John 11:24-27
Martha answered, "I know that he will be raised to life on the last day, when all the dead are raised." Jesus then said, "I am the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die. And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never really die. Do you believe this?"
"Yes, Lord!" she replied. "I believe that you are Christ, the Son of God. You are the one we hoped would come into the world."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Twelve years ago today, my dad left this earth for heaven. He was only 63. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him… and others dear to me who have died and gone to Heaven. But when I think of how sick he was… how miserable his last months on earth were, and how he longed for Heaven and the presence of God, my brother and other loved ones… I wouldn’t wish him back for anything.
I hear people say, “I would give anything for one more day with my loved one.” And I understand this. But I also understand that they probably would not care to have another day with us, because Heaven is so glorious! In his book, 90 Minutes in Heaven, pastor Don Piper tells of asking God over and again, “Why did you send me back?” He “died” in a horrible car wreck and experienced the glory of Heaven… and he badly wanted to stay there. Of course, God used Don Piper in amazing ways to minister to others who had suffered horrendous injuries similar to his. Only he could understand their pain and agony, and he was able to be a great comfort and encouragement to many.
In returning to earth and serving as God desired, Don Piper was the spitting image of someone who lived because of faith in God. And he will never really “die,” because someday he truly will return to Heaven to live in opulence and great comfort with others who have passed before him.
I like to think that our loved ones are not “gone” – they are just “relocated.” We will see them again, if we put our faith in Jesus Christ, as they did. Meanwhile, we have “living” to do on this earth… faith-filled living in Jesus Christ… serving Him, loving Him, and sharing His gospel with everyone we encounter. When I say I “plan to live forever,” I don’t mean that I will never physically die. But I’m with Martha… I believe that Christ is the one we hoped would come into the world… and I plan to relocate to His heavenly home someday. Will you be joining us?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label living in Christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living in Christ. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 5, 2011
Luke 13:23-30
A bystander said, "Master, will only a few be saved?"
He said, "Whether few or many is none of your business. Put your mind on your life with God. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires your total attention. A lot of you are going to assume that you'll sit down to God's salvation banquet just because you've been hanging around the neighborhood all your lives. Well, one day you're going to be banging on the door, wanting to get in, but you'll find the door locked and the Master saying, 'Sorry, you're not on my guest list.'
"You'll protest, 'But we've known you all our lives!' only to be interrupted with his abrupt, 'Your kind of knowing can hardly be called knowing. You don't know the first thing about me.'
"That's when you'll find yourselves out in the cold, strangers to grace. You'll watch Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets march into God's kingdom. You'll watch outsiders stream in from east, west, north, and south and sit down at the table of God's kingdom. And all the time you'll be outside looking in—and wondering what happened. This is the Great Reversal: the last in line put at the head of the line, and the so-called first ending up last."
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.
Several months ago, my husband joined the James Taylor Fan Club online. He began getting notices via e-mail about James Taylor and his music… where he was performing, and more. When he learned that James Taylor would be performing a concert in late April at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, he asked me if I would like to go with him. Would I?! As members of the fan club, we were given advanced opportunities to purchase tickets.
The opening day of ticket sales, I sat at the computer… credit card in hand… and waited for the 11:00 a.m. opening. I placed my order, and later we got confirmation… two tickets… on the floor… second row! We were so excited.
The concert day arrived, and we drove to North Little Rock and got in line to enter the arena. Inside, we found our seats… probably not more than twenty feet from where the musical legend and his band would soon perform. The cherry on top would be getting to walk down to the stage at intermission and actually get an autograph from the musical legend on the yoke of my denim jacket!
The arena was packed. More than 6300 people came to hear James Taylor and his band perform hits that most of us know by heart. But just as the concert began, I noticed an usher standing near the front of the floor section, and he had a couple of concert-goers standing with him. He was speaking to people sitting across from us in the second row… and soon they were leaving. See, they had taken vacant seats that did not belong to them. They were not the ticket holders for these seats – the people standing with the usher were. And these “party-crashers” were not welcome there. They had not taken the necessary steps to bring them to that particular spot, and they were turned away.
Do you see the correlation? It’s not enough just to come to God’s concert… you have to have the right ticket! Just because your family is… or was… “church people” doesn’t guarantee you a mansion in heaven. Just because you give to your church or do good works… don’t assume you will be dining at God’s table with the saints! Being a “good person” and claiming to know Jesus without really knowing Him and living for Him will get you nowhere. The only way to guarantee that you are a part of God’s Eternal Kingdom is to invite Jesus Christ to be the LORD of your life, call on His Holy Spirit to reside in your heart and guide your every step… then truly invite Him to live and breathe in and through you each day.
You have a choice. You can be a wannabe on the fringe… something of a hanger-on… the one who tries to sneak in the back door or take a seat that isn’t truly yours. Or you can have seats on the floor at God’s ongoing concert. Where do you plan to be sitting? Have you made the commitment and received the right ticket?
©2011 Debbie Robus
A bystander said, "Master, will only a few be saved?"
He said, "Whether few or many is none of your business. Put your mind on your life with God. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires your total attention. A lot of you are going to assume that you'll sit down to God's salvation banquet just because you've been hanging around the neighborhood all your lives. Well, one day you're going to be banging on the door, wanting to get in, but you'll find the door locked and the Master saying, 'Sorry, you're not on my guest list.'
"You'll protest, 'But we've known you all our lives!' only to be interrupted with his abrupt, 'Your kind of knowing can hardly be called knowing. You don't know the first thing about me.'
"That's when you'll find yourselves out in the cold, strangers to grace. You'll watch Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets march into God's kingdom. You'll watch outsiders stream in from east, west, north, and south and sit down at the table of God's kingdom. And all the time you'll be outside looking in—and wondering what happened. This is the Great Reversal: the last in line put at the head of the line, and the so-called first ending up last."
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.
Several months ago, my husband joined the James Taylor Fan Club online. He began getting notices via e-mail about James Taylor and his music… where he was performing, and more. When he learned that James Taylor would be performing a concert in late April at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, he asked me if I would like to go with him. Would I?! As members of the fan club, we were given advanced opportunities to purchase tickets.
The opening day of ticket sales, I sat at the computer… credit card in hand… and waited for the 11:00 a.m. opening. I placed my order, and later we got confirmation… two tickets… on the floor… second row! We were so excited.
The concert day arrived, and we drove to North Little Rock and got in line to enter the arena. Inside, we found our seats… probably not more than twenty feet from where the musical legend and his band would soon perform. The cherry on top would be getting to walk down to the stage at intermission and actually get an autograph from the musical legend on the yoke of my denim jacket!
The arena was packed. More than 6300 people came to hear James Taylor and his band perform hits that most of us know by heart. But just as the concert began, I noticed an usher standing near the front of the floor section, and he had a couple of concert-goers standing with him. He was speaking to people sitting across from us in the second row… and soon they were leaving. See, they had taken vacant seats that did not belong to them. They were not the ticket holders for these seats – the people standing with the usher were. And these “party-crashers” were not welcome there. They had not taken the necessary steps to bring them to that particular spot, and they were turned away.
Do you see the correlation? It’s not enough just to come to God’s concert… you have to have the right ticket! Just because your family is… or was… “church people” doesn’t guarantee you a mansion in heaven. Just because you give to your church or do good works… don’t assume you will be dining at God’s table with the saints! Being a “good person” and claiming to know Jesus without really knowing Him and living for Him will get you nowhere. The only way to guarantee that you are a part of God’s Eternal Kingdom is to invite Jesus Christ to be the LORD of your life, call on His Holy Spirit to reside in your heart and guide your every step… then truly invite Him to live and breathe in and through you each day.
You have a choice. You can be a wannabe on the fringe… something of a hanger-on… the one who tries to sneak in the back door or take a seat that isn’t truly yours. Or you can have seats on the floor at God’s ongoing concert. Where do you plan to be sitting? Have you made the commitment and received the right ticket?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 26, 2011
Luke 12:6-10
What's the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.
"Stand up for me among the people you meet and the Son of Man will stand up for you before all God's angels. But if you pretend you don't know me, do you think I'll defend you before God's angels?
"If you bad-mouth the Son of Man out of misunderstanding or ignorance, that can be overlooked. But if you're knowingly attacking God himself, taking aim at the Holy Spirit, that won't be overlooked.
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.
Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Imagine it… God knows exactly how many hairs are on your head… and mine… and his… and hers… and theirs. Incredible, isn’t it?! “So what?” you may say… “Why would God even care about my hair?” Because God cares about everything about you! You are the apple of His eye. He knows every single detail of your life… and He loves you anyway!
So often – and for a number of reasons – people start to feel like nobody cares. Nobody is paying attention…nobody notices. I’m talking about more than self-pity… I’m talking about a feeling that we are incredibly insignificant in the scheme of things. If we died tomorrow, would it matter? The truth is that God created each of us for a purpose… and if we are not around to fulfill that purpose, it matters greatly!
God is always ready to meet you where you are… to stand with you – and to stand up for you! If someone tries to tell you that you don’t matter… or if the devil tries to plant those thoughts in your head, do not listen! Stand up, square your shoulders and say, “I’m worth more than a million canaries!” Because honestly, if God cares about every feather of a tiny canary, He surely cares about each of us even more.
There’s one other thing… because God is so loving, gracious, and merciful, and always willing to stand up for us… we must be willing to do the same. If we turn our back on God and try to make a go of things on our own terms, we can’t expect Him to bail us out of the mess we make! God is not Burger King… we can’t have it our way… and we can’t pick and choose when to serve Him and when we want to try something different! We really don’t want to do that anyway… because we’ve all seen how badly things go when we try to do them without God in control.
So thank God today for valuing you so highly – for caring about every intricate detail of your life. Ask Him to show you how to serve Him better… and take a stab at caring about the details of HIS life in return. Stand proudly knowing you are so important to Almighty God… and always remember who has your back!
©2011 Debbie Robus
What's the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.
"Stand up for me among the people you meet and the Son of Man will stand up for you before all God's angels. But if you pretend you don't know me, do you think I'll defend you before God's angels?
"If you bad-mouth the Son of Man out of misunderstanding or ignorance, that can be overlooked. But if you're knowingly attacking God himself, taking aim at the Holy Spirit, that won't be overlooked.
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.
Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Imagine it… God knows exactly how many hairs are on your head… and mine… and his… and hers… and theirs. Incredible, isn’t it?! “So what?” you may say… “Why would God even care about my hair?” Because God cares about everything about you! You are the apple of His eye. He knows every single detail of your life… and He loves you anyway!
So often – and for a number of reasons – people start to feel like nobody cares. Nobody is paying attention…nobody notices. I’m talking about more than self-pity… I’m talking about a feeling that we are incredibly insignificant in the scheme of things. If we died tomorrow, would it matter? The truth is that God created each of us for a purpose… and if we are not around to fulfill that purpose, it matters greatly!
God is always ready to meet you where you are… to stand with you – and to stand up for you! If someone tries to tell you that you don’t matter… or if the devil tries to plant those thoughts in your head, do not listen! Stand up, square your shoulders and say, “I’m worth more than a million canaries!” Because honestly, if God cares about every feather of a tiny canary, He surely cares about each of us even more.
There’s one other thing… because God is so loving, gracious, and merciful, and always willing to stand up for us… we must be willing to do the same. If we turn our back on God and try to make a go of things on our own terms, we can’t expect Him to bail us out of the mess we make! God is not Burger King… we can’t have it our way… and we can’t pick and choose when to serve Him and when we want to try something different! We really don’t want to do that anyway… because we’ve all seen how badly things go when we try to do them without God in control.
So thank God today for valuing you so highly – for caring about every intricate detail of your life. Ask Him to show you how to serve Him better… and take a stab at caring about the details of HIS life in return. Stand proudly knowing you are so important to Almighty God… and always remember who has your back!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 20, 2011
Psalm 56:8-13
You have kept record of my days of wandering. You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each of them. When I pray, LORD God, my enemies will retreat, because I know for certain that you are with me. I praise your promises!
I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me. I will keep my promises to you, my God, and bring you gifts. You protected me from death and kept me from stumbling, so that I would please you and follow the light that leads to life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent episode of NBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?”, Rosie O’Donnell traced her ancestry from New York and New Jersey back through Quebec, Canada, to County Kildare, Ireland. Along the way, she discovered that her great-grandfather’s first wife, Anna, was badly burned in a fire in their Manhattan home in the 1800’s. Anna was cooking breakfast and holding an infant daughter, who reached out and grabbed a kerosene lantern and pulled it toward the stove, where it exploded. The baby was not injured (probably do to the heroics of her mother), but Anna suffered for 20 days before dying. Anyone who has spent time with a small baby knows how quickly they can grab something and innocently cause havoc… so I truly felt for this woman and her family.
But that’s not all… Rosie discovered that her great-grandfather, Michael (husband of Anna), was born in Quebec… after his parents emigrated from Ireland, somewhere between 1846 and 1861, when the Murtagh family first appears in a Canadian census. Rosie learns that her great-great grandparents and four children were so poor that they had to enter a “Poor Law workhouse” during the potato famine. She visited a “workhouse” similar to the one in which her ancestors were placed, and she was devastated to see the conditions there. Straw mattresses were placed on the floor, with as many as four people assigned to one bed. Children ages 2-15 were separated from their families and relegated to the top floor. The women were placed in one area – the men in another. Over one million people died during the potato famine… many of them children, who were especially susceptible to disease and infection. Just thinking about someone taking my children from me as I entered such a place… cold, hungry and desperate… gave me chills and made me heartsick.
Rosie found records from 1854 indicating her great-great grandparents were living in a workhouse, but she also discovered that two men in charge recommended this family as suitable candidates to emigrate to Canada. Moved to tears, Rosie considers the incredible hardships her ancestors endured. She recognizes the success and accomplishments that she and her siblings have enjoyed, and she realizes that her life has always been blessed. She says in the episode that she would not be here, were it not for the two men who recommended her ancestors for emigration.
Surely God stored the tears of Rosie’s ancestors in His bottle and numbered them. Surely He had his hand upon this family – and others - even in the suffering that their great-great-granddaughter endured – and Rosie compared to a concentration camp. Rosie was able to do what King David did in the Psalm… look beyond her sadness, grief, and suffering and see the blessings God was preparing for her. And we can do the same. Every family… and every life… will have times of challenge, hardship, sadness, and suffering on some level. No one is immune to these tools of the devil… his attempts to drag us down and make us turn our back on God.
Rick Warren says in The Purpose Driven Life that “You will have happy moments here, but nothing compared to what God has planned for you…faithfulness to God does not guarantee success in a career or even ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns.” When we stop and consider this, we can see that what we consider to be extremely difficult… even horrific… times in our lives are truly just bumps in the road in the overall scheme of God’s plans for us.
If we can learn to focus on worshipping God and making Him smile… if we can look beyond our immediate little world and realize that there is a much bigger picture, we can begin to live in the blessings that God has for us. When we realize just how important we are to Him… how everything weaves together to bring us to the exact spot we are now… we more clearly see how important it is that we stay faithful and do our part to honor and glorify the One who counts our tears.
Sometimes it’s hard to see the blessings and the intricate details of how God is working on our behalf, because we get bogged down in the everyday incidents and focus too much on the immediate rather than the long-term. Where do you need to adjust your focus? Ask God to show you how to trust Him more… and trust His promises. Begin to operate in faith that He will not only number your tears… but your steps as well. Realize how blessed you are to be a child of God… and start to live accordingly!
©2011 Debbie Robus
You have kept record of my days of wandering. You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each of them. When I pray, LORD God, my enemies will retreat, because I know for certain that you are with me. I praise your promises!
I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me. I will keep my promises to you, my God, and bring you gifts. You protected me from death and kept me from stumbling, so that I would please you and follow the light that leads to life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent episode of NBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?”, Rosie O’Donnell traced her ancestry from New York and New Jersey back through Quebec, Canada, to County Kildare, Ireland. Along the way, she discovered that her great-grandfather’s first wife, Anna, was badly burned in a fire in their Manhattan home in the 1800’s. Anna was cooking breakfast and holding an infant daughter, who reached out and grabbed a kerosene lantern and pulled it toward the stove, where it exploded. The baby was not injured (probably do to the heroics of her mother), but Anna suffered for 20 days before dying. Anyone who has spent time with a small baby knows how quickly they can grab something and innocently cause havoc… so I truly felt for this woman and her family.
But that’s not all… Rosie discovered that her great-grandfather, Michael (husband of Anna), was born in Quebec… after his parents emigrated from Ireland, somewhere between 1846 and 1861, when the Murtagh family first appears in a Canadian census. Rosie learns that her great-great grandparents and four children were so poor that they had to enter a “Poor Law workhouse” during the potato famine. She visited a “workhouse” similar to the one in which her ancestors were placed, and she was devastated to see the conditions there. Straw mattresses were placed on the floor, with as many as four people assigned to one bed. Children ages 2-15 were separated from their families and relegated to the top floor. The women were placed in one area – the men in another. Over one million people died during the potato famine… many of them children, who were especially susceptible to disease and infection. Just thinking about someone taking my children from me as I entered such a place… cold, hungry and desperate… gave me chills and made me heartsick.
Rosie found records from 1854 indicating her great-great grandparents were living in a workhouse, but she also discovered that two men in charge recommended this family as suitable candidates to emigrate to Canada. Moved to tears, Rosie considers the incredible hardships her ancestors endured. She recognizes the success and accomplishments that she and her siblings have enjoyed, and she realizes that her life has always been blessed. She says in the episode that she would not be here, were it not for the two men who recommended her ancestors for emigration.
Surely God stored the tears of Rosie’s ancestors in His bottle and numbered them. Surely He had his hand upon this family – and others - even in the suffering that their great-great-granddaughter endured – and Rosie compared to a concentration camp. Rosie was able to do what King David did in the Psalm… look beyond her sadness, grief, and suffering and see the blessings God was preparing for her. And we can do the same. Every family… and every life… will have times of challenge, hardship, sadness, and suffering on some level. No one is immune to these tools of the devil… his attempts to drag us down and make us turn our back on God.
Rick Warren says in The Purpose Driven Life that “You will have happy moments here, but nothing compared to what God has planned for you…faithfulness to God does not guarantee success in a career or even ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns.” When we stop and consider this, we can see that what we consider to be extremely difficult… even horrific… times in our lives are truly just bumps in the road in the overall scheme of God’s plans for us.
If we can learn to focus on worshipping God and making Him smile… if we can look beyond our immediate little world and realize that there is a much bigger picture, we can begin to live in the blessings that God has for us. When we realize just how important we are to Him… how everything weaves together to bring us to the exact spot we are now… we more clearly see how important it is that we stay faithful and do our part to honor and glorify the One who counts our tears.
Sometimes it’s hard to see the blessings and the intricate details of how God is working on our behalf, because we get bogged down in the everyday incidents and focus too much on the immediate rather than the long-term. Where do you need to adjust your focus? Ask God to show you how to trust Him more… and trust His promises. Begin to operate in faith that He will not only number your tears… but your steps as well. Realize how blessed you are to be a child of God… and start to live accordingly!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 18, 2011
Hosea 6:6
I'm after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My brother Tim worked at our local hospital as an orderly when he was in high school. Because the hospital staff was small in number and close knit, my brother was taken under the wing of several nurses (and a couple of doctors), and he was a quick study. One day when Tim was 15 or 16, he heard a woman screaming on the courthouse square as he drove up Main Street. The woman was standing alongside her husband… and he was having a heart attack. Tim stopped and resuscitated this man by administering CPR… and he literally saved this man’s life.
My brother learned a lot about medicine as a high school orderly – and then he became a heart monitor technician - which led to his lifelong interest in cardiac medicine. By the time Tim went to nursing school, he already had a lot of firsthand experience. He still had to do the “book learning” – and there was a lot to learn – but like many good nurses before him who never even went to nursing school, Tim learned much “on the job.”
Our pastor recently said, “Being in church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in the hen house makes you a chicken!” God wants us to learn “on the job” by spending time with Him… learning from Him, communicating with Him, studying His word… and “practicing” our faith. Prayer meetings, Bible studies, worship services and fellowship with other Christians all have their place. But being able to quote scripture or warming a pew for a meeting/service/class doesn’t necessarily mean you have a love for God that lasts… or a deep, abiding relationship with Him. When it comes to our Christian faith, relationships trump “book learning” every time.
God wants us to worship Him and fortify our relationship by putting our faith into action. He wants us to communicate… but He also wants us to be busy DOING His work on this earth. I have a poor memory for scripture. I can quote or paraphrase favorite Bible verses… but to sit and tell you, “Hosea 6:6 says ‘I’m after love that lasts; not more religion…’ is probably not going to happen. However, in my own defense, I try to spend a lot of time communicating with God about how and where He wants me to serve… what I can do to honor Him and operate in His will.
You can spout scripture to others until you are blue in the face. But unless you can live out the meaning and intention of that scripture each day… unless you can be the hands and feet of Jesus for real in the everyday world… you are merely spouting scripture. You can go to church every Sunday and take on countless jobs in your church, but if you do not have a heart for loving others with the love of Christ and meeting them where they are each and every day, you’re probably wasting a lot of time.
You can work to garner new members for your church/Sunday-school class/small group/choir and more, but if you are not modeling Christian behavior – from the heart – every day, you are just warming seats with bodies. We need to get real about what God wants from us. He wants a relationship that is interactive and mutually genuine. He wants us to love Him above all else… and to desire to worship Him and serve His purposes more than anything else! Any less is simply not acceptable.
When we think about our relationship with God in these terms, it seems daunting… like a huge responsibility… and it is! But God will never give us more than we can handle. He will never ask more of us than He equips us to accomplish. We have nothing to fear. All we have to do is step up and get to know him.
Study and “book learning” have their place. And I’m glad my brother went to school and got his nursing degree. But that was not what made him a good nurse, any more than organized meetings and services make us faithful Christians. How badly do you want this? How serious are you about your relationship with God? It’s time we asked ourselves the tough questions… and seriously considered our answers. How well do you really know God these days? What are you willing to do to get to know Him better?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I'm after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My brother Tim worked at our local hospital as an orderly when he was in high school. Because the hospital staff was small in number and close knit, my brother was taken under the wing of several nurses (and a couple of doctors), and he was a quick study. One day when Tim was 15 or 16, he heard a woman screaming on the courthouse square as he drove up Main Street. The woman was standing alongside her husband… and he was having a heart attack. Tim stopped and resuscitated this man by administering CPR… and he literally saved this man’s life.
My brother learned a lot about medicine as a high school orderly – and then he became a heart monitor technician - which led to his lifelong interest in cardiac medicine. By the time Tim went to nursing school, he already had a lot of firsthand experience. He still had to do the “book learning” – and there was a lot to learn – but like many good nurses before him who never even went to nursing school, Tim learned much “on the job.”
Our pastor recently said, “Being in church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in the hen house makes you a chicken!” God wants us to learn “on the job” by spending time with Him… learning from Him, communicating with Him, studying His word… and “practicing” our faith. Prayer meetings, Bible studies, worship services and fellowship with other Christians all have their place. But being able to quote scripture or warming a pew for a meeting/service/class doesn’t necessarily mean you have a love for God that lasts… or a deep, abiding relationship with Him. When it comes to our Christian faith, relationships trump “book learning” every time.
God wants us to worship Him and fortify our relationship by putting our faith into action. He wants us to communicate… but He also wants us to be busy DOING His work on this earth. I have a poor memory for scripture. I can quote or paraphrase favorite Bible verses… but to sit and tell you, “Hosea 6:6 says ‘I’m after love that lasts; not more religion…’ is probably not going to happen. However, in my own defense, I try to spend a lot of time communicating with God about how and where He wants me to serve… what I can do to honor Him and operate in His will.
You can spout scripture to others until you are blue in the face. But unless you can live out the meaning and intention of that scripture each day… unless you can be the hands and feet of Jesus for real in the everyday world… you are merely spouting scripture. You can go to church every Sunday and take on countless jobs in your church, but if you do not have a heart for loving others with the love of Christ and meeting them where they are each and every day, you’re probably wasting a lot of time.
You can work to garner new members for your church/Sunday-school class/small group/choir and more, but if you are not modeling Christian behavior – from the heart – every day, you are just warming seats with bodies. We need to get real about what God wants from us. He wants a relationship that is interactive and mutually genuine. He wants us to love Him above all else… and to desire to worship Him and serve His purposes more than anything else! Any less is simply not acceptable.
When we think about our relationship with God in these terms, it seems daunting… like a huge responsibility… and it is! But God will never give us more than we can handle. He will never ask more of us than He equips us to accomplish. We have nothing to fear. All we have to do is step up and get to know him.
Study and “book learning” have their place. And I’m glad my brother went to school and got his nursing degree. But that was not what made him a good nurse, any more than organized meetings and services make us faithful Christians. How badly do you want this? How serious are you about your relationship with God? It’s time we asked ourselves the tough questions… and seriously considered our answers. How well do you really know God these days? What are you willing to do to get to know Him better?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 27, 2011
Psalm 8:3-9
I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. Then I ask, "Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?" You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor. You let us rule everything your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power-- the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures. Our LORD and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have not watched the movie Temple Grandin, you need to rent it! The true story of a woman with autism, this film tells not only about the life and work of Temple Grandin and how she struggled with her condition… it is also about the incredible work she has done in the area of humane treatment of cattle.
The movie is a little hard to watch in spots, because inhumane treatment of cattle is depicted. But as you will see in the movie, Temple Grandin champions the care of both horses and cattle… and her dedication serves to remind us that something as “lowly” as a cow is valuable to God and deserves to be treated kindly.
I’ve thought about this movie a lot since we viewed it, and I have come to recognize even more strongly the incredible work God has done in and through Temple Grandin. God used her to provide care and a change in the way cattle are treated today in many corners of our country. God used Temple Grandin to show others so much about autism. I don’t want to give away the movie, but let’s just say that I don’t think you can watch this movie without being struck by how much God has used her… and the fact that God can use each of us in extraordinary ways, if we will open our hearts to Him.
We all have doubts from time to time… but hear me clearly… the same God who created the moon and stars… the same God who cares about cattle and horses, bugs and birds… the same God who can accomplish miraculous things through someone with autism… this God loves you dearly. You are precious to Him, and He values you more than you realize. When you start to feel down or discourage, remember that the God of the Universe thinks you are amazing. He values you above all other of His creatures. He’s got your back! How can we not honor Him? How can we help but sing His praise and serve Him with our whole heart? How can we ever feel useless?
The same God who used Temple Grandin to accomplish incredible things wants to bless you, too. What’s holding you back… have you acknowledged Him in your life? Are you giving Him the glory and honor He deserves? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. Then I ask, "Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?" You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor. You let us rule everything your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power-- the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures. Our LORD and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have not watched the movie Temple Grandin, you need to rent it! The true story of a woman with autism, this film tells not only about the life and work of Temple Grandin and how she struggled with her condition… it is also about the incredible work she has done in the area of humane treatment of cattle.
The movie is a little hard to watch in spots, because inhumane treatment of cattle is depicted. But as you will see in the movie, Temple Grandin champions the care of both horses and cattle… and her dedication serves to remind us that something as “lowly” as a cow is valuable to God and deserves to be treated kindly.
I’ve thought about this movie a lot since we viewed it, and I have come to recognize even more strongly the incredible work God has done in and through Temple Grandin. God used her to provide care and a change in the way cattle are treated today in many corners of our country. God used Temple Grandin to show others so much about autism. I don’t want to give away the movie, but let’s just say that I don’t think you can watch this movie without being struck by how much God has used her… and the fact that God can use each of us in extraordinary ways, if we will open our hearts to Him.
We all have doubts from time to time… but hear me clearly… the same God who created the moon and stars… the same God who cares about cattle and horses, bugs and birds… the same God who can accomplish miraculous things through someone with autism… this God loves you dearly. You are precious to Him, and He values you more than you realize. When you start to feel down or discourage, remember that the God of the Universe thinks you are amazing. He values you above all other of His creatures. He’s got your back! How can we not honor Him? How can we help but sing His praise and serve Him with our whole heart? How can we ever feel useless?
The same God who used Temple Grandin to accomplish incredible things wants to bless you, too. What’s holding you back… have you acknowledged Him in your life? Are you giving Him the glory and honor He deserves? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 30, 2010
Matthew 24:43-46
Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in. Always be ready! You don't know when the Son of Man will come.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A whole lot of preparation has been going on lately – for everything from holiday celebrations and gift-giving to abundant meals to football bowl games. And the question of the day seems to be “Are you ready?” People pass in the store and ask, “Are you ready for Christmas?” They see mutual fans for their football team and ask, “Are you ready for the big game?” The coaches are talking on newscasts about how they are preparing their team, and “We’re almost ready!”
The common thread for all of these events is that we know when they will occur. We know the date for Christmas, the Sugar Bowl, a wedding, and sometimes… even the birth of a baby! But we don’t know when Jesus will return. We don’t know when we will die and pass over into Heaven (hopefully!). We don’t know what will befall us next day/week/year.
So we have some work to do. It seems a little crazy that we work so hard to prepare for the events for which we know the date, yet the most important events of our lives don’t get nearly the same amount of attention. Would we work harder to be ready for Jesus if we knew the hour of our death or when He would return for His church? Would we procrastinate until the last minute, like we do about so many other things?
The point is… we do not know God’s timing. But we need to be ready! We need to continually be on top of our game… in the best possible condition… totally prepared and committed in service and obedience to our Heavenly Father. There will most likely be other Christmases. There may be more bowl games and second chances for other events… but we only get one shot at Eternity. There are no “do-overs!” when Jesus returns or calls us home. Will you be ready? Have you prepared daily to be called His faithful servant? Isn’t it time you began?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in. Always be ready! You don't know when the Son of Man will come.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A whole lot of preparation has been going on lately – for everything from holiday celebrations and gift-giving to abundant meals to football bowl games. And the question of the day seems to be “Are you ready?” People pass in the store and ask, “Are you ready for Christmas?” They see mutual fans for their football team and ask, “Are you ready for the big game?” The coaches are talking on newscasts about how they are preparing their team, and “We’re almost ready!”
The common thread for all of these events is that we know when they will occur. We know the date for Christmas, the Sugar Bowl, a wedding, and sometimes… even the birth of a baby! But we don’t know when Jesus will return. We don’t know when we will die and pass over into Heaven (hopefully!). We don’t know what will befall us next day/week/year.
So we have some work to do. It seems a little crazy that we work so hard to prepare for the events for which we know the date, yet the most important events of our lives don’t get nearly the same amount of attention. Would we work harder to be ready for Jesus if we knew the hour of our death or when He would return for His church? Would we procrastinate until the last minute, like we do about so many other things?
The point is… we do not know God’s timing. But we need to be ready! We need to continually be on top of our game… in the best possible condition… totally prepared and committed in service and obedience to our Heavenly Father. There will most likely be other Christmases. There may be more bowl games and second chances for other events… but we only get one shot at Eternity. There are no “do-overs!” when Jesus returns or calls us home. Will you be ready? Have you prepared daily to be called His faithful servant? Isn’t it time you began?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 28, 2010
Acts 7:49
"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? In what place will I rest?”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched television or read a newspaper – or even gone online – in the last few days, you know that “after-Christmas sales” are everywhere. Let’s be honest… the storekeepers would rather sell their wares to us at dirt-cheap prices than keep them around to be inventoried. And… they hope they can at least get a little more money out of them, rather than store them for next year.
More than one person will take some time this week to clean out a closet and/or a few drawers. “Out with the old – in with the new,” we’ll say! As we look toward a new year, many of us will clear out some clutter and make room for the new things we got for Christmas – or purchased afterward.
This is a good time for us to clear out the “Spiritual clutter,” as well. If you are like me, there are a few old thought processes and habits that need to be tossed, making room for a renewed faith and more Godly characteristics. For me, the “clutter” in my life is a penchant for whining and complaining about things I should be handing over to God. I know I cannot fix them… and I know WHO can! So why waste a minute of my time – or the ear of those who have to listen to me – when The One who can truly do something is waiting to hear from me?!
My challenge to each of us this week is to spend a few hours clearing out some clutter – cleaning up our house (literally and spiritually) – and getting things in order. We will function better in a house that is neat and organized… and we owe it to God to create a “Spiritual house” for Him that is clutter-free and full of room for Him to dwell. What kind of “house” have you prepared? Can the Holy Spirit truly rest there? Do what you have to do to get things in order. Tie up the loose ends, clear out the junk, and make room for the new things He has in store for you! Start the New Year with a fresh attitude and clean spaces!
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? In what place will I rest?”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched television or read a newspaper – or even gone online – in the last few days, you know that “after-Christmas sales” are everywhere. Let’s be honest… the storekeepers would rather sell their wares to us at dirt-cheap prices than keep them around to be inventoried. And… they hope they can at least get a little more money out of them, rather than store them for next year.
More than one person will take some time this week to clean out a closet and/or a few drawers. “Out with the old – in with the new,” we’ll say! As we look toward a new year, many of us will clear out some clutter and make room for the new things we got for Christmas – or purchased afterward.
This is a good time for us to clear out the “Spiritual clutter,” as well. If you are like me, there are a few old thought processes and habits that need to be tossed, making room for a renewed faith and more Godly characteristics. For me, the “clutter” in my life is a penchant for whining and complaining about things I should be handing over to God. I know I cannot fix them… and I know WHO can! So why waste a minute of my time – or the ear of those who have to listen to me – when The One who can truly do something is waiting to hear from me?!
My challenge to each of us this week is to spend a few hours clearing out some clutter – cleaning up our house (literally and spiritually) – and getting things in order. We will function better in a house that is neat and organized… and we owe it to God to create a “Spiritual house” for Him that is clutter-free and full of room for Him to dwell. What kind of “house” have you prepared? Can the Holy Spirit truly rest there? Do what you have to do to get things in order. Tie up the loose ends, clear out the junk, and make room for the new things He has in store for you! Start the New Year with a fresh attitude and clean spaces!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 31, 2010
Job 8:11-13
Papyrus reeds grow healthy only in a swamp, and if the water dries up, they die sooner than grass. Such is the hopeless future of all who turn from God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever picked a flower or a leaf out in the yard, brought it inside, and forgotten about it for a few hours? Most likely when you found it again, it had withered, shriveled, and begun to dry up and die. Had you put the flower or leaf in water right away, it might still be beautiful and healthy … filled out and flourishing. And maybe, if you were fortunate, you could revive the withered flower or leaf by giving it a big dose of sustenance in the form of water – and possibly other plant nutrients.
It’s amazing how quickly we begin to wither, fade and falter when we step away from God’s Living Waters. When we turn our backs on Him and decide we know more about how to run our lives than He does, we start having problems very quickly. And pretty soon, we are like the flower and leaf – or the papyrus reeds in a swamp that has gone dry… we are weak and dried up - done in, hopeless and helpless.
The good news for us is that we can rejuvenate and restore ourselves by returning to right relationship with God. He stands ready to revive us with His Living Water… to give us His sustenance and nutrients in the form of His Holy Word. Communication with God through prayer, Bible study, and spending time with His disciples will soon have us nourished, healthy, and standing tall and sturdy in the winds of life.
Where are you these days? Are you withering like a flower or leaf left on the kitchen counter? Or are you thriving and healthy, enjoying the joys of a life that is filled with the light of our Heavenly Father? Are you serving the One who gives us daily sustenance that feeds our body and our soul? Or have you stepped out of the Water? The choice is ours… and the solution is an easy one. Where are you standing today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Papyrus reeds grow healthy only in a swamp, and if the water dries up, they die sooner than grass. Such is the hopeless future of all who turn from God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever picked a flower or a leaf out in the yard, brought it inside, and forgotten about it for a few hours? Most likely when you found it again, it had withered, shriveled, and begun to dry up and die. Had you put the flower or leaf in water right away, it might still be beautiful and healthy … filled out and flourishing. And maybe, if you were fortunate, you could revive the withered flower or leaf by giving it a big dose of sustenance in the form of water – and possibly other plant nutrients.
It’s amazing how quickly we begin to wither, fade and falter when we step away from God’s Living Waters. When we turn our backs on Him and decide we know more about how to run our lives than He does, we start having problems very quickly. And pretty soon, we are like the flower and leaf – or the papyrus reeds in a swamp that has gone dry… we are weak and dried up - done in, hopeless and helpless.
The good news for us is that we can rejuvenate and restore ourselves by returning to right relationship with God. He stands ready to revive us with His Living Water… to give us His sustenance and nutrients in the form of His Holy Word. Communication with God through prayer, Bible study, and spending time with His disciples will soon have us nourished, healthy, and standing tall and sturdy in the winds of life.
Where are you these days? Are you withering like a flower or leaf left on the kitchen counter? Or are you thriving and healthy, enjoying the joys of a life that is filled with the light of our Heavenly Father? Are you serving the One who gives us daily sustenance that feeds our body and our soul? Or have you stepped out of the Water? The choice is ours… and the solution is an easy one. Where are you standing today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 24, 2010
2 Timothy 1:13
Now follow the example of the correct teaching I gave you, and let the faith and love of Christ Jesus be your model.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
At the end of this devotional, I’ve posted a link to a YouTube video of a Cuban baby dancing on a tabletop. This is really cute. Clearly this baby is following the example of teaching from someone else – he didn’t think this up on his own! Babies learn from others. Early on, we sat Timothy on our laps and read books to him. Now he brings the books to us and wants us to read them to him. He has learned from our model. He hears adults talking, and he mimics their words. He sees the characters on Jack’s Big Music Show and Yo Gabba Gabba! dancing, and he tries to dance, too.
Sadly, if Timothy hears bad language or sees inappropriate behaviors, he may very well imitate those, too. Helping babies and young children develop well is a huge responsibility and requires that those of us who are older always check our behavior and make sure we are demonstrating only positive actions and speech.
In much the same way, we Christians must model the correct teachings of the Bible … the faith and love of Christ Jesus. Others are watching … non-believers, “baby” Christians, and those who may look to us for leadership and a reflection of living in a manner that honors and pleases God. Everybody has a bad day – or a less than stellar moment. But on the whole, we must be continually on our guard, checking our behavior … our thoughts, words and actions … so that what we exhibit and demonstrate lines up with the word of God.
The baby in the video is having fun. The adults in his world have shown him how to “let go” and move to the music, and he is enjoying himself and the attention he is garnering from those around him. Christians can have fun, too. We have this crazy notion that following the teachings of Jesus and His model for living will turn us into boring, miserable, stiff, stuck-up robots who march along in silent compliance to rigid demands and requirements. This is simply not true.
Living for Jesus can be as freeing and fun as a Cuban baby learning to dance! We can learn to dance in the joy and blessings of following Jesus … sharing Him with others. We can model Christ’s teachings, faith and love to others in a way that shows just how fun life in Christ really is!
What are you modeling? Are you showing others how to live in the joy, faith and love of Christ? Are you a “fun” Christian? When others look at you, do they see someone for whom living in Christ is a chore, or do they see the joy of new discoveries, much like a baby who discovers the joy of reading books? Ask God to show you where you may have missed the mark. Ask Him to reveal to you the joy of living for Jesus … and to help you convey this to others. God is calling us to set a good example. How are you doing these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOt0nsZLjds
Now follow the example of the correct teaching I gave you, and let the faith and love of Christ Jesus be your model.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
At the end of this devotional, I’ve posted a link to a YouTube video of a Cuban baby dancing on a tabletop. This is really cute. Clearly this baby is following the example of teaching from someone else – he didn’t think this up on his own! Babies learn from others. Early on, we sat Timothy on our laps and read books to him. Now he brings the books to us and wants us to read them to him. He has learned from our model. He hears adults talking, and he mimics their words. He sees the characters on Jack’s Big Music Show and Yo Gabba Gabba! dancing, and he tries to dance, too.
Sadly, if Timothy hears bad language or sees inappropriate behaviors, he may very well imitate those, too. Helping babies and young children develop well is a huge responsibility and requires that those of us who are older always check our behavior and make sure we are demonstrating only positive actions and speech.
In much the same way, we Christians must model the correct teachings of the Bible … the faith and love of Christ Jesus. Others are watching … non-believers, “baby” Christians, and those who may look to us for leadership and a reflection of living in a manner that honors and pleases God. Everybody has a bad day – or a less than stellar moment. But on the whole, we must be continually on our guard, checking our behavior … our thoughts, words and actions … so that what we exhibit and demonstrate lines up with the word of God.
The baby in the video is having fun. The adults in his world have shown him how to “let go” and move to the music, and he is enjoying himself and the attention he is garnering from those around him. Christians can have fun, too. We have this crazy notion that following the teachings of Jesus and His model for living will turn us into boring, miserable, stiff, stuck-up robots who march along in silent compliance to rigid demands and requirements. This is simply not true.
Living for Jesus can be as freeing and fun as a Cuban baby learning to dance! We can learn to dance in the joy and blessings of following Jesus … sharing Him with others. We can model Christ’s teachings, faith and love to others in a way that shows just how fun life in Christ really is!
What are you modeling? Are you showing others how to live in the joy, faith and love of Christ? Are you a “fun” Christian? When others look at you, do they see someone for whom living in Christ is a chore, or do they see the joy of new discoveries, much like a baby who discovers the joy of reading books? Ask God to show you where you may have missed the mark. Ask Him to reveal to you the joy of living for Jesus … and to help you convey this to others. God is calling us to set a good example. How are you doing these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOt0nsZLjds
Daily Devotional for August 23, 2010
Philippians 4:9
You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, a young mother hit her 14-month-old toddler across the face with her open hand while flying from Dallas, Texas, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. A flight attendant removed the child from her seat and carried her to the back of the plane. Upon landing, police were summoned, and the parents were interviewed. The incident was deemed “isolated,” and the child was returned to the parents; however, the police said the flight attendant acted properly.
People are watching! I feel like I have to remind us of this from time to time. This is a great illustration of both sides of the coin. On one hand, people saw an adult mistreat a child. The mother said the child kicked her, and she “popped her.” You may think that is acceptable. But many, including the flight attendant who removed the child, did not. Some may feel the flight attendant should have minded her own business. But clearly this was not the opinion of the police or Southwest Airlines.
My point is this … from time to time, we are all the frustrated mother who “pops” a child. We act inappropriately – or at best, impulsively – and do something that we may regret later … gossip, speak unkindly, lie, cheat, steal, exceed the speed limit, and much more. On the other hand, there are often opportunities for us to be the “flight attendant” and step in to challenge something we feel is inappropriate. Yet we frequently sit idly by and say or do nothing.
We can tell someone sharing gossip that “I don’t need to hear this,” or we can offer a kind smile and a helping hand to someone acting out in frustration. We can drive defensively – without talking on our cell phones or texting. We can hand back that extra dollar the cashier gave us by mistake and treat the “nerd” at school with kindness and a friendly smile. We can encourage those who are participating in sinful behavior to act differently by simply modeling “right” behavior ourselves. Again, people are watching!
We fail to recognize the power and peace of following God … listening to His voice and the teachings of Jesus Christ … and doing what is right. We don’t trust in Him to give us peace and comfort … and we don’t comprehend the power of our example for others. We can make a difference for the Kingdom of God by simply living quiet lives of service, joy, and peace in Christ. The flight attendant didn’t berate the mother … she quietly removed the child and took her to the back of the plane, where she comforted her.
We can be like the flight attendant. We can diffuse situations by quietly acting as a calm, peaceful servant of Christ. Others will notice … it will matter … and God will flood us with peace and joy in the bargain. Are you willing to lead by example?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, a young mother hit her 14-month-old toddler across the face with her open hand while flying from Dallas, Texas, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. A flight attendant removed the child from her seat and carried her to the back of the plane. Upon landing, police were summoned, and the parents were interviewed. The incident was deemed “isolated,” and the child was returned to the parents; however, the police said the flight attendant acted properly.
People are watching! I feel like I have to remind us of this from time to time. This is a great illustration of both sides of the coin. On one hand, people saw an adult mistreat a child. The mother said the child kicked her, and she “popped her.” You may think that is acceptable. But many, including the flight attendant who removed the child, did not. Some may feel the flight attendant should have minded her own business. But clearly this was not the opinion of the police or Southwest Airlines.
My point is this … from time to time, we are all the frustrated mother who “pops” a child. We act inappropriately – or at best, impulsively – and do something that we may regret later … gossip, speak unkindly, lie, cheat, steal, exceed the speed limit, and much more. On the other hand, there are often opportunities for us to be the “flight attendant” and step in to challenge something we feel is inappropriate. Yet we frequently sit idly by and say or do nothing.
We can tell someone sharing gossip that “I don’t need to hear this,” or we can offer a kind smile and a helping hand to someone acting out in frustration. We can drive defensively – without talking on our cell phones or texting. We can hand back that extra dollar the cashier gave us by mistake and treat the “nerd” at school with kindness and a friendly smile. We can encourage those who are participating in sinful behavior to act differently by simply modeling “right” behavior ourselves. Again, people are watching!
We fail to recognize the power and peace of following God … listening to His voice and the teachings of Jesus Christ … and doing what is right. We don’t trust in Him to give us peace and comfort … and we don’t comprehend the power of our example for others. We can make a difference for the Kingdom of God by simply living quiet lives of service, joy, and peace in Christ. The flight attendant didn’t berate the mother … she quietly removed the child and took her to the back of the plane, where she comforted her.
We can be like the flight attendant. We can diffuse situations by quietly acting as a calm, peaceful servant of Christ. Others will notice … it will matter … and God will flood us with peace and joy in the bargain. Are you willing to lead by example?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 20, 2010
Philippians 1:27
Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and that you are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you are old enough – or you have seen the modern-day movies – you know about Dennis the Menace. He was really just a typical kid, but he gave his next-door neighbors, the Wilsons, “the business” – as Beaver Cleaver would put it! He was a thorn in Mr. Wilson’s side from sun-up to sundown, and Mr. Wilson did not react kindly. Mrs. Wilson, on the other hand, saw Dennis for who he was, and she accepted him and loved him.
We don’t know a whole lot about Mr. Wilson, aside from his interaction with Dennis. He may have been a really “stand-up” guy … a pillar of his community, good boss, and wonderful friend to many. But all we saw was a cranky old codger who grumbled, griped, complained and disliked children - especially Dennis. On the other hand, we saw Mrs. Wilson as someone who extended grace and mercy. She was loving and gentle … someone we wanted to be around and get to know. And then there was Dennis … innocent, precocious, and curious … and something of a “sponge,” soaking up the characteristics and behaviors of those around him.
In real life, you probably know at least a few “Mr. Wilsons.” They may be Christians who read their Bible daily, go to church every Sunday, pray often, and help with a handful of ministry projects. But to be around them, you would be hard-pressed to see Christian love, grace and mercy in action. Something is always irritating them. They grumble and/or speak with an unkind tone to their voice, and the least little thing sets them off. They are always negative about something or someone, and frankly, they appear to be somewhat miserable.
God wants us to be more like Mrs. Wilson. Oh, sure, the “Dennis the Menaces” of the world may tromp through our rose garden and pester the tar out of us from time to time, but we don’t let it get us down. We look upon everyone with the same love, grace and mercy that Christ extends to us each and every day. We realize that we are all His children … loved equally … and we do our best to share that love with others in the hopes they will catch a glimpse of Christ in us.
Our goal as Christians is to live in a way that honors Christ – to work together with other Christians to share His Good News … to offer love, grace and mercy to those in our path. If we are modern-day “Mr. Wilsons,” we are missing the mark, and we fail to honor the gift of the cross. Everybody has an occasional bad day, but even on those, we must work hard to live honorably for Jesus.
Who do you more closely resemble today – Mr. Wilson or Mrs. Wilson? How are the “Dennis the Menaces” of the world reading you? Are you honoring the good news of Christ or giving your faith walk a black eye? It comes down to a choice … what will you decide?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and that you are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you are old enough – or you have seen the modern-day movies – you know about Dennis the Menace. He was really just a typical kid, but he gave his next-door neighbors, the Wilsons, “the business” – as Beaver Cleaver would put it! He was a thorn in Mr. Wilson’s side from sun-up to sundown, and Mr. Wilson did not react kindly. Mrs. Wilson, on the other hand, saw Dennis for who he was, and she accepted him and loved him.
We don’t know a whole lot about Mr. Wilson, aside from his interaction with Dennis. He may have been a really “stand-up” guy … a pillar of his community, good boss, and wonderful friend to many. But all we saw was a cranky old codger who grumbled, griped, complained and disliked children - especially Dennis. On the other hand, we saw Mrs. Wilson as someone who extended grace and mercy. She was loving and gentle … someone we wanted to be around and get to know. And then there was Dennis … innocent, precocious, and curious … and something of a “sponge,” soaking up the characteristics and behaviors of those around him.
In real life, you probably know at least a few “Mr. Wilsons.” They may be Christians who read their Bible daily, go to church every Sunday, pray often, and help with a handful of ministry projects. But to be around them, you would be hard-pressed to see Christian love, grace and mercy in action. Something is always irritating them. They grumble and/or speak with an unkind tone to their voice, and the least little thing sets them off. They are always negative about something or someone, and frankly, they appear to be somewhat miserable.
God wants us to be more like Mrs. Wilson. Oh, sure, the “Dennis the Menaces” of the world may tromp through our rose garden and pester the tar out of us from time to time, but we don’t let it get us down. We look upon everyone with the same love, grace and mercy that Christ extends to us each and every day. We realize that we are all His children … loved equally … and we do our best to share that love with others in the hopes they will catch a glimpse of Christ in us.
Our goal as Christians is to live in a way that honors Christ – to work together with other Christians to share His Good News … to offer love, grace and mercy to those in our path. If we are modern-day “Mr. Wilsons,” we are missing the mark, and we fail to honor the gift of the cross. Everybody has an occasional bad day, but even on those, we must work hard to live honorably for Jesus.
Who do you more closely resemble today – Mr. Wilson or Mrs. Wilson? How are the “Dennis the Menaces” of the world reading you? Are you honoring the good news of Christ or giving your faith walk a black eye? It comes down to a choice … what will you decide?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 13, 2010
Acts 2:44
All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have never prepared food for a potluck meal, but I bet you’ve eaten one! The beauty of a potluck is that no one person has to prepare every single dish. Time, money, and culinary talents are combined to create something delicious and enjoyable for all.
Imagine if your church held a potluck dinner, and everyone showed up to eat, but nobody brought a covered dish! Or suppose there were dishes provided – a couple of pies, a salad, and one casserole – and dozens of hungry people were standing in line with plates and utensils.
Sadly, this is a pretty good analogy for how Christian service looks. Needy people who are hungry for God’s word and His love are standing in line with their “plates” in their hands, but nobody is showing up to serve them … and what is provided is merely a drop in the bucket.
Christian service should resemble a potluck. Each Christian should share his/her time, talents, money and abilities for the benefit of the entire group. No one person should have to do everything – no one person can! But each person can do what God calls him/her to do, and the effects will be multiplied exponentially.
It’s a funny thing … we’re all eager to get in line with our “plate and fork” and be served by God. We all understand the “getting” end of Christian nurture. But we have all sorts of handy excuses for why we can’t – or won’t – give in return. We can change this. We can start now to make a difference. We can ask ourselves – or our fellow Christians – where our services would fit the best, and then we can get busy contributing as much as possible. In the Kingdom of God, there is always a “potluck” somewhere. The question is … what will you take to the table?
©2010 Debbie Robus
All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have never prepared food for a potluck meal, but I bet you’ve eaten one! The beauty of a potluck is that no one person has to prepare every single dish. Time, money, and culinary talents are combined to create something delicious and enjoyable for all.
Imagine if your church held a potluck dinner, and everyone showed up to eat, but nobody brought a covered dish! Or suppose there were dishes provided – a couple of pies, a salad, and one casserole – and dozens of hungry people were standing in line with plates and utensils.
Sadly, this is a pretty good analogy for how Christian service looks. Needy people who are hungry for God’s word and His love are standing in line with their “plates” in their hands, but nobody is showing up to serve them … and what is provided is merely a drop in the bucket.
Christian service should resemble a potluck. Each Christian should share his/her time, talents, money and abilities for the benefit of the entire group. No one person should have to do everything – no one person can! But each person can do what God calls him/her to do, and the effects will be multiplied exponentially.
It’s a funny thing … we’re all eager to get in line with our “plate and fork” and be served by God. We all understand the “getting” end of Christian nurture. But we have all sorts of handy excuses for why we can’t – or won’t – give in return. We can change this. We can start now to make a difference. We can ask ourselves – or our fellow Christians – where our services would fit the best, and then we can get busy contributing as much as possible. In the Kingdom of God, there is always a “potluck” somewhere. The question is … what will you take to the table?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 6, 2010
Matthew 3:11
I baptize you with water so that you will give up your sins. But someone more powerful is going to come, and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I bought a new digital camera, I researched all of the major brands, read reviews, and compared prices and packages. One option was to choose a basic camera, see how things went, and then consider adding lenses and other accessories at a later date. Another option was to choose a “deluxe package” and get extra lenses, an external flash, tripod, carrying case, and even lens cleaner. The question became whether I wanted the basic, bare bones camera or whether I wanted the whole enchilada… the full experience (or potential for it!).
John the Baptist offered the message to choose God and the promise of heaven. He foretold of the coming of Jesus … Who would bring the “full experience”. Some of us heard the John the Baptist sermon and stopped, so to speak. We live in the world of forgiven sins, love for God and the promise of heaven. But we have never fully acknowledged Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit. We’ve never embraced our faith on a level where our hearts are filled with the fire and excitement of recognizing the Holy Spirit’s continual presence within us.
There seem to be a whole lot of “John the Baptist” Christians who have invited Jesus to be the Lord of their lives and forgive their sins … but that’s where their walk with the Lord begins and ends. They are satisfied with the “basic package”. They live a good life, go to church and pray. They are nice to their neighbors, and most days, they are pretty content and confident. But Christians who have recognized the Holy Spirit and the “fire in the belly” of a continual relationship with Him have tapped into the potential for experiencing God on a level that is almost beyond description.
I bet if you think about it, you can name dozens of “John the Baptist” Christians, but naming those who appear to recognize their anointing by the Holy Spirit may be much more difficult. And only you know for sure which camp in which you fall these days. But the GOOD NEWS is that you can change camps! There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a “John the Baptist” Christian. If you have invited Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, you have chosen perfectly. But if you stopped at salvation, you’re missing out on all God wants to give you … and that’s a shame! God wants us to experience the presence of His Holy Spirit every day - all day. He wants us to operate in this anointing, companionship, and fire! He wants us to be so filled with His glory that we overflow with excitement, enthusiasm, joy and blessings.
John the Baptist said it best – if humbly. He knew that God had empowered him to share His message and to foretell the coming of Jesus. He was clearly chosen by God and given great responsibility. But he also realized that he was not even worthy to carry the shoes of Jesus … the One who brought the power of the Holy Spirit to His children. Just like salvation itself, the gift of the Holy Spirit is 100% free. It doesn’t cost us anything … there is nothing scary about it, and it doesn’t hurt! Haven’t we been “John the Baptist” Christians long enough? Isn’t it time to upgrade to the “Deluxe Package?” Won’t you invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I baptize you with water so that you will give up your sins. But someone more powerful is going to come, and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I bought a new digital camera, I researched all of the major brands, read reviews, and compared prices and packages. One option was to choose a basic camera, see how things went, and then consider adding lenses and other accessories at a later date. Another option was to choose a “deluxe package” and get extra lenses, an external flash, tripod, carrying case, and even lens cleaner. The question became whether I wanted the basic, bare bones camera or whether I wanted the whole enchilada… the full experience (or potential for it!).
John the Baptist offered the message to choose God and the promise of heaven. He foretold of the coming of Jesus … Who would bring the “full experience”. Some of us heard the John the Baptist sermon and stopped, so to speak. We live in the world of forgiven sins, love for God and the promise of heaven. But we have never fully acknowledged Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit. We’ve never embraced our faith on a level where our hearts are filled with the fire and excitement of recognizing the Holy Spirit’s continual presence within us.
There seem to be a whole lot of “John the Baptist” Christians who have invited Jesus to be the Lord of their lives and forgive their sins … but that’s where their walk with the Lord begins and ends. They are satisfied with the “basic package”. They live a good life, go to church and pray. They are nice to their neighbors, and most days, they are pretty content and confident. But Christians who have recognized the Holy Spirit and the “fire in the belly” of a continual relationship with Him have tapped into the potential for experiencing God on a level that is almost beyond description.
I bet if you think about it, you can name dozens of “John the Baptist” Christians, but naming those who appear to recognize their anointing by the Holy Spirit may be much more difficult. And only you know for sure which camp in which you fall these days. But the GOOD NEWS is that you can change camps! There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a “John the Baptist” Christian. If you have invited Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, you have chosen perfectly. But if you stopped at salvation, you’re missing out on all God wants to give you … and that’s a shame! God wants us to experience the presence of His Holy Spirit every day - all day. He wants us to operate in this anointing, companionship, and fire! He wants us to be so filled with His glory that we overflow with excitement, enthusiasm, joy and blessings.
John the Baptist said it best – if humbly. He knew that God had empowered him to share His message and to foretell the coming of Jesus. He was clearly chosen by God and given great responsibility. But he also realized that he was not even worthy to carry the shoes of Jesus … the One who brought the power of the Holy Spirit to His children. Just like salvation itself, the gift of the Holy Spirit is 100% free. It doesn’t cost us anything … there is nothing scary about it, and it doesn’t hurt! Haven’t we been “John the Baptist” Christians long enough? Isn’t it time to upgrade to the “Deluxe Package?” Won’t you invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 27, 2010
Lamentations 3:58
You rescued me and saved my life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever watched one of those television shows where an “intervention” occurs? The family and friends gather to confront someone they love about a problem – an addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex, hoarding, or an eating disorder… whatever is causing this person tremendous problems in life. The intervention is often a “last-ditch effort” to rescue someone who is spiraling downward. In some cases, the intervention may quite literally save the person’s life.
In the beginning, the person for whom the intervention is staged may be furious. They may feel ambushed and singled out unfairly. At the very least, they are probably very defensive. And aren’t we sometimes like that with God? He is trying to rescue us… to show us that we are on the wrong path or there is a better way – and we are kicking and screaming and in total denial.
In the end, the person for whom an intervention is held will hopefully realize that the people involved acted out of love and concern… and the rescue may very well save their lives. Our “spiritual intervention” may not be as dramatic, but the end result may be even more profound. God’s rescue saves our soul for all Eternity. He sent Jesus to “intervene” for each of us … and this is the most important event of our entire lives.
I pray that you have recognized God’s intervention in your life through Jesus. I pray that you have heard His message and accepted His offer… His blood on the cross in exchange for your sin – and the assurance of life with Him in Paradise. If you are still the person in the circle, kicking and screaming, I pray that you will recognize the profound, incredible love God has for you and His desire to save your life. “You rescued me and saved my life.” What an amazing scripture verse! What an amazing God we serve! Have you had your “intervention” yet? Isn’t it time you did?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You rescued me and saved my life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever watched one of those television shows where an “intervention” occurs? The family and friends gather to confront someone they love about a problem – an addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex, hoarding, or an eating disorder… whatever is causing this person tremendous problems in life. The intervention is often a “last-ditch effort” to rescue someone who is spiraling downward. In some cases, the intervention may quite literally save the person’s life.
In the beginning, the person for whom the intervention is staged may be furious. They may feel ambushed and singled out unfairly. At the very least, they are probably very defensive. And aren’t we sometimes like that with God? He is trying to rescue us… to show us that we are on the wrong path or there is a better way – and we are kicking and screaming and in total denial.
In the end, the person for whom an intervention is held will hopefully realize that the people involved acted out of love and concern… and the rescue may very well save their lives. Our “spiritual intervention” may not be as dramatic, but the end result may be even more profound. God’s rescue saves our soul for all Eternity. He sent Jesus to “intervene” for each of us … and this is the most important event of our entire lives.
I pray that you have recognized God’s intervention in your life through Jesus. I pray that you have heard His message and accepted His offer… His blood on the cross in exchange for your sin – and the assurance of life with Him in Paradise. If you are still the person in the circle, kicking and screaming, I pray that you will recognize the profound, incredible love God has for you and His desire to save your life. “You rescued me and saved my life.” What an amazing scripture verse! What an amazing God we serve! Have you had your “intervention” yet? Isn’t it time you did?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 23, 2010
June 23 ~ Luke 12:4
Whatever you say in the dark will be heard when it is day. Whatever you whisper in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops. My friends, don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have a dear friend who was my childhood neighbor. She lives in another community, and often when she e-mails me, she says, “Tell all.” When it comes to sharing our faith, Jesus has told us that we must “tell all.” We want to be sure that we share His message in a loving, inclusive, non-judgmental way. But we also don’t want to sugarcoat the truth - or water down the message out of fear of retribution or rejection.
When you hear someone speaking unkindly about a particular person or group of people, you must find a way to let this person know this is not the way a Christian would behave. Does this mean you embarrass this person and “call them” in front of others? No. But it may mean you walk away from the conversation and speak to that person privately at a later time. Suppose someone you know is in a lot of trouble and turmoil – anything and everything from failed relationships to problems in the workplace or loss of employment, financial woes, health issues, and more. You see the way they react – you hear their frustration and lack of faith that things can improve. They don’t seem to see a way out of their current troubles – but you know Someone who can help.
Do you cram the love of Jesus down this person’s throat? Do you act all high and mighty and say, “I know what you need!” or “If you would just go to church, things would be better!” No! First of all, these are not true statements. We don’t truly know another person’s needs - and going to church in and by itself doesn’t fix anything. But we do know Someone who can help. We do know that surrounding yourself with loving, caring, faith-filled Christians who can love you, pray for you, and support you in dozens of ways can ease burdens and lead to solutions.
What we need to be doing is praying for others, and boldly sharing our love. We need to be willing to step up and say, “I’m praying for you,” or “I’m here to help.” We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus instead of sitting on our own and cowering in the corner. The worst that can happen to us is death… physically, emotionally, socially. But remember - to die to the world is to live in Christ! What are we afraid will happen if we are bold in our faith? Do we fear death of an earthly nature more than the rewards of a heavenly eternity? Whatever God speaks into your heart… whatever message He brings to you in scripture… don’t waste it. Share it with others. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and exhibit His love to others each day. Dare to live in Christ without regard to how it might affect you personally. Don’t be afraid of people… trust God to shield you and guide your steps as you share His message and minister in His name. When it comes to Jesus, be sure you “tell all.”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Whatever you say in the dark will be heard when it is day. Whatever you whisper in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops. My friends, don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have a dear friend who was my childhood neighbor. She lives in another community, and often when she e-mails me, she says, “Tell all.” When it comes to sharing our faith, Jesus has told us that we must “tell all.” We want to be sure that we share His message in a loving, inclusive, non-judgmental way. But we also don’t want to sugarcoat the truth - or water down the message out of fear of retribution or rejection.
When you hear someone speaking unkindly about a particular person or group of people, you must find a way to let this person know this is not the way a Christian would behave. Does this mean you embarrass this person and “call them” in front of others? No. But it may mean you walk away from the conversation and speak to that person privately at a later time. Suppose someone you know is in a lot of trouble and turmoil – anything and everything from failed relationships to problems in the workplace or loss of employment, financial woes, health issues, and more. You see the way they react – you hear their frustration and lack of faith that things can improve. They don’t seem to see a way out of their current troubles – but you know Someone who can help.
Do you cram the love of Jesus down this person’s throat? Do you act all high and mighty and say, “I know what you need!” or “If you would just go to church, things would be better!” No! First of all, these are not true statements. We don’t truly know another person’s needs - and going to church in and by itself doesn’t fix anything. But we do know Someone who can help. We do know that surrounding yourself with loving, caring, faith-filled Christians who can love you, pray for you, and support you in dozens of ways can ease burdens and lead to solutions.
What we need to be doing is praying for others, and boldly sharing our love. We need to be willing to step up and say, “I’m praying for you,” or “I’m here to help.” We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus instead of sitting on our own and cowering in the corner. The worst that can happen to us is death… physically, emotionally, socially. But remember - to die to the world is to live in Christ! What are we afraid will happen if we are bold in our faith? Do we fear death of an earthly nature more than the rewards of a heavenly eternity? Whatever God speaks into your heart… whatever message He brings to you in scripture… don’t waste it. Share it with others. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and exhibit His love to others each day. Dare to live in Christ without regard to how it might affect you personally. Don’t be afraid of people… trust God to shield you and guide your steps as you share His message and minister in His name. When it comes to Jesus, be sure you “tell all.”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 29, 2010
April 29 ~ Proverbs 3:27-32
Do all you can for everyone who deserves your help. Don't tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow, if you can help today. Don't try to be mean to neighbors who trust you. Don't argue just to be arguing, when you haven't been hurt. Don't be jealous of cruel people or follow their example. The LORD doesn't like anyone who is dishonest, but he lets good people be his friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, we were hosting a party during the Christmas holidays. As we sent out invitations, we learned that another couple who lived in our town was hosting a party the same evening – and many of our mutual friends were invited to both. We had invited this couple to the party we were hosting, but we had not received an RSVP. The day before our party, I got a phone call, and the host of the other party said, “We’d love to come to your party, but some relatives have come to visit, and we are going to be busy with them. So maybe we can make it another time.” I thanked him for letting me know – but all the while, I knew the real reason they weren’t coming was because of their own party. I don’t know why this person didn’t want to tell me that they were hosting a party. I wasn’t seeking an invitation to join them. And many of our friends came to our party and left early to attend the other party…and that was fine with us.
The problem I had with this whole scenario is that it colored how I thought of these friends. If this person would create such a detailed lie about something so insignificant as a party invitation, what else would he lie about? If this was considered acceptable behavior, how did he treat others – both socially and in his profession? In the end, I decided to “take the high road” and try to let it go… and you can see how well I’ve done! The point is… even though I have let it go for the most part, deep down it still impacts how I view this person. I try to think that he was either having a bad day and not thinking clearly, or he felt the lie would be less hurtful than saying, “We’re having our own party and can’t come to yours.” Still, I wonder on some levels… is he trustworthy?
If we are going to be disciples of Christ and represent Him to the world, we have to be honest and real at all times and in all things. This is not a license to be cruel or overly blunt with people. But we do need to consider how we treat others and why we say the things we do. We need to analyze our behavior to see where we need to be more loving, considerate, and honest. There is a good way and a bad way to deliver the truth… and with God’s help, we can operate in the former. If we are cruel, dishonest, or uncaring toward others, we risk permanent damage to the image they have of us… and very possibly we nullify our Christian witness with that person. Remember the “Golden Rule” – treat others as you wish to be treated – and rest in the knowledge that God is pleased and wants you for His friend.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Do all you can for everyone who deserves your help. Don't tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow, if you can help today. Don't try to be mean to neighbors who trust you. Don't argue just to be arguing, when you haven't been hurt. Don't be jealous of cruel people or follow their example. The LORD doesn't like anyone who is dishonest, but he lets good people be his friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, we were hosting a party during the Christmas holidays. As we sent out invitations, we learned that another couple who lived in our town was hosting a party the same evening – and many of our mutual friends were invited to both. We had invited this couple to the party we were hosting, but we had not received an RSVP. The day before our party, I got a phone call, and the host of the other party said, “We’d love to come to your party, but some relatives have come to visit, and we are going to be busy with them. So maybe we can make it another time.” I thanked him for letting me know – but all the while, I knew the real reason they weren’t coming was because of their own party. I don’t know why this person didn’t want to tell me that they were hosting a party. I wasn’t seeking an invitation to join them. And many of our friends came to our party and left early to attend the other party…and that was fine with us.
The problem I had with this whole scenario is that it colored how I thought of these friends. If this person would create such a detailed lie about something so insignificant as a party invitation, what else would he lie about? If this was considered acceptable behavior, how did he treat others – both socially and in his profession? In the end, I decided to “take the high road” and try to let it go… and you can see how well I’ve done! The point is… even though I have let it go for the most part, deep down it still impacts how I view this person. I try to think that he was either having a bad day and not thinking clearly, or he felt the lie would be less hurtful than saying, “We’re having our own party and can’t come to yours.” Still, I wonder on some levels… is he trustworthy?
If we are going to be disciples of Christ and represent Him to the world, we have to be honest and real at all times and in all things. This is not a license to be cruel or overly blunt with people. But we do need to consider how we treat others and why we say the things we do. We need to analyze our behavior to see where we need to be more loving, considerate, and honest. There is a good way and a bad way to deliver the truth… and with God’s help, we can operate in the former. If we are cruel, dishonest, or uncaring toward others, we risk permanent damage to the image they have of us… and very possibly we nullify our Christian witness with that person. Remember the “Golden Rule” – treat others as you wish to be treated – and rest in the knowledge that God is pleased and wants you for His friend.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 18, 2010
April 18 ~ John 3:16
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was watching our great-nephew, Timmy, sleep one day. He looks like such an angel… smooth soft skin, delicate mouth and long, thick eyelashes. He curls up in a tight little ball sometimes, and often he makes little humming noises… and sometimes he even laughs in his sleep. Like many of you with your own children, he is an incredible creature in my book… and I am wildly in love with him! I would walk across hot coals or throw myself in front of a moving car to save him.
Even though I love Timmy incredibly – and unconditionally – it still does not compare to God’s love for us. Why is that? Didn’t I say I would throw myself in front of a moving car for him? Yes, I said that. I would do everything humanly possible for my little guy. But that’s just it… we are human. We do not have supernatural power. We might be able to save the mortal life of someone else, but there is nothing I can do to guarantee Timmy’s eternal life. I cannot save him from sin. I cannot make any sacrifices or give him any gifts that will matter for his soul and his Spiritual well-being.
Only GOD can do this. Only GOD can love like this. Only GOD can make such a sacrifice and give such a gift. And He did just that! He loved us more than anyone else ever can! How are we honoring him? We cannot repay Him. We cannot earn this love. But we can glorify Him, praise Him, live like the children He has called us to be… and we can share His love with others. It doesn’t seem like enough, but if we do our best, He will be pleased. How well are you glorifying your Heavenly Father these days? Are you living a rich, full, glorious life, basking in the unconditional love of God Almighty? Are you showing gratitude and honor for this privilege? God would move heaven and earth for us – and He has! What have we done for Him lately?
©2010 Debbie Robus
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was watching our great-nephew, Timmy, sleep one day. He looks like such an angel… smooth soft skin, delicate mouth and long, thick eyelashes. He curls up in a tight little ball sometimes, and often he makes little humming noises… and sometimes he even laughs in his sleep. Like many of you with your own children, he is an incredible creature in my book… and I am wildly in love with him! I would walk across hot coals or throw myself in front of a moving car to save him.
Even though I love Timmy incredibly – and unconditionally – it still does not compare to God’s love for us. Why is that? Didn’t I say I would throw myself in front of a moving car for him? Yes, I said that. I would do everything humanly possible for my little guy. But that’s just it… we are human. We do not have supernatural power. We might be able to save the mortal life of someone else, but there is nothing I can do to guarantee Timmy’s eternal life. I cannot save him from sin. I cannot make any sacrifices or give him any gifts that will matter for his soul and his Spiritual well-being.
Only GOD can do this. Only GOD can love like this. Only GOD can make such a sacrifice and give such a gift. And He did just that! He loved us more than anyone else ever can! How are we honoring him? We cannot repay Him. We cannot earn this love. But we can glorify Him, praise Him, live like the children He has called us to be… and we can share His love with others. It doesn’t seem like enough, but if we do our best, He will be pleased. How well are you glorifying your Heavenly Father these days? Are you living a rich, full, glorious life, basking in the unconditional love of God Almighty? Are you showing gratitude and honor for this privilege? God would move heaven and earth for us – and He has! What have we done for Him lately?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 17, 2010
April 17 ~ John 13:33-35
My children, I will be with you for a little while longer. Then you will look for me, but you won't find me. I tell you just as I told the people, "You cannot go where I am going." But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I think of J.B. Hunt, I think of a faithful Christian man who was also successful in business. A few years ago, I was attending a “class reunion” banquet called “Early Decades.” The banquet is a chance for people who graduated 30 years ago or longer to get together and see one another and reminisce about “the good ole days.” On this particular night, I recognized Mr. Hunt standing beside a nearby table, along with his wife and some family members I know quite well. I greeted him and shook his hand, and I told him who I was by referencing my parents and my grandfather. I told him that my grand-dad spoke of him often and was so proud of what he had accomplished.
I didn’t tell Mr. Hunt this, but my grand-dad always spoke more of his personal character and strong Christian faith than he did J.B.’s business success. In fact, the last conversation I ever had with my grand-dad was about J.B. Hunt. He was scheduled to speak at the Rotary Club in Heber Springs, and my grand-dad said, “Oh, I would love to hear him speak.” Ironically, the last conversation I had with Mr. Hunt was at that banquet. He died a few months later after falling on some ice.
Having grown up in Heber Springs, I know a lot of the “old-timers.” My husband likes to joke that people need to be careful what they say to me about folks around here – because they are probably my relatives! And while that is not as true today as a few years ago, it still bodes well to watch who you talk about when you are around me! I’m just kidding! But the point is… how do people know you? Are you the child or grand-child of someone that others recognize? Are you known for your reputation – good or poor? Are you known as the banker’s son or the cop’s daughter or the preacher’s kid? Are you known as Joe’s wife or Sue’s husband? Are you known as a Christian – a disciple of Christ?
See, that last one is really the only one that matters. It doesn’t matter whose son, daughter, wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, team mate, or friend you are… except for Jesus. If people can’t readily see that you are Jesus’ disciple, nothing else matters. When we get right down to it, everything else is a label applied by humans… but “disciple of Christ” was bought and paid for on the cross. That label matters! It’s the one we should want. Are you loving – and living – in a way that allows others to see your discipleship? Isn’t it time you did? How are you known these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
My children, I will be with you for a little while longer. Then you will look for me, but you won't find me. I tell you just as I told the people, "You cannot go where I am going." But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I think of J.B. Hunt, I think of a faithful Christian man who was also successful in business. A few years ago, I was attending a “class reunion” banquet called “Early Decades.” The banquet is a chance for people who graduated 30 years ago or longer to get together and see one another and reminisce about “the good ole days.” On this particular night, I recognized Mr. Hunt standing beside a nearby table, along with his wife and some family members I know quite well. I greeted him and shook his hand, and I told him who I was by referencing my parents and my grandfather. I told him that my grand-dad spoke of him often and was so proud of what he had accomplished.
I didn’t tell Mr. Hunt this, but my grand-dad always spoke more of his personal character and strong Christian faith than he did J.B.’s business success. In fact, the last conversation I ever had with my grand-dad was about J.B. Hunt. He was scheduled to speak at the Rotary Club in Heber Springs, and my grand-dad said, “Oh, I would love to hear him speak.” Ironically, the last conversation I had with Mr. Hunt was at that banquet. He died a few months later after falling on some ice.
Having grown up in Heber Springs, I know a lot of the “old-timers.” My husband likes to joke that people need to be careful what they say to me about folks around here – because they are probably my relatives! And while that is not as true today as a few years ago, it still bodes well to watch who you talk about when you are around me! I’m just kidding! But the point is… how do people know you? Are you the child or grand-child of someone that others recognize? Are you known for your reputation – good or poor? Are you known as the banker’s son or the cop’s daughter or the preacher’s kid? Are you known as Joe’s wife or Sue’s husband? Are you known as a Christian – a disciple of Christ?
See, that last one is really the only one that matters. It doesn’t matter whose son, daughter, wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, team mate, or friend you are… except for Jesus. If people can’t readily see that you are Jesus’ disciple, nothing else matters. When we get right down to it, everything else is a label applied by humans… but “disciple of Christ” was bought and paid for on the cross. That label matters! It’s the one we should want. Are you loving – and living – in a way that allows others to see your discipleship? Isn’t it time you did? How are you known these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 8, 2010
April 8 ~ 1 Timothy 6:6-8
And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have. We didn't bring anything into this world, and we won't take anything with us when we leave. So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently watched an episode of The History Channel’s “American Pickers,” about two men from Iowa who trek across the country in search of “one man’s junk” that can be recycled and restored and turned into another man’s “treasure.” On the episode I viewed, the men visited a gentleman who has an incredible collection that includes a turn-of-the-century wood rim bicycle and a high-wheeler from the 1880’s. At every turn, the two men asked the owner, “How much for this?” The man’s standard reply was, “Oh… a couple thousand.” In other words, he didn’t want to sell! He even remarked, “I am going to have to buy a really big casket to take all this with me!”
The truth is, we won’t take any of our “stuff” with us when we die, and a lot of it isn’t adding much to our lives in the present! I know, I know… I have closets full of things I don’t need, too. But sadly, for a lot of us, we fill our lives with things we don’t even want out of some deep-seated idea that we can gain satisfaction with “stuff!” The truth is that what we really need is more of JESUS!
Many people are trying to fill a void with things, people, trips and activities, drugs, alcohol and more… and there is never enough. If you just had one more car, video game or pair of shoes… that would be enough. If you could just go to Europe or take a cruise one more time, your life would be complete. Have you ever seen the Kohler bath commercial where the Italian grandma is dying, and she is saying that her life is complete… she accomplished and experienced everything she could possibly want – until the door opens to show a beautiful woman running her hands through the water that fills a bath tub in a spa-like setting. The grandma utters a curse word and dies, regretting that this was the one thing she missed.
What are you missing? If we truly search our hearts, I think most of us would find we are missing more of Jesus. We are missing a deeper sense of trust, a stronger faith, a more intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. I recently commented to my mom that if I spent adequate time praying over the people and concerns on my prayer list these days, I would be in prayer all day… and then we both laughed. We both realized the absurdity of what I had just said, because this obviously is not the priority in my life it should be. See, I’ve let “things” get in the way of spending time with God, and I suspect you may have, too. I could give up a couple of mindless television shows per day to pray. I could walk an extra loop on my exercise route and talk to God a little longer. Instead of surfing the Internet shopping for my next purchase, I could be covering someone in prayer who has deep needs… or finding out what God wants me to do with the next few hours/minutes/days of my life.
We need to realize what is really important. It’s okay to have nice things… to live full lives and go places and do things. But it is not okay to give these first place in our lives. Priorities matter… GOD matters. We can’t take it with us when we die… and we wouldn’t want to anyway. Where are your priorities? What are your treasures?
Leland's Cafe. (2010). The History Channel website. Retrieved 3:33, April 6, 2010, from http://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers/episodes/american-pickers-episodes#slide-2.
©2010 Debbie Robus
And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have. We didn't bring anything into this world, and we won't take anything with us when we leave. So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently watched an episode of The History Channel’s “American Pickers,” about two men from Iowa who trek across the country in search of “one man’s junk” that can be recycled and restored and turned into another man’s “treasure.” On the episode I viewed, the men visited a gentleman who has an incredible collection that includes a turn-of-the-century wood rim bicycle and a high-wheeler from the 1880’s. At every turn, the two men asked the owner, “How much for this?” The man’s standard reply was, “Oh… a couple thousand.” In other words, he didn’t want to sell! He even remarked, “I am going to have to buy a really big casket to take all this with me!”
The truth is, we won’t take any of our “stuff” with us when we die, and a lot of it isn’t adding much to our lives in the present! I know, I know… I have closets full of things I don’t need, too. But sadly, for a lot of us, we fill our lives with things we don’t even want out of some deep-seated idea that we can gain satisfaction with “stuff!” The truth is that what we really need is more of JESUS!
Many people are trying to fill a void with things, people, trips and activities, drugs, alcohol and more… and there is never enough. If you just had one more car, video game or pair of shoes… that would be enough. If you could just go to Europe or take a cruise one more time, your life would be complete. Have you ever seen the Kohler bath commercial where the Italian grandma is dying, and she is saying that her life is complete… she accomplished and experienced everything she could possibly want – until the door opens to show a beautiful woman running her hands through the water that fills a bath tub in a spa-like setting. The grandma utters a curse word and dies, regretting that this was the one thing she missed.
What are you missing? If we truly search our hearts, I think most of us would find we are missing more of Jesus. We are missing a deeper sense of trust, a stronger faith, a more intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. I recently commented to my mom that if I spent adequate time praying over the people and concerns on my prayer list these days, I would be in prayer all day… and then we both laughed. We both realized the absurdity of what I had just said, because this obviously is not the priority in my life it should be. See, I’ve let “things” get in the way of spending time with God, and I suspect you may have, too. I could give up a couple of mindless television shows per day to pray. I could walk an extra loop on my exercise route and talk to God a little longer. Instead of surfing the Internet shopping for my next purchase, I could be covering someone in prayer who has deep needs… or finding out what God wants me to do with the next few hours/minutes/days of my life.
We need to realize what is really important. It’s okay to have nice things… to live full lives and go places and do things. But it is not okay to give these first place in our lives. Priorities matter… GOD matters. We can’t take it with us when we die… and we wouldn’t want to anyway. Where are your priorities? What are your treasures?
Leland's Cafe. (2010). The History Channel website. Retrieved 3:33, April 6, 2010, from http://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers/episodes/american-pickers-episodes#slide-2.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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