John 14:9
Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My sister shared with me yesterday that the last time Timothy’s mother took him and his siblings for “booster” shots, Timothy did not know that he was going to receive an injection. He and his sister Zola got the nasal mist vaccine for flu…but he also got a “booster” injection of vaccine for something else. Afterward, he cried to his mother and said, “Why did you let them do that? You let them hurt me!” Of course, this tugged at his mother’s heartstrings (as he knew it would) to think that her firstborn felt she had betrayed him and allowed him to suffer. Timothy thought he knew his mother… he thought surely she would never let any harm or pain come to him! So when she allowed this momentary “stick”, he questioned who she really was!
Perhaps you have had a relationship with someone that didn’t turn out so well… you thought you truly knew this person, only to discover that he/she was not who you believed them to be… that there were aspects of this person’s life that you found surprising…even unbelievable. I felt this way when a fellow teacher was strangled to death by her husband - a police sergeant, no less! I would never have dreamed that my friend was being abused. I trusted her husband implicitly. I was with this couple a lot over the course of almost eight years, and I still did not truly know who they were.
Let’s be honest…we humans often listen to Satan - who is the ultimate master of deception - and we become expert at this iniquity in our own lives. People often have no clue who we really are. Sometimes, it’s because we cover well and have truly honed the craft of deception. At other times, this is due to a lack of focus…and perhaps even a touch of apathy on our part.
Here’s another way to explain this…there are people who “appear” to be amazingly faith-filled servants of God. They show up at every church function, are front and center for service projects and “talk a good game”… but it’s all for show. Behind closed doors, they become a totally different person. There are others who quietly go about God’s work…who serve Him by serving others...maintain a close communication with Him at all times…and earnestly seek His will for their lives. They aren’t flashy or obvious…but friends and acquaintances know that God has captured their heart - that they live to serve Him.
Then there is a group of Christians who are “on the fence”. They are not out in the forefront creating a scene or drawing attention to their actions...but there is nothing about their daily living that tells you they are a Disciple of Christ, either. These people “fly under the radar”, so to speak. The average person cannot tell who they are – or what they truly believe. How many times have you heard it said of someone, “He is a really nice guy!”? I hope you understand that not all “nice guys” are representing our Heavenly Father. Not all “nice guys” are Disciples of Christ…and sadly, not all Disciples of Christ are “nice guys”!
The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is the real deal! If you have “seen” Him - if you know Him for yourself - you know God Almighty. What you “see” truly is what you get with Jesus…it’s not a façade or a gimmick. Jesus isn’t “in your face”…but He isn’t hiding in the shadows, either. In Jesus, we have the perfect example of sharing love, grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, strength, hope and more. All we have to do is open our Bibles and read about His teachings and demonstrations to learn how we are to conduct our own lives. We must maintain an open dialog with God to make sure that our words, thoughts and actions line up each and every day with His plans…that others truly know who we are…and that we are sharing the love of Christ with each of them.
Like Timothy’s mother, there are occasions when God allows a momentary “stick” or “sting” in our lives. But He will never truly betray us…or be Someone we do not know. Can we say the same in our own daily living? Are we always the “real deal” for Jesus? Do others truly know who we are…can they say that they have seen the Father in you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label living by example. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living by example. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 28, 2013
Numbers 14:17-18
Show us your great power, Lord. You promised that you love to show mercy and kindness. And you said that you are very patient, but that you will punish everyone guilty of doing wrong—not only them but their children and grandchildren as well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last night, a cousin posted a photo on Facebook that I had never seen of my paternal great-grandfather, my great-grandmother, and five of their nine children. The photo was probably taken in 1906. I had never seen a picture of my great-grandfather Chandler… and none of my great-grandmother at such a young age (26). I studied the photo and looked at their features… could I see any of my own in their faces? My great-grandfather’s face reminded me of my uncle (his son - my grandfather’s brother). If I looked carefully, I could see that my grandfather more closely resembled his own mother… and I probably have some of her features, as well.
I was discussing this picture with one of my cousins, and she said, “Now we know where we came from!” Indeed, we are largely a compilation of our ancestors, from physical characteristics to mannerisms… and possibly even talents and abilities. We may belong to a “musical family,” or one that has a rich history of athleticism. Our family may have a lineage of scholars who achieved great success in business and were respected in their roles as pillars of the community. At the same time, we sometimes carry genes that make us prone to such things as heart disease, obesity, diabetes… and even alcoholism. And all too sadly, some of us carry the “gene” or “family curse” for afflictions such as depression or mental illness, a variety of addictions, or even a propensity for physical abuse and more.
As I study my family’s photographs, I wonder… who do I resemble – both physically, and in other ways? What was handed down to me? It’s daunting to think that the things you and I do today could have such a powerful impact on the lives of our children, grandchildren and even our great-grandchildren and beyond. But in some ways, I believe they do.
Am I saying that God looks at us and says, “I don’t like what Tom is doing, but I’m going to wait and punish his great-grand-daughter for it!”? Not exactly. But I believe very strongly that people are watching… especially our children… and they pick up our little peculiarities and habits, even when we don’t realize this is happening. This is why someone develops a sharp tongue just like his/her father or a “worry wart” attitude like Grandmother’s. This is how families develop a mindset of bigotry and racism… how some become known collectively for such things as laziness, negativity, elitism… or even general sinfulness. And this is how we pass these things on to future generations.
Inclinations toward certain attitudes and/or vices are often instigated by the adults in our circle, and the devil takes great delight in fanning the flames to cause a firestorm. God allows us free will and the option to act and think whatever we choose. How many times have you heard someone say, “If it was good enough for Mom or Dad, it’s good enough for me!” or “I can’t help it… I’m just like my Mom/Dad/Grandma/Grandpa/Uncle Joe…” (you fill in the names)? God is patient with us and gives us the freedom to decide whether to be like Mom/Dad/Grandma/Grandpa… or to be like Him. The ultimate decision is totally ours. He allows us to choose… even when we elect poorly or follow the wrong examples. But the stakes are high… the consequences can be costly… and the devil is ready to take even the smallest spark and ignite it for his own advantage.
What if we started making a concerted effort today to live differently… to polish and perfect the good characteristics we inherited... to combine them with God’s strength and power in order to combat the not-so-good traits? What if we vowed to break the curses of past sins… and never to perpetuate them to future generations? What if you and I lived – and served – in such a manner that we didn’t have to fear God’s retribution? I don’t know about you, but if any of my “children” say, “Oh, I got that from my Aunt Debbie,” I want it to be something that pleases God rather than something of the devil!
What “curses” from your past do you struggle with even today? Are there areas in which you need to say, “LORD, I know you have patiently waited for me to surrender this to you… and today is that day!”? Wouldn’t this be a great time to wipe the slate clean… to allow God to have control over your past, present and future? What are you waiting for? Make this the day you more closely resemble Jesus Christ than anyone else. Let this be the start of a brand new chapter… and a whole other story - for you and future generations.
What will you decide? Who will you look like today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Show us your great power, Lord. You promised that you love to show mercy and kindness. And you said that you are very patient, but that you will punish everyone guilty of doing wrong—not only them but their children and grandchildren as well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last night, a cousin posted a photo on Facebook that I had never seen of my paternal great-grandfather, my great-grandmother, and five of their nine children. The photo was probably taken in 1906. I had never seen a picture of my great-grandfather Chandler… and none of my great-grandmother at such a young age (26). I studied the photo and looked at their features… could I see any of my own in their faces? My great-grandfather’s face reminded me of my uncle (his son - my grandfather’s brother). If I looked carefully, I could see that my grandfather more closely resembled his own mother… and I probably have some of her features, as well.
I was discussing this picture with one of my cousins, and she said, “Now we know where we came from!” Indeed, we are largely a compilation of our ancestors, from physical characteristics to mannerisms… and possibly even talents and abilities. We may belong to a “musical family,” or one that has a rich history of athleticism. Our family may have a lineage of scholars who achieved great success in business and were respected in their roles as pillars of the community. At the same time, we sometimes carry genes that make us prone to such things as heart disease, obesity, diabetes… and even alcoholism. And all too sadly, some of us carry the “gene” or “family curse” for afflictions such as depression or mental illness, a variety of addictions, or even a propensity for physical abuse and more.
As I study my family’s photographs, I wonder… who do I resemble – both physically, and in other ways? What was handed down to me? It’s daunting to think that the things you and I do today could have such a powerful impact on the lives of our children, grandchildren and even our great-grandchildren and beyond. But in some ways, I believe they do.
Am I saying that God looks at us and says, “I don’t like what Tom is doing, but I’m going to wait and punish his great-grand-daughter for it!”? Not exactly. But I believe very strongly that people are watching… especially our children… and they pick up our little peculiarities and habits, even when we don’t realize this is happening. This is why someone develops a sharp tongue just like his/her father or a “worry wart” attitude like Grandmother’s. This is how families develop a mindset of bigotry and racism… how some become known collectively for such things as laziness, negativity, elitism… or even general sinfulness. And this is how we pass these things on to future generations.
Inclinations toward certain attitudes and/or vices are often instigated by the adults in our circle, and the devil takes great delight in fanning the flames to cause a firestorm. God allows us free will and the option to act and think whatever we choose. How many times have you heard someone say, “If it was good enough for Mom or Dad, it’s good enough for me!” or “I can’t help it… I’m just like my Mom/Dad/Grandma/Grandpa/Uncle Joe…” (you fill in the names)? God is patient with us and gives us the freedom to decide whether to be like Mom/Dad/Grandma/Grandpa… or to be like Him. The ultimate decision is totally ours. He allows us to choose… even when we elect poorly or follow the wrong examples. But the stakes are high… the consequences can be costly… and the devil is ready to take even the smallest spark and ignite it for his own advantage.
What if we started making a concerted effort today to live differently… to polish and perfect the good characteristics we inherited... to combine them with God’s strength and power in order to combat the not-so-good traits? What if we vowed to break the curses of past sins… and never to perpetuate them to future generations? What if you and I lived – and served – in such a manner that we didn’t have to fear God’s retribution? I don’t know about you, but if any of my “children” say, “Oh, I got that from my Aunt Debbie,” I want it to be something that pleases God rather than something of the devil!
What “curses” from your past do you struggle with even today? Are there areas in which you need to say, “LORD, I know you have patiently waited for me to surrender this to you… and today is that day!”? Wouldn’t this be a great time to wipe the slate clean… to allow God to have control over your past, present and future? What are you waiting for? Make this the day you more closely resemble Jesus Christ than anyone else. Let this be the start of a brand new chapter… and a whole other story - for you and future generations.
What will you decide? Who will you look like today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 27, 2013
March 27 ~ Psalm 15:1-5
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Suppose you wanted to throw a dinner party in your home. Who would be on your guest list? Would you include someone you do not like… or someone whose company you don’t enjoy? Would you invite people who have a reputation for gossip or those who speak evil of their friends? Would your list include some who you know to be dishonest and deceitful? Would bigots and those who are brazen and foul-mouthed be allowed? Would you ask known thieves to attend?
If some of these people showed up uninvited, how would you treat them? Would you usher them out and tell them never to visit your home again… or would you treat them kindly and gently – but with guarded hospitality? Would you make sure that they were sufficiently humiliated in front of the other guests… or would you be gracious toward them?
This is what God does for us. He prefers that His “house” be filled with those who operate with integrity. But God is gracious and will not embarrass those of us who behave inappropriately. God does not appreciate our disrespect and dishonor... but He will not stoop to our level. Instead, God blesses and rewards those who lead blameless lives and do what is right. He bestows incredible favor on those who speak the truth from sincere hearts. He promises perpetual love and care to those who keep their promises even when it hurts… the honest and upright who cannot be bribed or persuaded to disobey.
I know it may seem like some people skirt through life doing as they please and getting by with it. You may be able to name a few people who appear to live a charmed life and “have it made” even though they have a penchant for impropriety and ill-gotten gain. But I can assure you, they do not have God’s favor… and their assurances of His blessings and care will not be everlasting and secure. I don’t know about you, but I’m in it with God for the long haul. I want all He offers… and I plan to do everything possible to live in a way that ensures that He is pleased with me!
Lest you think that this is about what God can do for me… I assure you, it is not! The truth is that God has done far and above anything I could ever hope to deserve for me already… He sent His only Son to die on a cross for my sins. He sacrificed everything for someone who can give Him little to nothing in return… who certainly can never repay this tremendous gift. And that person is me! It is also you… and the next guy… and the next! We cannot earn God’s favor or blessings. But we can honor and respect Him by living with integrity… by leading blameless lives, operating with sincerity and authenticity… and a having genuine heart. Even when we are ridiculed and mistreated, we can continue to show love, grace, mercy and forgiveness… and in doing so, we can say, “I’m striving to imitate you as closely as possible, LORD!”
THESE are the kinds of people who find sanctuary in the LORD. These are the ones whom He desires to invite to His table… the ones who will find blessings and favor… who will stand firm forever. I want to be among them… don’t you? Are you a worthy dinner guest? Aren’t you ready to become one?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Suppose you wanted to throw a dinner party in your home. Who would be on your guest list? Would you include someone you do not like… or someone whose company you don’t enjoy? Would you invite people who have a reputation for gossip or those who speak evil of their friends? Would your list include some who you know to be dishonest and deceitful? Would bigots and those who are brazen and foul-mouthed be allowed? Would you ask known thieves to attend?
If some of these people showed up uninvited, how would you treat them? Would you usher them out and tell them never to visit your home again… or would you treat them kindly and gently – but with guarded hospitality? Would you make sure that they were sufficiently humiliated in front of the other guests… or would you be gracious toward them?
This is what God does for us. He prefers that His “house” be filled with those who operate with integrity. But God is gracious and will not embarrass those of us who behave inappropriately. God does not appreciate our disrespect and dishonor... but He will not stoop to our level. Instead, God blesses and rewards those who lead blameless lives and do what is right. He bestows incredible favor on those who speak the truth from sincere hearts. He promises perpetual love and care to those who keep their promises even when it hurts… the honest and upright who cannot be bribed or persuaded to disobey.
I know it may seem like some people skirt through life doing as they please and getting by with it. You may be able to name a few people who appear to live a charmed life and “have it made” even though they have a penchant for impropriety and ill-gotten gain. But I can assure you, they do not have God’s favor… and their assurances of His blessings and care will not be everlasting and secure. I don’t know about you, but I’m in it with God for the long haul. I want all He offers… and I plan to do everything possible to live in a way that ensures that He is pleased with me!
Lest you think that this is about what God can do for me… I assure you, it is not! The truth is that God has done far and above anything I could ever hope to deserve for me already… He sent His only Son to die on a cross for my sins. He sacrificed everything for someone who can give Him little to nothing in return… who certainly can never repay this tremendous gift. And that person is me! It is also you… and the next guy… and the next! We cannot earn God’s favor or blessings. But we can honor and respect Him by living with integrity… by leading blameless lives, operating with sincerity and authenticity… and a having genuine heart. Even when we are ridiculed and mistreated, we can continue to show love, grace, mercy and forgiveness… and in doing so, we can say, “I’m striving to imitate you as closely as possible, LORD!”
THESE are the kinds of people who find sanctuary in the LORD. These are the ones whom He desires to invite to His table… the ones who will find blessings and favor… who will stand firm forever. I want to be among them… don’t you? Are you a worthy dinner guest? Aren’t you ready to become one?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 26, 2013
March 26 ~ Proverbs 20:7, 11
The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.
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.
I recently heard a discussion about child rearing – and more specifically, methods of discipline. An “expert” was asked how she felt about spanking, and she stated that she did not feel it was appropriate. Others in the group noted that they were spanked as children, and this did not harm them in the long run. The “expert” explained her position by saying that things are different for today’s children. She said, “The world is teaching our children – through television, movies, the Internet and other outside influences. We need to give them wisdom and show them what is right.” She contended that now – more than ever – we need to teach our children how to live and behave with words and examples… not with physical discipline.
This example is not meant to stir a discussion on the pros and cons of spanking. But as I listened to this woman speak… and I read these verses from Proverbs… I was struck by the importance of our example to children in all things – especially in terms of today’s world. My cousin told me recently that she cannot allow her children to watch “regular TV,” because it is such a poor influence on them. We have become so numb to foul language, violence and inappropriate sexual situations on prime time and daytime television that we don’t even notice what our children are seeing and hearing… until we get into a public situation and the little ones spout some expletive (in correct context) or bring up a situation that we are appalled to realize is even on their radar screen! We have gotten so used to commercials for adult health and hygiene products during our nightly news that we don’t even notice them… until our kids come to us and want to know why we need XYZ product!
I’m afraid that there are far too many situations where we tell our children – and those who are not-so-young – to “do as I say, not as I do.” When I was teaching, I had a rule that “I won’t believe everything I hear from your child, if you don’t believe everything they come home and tell you.” And I stand by this statement, because I know that children have vivid imaginations and a propensity for embellishment. But at the same time, we must pay attention to the words and actions of children, because they tell us a lot about the purity of their upbringing and the integrity of their home.
I know I say this a lot, but people are watching! They notice what you say and do, and they assess your moral character – your integrity – according to your words and actions. They also gauge uprightness by how your children and those with whom you associate conduct themselves. If you accept the inappropriate or immoral behaviors of others, it speaks to your own values and integrity. We must walk away from inappropriate conversations… we must not share off-color jokes or bigoted comments – we must guard what our children see and hear and make a concerted effort to teach them to live with honesty and decency. We must mean what we say and do… and guard against hypocrisy.
When others look at your children… or your friends and associates… what do they see? What do their behaviors and attitudes say about you as their friend, parent, or mentor? Do you walk with integrity that extends to others in your “circle” of influence? Shouldn’t you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.
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.
I recently heard a discussion about child rearing – and more specifically, methods of discipline. An “expert” was asked how she felt about spanking, and she stated that she did not feel it was appropriate. Others in the group noted that they were spanked as children, and this did not harm them in the long run. The “expert” explained her position by saying that things are different for today’s children. She said, “The world is teaching our children – through television, movies, the Internet and other outside influences. We need to give them wisdom and show them what is right.” She contended that now – more than ever – we need to teach our children how to live and behave with words and examples… not with physical discipline.
This example is not meant to stir a discussion on the pros and cons of spanking. But as I listened to this woman speak… and I read these verses from Proverbs… I was struck by the importance of our example to children in all things – especially in terms of today’s world. My cousin told me recently that she cannot allow her children to watch “regular TV,” because it is such a poor influence on them. We have become so numb to foul language, violence and inappropriate sexual situations on prime time and daytime television that we don’t even notice what our children are seeing and hearing… until we get into a public situation and the little ones spout some expletive (in correct context) or bring up a situation that we are appalled to realize is even on their radar screen! We have gotten so used to commercials for adult health and hygiene products during our nightly news that we don’t even notice them… until our kids come to us and want to know why we need XYZ product!
I’m afraid that there are far too many situations where we tell our children – and those who are not-so-young – to “do as I say, not as I do.” When I was teaching, I had a rule that “I won’t believe everything I hear from your child, if you don’t believe everything they come home and tell you.” And I stand by this statement, because I know that children have vivid imaginations and a propensity for embellishment. But at the same time, we must pay attention to the words and actions of children, because they tell us a lot about the purity of their upbringing and the integrity of their home.
I know I say this a lot, but people are watching! They notice what you say and do, and they assess your moral character – your integrity – according to your words and actions. They also gauge uprightness by how your children and those with whom you associate conduct themselves. If you accept the inappropriate or immoral behaviors of others, it speaks to your own values and integrity. We must walk away from inappropriate conversations… we must not share off-color jokes or bigoted comments – we must guard what our children see and hear and make a concerted effort to teach them to live with honesty and decency. We must mean what we say and do… and guard against hypocrisy.
When others look at your children… or your friends and associates… what do they see? What do their behaviors and attitudes say about you as their friend, parent, or mentor? Do you walk with integrity that extends to others in your “circle” of influence? Shouldn’t you?
©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 September 19, 2012
James 5:12
And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like “I swear to God” to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We’ve all heard the jokes about little kids who asked their mom or dad, “Where did I come from?” and the parent nervously delivered an explanation about reproduction and how babies are born – only to have the child follow with, “Well, Sarah said she came from Toledo, and I just wondered where I came from.” Sometimes, we give too much information!
By the same token, we’ve all heard someone say, “But you swore this wouldn’t happen,” or “You swore you’d never do that!” By adding to our words, we often set up a scenario for others to use them against us. I had never really thought much about the phrase “I swear” until I read this passage in this particular translation. But really, what are we doing when we add these words to a sentence? Are we giving our claim more credence? Do we feel that what we have said or committed to is not enough on its own and needs the bolster of an oath? Did it ever occur to any of us that this indicates impatience or an effort to “hurry up God?”
It is no secret that we need to be mindful of our words as much as our deeds. But how many of us have really considered that our language indicates how much we trust God’s care for us? Who among us has thoroughly pondered the implications of what we say on a regular basis? Do we weigh our words carefully? Do we think at all about how what we say might come back to trouble us at some point? Do we give consideration to who we know is listening… and who is listening that we may not realize?
We should carefully choose our comments and our actions. I have heard more than one person say, “If you wouldn’t say it in front of Mom or Grandma, don’t say it.” Unfortunately, there are a few moms and grandmas who have some pretty colorful language of their own…but you get the picture. Think of it this way…would you say these things in front of a group at your church? How would you feel if someone said these things to you? Does it make the promise or claim of anyone more believable and trustworthy if they add the words, “I swear!” or some off-color expletives to them for emphasis?
There is a lot of power in James 5:12. Please read this passage carefully, and apply it to your own language. Let your “yes” and “no” stand for themselves. You know that God cares for you… but can others tell it from your words and actions? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
And since you know that he cares, let your language show it. Don’t add words like “I swear to God” to your own words. Don’t show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can’t be used against you.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We’ve all heard the jokes about little kids who asked their mom or dad, “Where did I come from?” and the parent nervously delivered an explanation about reproduction and how babies are born – only to have the child follow with, “Well, Sarah said she came from Toledo, and I just wondered where I came from.” Sometimes, we give too much information!
By the same token, we’ve all heard someone say, “But you swore this wouldn’t happen,” or “You swore you’d never do that!” By adding to our words, we often set up a scenario for others to use them against us. I had never really thought much about the phrase “I swear” until I read this passage in this particular translation. But really, what are we doing when we add these words to a sentence? Are we giving our claim more credence? Do we feel that what we have said or committed to is not enough on its own and needs the bolster of an oath? Did it ever occur to any of us that this indicates impatience or an effort to “hurry up God?”
It is no secret that we need to be mindful of our words as much as our deeds. But how many of us have really considered that our language indicates how much we trust God’s care for us? Who among us has thoroughly pondered the implications of what we say on a regular basis? Do we weigh our words carefully? Do we think at all about how what we say might come back to trouble us at some point? Do we give consideration to who we know is listening… and who is listening that we may not realize?
We should carefully choose our comments and our actions. I have heard more than one person say, “If you wouldn’t say it in front of Mom or Grandma, don’t say it.” Unfortunately, there are a few moms and grandmas who have some pretty colorful language of their own…but you get the picture. Think of it this way…would you say these things in front of a group at your church? How would you feel if someone said these things to you? Does it make the promise or claim of anyone more believable and trustworthy if they add the words, “I swear!” or some off-color expletives to them for emphasis?
There is a lot of power in James 5:12. Please read this passage carefully, and apply it to your own language. Let your “yes” and “no” stand for themselves. You know that God cares for you… but can others tell it from your words and actions? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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