Him to smile at me and see far more that pleases Him than He does mistakes and disappointments. Don’t you? What are you doing about this? Have you asked God to help you… to equip you with the fortitude and determination you need to make healthy decisions – in every area of your life? Are you showing God the respect He deserves? Isn’t it time you did? Will this be the “season” that you get off the roller coaster and start truly living well? Are you ready to get started?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 11, 2013
Proverbs 4:5-9
Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you.
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will place a lovely wreath on your head;
she will present you with a beautiful crown.”
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.
In the last few weeks, I have learned several new things. While they may not appear to be significant to many…for me, they are somewhat life-changing (okay, let’s say “life-improving”). I bought a gizmo that helps me make crisp cut-outs and embellishments for greeting cards and more, and I have already used it to create several things. I was introduced to a serger… a sewing machine of sorts that creates neat, finished edges to seams – and does many other utilitarian and decorative edgings. The serger has already enabled me to make garments quicker, more easily… and to use certain specialty stitches to help out a friend with a time consuming, and difficult project. The belt on my vacuum cleaner motor wore out and became loose. I did some online research and learned that I could fix this myself… and I did!
Through research for these devotionals and a lot of Bible study, scripture comparisons, and reviews of dozens of Bible commentaries, I have not only learned more about how to study the Bible in-depth, but my understanding of scripture – and my Christian faith – have increased tremendously over the last decade.
I was recently visiting with Dot, the mother of my childhood friend, Martha, and she was telling me about the Bible study she participates in each week - and other Bible studies she has enjoyed through the years. Dot is also taking a class at our church called “Alpha”, which introduces one to the basics of Christianity. She is continually learning about God and her Christian faith on a weekly – if not daily – basis. Did I mention that this woman is 88 years young? She has taught Sunday School classes, Bible studies…and she was even my Girl Scout leader. Still, she is eager to gain wisdom about many things.
The point is that we are never too old to learn… especially when it comes to God and increasing our faith. More importantly, we are commanded to do this! I have known far too many Christians who invited Jesus to live in their heart… then stopped at this point. Becoming a Christian is not the end… it’s the beginning! Sadly, too many Christians – and churches – stop at winning others to Jesus. They fail to nurture these new believers and encourage them to increase in wisdom and judgment. We all need to do better in this area!
Just as many students decide that graduation from high school, college…or obtaining an advanced degree is enough…we are often guilty of deciding that choosing Jesus is sufficient. In truth, each one of us can always learn something knew… and God is calling us to learn all we can from Him. The choice is ours… we can stay stationary and grow stale – in life and in our faith – or we can embrace God’s wisdom and the opportunities that exist all around us to expand our mind and heart. Incredible blessings result from these experiences… even if it’s the satisfaction of knowing you fixed your vacuum cleaner or created a pretty greeting card!
More importantly, the blessings that await us when we further our knowledge of God’s love for us - and how He is working in our lives - are immeasurable… and make life for the Christian so much more abundant. Why not get busy seeking wisdom today? You have so little to lose… and so very much to gain!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you.
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
If you prize wisdom, she will make you great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will place a lovely wreath on your head;
she will present you with a beautiful crown.”
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.
In the last few weeks, I have learned several new things. While they may not appear to be significant to many…for me, they are somewhat life-changing (okay, let’s say “life-improving”). I bought a gizmo that helps me make crisp cut-outs and embellishments for greeting cards and more, and I have already used it to create several things. I was introduced to a serger… a sewing machine of sorts that creates neat, finished edges to seams – and does many other utilitarian and decorative edgings. The serger has already enabled me to make garments quicker, more easily… and to use certain specialty stitches to help out a friend with a time consuming, and difficult project. The belt on my vacuum cleaner motor wore out and became loose. I did some online research and learned that I could fix this myself… and I did!
Through research for these devotionals and a lot of Bible study, scripture comparisons, and reviews of dozens of Bible commentaries, I have not only learned more about how to study the Bible in-depth, but my understanding of scripture – and my Christian faith – have increased tremendously over the last decade.
I was recently visiting with Dot, the mother of my childhood friend, Martha, and she was telling me about the Bible study she participates in each week - and other Bible studies she has enjoyed through the years. Dot is also taking a class at our church called “Alpha”, which introduces one to the basics of Christianity. She is continually learning about God and her Christian faith on a weekly – if not daily – basis. Did I mention that this woman is 88 years young? She has taught Sunday School classes, Bible studies…and she was even my Girl Scout leader. Still, she is eager to gain wisdom about many things.
The point is that we are never too old to learn… especially when it comes to God and increasing our faith. More importantly, we are commanded to do this! I have known far too many Christians who invited Jesus to live in their heart… then stopped at this point. Becoming a Christian is not the end… it’s the beginning! Sadly, too many Christians – and churches – stop at winning others to Jesus. They fail to nurture these new believers and encourage them to increase in wisdom and judgment. We all need to do better in this area!
Just as many students decide that graduation from high school, college…or obtaining an advanced degree is enough…we are often guilty of deciding that choosing Jesus is sufficient. In truth, each one of us can always learn something knew… and God is calling us to learn all we can from Him. The choice is ours… we can stay stationary and grow stale – in life and in our faith – or we can embrace God’s wisdom and the opportunities that exist all around us to expand our mind and heart. Incredible blessings result from these experiences… even if it’s the satisfaction of knowing you fixed your vacuum cleaner or created a pretty greeting card!
More importantly, the blessings that await us when we further our knowledge of God’s love for us - and how He is working in our lives - are immeasurable… and make life for the Christian so much more abundant. Why not get busy seeking wisdom today? You have so little to lose… and so very much to gain!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 20, 2013
Joel 3:14
Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision.
There the day of the Lord will soon arrive.
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.
Recently, a Facebook friend posted an interesting question. In part, she said, “What is with the people on Facebook who literally spill their guts about woes, heartbreaks, and how ‘just when u think u can trust someone... Blah blah blah’?? I seriously don't understand what they believe they will be gaining from it?? AND THEN 150 LIKE THE POST?? What do they like?? Do they like that their ‘friend’ is miserable? Do they like that their ‘friend’ is writing this depressing stuff on here?” She made some valid points. She also mentioned that she has grown weary of posts from people who are “in a relationship” one day, “it’s complicated” the next, and then suddenly there is someone new – and wonderful – in their life.
Now you may be wondering… “What does this have to do with this passage from Joel 3?” I’m glad you asked! Joel is prophesying about the end of the world… when Christ will return and “thousands upon thousands” will gather in the “Valley of Decision” for judgment. I believe this is important… but I also believe that this has relevance in terms of today – and somewhat answers my friend’s Facebook question. Here’s how… we find “safety in numbers”. People want to know that others relate to them… that we care… that someone else has gone through what they are experiencing. Even if others judge us, we want to know that we are not alone.
Now this doesn’t mean I am excusing – or condoning – the kinds of posts my friend mentioned. I’m weary of them, too. But when a friend posts that her brother has been placed on Hospice and dying of cancer, I can respond to her, because I know firsthand what it’s like to have a brother on Hospice who is dying. When someone says, “I am a terrible mother… my 4-year-old cannot use scissors and the pre-K sent a note that we need to work on this”… I can speak to her as a teacher and a “foster-mother” to little ones that he is just not ready – and she is an excellent mother.
When a friend posts that she wants to crawl into bed and pull the covers over her head as she tries to juggle the challenges of a job, marriage, parenthood, ownership of a retail business, and the in-home care of her father… as well as caregiving duties for her aging grandmother…I can commiserate, offer to pray for her, and assure her that she is not alone and that others care.
See, we are all waiting in the Valley of Decision for something… whether even our own self-judgment. We have gathered together with decisions to make, challenges to face, worries, concerns, joys and sorrows. And we eagerly await feedback… just as those on Facebook want others to reassure them that they are not the only person with such-and-such problem or experience. The bottom line is that you are not unique… your challenges, choices, and their outcomes are shared by countless other people. This doesn’t lessen the impact… make you less worried, upset, or important. It just means that you’re not the first person that XYZ has ever happened to… and you won’t be the last.
In the Spiritual sense, you are incredibly unique and valuable to God… while at the same time, He feels this way about millions of others. We will all have to answer to Him for the events and choices of our lives. So why not choose to live for Him every minute… to trust Him for outcomes in all circumstances and act in a way that honors and pleases Him, no matter what happens? Why not choose to be one of those in the crowd on Judgment Day who hears, “Well done, my servant. You weren’t perfect… but you were obedient and faithful… you honored the gift of My Only Son with your conduct.”? Why not bare your soul to God about many of your issues - instead of to your Facebook friends - and live in such a way that the things you DO choose to post reflect a life of faith-filled discipleship?
When the LORD arrives, and you stand among the thousands, it won’t matter how your neighbors chose. God will judge each of us on our own merits. This should affect the choices we make now… how we handle today’s challenges and experiences – and how we respond to others in similar situations. What are your choices? How are you managing the blessings and resources God has given you? Are you ready to stand in the Valley of Decision with a clear conscience? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision.
There the day of the Lord will soon arrive.
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.
Recently, a Facebook friend posted an interesting question. In part, she said, “What is with the people on Facebook who literally spill their guts about woes, heartbreaks, and how ‘just when u think u can trust someone... Blah blah blah’?? I seriously don't understand what they believe they will be gaining from it?? AND THEN 150 LIKE THE POST?? What do they like?? Do they like that their ‘friend’ is miserable? Do they like that their ‘friend’ is writing this depressing stuff on here?” She made some valid points. She also mentioned that she has grown weary of posts from people who are “in a relationship” one day, “it’s complicated” the next, and then suddenly there is someone new – and wonderful – in their life.
Now you may be wondering… “What does this have to do with this passage from Joel 3?” I’m glad you asked! Joel is prophesying about the end of the world… when Christ will return and “thousands upon thousands” will gather in the “Valley of Decision” for judgment. I believe this is important… but I also believe that this has relevance in terms of today – and somewhat answers my friend’s Facebook question. Here’s how… we find “safety in numbers”. People want to know that others relate to them… that we care… that someone else has gone through what they are experiencing. Even if others judge us, we want to know that we are not alone.
Now this doesn’t mean I am excusing – or condoning – the kinds of posts my friend mentioned. I’m weary of them, too. But when a friend posts that her brother has been placed on Hospice and dying of cancer, I can respond to her, because I know firsthand what it’s like to have a brother on Hospice who is dying. When someone says, “I am a terrible mother… my 4-year-old cannot use scissors and the pre-K sent a note that we need to work on this”… I can speak to her as a teacher and a “foster-mother” to little ones that he is just not ready – and she is an excellent mother.
When a friend posts that she wants to crawl into bed and pull the covers over her head as she tries to juggle the challenges of a job, marriage, parenthood, ownership of a retail business, and the in-home care of her father… as well as caregiving duties for her aging grandmother…I can commiserate, offer to pray for her, and assure her that she is not alone and that others care.
See, we are all waiting in the Valley of Decision for something… whether even our own self-judgment. We have gathered together with decisions to make, challenges to face, worries, concerns, joys and sorrows. And we eagerly await feedback… just as those on Facebook want others to reassure them that they are not the only person with such-and-such problem or experience. The bottom line is that you are not unique… your challenges, choices, and their outcomes are shared by countless other people. This doesn’t lessen the impact… make you less worried, upset, or important. It just means that you’re not the first person that XYZ has ever happened to… and you won’t be the last.
In the Spiritual sense, you are incredibly unique and valuable to God… while at the same time, He feels this way about millions of others. We will all have to answer to Him for the events and choices of our lives. So why not choose to live for Him every minute… to trust Him for outcomes in all circumstances and act in a way that honors and pleases Him, no matter what happens? Why not choose to be one of those in the crowd on Judgment Day who hears, “Well done, my servant. You weren’t perfect… but you were obedient and faithful… you honored the gift of My Only Son with your conduct.”? Why not bare your soul to God about many of your issues - instead of to your Facebook friends - and live in such a way that the things you DO choose to post reflect a life of faith-filled discipleship?
When the LORD arrives, and you stand among the thousands, it won’t matter how your neighbors chose. God will judge each of us on our own merits. This should affect the choices we make now… how we handle today’s challenges and experiences – and how we respond to others in similar situations. What are your choices? How are you managing the blessings and resources God has given you? Are you ready to stand in the Valley of Decision with a clear conscience? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 31, 2013
Matthew 10:17-23
“Don’t be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation—just because you believe in me. Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
“When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
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 can remember times when I was growing up that certain friends and acquaintances did not include me in an activity or conversation because they thought I would not approve, based on my church affiliation. Whether their assumption was correct or not, they must have assumed that I would judge them… so they judged me first! I wasn’t invited to certain parties… I was excluded from a few “cliques”. Honestly, I wasn’t all that popular. It wasn’t that I was judgmental – or even that I was especially vocal about my faith. It was more that since I attended a certain church with a reputation for believing particular things, others assumed that I felt the same way and would probably condemn those who attended elsewhere – or nowhere at all!
Like many, I was stung by these judgments… so much so that I distanced myself from church in my early adulthood. I never turned my back on God, but I tried to be more “regular”… to fit in and avoid situations where others might label me a “Jesus freak” – or even “religious” or “spiritual”. Maybe you have done this, too. It’s an easy trap to fall into…and there is a certain comfort level in hanging out “under the radar,” so to speak. Nobody expects very much of you there… and most never think to judge you one way or the other.
As God began to help me through some difficult and challenging situations, I realized that being bold in my faith was not an option… it was an obligation. But there is a caveat… we Christians walk a fine line between being effective examples of faith in Jesus Christ – and being obnoxious fools. There will always be those who label us as “the token Christian of the family”… a “Jesus freak”… “the Church lady”…”religious fanatics”…or some other tag meant to demean and offend us. The temptation will be there to close our mouths, lay low, and try to fit in with the rest of the world. But we must listen to Jesus’ words in this passage… “Don’t quit! Don’t cave in! It is all well worth it in the end.”
How do we do this? I don’t have a solid answer for you. But I can give you a couple of working examples. I have two very dear lifelong friends, JR and John, who have always been loved and accepted by others as kind, hardworking men… good husbands, fathers, and in one case – an adoring grandfather. You will see them at outings from school sporting events to civic gatherings. They take their wives to the movies – as one of them put it…“to see a chick flick with my chick!” And you will see them at church on Sundays, where one serves as a pastor – the other (also an ordained minister) serves as a minister of music.
These men are not “preachy” or pushy about their faith, but their quiet, wise demeanor speaks volumes about their Christian faith. Both have a way of offering a welcoming smile and calming, sage advice… of praying over a friend with wisdom and confidence… of saying just what needs to be said and showing up at exactly the right time. And I have seen both of them criticized for their stance…and judged unfairly.
In my book, these men have mastered the “dance” of proclaiming love in the midst of hate. They have figured out how to “win friends and influence people” by simply living for Jesus. Yes, they are pastors… but they do not “preach” outside of the pulpit. On the street on an ordinary weekday, they are just JR and John… men who love God and care deeply about His people… and it shows. They do more to win over the naysayers with their quiet strength than a dozen sidewalk evangelists! And we would do well to take a good long look at their “Christian business model” and copy it in our own daily living.
If you are persecuted or judged for your faith, I’m sorry… it’s often part of Discipleship. But there are things we can do to temper this. We don’t have to stop proclaiming the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ… or sharing what great things He has done in our own lives with those around us. But we can ask God to grant us the wisdom and good sense to know when to simply BE… to love others unconditionally and SHOW them how we have been blessed rather than by telling them… to quietly distance ourselves from activities and conversations that we know are wrong, rather than making a big noise about it… to show others that living for Jesus doesn’t make us weird or superior – or even dull and boring!
We can show others that a life in Christ is filled with peace, joy, and abiding comfort in all situations. Maybe then, others will want what we have for themselves. Isn’t it worth a shot?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Don’t be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation—just because you believe in me. Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
“When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
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 can remember times when I was growing up that certain friends and acquaintances did not include me in an activity or conversation because they thought I would not approve, based on my church affiliation. Whether their assumption was correct or not, they must have assumed that I would judge them… so they judged me first! I wasn’t invited to certain parties… I was excluded from a few “cliques”. Honestly, I wasn’t all that popular. It wasn’t that I was judgmental – or even that I was especially vocal about my faith. It was more that since I attended a certain church with a reputation for believing particular things, others assumed that I felt the same way and would probably condemn those who attended elsewhere – or nowhere at all!
Like many, I was stung by these judgments… so much so that I distanced myself from church in my early adulthood. I never turned my back on God, but I tried to be more “regular”… to fit in and avoid situations where others might label me a “Jesus freak” – or even “religious” or “spiritual”. Maybe you have done this, too. It’s an easy trap to fall into…and there is a certain comfort level in hanging out “under the radar,” so to speak. Nobody expects very much of you there… and most never think to judge you one way or the other.
As God began to help me through some difficult and challenging situations, I realized that being bold in my faith was not an option… it was an obligation. But there is a caveat… we Christians walk a fine line between being effective examples of faith in Jesus Christ – and being obnoxious fools. There will always be those who label us as “the token Christian of the family”… a “Jesus freak”… “the Church lady”…”religious fanatics”…or some other tag meant to demean and offend us. The temptation will be there to close our mouths, lay low, and try to fit in with the rest of the world. But we must listen to Jesus’ words in this passage… “Don’t quit! Don’t cave in! It is all well worth it in the end.”
How do we do this? I don’t have a solid answer for you. But I can give you a couple of working examples. I have two very dear lifelong friends, JR and John, who have always been loved and accepted by others as kind, hardworking men… good husbands, fathers, and in one case – an adoring grandfather. You will see them at outings from school sporting events to civic gatherings. They take their wives to the movies – as one of them put it…“to see a chick flick with my chick!” And you will see them at church on Sundays, where one serves as a pastor – the other (also an ordained minister) serves as a minister of music.
These men are not “preachy” or pushy about their faith, but their quiet, wise demeanor speaks volumes about their Christian faith. Both have a way of offering a welcoming smile and calming, sage advice… of praying over a friend with wisdom and confidence… of saying just what needs to be said and showing up at exactly the right time. And I have seen both of them criticized for their stance…and judged unfairly.
In my book, these men have mastered the “dance” of proclaiming love in the midst of hate. They have figured out how to “win friends and influence people” by simply living for Jesus. Yes, they are pastors… but they do not “preach” outside of the pulpit. On the street on an ordinary weekday, they are just JR and John… men who love God and care deeply about His people… and it shows. They do more to win over the naysayers with their quiet strength than a dozen sidewalk evangelists! And we would do well to take a good long look at their “Christian business model” and copy it in our own daily living.
If you are persecuted or judged for your faith, I’m sorry… it’s often part of Discipleship. But there are things we can do to temper this. We don’t have to stop proclaiming the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ… or sharing what great things He has done in our own lives with those around us. But we can ask God to grant us the wisdom and good sense to know when to simply BE… to love others unconditionally and SHOW them how we have been blessed rather than by telling them… to quietly distance ourselves from activities and conversations that we know are wrong, rather than making a big noise about it… to show others that living for Jesus doesn’t make us weird or superior – or even dull and boring!
We can show others that a life in Christ is filled with peace, joy, and abiding comfort in all situations. Maybe then, others will want what we have for themselves. Isn’t it worth a shot?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 29, 2013
March 29 ~ Psalm 26:1-3
Show that I am right, Lord! I stay true to myself, and I have trusted you without doubting.
Test my thoughts and find out what I am like.
I never forget your kindness, and I am always faithful to you.
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.
Years ago, I was called for jury duty. I sat with fellow citizens, awaiting my turn before the judge. He asked each of us questions to determine whether we would be suitable jury members. Those of us who felt we could not serve were given a chance to plead our case. For my part, I stood before the bench and explained that my husband and I were the sole employees in our business, and it would be an extraordinary hardship for me to be away for a week or more to serve on a jury. I’ll admit… I was a little bit nervous as I stood before the bench. But the judge was very nice and excused me right away.
This has been my only experience in court. But I’ve seen and heard enough to know that standing before a judge to plead your case can be daunting at best… even if you know you are right! And I have no doubt that when I stand before God Almighty on my ultimate Judgment Day, I should have every reason to be nervous. But I will have nothing to fear… because I belong to Jesus!
The blood of Christ and His sacrifices on my behalf give me assurance that I will have nothing to fear. All of my sins have been washed clean. They have been erased from the Lamb’s Book of Life… forgiven completely and scattered “as far as East is from West!” And while I remain on earth, I can come before God with confidence and ask Him to support me and meet my needs… as long as I am confident that I live faithfully - that I trust without doubting, and I stay true to myself.
When we know that we are doing the right thing, we have no trepidations… nothing to hide. We can boldly come before the throne of God…not worthy to be there, but fully entitled because of Jesus. What about you? Are you living with integrity? Do you have confidence that you are right and true… that God can test your thoughts and find you blameless? Are you “washed in the blood” of Jesus Christ, and thereby forgiven for all eternity? Are your present thoughts, words and actions pleasing to God? Does the image of having to stand before Him today and ask for His love and care make you nervous? It shouldn’t!
Search your heart. Look for areas where you may not be fully operating with honor and integrity, and get a handle on them. Live in a way that you can say on any given day – at any time – “Test my thoughts and find out what I am like. Show that I am right, Lord!” Make living with integrity as fundamental in your life as breathing… and stand before the LORD with full faith and confidence - now and for all eternity.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Show that I am right, Lord! I stay true to myself, and I have trusted you without doubting.
Test my thoughts and find out what I am like.
I never forget your kindness, and I am always faithful to you.
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.
Years ago, I was called for jury duty. I sat with fellow citizens, awaiting my turn before the judge. He asked each of us questions to determine whether we would be suitable jury members. Those of us who felt we could not serve were given a chance to plead our case. For my part, I stood before the bench and explained that my husband and I were the sole employees in our business, and it would be an extraordinary hardship for me to be away for a week or more to serve on a jury. I’ll admit… I was a little bit nervous as I stood before the bench. But the judge was very nice and excused me right away.
This has been my only experience in court. But I’ve seen and heard enough to know that standing before a judge to plead your case can be daunting at best… even if you know you are right! And I have no doubt that when I stand before God Almighty on my ultimate Judgment Day, I should have every reason to be nervous. But I will have nothing to fear… because I belong to Jesus!
The blood of Christ and His sacrifices on my behalf give me assurance that I will have nothing to fear. All of my sins have been washed clean. They have been erased from the Lamb’s Book of Life… forgiven completely and scattered “as far as East is from West!” And while I remain on earth, I can come before God with confidence and ask Him to support me and meet my needs… as long as I am confident that I live faithfully - that I trust without doubting, and I stay true to myself.
When we know that we are doing the right thing, we have no trepidations… nothing to hide. We can boldly come before the throne of God…not worthy to be there, but fully entitled because of Jesus. What about you? Are you living with integrity? Do you have confidence that you are right and true… that God can test your thoughts and find you blameless? Are you “washed in the blood” of Jesus Christ, and thereby forgiven for all eternity? Are your present thoughts, words and actions pleasing to God? Does the image of having to stand before Him today and ask for His love and care make you nervous? It shouldn’t!
Search your heart. Look for areas where you may not be fully operating with honor and integrity, and get a handle on them. Live in a way that you can say on any given day – at any time – “Test my thoughts and find out what I am like. Show that I am right, Lord!” Make living with integrity as fundamental in your life as breathing… and stand before the LORD with full faith and confidence - now and for all eternity.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 6, 2012
December 6 ~ Psalm 1:1-6
God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night. They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.
That isn’t true of those who are evil, because they are like straw blown by the wind. Sinners won’t have an excuse on the day of judgment, and they won’t have a place with the people of God.
The Lord protects everyone who follows him, but the wicked follow a road that leads to ruin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine purchased a personalized item for Christmas, and when she went to pick it up, the business had misspelled one of the names on the item. Of course, my friend was disappointed. She had paid a lot of money for this item, and the name of one of her children was spelled incorrectly. The store owner offered my friend a $10 coupon good on her next purchase as compensation. Afraid she might say something ugly, my friend left quickly. However, she voiced her frustration on Facebook, and her friends responded in large numbers with all sorts of advice. More importantly, many asked for the name of the business so that they could avoid patronizing that particular store.
In fairness, the store owner thought better of her offer and called later to say she would replace the tray with a new one – spelled correctly. So in the end, she did the right thing. To have done otherwise would have been incredibly damaging to her business, because word of things like this travels quickly. But she probably still did major harm to her business by the initial response. And it does make one stop and wonder… “Why was there any hesitation?” In business, the motto that “The customer is always right” should have applied here… and that store owner should have immediately offered to replace the item.
This is sort of a loose illustration of how we don’t always do what is right… with regrettable consequences. It is important that we stay awake and alert… on our toes… and that doing the right thing becomes our second nature. I don’t know if this person was momentarily caught off guard and became defensive… or if she was thinking selfishly and decided that she was not going to “eat” her profit… or if her bottom line was so tight that she simply felt like she could not afford to forfeit this sale. But I do know that sometimes, doing the right thing seems expensive on the surface. Let me assure you, it’s always worth any perceived trouble.
There will be people who will lie, cheat, and steal… and appear to get ahead by doing so. But someday, the jig will be up! They will have to answer... if not to other mere mortals… to God Almighty. Everyone who has stepped on the backs of others to become “successful”… those who have been abusive and unkind – or just downright deceptive - will have to answer for their insults and indiscretions. And God will not be lenient!
It’s frustrating to see others operate in dishonesty and deception… and to watch them seem to breeze by doing so. It’s hard to feel like you did the right thing… gave your very best… and you were slapped down and penalized for it. But I can assure you, God will bless your efforts. It may take a long time… or seem like it’s taking forever… but He will do this. God measures success by a far different ruler… and His is the only one that matters.
Do the right thing. Avoid evil, deception, lying, cheating and stealing. Any “quick-fix” or shortcut that involves these behaviors will never be worth it in the end. Plant your roots firmly in the promises of God… trust Him to make things right on your behalf… and delight in pleasing Him. The goal is to hear God say, “Well done!” What will He say to you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night. They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.
That isn’t true of those who are evil, because they are like straw blown by the wind. Sinners won’t have an excuse on the day of judgment, and they won’t have a place with the people of God.
The Lord protects everyone who follows him, but the wicked follow a road that leads to ruin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine purchased a personalized item for Christmas, and when she went to pick it up, the business had misspelled one of the names on the item. Of course, my friend was disappointed. She had paid a lot of money for this item, and the name of one of her children was spelled incorrectly. The store owner offered my friend a $10 coupon good on her next purchase as compensation. Afraid she might say something ugly, my friend left quickly. However, she voiced her frustration on Facebook, and her friends responded in large numbers with all sorts of advice. More importantly, many asked for the name of the business so that they could avoid patronizing that particular store.
In fairness, the store owner thought better of her offer and called later to say she would replace the tray with a new one – spelled correctly. So in the end, she did the right thing. To have done otherwise would have been incredibly damaging to her business, because word of things like this travels quickly. But she probably still did major harm to her business by the initial response. And it does make one stop and wonder… “Why was there any hesitation?” In business, the motto that “The customer is always right” should have applied here… and that store owner should have immediately offered to replace the item.
This is sort of a loose illustration of how we don’t always do what is right… with regrettable consequences. It is important that we stay awake and alert… on our toes… and that doing the right thing becomes our second nature. I don’t know if this person was momentarily caught off guard and became defensive… or if she was thinking selfishly and decided that she was not going to “eat” her profit… or if her bottom line was so tight that she simply felt like she could not afford to forfeit this sale. But I do know that sometimes, doing the right thing seems expensive on the surface. Let me assure you, it’s always worth any perceived trouble.
There will be people who will lie, cheat, and steal… and appear to get ahead by doing so. But someday, the jig will be up! They will have to answer... if not to other mere mortals… to God Almighty. Everyone who has stepped on the backs of others to become “successful”… those who have been abusive and unkind – or just downright deceptive - will have to answer for their insults and indiscretions. And God will not be lenient!
It’s frustrating to see others operate in dishonesty and deception… and to watch them seem to breeze by doing so. It’s hard to feel like you did the right thing… gave your very best… and you were slapped down and penalized for it. But I can assure you, God will bless your efforts. It may take a long time… or seem like it’s taking forever… but He will do this. God measures success by a far different ruler… and His is the only one that matters.
Do the right thing. Avoid evil, deception, lying, cheating and stealing. Any “quick-fix” or shortcut that involves these behaviors will never be worth it in the end. Plant your roots firmly in the promises of God… trust Him to make things right on your behalf… and delight in pleasing Him. The goal is to hear God say, “Well done!” What will He say to you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 11, 2012
Ephesians 4:25-32
What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
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.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last two weeks, you know that we’ve had a scandal brewing in Arkansas involving the head football coach at one of our leading state universities. Bobby Petrino was fired on April 10th… dismissed “with cause”… meaning his $3.86 million annual salary ceases, and he is no longer employed by the state of Arkansas. Any way you slice it, this has been a sad situation for many… and as University of Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long put it in a press conference after the firing, “… it’s because people’s lives are affected here, and that’s what we sometimes miss.” This is an example of how we are all connected to each other in the body of Christ, and how one person’s lies affects not only others, but themselves.
Even though this would be a good “lesson” in and of itself, I want to focus on another portion of this scripture passage. See, I’ve been frustrated and judgmental of several people lately, if only in my own heart. I’ve deemed more than one person to be self-absorbed and inconsiderate of others’ feelings… “What were they thinking? How could they claim to be a caring, even “Godly” person and treat someone else with such disregard?” I’ve judged people who seemed inattentive to their family members and friends… and people who claim to serve God at every turn but only seem to truly serve themselves. On the surface, it often appears to us as “outsiders” that others are only doing what makes them feel good – and never considering how it affects anyone else.
This brings me to the last portion of this passage… “Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” At the end of the day, we are all selfish and self-centered at times. Each of us has lied and thought of no one but ourselves. We’ve all said things we shouldn’t. And we have all had to bow before Jesus and ask for forgiveness, which has been quickly and freely granted.
So we must offer the same gentleness and sensitivity to those who make a mess of things… if only in our own estimation. We are right to be angry – to a point. I think our disappointment with Coach Petrino is justified. But at the end of the day, he is a child of God as much as you and I… and entitled to the same forgiveness from Jesus as we are (if he asks for it – and I believe he will). Judgment is not our job… but extending to others the forgiveness we have received certainly is!
I was called up short by these last verses. I have to release my anger and frustration toward others and offer them sensitivity, gentleness, and forgiveness – whether they ask me for it or not. Otherwise, the devil will use this negative “energy” to gnaw at me and steal my joy… and I am not willing to compromise this gift! There are at least two things we should take away from the scripture passage today:
©2012 Debbie Robus
What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
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.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last two weeks, you know that we’ve had a scandal brewing in Arkansas involving the head football coach at one of our leading state universities. Bobby Petrino was fired on April 10th… dismissed “with cause”… meaning his $3.86 million annual salary ceases, and he is no longer employed by the state of Arkansas. Any way you slice it, this has been a sad situation for many… and as University of Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long put it in a press conference after the firing, “… it’s because people’s lives are affected here, and that’s what we sometimes miss.” This is an example of how we are all connected to each other in the body of Christ, and how one person’s lies affects not only others, but themselves.
Even though this would be a good “lesson” in and of itself, I want to focus on another portion of this scripture passage. See, I’ve been frustrated and judgmental of several people lately, if only in my own heart. I’ve deemed more than one person to be self-absorbed and inconsiderate of others’ feelings… “What were they thinking? How could they claim to be a caring, even “Godly” person and treat someone else with such disregard?” I’ve judged people who seemed inattentive to their family members and friends… and people who claim to serve God at every turn but only seem to truly serve themselves. On the surface, it often appears to us as “outsiders” that others are only doing what makes them feel good – and never considering how it affects anyone else.
This brings me to the last portion of this passage… “Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” At the end of the day, we are all selfish and self-centered at times. Each of us has lied and thought of no one but ourselves. We’ve all said things we shouldn’t. And we have all had to bow before Jesus and ask for forgiveness, which has been quickly and freely granted.
So we must offer the same gentleness and sensitivity to those who make a mess of things… if only in our own estimation. We are right to be angry – to a point. I think our disappointment with Coach Petrino is justified. But at the end of the day, he is a child of God as much as you and I… and entitled to the same forgiveness from Jesus as we are (if he asks for it – and I believe he will). Judgment is not our job… but extending to others the forgiveness we have received certainly is!
I was called up short by these last verses. I have to release my anger and frustration toward others and offer them sensitivity, gentleness, and forgiveness – whether they ask me for it or not. Otherwise, the devil will use this negative “energy” to gnaw at me and steal my joy… and I am not willing to compromise this gift! There are at least two things we should take away from the scripture passage today:
- There is no room for ego in the life of a Christian. The choices and decisions we make affect others. “What about me?” will simply not cut it, if we truly want to live for Jesus. Virtually nothing in this life is totally about you or me.
- We must all realize that we can’t ask Jesus to forgive us… and then continue to judge others. We must operate in humility and an understanding that we are only one prayer for forgiveness away from being in the “hot seat” ourselves.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 29, 2012
Proverbs 2:1-7
My child, you must follow and treasure my teachings and my instructions. Keep in tune with wisdom and think what it means to have common sense. Beg as loud as you can for good common sense. Search for wisdom as you would search for silver or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to respect and to know the LORD God. All wisdom comes from the LORD, and so do common sense and understanding. God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects all of those who live as they should.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, a friend of mine (who shall remain nameless) ran out of coffee filters one morning, so she tried using a paper plate as a substitute. I can only imagine the mess that ensued… and she readily admitted that this did not work. In north-central Arkansas, the aunt of little 4-year-old Caleb Linn told him to follow a dirt road alongside a wooded riverbank and catch up with cousins who had returned to camp, while she continued working to clear debris from a low-water bridge on the river. Little Caleb apparently got lost or lost his footing, and rescue workers searched for approximately four days before locating his lifeless body a half a mile down river.
I truly do not mean to judge the people in these examples. But in each case, there appears to be a clear lack of common sense. While the mess that resulted from the coffee pot fiasco was no fun to remedy, the ramifications of allowing this little child to wander down a dirt road unattended will be life-long for all who survive him.
My point for today is reinforced in this scripture passage… “Beg as loud as you can for good common sense.” We all have lapses in judgment… and I have plenty of what I call “blond moments.” As I have illustrated, some can be relatively harmless… while others change the course of our life forever. Underestimating the size of a container and pouring in too much liquid is one thing. Driving through flood waters that rush across a roadway can be something else entirely. Making a sudden turn that upends your purse or something else in the passenger seat of your car can cause a mess (think a soupy dish you are taking to a church supper or that jug of milk that overturns on the way home from the store). Reaching down to retrieve something that has spilled can cause a crash… and possible injury to you, your vehicle, and others in your path.
We’ve all seen the funny home videos of ridiculous things people have attempted… and lived to tell. But we’ve also heard news reports of people who attempted something they shouldn’t (think climbing onto a steep roof to hang Christmas lights) and suffered life-changing injuries – or even death. Pulling a harmless prank on a friend may not turn out as you hoped… and even result in some hurt feelings temporarily. Accepting a dare from your buddies to do something stupid could result in all kinds of trouble, personal injury, and damage to your reputation that follows you for decades.
The message for all of us is to seek God’s wisdom at all times… in all things. We need to beg Him every single day for good common sense. We should ask God to protect us… from the devil – and ourselves! Ask Him to speak to you when He sees you sliding off course… even in the small things. Then listen to that “still small voice” in your head that says, “Are you really sure you want to do this?” Take a moment to stop and ask God, “Is this a good idea? What are the potential pitfalls?”
I don’t believe that God causes the disasters (large and small) that result when we fail to exercise common sense. But I do think He uses them to teach us… to remind us to rely on Him more - and our own devices less. Often, we act – or react – in a split second… with little or no time to really think through what we are doing. This is where we truly need to depend on common sense - and God’s wisdom - to help us make the right choices. Today, let’s ask God to give us huge, healthy doses of His wisdom – AND common sense - and to help us respect these treasures… and to always pay close attention when He delivers them.
©2012 Debbie Robus
My child, you must follow and treasure my teachings and my instructions. Keep in tune with wisdom and think what it means to have common sense. Beg as loud as you can for good common sense. Search for wisdom as you would search for silver or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to respect and to know the LORD God. All wisdom comes from the LORD, and so do common sense and understanding. God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects all of those who live as they should.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, a friend of mine (who shall remain nameless) ran out of coffee filters one morning, so she tried using a paper plate as a substitute. I can only imagine the mess that ensued… and she readily admitted that this did not work. In north-central Arkansas, the aunt of little 4-year-old Caleb Linn told him to follow a dirt road alongside a wooded riverbank and catch up with cousins who had returned to camp, while she continued working to clear debris from a low-water bridge on the river. Little Caleb apparently got lost or lost his footing, and rescue workers searched for approximately four days before locating his lifeless body a half a mile down river.
I truly do not mean to judge the people in these examples. But in each case, there appears to be a clear lack of common sense. While the mess that resulted from the coffee pot fiasco was no fun to remedy, the ramifications of allowing this little child to wander down a dirt road unattended will be life-long for all who survive him.
My point for today is reinforced in this scripture passage… “Beg as loud as you can for good common sense.” We all have lapses in judgment… and I have plenty of what I call “blond moments.” As I have illustrated, some can be relatively harmless… while others change the course of our life forever. Underestimating the size of a container and pouring in too much liquid is one thing. Driving through flood waters that rush across a roadway can be something else entirely. Making a sudden turn that upends your purse or something else in the passenger seat of your car can cause a mess (think a soupy dish you are taking to a church supper or that jug of milk that overturns on the way home from the store). Reaching down to retrieve something that has spilled can cause a crash… and possible injury to you, your vehicle, and others in your path.
We’ve all seen the funny home videos of ridiculous things people have attempted… and lived to tell. But we’ve also heard news reports of people who attempted something they shouldn’t (think climbing onto a steep roof to hang Christmas lights) and suffered life-changing injuries – or even death. Pulling a harmless prank on a friend may not turn out as you hoped… and even result in some hurt feelings temporarily. Accepting a dare from your buddies to do something stupid could result in all kinds of trouble, personal injury, and damage to your reputation that follows you for decades.
The message for all of us is to seek God’s wisdom at all times… in all things. We need to beg Him every single day for good common sense. We should ask God to protect us… from the devil – and ourselves! Ask Him to speak to you when He sees you sliding off course… even in the small things. Then listen to that “still small voice” in your head that says, “Are you really sure you want to do this?” Take a moment to stop and ask God, “Is this a good idea? What are the potential pitfalls?”
I don’t believe that God causes the disasters (large and small) that result when we fail to exercise common sense. But I do think He uses them to teach us… to remind us to rely on Him more - and our own devices less. Often, we act – or react – in a split second… with little or no time to really think through what we are doing. This is where we truly need to depend on common sense - and God’s wisdom - to help us make the right choices. Today, let’s ask God to give us huge, healthy doses of His wisdom – AND common sense - and to help us respect these treasures… and to always pay close attention when He delivers them.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 11, 2012
Acts 2:1-13
On the day of Pentecost all the Lord's followers were together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there.
The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak. Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem. And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages. They were excited and amazed, and said: Don't all these who are speaking come from Galilee? Then why do we hear them speaking our very own languages?
Some of us are from Parthia, Media, and Elam. Others are from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, parts of Libya near Cyrene, Rome, Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were bornJews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done.
Everyone was excited and confused. Some of them even kept asking each other, "What does all this mean?" Others made fun of the Lord's followers and said, "They are drunk.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone made a sarcastic or playful comment to you about swimming in a pool with sharks, and you didn’t understand. Your response was, “You have a pool?” That would be ridiculous, wouldn’t it?! But so often, we misinterpret what is said or done – not merely out of our own ignorance, but also because of a lack of proper communication or the inflection of someone else’s humor, sarcasm, or personal opinion. And sometimes, we jump to conclusions and make snap judgments. And we do this a lot when it comes to our faith.
So when I read this passage, I was not so focused on the fact that people were speaking in tongues as I was their reaction… and the rapid conclusion by some that the people were drunk. We are no different. We often judge quickly. We assume that someone is a fanatic because of how they speak about certain issues. We decide that others are either weak in their faith – or a lost cause altogether. We write people off because of how they dress, what they drive, and which political camp they favor. We categorize people according to who they select as friends, their personal lifestyle choices, and their economic status.
We don’t truly get to know other people… and often, we don’t truly get to know God. Why would it be out of the realm of possibilities for God to allow a room full of people from different countries to speak in their own language, while we hear them in English or whatever happens to be our native language? We’re talking about the God of the Universe! He can do anything… right? Why must everything be so cut and dried in our faith? Can’t the God who loves each of us as His own precious child love those who think, speak and act differently? Is our faith so “cookie-cutter” that there is no “wiggle room?” And if this is the case, have we removed God’s ability to work in and through each of us by being so rigid?
My challenge for each of us is to stop limiting God. Let’s stop setting up boundaries and jumping to conclusions about other people and situations, just because we may not clearly understand them. When we open our hearts and minds to the possibilities with God… when we allow Him room to work and an open invitation… amazing things can happen, just as they did at Pentecost.
Where have you made snap judgments lately? Where have you limited God? Isn’t it time you let go and let Him have control? Isn’t today a good day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
On the day of Pentecost all the Lord's followers were together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there.
The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak. Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem. And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages. They were excited and amazed, and said: Don't all these who are speaking come from Galilee? Then why do we hear them speaking our very own languages?
Some of us are from Parthia, Media, and Elam. Others are from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, parts of Libya near Cyrene, Rome, Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were bornJews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done.
Everyone was excited and confused. Some of them even kept asking each other, "What does all this mean?" Others made fun of the Lord's followers and said, "They are drunk.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone made a sarcastic or playful comment to you about swimming in a pool with sharks, and you didn’t understand. Your response was, “You have a pool?” That would be ridiculous, wouldn’t it?! But so often, we misinterpret what is said or done – not merely out of our own ignorance, but also because of a lack of proper communication or the inflection of someone else’s humor, sarcasm, or personal opinion. And sometimes, we jump to conclusions and make snap judgments. And we do this a lot when it comes to our faith.
So when I read this passage, I was not so focused on the fact that people were speaking in tongues as I was their reaction… and the rapid conclusion by some that the people were drunk. We are no different. We often judge quickly. We assume that someone is a fanatic because of how they speak about certain issues. We decide that others are either weak in their faith – or a lost cause altogether. We write people off because of how they dress, what they drive, and which political camp they favor. We categorize people according to who they select as friends, their personal lifestyle choices, and their economic status.
We don’t truly get to know other people… and often, we don’t truly get to know God. Why would it be out of the realm of possibilities for God to allow a room full of people from different countries to speak in their own language, while we hear them in English or whatever happens to be our native language? We’re talking about the God of the Universe! He can do anything… right? Why must everything be so cut and dried in our faith? Can’t the God who loves each of us as His own precious child love those who think, speak and act differently? Is our faith so “cookie-cutter” that there is no “wiggle room?” And if this is the case, have we removed God’s ability to work in and through each of us by being so rigid?
My challenge for each of us is to stop limiting God. Let’s stop setting up boundaries and jumping to conclusions about other people and situations, just because we may not clearly understand them. When we open our hearts and minds to the possibilities with God… when we allow Him room to work and an open invitation… amazing things can happen, just as they did at Pentecost.
Where have you made snap judgments lately? Where have you limited God? Isn’t it time you let go and let Him have control? Isn’t today a good day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 30, 2011
John 18:10-11 Simon Peter had brought along a sword. He now pulled it out and struck at the servant of the high priest. The servant's name was Malchus, and Peter cut off his right ear. Jesus told Peter, "Put your sword away. I must drink from the cup that the Father has given me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I read this passage, I immediately thought of parents and fans at sporting events. There are times when they feel their child, coach, or participant has been mistreated or wrongly penalized, and they go ballistic. If they could get to the referees to cut off an ear, they probably would! This was a knee-jerk reaction on Peter’s part… and how many of us often behave – even in public!
Jesus shows us in this passage that we often operate outside our boundaries and behave in a manner that does not line up with what He expects from His Disciples. When we do what is honest and fair… and leave the “justice” to God and those who are in the position to make such judgments… we honor our relationship with Jesus Christ and model Christian behavior.
Let me give you another example… I sold an item on eBay, and the buyer asked me to ship the item to her daughter, who lives in Seattle. She said, “I will pay extra for your trouble.” However, she paid the invoice before I calculated the actual shipping cost, and she underpaid by almost one dollar. I told her not to worry about the extra shipping costs, although my profit margin on this piece was already really small. I could have issued a refund and rebilled this woman for the correct amount… and I admit that I considered doing this! But I decided that making another $1.00 was not worth the risk of hurt feelings and creating a bad business relationship.
The next day, I received a message from the buyer saying that she had added extra money to my account to cover the trouble and expense of shipping to her daughter. I checked my account – she added $10! I thanked her and fussed at her for being so overly generous. But in the end, both of us got a blessing and the satisfaction of knowing we did the right thing.
I’m not saying that every time you refrain from cussing a referee you will get extra money in your bank account or some other “reward.” But knowing you did what honors Jesus and your relationship with Him should be enough. I am still learning about online selling, and I’ve messed up and been “burned” more than once… but I’ve always asked myself how Jesus would handle the situation. Even when it hurt my bottom line, I’ve tried to do what I knew was fair and honorable. If we would stop and think about this in all areas of our life, we would have far fewer “lobbed off ears” and more moments of honor and glory to our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.
My challenge to each of us this day is to search our hearts and see where we are trying to invoke justice of our own kind… or make things work out in our favor… and ask if this truly is how Jesus would handle things. Are we pleasing ourselves and/or seeking revenge… or are we honoring our faith? The two are often not the same… do you know the difference?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I read this passage, I immediately thought of parents and fans at sporting events. There are times when they feel their child, coach, or participant has been mistreated or wrongly penalized, and they go ballistic. If they could get to the referees to cut off an ear, they probably would! This was a knee-jerk reaction on Peter’s part… and how many of us often behave – even in public!
Jesus shows us in this passage that we often operate outside our boundaries and behave in a manner that does not line up with what He expects from His Disciples. When we do what is honest and fair… and leave the “justice” to God and those who are in the position to make such judgments… we honor our relationship with Jesus Christ and model Christian behavior.
Let me give you another example… I sold an item on eBay, and the buyer asked me to ship the item to her daughter, who lives in Seattle. She said, “I will pay extra for your trouble.” However, she paid the invoice before I calculated the actual shipping cost, and she underpaid by almost one dollar. I told her not to worry about the extra shipping costs, although my profit margin on this piece was already really small. I could have issued a refund and rebilled this woman for the correct amount… and I admit that I considered doing this! But I decided that making another $1.00 was not worth the risk of hurt feelings and creating a bad business relationship.
The next day, I received a message from the buyer saying that she had added extra money to my account to cover the trouble and expense of shipping to her daughter. I checked my account – she added $10! I thanked her and fussed at her for being so overly generous. But in the end, both of us got a blessing and the satisfaction of knowing we did the right thing.
I’m not saying that every time you refrain from cussing a referee you will get extra money in your bank account or some other “reward.” But knowing you did what honors Jesus and your relationship with Him should be enough. I am still learning about online selling, and I’ve messed up and been “burned” more than once… but I’ve always asked myself how Jesus would handle the situation. Even when it hurt my bottom line, I’ve tried to do what I knew was fair and honorable. If we would stop and think about this in all areas of our life, we would have far fewer “lobbed off ears” and more moments of honor and glory to our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.
My challenge to each of us this day is to search our hearts and see where we are trying to invoke justice of our own kind… or make things work out in our favor… and ask if this truly is how Jesus would handle things. Are we pleasing ourselves and/or seeking revenge… or are we honoring our faith? The two are often not the same… do you know the difference?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 29, 2011
John 18:1-9
When Jesus had finished praying, he and his disciples crossed the Kidron Valley and went into a garden. Jesus had often met there with his disciples, and Judas knew where the place was. Judas had promised to betray Jesus. So he went to the garden with some Roman soldiers and temple police, who had been sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. They carried torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus already knew everything that was going to happen, but he asked, "Who are you looking for?" They answered, "We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth!"
Jesus told them, "I am Jesus!" At once they all backed away and fell to the ground. Jesus again asked, "Who are you looking for?"
"We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth," they answered. This time Jesus replied, "I have already told you that I am Jesus. If I am the one you are looking for, let these others go. Then everything will happen, just as I said, `I did not lose anyone you gave me.' "
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As we age, we often misplace things and cannot remember where we put them. Trust me… if it hasn’t happened to you yet… it will! My grandmother often “loses” things, and she automatically assumes that someone took them. Usually, I am that someone! She will call and ask, “What did you do with such-and-such?” and I will tell her, “I have not seen it. I’m sure it’s right where you left it.” She argues that the item is not there, and when I visit her apartment, I find it in the exact spot we discussed… or very nearby. I am used these comments and try to calmly tell her that I will look for the item the next time I am there… and that it will turn up soon. So far, everything has been where it should be!
In life, we are often accused of things we had no part in or did not do. Sometimes, we are “called out” for something we did, because the accuser finds fault with it where we did not. Sometimes these people do not have all the facts… or they have been misinformed and made rash judgments. You may be doing all you can do in a particular situation, and others may talk amongst themselves - and to you - about how they feel you could do things differently… or do more.
Jesus took ownership of who He was… even knowing it would cost Him a horrendous, severe beating – and ultimately His life. He was confident in His actions and who He was… His purpose and how it was being fulfilled on this earth. The question for us is whether we are confident in who we are and how we are conducting our lives. When people come to us with accusations and judgments, can we justify our words, actions and choices? Are we fully assured that God is pleased with us and how we are living?
If we are anything but completely certain, we need to stop and ask God to show us where to make adjustments. We probably need to do this anyway to ensure that we are always operating within His will. When the “accusers” come to us and say, “We are looking for a true Disciple of Christ,” we need to be able to say, “I’m right here! I’m doing what God has called me to do and making every effort to please Him. I’m right where He wants me to be.” We don’t have to satisfy these people… but we do have to satisfy our commitment to God.
Being a Christian is serious business. We have given our heart and life to God in exchange for the gift of Jesus’ blood on the cross to pay for our sins. While Jesus gave His life freely for us, those who accept this gift are called to serve Him with everything we have. Jesus tells us to “take up your cross and follow me.” If we are truly doing this, we can boldly stand before anyone who asks, “Where is this Disciple of Christ?” and say, “I’m standing right here where God planted me!” Where are you standing today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
When Jesus had finished praying, he and his disciples crossed the Kidron Valley and went into a garden. Jesus had often met there with his disciples, and Judas knew where the place was. Judas had promised to betray Jesus. So he went to the garden with some Roman soldiers and temple police, who had been sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. They carried torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus already knew everything that was going to happen, but he asked, "Who are you looking for?" They answered, "We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth!"
Jesus told them, "I am Jesus!" At once they all backed away and fell to the ground. Jesus again asked, "Who are you looking for?"
"We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth," they answered. This time Jesus replied, "I have already told you that I am Jesus. If I am the one you are looking for, let these others go. Then everything will happen, just as I said, `I did not lose anyone you gave me.' "
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As we age, we often misplace things and cannot remember where we put them. Trust me… if it hasn’t happened to you yet… it will! My grandmother often “loses” things, and she automatically assumes that someone took them. Usually, I am that someone! She will call and ask, “What did you do with such-and-such?” and I will tell her, “I have not seen it. I’m sure it’s right where you left it.” She argues that the item is not there, and when I visit her apartment, I find it in the exact spot we discussed… or very nearby. I am used these comments and try to calmly tell her that I will look for the item the next time I am there… and that it will turn up soon. So far, everything has been where it should be!
In life, we are often accused of things we had no part in or did not do. Sometimes, we are “called out” for something we did, because the accuser finds fault with it where we did not. Sometimes these people do not have all the facts… or they have been misinformed and made rash judgments. You may be doing all you can do in a particular situation, and others may talk amongst themselves - and to you - about how they feel you could do things differently… or do more.
Jesus took ownership of who He was… even knowing it would cost Him a horrendous, severe beating – and ultimately His life. He was confident in His actions and who He was… His purpose and how it was being fulfilled on this earth. The question for us is whether we are confident in who we are and how we are conducting our lives. When people come to us with accusations and judgments, can we justify our words, actions and choices? Are we fully assured that God is pleased with us and how we are living?
If we are anything but completely certain, we need to stop and ask God to show us where to make adjustments. We probably need to do this anyway to ensure that we are always operating within His will. When the “accusers” come to us and say, “We are looking for a true Disciple of Christ,” we need to be able to say, “I’m right here! I’m doing what God has called me to do and making every effort to please Him. I’m right where He wants me to be.” We don’t have to satisfy these people… but we do have to satisfy our commitment to God.
Being a Christian is serious business. We have given our heart and life to God in exchange for the gift of Jesus’ blood on the cross to pay for our sins. While Jesus gave His life freely for us, those who accept this gift are called to serve Him with everything we have. Jesus tells us to “take up your cross and follow me.” If we are truly doing this, we can boldly stand before anyone who asks, “Where is this Disciple of Christ?” and say, “I’m standing right here where God planted me!” Where are you standing today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 4, 2011
Psalm 109:1-20
I praise you, God! Don't keep silent. Destructive and deceitful lies are told about me, and hateful things are said for no reason. I had pity and prayed [a] for my enemies, but their words to me were harsh and cruel. For being friendly and kind, they paid me back with meanness and hatred.
My enemies said, "Find some worthless fools to accuse him of a crime. Try him and find him guilty! Consider his prayers a lie. Cut his life short and let someone else have his job. Make orphans of his children and a widow of his wife; make his children beg for food and live in the slums. "Let the people he owes take everything he owns. Give it all to strangers. Don't let anyone be kind to him or have pity on the children he leaves behind. Bring an end to his family, and from now on let him be a forgotten man.
"Don't let the LORD forgive the sins of his parents and his ancestors. Don't let the LORD forget the sins of his family, or let anyone remember his family ever lived. He was so cruel to the poor, homeless, and discouraged that they died young. "He cursed others. Now place a curse on him! He never wished others well. Wish only trouble for him! He cursed others more often than he dressed himself.
Let his curses strike him deep, just as water and olive oil soak through to our bones. Let his curses surround him, just like the clothes he wears each day." Those are the cruel things my enemies wish for me. Let it all happen to them!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you want to truly find out what your Christian faith is made of, pray for your enemy. Pray for your opponent, the other candidates, the bully, the overbearing boss, the abusive spouse, the church members who don’t seem to care, and the wayward child. Pray for those we fight against in faraway countries… and the next-door neighbor with home you have an ongoing spat.
In this passage, David is telling God all of the mean things that have been done to him… and yes, they are all pretty rotten. And I’m betting some mean, rotten things have been said and done to each of us over time. But in the end, David asks God to give it all back to his enemies… “Let it all happen to them!”
My question to you is this… “How does this make David any better than those who are mistreating him?” The answer is that it doesn’t. God will mete out consequences and punishment to those who disobey and mistreat others… in His own way. He doesn’t need us to tell Him what to do. At the same time, I don’t want us to be afraid to bare our souls to God and tell Him how we really feel. First of all, He knows already… and secondly, this may have been what David was doing – venting, without really expecting God to be so cruel to the enemies. God wants us to be honest with Him about how we feel… to give Him a chance to show us His power and love – and to possibly temper our feelings and show us a better way. Then we must trust Him to decide how to handle things.
At the end of the day, we are all God’s children… even those who seem evil and cruel and deal us grief on a continual basis. We must learn to love even those who are so hard to love… to pour our hearts out to God and give Him our concerns and our pain… and allow Him to have final judgment.
Lastly, we must not take consolation when others suffer. Reveling in the feeling that someone got what they deserved is not Christ-like thinking. We must not take joy in someone else’s misfortune, no matter how awful that person may have been to us and/or others. If we are to truly mature into strong, effective, faithful servants of Jesus Christ, we must become more like Him in every way. Look at how He forgave on the cross. Are we ready – and able – to do the same in our everyday lives? Shouldn’t we be?
Give God your troubles… tell Him how you really feel. Then trust Him to handle the outcome perfectly, according to His will. Pray for your enemies, and let God have the last word. He will see that perfect justice is done.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I praise you, God! Don't keep silent. Destructive and deceitful lies are told about me, and hateful things are said for no reason. I had pity and prayed [a] for my enemies, but their words to me were harsh and cruel. For being friendly and kind, they paid me back with meanness and hatred.
My enemies said, "Find some worthless fools to accuse him of a crime. Try him and find him guilty! Consider his prayers a lie. Cut his life short and let someone else have his job. Make orphans of his children and a widow of his wife; make his children beg for food and live in the slums. "Let the people he owes take everything he owns. Give it all to strangers. Don't let anyone be kind to him or have pity on the children he leaves behind. Bring an end to his family, and from now on let him be a forgotten man.
"Don't let the LORD forgive the sins of his parents and his ancestors. Don't let the LORD forget the sins of his family, or let anyone remember his family ever lived. He was so cruel to the poor, homeless, and discouraged that they died young. "He cursed others. Now place a curse on him! He never wished others well. Wish only trouble for him! He cursed others more often than he dressed himself.
Let his curses strike him deep, just as water and olive oil soak through to our bones. Let his curses surround him, just like the clothes he wears each day." Those are the cruel things my enemies wish for me. Let it all happen to them!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you want to truly find out what your Christian faith is made of, pray for your enemy. Pray for your opponent, the other candidates, the bully, the overbearing boss, the abusive spouse, the church members who don’t seem to care, and the wayward child. Pray for those we fight against in faraway countries… and the next-door neighbor with home you have an ongoing spat.
In this passage, David is telling God all of the mean things that have been done to him… and yes, they are all pretty rotten. And I’m betting some mean, rotten things have been said and done to each of us over time. But in the end, David asks God to give it all back to his enemies… “Let it all happen to them!”
My question to you is this… “How does this make David any better than those who are mistreating him?” The answer is that it doesn’t. God will mete out consequences and punishment to those who disobey and mistreat others… in His own way. He doesn’t need us to tell Him what to do. At the same time, I don’t want us to be afraid to bare our souls to God and tell Him how we really feel. First of all, He knows already… and secondly, this may have been what David was doing – venting, without really expecting God to be so cruel to the enemies. God wants us to be honest with Him about how we feel… to give Him a chance to show us His power and love – and to possibly temper our feelings and show us a better way. Then we must trust Him to decide how to handle things.
At the end of the day, we are all God’s children… even those who seem evil and cruel and deal us grief on a continual basis. We must learn to love even those who are so hard to love… to pour our hearts out to God and give Him our concerns and our pain… and allow Him to have final judgment.
Lastly, we must not take consolation when others suffer. Reveling in the feeling that someone got what they deserved is not Christ-like thinking. We must not take joy in someone else’s misfortune, no matter how awful that person may have been to us and/or others. If we are to truly mature into strong, effective, faithful servants of Jesus Christ, we must become more like Him in every way. Look at how He forgave on the cross. Are we ready – and able – to do the same in our everyday lives? Shouldn’t we be?
Give God your troubles… tell Him how you really feel. Then trust Him to handle the outcome perfectly, according to His will. Pray for your enemies, and let God have the last word. He will see that perfect justice is done.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 29, 2011
August 29 ~ John 8:1-11
Jesus walked out to the Mount of Olives. Then early the next morning he went to the temple. The people came to him, and he sat down and started teaching them. The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses brought in a woman who had been caught in bed with a man who wasn't her husband. They made her stand in the middle of the crowd. Then they said, "Teacher, this woman was caught sleeping with a man who isn't her husband. The Law of Moses teaches that a woman like this should be stoned to death! What do you say?"
They asked Jesus this question, because they wanted to test him and bring some charge against him. But Jesus simply bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger.
They kept on asking Jesus about the woman. Finally, he stood up and said, "If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her!" Once again he bent over and began writing on the ground. The people left one by one, beginning with the oldest. Finally, Jesus and the woman were there alone. Jesus stood up and asked her, "Where is everyone? Isn't there anyone left to accuse you?" "No sir," the woman answered. Then Jesus told her, "I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don't sin anymore."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I would love to know what Jesus wrote in the sand. I’ve done some searching on the Internet, and some suggest He was merely doodling. Others say he was drawing a circle in which the accused stood for stoning. Anyone in the circle when it was completed was subject to stoning – maybe He thought some of the Pharisees wouldn’t move fast enough! Still others say Jesus was listing the sins of every person present… who else hadcommitted adultery – and with whom. Even another suggested that Jesus was writing out the law that said that this woman could only be stoned if the sinless person cast the first blow, because inability to comply would be the only thing that would cause the leaders to dissipate.
At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter what Jesus wrote… but the fact that He was less than fully present in the activities of making accusations and berating this woman matters greatly. See, we are all this woman, in some manner, because we are all sinners. And lest you start protesting that her sins were so much greater than yours, let me remind you again that sin is sin… and we are all sinners – except for Jesus.So when Jesus let this woman go and said, “I’m not going to accuse you, either,” He granted her grace and mercy far beyond anything any of us deserve. He told each of us the same thing, in essence, when He died on the cross for our sins. He took our burden upon Himself, and we are charged to “go now, but don’t sin anymore.” There is every chance we won’t be able to hold up to our end of the bargain, but we must try. When we fall short, we must confess, pick ourselves up, ask forgiveness, and move ahead, glorifying God for His grace, mercy, and unending love.
I don’t know about you, but when I find myself in the circle, being accused (even by my own conscience) of my sins and shortcomings, I’m so happy to know that Jesus is standing beside me – drawing in the sand. I’m grateful that He does not condemn me… and that because of my salvation through Him, I am forever set upright and given another chance. If you have asked Jesus to become LORD of your life and invited His Holy Spirit to live in your heart, you can enjoy this same grace, mercy and salvation.
So the question of the day is… “What is Jesus writing in the sand beside your circle?”
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus walked out to the Mount of Olives. Then early the next morning he went to the temple. The people came to him, and he sat down and started teaching them. The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses brought in a woman who had been caught in bed with a man who wasn't her husband. They made her stand in the middle of the crowd. Then they said, "Teacher, this woman was caught sleeping with a man who isn't her husband. The Law of Moses teaches that a woman like this should be stoned to death! What do you say?"
They asked Jesus this question, because they wanted to test him and bring some charge against him. But Jesus simply bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger.
They kept on asking Jesus about the woman. Finally, he stood up and said, "If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her!" Once again he bent over and began writing on the ground. The people left one by one, beginning with the oldest. Finally, Jesus and the woman were there alone. Jesus stood up and asked her, "Where is everyone? Isn't there anyone left to accuse you?" "No sir," the woman answered. Then Jesus told her, "I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don't sin anymore."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I would love to know what Jesus wrote in the sand. I’ve done some searching on the Internet, and some suggest He was merely doodling. Others say he was drawing a circle in which the accused stood for stoning. Anyone in the circle when it was completed was subject to stoning – maybe He thought some of the Pharisees wouldn’t move fast enough! Still others say Jesus was listing the sins of every person present… who else hadcommitted adultery – and with whom. Even another suggested that Jesus was writing out the law that said that this woman could only be stoned if the sinless person cast the first blow, because inability to comply would be the only thing that would cause the leaders to dissipate.
At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter what Jesus wrote… but the fact that He was less than fully present in the activities of making accusations and berating this woman matters greatly. See, we are all this woman, in some manner, because we are all sinners. And lest you start protesting that her sins were so much greater than yours, let me remind you again that sin is sin… and we are all sinners – except for Jesus.So when Jesus let this woman go and said, “I’m not going to accuse you, either,” He granted her grace and mercy far beyond anything any of us deserve. He told each of us the same thing, in essence, when He died on the cross for our sins. He took our burden upon Himself, and we are charged to “go now, but don’t sin anymore.” There is every chance we won’t be able to hold up to our end of the bargain, but we must try. When we fall short, we must confess, pick ourselves up, ask forgiveness, and move ahead, glorifying God for His grace, mercy, and unending love.
I don’t know about you, but when I find myself in the circle, being accused (even by my own conscience) of my sins and shortcomings, I’m so happy to know that Jesus is standing beside me – drawing in the sand. I’m grateful that He does not condemn me… and that because of my salvation through Him, I am forever set upright and given another chance. If you have asked Jesus to become LORD of your life and invited His Holy Spirit to live in your heart, you can enjoy this same grace, mercy and salvation.
So the question of the day is… “What is Jesus writing in the sand beside your circle?”
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 7, 2011
1 Samuel 16:6-7
When Jesse and his sons arrived, Samuel noticed Jesse's oldest son, Eliab. "He has to be the one the LORD has chosen," Samuel said to himself.
But the LORD told him, "Samuel, don't think Eliab is the one just because he's tall and handsome. He isn't the one I've chosen. People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of Timothy’s favorite books at the moment is Olivia, by Ian Falconer - the story of a little piglet and her family… father, mother, brother Ian, dog Perry, and Edwin the cat. The illustrations of Olivia are not bright and bold, like those in many of Timmy’s books. They are all done in black and red on a white background, with some grey shading. Olivia only wears red, and she is depicted somewhat realistically and not “prettied up” as pigs go. Yet Timothy loves her. Olivia is extremely energetic, and the story line is that “she is very good at wearing people out.”
In one part of the story, Olivia goes to the museum on a rainy day, and she studies a painting of beautiful ballerinas. The story says she looks at it for a long time. She also looks at an abstract painting – blobs of paint that appear to have been splattered on the canvas. She remarks to her mother, “I could do that in about five minutes,” and then she proceeds to go home and try it on a wall of her home. Of course, the next text is… “Time out!”
The point is, Olivia did not see the beauty in the abstract painting. She did not see the “heart” in the work that the artist – and apparently other admirers – saw. Timothy sees beyond the simple black and red line drawings and colorings of this little piglet and judges her heart… her similarities in behavior to him… and her exuberance for life. He doesn’t seem to notice her appearance… in fact, I bet he would tell you she is quite beautiful.
We live in a society where looks are everything. People obsess over all sorts of cosmetic concerns… from a “bad hair day” to the extra weight they are carrying to a face covered in freckles. You feel like the blemish or mole on your face is all people see when they look at you… while many hardly notice it. We let our self-awareness of the “muffin top” we’re carrying or that bald spot on our head overshadow our ability to be present in the moment and serve others… and God.
We need to be more like Olivia, the piglet. I don’t mean that we need to get so out of control that we start painting abstract art on our walls… but we need to focus more on life and what matters - and less on appearances. And we need to stop judging others based on looks and first impressions. That zany, overly exuberant, talkative person who drives you nuts may be a loving, caring person who would do anything he/she could to help someone else. The person who is dirty and disheveled… the one who always seems aloof or disinterested… the guy who is so scatterbrained you figure he would lose his head if it weren’t attached… may be just the people God uses to relate to others and serve them right where they are.
The people who are always “dressed to the nines”, drive fancy cars and have lots of money, or have impressive degrees from major colleges and universities may be the very people who are too busy focusing on their own agendas… and not the needs of others or God’s plans. People who are tall and handsome… smart, rich and successful… athletic and talented… may not necessarily be the ones who are serving God the most – or to the best of their ability.
We must stop judging people by appearance. And we need to check our own behavior and see where we are letting our appearance hamper our ability to serve. Are we self-conscious and timid? Are we egotistical and arrogant? What is in our heart? When God looks there, what does He see… and does it please Him? Are you one of God’s chosen servants? What changes do you need to make to become more like Him? Are you ready to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
When Jesse and his sons arrived, Samuel noticed Jesse's oldest son, Eliab. "He has to be the one the LORD has chosen," Samuel said to himself.
But the LORD told him, "Samuel, don't think Eliab is the one just because he's tall and handsome. He isn't the one I've chosen. People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of Timothy’s favorite books at the moment is Olivia, by Ian Falconer - the story of a little piglet and her family… father, mother, brother Ian, dog Perry, and Edwin the cat. The illustrations of Olivia are not bright and bold, like those in many of Timmy’s books. They are all done in black and red on a white background, with some grey shading. Olivia only wears red, and she is depicted somewhat realistically and not “prettied up” as pigs go. Yet Timothy loves her. Olivia is extremely energetic, and the story line is that “she is very good at wearing people out.”
In one part of the story, Olivia goes to the museum on a rainy day, and she studies a painting of beautiful ballerinas. The story says she looks at it for a long time. She also looks at an abstract painting – blobs of paint that appear to have been splattered on the canvas. She remarks to her mother, “I could do that in about five minutes,” and then she proceeds to go home and try it on a wall of her home. Of course, the next text is… “Time out!”
The point is, Olivia did not see the beauty in the abstract painting. She did not see the “heart” in the work that the artist – and apparently other admirers – saw. Timothy sees beyond the simple black and red line drawings and colorings of this little piglet and judges her heart… her similarities in behavior to him… and her exuberance for life. He doesn’t seem to notice her appearance… in fact, I bet he would tell you she is quite beautiful.
We live in a society where looks are everything. People obsess over all sorts of cosmetic concerns… from a “bad hair day” to the extra weight they are carrying to a face covered in freckles. You feel like the blemish or mole on your face is all people see when they look at you… while many hardly notice it. We let our self-awareness of the “muffin top” we’re carrying or that bald spot on our head overshadow our ability to be present in the moment and serve others… and God.
We need to be more like Olivia, the piglet. I don’t mean that we need to get so out of control that we start painting abstract art on our walls… but we need to focus more on life and what matters - and less on appearances. And we need to stop judging others based on looks and first impressions. That zany, overly exuberant, talkative person who drives you nuts may be a loving, caring person who would do anything he/she could to help someone else. The person who is dirty and disheveled… the one who always seems aloof or disinterested… the guy who is so scatterbrained you figure he would lose his head if it weren’t attached… may be just the people God uses to relate to others and serve them right where they are.
The people who are always “dressed to the nines”, drive fancy cars and have lots of money, or have impressive degrees from major colleges and universities may be the very people who are too busy focusing on their own agendas… and not the needs of others or God’s plans. People who are tall and handsome… smart, rich and successful… athletic and talented… may not necessarily be the ones who are serving God the most – or to the best of their ability.
We must stop judging people by appearance. And we need to check our own behavior and see where we are letting our appearance hamper our ability to serve. Are we self-conscious and timid? Are we egotistical and arrogant? What is in our heart? When God looks there, what does He see… and does it please Him? Are you one of God’s chosen servants? What changes do you need to make to become more like Him? Are you ready to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 5, 2011
Psalm 40:11-17
You, LORD, never fail to have pity on me; your love and faithfulness always keep me secure. I have more troubles than I can count. My sins are all around me, and I can't find my way. My sins outnumber the hairs on my head, and I feel weak. Please show that you care and come to my rescue. Hurry and help me! Disappoint and confuse all who want me dead; turn away and disgrace all who want to hurt me. Embarrass and shame all of those who say, "Just look at you now!"
Our LORD, let your worshipers rejoice and be glad. They love you for saving them, so let them always say, "The LORD is wonderful!" I am poor and needy, but, LORD God, you care about me, and you come to my rescue. Please hurry and help.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know about you, but more than once I have felt like… “I have more troubles than I can count.” And recently, this has certainly been true for actor Charlie Sheen. Everyone seems to be talking about him and his situation… made worse by his television interviews and insistence that there is nothing wrong with him! The truth is, we do not know his heart… but he appears to be very sick and, as described in verse 2 of this Psalm, stuck in “a lonely pit full of mud and mire.”
Hopefully we will never find ourselves in a pit of the mud and mire of drug addiction and accompanying mental illness (if only temporarily). But when we do find ourselves in trouble, we know THE WAY out… and His name is Jesus!
I know I often say, “People are watching”… and they are. But people are also talking… sometimes about things that are not totally true – or at the very least, none of their business. I have heard more than one person say that they felt like everyone was talking about them and their “scandal” of sorts. My response is that we all only get about 15 minutes, and then people are on to the next big story of the day. More importantly, if you have squared your situation with God… if you have confessed any sins and wrongdoing on your part and asked for His forgiveness, then the talk and judgment of others does not matter.
If you have ever felt that you were in a situation where others were judging you – wrongfully, or even with some merit – you know how awful this feels. Don’t be that person for others… not even Charlie Sheen or others in the limelight. Ask God to lift them from the mud and the mire. Call on Him to place people in their path who can introduce them to THE WAY out of their troubles and set their feet on the Rock that is Jesus Christ!
Thank God for coming to your rescue and setting you upright again… for His forgiveness, grace and mercy. Praise Him for loving us so much… especially when we are poor and needy… and standing by to help in a hurry. There IS hope for all of us… and He stands ready to save. He will not disappoint those of us who turn to Him. Where are you looking these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, never fail to have pity on me; your love and faithfulness always keep me secure. I have more troubles than I can count. My sins are all around me, and I can't find my way. My sins outnumber the hairs on my head, and I feel weak. Please show that you care and come to my rescue. Hurry and help me! Disappoint and confuse all who want me dead; turn away and disgrace all who want to hurt me. Embarrass and shame all of those who say, "Just look at you now!"
Our LORD, let your worshipers rejoice and be glad. They love you for saving them, so let them always say, "The LORD is wonderful!" I am poor and needy, but, LORD God, you care about me, and you come to my rescue. Please hurry and help.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know about you, but more than once I have felt like… “I have more troubles than I can count.” And recently, this has certainly been true for actor Charlie Sheen. Everyone seems to be talking about him and his situation… made worse by his television interviews and insistence that there is nothing wrong with him! The truth is, we do not know his heart… but he appears to be very sick and, as described in verse 2 of this Psalm, stuck in “a lonely pit full of mud and mire.”
Hopefully we will never find ourselves in a pit of the mud and mire of drug addiction and accompanying mental illness (if only temporarily). But when we do find ourselves in trouble, we know THE WAY out… and His name is Jesus!
I know I often say, “People are watching”… and they are. But people are also talking… sometimes about things that are not totally true – or at the very least, none of their business. I have heard more than one person say that they felt like everyone was talking about them and their “scandal” of sorts. My response is that we all only get about 15 minutes, and then people are on to the next big story of the day. More importantly, if you have squared your situation with God… if you have confessed any sins and wrongdoing on your part and asked for His forgiveness, then the talk and judgment of others does not matter.
If you have ever felt that you were in a situation where others were judging you – wrongfully, or even with some merit – you know how awful this feels. Don’t be that person for others… not even Charlie Sheen or others in the limelight. Ask God to lift them from the mud and the mire. Call on Him to place people in their path who can introduce them to THE WAY out of their troubles and set their feet on the Rock that is Jesus Christ!
Thank God for coming to your rescue and setting you upright again… for His forgiveness, grace and mercy. Praise Him for loving us so much… especially when we are poor and needy… and standing by to help in a hurry. There IS hope for all of us… and He stands ready to save. He will not disappoint those of us who turn to Him. Where are you looking these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 5, 2010
Luke 17:3
So be careful what you do. Correct any followers of mine who sin, and forgive the ones who say they are sorry.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When my niece was little and did something she shouldn’t, she would start saying, “Sorry! Sorry!” The young child of a friend of mine misbehaved continually one afternoon, despite threats of a spanking if he didn’t stop. When he hurdled the couch and knocked over a lamp, his mother grabbed a wooden spoon, and he said, “No thank you, Mommy. I don’t want a spanking!” He got a swat anyhow!
Children often believe that simply uttering the words “Sorry! Sorry!” can make all of their troubles go away. The little son of my friend thought adding “No, thank you!” would do the trick. And yes, as we age, we still hear “Sorry!” from people who don’t truly mean it or find these words a quick means to an end to their dilemma.
But there are many cases where we are not authorized to judge. We must accept that the person offering an apology is truly repentant, and forgive them. We must also gently correct – again, we’re not judging – those who we see going down the wrong path. So when you see your friends headed off to a party where there will be underage drinking, you should remind them that this is illegal activity… and refuse to go along! When you are with someone who has had too much to drink and cannot drive, you must take their keys and help them get an alternative ride home.
When you find out that someone said something unkind about you or a family member, and the person says, “I’m sorry… I was wrong,” you must forgive them and trust that this is the truth. When someone tells you, “I’ll never do that again,” you must accept their pledge, even if you suspect it won’t hold.
This is hard. We have to walk purely in faith as we accept the apologies of others and offer forgiveness. But it is not our place to judge them… or their sincerity. It is only our responsibility to operate in love and forgiveness… and let God handle the rest. And I know that we have all seen people doing stupid things or behaving badly, and we want to yell and scream at them and ask, “What were you thinking?” But this is not our job, either. We are supposed to offer “correction” – but only in the manner of positive alternatives… not admonition.
Instead of asking “Why don’t you get up and get a job or get to class?” we must say, “I noticed that So-and-so is hiring, and I think you would be a great fit!” or “I know you want to accomplish big things in your lifetime, and going to class shows that you are serious about it!” We must not chastise our friends and neighbors who don’t come to church… we must tell them, “We miss you, and we’d love to see you there soon.” With every fiber of our being, we may want to tell someone “You are acting like a fool!” But God wants us to offer constructive alternatives and gentle redirection toward more positive outcomes.
I’m not offering you pie-in-the-sky, airhead thoughts here. I’m telling you what the Bible says in Luke 17:3… and other scripture passages. We’ve elevated ourselves to a position of Judge and Jury, and that is not our job as Christians! When Luke says “be careful what you do,” he could have easily said, “Watch who you judge and how you correct others!” Talk to God about this. Ask Him to guide your heart… your thoughts, words and actions. Be sure you do exactly what He wishes… and leave the rest for Him to handle.
©2010 Debbie Robus
So be careful what you do. Correct any followers of mine who sin, and forgive the ones who say they are sorry.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When my niece was little and did something she shouldn’t, she would start saying, “Sorry! Sorry!” The young child of a friend of mine misbehaved continually one afternoon, despite threats of a spanking if he didn’t stop. When he hurdled the couch and knocked over a lamp, his mother grabbed a wooden spoon, and he said, “No thank you, Mommy. I don’t want a spanking!” He got a swat anyhow!
Children often believe that simply uttering the words “Sorry! Sorry!” can make all of their troubles go away. The little son of my friend thought adding “No, thank you!” would do the trick. And yes, as we age, we still hear “Sorry!” from people who don’t truly mean it or find these words a quick means to an end to their dilemma.
But there are many cases where we are not authorized to judge. We must accept that the person offering an apology is truly repentant, and forgive them. We must also gently correct – again, we’re not judging – those who we see going down the wrong path. So when you see your friends headed off to a party where there will be underage drinking, you should remind them that this is illegal activity… and refuse to go along! When you are with someone who has had too much to drink and cannot drive, you must take their keys and help them get an alternative ride home.
When you find out that someone said something unkind about you or a family member, and the person says, “I’m sorry… I was wrong,” you must forgive them and trust that this is the truth. When someone tells you, “I’ll never do that again,” you must accept their pledge, even if you suspect it won’t hold.
This is hard. We have to walk purely in faith as we accept the apologies of others and offer forgiveness. But it is not our place to judge them… or their sincerity. It is only our responsibility to operate in love and forgiveness… and let God handle the rest. And I know that we have all seen people doing stupid things or behaving badly, and we want to yell and scream at them and ask, “What were you thinking?” But this is not our job, either. We are supposed to offer “correction” – but only in the manner of positive alternatives… not admonition.
Instead of asking “Why don’t you get up and get a job or get to class?” we must say, “I noticed that So-and-so is hiring, and I think you would be a great fit!” or “I know you want to accomplish big things in your lifetime, and going to class shows that you are serious about it!” We must not chastise our friends and neighbors who don’t come to church… we must tell them, “We miss you, and we’d love to see you there soon.” With every fiber of our being, we may want to tell someone “You are acting like a fool!” But God wants us to offer constructive alternatives and gentle redirection toward more positive outcomes.
I’m not offering you pie-in-the-sky, airhead thoughts here. I’m telling you what the Bible says in Luke 17:3… and other scripture passages. We’ve elevated ourselves to a position of Judge and Jury, and that is not our job as Christians! When Luke says “be careful what you do,” he could have easily said, “Watch who you judge and how you correct others!” Talk to God about this. Ask Him to guide your heart… your thoughts, words and actions. Be sure you do exactly what He wishes… and leave the rest for Him to handle.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 23, 2010
Psalm 89:15
Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet!
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.
When the Arkansas Razorbacks are doing well (and sometimes when they are not), fans often greet each other with such comments as “How ‘bout those Hawgs!” We want to talk about our team! And when they are performing well, it seems as if we have to tell everyone we see. “Did you see the game? Wasn’t So-and-So amazing? How did you like such-and-such play? What did you think about the coach’s comments afterward? Do you think we’ll go to a bowl game?” We can’t keep it quiet!
I’ve said it before, but I find it amazing we can get so revved up over a group of people tossing around a ball, but we can’t seem to muster the same enthusiasm over the God of the Universe! Our priorities are definitely out of whack!
I’ve been reading some interesting commentaries lately on setting a Christian example, and one of the points that hit home with me was that we are to be so busy setting a good example for others that we have no time to criticize, judge or correct them. We have no time for negativity if we are truly striving to set the best possible example of living for Christ. We don’t have time to argue, fuss, worry and belittle if we are busy praising God and dancing with delight over His amazing grace and mercy.
What are you talking about these days? What’s on your lips and in your thoughts? Is your focus on Jesus and all that He has done for you? Or are you preoccupied with things of this world, the shortcomings of others, and behaving selfishly? Isn’t it time we re-evaluated our time management and our focus? Isn’t it time we started to work on setting a good example for others and left the justice to the One who truly is in control? Isn’t it time for dancing and shouting about the Good News of Jesus Christ? Are you ready to celebrate and tell others about Team Jesus?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet!
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.
When the Arkansas Razorbacks are doing well (and sometimes when they are not), fans often greet each other with such comments as “How ‘bout those Hawgs!” We want to talk about our team! And when they are performing well, it seems as if we have to tell everyone we see. “Did you see the game? Wasn’t So-and-So amazing? How did you like such-and-such play? What did you think about the coach’s comments afterward? Do you think we’ll go to a bowl game?” We can’t keep it quiet!
I’ve said it before, but I find it amazing we can get so revved up over a group of people tossing around a ball, but we can’t seem to muster the same enthusiasm over the God of the Universe! Our priorities are definitely out of whack!
I’ve been reading some interesting commentaries lately on setting a Christian example, and one of the points that hit home with me was that we are to be so busy setting a good example for others that we have no time to criticize, judge or correct them. We have no time for negativity if we are truly striving to set the best possible example of living for Christ. We don’t have time to argue, fuss, worry and belittle if we are busy praising God and dancing with delight over His amazing grace and mercy.
What are you talking about these days? What’s on your lips and in your thoughts? Is your focus on Jesus and all that He has done for you? Or are you preoccupied with things of this world, the shortcomings of others, and behaving selfishly? Isn’t it time we re-evaluated our time management and our focus? Isn’t it time we started to work on setting a good example for others and left the justice to the One who truly is in control? Isn’t it time for dancing and shouting about the Good News of Jesus Christ? Are you ready to celebrate and tell others about Team Jesus?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 4, 2010
Proverbs 13:20
Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is an old adage that says something like, “You are known by the company you keep.” In other words, people will judge you based on your friends and acquaintances. Does this mean you don’t want to be seen in the company of those who are sick, needy, homeless or helpless? Absolutely not! Does this mean you can’t hang out with unchurched people or un-believers and minister to them? No way!
But if you are continually running with a crowd of people who have a reputation for drinking, drug use, and illegal or illicit behavior, you are going to be lumped with them in the eyes of many. If you are constantly in the company of adults who are blatantly vocal about social issues, politics or gossip, you may be considered “one of them.” If you go to local sporting events and sit with a group of parents and other adults who continually berate the referees and coaches over every single play and call, people will assume that you are on board with this… if not an active participant.
If you are known to be friends with people who have a reputation for being disciples of Christ and always speaking kindly and fairly, with a loving voice and heart for others, you will probably be thought of in much the same way. Call it “guilt by association” in a good way.
Does who you spend time with ensure that you will behave in a certain manner? Not necessarily… but it is a fairly good gauge. And distancing yourself from people you truly like who are behaving and speaking in a manner that belies your faith and your values can be very hard… but it has to be done.
This is why some have talked lately about cleaning up their “friends” on Facebook – and I’ve done this myself. If someone is making statements and claims that you feel do not line up with God’s instruction… or they are behaving in ways you know are improper or unkind at best – and immoral or illegal in the worst cases – you have no choice but to walk away.
I know these are hard choices. We don’t want to appear to be unkind. We don’t want these people to think we are judging them (even if we are) or that we feel we are superior in any way. But part of following Jesus – being His disciple – is setting ourselves apart from the mainstream. This doesn’t mean stepping away to stick out like a sore thumb and make a scene. Rather, we are to follow the example of Jesus and quietly go about sharing His message of salvation and operating in love, grace and mercy… imitating Him at every turn.
We have a choice, albeit a hard one sometimes… we can choose to follow Jesus and choose to associate with people who operate within His framework and according to His will... or we can hang out with those who are foolish enough to think they can do things their own way and “write the rules” themselves. And our decision does matter!
How are you choosing these days? Are you willing to make necessary changes and hard decisions? Are you willing to ask God to give you the wisdom and will power to move closer to Him and adjust your circle of friends and acquaintances accordingly? Are you really ready to be His disciple 100% of the time?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is an old adage that says something like, “You are known by the company you keep.” In other words, people will judge you based on your friends and acquaintances. Does this mean you don’t want to be seen in the company of those who are sick, needy, homeless or helpless? Absolutely not! Does this mean you can’t hang out with unchurched people or un-believers and minister to them? No way!
But if you are continually running with a crowd of people who have a reputation for drinking, drug use, and illegal or illicit behavior, you are going to be lumped with them in the eyes of many. If you are constantly in the company of adults who are blatantly vocal about social issues, politics or gossip, you may be considered “one of them.” If you go to local sporting events and sit with a group of parents and other adults who continually berate the referees and coaches over every single play and call, people will assume that you are on board with this… if not an active participant.
If you are known to be friends with people who have a reputation for being disciples of Christ and always speaking kindly and fairly, with a loving voice and heart for others, you will probably be thought of in much the same way. Call it “guilt by association” in a good way.
Does who you spend time with ensure that you will behave in a certain manner? Not necessarily… but it is a fairly good gauge. And distancing yourself from people you truly like who are behaving and speaking in a manner that belies your faith and your values can be very hard… but it has to be done.
This is why some have talked lately about cleaning up their “friends” on Facebook – and I’ve done this myself. If someone is making statements and claims that you feel do not line up with God’s instruction… or they are behaving in ways you know are improper or unkind at best – and immoral or illegal in the worst cases – you have no choice but to walk away.
I know these are hard choices. We don’t want to appear to be unkind. We don’t want these people to think we are judging them (even if we are) or that we feel we are superior in any way. But part of following Jesus – being His disciple – is setting ourselves apart from the mainstream. This doesn’t mean stepping away to stick out like a sore thumb and make a scene. Rather, we are to follow the example of Jesus and quietly go about sharing His message of salvation and operating in love, grace and mercy… imitating Him at every turn.
We have a choice, albeit a hard one sometimes… we can choose to follow Jesus and choose to associate with people who operate within His framework and according to His will... or we can hang out with those who are foolish enough to think they can do things their own way and “write the rules” themselves. And our decision does matter!
How are you choosing these days? Are you willing to make necessary changes and hard decisions? Are you willing to ask God to give you the wisdom and will power to move closer to Him and adjust your circle of friends and acquaintances accordingly? Are you really ready to be His disciple 100% of the time?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)