John 21:1-14
Jesus later appeared to his
disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias. Simon Peter, Thomas the
Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John,
were there, together with two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m
going fishing!”
The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn’t catch a thing that night.
Early
the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not
realize who he was. Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?”
“No!” they answered.
So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.”
They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
Jesus'
favorite disciple told Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon heard that it
was the Lord, he put on the clothes that he had taken off while he was
working. Then he jumped into the water. The boat was only about a
hundred yards from shore. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and
dragged in the net full of fish.
When the disciples got out of
the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. Jesus
told his disciples, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” Simon
Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were
one hundred fifty-three large fish, but still the net did not rip.
Jesus
said, “Come and eat!” But none of the disciples dared ask who he was.
They knew he was the Lord. Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave
some of it to his disciples. He did the same with the fish. This was the
third time that Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised
from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This
morning, I got an e-mail from a dear friend who has always been
something of a “big sister” influence. She wanted to let me know that
she was thinking of me. Having lost her own mother a few years ago, she
said she knew that this was probably about the time that reality was
beginning to set in that Mother is truly gone…and I might need a little
note from someone who understood. I responded to her that God always
knows what – and WHO – I need at just the right time…and today, she was
that person!
Now I don’t mean to imply that this “sister” is God.
But I do believe that Jesus sometimes comes to us through various
people and situations. Do we recognize Him? Are we attuned enough to
know that He sent this person – or that word for us? I don’t believe
there are coincidences. I believe that everything is orchestrated by
God…which is why fisherman could fish for a whole night and catch
nothing – and then set their nets on the other side of the boat and drag
153 large fish to shore, where Someone was waiting to cook a few of
them for breakfast.
How deep is our faith? Do we trust God – and
know Him well enough – to believe that He is involved in every aspect
of our lives…even to the point of prompting a friend to send an e-mail
message of encouragement on a specific day? Do we really “see” Jesus
and live with confidence that He is in complete control…that He can –
and will – meet our every need when we call on Him? Will this be the
day that you “step out of the boat and wade to shore to share a meal
with the Lord?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label letting others see Jesus in us. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letting others see Jesus in us. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 3, 2016
Ephesians 2:8-9
You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Look what I got!” Have you ever said this? Have you ever showed a gift to someone else and said, “Look what XYZ got me!” as if you had really done something special. In truth, you did nothing to merit this gift…someone presented it to you out of love and care. Still, we seem to act as if we really earned such a present!
I heard a sermon lately in which the pastor made a very good point about the crucifixion – and our relationship to it. He noted that during the beatings, the trials and “kangaroo court” that was conducted prior to Jesus' “conviction,” Jesus never spoke. Over and again, Jesus was asked who He really was…or why He didn’t save himself. And we find multiple notations in scripture where Jesus said nothing.
Then, when soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross…when His hands and feet were spiked to the wood, and He hung there for all to see…He asked God to “forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” The pastor pointed out that many – perhaps including you and I – have internalized this to mean that we must forgive others for how they treat us. And in doing so…we have effectively elevated ourselves to a position on the cross - right along with Jesus.
This is absolutely not the case! We could never do what Jesus did…suffer the physical blows that He was dealt…endure His torture and agony – much less ask God to forgive those who did these horrific things to us. In truth, WE are the Roman soldiers, just as much as the men who stood there and drove the nails or flung the whip.
So this amazing, incredible, indescribable gift of salvation for ALL of our sins is completely that – a GIFT! We did nothing to earn it. There is no way we can repay Jesus for it. He gave freely, from His heart…because He cared. So we have no business telling others, “Look what I’ve got!” or “See what I’ve done!” – because we have not done a single thing. It’s all Jesus. I am reminded of a phrase that the late actor Walter Brennan made famous on a TV western in the 60s…”The Guns of Will Sonnet.” Brennan’s character, an old army scout, liked to tell people that he could draw his gun faster than his son. He would qualify this statement by saying…”No brag – just fact!”
In this case, we would have to say, “No brag…just JESUS!” The FACT is that Jesus died for our sins and saved us - and we are called to live in humble gratitude …to honor Him with our servanthood and obedience. We are to let others know that Jesus will extend this same gift to anyone who will surrender to Him and accept His offer. We must live in such a way that others see the gift we have been given – and want in on it for themselves. “No brag…just JESUS!” He deserves all of the credit for our salvation and redemption. Have you been giving Him all that is due?
©2016 Debbie Robus
You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Look what I got!” Have you ever said this? Have you ever showed a gift to someone else and said, “Look what XYZ got me!” as if you had really done something special. In truth, you did nothing to merit this gift…someone presented it to you out of love and care. Still, we seem to act as if we really earned such a present!
I heard a sermon lately in which the pastor made a very good point about the crucifixion – and our relationship to it. He noted that during the beatings, the trials and “kangaroo court” that was conducted prior to Jesus' “conviction,” Jesus never spoke. Over and again, Jesus was asked who He really was…or why He didn’t save himself. And we find multiple notations in scripture where Jesus said nothing.
Then, when soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross…when His hands and feet were spiked to the wood, and He hung there for all to see…He asked God to “forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” The pastor pointed out that many – perhaps including you and I – have internalized this to mean that we must forgive others for how they treat us. And in doing so…we have effectively elevated ourselves to a position on the cross - right along with Jesus.
This is absolutely not the case! We could never do what Jesus did…suffer the physical blows that He was dealt…endure His torture and agony – much less ask God to forgive those who did these horrific things to us. In truth, WE are the Roman soldiers, just as much as the men who stood there and drove the nails or flung the whip.
So this amazing, incredible, indescribable gift of salvation for ALL of our sins is completely that – a GIFT! We did nothing to earn it. There is no way we can repay Jesus for it. He gave freely, from His heart…because He cared. So we have no business telling others, “Look what I’ve got!” or “See what I’ve done!” – because we have not done a single thing. It’s all Jesus. I am reminded of a phrase that the late actor Walter Brennan made famous on a TV western in the 60s…”The Guns of Will Sonnet.” Brennan’s character, an old army scout, liked to tell people that he could draw his gun faster than his son. He would qualify this statement by saying…”No brag – just fact!”
In this case, we would have to say, “No brag…just JESUS!” The FACT is that Jesus died for our sins and saved us - and we are called to live in humble gratitude …to honor Him with our servanthood and obedience. We are to let others know that Jesus will extend this same gift to anyone who will surrender to Him and accept His offer. We must live in such a way that others see the gift we have been given – and want in on it for themselves. “No brag…just JESUS!” He deserves all of the credit for our salvation and redemption. Have you been giving Him all that is due?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 29, 2016
1 Corinthians 2:14
But the man who isn’t a Christian can’t understand and can’t accept these thoughts from God, which the Holy Spirit teaches us. They sound foolish to him because only those who have the Holy Spirit within them can understand what the Holy Spirit means. Others just can’t take it in.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Have you ever had a change in plans that turned out to be a real “blessing in disguise?” Has someone ever quite shown up – literally or symbolically – in your life at just the right time? How many times have you wondered, “How did that happen?” or “How did he/she know what I needed?”
We all have these experiences. And for some of us, they truly are a mystery. But for those of us who are attuned to the Holy Spirit, we know better! The more I get to know God and understand how He works in my life, the more often I recognize when His Holy Spirit shows up – and frequently shows out!
Every day, God orchestrates the events of our lives. Just recently, I have noticed how many times I start to work on a devotional and a particular scripture passage…and that very concept will be the theme of my passage from a devotional book…or someone will mention a scripture on Facebook, and it dovetails neatly with what I have just read/written! There are days when I know that God is completely guiding me to write in a certain direction…and days when I feel the Holy Spirit leading me down a totally different path.
For a long time, I was like many people...somewhat awed – and at times even rattled - by how things just seemed to “happen.” Now I know better. And yes, there are times that I say to someone, “The Holy Spirit did that!” – and they look at me like I am from Mars. But I know His voice…and I hope that by sharing this, they will come to know it, too! I want others to think of the Holy Spirit as a friend and comforter…not some ghostly apparition that is meant to scare and intimidate us! When I was a child, most adults referred to “the Holy Ghost”…and I didn’t have a clue who or what that was! Now I know…and I am so glad!
I want others to understand how the Holy Spirit can work in our lives. I am learning to rest in His daily “steering” of me in the right direction…and I want others to do the same. So I am glad to point out when the Holy Spirit orchestrates events in my life and creates a far better situation than I ever could. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
But the man who isn’t a Christian can’t understand and can’t accept these thoughts from God, which the Holy Spirit teaches us. They sound foolish to him because only those who have the Holy Spirit within them can understand what the Holy Spirit means. Others just can’t take it in.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Have you ever had a change in plans that turned out to be a real “blessing in disguise?” Has someone ever quite shown up – literally or symbolically – in your life at just the right time? How many times have you wondered, “How did that happen?” or “How did he/she know what I needed?”
We all have these experiences. And for some of us, they truly are a mystery. But for those of us who are attuned to the Holy Spirit, we know better! The more I get to know God and understand how He works in my life, the more often I recognize when His Holy Spirit shows up – and frequently shows out!
Every day, God orchestrates the events of our lives. Just recently, I have noticed how many times I start to work on a devotional and a particular scripture passage…and that very concept will be the theme of my passage from a devotional book…or someone will mention a scripture on Facebook, and it dovetails neatly with what I have just read/written! There are days when I know that God is completely guiding me to write in a certain direction…and days when I feel the Holy Spirit leading me down a totally different path.
For a long time, I was like many people...somewhat awed – and at times even rattled - by how things just seemed to “happen.” Now I know better. And yes, there are times that I say to someone, “The Holy Spirit did that!” – and they look at me like I am from Mars. But I know His voice…and I hope that by sharing this, they will come to know it, too! I want others to think of the Holy Spirit as a friend and comforter…not some ghostly apparition that is meant to scare and intimidate us! When I was a child, most adults referred to “the Holy Ghost”…and I didn’t have a clue who or what that was! Now I know…and I am so glad!
I want others to understand how the Holy Spirit can work in our lives. I am learning to rest in His daily “steering” of me in the right direction…and I want others to do the same. So I am glad to point out when the Holy Spirit orchestrates events in my life and creates a far better situation than I ever could. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 28, 2016
1 Corinthians 2:10-13
The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you’re thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he’s thinking, but he lets us in on it.
God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
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.
Regretfully, I have been unable to find a hand-written copy of my mother’s signature Chicken Pie recipe. Mother served this dish at virtually every family dinner…particularly in the last few years. I know it took her a couple of days to create, because she would boil a chicken one day, debone it the next, then skim the broth and add peas and carrots and seasonings to make the filling. Then she topped this with homemade biscuits. Just last fall, I told her, “I do not have a copy of your Chicken Pie recipe.” She replied, “Well, I’ll have to see what I can do about that!” Things deteriorated quickly, and she never got this done.
One of Mother’s lifelong friends has graciously shared HER recipe, which is similar, but not quite the same. One of my “other mothers” and I have discussed the dish and tried to figure out how to improvise and come close to the original. In the end, I will probably have to do some “trial and error” runs and hope that my mother speaks to me from heaven and guides my efforts.
The beautiful thing about our relationship with God is that we don’t have to guess and wonder. There is no such thing as “trial and error.” As we read in this passage, all we have to do is stay attuned to the word and will of God…to communicate with the Holy Spirit and genuinely seek His guidance…and He will give it to us. The more you learn to focus on Jesus and listen for His Holy Spirit, the easier it becomes to know that you know that you know that He is guiding you. And just like when we recreate an unwritten recipe, we can demonstrate to others how to operate in this confidence in Jesus and the Holy Spirit, also.
I used to ask my Mam-ma Polly for recipes, and she would say, “Sugar, I just need to show you.” Because I knew I would not necessarily remember all that she told me, I did coax her to write down a lot of the recipes that she demonstrated to me. And we do have a written “back-up” of Jesus’ commands and teachings to share with others in the Holy Bible. But God wants us to live in such a way that we physically illustrate to others what it means to operate fully in His will…to listen for Jesus speaking through His Holy Spirit…and to confidently act on His wishes.
I’ll do my best to reconstruct the chicken pie, because when we eat it, my family and I will remember my mother and how much love she poured into it. And I will do my best to operate in the will of Jesus as He speaks to me via the Holy Spirit, so that I can share His love for us with those in my circle of influence. If we all do this, imagine what we could accomplish for God’s Kingdom! What do you say…are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you’re thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he’s thinking, but he lets us in on it.
God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.
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.
Regretfully, I have been unable to find a hand-written copy of my mother’s signature Chicken Pie recipe. Mother served this dish at virtually every family dinner…particularly in the last few years. I know it took her a couple of days to create, because she would boil a chicken one day, debone it the next, then skim the broth and add peas and carrots and seasonings to make the filling. Then she topped this with homemade biscuits. Just last fall, I told her, “I do not have a copy of your Chicken Pie recipe.” She replied, “Well, I’ll have to see what I can do about that!” Things deteriorated quickly, and she never got this done.
One of Mother’s lifelong friends has graciously shared HER recipe, which is similar, but not quite the same. One of my “other mothers” and I have discussed the dish and tried to figure out how to improvise and come close to the original. In the end, I will probably have to do some “trial and error” runs and hope that my mother speaks to me from heaven and guides my efforts.
The beautiful thing about our relationship with God is that we don’t have to guess and wonder. There is no such thing as “trial and error.” As we read in this passage, all we have to do is stay attuned to the word and will of God…to communicate with the Holy Spirit and genuinely seek His guidance…and He will give it to us. The more you learn to focus on Jesus and listen for His Holy Spirit, the easier it becomes to know that you know that you know that He is guiding you. And just like when we recreate an unwritten recipe, we can demonstrate to others how to operate in this confidence in Jesus and the Holy Spirit, also.
I used to ask my Mam-ma Polly for recipes, and she would say, “Sugar, I just need to show you.” Because I knew I would not necessarily remember all that she told me, I did coax her to write down a lot of the recipes that she demonstrated to me. And we do have a written “back-up” of Jesus’ commands and teachings to share with others in the Holy Bible. But God wants us to live in such a way that we physically illustrate to others what it means to operate fully in His will…to listen for Jesus speaking through His Holy Spirit…and to confidently act on His wishes.
I’ll do my best to reconstruct the chicken pie, because when we eat it, my family and I will remember my mother and how much love she poured into it. And I will do my best to operate in the will of Jesus as He speaks to me via the Holy Spirit, so that I can share His love for us with those in my circle of influence. If we all do this, imagine what we could accomplish for God’s Kingdom! What do you say…are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 2, 2016
Psalm 67:1-7
Our God, be kind and bless us!
Be pleased and smile.
Then everyone on earth
will learn to follow you,
and all nations will see
your power to save us.
Make everyone praise you
and shout your praises.
Let the nations celebrate
with joyful songs,
because you judge fairly
and guide all nations.
Make everyone praise you
and shout your praises.
Our God has blessed the earth
with a wonderful harvest!
Pray for his blessings
to continue
and for everyone on earth
to worship our God.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It has been four weeks this morning since my mother left for heaven. My mother and I did not physically see each other all that often – even though we lived in the same town. Mother traveled a lot…and when she was home, she was busy with writing projects and I was busy with little ones. So we used the telephone and e-mail messages to keep in touch.
One of the frequent topics of conversation between us was politics and the state of the world. And one of the things that drove my mother nuts was when people would speak with an “exclusive” attitude. In other words, when people railed against those who practiced other religions…those of other races…and those who discriminated against people who were different from them – in any way…she bristled and was deeply grieved by these words and actions.
As I read this passage, I thought of our conversations…and how Mother and I both shared the desire that EVERYONE would come to know Jesus. But a lot of us are doing everything in our power to ensure that this doesn’t happen. How? By acting superior…ramming our Christian faith down the throats of others…declaring in words and actions that it is “God’s way or the highway” (translation…OUR way). We really aren’t seeking HIS will…we just want everyone to agree with US!
Go back and CAREFULLY read this passage again. Learn from the psalmist…be kind and smile…bless others and give them a reason to want to follow our Jesus. Operate in with an attitude of gratitude…with joy and a continual declaration of the blessings of God in your own life. Demonstrate how God meets your every need – in everything from the joy of your happiest days to the depths of your most profound grief and loss. Judge fairly – or better yet, don’t judge at all. Be a walking example of life in Christ that makes others say, “I want what he/she has!”
The world is filled with so much hatred…but if you read scripture, this is nothing new, either! We seem to be poor, slow learners, when it comes to Christian discipleship and “how to win friends and influence people!” But we can change this! We can start today to operate in the words of this Psalm…to praise God and show our gratitude for His blessings…to demonstrate to the world at large how powerful His presence is in our lives…how He makes EVERYTHING better. We can give them something to seek - JESUS, living in and through us.
My mother was not perfect. None of us are. But over and again during her last days, people spoke of Mother’s kindness and encouragement…and her steadfast Christian faith. She demonstrated the blessings of Jesus to others…and they noticed. Can the same be said of you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Our God, be kind and bless us!
Be pleased and smile.
Then everyone on earth
will learn to follow you,
and all nations will see
your power to save us.
Make everyone praise you
and shout your praises.
Let the nations celebrate
with joyful songs,
because you judge fairly
and guide all nations.
Make everyone praise you
and shout your praises.
Our God has blessed the earth
with a wonderful harvest!
Pray for his blessings
to continue
and for everyone on earth
to worship our God.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It has been four weeks this morning since my mother left for heaven. My mother and I did not physically see each other all that often – even though we lived in the same town. Mother traveled a lot…and when she was home, she was busy with writing projects and I was busy with little ones. So we used the telephone and e-mail messages to keep in touch.
One of the frequent topics of conversation between us was politics and the state of the world. And one of the things that drove my mother nuts was when people would speak with an “exclusive” attitude. In other words, when people railed against those who practiced other religions…those of other races…and those who discriminated against people who were different from them – in any way…she bristled and was deeply grieved by these words and actions.
As I read this passage, I thought of our conversations…and how Mother and I both shared the desire that EVERYONE would come to know Jesus. But a lot of us are doing everything in our power to ensure that this doesn’t happen. How? By acting superior…ramming our Christian faith down the throats of others…declaring in words and actions that it is “God’s way or the highway” (translation…OUR way). We really aren’t seeking HIS will…we just want everyone to agree with US!
Go back and CAREFULLY read this passage again. Learn from the psalmist…be kind and smile…bless others and give them a reason to want to follow our Jesus. Operate in with an attitude of gratitude…with joy and a continual declaration of the blessings of God in your own life. Demonstrate how God meets your every need – in everything from the joy of your happiest days to the depths of your most profound grief and loss. Judge fairly – or better yet, don’t judge at all. Be a walking example of life in Christ that makes others say, “I want what he/she has!”
The world is filled with so much hatred…but if you read scripture, this is nothing new, either! We seem to be poor, slow learners, when it comes to Christian discipleship and “how to win friends and influence people!” But we can change this! We can start today to operate in the words of this Psalm…to praise God and show our gratitude for His blessings…to demonstrate to the world at large how powerful His presence is in our lives…how He makes EVERYTHING better. We can give them something to seek - JESUS, living in and through us.
My mother was not perfect. None of us are. But over and again during her last days, people spoke of Mother’s kindness and encouragement…and her steadfast Christian faith. She demonstrated the blessings of Jesus to others…and they noticed. Can the same be said of you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 11, 2015
Galatians 2:19-21
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.
Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God’s grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In the early 1980s, actor/comedian Billy Crystal created a recurring character on NBC’s Saturday Night Live named Fernando. This was a parody of the real performer, Fernando Lamas…and the catchphrase was, “You look mahvelous!” It didn’t matter what anyone said or did, “Fernando” would say, “But you look mahvelous!” That’s what’s wrong with a lot of us as Christians…we’re so busy trying to “look mahvelous” that we have totally forgotten about following and serving God.
I love how Paul says that he quit being a “law man” so that he could be God’s man. Isn’t that exactly how we should be looking at this? Shouldn’t we be more focused on living the life of Christ rather than our own…doing the things that Jesus taught us, like loving one another, keeping the peace and getting along rather than insisting on our own way. Shouldn’t we be striving to stay pure in heart and mind - hungering for the word of God? What could happen if we lived our lives in such a way that others saw Jesus in us…rather than someone who was trying to impress or create a good image of themselves for the world?
We must ask ourselves…do we want to look like true disciples of Christ…or do we merely care about looking “mahvelous?” As Paul points out, the latter indicates the opinion that there was no good reason for Christ’s death on the cross. And I just don’t buy that…do you? Are you following the rules…of society, the church, and your peers…or are you following God? How you answer makes all the difference!
©2015 Debbie Robus
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.
Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God’s grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In the early 1980s, actor/comedian Billy Crystal created a recurring character on NBC’s Saturday Night Live named Fernando. This was a parody of the real performer, Fernando Lamas…and the catchphrase was, “You look mahvelous!” It didn’t matter what anyone said or did, “Fernando” would say, “But you look mahvelous!” That’s what’s wrong with a lot of us as Christians…we’re so busy trying to “look mahvelous” that we have totally forgotten about following and serving God.
I love how Paul says that he quit being a “law man” so that he could be God’s man. Isn’t that exactly how we should be looking at this? Shouldn’t we be more focused on living the life of Christ rather than our own…doing the things that Jesus taught us, like loving one another, keeping the peace and getting along rather than insisting on our own way. Shouldn’t we be striving to stay pure in heart and mind - hungering for the word of God? What could happen if we lived our lives in such a way that others saw Jesus in us…rather than someone who was trying to impress or create a good image of themselves for the world?
We must ask ourselves…do we want to look like true disciples of Christ…or do we merely care about looking “mahvelous?” As Paul points out, the latter indicates the opinion that there was no good reason for Christ’s death on the cross. And I just don’t buy that…do you? Are you following the rules…of society, the church, and your peers…or are you following God? How you answer makes all the difference!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 5, 2015
2 Timothy 1:7-10
God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
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.
A dear friend posted a photo on Facebook yesterday of two darling young children…a twin brother and sister who appeared to be sharing a secret. These children were her nephew and niece, who celebrated their 50th birthdays in June. In late August, my friend’s nephew suffered a heart attack and died. Shortly before Thanksgiving, his sister was diagnosed with cancer…and she joined him in heaven on February 3rd. My friend lost her own son almost 20 years ago when he was only 17. She told me… “I know how much it hurt to lose one...CAN.NOT.IMAGINE losing two [children] within 5 months!”
I know that others understand this grief, as well…my thoughts went immediately to the family of two sons in their 60s who died last year within six months of each other. I’ve seen the toll these losses took on their mother, father, sister and others. And I know that in both families, many must be asking where God could possibly be found amidst such heartache.
The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy from a prison cell, where he was no doubt subjected to countless indignities – if not outright torture. He reminds Timothy of the anguish of Jesus on our behalf and suggests that we must “take our share of the suffering” as His children. In other words, the world will be watching to see how we handle tragedy and heartache…and God will be right beside us to help us handle every minute of it. Paul does not discount how difficult or challenging this will be for us…but he does remind us that Jesus undergirds our efforts with Supernatural strength to “suffer” all things.
I am so proud of how my friends in both of these families are handling the tremendous grief and heartache that has befallen them. They have not turned their backs on God…they have embraced Him all the more as they seek His strength and comfort. I know that their demonstration of His power and presence has influenced countless onlookers - including me!
God never leaves us! He understands when we cry out to Him and ask for His help…when we admit that we are heartbroken and/or suffering. He hears our petitions…and He meets us wherever we happen to be at any particular moment. OUR JOB is to speak up…to demonstrate our faith and confidence in God’s power to handle all circumstances...and to recognize His presence in every situation.
Are you wondering where God is today? My guess is that He is standing right beside you – or holding you securely in His arms - ready to minister to your every need with perfection. Will this be the day that you give Him a chance to do so?
©2015 Debbie Robus
God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
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.
A dear friend posted a photo on Facebook yesterday of two darling young children…a twin brother and sister who appeared to be sharing a secret. These children were her nephew and niece, who celebrated their 50th birthdays in June. In late August, my friend’s nephew suffered a heart attack and died. Shortly before Thanksgiving, his sister was diagnosed with cancer…and she joined him in heaven on February 3rd. My friend lost her own son almost 20 years ago when he was only 17. She told me… “I know how much it hurt to lose one...CAN.NOT.IMAGINE losing two [children] within 5 months!”
I know that others understand this grief, as well…my thoughts went immediately to the family of two sons in their 60s who died last year within six months of each other. I’ve seen the toll these losses took on their mother, father, sister and others. And I know that in both families, many must be asking where God could possibly be found amidst such heartache.
The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy from a prison cell, where he was no doubt subjected to countless indignities – if not outright torture. He reminds Timothy of the anguish of Jesus on our behalf and suggests that we must “take our share of the suffering” as His children. In other words, the world will be watching to see how we handle tragedy and heartache…and God will be right beside us to help us handle every minute of it. Paul does not discount how difficult or challenging this will be for us…but he does remind us that Jesus undergirds our efforts with Supernatural strength to “suffer” all things.
I am so proud of how my friends in both of these families are handling the tremendous grief and heartache that has befallen them. They have not turned their backs on God…they have embraced Him all the more as they seek His strength and comfort. I know that their demonstration of His power and presence has influenced countless onlookers - including me!
God never leaves us! He understands when we cry out to Him and ask for His help…when we admit that we are heartbroken and/or suffering. He hears our petitions…and He meets us wherever we happen to be at any particular moment. OUR JOB is to speak up…to demonstrate our faith and confidence in God’s power to handle all circumstances...and to recognize His presence in every situation.
Are you wondering where God is today? My guess is that He is standing right beside you – or holding you securely in His arms - ready to minister to your every need with perfection. Will this be the day that you give Him a chance to do so?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 15, 2015
Luke 9:46-48
They started arguing over which of them would be most famous. When Jesus realized how much this mattered to them, he brought a child to his side. “Whoever accepts this child as if the child were me, accepts me,” he said. “And whoever accepts me, accepts the One who sent me. You become great by accepting, not asserting. Your spirit, not your size, makes the difference.”
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 learn so much from Timothy, Zola and Nathan. And one of the biggest “examples” they have given me so far is tolerance and acceptance. They don’t see size, color, ethnicity, economics and more. Don’t get me wrong…they notice others. But they notice in a way that we adults usually don’t. More than once, Timothy has remarked about someone’s beauty or attractiveness…or told the person, “I like your hairstyle or clothing (or some other physical accessory or attribute).” They wave and greet total strangers when we are in public. They have huge “spirits” in little bodies.
Whether I am “dressed to the nines” or in my pajamas with “bed hair” and no makeup…these children have never said one critical or unkind word about my appearance. They notice that I am present in their lives. They don’t care what I look like in a bathing suit…as long as we are swimming. They readily accept all of the children in their classrooms and play circles. They do not recognize differences in physical talent and ability.
Many years ago, I lay in a hospital bed awaiting surgery the next morning. In the bed beside me was a woman who was awaiting the same surgery. From our conversation, I gathered that she was neither well-educated…or financially stable. And she was frightened, so we talked quite a bit to try and pass the time and ease her anxiety. Lying in those beds in hospital-issued gowns, we were no different. We were two women preparing for the same surgery. I was struck by a profound sense of just how “equal” we were…and reminded that God didn’t care more about my outcome than hers – or vice versa. We were both important to Him, and I knew that He would guide our care in the same way.
My prayer for each of us would be that we strip away whatever causes us to discriminate…that we would see others as God sees them. When you see someone who looks, speaks or acts differently, remind yourself how much God loves them. When you start to get irritated because someone doesn’t see an issue in the same light as you, remember that Jesus died for their sins and offers them the same opportunity for salvation as He offers you. When you start to judge someone for their size, shape, appearance in any manner, lifestyle preference, economics, politics, opinions…ANYTHING…remember Jesus’ words…”You become great by accepting, not asserting. Your spirit, not your size, makes the difference.”
We need to “revert to our childhood”…and develop large, accepting hearts for Jesus and His children. I ask you…”How big is your spirit these days?”
©2015 Debbie Robus
They started arguing over which of them would be most famous. When Jesus realized how much this mattered to them, he brought a child to his side. “Whoever accepts this child as if the child were me, accepts me,” he said. “And whoever accepts me, accepts the One who sent me. You become great by accepting, not asserting. Your spirit, not your size, makes the difference.”
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 learn so much from Timothy, Zola and Nathan. And one of the biggest “examples” they have given me so far is tolerance and acceptance. They don’t see size, color, ethnicity, economics and more. Don’t get me wrong…they notice others. But they notice in a way that we adults usually don’t. More than once, Timothy has remarked about someone’s beauty or attractiveness…or told the person, “I like your hairstyle or clothing (or some other physical accessory or attribute).” They wave and greet total strangers when we are in public. They have huge “spirits” in little bodies.
Whether I am “dressed to the nines” or in my pajamas with “bed hair” and no makeup…these children have never said one critical or unkind word about my appearance. They notice that I am present in their lives. They don’t care what I look like in a bathing suit…as long as we are swimming. They readily accept all of the children in their classrooms and play circles. They do not recognize differences in physical talent and ability.
Many years ago, I lay in a hospital bed awaiting surgery the next morning. In the bed beside me was a woman who was awaiting the same surgery. From our conversation, I gathered that she was neither well-educated…or financially stable. And she was frightened, so we talked quite a bit to try and pass the time and ease her anxiety. Lying in those beds in hospital-issued gowns, we were no different. We were two women preparing for the same surgery. I was struck by a profound sense of just how “equal” we were…and reminded that God didn’t care more about my outcome than hers – or vice versa. We were both important to Him, and I knew that He would guide our care in the same way.
My prayer for each of us would be that we strip away whatever causes us to discriminate…that we would see others as God sees them. When you see someone who looks, speaks or acts differently, remind yourself how much God loves them. When you start to get irritated because someone doesn’t see an issue in the same light as you, remember that Jesus died for their sins and offers them the same opportunity for salvation as He offers you. When you start to judge someone for their size, shape, appearance in any manner, lifestyle preference, economics, politics, opinions…ANYTHING…remember Jesus’ words…”You become great by accepting, not asserting. Your spirit, not your size, makes the difference.”
We need to “revert to our childhood”…and develop large, accepting hearts for Jesus and His children. I ask you…”How big is your spirit these days?”
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 1, 2014
Romans 8:9-11
But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won’t know what we’re talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God’s terms.
It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am still in the process of reading/studying Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts**. Voskamp maintains that the core of our relationship with God begins with a heart of gratitude. In fact, she cites another author, Brennan Manning, who wrote Ruthless Truth: The Ragamuffin's Path to God**. Manning says that “The foremost quality of a trusting disciple is gratefulness.”
So when we think of God living and breathing in us and delivering us from a dead life of sin and all of its burdens and destructiveness, how can we be anything BUT grateful? The greatest gift we will ever receive is Salvation through the blood of Jesus. The best friend and companion we will ever have is the Holy Spirit. The most wonderful, generous, gracious, merciful, loving and forgiving Father we could ever ask for is God Almighty. We are blessed beyond measure! We are loved beyond description! We are rich beyond our wildest dreams! But are we grateful?
Do we fully embrace this tremendous blessing and gift? Are we filled with gratitude for all that God has done for us? Do we really live in a way that demonstrates that God lives and breathes in us and delivered us from a dead life? Are we truly thankful…and does it show? God’s abundant gift of New Life in Christ…His deliverance from the death of sin…His residence in our lives…is available to any and all who welcome Him. But here’s the thing…are we living in a way that makes others want this for themselves?
Do we demonstrate the life of a trusting disciple? Are we filled with gratitude and “life” so abundantly that others say, “I’ll have what he/she has!” in their own lives? Isn’t it time we did? What are you waiting for? What must happen in order for you to fully experience a heart of gratefulness and fully embrace all that God has for you? Will this be the day you begin to find out? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
**Ruthless Truth: The Ragamuffin's Path to God ~ ©2000 Brennan Manning ~ HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., New York, NY.
But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won’t know what we’re talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God’s terms.
It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am still in the process of reading/studying Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts**. Voskamp maintains that the core of our relationship with God begins with a heart of gratitude. In fact, she cites another author, Brennan Manning, who wrote Ruthless Truth: The Ragamuffin's Path to God**. Manning says that “The foremost quality of a trusting disciple is gratefulness.”
So when we think of God living and breathing in us and delivering us from a dead life of sin and all of its burdens and destructiveness, how can we be anything BUT grateful? The greatest gift we will ever receive is Salvation through the blood of Jesus. The best friend and companion we will ever have is the Holy Spirit. The most wonderful, generous, gracious, merciful, loving and forgiving Father we could ever ask for is God Almighty. We are blessed beyond measure! We are loved beyond description! We are rich beyond our wildest dreams! But are we grateful?
Do we fully embrace this tremendous blessing and gift? Are we filled with gratitude for all that God has done for us? Do we really live in a way that demonstrates that God lives and breathes in us and delivered us from a dead life? Are we truly thankful…and does it show? God’s abundant gift of New Life in Christ…His deliverance from the death of sin…His residence in our lives…is available to any and all who welcome Him. But here’s the thing…are we living in a way that makes others want this for themselves?
Do we demonstrate the life of a trusting disciple? Are we filled with gratitude and “life” so abundantly that others say, “I’ll have what he/she has!” in their own lives? Isn’t it time we did? What are you waiting for? What must happen in order for you to fully experience a heart of gratefulness and fully embrace all that God has for you? Will this be the day you begin to find out? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
**Ruthless Truth: The Ragamuffin's Path to God ~ ©2000 Brennan Manning ~ HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., New York, NY.
Daily Devotional for September 9, 2014
Romans 15:1-2
Even if we believe that it makes no difference to the Lord whether we do these things, still we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves; for we must bear the “burden” of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others—of those who feel these things are wrong. Let’s please the other fellow, not ourselves, and do what is for his good and thus build him up in the Lord.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
You’re watching a ballgame, and the referees make a terrible call – or at least YOU feel it is poor. Without a second thought, you react...you yell, scream, throw up your hands and gesture wildly. You never curse...you don’t make any obscene motions...but you do throw something of a “fit” over this decision. Some around you join in...they offer “high fives”...they agree with your sentiments and echo them. Others sit quietly and say nothing. They may agree with you...or not. But they do not make a public display of their anger and frustration.
In any crowd, there will be a mix of “seasoned” Christians, new Christians, and unbelievers. Many of these people know you that you call yourself a Christian...that you demonstrate several of the qualities and characteristics of a Disciple of Christ. Yet they wonder about your present actions and what they ultimately say about your faith.
Or let’s say you have a particular displeasure with a particular political candidate or office holder – or a certain group of people...and you eagerly share jokes, comments and cartoons about thems on social media. You enjoy “commiserating” with others who share your views at parties, around the water cooler or in the halls at school, or even in the aisles at Wal-Mart, school sporting events and even at church on Sunday! You don’t hide your feelings...just like you are generous with your posts and comments about your Christian faith and how much God loves us.
People are watching...and if you claim to be a Christian, others are scrutinizing your words and actions to see if they line up with what you declare – and what they read in the scriptures and hear from other believers. Many of those who see your posts about your faith peppered among unkind or derogatory comments about another person or group wonder whether you truly love others as God loves you. It’s not that you aren’t entitled to an opinion...or that what you have said is necessarily so bad (although sometimes, we have to admit that it is!). It’s more that you give others the wrong impression.
There’s nothing wrong with showing your spirit at sporting events...or disagreeing with a call, a coach, or the performance of a particular player. But when we “throw a fit” over it...there will be others who wonder about our peace and joy in Jesus. Christians don’t have to be stoic and unfeeling - little robots who never get agitated or voice an opinion. But if our actions and reactions cause another person to question whether we truly operate with grace and mercy, then we have failed in our witness.
Too often, we Christians operate with the attitude of “do as I say, not as I do.” It’s not that what we say and do is so wrong...that we are committing a sin and/or displeasing God. But if our words and actions cause another to question what is acceptable to God and what isn’t – or to doubt or be confused in any way about what it means to live as a Christian...then we have crossed the line.
Remember, God loves us. He wants us to be filled with joy...positive...and confident. He cares about everything we experience, say and do...but not necessarily in the way that you think. There are plenty of things we say and do that, by themselves, are harmless and don’t offend God in the least. But in a different context...when others are influenced by these things...they can have a totally different connotation. We need to make a habit of checking our words and actions...of asking ourselves, “How will others see this? Will it be pleasing to God and encouraging to them in their faith walk...or could it be misconstrued to weaken their faith – or even turn them away from a relationship with Jesus Christ?”
When we ask these tough questions, we may see that a lot of what we say and do needs to go! If we are serious about sharing the grace, mercy, love and forgiveness of Jesus with others, we need to be willing to check our words and actions. People ARE watching! When they look at you...what – and WHO – will they see?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Even if we believe that it makes no difference to the Lord whether we do these things, still we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves; for we must bear the “burden” of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others—of those who feel these things are wrong. Let’s please the other fellow, not ourselves, and do what is for his good and thus build him up in the Lord.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
You’re watching a ballgame, and the referees make a terrible call – or at least YOU feel it is poor. Without a second thought, you react...you yell, scream, throw up your hands and gesture wildly. You never curse...you don’t make any obscene motions...but you do throw something of a “fit” over this decision. Some around you join in...they offer “high fives”...they agree with your sentiments and echo them. Others sit quietly and say nothing. They may agree with you...or not. But they do not make a public display of their anger and frustration.
In any crowd, there will be a mix of “seasoned” Christians, new Christians, and unbelievers. Many of these people know you that you call yourself a Christian...that you demonstrate several of the qualities and characteristics of a Disciple of Christ. Yet they wonder about your present actions and what they ultimately say about your faith.
Or let’s say you have a particular displeasure with a particular political candidate or office holder – or a certain group of people...and you eagerly share jokes, comments and cartoons about thems on social media. You enjoy “commiserating” with others who share your views at parties, around the water cooler or in the halls at school, or even in the aisles at Wal-Mart, school sporting events and even at church on Sunday! You don’t hide your feelings...just like you are generous with your posts and comments about your Christian faith and how much God loves us.
People are watching...and if you claim to be a Christian, others are scrutinizing your words and actions to see if they line up with what you declare – and what they read in the scriptures and hear from other believers. Many of those who see your posts about your faith peppered among unkind or derogatory comments about another person or group wonder whether you truly love others as God loves you. It’s not that you aren’t entitled to an opinion...or that what you have said is necessarily so bad (although sometimes, we have to admit that it is!). It’s more that you give others the wrong impression.
There’s nothing wrong with showing your spirit at sporting events...or disagreeing with a call, a coach, or the performance of a particular player. But when we “throw a fit” over it...there will be others who wonder about our peace and joy in Jesus. Christians don’t have to be stoic and unfeeling - little robots who never get agitated or voice an opinion. But if our actions and reactions cause another person to question whether we truly operate with grace and mercy, then we have failed in our witness.
Too often, we Christians operate with the attitude of “do as I say, not as I do.” It’s not that what we say and do is so wrong...that we are committing a sin and/or displeasing God. But if our words and actions cause another to question what is acceptable to God and what isn’t – or to doubt or be confused in any way about what it means to live as a Christian...then we have crossed the line.
Remember, God loves us. He wants us to be filled with joy...positive...and confident. He cares about everything we experience, say and do...but not necessarily in the way that you think. There are plenty of things we say and do that, by themselves, are harmless and don’t offend God in the least. But in a different context...when others are influenced by these things...they can have a totally different connotation. We need to make a habit of checking our words and actions...of asking ourselves, “How will others see this? Will it be pleasing to God and encouraging to them in their faith walk...or could it be misconstrued to weaken their faith – or even turn them away from a relationship with Jesus Christ?”
When we ask these tough questions, we may see that a lot of what we say and do needs to go! If we are serious about sharing the grace, mercy, love and forgiveness of Jesus with others, we need to be willing to check our words and actions. People ARE watching! When they look at you...what – and WHO – will they see?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 12, 2014
Luke 15:24
This son of mine was dead, but has now come back to life. He was lost and has now been found.” And they began to celebrate.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Forty-six-year-old Lacey Wildd has undergone 35 plastic surgeries, including 12 breast augmentations that have enlarged her to a size LLL. Despite protests from her six children, she recently underwent surgery to remove fat from various places on her body – including her eyelids - and to inject four pounds of it into her backside. She will now have to sleep on a specially designed mattress with a “cut-out” to accommodate her enlargements. She also got a “nose job”. Wildd makes public appearances for a living and said she hopes to become an “extreme adult Barbie”.
After surgery, Wild’s daughter Tori, a college sophomore, tearfully said, “I just hope she can open her eyes.” Her 26-year-old son, Silas, stroked her hair and said, “You’ve really done it this time, Mom.” He told an interviewer, “We kinda have to suffer through the consequences with her.” Tori put her “battle” aside while her mom recuperates…but this woman’s antics are clearly taking a toll on the family. One wonders how many times her children will go with her to the surgeries (because she does plan to have even more!)…and how long they will continue to welcome her back into their lives as she persists to make herself look even more extreme and cartoon-like.
Do you ever have a day when you truly want to give up? Your friendship or relationship is in the pits, and you feel like it would be easier to throw up your hands, walk away and start over with new friends or another partner. Maybe someone in your life keeps doing things you feel are really crazy (like Lacey Wildd), and you wonder how much longer you can support them. Your kids/parents/grandparents are driving you nuts with their comments and antics, and you feel like you just can’t take it any longer. Perhaps you are like the man in this scripture passage whose brother wandered away and wasted his money (and potentially his very life) on “wild living”… you are fed up and disgusted – and maybe even done!
If you go back and start reading at Luke 15:11, you will see that the son realized his mistake and decided to go to his father and ask forgiveness. And when the father saw this long lost son coming toward him, he dropped everything and ran to him with open arms. He ordered the best calf to be killed for a feast, and he gave him new, clean clothes to wear. He told everyone that his son had returned…that it was time for a celebration.
Could you do this? If someone stole from you, hurt you deeply, or just went nuts and did things that were embarrassing and ridiculous – then came to you and humbly asked forgiveness - could you allow them back into your life? Could you forgive so readily and even throw them a party? Now let me ask this in a different way. Think about your own life and the mistakes you have made. What if you humbled yourself before God and asked for His forgiveness…and He refused you? What if God ignored your sincere apologies and vows to turn over a new leaf and do better? Can you even imagine it?
We take God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness for granted. We assume that God will always be there for us, no matter what! And honestly, as born-again believers in Jesus Christ, this is true. It doesn’t mean we should “test the waters” or take advantage of God’s love and kindness…but we do have the assurance that He will do this for us. So we have the confidence that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
But do we offer this same level of love, forgiveness, grace and mercy to others…and in doing so, do we demonstrate God’s unconditional love and care to others? Do we extend a welcoming hand…do we greet someone who is truly repentant with a hug and a kiss and celebrate their new beginning? Are we willing to put the past in the past and move forward? In this parable from Luke 15, you see that the older son actually protested all of the festivities. He pointed out to his father how he had done everything right…how he had been obedient and trustworthy…and no party had ever been given on his behalf.
Here’s my take on the point of his father’s response…God doesn’t give up on us, so we should not be so quick to give up on others. God doesn’t love those who are obedient and faithful any more…or any less. He does not take your loyalty and devotion for granted. He loves you and relishes His relationship with you. But God wants this same kind of relationship with your “brother” or “sister”, too. Each one of us is incredibly important to God. So when one of us “stinkers” comes back to Him, God is ready to open His arms, greet us with a hug, kiss and new beginning – and truly throw a party.
Let’s be real here…this is great news! On any given day, you or I could be the wild and crazy person… or the “stinker”. Let’s hope none of us goes off the deep end with plastic surgeries! The children of this woman will have a big challenge ahead of them as they figure out how to live with their mother’s appearance - and how to love and accept her in spite of it. But God can help them figure this out. And He can help us persevere and walk in love, grace, mercy and forgiveness toward others.
God can use us to reveal Himself to others…and even throw a party in their honor. Are you at a point in your relationship with Him where this is possible? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
This son of mine was dead, but has now come back to life. He was lost and has now been found.” And they began to celebrate.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Forty-six-year-old Lacey Wildd has undergone 35 plastic surgeries, including 12 breast augmentations that have enlarged her to a size LLL. Despite protests from her six children, she recently underwent surgery to remove fat from various places on her body – including her eyelids - and to inject four pounds of it into her backside. She will now have to sleep on a specially designed mattress with a “cut-out” to accommodate her enlargements. She also got a “nose job”. Wildd makes public appearances for a living and said she hopes to become an “extreme adult Barbie”.
After surgery, Wild’s daughter Tori, a college sophomore, tearfully said, “I just hope she can open her eyes.” Her 26-year-old son, Silas, stroked her hair and said, “You’ve really done it this time, Mom.” He told an interviewer, “We kinda have to suffer through the consequences with her.” Tori put her “battle” aside while her mom recuperates…but this woman’s antics are clearly taking a toll on the family. One wonders how many times her children will go with her to the surgeries (because she does plan to have even more!)…and how long they will continue to welcome her back into their lives as she persists to make herself look even more extreme and cartoon-like.
Do you ever have a day when you truly want to give up? Your friendship or relationship is in the pits, and you feel like it would be easier to throw up your hands, walk away and start over with new friends or another partner. Maybe someone in your life keeps doing things you feel are really crazy (like Lacey Wildd), and you wonder how much longer you can support them. Your kids/parents/grandparents are driving you nuts with their comments and antics, and you feel like you just can’t take it any longer. Perhaps you are like the man in this scripture passage whose brother wandered away and wasted his money (and potentially his very life) on “wild living”… you are fed up and disgusted – and maybe even done!
If you go back and start reading at Luke 15:11, you will see that the son realized his mistake and decided to go to his father and ask forgiveness. And when the father saw this long lost son coming toward him, he dropped everything and ran to him with open arms. He ordered the best calf to be killed for a feast, and he gave him new, clean clothes to wear. He told everyone that his son had returned…that it was time for a celebration.
Could you do this? If someone stole from you, hurt you deeply, or just went nuts and did things that were embarrassing and ridiculous – then came to you and humbly asked forgiveness - could you allow them back into your life? Could you forgive so readily and even throw them a party? Now let me ask this in a different way. Think about your own life and the mistakes you have made. What if you humbled yourself before God and asked for His forgiveness…and He refused you? What if God ignored your sincere apologies and vows to turn over a new leaf and do better? Can you even imagine it?
We take God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness for granted. We assume that God will always be there for us, no matter what! And honestly, as born-again believers in Jesus Christ, this is true. It doesn’t mean we should “test the waters” or take advantage of God’s love and kindness…but we do have the assurance that He will do this for us. So we have the confidence that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
But do we offer this same level of love, forgiveness, grace and mercy to others…and in doing so, do we demonstrate God’s unconditional love and care to others? Do we extend a welcoming hand…do we greet someone who is truly repentant with a hug and a kiss and celebrate their new beginning? Are we willing to put the past in the past and move forward? In this parable from Luke 15, you see that the older son actually protested all of the festivities. He pointed out to his father how he had done everything right…how he had been obedient and trustworthy…and no party had ever been given on his behalf.
Here’s my take on the point of his father’s response…God doesn’t give up on us, so we should not be so quick to give up on others. God doesn’t love those who are obedient and faithful any more…or any less. He does not take your loyalty and devotion for granted. He loves you and relishes His relationship with you. But God wants this same kind of relationship with your “brother” or “sister”, too. Each one of us is incredibly important to God. So when one of us “stinkers” comes back to Him, God is ready to open His arms, greet us with a hug, kiss and new beginning – and truly throw a party.
Let’s be real here…this is great news! On any given day, you or I could be the wild and crazy person… or the “stinker”. Let’s hope none of us goes off the deep end with plastic surgeries! The children of this woman will have a big challenge ahead of them as they figure out how to live with their mother’s appearance - and how to love and accept her in spite of it. But God can help them figure this out. And He can help us persevere and walk in love, grace, mercy and forgiveness toward others.
God can use us to reveal Himself to others…and even throw a party in their honor. Are you at a point in your relationship with Him where this is possible? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 5, 2014
John 12:37-40
Jesus said all this, and then went into hiding. All these God-signs he had given them and they still didn’t get it, still wouldn’t trust him. This proved that the prophet Isaiah was right:
God, who believed what we preached?
Who recognized God’s arm, outstretched and ready to act?
First they wouldn’t believe, then they couldn’t—again, just as Isaiah said:
Our bishop for the Arkansas United Methodists, Gary Mueller, posts a daily “GodNMe” devotional on Facebook. He focused today on how – and why – some people seem to be turning away from God. He cited several reasons, including how our culture seems to encourage this on some levels…and how technology and advances have given us a sense that we can do so many more things for ourselves, so we feel that we really don’t need God’s help. But what struck me the most was the sentence where he said that sadly…”people of faith make it hard for others to believe because of the way we behave.” He conceded that this was a hard fact to admit…but I really think he is on to something.
Dare I remind you again…people.are.watching. Like it or not, they judge us by how we behave. When we throw up our hands and blame God for our troubles, they notice. When we gossip…they see someone who either doesn’t truly love one another – or loves “selectively”. When we judge others, we do not demonstrate God’s unconditional love. When we are negative, wallow in self-pity, and criticize…they wonder, “Will they do the same to me? Is this what it means to walk with God?” If we mistreat or disrespect our family…our teachers…our coworkers and bosses…our friends…our leaders…and even our pets, others will question just how tender our hearts truly are – and whether we’ve made room there for God.
In short, I am afraid that we are often God’s worst enemy. We offer a “faith” that causes others to say, “If that is what it means to find God, I’m not up for it!” And who would blame them?!
We can’t have it both ways. And honestly, if you have really found God and made Him an integral part of your life, you won’t want to act this way. If you start every day seeking God and inviting Him to guide your steps, you will check your words AND your body language. You will bite your tongue, smile and look for the positives in every person and situation. If you trust God to meet your every need, you will look at the darkest, most desperate situation and ask, “Where are you in this, LORD?” – and then you will wait and watch for Him - because He will appear! This might not happen immediately…but your demonstration of faith and perseverance will be its own testimony. If you are kind and loving…friendly and approachable - even toward those who are unlovely and at times unlovable – others will notice. And they will want what you have…WHO you have!
Don’t be the reason that others turn away from God. Do not make it hard for them to believe. Being a Christian is challenging enough at times without fellow believers raising doubts and causing confusion. Truly seek God for yourself…make Him an integral part of your daily living…and honor His presence with your outward behavior. Soften your heart and let the healing begin – both within you and toward those around you. Do you really get it with God? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus said all this, and then went into hiding. All these God-signs he had given them and they still didn’t get it, still wouldn’t trust him. This proved that the prophet Isaiah was right:
God, who believed what we preached?
Who recognized God’s arm, outstretched and ready to act?
First they wouldn’t believe, then they couldn’t—again, just as Isaiah said:
Their eyes are blinded,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.
their hearts are hardened,
So that they wouldn’t see with their eyes
and perceive with their hearts,
And turn to me, God,
so I could heal them.
Our bishop for the Arkansas United Methodists, Gary Mueller, posts a daily “GodNMe” devotional on Facebook. He focused today on how – and why – some people seem to be turning away from God. He cited several reasons, including how our culture seems to encourage this on some levels…and how technology and advances have given us a sense that we can do so many more things for ourselves, so we feel that we really don’t need God’s help. But what struck me the most was the sentence where he said that sadly…”people of faith make it hard for others to believe because of the way we behave.” He conceded that this was a hard fact to admit…but I really think he is on to something.
Dare I remind you again…people.are.watching. Like it or not, they judge us by how we behave. When we throw up our hands and blame God for our troubles, they notice. When we gossip…they see someone who either doesn’t truly love one another – or loves “selectively”. When we judge others, we do not demonstrate God’s unconditional love. When we are negative, wallow in self-pity, and criticize…they wonder, “Will they do the same to me? Is this what it means to walk with God?” If we mistreat or disrespect our family…our teachers…our coworkers and bosses…our friends…our leaders…and even our pets, others will question just how tender our hearts truly are – and whether we’ve made room there for God.
In short, I am afraid that we are often God’s worst enemy. We offer a “faith” that causes others to say, “If that is what it means to find God, I’m not up for it!” And who would blame them?!
We can’t have it both ways. And honestly, if you have really found God and made Him an integral part of your life, you won’t want to act this way. If you start every day seeking God and inviting Him to guide your steps, you will check your words AND your body language. You will bite your tongue, smile and look for the positives in every person and situation. If you trust God to meet your every need, you will look at the darkest, most desperate situation and ask, “Where are you in this, LORD?” – and then you will wait and watch for Him - because He will appear! This might not happen immediately…but your demonstration of faith and perseverance will be its own testimony. If you are kind and loving…friendly and approachable - even toward those who are unlovely and at times unlovable – others will notice. And they will want what you have…WHO you have!
Don’t be the reason that others turn away from God. Do not make it hard for them to believe. Being a Christian is challenging enough at times without fellow believers raising doubts and causing confusion. Truly seek God for yourself…make Him an integral part of your daily living…and honor His presence with your outward behavior. Soften your heart and let the healing begin – both within you and toward those around you. Do you really get it with God? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 30, 2013
Isaiah 11:13
Then at last the jealousy between Israel and Judah will end. They will not be rivals anymore.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My mother-in-law dog sits for several families. She keeps their dogs for anywhere from one day to a few weeks, as needed. One couple has two little dogs… Breezy and Cookie. Breezy is an older dog… Cookie is fairly young and new… both are what I call “dust mops!” Cookie is all energetic and friendly… Breezy is old and tired. But Breezy was here first… and she is jealous of Cookie! So when Cookie runs past her and jumps into my mother-in-law’s lap, Breezy barks and growls. She knows that she cannot jump up that high… but she does not like it that Cookie can!
Of course, petty jealousy among animals is to be expected… and fairly uncontrollable. By nature, most animals are territorial. They do not like when another encroaches on their space. This can cause some pretty good ruckuses and commotions! And we are all jealous at one time or another. Even God is jealous… He does not like it when we give our attention and devotion to something or someone other than Him!
But a lot of our acts of envy, resentment, suspicion, distrust, and desire of another’s possessions or traits are unnecessary… and could be avoided. As a result, we could have a whole lot more peace in our daily living! The first step in achieving this can begin with Isaiah 11. Start at the beginning of this chapter. We are told of the coming of “a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root”. This “Branch” is Jesus Christ. Isaiah describes Him this way…
God’s jealousy over us is a protective one… a possessiveness of us borne out of our Father’s deep abiding love for His children. His is not necessarily envy as much as a desire to be first and foremost in our lives… to be the only focus of our worship and devotion. Human jealousy has an ugly side and features suspicion, distrust, covetousness, resentfulness, and selfish desires. Because of God’s jealousy, we find peace in belonging solely to Him. Because of our own human jealousy, we often experience anything but peace!
In Jesus, we find the perfect example of how to honor and obey the LORD… to discover complete peace in Him…and to bear “good fruit.” Unlike Cookie and Breezy and other canines, we humans DO have a choice. We can do our best to model the teachings of Jesus Christ. We can seek lives of peace and calm rather than discord and commotion.
We can “bear good fruit” that reflects our relationship to the “Branch”. We can call on God to end our internal rivalries and fill us with serenity and an inner stillness… and He will gladly do this. Aren’t you ready to experience this for yourself? Will this be the day your “rivalries” end?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Then at last the jealousy between Israel and Judah will end. They will not be rivals anymore.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My mother-in-law dog sits for several families. She keeps their dogs for anywhere from one day to a few weeks, as needed. One couple has two little dogs… Breezy and Cookie. Breezy is an older dog… Cookie is fairly young and new… both are what I call “dust mops!” Cookie is all energetic and friendly… Breezy is old and tired. But Breezy was here first… and she is jealous of Cookie! So when Cookie runs past her and jumps into my mother-in-law’s lap, Breezy barks and growls. She knows that she cannot jump up that high… but she does not like it that Cookie can!
Of course, petty jealousy among animals is to be expected… and fairly uncontrollable. By nature, most animals are territorial. They do not like when another encroaches on their space. This can cause some pretty good ruckuses and commotions! And we are all jealous at one time or another. Even God is jealous… He does not like it when we give our attention and devotion to something or someone other than Him!
But a lot of our acts of envy, resentment, suspicion, distrust, and desire of another’s possessions or traits are unnecessary… and could be avoided. As a result, we could have a whole lot more peace in our daily living! The first step in achieving this can begin with Isaiah 11. Start at the beginning of this chapter. We are told of the coming of “a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root”. This “Branch” is Jesus Christ. Isaiah describes Him this way…
- The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
- He will delight in obeying the Lord.
- He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay.
- He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited.
- The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.
- He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.
God’s jealousy over us is a protective one… a possessiveness of us borne out of our Father’s deep abiding love for His children. His is not necessarily envy as much as a desire to be first and foremost in our lives… to be the only focus of our worship and devotion. Human jealousy has an ugly side and features suspicion, distrust, covetousness, resentfulness, and selfish desires. Because of God’s jealousy, we find peace in belonging solely to Him. Because of our own human jealousy, we often experience anything but peace!
In Jesus, we find the perfect example of how to honor and obey the LORD… to discover complete peace in Him…and to bear “good fruit.” Unlike Cookie and Breezy and other canines, we humans DO have a choice. We can do our best to model the teachings of Jesus Christ. We can seek lives of peace and calm rather than discord and commotion.
We can “bear good fruit” that reflects our relationship to the “Branch”. We can call on God to end our internal rivalries and fill us with serenity and an inner stillness… and He will gladly do this. Aren’t you ready to experience this for yourself? Will this be the day your “rivalries” end?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 20, 2013
Proverbs 10:9
People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.
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 beautiful Arkansas Ozarks where we live, there are dozens of hiking trails, scenic vistas, and breathtaking landscapes. And the only way to enjoy many of them involves a hike! In the immediate area surrounding my community, there are at least three designated hiking areas that lead to some incredible scenery… much of it along bluffs and steep trails. As long as you stay on the designated - and well-worn - pathways, you should have no problem. But more than one person has decided to make his/her own way… and more than a few accidents have resulted.
At one particular landmark, there is a crevice in a steep rock formation commonly known as “Fat Man’s Squeeze.” The rocks have been worn slick by the thousands of climbers who have traversed them over time. Still, this is the recognized path to the top of “Sugarloaf Mountain.” But there will be those who decide to find another route to the top. This may be the result of arrogance, a sense of daring and adventure, or ignorance. But more than one person has fallen… there have been broken bones, and no doubt more than few bumps, scrapes and/or harrowing experiences.
I grew up visiting many of these local landmarks. People who were older and wiser than I showed me the safest paths to take… and how to navigate them successfully. As I visit these places now, I often wonder how those unfamiliar with this area manage to visit safely. Who shows them the ropes? Who tells them which crevice is “Fat Man’s Squeeze” (because there is more than one crevice!) and who reminds them to stay on the worn footpaths to avoid slipping and sliding? How do they know that there are potential dangers and pitfalls along the less-worn trails that lead to nowhere?
In our daily living, we need the same sort of guidance. There are designated pathways… but there are also potential dangers and pitfalls. Who shows us the ropes? And who will show others? Are we people of integrity who walk safely… or are we on crooked paths that leave us subject to a fall? Are we paying attention to the signs and operating in honesty, morality and faithfulness? Are we treating others as we would like to be treated? Are we setting the best example possible in our daily living? Or are we on a collision course with disaster… wandering willy-nilly through life doing as we please and hoping for the best?
God put these beautiful vistas and scenic landmarks in our midst for us to enjoy…just as He wants us to enjoy our life in general. But He also gave us clear pathways to follow… a moral compass… Biblical guidelines and Jesus’ example of how to conduct our lives and walk safely. It is up to us to pay attention and stay on course. How are you doing? Are you safely walking on the path to integrity… or are you headed up a crooked trail toward destruction? Now is the time to turn around… to alter your course and get back on track. Don’t risk your neck – physically, emotionally, or spiritually – for a thrill, a whim, or an attempt to exercise your independence! Stay on the pathway…walk safely in all matters… and see what amazing vistas God shows you!
©2013 Debbie Robus
People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.
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 beautiful Arkansas Ozarks where we live, there are dozens of hiking trails, scenic vistas, and breathtaking landscapes. And the only way to enjoy many of them involves a hike! In the immediate area surrounding my community, there are at least three designated hiking areas that lead to some incredible scenery… much of it along bluffs and steep trails. As long as you stay on the designated - and well-worn - pathways, you should have no problem. But more than one person has decided to make his/her own way… and more than a few accidents have resulted.
At one particular landmark, there is a crevice in a steep rock formation commonly known as “Fat Man’s Squeeze.” The rocks have been worn slick by the thousands of climbers who have traversed them over time. Still, this is the recognized path to the top of “Sugarloaf Mountain.” But there will be those who decide to find another route to the top. This may be the result of arrogance, a sense of daring and adventure, or ignorance. But more than one person has fallen… there have been broken bones, and no doubt more than few bumps, scrapes and/or harrowing experiences.
I grew up visiting many of these local landmarks. People who were older and wiser than I showed me the safest paths to take… and how to navigate them successfully. As I visit these places now, I often wonder how those unfamiliar with this area manage to visit safely. Who shows them the ropes? Who tells them which crevice is “Fat Man’s Squeeze” (because there is more than one crevice!) and who reminds them to stay on the worn footpaths to avoid slipping and sliding? How do they know that there are potential dangers and pitfalls along the less-worn trails that lead to nowhere?
In our daily living, we need the same sort of guidance. There are designated pathways… but there are also potential dangers and pitfalls. Who shows us the ropes? And who will show others? Are we people of integrity who walk safely… or are we on crooked paths that leave us subject to a fall? Are we paying attention to the signs and operating in honesty, morality and faithfulness? Are we treating others as we would like to be treated? Are we setting the best example possible in our daily living? Or are we on a collision course with disaster… wandering willy-nilly through life doing as we please and hoping for the best?
God put these beautiful vistas and scenic landmarks in our midst for us to enjoy…just as He wants us to enjoy our life in general. But He also gave us clear pathways to follow… a moral compass… Biblical guidelines and Jesus’ example of how to conduct our lives and walk safely. It is up to us to pay attention and stay on course. How are you doing? Are you safely walking on the path to integrity… or are you headed up a crooked trail toward destruction? Now is the time to turn around… to alter your course and get back on track. Don’t risk your neck – physically, emotionally, or spiritually – for a thrill, a whim, or an attempt to exercise your independence! Stay on the pathway…walk safely in all matters… and see what amazing vistas God shows you!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 5, 2013
Colossians 3:9-11
Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
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 love to find old garments at the thrift store and repurpose them into new things… especially children’s clothing. I look at a colorful ladies t-shirt and see a cute sundress with leggings for my nieces, Zola and Kelsey. I buy brightly colored, extra-large t-shirts and use them to make cute pants, shorts and more. Denim dresses and jeans have become everything from clothing to window coverings to a blanket to cover a brick fireplace hearth…and even a new high-chair seat cover! Old, discarded, possibly ill-fitting clothing becomes a new wardrobe…and more!
Recently, my friend Melissa gave me a designer-label dress that she no longer wore because it had a stain on the front. She said, “Do something fun and creative with it.” This was a really nice dress… high quality fabric, well made - and I’m sure it was quite expensive. The dress is now an Easter frock for my niece, Zola, and a colorful blouse for Melissa’s daughter, Ada. I used the scraps to make hair bows for both of the girls. As I worked on the scraps, I took a chance and bleached the stained area, and I was able to clean it “white as snow” and use it, as well.
The “old life” of the dress is done and gone, but the new life is customized. The old dress was stained… the new dresses are crisp and clean. While this dress bore a designer label, I don’t put an actual tag on the new things I create. But the children know that I made them with love and care… thinking especially of that particular child as I sewed… and my little friend, Ada, has told her mom several times that her new clothes “smell like ‘Miss Devvie!’”
As the Ultimate Designer, God created each of us. We were high quality…well-made out of the best materials… and so valuable that Jesus gave His very life for ours on the cross. As we grew, we became stained by sin. And Jesus refashioned us into new creatures when he exchanged His life for ours. Now we are crisp and clean. No “designer labels” are necessary if we walk with Jesus, because people will know Who we are “wearing” by the way we talk and act. Honesty and integrity are our trademarks… along with grace, mercy, humility, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, and love. When we wear the new wardrobe given to us in Christ, people recognize that His fragrant aroma all over us!
Here’s the thing… some of us have a closet filled with the “designer label” clothing of Jesus Christ… but we still prefer to wear our old rags. We are trying to live in two different worlds. When we lie, cheat, steal, mistreat others, gossip, act unkindly, fail to conduct ourselves honorably, or ignore God, we totally negate our testimony of salvation and grace by faith to others. It would be like putting on designer jeans or shoes with a dirty, ill-fitting shirt that was tattered and missing buttons. The two do not belong together… and the “look” would not be impressive or desirable to anyone.
Through the blood of Jesus, God has blessed you with a beautiful new wardrobe that never goes out of style. Be “all in” for God. Don’t deface and disrespect His gift by operating in the things of your old life. Strive to live with integrity each and every minute of the day. Continually ask yourself, “Am I representing Jesus… or the devil? Are my actions and behaviors those that He desires… or am I acting selfishly and/or sinfully?” I can tell you, when you take a few minutes to stop and consider this before you speak or act, you will often find that you were about to “put on an old rag.” The more you take a moment to consider your behavior, the easier and more natural these choices will become. You will begin to feel so comfortable in the “new clothing” of Christ that you no longer desire to “wear” the things of your old life.
Take a good look at your “Spiritual closet” today and see what you are wearing. Who is your Designer of choices these days? Are you in need of “repurposing?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
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 love to find old garments at the thrift store and repurpose them into new things… especially children’s clothing. I look at a colorful ladies t-shirt and see a cute sundress with leggings for my nieces, Zola and Kelsey. I buy brightly colored, extra-large t-shirts and use them to make cute pants, shorts and more. Denim dresses and jeans have become everything from clothing to window coverings to a blanket to cover a brick fireplace hearth…and even a new high-chair seat cover! Old, discarded, possibly ill-fitting clothing becomes a new wardrobe…and more!
Recently, my friend Melissa gave me a designer-label dress that she no longer wore because it had a stain on the front. She said, “Do something fun and creative with it.” This was a really nice dress… high quality fabric, well made - and I’m sure it was quite expensive. The dress is now an Easter frock for my niece, Zola, and a colorful blouse for Melissa’s daughter, Ada. I used the scraps to make hair bows for both of the girls. As I worked on the scraps, I took a chance and bleached the stained area, and I was able to clean it “white as snow” and use it, as well.
The “old life” of the dress is done and gone, but the new life is customized. The old dress was stained… the new dresses are crisp and clean. While this dress bore a designer label, I don’t put an actual tag on the new things I create. But the children know that I made them with love and care… thinking especially of that particular child as I sewed… and my little friend, Ada, has told her mom several times that her new clothes “smell like ‘Miss Devvie!’”
As the Ultimate Designer, God created each of us. We were high quality…well-made out of the best materials… and so valuable that Jesus gave His very life for ours on the cross. As we grew, we became stained by sin. And Jesus refashioned us into new creatures when he exchanged His life for ours. Now we are crisp and clean. No “designer labels” are necessary if we walk with Jesus, because people will know Who we are “wearing” by the way we talk and act. Honesty and integrity are our trademarks… along with grace, mercy, humility, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, and love. When we wear the new wardrobe given to us in Christ, people recognize that His fragrant aroma all over us!
Here’s the thing… some of us have a closet filled with the “designer label” clothing of Jesus Christ… but we still prefer to wear our old rags. We are trying to live in two different worlds. When we lie, cheat, steal, mistreat others, gossip, act unkindly, fail to conduct ourselves honorably, or ignore God, we totally negate our testimony of salvation and grace by faith to others. It would be like putting on designer jeans or shoes with a dirty, ill-fitting shirt that was tattered and missing buttons. The two do not belong together… and the “look” would not be impressive or desirable to anyone.
Through the blood of Jesus, God has blessed you with a beautiful new wardrobe that never goes out of style. Be “all in” for God. Don’t deface and disrespect His gift by operating in the things of your old life. Strive to live with integrity each and every minute of the day. Continually ask yourself, “Am I representing Jesus… or the devil? Are my actions and behaviors those that He desires… or am I acting selfishly and/or sinfully?” I can tell you, when you take a few minutes to stop and consider this before you speak or act, you will often find that you were about to “put on an old rag.” The more you take a moment to consider your behavior, the easier and more natural these choices will become. You will begin to feel so comfortable in the “new clothing” of Christ that you no longer desire to “wear” the things of your old life.
Take a good look at your “Spiritual closet” today and see what you are wearing. Who is your Designer of choices these days? Are you in need of “repurposing?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 13, 2013
2 Timothy 2:22-26
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
There are a lot of parallels in working with children and old people. One of these involves trying to reason with either age group. You can sometimes tell a child a dozen times that… “this square puzzle piece does not fit in that round hole”… but the child has to figure this out on his/her own to fully learn the lesson. You may gently suggest to an elderly loved one that “perhaps it’s time to consider downsizing or moving to a retirement village or assisted living facility.” But if the senior still has his/her mental faculties, you cannot make this decision yourself. At both ends of this generational spectrum, the temptation is often there to yell and scream – if only inside your own head! Why can’t these people see what you see? Why do they have to insist on their own way?
Stop and read these last two sentences again… and think about Jesus. Why can’t we see what He sees? Why do we insist on having things our own way instead of listening to Him? What if Jesus yelled and screamed at us when we disobeyed or chose the wrong path? Do you see that sometimes the best tactic is to keep cool, stay patient, and gently listen and lead? Do you operate with a gracious, merciful and forgiving heart toward others… as Jesus does toward each of us?
In my own experience, I’ll admit that I’ve tried yelling and screaming. I’ve been impatient and argumentative. And I know for a fact that this method pretty much never works! I’ve sat back and watched little children figure things out on their own… and seen the joy and confidence spread over their faces as they “got it.” I’ve watched my own grandmother come to the conclusion that she needed to move to an assisted living facility. I’ve seen the peace and satisfaction that she and my great-aunt both experienced when they set aside their car keys and decided they were no longer able to drive… versus the angst my grandfather endured when this decision was imposed upon him.
I have also seen the “kicking and screaming” – both literal and figurative – that have resulted when often-well-meaning Christians tried to force their beliefs and practices on others. And I have seen the beauty of the moment that someone genuinely, humbly surrendered to Jesus and truly felt the warmth and glory of His touch. I am firmly convinced that we would see more of the latter if we could learn to curb our urge to operate in the former!
There is a lot of “meat” in this scripture passage for all of us. Don’t miss it! Study the words of the Apostle Paul to young Timothy and apply them to your own life. Find a balance between patience and treating others firmly… between being a good listener while gently teaching and leading…between keeping your cool and making your point. Always think of Jesus. Remind yourself of His gentle rhythms…how He continually operated in love and forgiveness, grace and mercy – while demonstrating obedience to God and respect for His laws. See firsthand how effective your witness can be when you apply these approaches to your own interactions with others.
Let others see Jesus in your words and actions… and prepare to see Jesus at work in ways you never dreamed were possible. It’s time we moved over and let Jesus have control. Are you willing to step aside and let Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
There are a lot of parallels in working with children and old people. One of these involves trying to reason with either age group. You can sometimes tell a child a dozen times that… “this square puzzle piece does not fit in that round hole”… but the child has to figure this out on his/her own to fully learn the lesson. You may gently suggest to an elderly loved one that “perhaps it’s time to consider downsizing or moving to a retirement village or assisted living facility.” But if the senior still has his/her mental faculties, you cannot make this decision yourself. At both ends of this generational spectrum, the temptation is often there to yell and scream – if only inside your own head! Why can’t these people see what you see? Why do they have to insist on their own way?
Stop and read these last two sentences again… and think about Jesus. Why can’t we see what He sees? Why do we insist on having things our own way instead of listening to Him? What if Jesus yelled and screamed at us when we disobeyed or chose the wrong path? Do you see that sometimes the best tactic is to keep cool, stay patient, and gently listen and lead? Do you operate with a gracious, merciful and forgiving heart toward others… as Jesus does toward each of us?
In my own experience, I’ll admit that I’ve tried yelling and screaming. I’ve been impatient and argumentative. And I know for a fact that this method pretty much never works! I’ve sat back and watched little children figure things out on their own… and seen the joy and confidence spread over their faces as they “got it.” I’ve watched my own grandmother come to the conclusion that she needed to move to an assisted living facility. I’ve seen the peace and satisfaction that she and my great-aunt both experienced when they set aside their car keys and decided they were no longer able to drive… versus the angst my grandfather endured when this decision was imposed upon him.
I have also seen the “kicking and screaming” – both literal and figurative – that have resulted when often-well-meaning Christians tried to force their beliefs and practices on others. And I have seen the beauty of the moment that someone genuinely, humbly surrendered to Jesus and truly felt the warmth and glory of His touch. I am firmly convinced that we would see more of the latter if we could learn to curb our urge to operate in the former!
There is a lot of “meat” in this scripture passage for all of us. Don’t miss it! Study the words of the Apostle Paul to young Timothy and apply them to your own life. Find a balance between patience and treating others firmly… between being a good listener while gently teaching and leading…between keeping your cool and making your point. Always think of Jesus. Remind yourself of His gentle rhythms…how He continually operated in love and forgiveness, grace and mercy – while demonstrating obedience to God and respect for His laws. See firsthand how effective your witness can be when you apply these approaches to your own interactions with others.
Let others see Jesus in your words and actions… and prepare to see Jesus at work in ways you never dreamed were possible. It’s time we moved over and let Jesus have control. Are you willing to step aside and let Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 3, 2013
Luke 6:27-38
“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
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.
Timothy and I sing this little song from “Jack’s Big Music Show” about being a grump. It says in part…
If you wanna be a grump, that’s okay…
But could you be a grump a little further away?
It’s not that I don’t love you, cause you know I do
Sometimes I’m grumpy, too!
The sad truth is that many of us really don’t love grumps very much… or those who fail to meet our standards in a number of areas. We don’t have time to help someone else because we’re too busy asking “When is it MY turn?” We analyze everything in terms of what’s in it for us? And if somebody offends us? They are “on the list!” My cousin used to talk about some people who had a mental “list” of people who had offended them. As he put it…“Once you’re on ‘the list,’ there is no eraser!” Does this sound like Christian love in action?
I get it… we don’t like everybody. There are people who have irritated us or gotten on our last nerve. There are those we have decided are not in our league. We have been offended… and yes, some of us have truly been treated very badly by others. People do dumb things or make mistakes. It’s true that some simply can’t seem to “get it together.” But we are not their judge and jury. And honestly, if we took a good hard look in the mirror, we might find that there was plenty for others to criticize and pick on about us!
We need to stop playing the “either or” game… “Either you do this for me, or I won’t love you… either you treat me better, or I’m done caring about you… either you kick it up a notch, or I don’t have time for you and your shortcomings.” We need to start loving as Christ taught us… graciously, generously, unconditionally…not merely when people are at their best – but more importantly, when they are at their worst!
If Jesus’ love for us depended on the criteria we outline for others, we would never, ever receive it. If Jesus held us to the same standards to which we hold others, we would not feel His loving presence in our lives even once. If Jesus used the same yardstick with which we quantify others, we would not measure up under any circumstances.
Do you see the disconnect here? Do you get it? Loving others is not always easy or pretty, convenient, fun, or fair. But I can assure you, loving us is none of these things for Jesus much of the time, either! Yet He loves us anyway! How can we call ourselves true disciples of Christ and love with any less grace, mercy and forgiveness than He offers us? How can we label others as grumps, beneath us, or so offensive and repulsive that we cannot bring ourselves to love them… and then expect Jesus to love us?
When will we learn that the love of Christ has nothing to do with what we can gain personally in the “here and now”… and everything to do with what we gain for all eternity? Do you really understand what it means to live – and love – generously? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
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.
Timothy and I sing this little song from “Jack’s Big Music Show” about being a grump. It says in part…
If you wanna be a grump, that’s okay…
But could you be a grump a little further away?
It’s not that I don’t love you, cause you know I do
Sometimes I’m grumpy, too!
The sad truth is that many of us really don’t love grumps very much… or those who fail to meet our standards in a number of areas. We don’t have time to help someone else because we’re too busy asking “When is it MY turn?” We analyze everything in terms of what’s in it for us? And if somebody offends us? They are “on the list!” My cousin used to talk about some people who had a mental “list” of people who had offended them. As he put it…“Once you’re on ‘the list,’ there is no eraser!” Does this sound like Christian love in action?
I get it… we don’t like everybody. There are people who have irritated us or gotten on our last nerve. There are those we have decided are not in our league. We have been offended… and yes, some of us have truly been treated very badly by others. People do dumb things or make mistakes. It’s true that some simply can’t seem to “get it together.” But we are not their judge and jury. And honestly, if we took a good hard look in the mirror, we might find that there was plenty for others to criticize and pick on about us!
We need to stop playing the “either or” game… “Either you do this for me, or I won’t love you… either you treat me better, or I’m done caring about you… either you kick it up a notch, or I don’t have time for you and your shortcomings.” We need to start loving as Christ taught us… graciously, generously, unconditionally…not merely when people are at their best – but more importantly, when they are at their worst!
If Jesus’ love for us depended on the criteria we outline for others, we would never, ever receive it. If Jesus held us to the same standards to which we hold others, we would not feel His loving presence in our lives even once. If Jesus used the same yardstick with which we quantify others, we would not measure up under any circumstances.
Do you see the disconnect here? Do you get it? Loving others is not always easy or pretty, convenient, fun, or fair. But I can assure you, loving us is none of these things for Jesus much of the time, either! Yet He loves us anyway! How can we call ourselves true disciples of Christ and love with any less grace, mercy and forgiveness than He offers us? How can we label others as grumps, beneath us, or so offensive and repulsive that we cannot bring ourselves to love them… and then expect Jesus to love us?
When will we learn that the love of Christ has nothing to do with what we can gain personally in the “here and now”… and everything to do with what we gain for all eternity? Do you really understand what it means to live – and love – generously? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 19, 2012
Matthew 5:2-12
Jesus' disciples gathered around him, and he taught them:
God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!
God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!
God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!
God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!
God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!
God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Remember the story of The Little Red Hen? She asked for help with planting, harvesting and grinding her wheat into flour, and no one was available. So she quietly and dutifully went about getting everything done. When she turned her flour into warm, tasty loaves of bread, all of those who had refused to help were suddenly interested in “helping” her eat the bread. Now I ask you, what should she do? In the story, she reminds all of her friends that they refused to help… so now they will not get to eat! She then eats the bread herself… and feeds her chicks.
Apparently the Little Red Hen didn’t read this scripture passage! The moral of the story is that “only those who work will eat.” But for Christians, there is more to the story. Can we really refuse to feed our neighbor who is hungry just because he/she won’t work? When someone fails to help us out when we are in need, does this give us license to do the same in return? Do we have the right to lie for our boss or a friend just to keep our job? Will God understand if we let our relationship with Him lapse because we are busy or preoccupied… sick or in trouble?
This passage is a wonderful outline for how to live as a disciple of Christ. Coupled with the commandments in Luke 10:27 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind,” and “Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself,” these verses give us a great road map for Christian living. When we follow these teachings, we live in a manner that pleases God and leads to incredible blessings – both on this earth and in heaven.
These guidelines are not always easy to follow. Yes, there will be ridicule, difficulty, and frustration as you strive to follow them. But as the scriptures tell us, there will also be great rewards and blessings. You will not serve alone… your efforts will not be in vain. When you get to the point where your “Little Red Hen” story includes feeding those who are hungry – even when they didn’t help – you have truly turned a corner in your Christian living. When you care more about serving God than about what others think, an entirely new world of possibilities with Christ opens up to you. When you humble yourself and begin to depend totally on God… and genuinely grieve over the sufferings of others, you discover the joys of knowing that God will more than meet your every need. He will bless and care for you in this lifetime… and for all eternity.
Where are you in your Disciple life? Are you still a “Little Red Hen” Christian who is out to get all you can for yourself and those in your circle? Or are you “in it to win it” with Jesus… totally focused on Him and allowing Him to work in and through you for His glory? Do others see Jesus in your actions and daily living? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus' disciples gathered around him, and he taught them:
God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!
God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!
God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!
God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!
God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!
God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Remember the story of The Little Red Hen? She asked for help with planting, harvesting and grinding her wheat into flour, and no one was available. So she quietly and dutifully went about getting everything done. When she turned her flour into warm, tasty loaves of bread, all of those who had refused to help were suddenly interested in “helping” her eat the bread. Now I ask you, what should she do? In the story, she reminds all of her friends that they refused to help… so now they will not get to eat! She then eats the bread herself… and feeds her chicks.
Apparently the Little Red Hen didn’t read this scripture passage! The moral of the story is that “only those who work will eat.” But for Christians, there is more to the story. Can we really refuse to feed our neighbor who is hungry just because he/she won’t work? When someone fails to help us out when we are in need, does this give us license to do the same in return? Do we have the right to lie for our boss or a friend just to keep our job? Will God understand if we let our relationship with Him lapse because we are busy or preoccupied… sick or in trouble?
This passage is a wonderful outline for how to live as a disciple of Christ. Coupled with the commandments in Luke 10:27 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind,” and “Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself,” these verses give us a great road map for Christian living. When we follow these teachings, we live in a manner that pleases God and leads to incredible blessings – both on this earth and in heaven.
These guidelines are not always easy to follow. Yes, there will be ridicule, difficulty, and frustration as you strive to follow them. But as the scriptures tell us, there will also be great rewards and blessings. You will not serve alone… your efforts will not be in vain. When you get to the point where your “Little Red Hen” story includes feeding those who are hungry – even when they didn’t help – you have truly turned a corner in your Christian living. When you care more about serving God than about what others think, an entirely new world of possibilities with Christ opens up to you. When you humble yourself and begin to depend totally on God… and genuinely grieve over the sufferings of others, you discover the joys of knowing that God will more than meet your every need. He will bless and care for you in this lifetime… and for all eternity.
Where are you in your Disciple life? Are you still a “Little Red Hen” Christian who is out to get all you can for yourself and those in your circle? Or are you “in it to win it” with Jesus… totally focused on Him and allowing Him to work in and through you for His glory? Do others see Jesus in your actions and daily living? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 1, 2012
James 2:12-13
Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
While my husband and I were taking Timothy home to Texas one recent Sunday, he announced that he needed to use the restroom. We were driving down the Interstate at the time - with no exit in sight. When my husband did find an exit, there was what appeared to be a residential neighborhood on one side of the Interstate, and a high school campus on the other. My husband decided to take a chance that someone would be at the high school. Miraculously, there were several cars in the parking lot. Football coaches were apparently viewing game films in preparation for future scrimmages. I opened the door to the building, and a coach came out of his meeting to see if he could help us.
I cannot tell you how gracious these coaches were to a woman with a 3-year-old in desperate need of a restroom. I have to believe they had “been there, done that” in some manner with their own children. They did not judge us in the least, but generously directed us to a restroom down the hallway. These men didn’t know me. They could have easily refused to allow us to enter their building… or they could have stood guard over us as if we were not to be trusted. But they did neither of these things. They treated Timothy and me as they would want their own wives and children to be treated… with respect and kindness.
Now I will admit, it would be hard to refuse a cute kid like Timothy. But when we got back in the car, my husband said, “Had the door been locked, I was prepared to start knocking on doors in that neighborhood on the other side of the Interstate.” How do you suppose someone would have reacted if a strange woman with a toddler had knocked on their door and asked to use the restroom? How would YOU react? I think we would be understandably skeptical, particularly if we lived near an Interstate highway outside of Dallas, Texas! But I have to believe that someone would have tried to help us… and that I would do the same in a similar situation.
Still, this illustrates on a somewhat larger scale how we treat others every day… and how we should treat them. Often we don’t know the full circumstances of another person’s life. We don’t have a clue what placed them in our path on any given day. And really, the circumstances don’t matter. What matters is that God brings people and situations into our lives every day and watches to see how we will handle them. And we can hardly expect Him to be gracious and merciful toward us if we have not done so in our own lives!
My challenge for all of us is to operate a little more in love and kindness… and a lot less in judgment and arrogance. Look at the other guy and remind yourself, “He/she is every bit as precious and important to God as I am. What would God want me to do in this situation?” Offer the love, grace and mercy of Jesus to those you encounter. If you don’t, you can hardly be surprised if/when others judge you unfairly. Give as good as you get – or better! Operate by “the Rule that sets us free,” and leave the judgment to God - where it belongs!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
While my husband and I were taking Timothy home to Texas one recent Sunday, he announced that he needed to use the restroom. We were driving down the Interstate at the time - with no exit in sight. When my husband did find an exit, there was what appeared to be a residential neighborhood on one side of the Interstate, and a high school campus on the other. My husband decided to take a chance that someone would be at the high school. Miraculously, there were several cars in the parking lot. Football coaches were apparently viewing game films in preparation for future scrimmages. I opened the door to the building, and a coach came out of his meeting to see if he could help us.
I cannot tell you how gracious these coaches were to a woman with a 3-year-old in desperate need of a restroom. I have to believe they had “been there, done that” in some manner with their own children. They did not judge us in the least, but generously directed us to a restroom down the hallway. These men didn’t know me. They could have easily refused to allow us to enter their building… or they could have stood guard over us as if we were not to be trusted. But they did neither of these things. They treated Timothy and me as they would want their own wives and children to be treated… with respect and kindness.
Now I will admit, it would be hard to refuse a cute kid like Timothy. But when we got back in the car, my husband said, “Had the door been locked, I was prepared to start knocking on doors in that neighborhood on the other side of the Interstate.” How do you suppose someone would have reacted if a strange woman with a toddler had knocked on their door and asked to use the restroom? How would YOU react? I think we would be understandably skeptical, particularly if we lived near an Interstate highway outside of Dallas, Texas! But I have to believe that someone would have tried to help us… and that I would do the same in a similar situation.
Still, this illustrates on a somewhat larger scale how we treat others every day… and how we should treat them. Often we don’t know the full circumstances of another person’s life. We don’t have a clue what placed them in our path on any given day. And really, the circumstances don’t matter. What matters is that God brings people and situations into our lives every day and watches to see how we will handle them. And we can hardly expect Him to be gracious and merciful toward us if we have not done so in our own lives!
My challenge for all of us is to operate a little more in love and kindness… and a lot less in judgment and arrogance. Look at the other guy and remind yourself, “He/she is every bit as precious and important to God as I am. What would God want me to do in this situation?” Offer the love, grace and mercy of Jesus to those you encounter. If you don’t, you can hardly be surprised if/when others judge you unfairly. Give as good as you get – or better! Operate by “the Rule that sets us free,” and leave the judgment to God - where it belongs!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 20, 2012
Acts 10:27-28
Talking things over, they went on into the house, where Cornelius introduced Peter to everyone who had come. Peter addressed them, "You know, I'm sure that this is highly irregular. Jews just don't do this—visit and relax with people of another race. But God has just shown me that no race is better than any other. So the minute I was sent for, I came, no questions asked.”
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 was so excited to begin my student teaching block in college. I would spend approximately six weeks in a kindergarten classroom, and another six weeks in a third grade setting. The kindergarten teacher to whom I was assigned was preparing to go on maternity leave. She would only be my mentor for one week. A replacement teacher spent much of that week with us… learning the ropes before she took over on Monday morning.
On Friday afternoon, the principal came to the classroom to speak with the replacement teacher. She informed her that the administration had decided that someone of color needed to be in the classroom on Monday. So this woman (who was white) would not be taking over in this classroom. Instead, a young woman who had student taught the previous semester (and was African-American) was being hired. I had shared some college classes with the new replacement, so I sort of knew her already. And on Monday morning, she was the new “teacher” in my kindergarten class.
I really liked this woman. But sadly, she had not really been allowed to do much teaching as a student teacher, and she was as lost as a goose. Since my mother had been a kindergarten teacher for decades, I was in more familiar territory. So we “co-taught” for the next five weeks. I wish I could say that the parents of the students in this classroom embraced my friend and made her transition an easy one… but this was not the case. I felt terrible knowing that she knew the only reason she was there was because of her skin color.
For the life of me, I cannot understand how – or why – we treat people this way. How can we look at another of God’s children and decide that he/she is different from us because of race, ethnicity, or lifestyle choices? Do we really think God makes mistakes? And if so, what makes us think that WE aren’t the mistake rather than the other guy? I bet you didn’t want to think about that… did you?!
I don’t know why God created different races. I don’t know why I have coarse, naturally curly hair, and others have stick-straight, baby-fine manes! Why are some of us short and others tall? Why are some individuals able to perform athletic feats that defy logic… while others are incredible musicians or artists from an early age? Why did God make mosquitoes… and even several species?
I don’t know the answers to such questions… and I’m not supposed to. Neither are you! But we are supposed to respect God’s creations… and to recognize that no race is better than another! To do any less is to exercise arrogance and to insult Almighty God… to imply that we know better than He, which is preposterous.
If you harbor any feelings of bias or bigotry, I encourage you to spend some time in prayer - and ask God to help you. Humbly call on Him to show you how to be more loving and accepting of all people… regardless of their skin color, ethnicity or beliefs. Show others the encompassing love and kindness that Jesus shows to each of us, and take a page from Peter’s book. Follow what God shows you… not the world. Don’t question Him… just do what He says. Sit back, relax…and love all others as God loves you!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Talking things over, they went on into the house, where Cornelius introduced Peter to everyone who had come. Peter addressed them, "You know, I'm sure that this is highly irregular. Jews just don't do this—visit and relax with people of another race. But God has just shown me that no race is better than any other. So the minute I was sent for, I came, no questions asked.”
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 was so excited to begin my student teaching block in college. I would spend approximately six weeks in a kindergarten classroom, and another six weeks in a third grade setting. The kindergarten teacher to whom I was assigned was preparing to go on maternity leave. She would only be my mentor for one week. A replacement teacher spent much of that week with us… learning the ropes before she took over on Monday morning.
On Friday afternoon, the principal came to the classroom to speak with the replacement teacher. She informed her that the administration had decided that someone of color needed to be in the classroom on Monday. So this woman (who was white) would not be taking over in this classroom. Instead, a young woman who had student taught the previous semester (and was African-American) was being hired. I had shared some college classes with the new replacement, so I sort of knew her already. And on Monday morning, she was the new “teacher” in my kindergarten class.
I really liked this woman. But sadly, she had not really been allowed to do much teaching as a student teacher, and she was as lost as a goose. Since my mother had been a kindergarten teacher for decades, I was in more familiar territory. So we “co-taught” for the next five weeks. I wish I could say that the parents of the students in this classroom embraced my friend and made her transition an easy one… but this was not the case. I felt terrible knowing that she knew the only reason she was there was because of her skin color.
For the life of me, I cannot understand how – or why – we treat people this way. How can we look at another of God’s children and decide that he/she is different from us because of race, ethnicity, or lifestyle choices? Do we really think God makes mistakes? And if so, what makes us think that WE aren’t the mistake rather than the other guy? I bet you didn’t want to think about that… did you?!
I don’t know why God created different races. I don’t know why I have coarse, naturally curly hair, and others have stick-straight, baby-fine manes! Why are some of us short and others tall? Why are some individuals able to perform athletic feats that defy logic… while others are incredible musicians or artists from an early age? Why did God make mosquitoes… and even several species?
I don’t know the answers to such questions… and I’m not supposed to. Neither are you! But we are supposed to respect God’s creations… and to recognize that no race is better than another! To do any less is to exercise arrogance and to insult Almighty God… to imply that we know better than He, which is preposterous.
If you harbor any feelings of bias or bigotry, I encourage you to spend some time in prayer - and ask God to help you. Humbly call on Him to show you how to be more loving and accepting of all people… regardless of their skin color, ethnicity or beliefs. Show others the encompassing love and kindness that Jesus shows to each of us, and take a page from Peter’s book. Follow what God shows you… not the world. Don’t question Him… just do what He says. Sit back, relax…and love all others as God loves you!
©2012 Debbie Robus
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