Proverbs 3:1-4
My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
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.
It’s happened. The heads of the Kardashian family… Kris and Bruce Jenner… are separating. Every news reporter is sharing this information, and while it is sad anytime a marriage suffers…we as a people are far too interested in this particular one.
On ABC’s The View, host Sherri Shepherd confessed to having an obsession with anything “Kardashian.” She explained that she fantasizes about what it would be like to live their lifestyle… to have their fame and fortune. She knows better. But what too many of us fail to recognize is how often celebrities lead hollow, empty lives. Their focus is in the wrong place. Lest I sound judgmental, I will be the first to admit that I do not truly know what is in their hearts. But I have seen the shows… I know how the Kardashians treat each other (at least on camera) – and what appears to be important to them. In my opinion, their primary focus is not keeping God’s commands in their hearts and operating daily with loyalty and kindness. Even amongst themselves, there is plenty of friction, tension, and personal disregard for the other’s feelings. And we won’t even talk about their reputations!
I’m sure there are some Godly, loyal, kind celebrities. But we don’t hear a lot about them, do we? And these are not who many of us select as a standard to which we aspire. We can choose to model our lives after the seemingly attractive and desirable existence of Celebrity A, B, or C. We can run after things that appear to satisfy and delight… money, attractiveness, fame and “success”. Or we can focus on God and keeping His commandments… operating in love, loyalty and kindness…and we can build a reputation for TRUE success and satisfaction. Give me a simple, humble servant of God over a Kardashian (or any other celeb, for that matter) any day of the week!
What about you? Are you seeking the everlasting favor of God… or is your standing among your peers more important? Who is the bigger celebrity to you… a Kardashian, or the person who spoons out food at your local soup kitchen on Saturday night? What is truly important to you… and how are you going about obtaining it?
Don’t laugh when I tell you that we should be praying for the Kardashians and people like them. But we should also be asking God to reveal to us any areas in which our own hearts and desires might not be lined up with His. We should be asking God to create in us a sense of genuineness and authenticity…in all things - to all people. If fame and fortune are His ordained “fringe benefits”… so be it. Either way, we will always be “rock stars” in God’s eyes. And isn’t that what it’s all about?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label keeping Gods commands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label keeping Gods commands. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 22, 2013
Jude 1:3-4
Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
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.
Over the weekend, Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, for disorderly conduct. Witherspoon’s husband, Jim Toth, was stopped for driving erratically, given a field sobriety test, and subsequently booked on DUI charges. Witherspoon would not stay in the car, as instructed by the police officer. She reportedly asked him, “Do you know my name? You are about to find out who I am!” Witherspoon has now apologized for her actions, saying in part… “I do want to say, I clearly had one drink too many, and I am deeply embarrassed about the things I said. It was definitely a scary situation and I was frightened for my husband, but that is no excuse. I was disrespectful to the officer who was just doing his job. I have nothing but respect for the police, and I'm very sorry for my behavior.”
We may not have been arrested for disorderly conduct or DUI, but we are all guilty of claiming entitlement at one time or another. Because of our accomplishments, our position, or our pedigree, we decide that our words and actions are above reproach. The other guy simply “has no idea who he/she is dealing with!” We shouldn’t have to wait in line, abide by certain rules or laws that were clearly created for “the other guy.” The concert tickets may have said “no cameras,” but this didn’t mean we couldn’t snap one picture with our phone! The city-wide alert may have said, “Everyone stay in your homes and lock your doors,” but one little peak outside won’t hurt! Curfews are for someone else... speed limits aren’t for “good drivers” like us… and it is understood that the sign on the door that said, “Don’t enter if you have flu-like symptoms” implies that “if you’re sick, but your family member is housed here, this doesn’t apply to you!”
Moreover, because you gave your heart to Jesus when you were twelve, you are “covered” forever. You are now free to do as you please without concern for repercussions. If anyone checks you on this, you can ask them, “Do you know my name? I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ!” Of course, you realize I am being facetious! Just as claiming to be an Academy-Award-winning actress does not allow you to be disorderly and disrespectful to a police officer, being a born-again Christian does not entitle you to live as you please for the rest of your time on earth!
Jesus made an incredible sacrifice for us on the cross… one that entitles all who accept the gift of salvation to spend Eternity with Him in heaven. But too many of us forget what came after the cross! In essence, Jesus said, “I did this for you… now here’s what you need to do for Me in return.” He doesn’t ask much… just that we love Him with all our hearts, love others as we love ourselves, and spread His Good News with the world. Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus say, “I bought and paid for you on the cross… now go do as you please!”
I know you may be thinking that the Bible also doesn’t specifically say “Don’t drink and drive or exceed the speed limit… you are not entitled to special treatment… and the rules always apply to everyone.” But actually, it does. Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” He tells us to treat others as we would like to be treated. Jesus commands us to love Him with all our heart, mind, body and soul. If you “drill it down,” you would have to agree that being a born-again disciple of Christ entitles you to the Kingdom of heaven… but this does not put you above the rules and order of this earth!
I firmly believe that we who claim salvation through Jesus Christ are entitled… just not in the way you think! I believe that we have been freely given a Gift we cannot even comprehend, much less ever deserve. But with this endowment comes incredible responsibility. We must check our words and actions at all times and make sure they are 100% respectful to God. We must live in such a way that we truly can ask, “Do you know my name? I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ!” – not to excuse our behavior… but rather, because we are glorifying His name.
How are you doing these days? Are you claiming the name of Jesus as your “excuse” – or as your heritage? Do others know who – and Whose – you are… for all the right reasons?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
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.
Over the weekend, Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, for disorderly conduct. Witherspoon’s husband, Jim Toth, was stopped for driving erratically, given a field sobriety test, and subsequently booked on DUI charges. Witherspoon would not stay in the car, as instructed by the police officer. She reportedly asked him, “Do you know my name? You are about to find out who I am!” Witherspoon has now apologized for her actions, saying in part… “I do want to say, I clearly had one drink too many, and I am deeply embarrassed about the things I said. It was definitely a scary situation and I was frightened for my husband, but that is no excuse. I was disrespectful to the officer who was just doing his job. I have nothing but respect for the police, and I'm very sorry for my behavior.”
We may not have been arrested for disorderly conduct or DUI, but we are all guilty of claiming entitlement at one time or another. Because of our accomplishments, our position, or our pedigree, we decide that our words and actions are above reproach. The other guy simply “has no idea who he/she is dealing with!” We shouldn’t have to wait in line, abide by certain rules or laws that were clearly created for “the other guy.” The concert tickets may have said “no cameras,” but this didn’t mean we couldn’t snap one picture with our phone! The city-wide alert may have said, “Everyone stay in your homes and lock your doors,” but one little peak outside won’t hurt! Curfews are for someone else... speed limits aren’t for “good drivers” like us… and it is understood that the sign on the door that said, “Don’t enter if you have flu-like symptoms” implies that “if you’re sick, but your family member is housed here, this doesn’t apply to you!”
Moreover, because you gave your heart to Jesus when you were twelve, you are “covered” forever. You are now free to do as you please without concern for repercussions. If anyone checks you on this, you can ask them, “Do you know my name? I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ!” Of course, you realize I am being facetious! Just as claiming to be an Academy-Award-winning actress does not allow you to be disorderly and disrespectful to a police officer, being a born-again Christian does not entitle you to live as you please for the rest of your time on earth!
Jesus made an incredible sacrifice for us on the cross… one that entitles all who accept the gift of salvation to spend Eternity with Him in heaven. But too many of us forget what came after the cross! In essence, Jesus said, “I did this for you… now here’s what you need to do for Me in return.” He doesn’t ask much… just that we love Him with all our hearts, love others as we love ourselves, and spread His Good News with the world. Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus say, “I bought and paid for you on the cross… now go do as you please!”
I know you may be thinking that the Bible also doesn’t specifically say “Don’t drink and drive or exceed the speed limit… you are not entitled to special treatment… and the rules always apply to everyone.” But actually, it does. Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” He tells us to treat others as we would like to be treated. Jesus commands us to love Him with all our heart, mind, body and soul. If you “drill it down,” you would have to agree that being a born-again disciple of Christ entitles you to the Kingdom of heaven… but this does not put you above the rules and order of this earth!
I firmly believe that we who claim salvation through Jesus Christ are entitled… just not in the way you think! I believe that we have been freely given a Gift we cannot even comprehend, much less ever deserve. But with this endowment comes incredible responsibility. We must check our words and actions at all times and make sure they are 100% respectful to God. We must live in such a way that we truly can ask, “Do you know my name? I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ!” – not to excuse our behavior… but rather, because we are glorifying His name.
How are you doing these days? Are you claiming the name of Jesus as your “excuse” – or as your heritage? Do others know who – and Whose – you are… for all the right reasons?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 18, 2012
John 15:7-10
But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love.
I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you. If you obey me, I will keep loving you, just as my Father keeps loving me, because I have obeyed him.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Think about a time you were in an uncomfortable situation. Have you ever been to someone’s home…or to a party, place of business, or some other sort of function where you felt out of place or uneasy? It’s a miserable feeling! Now think of a place where you always feel comfortable… envision the home of your friend or family member where you instantly want to kick off your shoes and settle in… a cozy, warm, inviting place you love to visit.
Now think about your relationship with God. Does this make you feel comfortable… or do you start to squirm a bit and feel uneasy? When you imagine yourself communicating with God… worshipping Him…seeking comfort… do you immediately feel warm and welcomed – peaceful and at rest?
I am a huge “homebody.” I hear people tell me that they do not enjoy staying at home. I am totally the opposite. I am comfortable, productive and busy, calm and at rest when I am at home. When my grandmother was hospitalized for a week, I was there with her every day. I would turn into our driveway at night and exhale a huge sigh of relief. Just the sight of our house made me feel loved and at peace.
You know the feeling when you kick off your “good clothes” and get into your comfortable sweats or pjs? That’s how it feels to be intimately at home in God’s love. This doesn’t mean you can get lazy and complacent in your faith… that you can expect God to listen and act upon your requests and meet all of your needs. That would be like me never leaving the house and expecting groceries to magically appear in our pantry and refrigerator! There is work to do… and effort must be put forth on our part. But we can do all things with the confidence that God is with us. He is our Safe Haven of comfort and rest. As long as we stay close to Him and operate within His will, we will feel at home in His presence.
Where is “home” for you these days? Are you comfortable in God’s presence - and with your “Spiritual self?” Have you wandered away and forgotten where you live? Isn’t it time to “turn into the driveway” and make yourself at home in God’s love? C’mon! Kick off your shoes and stay awhile. Operate in God’s commands - and settle in with His love and care.
©2012 Debbie Robus
But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love.
I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you. If you obey me, I will keep loving you, just as my Father keeps loving me, because I have obeyed him.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Think about a time you were in an uncomfortable situation. Have you ever been to someone’s home…or to a party, place of business, or some other sort of function where you felt out of place or uneasy? It’s a miserable feeling! Now think of a place where you always feel comfortable… envision the home of your friend or family member where you instantly want to kick off your shoes and settle in… a cozy, warm, inviting place you love to visit.
Now think about your relationship with God. Does this make you feel comfortable… or do you start to squirm a bit and feel uneasy? When you imagine yourself communicating with God… worshipping Him…seeking comfort… do you immediately feel warm and welcomed – peaceful and at rest?
I am a huge “homebody.” I hear people tell me that they do not enjoy staying at home. I am totally the opposite. I am comfortable, productive and busy, calm and at rest when I am at home. When my grandmother was hospitalized for a week, I was there with her every day. I would turn into our driveway at night and exhale a huge sigh of relief. Just the sight of our house made me feel loved and at peace.
You know the feeling when you kick off your “good clothes” and get into your comfortable sweats or pjs? That’s how it feels to be intimately at home in God’s love. This doesn’t mean you can get lazy and complacent in your faith… that you can expect God to listen and act upon your requests and meet all of your needs. That would be like me never leaving the house and expecting groceries to magically appear in our pantry and refrigerator! There is work to do… and effort must be put forth on our part. But we can do all things with the confidence that God is with us. He is our Safe Haven of comfort and rest. As long as we stay close to Him and operate within His will, we will feel at home in His presence.
Where is “home” for you these days? Are you comfortable in God’s presence - and with your “Spiritual self?” Have you wandered away and forgotten where you live? Isn’t it time to “turn into the driveway” and make yourself at home in God’s love? C’mon! Kick off your shoes and stay awhile. Operate in God’s commands - and settle in with His love and care.
©2012 Debbie Robus
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