October 12 ~ Matthew 4:5-11
Then Satan took him to Jerusalem to the roof of the Temple. “Jump off,”
he said, “and prove you are the Son of God; for the Scriptures declare,
‘God will send his angels to keep you from harm,’ . . . they will
prevent you from smashing on the rocks below.”
Jesus retorted, “It also says not to put the Lord your God to a foolish test!”
Next Satan took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him
the nations of the world and all their glory. “I’ll give it all to you,”
he said, “if you will only kneel and worship me.”
“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “The Scriptures say, ‘Worship only the Lord God. Obey only him.’”
Then Satan went away, and angels came and cared for Jesus.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale
House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc.,
Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Let’s be honest…when you tell a child NOT to touch something, there’s
a 50/50 shot that he/she will do exactly that! I once teasingly asked a
friend, “Does your wife know you are at this party without her?” and he
replied (also in jest), “I’ve learned that it is easier to ask for
forgiveness than permission!” Isn’t this how we often act? We’ll just
tell this one juicy tidbit, and then we will promise God that we will
never gossip again. We’ll just “sow some wild oats now,” and we will be
really sorry for it later and ask God to forgive us. We will look out
for ourselves now - because nobody else is going to…and we will hope
that God sees that our “heart” was in the right place. We’ll just touch
the stove and SEE if it’s really hot!
It’s time to learn that when God essentially tells us that “the stove is
hot”…the STOVE IS HOT! When He shows us how to live and gives us clear
guidelines, and we go right ahead and do our own thing, we must be
prepared to live with the consequences. We cannot assume that God will
always bail us out when we make stupid mistakes – or disobey and
disappoint Him.
We also cannot play fast and loose with our allegiance. I am here to
tell you, not a single one of us knows how long we have on this earth.
We have a LOT to do while we are here, and we had best be busy getting
it done! There is no time to listen to people who tell us that THEY
know better than God. There is not a minute to waste on selfish
agendas. There will be times when we have to sacrifice our own desires
for the greater good of others…and when we do this, God will bless our
efforts.
Here’s an example…my Mam-ma Polly had such a meager income that you
would not believe she could actually make it through each month. Yet she
was always ready to give to others…food from her table…a tithe to her
church…”shoe boxes” for needy children at Christmas…and so much more.
She always had a few dollars in her checking account at the end of the
month. She never missed a meal, and her home was cozy and comfortable.
All of her needs were met…and then some.
GOD made the difference and blessed my grandmother’s faithful obedience.
And He will do this for us, too. There will be times when the road
seems uncomfortable and/or uncertain. But when we keep our focus on
Him…when we worship only God and obey His commands and the teachings of
His only Son, Jesus Christ…nothing the devil offers can compare with
what we have been promised.
The devil is ALWAYS tempting us. Where and how is he tempting you? How
are you reacting and responding? Have you kicked him to the curb and
trusted God to make the difference…or are you hedging your bets that you
have time to show remorse and ask forgiveness later? Will this be the
day that you trust God fully and let His angels attend to your every
need? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label making excuses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label making excuses. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 9, 2016
Psalm 46:10
Our God says, “Calm down,
and learn that I am God!
All nations on earth
will honor me.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There are so many things happening in our world today – especially in our own country – that have a lot of us feeling like the earth has spun off its axis. And yet, this morning I shared with ten 5-and-6-year-olds the story of Moses and how he made excuses to God. I encouraged them to learn to listen to God and follow His plans for their lives. I assured them that God DOES have a plan for each of them, and that over time, He will reveal His mission for them through such things as prayer and Bible study…and He will help them implement this plan. They will be tempted to make excuses, just as Moses was – and as we often are - but they should learn to trust God and carry forward with His commands.
It’s hard to convince children that this is true…especially in light of what is going on all around us these days. But I am confident that God is still in charge…that His plans are still perfect…that all nations WILL honor Him. So I am not going to make excuses – for others – or to God. I am going to stay calm…to trust and believe…to “be still and know” that He is GOD. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
and learn that I am God!
All nations on earth
will honor me.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There are so many things happening in our world today – especially in our own country – that have a lot of us feeling like the earth has spun off its axis. And yet, this morning I shared with ten 5-and-6-year-olds the story of Moses and how he made excuses to God. I encouraged them to learn to listen to God and follow His plans for their lives. I assured them that God DOES have a plan for each of them, and that over time, He will reveal His mission for them through such things as prayer and Bible study…and He will help them implement this plan. They will be tempted to make excuses, just as Moses was – and as we often are - but they should learn to trust God and carry forward with His commands.
It’s hard to convince children that this is true…especially in light of what is going on all around us these days. But I am confident that God is still in charge…that His plans are still perfect…that all nations WILL honor Him. So I am not going to make excuses – for others – or to God. I am going to stay calm…to trust and believe…to “be still and know” that He is GOD. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 7, 2015
Acts 22:16
Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In truth, surrendering your heart to Jesus IS a leap of faith…but not into darkness or danger. And certainly, this “ledge” leads to anything but an evil abyss. Giving your heart to Jesus is a one-way ticket into His waiting arms…strong, secure – yet soft and peaceful. We don’t have to “fix” a thing beforehand…Jesus will handle all of this for us. If we really understand what it means to abide in Jesus and be His forever, we would RUN LIKE THE WIND to get to Him!
So today is the day to run…if you haven’t done so already. And if you have wandered back toward that ledge and flirted with the darkness, this is the day to step away. What ARE you waiting for? Ditch the excuses and take the “leap of faith” that makes all the difference! The arms of Jesus are wide open…and ready to hold you for all Eternity!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. What are you waiting for? Get up! Be baptized, and wash away your sins by praying to the Lord.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
- Not today.
- When I have time.
- When I get good and ready.
- I will if you will.
- That’s just not me.
- I will not be manipulated into anything.
- I will someday, but I’m still having fun and “sowing my wild oats.”
- Maybe someday.
- When I “fix” a few things…I’m not worthy right now.
In truth, surrendering your heart to Jesus IS a leap of faith…but not into darkness or danger. And certainly, this “ledge” leads to anything but an evil abyss. Giving your heart to Jesus is a one-way ticket into His waiting arms…strong, secure – yet soft and peaceful. We don’t have to “fix” a thing beforehand…Jesus will handle all of this for us. If we really understand what it means to abide in Jesus and be His forever, we would RUN LIKE THE WIND to get to Him!
So today is the day to run…if you haven’t done so already. And if you have wandered back toward that ledge and flirted with the darkness, this is the day to step away. What ARE you waiting for? Ditch the excuses and take the “leap of faith” that makes all the difference! The arms of Jesus are wide open…and ready to hold you for all Eternity!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 24, 2015
Revelation 2:14-16
“But why do you indulge that Balaam crowd? Don’t you remember that Balaam was an enemy agent, seducing Balak and sabotaging Israel’s holy pilgrimage by throwing unholy parties? And why do you put up with the Nicolaitans, who do the same thing?
“Enough! Don’t give in to them; I’ll be with you soon. I’m fed up and about to cut them to pieces with my sword-sharp words.
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.
Most of us have heard stories about – or actually know of - a teenager who attended a party where there was under-age drinking and other activities that should not have been happening. When this activity was discovered, the teen said, “But I wasn’t doing it!” While the kid felt this exonerated his/her presence…it really was no excuse. Or maybe you know of a child who broke a window because he/she was throwing rocks…or started a fire when a pack of matches was discovered…or had some sort of accident because friends dared him/her to do something crazy…but they were just “in the wrong place at the wrong time”. It really wasn’t their fault.
There is a fine line between tolerance and poor judgment. I would guess that virtually every single one of us has been in a situation or circumstance where we said, “I shouldn’t be here.” Or maybe we sensed that something did not feel “right”…yet we couldn’t seem to drag ourselves away. Some would argue that they were there to “help a buddy” – or even to “witness” to those in the wrong. But these lines of reasoning won’t hold up very well in most cases.
In this passage, God is using John to tell the people of Smyrna that they have been hanging out with the wrong crowd…and He has just about had enough of it. They have been dabbling in things they know they shouldn’t…and teetering on the brink of disaster. And this message applies to many of us today just as well. We’re dancing on the edge…testing the waters…trying to “have our cake and eat it, too”…and God is not amused.
I honestly don’t think man people grasp how terribly we grieve God on many occasions. We don’t often stop to consider that the One who loves us beyond description has feelings, too. And we break His heart over and again on a regular basis– if not every single day. But we can change…and don’t you want to?! Don’t you want to honor God for all that He has done for you? Don’t you want to live in a manner that says, “I am so very grateful for your love, grace, mercy and patience.”?
Isn’t it time we started living with more purpose…with deliberate thought and consideration for our words and actions? If we really love God, shouldn’t we stop and consider what HE would think before we say and do many of the things we do without any consideration? Will this be the day that you begin to “let go and let God” in EVERY area of your life? Or will you continue to hope that your “excuses” are good enough to merit a “pass”?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“But why do you indulge that Balaam crowd? Don’t you remember that Balaam was an enemy agent, seducing Balak and sabotaging Israel’s holy pilgrimage by throwing unholy parties? And why do you put up with the Nicolaitans, who do the same thing?
“Enough! Don’t give in to them; I’ll be with you soon. I’m fed up and about to cut them to pieces with my sword-sharp words.
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.
Most of us have heard stories about – or actually know of - a teenager who attended a party where there was under-age drinking and other activities that should not have been happening. When this activity was discovered, the teen said, “But I wasn’t doing it!” While the kid felt this exonerated his/her presence…it really was no excuse. Or maybe you know of a child who broke a window because he/she was throwing rocks…or started a fire when a pack of matches was discovered…or had some sort of accident because friends dared him/her to do something crazy…but they were just “in the wrong place at the wrong time”. It really wasn’t their fault.
There is a fine line between tolerance and poor judgment. I would guess that virtually every single one of us has been in a situation or circumstance where we said, “I shouldn’t be here.” Or maybe we sensed that something did not feel “right”…yet we couldn’t seem to drag ourselves away. Some would argue that they were there to “help a buddy” – or even to “witness” to those in the wrong. But these lines of reasoning won’t hold up very well in most cases.
In this passage, God is using John to tell the people of Smyrna that they have been hanging out with the wrong crowd…and He has just about had enough of it. They have been dabbling in things they know they shouldn’t…and teetering on the brink of disaster. And this message applies to many of us today just as well. We’re dancing on the edge…testing the waters…trying to “have our cake and eat it, too”…and God is not amused.
I honestly don’t think man people grasp how terribly we grieve God on many occasions. We don’t often stop to consider that the One who loves us beyond description has feelings, too. And we break His heart over and again on a regular basis– if not every single day. But we can change…and don’t you want to?! Don’t you want to honor God for all that He has done for you? Don’t you want to live in a manner that says, “I am so very grateful for your love, grace, mercy and patience.”?
Isn’t it time we started living with more purpose…with deliberate thought and consideration for our words and actions? If we really love God, shouldn’t we stop and consider what HE would think before we say and do many of the things we do without any consideration? Will this be the day that you begin to “let go and let God” in EVERY area of your life? Or will you continue to hope that your “excuses” are good enough to merit a “pass”?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 27, 2014
Philippians 4:15-20
You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I’ll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I’m looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.
And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“I’m busy.”
“I’m shy.”
“I’m sick/injured/disabled in some way.”
“I’m too old/young.”
“I’m not very smart.”
“I can’t even pay my own bills.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“I’m the wrong color/gender/ethnicity…or my political party or sexual orientation are different.”
“I’m not good with people…I can’t write/speak well.”
"There are things in my past of which I am ashamed."
“That’s none of my business!”
“What’s in it for me?”
How many of these excuses have you used to keep from getting involved with others or generously showing them that you care? If we are honest, each one of us has used some form of one or more of these throughout our lives in order to avoid full engagement in Christian service. And as a result, we have not only missed out on blessing others…we’ve blocked our own blessings!
Read the passage again. Note especially the part that says “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” So every time you offer one of these excuses – or any other – you are essentially saying, “I don’t believe that God can equip me for His ministries and purposes!” You are denying Him the opportunity to bless you as He meets the needs of others through your efforts.
Sharing compassion and care doesn’t have to cost money. It doesn’t have to take HUGE chunks of your time. You don’t have to be able-bodied – or even physically well to offer a prayer on the behalf of someone else…or to pick up the phone or your keyboard and express concern. Young children can be taught to genuinely ask, “How are you doing?” and to be polite and kind to others. Older adults can offer encouragement and mentoring to young people - to the best of their abilities. Most people don’t care what color you are, who you vote for…or who you love – as long as you are showing them how much you care about them! Your past may be the very thing that equips you to truly relate to - and encourage - someone else!
God equips each of us with special “gifts” for His ministries and service. The choice to use them for His glory is ours. But understand clearly that when you fail to show love and compassion to others in Jesus’ name, you are in many ways denying your Christian faith…and you are blocking the blessings that God wants to bring you. I don’t know about you, but I’ll take every single blessing God has for me…because I am always strengthened, encouraged, uplifted and amazed! Who wouldn’t want an abundance of these things in their life?!
Let’s all agree that the excuses stop today...here…NOW! Let’s all get in on this “blessing” thing…let’s encourage and support one another - and glorify God in the process. Let’s bask in the glow of His blessings and abundance in our own lives as a result.
Will this be the day that you drop the justifications and get busy with the work of the LORD? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I’ll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I’m looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.
And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“I’m busy.”
“I’m shy.”
“I’m sick/injured/disabled in some way.”
“I’m too old/young.”
“I’m not very smart.”
“I can’t even pay my own bills.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“I’m the wrong color/gender/ethnicity…or my political party or sexual orientation are different.”
“I’m not good with people…I can’t write/speak well.”
"There are things in my past of which I am ashamed."
“That’s none of my business!”
“What’s in it for me?”
How many of these excuses have you used to keep from getting involved with others or generously showing them that you care? If we are honest, each one of us has used some form of one or more of these throughout our lives in order to avoid full engagement in Christian service. And as a result, we have not only missed out on blessing others…we’ve blocked our own blessings!
Read the passage again. Note especially the part that says “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” So every time you offer one of these excuses – or any other – you are essentially saying, “I don’t believe that God can equip me for His ministries and purposes!” You are denying Him the opportunity to bless you as He meets the needs of others through your efforts.
Sharing compassion and care doesn’t have to cost money. It doesn’t have to take HUGE chunks of your time. You don’t have to be able-bodied – or even physically well to offer a prayer on the behalf of someone else…or to pick up the phone or your keyboard and express concern. Young children can be taught to genuinely ask, “How are you doing?” and to be polite and kind to others. Older adults can offer encouragement and mentoring to young people - to the best of their abilities. Most people don’t care what color you are, who you vote for…or who you love – as long as you are showing them how much you care about them! Your past may be the very thing that equips you to truly relate to - and encourage - someone else!
God equips each of us with special “gifts” for His ministries and service. The choice to use them for His glory is ours. But understand clearly that when you fail to show love and compassion to others in Jesus’ name, you are in many ways denying your Christian faith…and you are blocking the blessings that God wants to bring you. I don’t know about you, but I’ll take every single blessing God has for me…because I am always strengthened, encouraged, uplifted and amazed! Who wouldn’t want an abundance of these things in their life?!
Let’s all agree that the excuses stop today...here…NOW! Let’s all get in on this “blessing” thing…let’s encourage and support one another - and glorify God in the process. Let’s bask in the glow of His blessings and abundance in our own lives as a result.
Will this be the day that you drop the justifications and get busy with the work of the LORD? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 23, 2013
Romans 2:12-16
If you sin without knowing what you’re doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you’re doing, that’s a different story entirely. Merely hearing God’s law is a waste of your time if you don’t do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God.
When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The Message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences.
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.
On ABC television show, “The Middle,” husband Mike Fleck (played by Neil Flynn) enters the kitchen and asks his wife, Frankie (played by Patricia Heaton) if she signed them up to drive a float in an upcoming Centennial parade. “Frankie” says no… then realizes that she might have actually agreed to this at a party earlier where she and “Mike” were a little drunk. “Frankie” says to “Mike”… “See, this is what happens when we drink.”
On multiple levels, the characters are excusing their “sins” by blaming their inebriation. They didn’t know what they were doing. And while you may never touch a drop of alcohol or take anything stronger than an aspirin, I’m betting that you have had some sort of handy excuse at one time or another for your “sins”. “I was just a little kid… I didn’t know that helping myself to the neighbors’ watermelon patch was stealing”… or “I am old and absentminded… I totally forgot that I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone about such-and-such!” And while there are children who don’t know better in some situations… and aging adults who suffer dementia and truly don’t remember or realize what they are doing… most of us fall into the category of knowing what we are doing – but blaming something or someone else for our transgressions and shortcomings. And this is disrespectful to God… and to others.
Everyone seems to at least “know of” someone who appears to be successful in his/her personal and professional life… is upstanding in the community and always seems to behave in a respectful and respectable manner... and yet this person will readily tell you that he/she does have a personal relationship with God. He/she may even say, “I really don’t believe in God” or “I’m not all that religious”… or one of my favorites – “I just like to find God in nature.” And maybe you have wondered how this person managed to fare so well. Or perhaps you have seen people who seem to skate through life and make all sorts of mistakes and sort of “fly by the seat of their pants”… and yet they appear to have an easier, less stress-filled life in many regards than you do. You might have even said, “If *I* lived that way – or did this or that – I would be in all sorts of trouble.”
Can I tell you something? These people are not fooling anyone… least of all, God. They are not “getting by” with anything, because He will hold them accountable at some point. And the “nice guy” who doesn’t seem to need God in his/her life probably has the influence of someone who does have a relationship with our Heavenly Father that resonates with them in some way. Do not underestimate God’s power and ability to permeate even the hardest heart… or the most uninformed mind… and plant seeds of His grace, mercy, love and authority there.
We need to be certain that we are respectful toward God… and others… because we have heard the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ. We are presented at every turn with opportunities to hear, study, and internalize His commands. And by any and all measures available, we are to share this message with others, so that they may also have a full understanding of God and all that He offers. We may never get drunk at a party and promise to participate in a parade, but we still need to keep a check on our words and actions - in every area of our lives. Our example may be the very echo of God into another’s heart!
How are you showing respect to God for His gift of wisdom, grace and mercy? You’ve heard His voice…how will are responding?
©2013 Debbie Robus
If you sin without knowing what you’re doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you’re doing, that’s a different story entirely. Merely hearing God’s law is a waste of your time if you don’t do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God.
When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The Message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences.
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.
On ABC television show, “The Middle,” husband Mike Fleck (played by Neil Flynn) enters the kitchen and asks his wife, Frankie (played by Patricia Heaton) if she signed them up to drive a float in an upcoming Centennial parade. “Frankie” says no… then realizes that she might have actually agreed to this at a party earlier where she and “Mike” were a little drunk. “Frankie” says to “Mike”… “See, this is what happens when we drink.”
On multiple levels, the characters are excusing their “sins” by blaming their inebriation. They didn’t know what they were doing. And while you may never touch a drop of alcohol or take anything stronger than an aspirin, I’m betting that you have had some sort of handy excuse at one time or another for your “sins”. “I was just a little kid… I didn’t know that helping myself to the neighbors’ watermelon patch was stealing”… or “I am old and absentminded… I totally forgot that I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone about such-and-such!” And while there are children who don’t know better in some situations… and aging adults who suffer dementia and truly don’t remember or realize what they are doing… most of us fall into the category of knowing what we are doing – but blaming something or someone else for our transgressions and shortcomings. And this is disrespectful to God… and to others.
Everyone seems to at least “know of” someone who appears to be successful in his/her personal and professional life… is upstanding in the community and always seems to behave in a respectful and respectable manner... and yet this person will readily tell you that he/she does have a personal relationship with God. He/she may even say, “I really don’t believe in God” or “I’m not all that religious”… or one of my favorites – “I just like to find God in nature.” And maybe you have wondered how this person managed to fare so well. Or perhaps you have seen people who seem to skate through life and make all sorts of mistakes and sort of “fly by the seat of their pants”… and yet they appear to have an easier, less stress-filled life in many regards than you do. You might have even said, “If *I* lived that way – or did this or that – I would be in all sorts of trouble.”
Can I tell you something? These people are not fooling anyone… least of all, God. They are not “getting by” with anything, because He will hold them accountable at some point. And the “nice guy” who doesn’t seem to need God in his/her life probably has the influence of someone who does have a relationship with our Heavenly Father that resonates with them in some way. Do not underestimate God’s power and ability to permeate even the hardest heart… or the most uninformed mind… and plant seeds of His grace, mercy, love and authority there.
We need to be certain that we are respectful toward God… and others… because we have heard the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ. We are presented at every turn with opportunities to hear, study, and internalize His commands. And by any and all measures available, we are to share this message with others, so that they may also have a full understanding of God and all that He offers. We may never get drunk at a party and promise to participate in a parade, but we still need to keep a check on our words and actions - in every area of our lives. Our example may be the very echo of God into another’s heart!
How are you showing respect to God for His gift of wisdom, grace and mercy? You’ve heard His voice…how will are responding?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 2, 2013
Romans 1:18-25
But God’s angry displeasure erupts as acts of human mistrust and wrongdoing and lying accumulate, as people try to put a shroud over truth. But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.
So God said, in effect, “If that’s what you want, that’s what you get.” It wasn’t long before they were living in a pigpen, smeared with filth, filthy inside and out. And all this because they traded the true God for a fake god, and worshiped the god they made instead of the God who made them—the God we bless, the God who blesses us. Oh, yes!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I’ll admit it… I’m hooked on A&E’s “Duck Dynasty!” I realize that not everyone “gets” this show, and I know that it is made-for-TV and borders on the ridiculous at times. But I laugh so hard… especially at the wacky Uncle, Si Robertson. On a recent episode, Uncle Si won $2000 at the Duck Commander Company Casino Night. He spent it on a massage chair to take to work. His nephew – and CEO of Duck Commander - Willie, told him that the chair had to go… that he had to buy something else with the money. In true “Uncle Si style,” he chose to go to a children’s pizza place, similar to Chuck E. Cheese. He said they had the best pizza in the world.
While waiting for the staff to make him a pizza, Si began to play the games. He knew these were designed for children, but he said they had two of his favorite things… lights and bells. When he learned that he could win prizes, Si became determined to win a big stuffed purple gorilla… which was “priced” at 5000 winning tickets. Willie bought $200 worth of tokens, and Si began to play the games again… and he focused on one in particular that he said he had figured out how to beat. Si soon had this electronic game spitting out a mound of tickets, which he used to “purchase” the stuffed gorilla. He used the rest of his money to buy pizza to share with his entire extended family, and the closing scene of the show depicts them all sitting down at a table laden with pizzas from this establishment. Si’s “excuse” was that (paraphrasing here)… “Hey, I won this $2000, and I can spend it any way I want!”
Now here’s the deal… Si Robertson is quoted as saying he never leaves home without his sweet tea and his Bible. He doesn’t just know about God… He KNOWS Him! But Si has a tendency to get a little obsessive about things and lose his focus – or at least to temporarily shift his attention to things like playing children’s games to win a stuffed gorilla. And yes, I do realize that this was all probably a total fabrication by the show’s writers/producers… designed to entertain us and make us laugh. But many of us have made an art of losing focus in all aspects of our lives. When it comes to our acknowledgment of God’s truth and serving Him accordingly, losing focus is not the least bit funny.
Too many of us have become sidetracked or distracted by the things of the world. We’ve decided that “it’s our life, and I’ll live it however I want!” We’ve justified our “rabbit trails” by either turning our back on God and saying that things wouldn’t be this way or that if He really existed and/or loved us… or we have decided that we are entitled to do as we please – God will love us anyway. We know better on both fronts. But it’s sort of like when you sit down at one of these “pizza parlor” games or a slot machine and lose… you just have to keep trying until you win – even though you are falling deeper into the pit of failure and despair.
I saw a news report where a “lottery expert” who had won big cash prizes seven times or more tried to show a reporter how to beat the system and win… and the reporter spent countless dollars in order to “win” only a few. It didn’t work… and neither does trying to excuse our lies, wrongdoing, and the twisting of God’s truths. And often, the more we try to satisfy our own whims and desires, the farther away from God we fall. We cannot do as we please and expect God to bless us. We cannot spend the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ however we please. I think that at the core of things, most of us know this. Our lives are not a reality TV show. The time has come for us to treat God with respect… to honor His gift of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins… to love and serve Him with our whole heart – and without excuses!
In Spiritual terms, we have more than won the lottery. We have received something much grander than the biggest stuffed purple gorilla. We feast at the table of the LORD on blessings far greater than the world’s best pizza. It’s time we opened our eyes and started acting like God’s children. It’s time we operated in God’s truth – and shared it with others each and every day. It’s time we dropped the excuses and started focusing completely on acknowledging God in every aspect of our lives. What about you? Are you ready to commit wholeheartedly… or are you still trying to win a purple gorilla?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But God’s angry displeasure erupts as acts of human mistrust and wrongdoing and lying accumulate, as people try to put a shroud over truth. But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.
So God said, in effect, “If that’s what you want, that’s what you get.” It wasn’t long before they were living in a pigpen, smeared with filth, filthy inside and out. And all this because they traded the true God for a fake god, and worshiped the god they made instead of the God who made them—the God we bless, the God who blesses us. Oh, yes!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I’ll admit it… I’m hooked on A&E’s “Duck Dynasty!” I realize that not everyone “gets” this show, and I know that it is made-for-TV and borders on the ridiculous at times. But I laugh so hard… especially at the wacky Uncle, Si Robertson. On a recent episode, Uncle Si won $2000 at the Duck Commander Company Casino Night. He spent it on a massage chair to take to work. His nephew – and CEO of Duck Commander - Willie, told him that the chair had to go… that he had to buy something else with the money. In true “Uncle Si style,” he chose to go to a children’s pizza place, similar to Chuck E. Cheese. He said they had the best pizza in the world.
While waiting for the staff to make him a pizza, Si began to play the games. He knew these were designed for children, but he said they had two of his favorite things… lights and bells. When he learned that he could win prizes, Si became determined to win a big stuffed purple gorilla… which was “priced” at 5000 winning tickets. Willie bought $200 worth of tokens, and Si began to play the games again… and he focused on one in particular that he said he had figured out how to beat. Si soon had this electronic game spitting out a mound of tickets, which he used to “purchase” the stuffed gorilla. He used the rest of his money to buy pizza to share with his entire extended family, and the closing scene of the show depicts them all sitting down at a table laden with pizzas from this establishment. Si’s “excuse” was that (paraphrasing here)… “Hey, I won this $2000, and I can spend it any way I want!”
Now here’s the deal… Si Robertson is quoted as saying he never leaves home without his sweet tea and his Bible. He doesn’t just know about God… He KNOWS Him! But Si has a tendency to get a little obsessive about things and lose his focus – or at least to temporarily shift his attention to things like playing children’s games to win a stuffed gorilla. And yes, I do realize that this was all probably a total fabrication by the show’s writers/producers… designed to entertain us and make us laugh. But many of us have made an art of losing focus in all aspects of our lives. When it comes to our acknowledgment of God’s truth and serving Him accordingly, losing focus is not the least bit funny.
Too many of us have become sidetracked or distracted by the things of the world. We’ve decided that “it’s our life, and I’ll live it however I want!” We’ve justified our “rabbit trails” by either turning our back on God and saying that things wouldn’t be this way or that if He really existed and/or loved us… or we have decided that we are entitled to do as we please – God will love us anyway. We know better on both fronts. But it’s sort of like when you sit down at one of these “pizza parlor” games or a slot machine and lose… you just have to keep trying until you win – even though you are falling deeper into the pit of failure and despair.
I saw a news report where a “lottery expert” who had won big cash prizes seven times or more tried to show a reporter how to beat the system and win… and the reporter spent countless dollars in order to “win” only a few. It didn’t work… and neither does trying to excuse our lies, wrongdoing, and the twisting of God’s truths. And often, the more we try to satisfy our own whims and desires, the farther away from God we fall. We cannot do as we please and expect God to bless us. We cannot spend the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ however we please. I think that at the core of things, most of us know this. Our lives are not a reality TV show. The time has come for us to treat God with respect… to honor His gift of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins… to love and serve Him with our whole heart – and without excuses!
In Spiritual terms, we have more than won the lottery. We have received something much grander than the biggest stuffed purple gorilla. We feast at the table of the LORD on blessings far greater than the world’s best pizza. It’s time we opened our eyes and started acting like God’s children. It’s time we operated in God’s truth – and shared it with others each and every day. It’s time we dropped the excuses and started focusing completely on acknowledging God in every aspect of our lives. What about you? Are you ready to commit wholeheartedly… or are you still trying to win a purple gorilla?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 1, 2013
Romans 1:8-15
I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you.
Please don’t misinterpret my failure to visit you, friends. You have no idea how many times I’ve made plans for Rome. I’ve been determined to get some personal enjoyment out of God’s work among you, as I have in so many other non-Jewish towns and communities. But something has always come up and prevented it. Everyone I meet—it matters little whether they’re mannered or rude, smart or simple—deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation. And that’s why I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God.
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.
Have you ever really wanted to do something or go somewhere, but nothing worked out? It seemed like no matter how hard you tried - or how much you wanted to do this - things just never came together. You might have even said, “There’s just something holding me back!” On the other hand, there might have been something you felt you should do… but everyone else said, “That’s crazy!” Still, you strongly felt you were supposed to take a certain job, donate to a certain cause, or even go visit someone you might not know very well – or with whom your relationship had not been all that great.
I don’t know about you, but I am comforted to know that this even happened to the Apostle Paul! And yet, I’m not surprised, because clearly the timing was not right… this was not his “season” to visit the Romans! And the “something” that held him back was most likely Someone – God Almighty!
In this passage, Paul is somewhat making excuses. But in his case, the reasons are valid. There truly are times when we are not meant to participate in something… to volunteer for a particular ministry, join a Bible study group or civic club, take on another project or hobby, or even take a trip. The KEY is to know when we are merely making excuses because we don’t want to do something or it doesn’t fit our own personal agenda…and when God is whispering, “This is not your season for that project,” or “This doesn’t fit my plans for you.”
Our pastor was speaking to the membership a few weeks ago about areas of service within the church, and he plainly told those in attendance not to sign up for everything on the list! God doesn’t want warm bodies… He wants willing servants that He can equip for the task. If we take on anything and everything that comes down the pike, we will be something of a “jack-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none.” We cannot be effective if we spread our talents and energy too thinly. So sometimes, the “excuse” that “it’s just not working for me right now,” or “this is not my season” is totally appropriate.
Believe me, if God had wanted Paul to visit the Romans at the time of his letter, He would have cleared the way. And if you and I stay in close communication with Him, we will know that He is guiding our steps and opening doors. When something doesn’t feel right - or things just don’t seem to come together – stop and ask God, “What are you showing me? Am I on track? Is this where You want me to be?” If you do not get a clear indication that God is sending you, I strongly encourage you to re-evaluate your choices.
By the same token, I can name more than one time in my life that I have felt strongly convicted I was supposed to move in a certain direction or make a specific decision that my head told me was ridiculous… but God spoke to my heart and said, “Do it anyway.” I know people who paid for meals in restaurants for complete strangers, reached out to someone with whom they had a strained relationship, and stepped up to be foster parents, and more… all while “that little voice in their heads” said, “This is crazy!” But the Voice in their heart said, “I’m beside you all the way… do this for Me.” And the outcome blessed all concerned. When God calls you to step out and do something that is scary, unconventional, or unpleasant… trust Him to make the difference - and go for it!
There are plenty of times when we make excuses because of our own selfish desires. But sometimes, our “excuse” is that “God told me to do this… or NOT to do this.” And this justification is not only appropriate… it is extremely critical to the life of a Christian. Following God’s will is the only thing that truly matters. The next time He leads you in a specific direction…will you be ready and willing to follow? Make sure your “excuses” are always based on your “heart-talk” with God… and not on your own agenda.
©2013 Debbie Robus
I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you.
Please don’t misinterpret my failure to visit you, friends. You have no idea how many times I’ve made plans for Rome. I’ve been determined to get some personal enjoyment out of God’s work among you, as I have in so many other non-Jewish towns and communities. But something has always come up and prevented it. Everyone I meet—it matters little whether they’re mannered or rude, smart or simple—deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation. And that’s why I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God.
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.
Have you ever really wanted to do something or go somewhere, but nothing worked out? It seemed like no matter how hard you tried - or how much you wanted to do this - things just never came together. You might have even said, “There’s just something holding me back!” On the other hand, there might have been something you felt you should do… but everyone else said, “That’s crazy!” Still, you strongly felt you were supposed to take a certain job, donate to a certain cause, or even go visit someone you might not know very well – or with whom your relationship had not been all that great.
I don’t know about you, but I am comforted to know that this even happened to the Apostle Paul! And yet, I’m not surprised, because clearly the timing was not right… this was not his “season” to visit the Romans! And the “something” that held him back was most likely Someone – God Almighty!
In this passage, Paul is somewhat making excuses. But in his case, the reasons are valid. There truly are times when we are not meant to participate in something… to volunteer for a particular ministry, join a Bible study group or civic club, take on another project or hobby, or even take a trip. The KEY is to know when we are merely making excuses because we don’t want to do something or it doesn’t fit our own personal agenda…and when God is whispering, “This is not your season for that project,” or “This doesn’t fit my plans for you.”
Our pastor was speaking to the membership a few weeks ago about areas of service within the church, and he plainly told those in attendance not to sign up for everything on the list! God doesn’t want warm bodies… He wants willing servants that He can equip for the task. If we take on anything and everything that comes down the pike, we will be something of a “jack-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none.” We cannot be effective if we spread our talents and energy too thinly. So sometimes, the “excuse” that “it’s just not working for me right now,” or “this is not my season” is totally appropriate.
Believe me, if God had wanted Paul to visit the Romans at the time of his letter, He would have cleared the way. And if you and I stay in close communication with Him, we will know that He is guiding our steps and opening doors. When something doesn’t feel right - or things just don’t seem to come together – stop and ask God, “What are you showing me? Am I on track? Is this where You want me to be?” If you do not get a clear indication that God is sending you, I strongly encourage you to re-evaluate your choices.
By the same token, I can name more than one time in my life that I have felt strongly convicted I was supposed to move in a certain direction or make a specific decision that my head told me was ridiculous… but God spoke to my heart and said, “Do it anyway.” I know people who paid for meals in restaurants for complete strangers, reached out to someone with whom they had a strained relationship, and stepped up to be foster parents, and more… all while “that little voice in their heads” said, “This is crazy!” But the Voice in their heart said, “I’m beside you all the way… do this for Me.” And the outcome blessed all concerned. When God calls you to step out and do something that is scary, unconventional, or unpleasant… trust Him to make the difference - and go for it!
There are plenty of times when we make excuses because of our own selfish desires. But sometimes, our “excuse” is that “God told me to do this… or NOT to do this.” And this justification is not only appropriate… it is extremely critical to the life of a Christian. Following God’s will is the only thing that truly matters. The next time He leads you in a specific direction…will you be ready and willing to follow? Make sure your “excuses” are always based on your “heart-talk” with God… and not on your own agenda.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 23, 2013
Judges 6:12-17
The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, “The Lord is helping you, and you are a strong warrior.”
Gideon answered, “Please don’t take this wrong, but if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened? We’ve heard how the Lord performed miracles and rescued our ancestors from Egypt. But those things happened long ago. Now the Lord has abandoned us to the Midianites.”
Then the Lord himself said, “Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.” Gideon replied, “But how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest one in Manasseh, and everyone else in my family is more important than I am.”
“Gideon,” the Lord answered, “you can rescue Israel because I am going to help you! Defeating the Midianites will be as easy as beating up one man.”
Gideon said, “It’s hard to believe that I’m actually talking to the Lord. Please do something so I’ll know that you really are the Lord.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Yesterday, I was informed that Kristina Loveless Davis, one of my former kindergarten students, was killed in a car wreck Sunday evening. Kristina was a 39-year-old mother of two girls (ages 4 and 7). Her sister was injured in the accident, as were her daughters – one of whom has undergone surgery and faces a long recovery. Kristina’s mother reports that little Paige does not understand why her mommy is not visiting her at the hospital. I thought of our little Timothy – now almost four – and wondered how we would explain to him that a terrible thing happened, and Mommy was not ever coming back.
With a backdrop of recent events like Hurricane Sandy, the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, the bombing in Boston, Massachusetts, and the explosion in West, Texas, it’s no wonder many of us are asking, “…if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened?” We know the answer… most of us know that the LORD really IS the LORD – and that He truly is helping us. But I would be willing to bet that each of us - in our own way and because of our own circumstances – has cried out to God at one time or another and said, “I am not strong enough for this!” And the truth of the matter is that none of us really are strong enough for many of the challenges we face… under our own power. The beauty of our faith is that we don’t have to be!
Remember the angel’s words to Gideon… “The Lord is helping you… and you are a strong warrior.” I believe that God often understands our excuses and weaknesses in these situations. But we have to realize that God expects us to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, to trust His power over our circumstances, and to move forward. God may allow us a momentary pity party… He may listen to our justifications for why we cannot do what He asks or accept His will for our lives. But we dare not linger here! God expects us to operate in faith… to acknowledge His sovereignty… and to proceed under His power and care!
I am as heartbroken as anyone over the inexplicable tragedies that have surrounded us in recent months. I still see Kristina’s bright, smiling, 5-year-old face, and I cannot fathom that her own little daughters will not have her to nurture them as they grow. But I know that God has big plans for each of us… that He is already bringing about blessings and knitting together circumstances that we could never even imagine on our own – much less implement. God is providing each of us with opportunities to serve and to share His message with others… even in the midst of our own trials and uncertainties. Of this, I am 100% certain!
So I will mourn the loss of a little-girl-turned-mother who has left us too soon… as well as the losses of those who have suffered and died in other recent tragedies. But I will not allow these experiences to defeat me – or to diminish my faith in God to give me power and strength far beyond what I have as a mortal being. I will believe that I am actually talking to the LORD… that He is always with me… and that with His help, I am a strong warrior. What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, “The Lord is helping you, and you are a strong warrior.”
Gideon answered, “Please don’t take this wrong, but if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened? We’ve heard how the Lord performed miracles and rescued our ancestors from Egypt. But those things happened long ago. Now the Lord has abandoned us to the Midianites.”
Then the Lord himself said, “Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.” Gideon replied, “But how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest one in Manasseh, and everyone else in my family is more important than I am.”
“Gideon,” the Lord answered, “you can rescue Israel because I am going to help you! Defeating the Midianites will be as easy as beating up one man.”
Gideon said, “It’s hard to believe that I’m actually talking to the Lord. Please do something so I’ll know that you really are the Lord.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Yesterday, I was informed that Kristina Loveless Davis, one of my former kindergarten students, was killed in a car wreck Sunday evening. Kristina was a 39-year-old mother of two girls (ages 4 and 7). Her sister was injured in the accident, as were her daughters – one of whom has undergone surgery and faces a long recovery. Kristina’s mother reports that little Paige does not understand why her mommy is not visiting her at the hospital. I thought of our little Timothy – now almost four – and wondered how we would explain to him that a terrible thing happened, and Mommy was not ever coming back.
With a backdrop of recent events like Hurricane Sandy, the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, the bombing in Boston, Massachusetts, and the explosion in West, Texas, it’s no wonder many of us are asking, “…if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened?” We know the answer… most of us know that the LORD really IS the LORD – and that He truly is helping us. But I would be willing to bet that each of us - in our own way and because of our own circumstances – has cried out to God at one time or another and said, “I am not strong enough for this!” And the truth of the matter is that none of us really are strong enough for many of the challenges we face… under our own power. The beauty of our faith is that we don’t have to be!
Remember the angel’s words to Gideon… “The Lord is helping you… and you are a strong warrior.” I believe that God often understands our excuses and weaknesses in these situations. But we have to realize that God expects us to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, to trust His power over our circumstances, and to move forward. God may allow us a momentary pity party… He may listen to our justifications for why we cannot do what He asks or accept His will for our lives. But we dare not linger here! God expects us to operate in faith… to acknowledge His sovereignty… and to proceed under His power and care!
I am as heartbroken as anyone over the inexplicable tragedies that have surrounded us in recent months. I still see Kristina’s bright, smiling, 5-year-old face, and I cannot fathom that her own little daughters will not have her to nurture them as they grow. But I know that God has big plans for each of us… that He is already bringing about blessings and knitting together circumstances that we could never even imagine on our own – much less implement. God is providing each of us with opportunities to serve and to share His message with others… even in the midst of our own trials and uncertainties. Of this, I am 100% certain!
So I will mourn the loss of a little-girl-turned-mother who has left us too soon… as well as the losses of those who have suffered and died in other recent tragedies. But I will not allow these experiences to defeat me – or to diminish my faith in God to give me power and strength far beyond what I have as a mortal being. I will believe that I am actually talking to the LORD… that He is always with me… and that with His help, I am a strong warrior. What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 22, 2013
Jude 1:3-4
Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Over the weekend, Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, for disorderly conduct. Witherspoon’s husband, Jim Toth, was stopped for driving erratically, given a field sobriety test, and subsequently booked on DUI charges. Witherspoon would not stay in the car, as instructed by the police officer. She reportedly asked him, “Do you know my name? You are about to find out who I am!” Witherspoon has now apologized for her actions, saying in part… “I do want to say, I clearly had one drink too many, and I am deeply embarrassed about the things I said. It was definitely a scary situation and I was frightened for my husband, but that is no excuse. I was disrespectful to the officer who was just doing his job. I have nothing but respect for the police, and I'm very sorry for my behavior.”
We may not have been arrested for disorderly conduct or DUI, but we are all guilty of claiming entitlement at one time or another. Because of our accomplishments, our position, or our pedigree, we decide that our words and actions are above reproach. The other guy simply “has no idea who he/she is dealing with!” We shouldn’t have to wait in line, abide by certain rules or laws that were clearly created for “the other guy.” The concert tickets may have said “no cameras,” but this didn’t mean we couldn’t snap one picture with our phone! The city-wide alert may have said, “Everyone stay in your homes and lock your doors,” but one little peak outside won’t hurt! Curfews are for someone else... speed limits aren’t for “good drivers” like us… and it is understood that the sign on the door that said, “Don’t enter if you have flu-like symptoms” implies that “if you’re sick, but your family member is housed here, this doesn’t apply to you!”
Moreover, because you gave your heart to Jesus when you were twelve, you are “covered” forever. You are now free to do as you please without concern for repercussions. If anyone checks you on this, you can ask them, “Do you know my name? I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ!” Of course, you realize I am being facetious! Just as claiming to be an Academy-Award-winning actress does not allow you to be disorderly and disrespectful to a police officer, being a born-again Christian does not entitle you to live as you please for the rest of your time on earth!
Jesus made an incredible sacrifice for us on the cross… one that entitles all who accept the gift of salvation to spend Eternity with Him in heaven. But too many of us forget what came after the cross! In essence, Jesus said, “I did this for you… now here’s what you need to do for Me in return.” He doesn’t ask much… just that we love Him with all our hearts, love others as we love ourselves, and spread His Good News with the world. Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus say, “I bought and paid for you on the cross… now go do as you please!”
I know you may be thinking that the Bible also doesn’t specifically say “Don’t drink and drive or exceed the speed limit… you are not entitled to special treatment… and the rules always apply to everyone.” But actually, it does. Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” He tells us to treat others as we would like to be treated. Jesus commands us to love Him with all our heart, mind, body and soul. If you “drill it down,” you would have to agree that being a born-again disciple of Christ entitles you to the Kingdom of heaven… but this does not put you above the rules and order of this earth!
I firmly believe that we who claim salvation through Jesus Christ are entitled… just not in the way you think! I believe that we have been freely given a Gift we cannot even comprehend, much less ever deserve. But with this endowment comes incredible responsibility. We must check our words and actions at all times and make sure they are 100% respectful to God. We must live in such a way that we truly can ask, “Do you know my name? I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ!” – not to excuse our behavior… but rather, because we are glorifying His name.
How are you doing these days? Are you claiming the name of Jesus as your “excuse” – or as your heritage? Do others know who – and Whose – you are… for all the right reasons?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Over the weekend, Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, for disorderly conduct. Witherspoon’s husband, Jim Toth, was stopped for driving erratically, given a field sobriety test, and subsequently booked on DUI charges. Witherspoon would not stay in the car, as instructed by the police officer. She reportedly asked him, “Do you know my name? You are about to find out who I am!” Witherspoon has now apologized for her actions, saying in part… “I do want to say, I clearly had one drink too many, and I am deeply embarrassed about the things I said. It was definitely a scary situation and I was frightened for my husband, but that is no excuse. I was disrespectful to the officer who was just doing his job. I have nothing but respect for the police, and I'm very sorry for my behavior.”
We may not have been arrested for disorderly conduct or DUI, but we are all guilty of claiming entitlement at one time or another. Because of our accomplishments, our position, or our pedigree, we decide that our words and actions are above reproach. The other guy simply “has no idea who he/she is dealing with!” We shouldn’t have to wait in line, abide by certain rules or laws that were clearly created for “the other guy.” The concert tickets may have said “no cameras,” but this didn’t mean we couldn’t snap one picture with our phone! The city-wide alert may have said, “Everyone stay in your homes and lock your doors,” but one little peak outside won’t hurt! Curfews are for someone else... speed limits aren’t for “good drivers” like us… and it is understood that the sign on the door that said, “Don’t enter if you have flu-like symptoms” implies that “if you’re sick, but your family member is housed here, this doesn’t apply to you!”
Moreover, because you gave your heart to Jesus when you were twelve, you are “covered” forever. You are now free to do as you please without concern for repercussions. If anyone checks you on this, you can ask them, “Do you know my name? I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ!” Of course, you realize I am being facetious! Just as claiming to be an Academy-Award-winning actress does not allow you to be disorderly and disrespectful to a police officer, being a born-again Christian does not entitle you to live as you please for the rest of your time on earth!
Jesus made an incredible sacrifice for us on the cross… one that entitles all who accept the gift of salvation to spend Eternity with Him in heaven. But too many of us forget what came after the cross! In essence, Jesus said, “I did this for you… now here’s what you need to do for Me in return.” He doesn’t ask much… just that we love Him with all our hearts, love others as we love ourselves, and spread His Good News with the world. Nowhere in Scripture does Jesus say, “I bought and paid for you on the cross… now go do as you please!”
I know you may be thinking that the Bible also doesn’t specifically say “Don’t drink and drive or exceed the speed limit… you are not entitled to special treatment… and the rules always apply to everyone.” But actually, it does. Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” He tells us to treat others as we would like to be treated. Jesus commands us to love Him with all our heart, mind, body and soul. If you “drill it down,” you would have to agree that being a born-again disciple of Christ entitles you to the Kingdom of heaven… but this does not put you above the rules and order of this earth!
I firmly believe that we who claim salvation through Jesus Christ are entitled… just not in the way you think! I believe that we have been freely given a Gift we cannot even comprehend, much less ever deserve. But with this endowment comes incredible responsibility. We must check our words and actions at all times and make sure they are 100% respectful to God. We must live in such a way that we truly can ask, “Do you know my name? I am a Disciple of Jesus Christ!” – not to excuse our behavior… but rather, because we are glorifying His name.
How are you doing these days? Are you claiming the name of Jesus as your “excuse” – or as your heritage? Do others know who – and Whose – you are… for all the right reasons?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 9, 2013
Acts 24:24-26
A few days later Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish, sent for Paul and listened to him talk about a life of believing in Jesus Christ. As Paul continued to insist on right relations with God and his people, about a life of moral discipline and the coming Judgment, Felix felt things getting a little too close for comfort and dismissed him. “That’s enough for today. I’ll call you back when it’s convenient.” At the same time he was secretly hoping that Paul would offer him a substantial bribe. These conversations were repeated frequently.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We don’t give little kids enough credit… they are often smarter than we think! So when Timothy begins to get sleepy and feels a nap coming on, he will often “suddenly” become very thirsty or hungry… he will need to switch activities… or he will have some sort of meltdown. In his own way, things have gotten a little too close for comfort, and he is dismissing us. Naps are incredibly inconvenient when you have planned a whole day of play!
By the same token, my grandmother had a way of dismissing me when things got uncomfortable. She would change the subject or make excuses. Until the idea somehow shifted and became hers, many conversations were “tabled” or dropped altogether. One that comes to mind is the decision to move to an Assisted Living Facility. When we made our first “tour,” she found all sorts of reasons that this was not a good fit for her… and she said that she was not going. A little over a month later, she phoned me one day and asked, “What do you think about me moving to the Assisted Living Facility?”
What does all of this have to do with our Christian faith? I believe we can take away two “lessons” from this passage. First, we must recognize that we make excuses all the time for not fully hearing from God. It’s like when my doctor says, “Women of your age need to pay attention to XYZ”… I often hear him selectively! If he is suggesting I lose a few pounds and I really didn’t want to hear what I already knew, I gloss over it. When he looks at blemishes on my skin and declares them a normal part of aging, I don’t like hearing the translation that “you’re not as young as you once were!”
And when God speaks to us – through scripture, prayer, daily circumstances – or even a friend or family member – and says, “That is not what you should be doing,” or “Your words and actions are not appropriate,” or “I need you to change direction and do XYZ,” we often find the conversation uncomfortable and dismiss the messenger! In essence, we say, “That’s enough for today. I’ll call you back when it’s convenient!” And like Felix, we secretly hope that God (or the doctor) will say, “Never mind...it’s okay. Carry on as usual, and I’ll take care of everything!”
Additionally, I believe that as we witness to others and serve as Christ’s disciples, we must understand that many of the people we encounter already have their “guns loaded” and an “arsenal” of excuses. And we have to learn to be patient and trust God for opportunities to work. Notice the last sentence of this scripture passage, which says… “These conversations were repeated frequently.” This tells me that Paul did not fold up his tent and go home. He also didn’t badger. He simply kept showing up… sharing the message of Jesus Christ in words and actions… then he waited and gave God room to work.
Where are you in this picture? Are you making excuses to God? Has your relationship with Him grown a little uncomfortable? Have you dismissed Him – if only for what you consider to be a temporary separation? What about your Christian witness to others… are you patient? Do you cram your ideas and your desire for them to live in a certain manner down their throats, so to speak? In other words… are you pushy? Or do you gently demonstrate love and care… and give others an example of Christ-like living that leaves them saying, “I want some of what he/she has!”?
In the end, whether we are on giving or receiving end of Christian witness… we all have frequent excuses for how we behave and react. And amazingly… somehow…God is gentle, patient and loving with us, even though we must thoroughly exasperate Him every day! God is never pushy… but He isn’t a pushover, either! We need to spend some time in prayer and soul-searching. We need to discover where we truly are in our relationship with Him. Are we making excuses… and do we have different expectations for others? Do we see that our behavior is essentially the same as that of the ones we hope to reach for Jesus? Isn’t it time to get rid of the excuses… to risk feeling uncomfortable for a brief time in order to come out stronger in the end?
Just as a short nap refreshes a toddler for more hours of play… and a life-changing decision to move into a home that offers much-needed continual care can be the right choice… we can discover that ditching our excuses and literally taking a “leap of faith” has rewards and blessings far beyond what we could ever have imagined. Not only can exercising patience, love, prayer and perseverance as we witness to others honor Jesus and His teachings… these behaviors can also build our Christian character. Isn’t it time to get right with God and to learn to listen to Him – in your own life and in your Christian witness? Will you step out and live/serve in faith… or are you already devising your next excuse?
©2013 Debbie Robus
A few days later Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish, sent for Paul and listened to him talk about a life of believing in Jesus Christ. As Paul continued to insist on right relations with God and his people, about a life of moral discipline and the coming Judgment, Felix felt things getting a little too close for comfort and dismissed him. “That’s enough for today. I’ll call you back when it’s convenient.” At the same time he was secretly hoping that Paul would offer him a substantial bribe. These conversations were repeated frequently.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We don’t give little kids enough credit… they are often smarter than we think! So when Timothy begins to get sleepy and feels a nap coming on, he will often “suddenly” become very thirsty or hungry… he will need to switch activities… or he will have some sort of meltdown. In his own way, things have gotten a little too close for comfort, and he is dismissing us. Naps are incredibly inconvenient when you have planned a whole day of play!
By the same token, my grandmother had a way of dismissing me when things got uncomfortable. She would change the subject or make excuses. Until the idea somehow shifted and became hers, many conversations were “tabled” or dropped altogether. One that comes to mind is the decision to move to an Assisted Living Facility. When we made our first “tour,” she found all sorts of reasons that this was not a good fit for her… and she said that she was not going. A little over a month later, she phoned me one day and asked, “What do you think about me moving to the Assisted Living Facility?”
What does all of this have to do with our Christian faith? I believe we can take away two “lessons” from this passage. First, we must recognize that we make excuses all the time for not fully hearing from God. It’s like when my doctor says, “Women of your age need to pay attention to XYZ”… I often hear him selectively! If he is suggesting I lose a few pounds and I really didn’t want to hear what I already knew, I gloss over it. When he looks at blemishes on my skin and declares them a normal part of aging, I don’t like hearing the translation that “you’re not as young as you once were!”
And when God speaks to us – through scripture, prayer, daily circumstances – or even a friend or family member – and says, “That is not what you should be doing,” or “Your words and actions are not appropriate,” or “I need you to change direction and do XYZ,” we often find the conversation uncomfortable and dismiss the messenger! In essence, we say, “That’s enough for today. I’ll call you back when it’s convenient!” And like Felix, we secretly hope that God (or the doctor) will say, “Never mind...it’s okay. Carry on as usual, and I’ll take care of everything!”
Additionally, I believe that as we witness to others and serve as Christ’s disciples, we must understand that many of the people we encounter already have their “guns loaded” and an “arsenal” of excuses. And we have to learn to be patient and trust God for opportunities to work. Notice the last sentence of this scripture passage, which says… “These conversations were repeated frequently.” This tells me that Paul did not fold up his tent and go home. He also didn’t badger. He simply kept showing up… sharing the message of Jesus Christ in words and actions… then he waited and gave God room to work.
Where are you in this picture? Are you making excuses to God? Has your relationship with Him grown a little uncomfortable? Have you dismissed Him – if only for what you consider to be a temporary separation? What about your Christian witness to others… are you patient? Do you cram your ideas and your desire for them to live in a certain manner down their throats, so to speak? In other words… are you pushy? Or do you gently demonstrate love and care… and give others an example of Christ-like living that leaves them saying, “I want some of what he/she has!”?
In the end, whether we are on giving or receiving end of Christian witness… we all have frequent excuses for how we behave and react. And amazingly… somehow…God is gentle, patient and loving with us, even though we must thoroughly exasperate Him every day! God is never pushy… but He isn’t a pushover, either! We need to spend some time in prayer and soul-searching. We need to discover where we truly are in our relationship with Him. Are we making excuses… and do we have different expectations for others? Do we see that our behavior is essentially the same as that of the ones we hope to reach for Jesus? Isn’t it time to get rid of the excuses… to risk feeling uncomfortable for a brief time in order to come out stronger in the end?
Just as a short nap refreshes a toddler for more hours of play… and a life-changing decision to move into a home that offers much-needed continual care can be the right choice… we can discover that ditching our excuses and literally taking a “leap of faith” has rewards and blessings far beyond what we could ever have imagined. Not only can exercising patience, love, prayer and perseverance as we witness to others honor Jesus and His teachings… these behaviors can also build our Christian character. Isn’t it time to get right with God and to learn to listen to Him – in your own life and in your Christian witness? Will you step out and live/serve in faith… or are you already devising your next excuse?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 7, 2013
April 7 ~ 2 Peter 3:9The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Learning to wait is one of the hardest lessons for small children. And as adults, we often succumb to their whims. Our excuses seem plausible and justified… “It’s just not worth the hassle”…”It’s only this one time”…”I pick and choose my battles.” In truth, we are not any more patient than the child. We are not willing to withstand a few minutes of a meltdown from an overly tired child in order to avoid spoiling his/her dinner with cookies or candy. We let them open gifts early… then end up breaking the budget to buy something else for them to open on Christmas Day, at the birthday party, or for whatever occasion is being celebrated. We tell them they have to clean their room, sit quietly, or perform other tasks in order to receive a “reward”… then we quickly fold and say, “Okay, that’s good enough… you can have it now.”
So is it any wonder that we turn around and expect our Heavenly Father to treat us like we treat our little ones? After all, isn’t that what we think “good parents” do? Aren’t we often more worried about whether our children – or our friends, family members, co-workers – like us than whether we are doing the right thing?
This scripture reminds all of us that God’s ways are not our ways… but His ways are perfect – and so is His timing! So when we want to rush in and orchestrate things to suit our needs and desires, we need to stop and take a look at the bigger picture. We may beg and plead with God for this result or that one. We may push and prod someone to do something we want them to do. And all the while, God may be working things out in a subtle - yet more effective – manner… and we may be totally screwing up the works!
The time has come to give God room to operate. We need to grow up and learn to close our mouths and sit on our hands in many instances. We must ask God to lead us… to work on our behalf… to show us how to proceed. And then we need to be patient and give Him space… to trust His timing… to watch and learn from the Master.
Believe me, I know this is hard. I am a “jump-in-and-do” person… a “fixer.” As a result – I make some pretty big messes of things! I don’t know very many truly patient people. But I know that God can help more of us to develop this trait – if only we will call on Him and trust Him for the outcomes. God has amazing, incredible, perfect plans for all of us. He needs our patience and our help in making them happen… not our excuses for jumping the gun. Are you willing to take a step back and wait on the LORD? He is so patient with us… will you be patient with Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Learning to wait is one of the hardest lessons for small children. And as adults, we often succumb to their whims. Our excuses seem plausible and justified… “It’s just not worth the hassle”…”It’s only this one time”…”I pick and choose my battles.” In truth, we are not any more patient than the child. We are not willing to withstand a few minutes of a meltdown from an overly tired child in order to avoid spoiling his/her dinner with cookies or candy. We let them open gifts early… then end up breaking the budget to buy something else for them to open on Christmas Day, at the birthday party, or for whatever occasion is being celebrated. We tell them they have to clean their room, sit quietly, or perform other tasks in order to receive a “reward”… then we quickly fold and say, “Okay, that’s good enough… you can have it now.”
So is it any wonder that we turn around and expect our Heavenly Father to treat us like we treat our little ones? After all, isn’t that what we think “good parents” do? Aren’t we often more worried about whether our children – or our friends, family members, co-workers – like us than whether we are doing the right thing?
This scripture reminds all of us that God’s ways are not our ways… but His ways are perfect – and so is His timing! So when we want to rush in and orchestrate things to suit our needs and desires, we need to stop and take a look at the bigger picture. We may beg and plead with God for this result or that one. We may push and prod someone to do something we want them to do. And all the while, God may be working things out in a subtle - yet more effective – manner… and we may be totally screwing up the works!
The time has come to give God room to operate. We need to grow up and learn to close our mouths and sit on our hands in many instances. We must ask God to lead us… to work on our behalf… to show us how to proceed. And then we need to be patient and give Him space… to trust His timing… to watch and learn from the Master.
Believe me, I know this is hard. I am a “jump-in-and-do” person… a “fixer.” As a result – I make some pretty big messes of things! I don’t know very many truly patient people. But I know that God can help more of us to develop this trait – if only we will call on Him and trust Him for the outcomes. God has amazing, incredible, perfect plans for all of us. He needs our patience and our help in making them happen… not our excuses for jumping the gun. Are you willing to take a step back and wait on the LORD? He is so patient with us… will you be patient with Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 6, 2013
April 6 ~ 2 Kings 5:10-14
Elisha sent out a servant to meet him with this message: “Go to the River Jordan and immerse yourself seven times. Your skin will be healed and you’ll be as good as new.”
Naaman lost his temper. He turned on his heel saying, “I thought he’d personally come out and meet me, call on the name of God, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and get rid of the disease. The Damascus rivers, Abana and Pharpar, are cleaner by far than any of the rivers in Israel. Why not bathe in them? I’d at least get clean.” He stomped off, mad as a hornet.
But his servants caught up with him and said, “Father, if the prophet had asked you to do something hard and heroic, wouldn’t you have done it? So why not this simple ‘wash and be clean’?”
So he did it. He went down and immersed himself in the Jordan seven times, following the orders of the Holy Man. His skin was healed; it was like the skin of a little baby. He was as good as new.
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.
This afternoon, my husband and I took Timothy, Zola, Nathan and their mother to the park to play. I packed dried cereals, some graham cracker teddy bears, raisins, a few “cuties” oranges, and some juice and water for a “snack. The last time we went to the park, the children got hungry, and I had not taken any food or drinks. So this time, we had a “picnic” when they grew restless… then they played a little while longer.
This was not fancy, by any means. I didn’t spend a lot of time baking cookies or preparing just the right snacks. I threw some things I had on hand into some plastic containers, grabbed a stack of paper plates and napkins and a package of wet wipes, and declared it a “picnic.” The children ate as if they were at a fancy party. They were perfectly satisfied with the fare and the company. We told them it was a “picnic,” and that was sufficient. Almost two years ago, Timothy and I sat under this same pavilion at a lavish 3-year-old birthday party for a fellow daycare student. There was a beautifully sculpted cake, other foods and drinks, candy, party favors and more. But I don’t think Timothy enjoyed that any more than he enjoyed today’s outing.
So often, we try to complicate things. And nowhere do we do this more than in our spiritual life. We say, “All we can do is pray,” when prayer is all that is necessary! Some of us feel like we have not truly “worshipped” if we have not dressed in suit and tie and our “Sunday best” and sat in a sanctuary where we were called to recite prayers and scriptures en masse and stand and sit at appointed times. We call on God to help us… to heal us… to answer our prayers… and then we stand back and wring our hands and wait on some astonishing, all-knowing “sign” – all the while failing to recognize how and where He has worked in our lives already! In other words, we expect the party with the lavish cake and favors instead of a simple family picnic.
We are all Naaman… and our excuses run the gamut. But the bottom line is that too many of us are looking for some big, magnificent display from God and totally missing Him in the process. Where have you made excuses? Where have you looked past what God is doing – or wants to do – in your life and totally missed Him? Isn’t it time to start looking at the simplest things and truly seeing God… wherever and whenever He shows up in your life? Aren’t you ready to “wash and be clean?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Elisha sent out a servant to meet him with this message: “Go to the River Jordan and immerse yourself seven times. Your skin will be healed and you’ll be as good as new.”
Naaman lost his temper. He turned on his heel saying, “I thought he’d personally come out and meet me, call on the name of God, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and get rid of the disease. The Damascus rivers, Abana and Pharpar, are cleaner by far than any of the rivers in Israel. Why not bathe in them? I’d at least get clean.” He stomped off, mad as a hornet.
But his servants caught up with him and said, “Father, if the prophet had asked you to do something hard and heroic, wouldn’t you have done it? So why not this simple ‘wash and be clean’?”
So he did it. He went down and immersed himself in the Jordan seven times, following the orders of the Holy Man. His skin was healed; it was like the skin of a little baby. He was as good as new.
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.
This afternoon, my husband and I took Timothy, Zola, Nathan and their mother to the park to play. I packed dried cereals, some graham cracker teddy bears, raisins, a few “cuties” oranges, and some juice and water for a “snack. The last time we went to the park, the children got hungry, and I had not taken any food or drinks. So this time, we had a “picnic” when they grew restless… then they played a little while longer.
This was not fancy, by any means. I didn’t spend a lot of time baking cookies or preparing just the right snacks. I threw some things I had on hand into some plastic containers, grabbed a stack of paper plates and napkins and a package of wet wipes, and declared it a “picnic.” The children ate as if they were at a fancy party. They were perfectly satisfied with the fare and the company. We told them it was a “picnic,” and that was sufficient. Almost two years ago, Timothy and I sat under this same pavilion at a lavish 3-year-old birthday party for a fellow daycare student. There was a beautifully sculpted cake, other foods and drinks, candy, party favors and more. But I don’t think Timothy enjoyed that any more than he enjoyed today’s outing.
So often, we try to complicate things. And nowhere do we do this more than in our spiritual life. We say, “All we can do is pray,” when prayer is all that is necessary! Some of us feel like we have not truly “worshipped” if we have not dressed in suit and tie and our “Sunday best” and sat in a sanctuary where we were called to recite prayers and scriptures en masse and stand and sit at appointed times. We call on God to help us… to heal us… to answer our prayers… and then we stand back and wring our hands and wait on some astonishing, all-knowing “sign” – all the while failing to recognize how and where He has worked in our lives already! In other words, we expect the party with the lavish cake and favors instead of a simple family picnic.
We are all Naaman… and our excuses run the gamut. But the bottom line is that too many of us are looking for some big, magnificent display from God and totally missing Him in the process. Where have you made excuses? Where have you looked past what God is doing – or wants to do – in your life and totally missed Him? Isn’t it time to start looking at the simplest things and truly seeing God… wherever and whenever He shows up in your life? Aren’t you ready to “wash and be clean?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 5, 2013
 |
| Would you believe this little girl's dress and pants was once a ladies' beaded knit shirt? |
Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you know anything about me, you know that I love to take old pieces of clothing and repurpose them into new garments. I cut around holes and stains… I pick out the best parts of the garment… and I make something fresh and new that often barely resembles the previous piece – if at all. You might see a jeans pocket here or be able to discern a t-shirt there. But generally, the former “life” of the garment is totally forgotten. I am somehow able to see beyond a discarded piece of clothing and find the good that still lies there… and to restore it to something clean and up-to-date.
As people who have committed our lives to Christ, we are like repurposed garments. All of the old excuses… our stains, our sins – our past – are exactly that… in the past! God has seen beyond those things that wore us down and made us tired and unlovely. He has cut out the best parts and fashioned them into something totally different – and often unrecognizable. Some of us just needed a little sprucing and updating… others needed a major overhaul. But in the end, we are all new creatures… and Jesus Christ is the King of repurposing!
So the next time you start to make excuses… when you begin to say that God can’t use you or won’t want you because of this or that – your past mistakes or a present flaw in your makeup – remember these repurposed garments. Let Jesus put His creativity and power to work to design a totally new you… one who is fresh, pristine, and beautiful in His glory. If you don’t yet belong to Jesus, this should be reason enough to choose to live for Him. You have the opportunity for a clean slate… a new beginning…a chance to create a completely different life!
Doesn’t this sound exciting? Wouldn’t you like to change your “old garments” for new ones? Do you truly get it that this is possible in Jesus Christ? Isn’t today a great day to change your wardrobe and lose the excuses?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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