Matthew 5:5-6
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no
less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything
that can’t be bought.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
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 had breakfast with some friends from high school a few weeks ago,
and one of them told of a time when he was really poor. He said he was
very hungry, and all he had in the cupboard was a packet of biscuit mix
and 2 packets of “Swiss Miss®” cocoa mix. My friend had no milk or
eggs, but he decided that he could mix the cocoa packets with water
(milk?) and add it to the biscuit mix – and make pancakes! He said, “I
didn’t even have any syrup…but I didn’t go hungry!”
You can tell by looking at me that I am all about a good meal – and
syrup on my pancakes! I like “creature comforts”…and nice things…and I
have more than my share of both. But like many people, I have things
that I wish I could change about myself…wrinkles and sags and extra
“padding” in the wrong places. I wish I could turn back the clock and
have strong “runner’s knees” again…and no arthritis in my fingers. I
look at old pictures and long for another family gathering and be youth
and energy to enjoy one another’s company.
Then I take our little ones swimming…or watch them play with abandon in
our yard or living room. I look at their happy faces as I make their
favorite sandwiches…and I realize that the children don’t care what I
look like. They accept that I can’t run as fast as they can – or climb
as high. But they know how much Greg and I love them…that they are
always safe and nurtured when they are with us…that we always have their
best interests at heart. And this bond cannot be bought.
I share a sunrise with Greg…sit and enjoy coffee and conversation on our
back porch…or laugh with him over one of our favorite sitcoms on
television while our cat, Mabel, stretches out between us in “purrfect”
contentment! And I am reminded just how abundantly full my life is…how
blessed we are to be able to have enjoyed rewarding careers that
afforded us the luxury working together - and an early retirement.
I am reminded every day, in ways great and small, of what truly
matters. For us, it is faith and family – in that order. Without faith
in God, we would not have the strength and wisdom to care for each other
and our family as we should. We would not fully appreciate how
precious life and the people in it are…and how important it is to serve
God by serving others. Without our deep and abiding relationship with
our Heavenly Father, we would probably be more focused on correcting
wrinkles, grey hair – or no hair(!), and “stuff”…and we would miss the
sunrises, laughter and wonder that is “life.”
Nobody is perfect…and I have my moments where I am less than satisfied
with where I am in life or what I have. But for the most part, I take
heart in what the Apostle Paul noted in Philippians 4:11-13…”I’ve
learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just
as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found
the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands
empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in
the One who makes me who I am.”
I want this to be MY “recipe” – and the “syrup on my pancakes” as well. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label living deeply in God's truth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living deeply in God's truth. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 1, 2016
Acts 7:54-60
When the council members heard Stephen’s speech, they were angry and furious. But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked toward heaven, where he saw our glorious God and Jesus standing at his right side. Then Stephen said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!”
The council members shouted and covered their ears. At once they all attacked Stephen and dragged him out of the city. Then they started throwing stones at him. The men who had brought charges against him put their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As Stephen was being stoned to death, he called out, “Lord Jesus, please welcome me!” He knelt down and shouted, “Lord, don’t blame them for what they have done.” Then he died.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On October 10, 2008, a woman stood up in a town hall meeting in Minnesota, and declared to Senator John McCain that Barack Obama was an Arab. As reported by Politico.com*, Senator McCain took the microphone from her and stated…"No, ma'am. He's a decent family man [and] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that's what this campaign's all about. He's not [an Arab]."
This was a gutsy – and honest reply. But a lot of people did not like it. No doubt, these words cost John McCain some votes. I like to think that Senator McCain can live with peace of mind that he spoke the truth that day. To have said otherwise – or even ignored the woman’s comments – would have essentially been an endorsement of her statements by omission.
Most of us will never run for public office and have to worry about garnering votes. None of us will probably ever cause a full-blown riot with our words and actions…at least I hope not! Surely none of us will ever be stoned to death in a public square for preaching the Gospel of Jesus – or speaking the truth on any issue. But many of us will suffer consequences for our obedience as we say and do what God tells us.
We will lose friends and relationships…maybe engage in an argument or two…and possibly be ostracized by some. I know that I have been “unfriended” by a few people on Facebook – and blocked by others on e-mail. Some have asked to be removed from the list to receive these Daily Devotionals because of what I said in them. It’s not the same as the stoning of Stephen – not by a long shot! But these actions still have an impact on us as we strive to be obedient to God's message.
No one ever said that serving as a Christian Disciple…or standing up for the truth…was going to be easy. When we take a stand and speak as God directs us, there will be some who will take offense…and take out their frustrations on us and others. Acts 6:15 tells us…”As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!” The glow of the Holy Spirit was visibly evident on his face…even as he was pummeled and asked God to forgive those who were participating in his murder.
I cannot fathom that level of faithfulness and obedience…and I would never wish to be tortured or murdered for my truthfulness. But I sure would like to be more in tune with the Holy Spirit – and more obedient to God’s directives for my life. Wouldn’t you? What are you willing to do to make that happen? Will this be the day that you start to find out?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://www.politico.com/story/2008/10/mccain-obama-not-an-arab-crowd-boos-014479#ixzz4G6L0keIj
When the council members heard Stephen’s speech, they were angry and furious. But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked toward heaven, where he saw our glorious God and Jesus standing at his right side. Then Stephen said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!”
The council members shouted and covered their ears. At once they all attacked Stephen and dragged him out of the city. Then they started throwing stones at him. The men who had brought charges against him put their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As Stephen was being stoned to death, he called out, “Lord Jesus, please welcome me!” He knelt down and shouted, “Lord, don’t blame them for what they have done.” Then he died.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On October 10, 2008, a woman stood up in a town hall meeting in Minnesota, and declared to Senator John McCain that Barack Obama was an Arab. As reported by Politico.com*, Senator McCain took the microphone from her and stated…"No, ma'am. He's a decent family man [and] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that's what this campaign's all about. He's not [an Arab]."
This was a gutsy – and honest reply. But a lot of people did not like it. No doubt, these words cost John McCain some votes. I like to think that Senator McCain can live with peace of mind that he spoke the truth that day. To have said otherwise – or even ignored the woman’s comments – would have essentially been an endorsement of her statements by omission.
Most of us will never run for public office and have to worry about garnering votes. None of us will probably ever cause a full-blown riot with our words and actions…at least I hope not! Surely none of us will ever be stoned to death in a public square for preaching the Gospel of Jesus – or speaking the truth on any issue. But many of us will suffer consequences for our obedience as we say and do what God tells us.
We will lose friends and relationships…maybe engage in an argument or two…and possibly be ostracized by some. I know that I have been “unfriended” by a few people on Facebook – and blocked by others on e-mail. Some have asked to be removed from the list to receive these Daily Devotionals because of what I said in them. It’s not the same as the stoning of Stephen – not by a long shot! But these actions still have an impact on us as we strive to be obedient to God's message.
No one ever said that serving as a Christian Disciple…or standing up for the truth…was going to be easy. When we take a stand and speak as God directs us, there will be some who will take offense…and take out their frustrations on us and others. Acts 6:15 tells us…”As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!” The glow of the Holy Spirit was visibly evident on his face…even as he was pummeled and asked God to forgive those who were participating in his murder.
I cannot fathom that level of faithfulness and obedience…and I would never wish to be tortured or murdered for my truthfulness. But I sure would like to be more in tune with the Holy Spirit – and more obedient to God’s directives for my life. Wouldn’t you? What are you willing to do to make that happen? Will this be the day that you start to find out?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://www.politico.com/story/2008/10/mccain-obama-not-an-arab-crowd-boos-014479#ixzz4G6L0keIj
Daily Devotional for July 16, 2016
1 John 4:12-15
For though we have never yet seen God, when we love each other God lives in us, and his love within us grows ever stronger. And he has put his own Holy Spirit into our hearts as a proof to us that we are living with him and he with us. And furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now tell all the world that God sent his Son to be their Savior. Anyone who believes and says that Jesus is the Son of God has God living in him, and he is living with 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.
When my niece, Jasmine, was expecting Timothy, our excitement and anticipation grew with every month of her pregnancy. We loved that baby before he was ever born! But as he grew and we spent time him, that love grew exponentially. And despite our declarations that we would not become so attached to the subsequent babies, we couldn’t help ourselves. These children have our hearts!
With no disrespect intended for our own nieces, nephews, and little cousins…I never fully understood this deep and profound love until these three children came into our lives. I can only surmise that God has used these precious little ones to give us a firsthand glimpse at how much He loves us. I believe it is no accident that as I look at the world through this new “lens,” my views have changed dramatically.
When I see a human tragedy unfold on the news, I put myself in the shoes of the parents. Their child is our little one. The son who went to war and didn’t return is our Timothy or Nathan. The daughter who is abducted is our Zola. The child who took his/her own life because of bullying is ours. The person who is called ugly names and spoken of with hate and disdain is our own child…and the pain of it is profound. I look at militant terrorists and think, “This was once a child loved by a mother just as much as we love our little ones.” Or I will remind myself, “This person used to be an innocent child who played, laughed and sang just like ours.”
I am constantly reminded that we were all once precious, innocent children…and that as our Heavenly Father, this is how God sees us. I’ve been substitute teaching in the pre-K Sunday school class for about a month now, and as I look at those little 3, 4 and 5-year-olds, I see tiny vessels that God wants to fill with His Holy Spirit. I see “open books” that God wants to fill with the hope and promise of His holy word…disciples in the making…hearts waiting to be filled with His abundant love.
Just because we are “grownups” doesn’t mean that God doesn’t still see us as His little ones. He wants to fill us with His love…and to see that love grow exponentially as we share it with others. Wherever we are in our “faith walk,” we can go further. Whatever we think we know about God, we can learn more. However strong our relationship with God seems today, it can be stronger. As much empathy and concern as we may think we have for our fellow man, we can cultivate more. These are the things that God desires for us…that we continually strive to go deeper in our efforts to live with Him – and to make room for Him to live within us.
As you look around today, think about others (yes, ALL of them!) with this “God lens.” Consider each and every person as God’s precious little one…and include yourself. See how this changes your relationship with Him – and with the rest of the world. Make a point to really LIVE with God…and to share Him with others. If we will allow God to fill our hearts with His love and power, the results might just amaze us. It’s certainly worth a shot…isn’t it?!
©2016 Debbie Robus
For though we have never yet seen God, when we love each other God lives in us, and his love within us grows ever stronger. And he has put his own Holy Spirit into our hearts as a proof to us that we are living with him and he with us. And furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now tell all the world that God sent his Son to be their Savior. Anyone who believes and says that Jesus is the Son of God has God living in him, and he is living with 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.
When my niece, Jasmine, was expecting Timothy, our excitement and anticipation grew with every month of her pregnancy. We loved that baby before he was ever born! But as he grew and we spent time him, that love grew exponentially. And despite our declarations that we would not become so attached to the subsequent babies, we couldn’t help ourselves. These children have our hearts!
With no disrespect intended for our own nieces, nephews, and little cousins…I never fully understood this deep and profound love until these three children came into our lives. I can only surmise that God has used these precious little ones to give us a firsthand glimpse at how much He loves us. I believe it is no accident that as I look at the world through this new “lens,” my views have changed dramatically.
When I see a human tragedy unfold on the news, I put myself in the shoes of the parents. Their child is our little one. The son who went to war and didn’t return is our Timothy or Nathan. The daughter who is abducted is our Zola. The child who took his/her own life because of bullying is ours. The person who is called ugly names and spoken of with hate and disdain is our own child…and the pain of it is profound. I look at militant terrorists and think, “This was once a child loved by a mother just as much as we love our little ones.” Or I will remind myself, “This person used to be an innocent child who played, laughed and sang just like ours.”
I am constantly reminded that we were all once precious, innocent children…and that as our Heavenly Father, this is how God sees us. I’ve been substitute teaching in the pre-K Sunday school class for about a month now, and as I look at those little 3, 4 and 5-year-olds, I see tiny vessels that God wants to fill with His Holy Spirit. I see “open books” that God wants to fill with the hope and promise of His holy word…disciples in the making…hearts waiting to be filled with His abundant love.
Just because we are “grownups” doesn’t mean that God doesn’t still see us as His little ones. He wants to fill us with His love…and to see that love grow exponentially as we share it with others. Wherever we are in our “faith walk,” we can go further. Whatever we think we know about God, we can learn more. However strong our relationship with God seems today, it can be stronger. As much empathy and concern as we may think we have for our fellow man, we can cultivate more. These are the things that God desires for us…that we continually strive to go deeper in our efforts to live with Him – and to make room for Him to live within us.
As you look around today, think about others (yes, ALL of them!) with this “God lens.” Consider each and every person as God’s precious little one…and include yourself. See how this changes your relationship with Him – and with the rest of the world. Make a point to really LIVE with God…and to share Him with others. If we will allow God to fill our hearts with His love and power, the results might just amaze us. It’s certainly worth a shot…isn’t it?!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 13, 2015
May 13 ~ 2 Timothy 4:3
For there is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
There is a new “craze” circulating that involves wearing a tightly-fitting corset to supposedly whittle your waist and give one a defined, “hourglass” figure. Yes, it really is a “thing”…and there are late-night infomercials about it and the whole nine yards. I saw a news interview with physicians who warned that this “quick fix” would mostly result in health complications…trouble breathing, spinal damage, and even a weakened “core,” to name a few. One doctor said that the “best” thing about the corset was that it would make people eat less…because they were too constricted to do otherwise!
There is probably no topic on which people will spend more time and energy seeking the “answers” they want than weight loss. People don’t want to believe that diet and exercise work! They want a quick fix…something easy…a solution that doesn’t require any real effort on their part. Drink this and burn the calories! Put on this belt (or corset), and the fat will melt away! Use this gizmo and your body will tone itself while you sit in your easy chair!
I can see you rolling your eyes now. We seem to have no trouble understanding how ridiculous some of these gimmicks are…but when it comes to matters of faith, we’re all in! Historically, people have justified everything from the “prosperity gospel” to slavery – and so much more - by twisting and turning scriptures to suit their agendas. If you look long and hard, you will find SOMEONE who will justify your “take” on just about anything to do with religion and Christian faith!
So the question becomes, “Do you want to know the truth…or do you want to hear what suits you?” In the movie A Few Good Men, Tom Cruise’s character, Lt. Daniel Kaffee, tells Col. Nathan R. Jessup (played by Jack Nicholson)…“I want the truth!” - to which Col. Jessep replies, “You can't handle the truth!” The question we must ask today is…“Can you handle the truth?”
Are you really ready to go “all in” with Jesus and live according to the genuine intention of God’s word? Will you dig deeply, spend time with God and discover for yourself what He has to say? Or will you continue to search for the “corset” that will cinch your faith into a shapely version that you find attractive and tolerable? Will this be the day that you get real with God, surrender to His word and will for your life…and really start to “get in shape?”
Are you looking for a “quick fix” or a relationship that will stand the test of time and carry you through to Eternity? Are you ready to handle God’s truth? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
For there is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
There is a new “craze” circulating that involves wearing a tightly-fitting corset to supposedly whittle your waist and give one a defined, “hourglass” figure. Yes, it really is a “thing”…and there are late-night infomercials about it and the whole nine yards. I saw a news interview with physicians who warned that this “quick fix” would mostly result in health complications…trouble breathing, spinal damage, and even a weakened “core,” to name a few. One doctor said that the “best” thing about the corset was that it would make people eat less…because they were too constricted to do otherwise!
There is probably no topic on which people will spend more time and energy seeking the “answers” they want than weight loss. People don’t want to believe that diet and exercise work! They want a quick fix…something easy…a solution that doesn’t require any real effort on their part. Drink this and burn the calories! Put on this belt (or corset), and the fat will melt away! Use this gizmo and your body will tone itself while you sit in your easy chair!
I can see you rolling your eyes now. We seem to have no trouble understanding how ridiculous some of these gimmicks are…but when it comes to matters of faith, we’re all in! Historically, people have justified everything from the “prosperity gospel” to slavery – and so much more - by twisting and turning scriptures to suit their agendas. If you look long and hard, you will find SOMEONE who will justify your “take” on just about anything to do with religion and Christian faith!
So the question becomes, “Do you want to know the truth…or do you want to hear what suits you?” In the movie A Few Good Men, Tom Cruise’s character, Lt. Daniel Kaffee, tells Col. Nathan R. Jessup (played by Jack Nicholson)…“I want the truth!” - to which Col. Jessep replies, “You can't handle the truth!” The question we must ask today is…“Can you handle the truth?”
Are you really ready to go “all in” with Jesus and live according to the genuine intention of God’s word? Will you dig deeply, spend time with God and discover for yourself what He has to say? Or will you continue to search for the “corset” that will cinch your faith into a shapely version that you find attractive and tolerable? Will this be the day that you get real with God, surrender to His word and will for your life…and really start to “get in shape?”
Are you looking for a “quick fix” or a relationship that will stand the test of time and carry you through to Eternity? Are you ready to handle God’s truth? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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