Daniel 9:9
But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I still remember when my Mam-ma Polly told me that she had shoveled the ice off her driveway…”so that people could pull in safely.” She did this despite our most earnest pleas to stay inside…and stay OFF the ice! I cannot honestly say that she never fell doing this (because she probably would not have told us!), but thankfully, she never suffered any significant injuries as a result. And while we did not like her “rebellious” actions and behaviors at times, we always loved her and forgave her.
Parents have been doing this with children for generations. My cousins were telling recently of their now-adult daughter sticking something into the electrical outlet as a child – TWICE - despite their admonitions…”Don’t do that!” Of course, they loved her and cared for her afterward…but they still did not want her to put anything in the electrical outlets!
Every single day, we do things that displease God. We may be fully conscious of our rebellion…or it may be something that we do so automatically that we don’t realize what we have done. We may also rebel against God by charging ahead without asking for His guidance and seeking His wisdom. We have to do better at responding to God and obeying His commands. Thankfully, God is merciful, forgiving…and relatively patient with us in the meantime. Hopefully we can make daily progress as we grow closer to Him through prayer, Bible study, and the fellowship and sharing of encouragement with other believers.
As part of our Christian discipleship, we are called to show mercy, forgiveness and compassion to others. Let’s be honest…people are going to rebel against us…betray us…insult us…ignore us…or show us disrespect and/or mistreatment in some manner more than once in our lifetimes. Maybe you feel like this is a daily occurrence in your life! Truly, this is not what God desires for us. But then, He doesn’t desire that we treat Him in this manner, either. And in God, we see the perfect example of how to treat others. We don’t have to like their actions and behaviors…we don’t have to be their personal doormat…but we do have to offer them mercy and forgiveness, just as God offers each of us.
How do you maintain boundaries, stand up for yourself and what is right…yet let someone know that you do not condone rebellious actions and behaviors? We have been perfect examples of this all throughout scripture. There are consequences for bad behavior. God does not dole out blessings and “free passes” to those who disobey or disrespect Him. But He never stops loving them. God is always available to hear from His children…He makes sure basic needs are met, and He offers opportunities for restoration and reconciliation.
A cousin of mine once said of a mutual acquaintance…”When you get on his list – there is no eraser.” We may have to take a “time out” from someone…or step away from certain situations. We may have to practice “tough love” for a season. But we never stop sharing God’s love. We never stop praying – or caring. And when the person sincerely asks for our forgiveness…we must offer it. Imagine how you would feel if you were cut off from God…if you felt you had messed up so badly that He could never love you again. Thankfully, this will never happen! But we must still imagine how a person would feel if he/she thought this were the case…or how it would be for them to feel as if we had permanently and completely rejected them.
God wants us to love others as He loves us…so we must stand ready to offer mercy and forgiveness. To do otherwise is also an act of rebellion! This is a big challenge…but we serve a MIGHTY God…and He will give us the strength and wisdom to accomplish this! Are you ready to pay His mercy and forgiveness forward? Isn’t this a good day to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for January 16, 2014
Hebrews 10:25
Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were eating dinner with family members this week, and cousins who attend another church began to tell us about their pastor and a sermon he preached shortly before Christmas Day. They said that this was the most moving worship service they had ever experienced. Let’s be honest…there are worship services, and there are worship services. And maybe you’ve never experienced the latter. Maybe you cannot recall a service or sermon that truly moved you. And that’s okay. If you look closely at this scripture passage, you will see that the goal of corporate worship is not necessarily to be inspired or physically “moved”.
In The Purpose Driven Life, pastor Rick Warren tells that we should not attend worship services expecting God to “move” us…that this really is not the reason for us to gather together. He says…“If you have ever said, ‘I didn't get anything out of worship today,’ you worshiped for the wrong reason. Worship isn't for you. It's for God.” Pastor Warren also reminds us that…“The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, trusting Him during a trial, surrendering while suffering, and loving Him when He seems distant.”
Let me break this down a little further…we may feel like we would rather do a zillion things with our Sunday (or whatever day you attend worship)…and getting up and out the door to attend a church service is not one of them. We may not like the music…the pastor’s sermons may be boring and uninspiring...we may feel like there is too much emphasis placed on adding new members, the church’s public image - or money. We may sit and tap our toe, check our watch, fidget and wish we were someplace else. We may even be accused of coming to church “to see and be seen”!
In this scripture verse, we see two things: 1) meeting for corporate worship is a habit one can develop; and 2) we must keep attending and encouraging one another. Pastor Warren reminds us that we can find “worship” in many of the circumstances – and even distractions – of our routine attendance…if we look hard enough! The concept of attending worship “to see and be seen” can be both positive and negative. If we are merely showing up and going through the motions so that people will think we are truly “good” Christians…or they will patronize our business…or so that our friends will include us in their social circles…we are meeting for the wrong reasons.
However, if we use our attendance as an opportunity to greet friends and fellow believers with the love and peace of God…to learn of the needs and concerns of others that we might be able to address in some manner…to add our voice to the “choir” of attendees who praise God with song and recitation…to share in Holy Communion with others…we have demonstrated the compassion of Christ. And in doing so, we have worshipped. This may not give you the warm fuzzy feeling you seek…or even a jolt of energy or a spine-tingle from the Holy Spirit…but it does demonstrate obedience and service to God…and it serves as an act of encouragement to the body of Christ.
So yes, we can worship on a riverbank, in the deer woods, or while driving to the nearest shopping center. Most certainly we can worship in the privacy of our own home. But in order to truly encourage others and share compassion in the name of Jesus, we often have to get up and out of our comfort zone and physically come together as a group. You may not hear the best sermon of your life or even feel glad that you attended afterward…but that is really not the point. Corporate worship is a Biblically sanctioned act of obedience…and Christian service and compassion. Don’t go for “the show”. Go to show your love for Christ to others…and to allow others an opportunity to share His love with you.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were eating dinner with family members this week, and cousins who attend another church began to tell us about their pastor and a sermon he preached shortly before Christmas Day. They said that this was the most moving worship service they had ever experienced. Let’s be honest…there are worship services, and there are worship services. And maybe you’ve never experienced the latter. Maybe you cannot recall a service or sermon that truly moved you. And that’s okay. If you look closely at this scripture passage, you will see that the goal of corporate worship is not necessarily to be inspired or physically “moved”.
In The Purpose Driven Life, pastor Rick Warren tells that we should not attend worship services expecting God to “move” us…that this really is not the reason for us to gather together. He says…“If you have ever said, ‘I didn't get anything out of worship today,’ you worshiped for the wrong reason. Worship isn't for you. It's for God.” Pastor Warren also reminds us that…“The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, trusting Him during a trial, surrendering while suffering, and loving Him when He seems distant.”
Let me break this down a little further…we may feel like we would rather do a zillion things with our Sunday (or whatever day you attend worship)…and getting up and out the door to attend a church service is not one of them. We may not like the music…the pastor’s sermons may be boring and uninspiring...we may feel like there is too much emphasis placed on adding new members, the church’s public image - or money. We may sit and tap our toe, check our watch, fidget and wish we were someplace else. We may even be accused of coming to church “to see and be seen”!
In this scripture verse, we see two things: 1) meeting for corporate worship is a habit one can develop; and 2) we must keep attending and encouraging one another. Pastor Warren reminds us that we can find “worship” in many of the circumstances – and even distractions – of our routine attendance…if we look hard enough! The concept of attending worship “to see and be seen” can be both positive and negative. If we are merely showing up and going through the motions so that people will think we are truly “good” Christians…or they will patronize our business…or so that our friends will include us in their social circles…we are meeting for the wrong reasons.
However, if we use our attendance as an opportunity to greet friends and fellow believers with the love and peace of God…to learn of the needs and concerns of others that we might be able to address in some manner…to add our voice to the “choir” of attendees who praise God with song and recitation…to share in Holy Communion with others…we have demonstrated the compassion of Christ. And in doing so, we have worshipped. This may not give you the warm fuzzy feeling you seek…or even a jolt of energy or a spine-tingle from the Holy Spirit…but it does demonstrate obedience and service to God…and it serves as an act of encouragement to the body of Christ.
So yes, we can worship on a riverbank, in the deer woods, or while driving to the nearest shopping center. Most certainly we can worship in the privacy of our own home. But in order to truly encourage others and share compassion in the name of Jesus, we often have to get up and out of our comfort zone and physically come together as a group. You may not hear the best sermon of your life or even feel glad that you attended afterward…but that is really not the point. Corporate worship is a Biblically sanctioned act of obedience…and Christian service and compassion. Don’t go for “the show”. Go to show your love for Christ to others…and to allow others an opportunity to share His love with you.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 24, 2013
1 Peter 1:13-16
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”
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.
The Arkansas Razorbacks football team is not having a good year. In fact, they have suffered a school-record eight straight losses. This is the result of a number of things…including the residual fallout from an almost-two-year-old scandal that stood the athletic department on its ear for a while. If you follow college football in general, you know that many fans are somewhat “rabid”… they love their team and want to win at all costs. So it will come as no surprise that some would choose to go back to the “winning” program of a few years ago, headed by a dishonest and deceptive coach, rather than persevere to build something that has integrity and excellence over the long haul.
Let’s be honest… aren’t there times when we all want to throw up our hands and ask, “What’s the point? Why am I even trying?” Every one of us has times in our life when the old ways of doing just what we feel like doing sounds pretty good in comparison to the struggles and challenges of developing a life shaped by God’s life. Nobody ever said being holy would be easy!
Hear the word of God from 1 Peter 2:18-26:
Remember… in the end, God wins! If we want to win with Him, we have to remain hopeful and holy. The choice is ours… what will you do?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”
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.
The Arkansas Razorbacks football team is not having a good year. In fact, they have suffered a school-record eight straight losses. This is the result of a number of things…including the residual fallout from an almost-two-year-old scandal that stood the athletic department on its ear for a while. If you follow college football in general, you know that many fans are somewhat “rabid”… they love their team and want to win at all costs. So it will come as no surprise that some would choose to go back to the “winning” program of a few years ago, headed by a dishonest and deceptive coach, rather than persevere to build something that has integrity and excellence over the long haul.
Let’s be honest… aren’t there times when we all want to throw up our hands and ask, “What’s the point? Why am I even trying?” Every one of us has times in our life when the old ways of doing just what we feel like doing sounds pretty good in comparison to the struggles and challenges of developing a life shaped by God’s life. Nobody ever said being holy would be easy!
Hear the word of God from 1 Peter 2:18-26:
You who are servants, be good servants to your masters—not just to good masters, but also to bad ones. What counts is that you put up with it for God’s sake when you’re treated badly for no good reason. There’s no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you’re treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God.This should give us great hope. Because of Jesus, who has done so much for us, we can remain faithful…and filled with hope. Surely we can persevere. We.Can.Do.This! We can keep working through all challenges and disappointments… and help build the Kingdom of Heaven. We can strive to become more holy every single day… and in doing so, we can anticipate a life “energized and blazed with holiness” and blessings.
This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.
He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss.
They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
Remember… in the end, God wins! If we want to win with Him, we have to remain hopeful and holy. The choice is ours… what will you do?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 11, 2013
Exodus 20:12
Respect your father and your mother, and you will live a long time in the land I am giving you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You can’t make this stuff up! I tried and tried to figure out what to say about today’s scripture passage. I prayed and prayed… and I finally told God, “LORD, I just have nothing to share that seems right. No words are coming. Maybe this is not the verse you want me to use today.” I went back to my outline and selected the next passage… Ephesians 6:1-3… “Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, ‘Obey your father and your mother, and you will have a long and happy life.’” Clearly, God wants me to address this passage today! And because I have the utmost respect for my Heavenly Father, I will do what He asks!
You may not be aware of this, but November 2013 is “National Adoption Month.” My church is incredibly supportive of a foster care program in our state… The C.A.L.L. – Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime. At a recent presentation during a worship service, several foster parents shared the blessings – and challenges – of parenting foster children. They also introduced us to the photo of an 8-year-old boy in the foster care system who would love to find a “forever home”… and they asked us to pray for him. I am certain that he will find a parent or parents who will nurture him into adulthood… and I have tremendous respect for adults who are willing to open their hearts and their homes to these orphans.
This brings me to my thoughts for today. How do some children end up in foster care or needing to be adopted in the first place? I wish I could say that every parent is genuinely worthy of our respect. But we all know there are some rotten people in this world… and more than a few of them are parents. It’s not that these are necessarily bad people… they just don’t have the proper parenting skills and/or the right circumstances for creating a positive and loving atmosphere for children. And on any given day, we’ve all been a crummy “parent”. I know there have been times that I have snapped at Timothy or Zola and deeply regretted it almost instantly. The children I love more than anything have sometimes provoked me to speak harshly… if even for an instant. And all of the apologies and remorse in the world cannot take back my hasty words.
I know that there are parents who claim to love their children, yet they neglect them terribly and/or abuse them – sometimes beyond what most humans can comprehend. Many are verbally offensive. In one breath they are calling these children every name in the book and telling them how “You ruined my life,” and in the next breath they are saying, “I love you! I can’t live without you!”
I also understand that there is a difference between “biological parents” and those who truly love, nurture and rear (or “parent”) children. And while I believe God calls us to respect ALL people as His creatures, I have concluded that He is particularly referring in this passage to those who have physically “done the work” of parenting. Let’s face it… some have done a better job than others. Regardless of what kind of parents, grandparents, or parental figures you have/had, God calls us to respect them… to honor them. Does this mean you must approve of and/or endorse everything they say and do? No! Does this mean you have to put their wishes and needs above your own… or make them the center of your universe? Absolutely not! Should children in unsafe or abusive situations excuse their parents for this treatment? Not in the least!
So how do we respect our parents? How do you love and “respect” someone who is abusive, unkind or neglectful? I believe that God is calling us to be loving, gracious, merciful, forgiving, morally upright, and kind to others. Regardless of our situation, when we model Jesus’ example to others, we can’t help but be respectful and honorable. And honestly, if you don’t forgive others in your heart for any offenses they may have committed, it will eat you alive… and YOU will be the loser. Look at this scripture again. God says that when you respect your parents, you will live a long time in the land He gives you. That means you will be BLESSED! God… your HEAVENLY FATHER… will take care of you, meet your needs, and give you strength and peace.
You may have wonderful parents who do an excellent job of caring for you, loving you, and offering you incredible nurture and support. Or you may not have much of a relationship with your parents, for a myriad of reasons. God is not asking you to “look the other way” and allow anyone to mistreat or abuse you. But you must always treat your parents with love and kindness. God calls us to honor and respect Him by showing respect for those He allowed to give us life. It may not always be easy or feel right… but ultimately, I believe you will experience God’s blessings when you honor Him in all things.
Recently on NBC’s Today, correspondent Dr. Nancy Snyderman was featured in a story about her return to Little Rock, Arkansas, for a reunion of Snyderman’s now 27-year-old adopted daughter, Kate, and her birth mother, Cheryl. Of course Kate had questions… and Cheryl explained that she was young and felt unable to properly care for her. She said, “I have always been proud of you. Being a single teenage mom, I couldn't give you a life that you would amount to anything. I know you will amount to a lot of stuff right now.” Kate spoke of the wonderful childhood she had been given… and she thanked both mothers for their part in this. She told Cheryl… “I have had a wonderful life. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank you for everything you have given me. In her own way, to the best of her ability, this young woman respects the woman who gave her life… but she also respects and honors the woman she calls “Mom”.
God is asking us to recognize our parents and those who have “parented” us…to respect the role they played… and to treat each and every one as Jesus treats us. Whether you find this easy or challenging, it IS a command of our Father. If you respect Him, you will do this. You may not receive immediate blessings or feedback, but God has promised that He will bless you when you honor His commands. And God never breaks a promise.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Respect your father and your mother, and you will live a long time in the land I am giving you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You can’t make this stuff up! I tried and tried to figure out what to say about today’s scripture passage. I prayed and prayed… and I finally told God, “LORD, I just have nothing to share that seems right. No words are coming. Maybe this is not the verse you want me to use today.” I went back to my outline and selected the next passage… Ephesians 6:1-3… “Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, ‘Obey your father and your mother, and you will have a long and happy life.’” Clearly, God wants me to address this passage today! And because I have the utmost respect for my Heavenly Father, I will do what He asks!
You may not be aware of this, but November 2013 is “National Adoption Month.” My church is incredibly supportive of a foster care program in our state… The C.A.L.L. – Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime. At a recent presentation during a worship service, several foster parents shared the blessings – and challenges – of parenting foster children. They also introduced us to the photo of an 8-year-old boy in the foster care system who would love to find a “forever home”… and they asked us to pray for him. I am certain that he will find a parent or parents who will nurture him into adulthood… and I have tremendous respect for adults who are willing to open their hearts and their homes to these orphans.
This brings me to my thoughts for today. How do some children end up in foster care or needing to be adopted in the first place? I wish I could say that every parent is genuinely worthy of our respect. But we all know there are some rotten people in this world… and more than a few of them are parents. It’s not that these are necessarily bad people… they just don’t have the proper parenting skills and/or the right circumstances for creating a positive and loving atmosphere for children. And on any given day, we’ve all been a crummy “parent”. I know there have been times that I have snapped at Timothy or Zola and deeply regretted it almost instantly. The children I love more than anything have sometimes provoked me to speak harshly… if even for an instant. And all of the apologies and remorse in the world cannot take back my hasty words.
I know that there are parents who claim to love their children, yet they neglect them terribly and/or abuse them – sometimes beyond what most humans can comprehend. Many are verbally offensive. In one breath they are calling these children every name in the book and telling them how “You ruined my life,” and in the next breath they are saying, “I love you! I can’t live without you!”
I also understand that there is a difference between “biological parents” and those who truly love, nurture and rear (or “parent”) children. And while I believe God calls us to respect ALL people as His creatures, I have concluded that He is particularly referring in this passage to those who have physically “done the work” of parenting. Let’s face it… some have done a better job than others. Regardless of what kind of parents, grandparents, or parental figures you have/had, God calls us to respect them… to honor them. Does this mean you must approve of and/or endorse everything they say and do? No! Does this mean you have to put their wishes and needs above your own… or make them the center of your universe? Absolutely not! Should children in unsafe or abusive situations excuse their parents for this treatment? Not in the least!
So how do we respect our parents? How do you love and “respect” someone who is abusive, unkind or neglectful? I believe that God is calling us to be loving, gracious, merciful, forgiving, morally upright, and kind to others. Regardless of our situation, when we model Jesus’ example to others, we can’t help but be respectful and honorable. And honestly, if you don’t forgive others in your heart for any offenses they may have committed, it will eat you alive… and YOU will be the loser. Look at this scripture again. God says that when you respect your parents, you will live a long time in the land He gives you. That means you will be BLESSED! God… your HEAVENLY FATHER… will take care of you, meet your needs, and give you strength and peace.
You may have wonderful parents who do an excellent job of caring for you, loving you, and offering you incredible nurture and support. Or you may not have much of a relationship with your parents, for a myriad of reasons. God is not asking you to “look the other way” and allow anyone to mistreat or abuse you. But you must always treat your parents with love and kindness. God calls us to honor and respect Him by showing respect for those He allowed to give us life. It may not always be easy or feel right… but ultimately, I believe you will experience God’s blessings when you honor Him in all things.
Recently on NBC’s Today, correspondent Dr. Nancy Snyderman was featured in a story about her return to Little Rock, Arkansas, for a reunion of Snyderman’s now 27-year-old adopted daughter, Kate, and her birth mother, Cheryl. Of course Kate had questions… and Cheryl explained that she was young and felt unable to properly care for her. She said, “I have always been proud of you. Being a single teenage mom, I couldn't give you a life that you would amount to anything. I know you will amount to a lot of stuff right now.” Kate spoke of the wonderful childhood she had been given… and she thanked both mothers for their part in this. She told Cheryl… “I have had a wonderful life. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank you for everything you have given me. In her own way, to the best of her ability, this young woman respects the woman who gave her life… but she also respects and honors the woman she calls “Mom”.
God is asking us to recognize our parents and those who have “parented” us…to respect the role they played… and to treat each and every one as Jesus treats us. Whether you find this easy or challenging, it IS a command of our Father. If you respect Him, you will do this. You may not receive immediate blessings or feedback, but God has promised that He will bless you when you honor His commands. And God never breaks a promise.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 30, 2013
Philippians 2:1-4
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
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.
When Greg and I returned to our hometown in 1987 to start our own then-home-based-business, we purchased some very expensive (to us) equipment. In order to stay on budget, I took on extra work in graphic design… creating letterhead, business cards, menus for local restaurants, and more. Remember…this was before everyone became an “expert” at creating such documents for themselves. Personal computers were just coming on the scene in a big way… and the printer that cost us $4000 in 1987 would probably sell for less than $400 today!
As I branched out and sought more avenues for generating income, I began to offer a public relations service… creating newsletters for several area businesses and groups, including a manufacturing plant, a bank, and a country club. I attended social events and took photographs, wrote articles about the happenings, and put it all together into a publication to distribute to employees or mail to members and guests. I even became the publicity director for a locally-owned company that produced decorative room fragrance products to sell around the world. In that capacity, I photographed events and produced newsletters for the company employees and the gift shop customers who sold these products in their stores. I also “called on” magazine and newspaper editors and reporters across the country in an effort to get them to mention or feature the company’s products in their publications.
Let’s just say that in the course of about five years, I “rubbed elbows” with some very interesting people… from line crew chiefs at a manufacturing facility to world-famous interior designers… and even former-President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary. I traveled from coast to coast and stayed in four-star hotels, dressed up in fancy clothes and attended high-dollar dinners, and photographed a lot of “beautiful people”. I also worked very hard behind the scenes, handled menial details for my employer (like ironing the dresses for models before a big “launch” party), and stood on the sidelines at dozens of events. And here’s what I learned from all of this… 1) I have no desire to live a “jet-setting” lifestyle; and 2) people are people… regardless of their station in life, and each deserves respect and kindness.
See, the “garden-club ladies” in Los Angeles to treated me to lunch one day had families and life challenges. They needed Jesus just as much as the cook at the country club who had worked so hard all of her life…standing on her feet in a hot kitchen creating dishes that suited her employer while worrying about her children and how she juggle all of the trials and tasks that made up her life. I discovered that the interior designer whose creations were in demand around the world was eager to talk about his latest ailments and his daily life in a way that told me just how lonely and sad he truly was. The people who seemed to “have it all” were not immune from cancer, heart disease, divorce, family scandals, and so much more. They were no different than the people in my own hometown who appeared to live simple lives… and they needed Jesus just as much as the next person.
In realizing this, I came to understand that the words of Ecclesiastes 5:15 are quite profound…”They came into this world naked, and when they die, they will be just as naked. They can’t take anything with them, and they won’t have anything to show for all their work.” (CEV) We can’t take our money, our position, or even our earthly reputation or “good name” with us when God calls us home. All we will have when we stand before Him is our record of service and obedience in His name. All God will care about is whether we treated others with the same kindness, respect, love, grace and mercy that He offers to each of us.
God will want to know if we were kind to the homeless and the needy… and equally respectful toward those who were dripping in diamonds. Did we care as much about those who seemed to flaunt their affluence as much as the humble orphan? Did we try to be something – or someone – we weren’t… in order to fit in? Did we “dumb down” to some people and “put on airs” to others? Did we treat those with more than us as if they owed us a handout… and did we look down our noses as we gave to the needy? Were we eager to truly get to know others… not because of who they were or what they had, but because every person brings something of value to the table?
We need to all “come clean” with God and with ourselves about how we treat others. We need to recognize that we truly do all come into this world naked and equal – at least in God’s eyes. We must make a concerted effort to love each person we encounter and treat him/her with respect. It’s time to put our own personal agendas aside and focus on God’s commands. Has God’s love made a difference in your life? Are you truly ready to show it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
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.
When Greg and I returned to our hometown in 1987 to start our own then-home-based-business, we purchased some very expensive (to us) equipment. In order to stay on budget, I took on extra work in graphic design… creating letterhead, business cards, menus for local restaurants, and more. Remember…this was before everyone became an “expert” at creating such documents for themselves. Personal computers were just coming on the scene in a big way… and the printer that cost us $4000 in 1987 would probably sell for less than $400 today!
As I branched out and sought more avenues for generating income, I began to offer a public relations service… creating newsletters for several area businesses and groups, including a manufacturing plant, a bank, and a country club. I attended social events and took photographs, wrote articles about the happenings, and put it all together into a publication to distribute to employees or mail to members and guests. I even became the publicity director for a locally-owned company that produced decorative room fragrance products to sell around the world. In that capacity, I photographed events and produced newsletters for the company employees and the gift shop customers who sold these products in their stores. I also “called on” magazine and newspaper editors and reporters across the country in an effort to get them to mention or feature the company’s products in their publications.
Let’s just say that in the course of about five years, I “rubbed elbows” with some very interesting people… from line crew chiefs at a manufacturing facility to world-famous interior designers… and even former-President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary. I traveled from coast to coast and stayed in four-star hotels, dressed up in fancy clothes and attended high-dollar dinners, and photographed a lot of “beautiful people”. I also worked very hard behind the scenes, handled menial details for my employer (like ironing the dresses for models before a big “launch” party), and stood on the sidelines at dozens of events. And here’s what I learned from all of this… 1) I have no desire to live a “jet-setting” lifestyle; and 2) people are people… regardless of their station in life, and each deserves respect and kindness.
See, the “garden-club ladies” in Los Angeles to treated me to lunch one day had families and life challenges. They needed Jesus just as much as the cook at the country club who had worked so hard all of her life…standing on her feet in a hot kitchen creating dishes that suited her employer while worrying about her children and how she juggle all of the trials and tasks that made up her life. I discovered that the interior designer whose creations were in demand around the world was eager to talk about his latest ailments and his daily life in a way that told me just how lonely and sad he truly was. The people who seemed to “have it all” were not immune from cancer, heart disease, divorce, family scandals, and so much more. They were no different than the people in my own hometown who appeared to live simple lives… and they needed Jesus just as much as the next person.
In realizing this, I came to understand that the words of Ecclesiastes 5:15 are quite profound…”They came into this world naked, and when they die, they will be just as naked. They can’t take anything with them, and they won’t have anything to show for all their work.” (CEV) We can’t take our money, our position, or even our earthly reputation or “good name” with us when God calls us home. All we will have when we stand before Him is our record of service and obedience in His name. All God will care about is whether we treated others with the same kindness, respect, love, grace and mercy that He offers to each of us.
God will want to know if we were kind to the homeless and the needy… and equally respectful toward those who were dripping in diamonds. Did we care as much about those who seemed to flaunt their affluence as much as the humble orphan? Did we try to be something – or someone – we weren’t… in order to fit in? Did we “dumb down” to some people and “put on airs” to others? Did we treat those with more than us as if they owed us a handout… and did we look down our noses as we gave to the needy? Were we eager to truly get to know others… not because of who they were or what they had, but because every person brings something of value to the table?
We need to all “come clean” with God and with ourselves about how we treat others. We need to recognize that we truly do all come into this world naked and equal – at least in God’s eyes. We must make a concerted effort to love each person we encounter and treat him/her with respect. It’s time to put our own personal agendas aside and focus on God’s commands. Has God’s love made a difference in your life? Are you truly ready to show it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 22, 2013
Romans 2:9-11
If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you’re from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs, again without regard to where you are from or how you were brought up. Being a Jew won’t give you an automatic stamp of approval. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind.
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.
Like a lot of young children, Timothy has become interested lately in getting married. He wants to marry me, his grandmother, and his mom. He knows he can’t, and he told Greg and me (and his Sunday school teachers) that… “Someday, I’m going to marry a nice lady!” My niece told me that last week, Timothy “got married” at pre-K to one of his classmates. A few days later when Timothy’s mom dropped him off for school, the little girl who had won his heart was entering the building. My niece said to Timothy… “There’s your ‘wife’… don’t you want to give her a hug?” He replied, “No, she’s not my wife… we’re not married anymore.” My niece feigned surprise and asked, “Oh, really? What happened?” Timothy’s answer… “She’s not wearing a hair bow today!” What can I say? Four-year-olds apparently have high standards!
Don’t we do the same thing? We make assumptions about others based on their appearance…the opinions (and gossip) of others…or their lineage. A friend of my grandmother’s used to make a point to tell me that one of her grandchildren was a doctor… and she told me this nearly every time I saw her! That was more important to her than the fact that this person was a parent, a spouse, and an active volunteer in church activities! We assume people are wonderful… or awful… based on what we think we know about them – or their public accolades, accomplishments… or shame.
Conversely, we tend to “trade” on certain attributes ourselves. When was the last time you tried to “pull rank” somehow because of who you thought you were… or what you thought you knew? It could be anything from saying, “Let me talk to So-and-so… he/she will listen to me,” to “I don’t have to worry about getting a speeding ticket… I’m friends with the police officers,” to “I can say what I want… I’m a senior citizen and I’ve earned the right!”
If we are honest, we have to admit that a lot of times we base our respect for others – and we command respect for ourselves – while “going against the grain”. We act entitled… we bank on the “good name” of our parents or other family members or friends to gain us a “foot in the door”… or we try to “get away with murder” by claiming special privilege. Worse yet, we try this with God… “But LORD… look at what all I’ve done for you! Surely you can fix this for me” or “LORD, why are you doing this to me – or letting this happen to me? Everyone says I’m such a good, faithful Christian… why are you punishing ME?”
I have to tell you… it’s time we got over ourselves! We truly are not “all that and a bag of chips”… in anyone’s eyes – at least not in the way we think. The time has come for us to operate with humility and respect… to recognize that our true value and stature is not measured as we think… but rather by how we conduct ourselves in all things – and how genuinely we serve God and others. You might fool a few people some of the time, but you will never bamboozle God… and the very idea that you might even try disappoints Him greatly!
So the message for us today is to truly embrace God and His teachings. Honor and respect Him in everything we say and do… to every person we encounter. Make a concerted effort to keep your thoughts, words and actions above reproach at all times. Serve the LORD with gladness and a pure heart, and make His glory your primary focus. Bask in the payoffs He provides… not because that is your goal, but because it is your joy and reward for faithful obedience. Like Timothy, we must learn that choosing a suitable mate is important… but maintaining high standards for God is tantamount. But if your friend doesn’t wear a hair bow every day, it’s probably okay to let that one go!
©2013 Debbie Robus
If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you’re from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs, again without regard to where you are from or how you were brought up. Being a Jew won’t give you an automatic stamp of approval. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind.
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.
Like a lot of young children, Timothy has become interested lately in getting married. He wants to marry me, his grandmother, and his mom. He knows he can’t, and he told Greg and me (and his Sunday school teachers) that… “Someday, I’m going to marry a nice lady!” My niece told me that last week, Timothy “got married” at pre-K to one of his classmates. A few days later when Timothy’s mom dropped him off for school, the little girl who had won his heart was entering the building. My niece said to Timothy… “There’s your ‘wife’… don’t you want to give her a hug?” He replied, “No, she’s not my wife… we’re not married anymore.” My niece feigned surprise and asked, “Oh, really? What happened?” Timothy’s answer… “She’s not wearing a hair bow today!” What can I say? Four-year-olds apparently have high standards!
Don’t we do the same thing? We make assumptions about others based on their appearance…the opinions (and gossip) of others…or their lineage. A friend of my grandmother’s used to make a point to tell me that one of her grandchildren was a doctor… and she told me this nearly every time I saw her! That was more important to her than the fact that this person was a parent, a spouse, and an active volunteer in church activities! We assume people are wonderful… or awful… based on what we think we know about them – or their public accolades, accomplishments… or shame.
Conversely, we tend to “trade” on certain attributes ourselves. When was the last time you tried to “pull rank” somehow because of who you thought you were… or what you thought you knew? It could be anything from saying, “Let me talk to So-and-so… he/she will listen to me,” to “I don’t have to worry about getting a speeding ticket… I’m friends with the police officers,” to “I can say what I want… I’m a senior citizen and I’ve earned the right!”
If we are honest, we have to admit that a lot of times we base our respect for others – and we command respect for ourselves – while “going against the grain”. We act entitled… we bank on the “good name” of our parents or other family members or friends to gain us a “foot in the door”… or we try to “get away with murder” by claiming special privilege. Worse yet, we try this with God… “But LORD… look at what all I’ve done for you! Surely you can fix this for me” or “LORD, why are you doing this to me – or letting this happen to me? Everyone says I’m such a good, faithful Christian… why are you punishing ME?”
I have to tell you… it’s time we got over ourselves! We truly are not “all that and a bag of chips”… in anyone’s eyes – at least not in the way we think. The time has come for us to operate with humility and respect… to recognize that our true value and stature is not measured as we think… but rather by how we conduct ourselves in all things – and how genuinely we serve God and others. You might fool a few people some of the time, but you will never bamboozle God… and the very idea that you might even try disappoints Him greatly!
So the message for us today is to truly embrace God and His teachings. Honor and respect Him in everything we say and do… to every person we encounter. Make a concerted effort to keep your thoughts, words and actions above reproach at all times. Serve the LORD with gladness and a pure heart, and make His glory your primary focus. Bask in the payoffs He provides… not because that is your goal, but because it is your joy and reward for faithful obedience. Like Timothy, we must learn that choosing a suitable mate is important… but maintaining high standards for God is tantamount. But if your friend doesn’t wear a hair bow every day, it’s probably okay to let that one go!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 4, 2013
Numbers 9:15-23
As soon as the sacred tent was set up, a thick cloud appeared and covered it. The cloud was there each day, and during the night, a fire could be seen in it. The Lord used this cloud to tell the Israelites when to move their camp and where to set it up again. As long as the cloud covered the tent, the Israelites did not break camp. But when the cloud moved, they followed it, and wherever it stopped, they camped and stayed there, whether it was only one night, a few days, a month, or even a year. As long as the cloud remained over the tent, the Israelites stayed where they were. But when the cloud moved, so did the Israelites. They obeyed the Lord’s commands and went wherever he directed Moses.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I once knew a woman who traveled a lot for work. When she was gone, she left her porch light on, so that her neighbors would know she was away and her house was unattended. When she returned, she turned off the light. This was their “neighborhood watch” system… until the time she came home and didn’t turn out the porch light. The neighbors assumed she was still away. When other friends noted that she was not answering phone calls, or returning messages, her home was searched. She was discovered in her garage, sitting in her car…a victim of suicide. She had circumvented the neighborhood signaling system… and created a truly “epic – and tragic - fail.”
It sounds so good on the surface to think that God would have this “foolproof” system of communicating with us. Storm clouds hanging overhead? Don’t budge! Clouds on the move? Go with them! But here’s the problem with this system… we are not that obedient. We would ultimately decide that we knew better than God’s cloud, and we would set out on our own at some point. I know us! We are a stubborn people! Additionally, we grow impatient and complacent. We would get to the point where we didn’t even really notice that cloud. We would forget to even check to see if it was there or not. And the next thing you know, God would appear – or move – and we would be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Just as you could argue that the devil used my friend’s “porch-light system” with her neighbors to create a diversion and allow her to take her own life, you could conclude with fairly high accuracy that he would at least try to find a way to distract us from God and His signals.
There are a couple of lessons in this passage. We are not obedient enough to operate under such a black and white system… even if we should be. We need the grace and mercy God offers us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We have a far better chance of serving God obediently if we are dependent on a constant dialog and active interaction with Him. We are far more apt to stay awake and alert… and to follow His lead… if we are required to pay attention – to listen and respond. We need the forgiveness of a loving God that results from an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit… because we probably will get busy at some point and lose focus… and the “cloud” will come and go without us.
Does this mean that we have a license to do as we please and ignore God’s “signals”? Absolutely not! Paying attention to God and staying focused on Him is more important than ever. This brings me to the second lesson of this passage. Because God no longer operates in such a “black-and-white” system, we have a choice to make. We can choose to follow Him and do the necessary work to stay in communion with Him… or we can choose to wander off down another path – to be swayed by the persuasions of the devil - and to allow him to distract and dissuade us.
I know that there were a lot of people who felt they missed the signs of distress that my friend displayed. I know that there are dozens of distractions for each of us in any given hour. And I know that it sounds like a simple “cloud/no cloud” system from God would simplify everything. But truly, it would not. There is no short-cut. We must all choose whether to pay attention and listen to God’s signals… or whether to “wing it”, do our own thing, and let outside forces determine our destiny. For me, the latter is simply not an option… what about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
As soon as the sacred tent was set up, a thick cloud appeared and covered it. The cloud was there each day, and during the night, a fire could be seen in it. The Lord used this cloud to tell the Israelites when to move their camp and where to set it up again. As long as the cloud covered the tent, the Israelites did not break camp. But when the cloud moved, they followed it, and wherever it stopped, they camped and stayed there, whether it was only one night, a few days, a month, or even a year. As long as the cloud remained over the tent, the Israelites stayed where they were. But when the cloud moved, so did the Israelites. They obeyed the Lord’s commands and went wherever he directed Moses.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I once knew a woman who traveled a lot for work. When she was gone, she left her porch light on, so that her neighbors would know she was away and her house was unattended. When she returned, she turned off the light. This was their “neighborhood watch” system… until the time she came home and didn’t turn out the porch light. The neighbors assumed she was still away. When other friends noted that she was not answering phone calls, or returning messages, her home was searched. She was discovered in her garage, sitting in her car…a victim of suicide. She had circumvented the neighborhood signaling system… and created a truly “epic – and tragic - fail.”
It sounds so good on the surface to think that God would have this “foolproof” system of communicating with us. Storm clouds hanging overhead? Don’t budge! Clouds on the move? Go with them! But here’s the problem with this system… we are not that obedient. We would ultimately decide that we knew better than God’s cloud, and we would set out on our own at some point. I know us! We are a stubborn people! Additionally, we grow impatient and complacent. We would get to the point where we didn’t even really notice that cloud. We would forget to even check to see if it was there or not. And the next thing you know, God would appear – or move – and we would be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Just as you could argue that the devil used my friend’s “porch-light system” with her neighbors to create a diversion and allow her to take her own life, you could conclude with fairly high accuracy that he would at least try to find a way to distract us from God and His signals.
There are a couple of lessons in this passage. We are not obedient enough to operate under such a black and white system… even if we should be. We need the grace and mercy God offers us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We have a far better chance of serving God obediently if we are dependent on a constant dialog and active interaction with Him. We are far more apt to stay awake and alert… and to follow His lead… if we are required to pay attention – to listen and respond. We need the forgiveness of a loving God that results from an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit… because we probably will get busy at some point and lose focus… and the “cloud” will come and go without us.
Does this mean that we have a license to do as we please and ignore God’s “signals”? Absolutely not! Paying attention to God and staying focused on Him is more important than ever. This brings me to the second lesson of this passage. Because God no longer operates in such a “black-and-white” system, we have a choice to make. We can choose to follow Him and do the necessary work to stay in communion with Him… or we can choose to wander off down another path – to be swayed by the persuasions of the devil - and to allow him to distract and dissuade us.
I know that there were a lot of people who felt they missed the signs of distress that my friend displayed. I know that there are dozens of distractions for each of us in any given hour. And I know that it sounds like a simple “cloud/no cloud” system from God would simplify everything. But truly, it would not. There is no short-cut. We must all choose whether to pay attention and listen to God’s signals… or whether to “wing it”, do our own thing, and let outside forces determine our destiny. For me, the latter is simply not an option… what about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 13, 2013
September 13 ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Everything you were taught can be put into a few words:
Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My late cousin Carla Lou came from Ohio for a visit one year near the end of November. As I decorated our house for Christmas, she sat on the couch and read recipes aloud to me from some of my cookbooks. We would discuss whether the dish sounded tasty or not and exactly how we would prepare it. She came to a recipe for peanut butter cookies… and it only had 3 ingredients – 1 egg, 1 cup of peanut butter, and 1 cup of sugar. “That can’t be right!” we agreed… but we both said we were going to try it and see what happened!
That peanut butter cookie recipe has become one of my staples…a family favorite that is quick and easy – and oh, so delicious! No one can believe that there isn’t more to the recipe. How can something so simple be so perfect? Doesn’t it need flour, salt, baking powder… SOMETHING else? The answer is a solid, “NO!”
Do you realize that this is how we often are in our relationship with God? We want to add unnecessary things to the mix… rituals, rules that He never established, ideas and expectations that don’t belong. In short, we want to take something that is sheer perfection and ruin it with added ingredients. What we need to do is to study this scripture passage and take it to heart… “Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about.”
In everything we do, we need ask only one question… “Does this respect and obey God?” Getting ready to judge someone else or say something hateful or unkind? Does this respect and obey God? Want to cheat… anyone or on anything? Will God be respected and obeyed? Feel like doing as you please, regardless of who gets hurt or what responsibilities are shirked? Do your actions represent respect and obedience to God’s will? Choose to take a little time off from serving God to serve yourself? How do you think God will judge this?
In every word and action of our lives… every choice… every breath… if we would only ask this question, the end result might be far more beautiful…more perfect… more pleasing, and even more peaceful. If only we would consider how God will judge what we are about to say or do, we might choose otherwise. Instead, we often choose to add our own interpretation to the mix… to “play with the recipe” – often with horrible results.
Today, let’s stop and ask this simple question… “Will this choice reflect respect and obedience to God?” Let’s let this question guide how we decide… what we choose. We know His “recipe” is perfect… so why do we insist on tinkering with it? If you are swayed to decide in favor of God’s judgment, I’m betting the outcome will be far better. It’s worth a shot… isn’t it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Everything you were taught can be put into a few words:
Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My late cousin Carla Lou came from Ohio for a visit one year near the end of November. As I decorated our house for Christmas, she sat on the couch and read recipes aloud to me from some of my cookbooks. We would discuss whether the dish sounded tasty or not and exactly how we would prepare it. She came to a recipe for peanut butter cookies… and it only had 3 ingredients – 1 egg, 1 cup of peanut butter, and 1 cup of sugar. “That can’t be right!” we agreed… but we both said we were going to try it and see what happened!
That peanut butter cookie recipe has become one of my staples…a family favorite that is quick and easy – and oh, so delicious! No one can believe that there isn’t more to the recipe. How can something so simple be so perfect? Doesn’t it need flour, salt, baking powder… SOMETHING else? The answer is a solid, “NO!”
Do you realize that this is how we often are in our relationship with God? We want to add unnecessary things to the mix… rituals, rules that He never established, ideas and expectations that don’t belong. In short, we want to take something that is sheer perfection and ruin it with added ingredients. What we need to do is to study this scripture passage and take it to heart… “Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about.”
In everything we do, we need ask only one question… “Does this respect and obey God?” Getting ready to judge someone else or say something hateful or unkind? Does this respect and obey God? Want to cheat… anyone or on anything? Will God be respected and obeyed? Feel like doing as you please, regardless of who gets hurt or what responsibilities are shirked? Do your actions represent respect and obedience to God’s will? Choose to take a little time off from serving God to serve yourself? How do you think God will judge this?
In every word and action of our lives… every choice… every breath… if we would only ask this question, the end result might be far more beautiful…more perfect… more pleasing, and even more peaceful. If only we would consider how God will judge what we are about to say or do, we might choose otherwise. Instead, we often choose to add our own interpretation to the mix… to “play with the recipe” – often with horrible results.
Today, let’s stop and ask this simple question… “Will this choice reflect respect and obedience to God?” Let’s let this question guide how we decide… what we choose. We know His “recipe” is perfect… so why do we insist on tinkering with it? If you are swayed to decide in favor of God’s judgment, I’m betting the outcome will be far better. It’s worth a shot… isn’t it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 6, 2013
Philippians 4:9
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today, my nine-year-old cousin Olivia spent the day with us. Olivia’s mom is a kindergarten teacher who has already returned to work for the new school year. So I invited Olivia to come have a “sewing/craft” day with me. When I picked her up at 9:00 a.m., she told me that what she really wanted to do today was cook! I asked, “What would you like to cook?” She decided we should bake cupcakes. So bake cupcakes we did… and Olivia carefully watched every step in the process. I put flour into the sifter… she sifted. I mixed buttermilk and cocoa powder, and she stirred. She scooped the batter into the cupcake papers. We both checked them for doneness as they baked! I told her I was not any good at frosting cakes, and she said, “Don’t worry… I’m great at it…I’ll teach you!” And she truly did show me a few tricks!
We also sewed… I helped her make a little felt purse for her American Girl doll, and she helped me cut out some fabric flowers to enhance a dress that we made for her. Things move quickly with a nine-year-old, so you try a lot of different projects in one day! We even drew a flower and worked with pastels, and I showed Olivia how to blend the colors and smooth them… something she learned to do quickly and really enjoyed. And she taught me how to be a “shark” when playing Monopoly!
I know that at least a few of the things we did today will stick with Olivia. We looked at several of my cooking utensils, and I told her some had come from her great-great-grandmother (my great-aunt). We talked a lot about cooking, and I told her about the women in my life who taught me to cook… especially my grandmother and her great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She also told me, “I won’t taste the cupcake batter, because it has raw eggs in it.” She is listening and watching… and putting into practice what she learns and receives from the “teachers” in her own life.
It gets better…Olivia’s mother shared with me that last night at bedtime Olivia prayed for me and for our time together. Now that is the perfect example of putting into practice what one has learned! When we reach a point in our faith where we deem it important to pray about something as seemingly trivial as a “play-date” with a friend or relative, we have successfully put into practice what we have learned and received from God and faithful parents and “teachers”. And for such attentiveness and obedience, God gives us His abiding peace.
I often say that we could learn a lot from our children… and Olivia is a great example of this. Before her tenth birthday, she has learned to pay attention to the “lessons” that surround her… and she is busy putting her knowledge into action. Sadly, at some point many of us seem to “catalog” our lessons rather than incorporate them… especially when it comes to Christian discipleship and how we share Jesus with others. You don’t have to look very far to see that often this directly correlates to a spirit of discontentment, fear, disappointment and chaos in our lives.
Wouldn’t you rather operate in God’s peace? Don’t you see that God has given us perfect instruction and models for this through His Holy Word and the discipleship of many in our midst? Are you paying attention and learning from these examples? Are you practicing what you receive and putting this information into action in your daily living? Do you know that it’s never too late to learn something new? Won’t you make this the day you start acting like a true Disciple? Are you ready to experience the peace of God?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today, my nine-year-old cousin Olivia spent the day with us. Olivia’s mom is a kindergarten teacher who has already returned to work for the new school year. So I invited Olivia to come have a “sewing/craft” day with me. When I picked her up at 9:00 a.m., she told me that what she really wanted to do today was cook! I asked, “What would you like to cook?” She decided we should bake cupcakes. So bake cupcakes we did… and Olivia carefully watched every step in the process. I put flour into the sifter… she sifted. I mixed buttermilk and cocoa powder, and she stirred. She scooped the batter into the cupcake papers. We both checked them for doneness as they baked! I told her I was not any good at frosting cakes, and she said, “Don’t worry… I’m great at it…I’ll teach you!” And she truly did show me a few tricks!
We also sewed… I helped her make a little felt purse for her American Girl doll, and she helped me cut out some fabric flowers to enhance a dress that we made for her. Things move quickly with a nine-year-old, so you try a lot of different projects in one day! We even drew a flower and worked with pastels, and I showed Olivia how to blend the colors and smooth them… something she learned to do quickly and really enjoyed. And she taught me how to be a “shark” when playing Monopoly!
I know that at least a few of the things we did today will stick with Olivia. We looked at several of my cooking utensils, and I told her some had come from her great-great-grandmother (my great-aunt). We talked a lot about cooking, and I told her about the women in my life who taught me to cook… especially my grandmother and her great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She also told me, “I won’t taste the cupcake batter, because it has raw eggs in it.” She is listening and watching… and putting into practice what she learns and receives from the “teachers” in her own life.
It gets better…Olivia’s mother shared with me that last night at bedtime Olivia prayed for me and for our time together. Now that is the perfect example of putting into practice what one has learned! When we reach a point in our faith where we deem it important to pray about something as seemingly trivial as a “play-date” with a friend or relative, we have successfully put into practice what we have learned and received from God and faithful parents and “teachers”. And for such attentiveness and obedience, God gives us His abiding peace.
I often say that we could learn a lot from our children… and Olivia is a great example of this. Before her tenth birthday, she has learned to pay attention to the “lessons” that surround her… and she is busy putting her knowledge into action. Sadly, at some point many of us seem to “catalog” our lessons rather than incorporate them… especially when it comes to Christian discipleship and how we share Jesus with others. You don’t have to look very far to see that often this directly correlates to a spirit of discontentment, fear, disappointment and chaos in our lives.
Wouldn’t you rather operate in God’s peace? Don’t you see that God has given us perfect instruction and models for this through His Holy Word and the discipleship of many in our midst? Are you paying attention and learning from these examples? Are you practicing what you receive and putting this information into action in your daily living? Do you know that it’s never too late to learn something new? Won’t you make this the day you start acting like a true Disciple? Are you ready to experience the peace of God?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 25, 2013
Galatians 5:22-23
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
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.
Sunday morning after church, we got everyone fastened into car seats and started to drive out of the church parking lot. I asked Timothy, “What did you learn in Sunday school today?” He replied, “We learned that you have to listen to GOD (emphasis here on the Father’s name in a dramatic drawl).” “Really?” I quizzed. “Yes!” he continued, “and some people ate the fruit of the tree, and they got in TROUBLE!” Later, when we took the children home, Timothy repeated this story to his mother. But he added… “And the lady and that girl ate the fruit, and they can’t ever go into the jungle again!”
This is what happens when we don’t listen to God! Well, okay… maybe we will still be able to “go into the jungle” – which means that God continues to love us, and we Christians can still enjoy the blessings of Salvation…even when we sin. But this kind of thinking focuses on settling for “adequate” rather than operating in “abundance.” I don’t know about you… but I’d rather have operate in the latter!
Do you really want a life of “good enough”… of barely getting by… of living in the relative drudgery of putting one foot in front of the other each day and doing the same old thing for years on end? I’m not just talking about your physical assets – home, car, clothing and possessions – or your job. I’m also talking about having relationships that are stale – or always in some sort of state of discord or high drama… living with a poor self-image…and worst of all, lacking in joy and confidence with regard to your relationship with the Holy Spirit… or feeling like you don’t even have a relationship with the Holy Spirit in the first place.
When we live God’s way, scripture describes how all sorts of things come into full view for us… how we find ourselves feeling more complete and satisfied… functioning at a higher level in all areas of life. My dad would call this “running on all cylinders”… and hopefully you get this picture! God has perfect plans for each of us. All we have to do is seek them – and follow through! Clearly, our little four-year-old has a few things to learn yet about sin and disobedience… or does he? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to chance being exiled from the “jungle” of God’s gifts forever.
Will you listen to GOD and live His way? Aren’t you ready to experience His peace? Are you ready to eat the “good fruit” He wishes to give you? Isn’t today the perfect time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
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.
Sunday morning after church, we got everyone fastened into car seats and started to drive out of the church parking lot. I asked Timothy, “What did you learn in Sunday school today?” He replied, “We learned that you have to listen to GOD (emphasis here on the Father’s name in a dramatic drawl).” “Really?” I quizzed. “Yes!” he continued, “and some people ate the fruit of the tree, and they got in TROUBLE!” Later, when we took the children home, Timothy repeated this story to his mother. But he added… “And the lady and that girl ate the fruit, and they can’t ever go into the jungle again!”
This is what happens when we don’t listen to God! Well, okay… maybe we will still be able to “go into the jungle” – which means that God continues to love us, and we Christians can still enjoy the blessings of Salvation…even when we sin. But this kind of thinking focuses on settling for “adequate” rather than operating in “abundance.” I don’t know about you… but I’d rather have operate in the latter!
Do you really want a life of “good enough”… of barely getting by… of living in the relative drudgery of putting one foot in front of the other each day and doing the same old thing for years on end? I’m not just talking about your physical assets – home, car, clothing and possessions – or your job. I’m also talking about having relationships that are stale – or always in some sort of state of discord or high drama… living with a poor self-image…and worst of all, lacking in joy and confidence with regard to your relationship with the Holy Spirit… or feeling like you don’t even have a relationship with the Holy Spirit in the first place.
When we live God’s way, scripture describes how all sorts of things come into full view for us… how we find ourselves feeling more complete and satisfied… functioning at a higher level in all areas of life. My dad would call this “running on all cylinders”… and hopefully you get this picture! God has perfect plans for each of us. All we have to do is seek them – and follow through! Clearly, our little four-year-old has a few things to learn yet about sin and disobedience… or does he? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to chance being exiled from the “jungle” of God’s gifts forever.
Will you listen to GOD and live His way? Aren’t you ready to experience His peace? Are you ready to eat the “good fruit” He wishes to give you? Isn’t today the perfect time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 18, 2013
May 18 ~ Genesis 6:3
Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In a few months, I hope our four-year-old Timothy will start to pre-K. Today, my almost-18-year-old cousin graduated from high school. My Jr/Sr-high Sunday school students from a few years ago are now graduating from college, beginning careers, getting married and starting their own families. All throughout these life stages, there will be rules and expectations… limits and consequences. For instance, young children have to be reminded over and again about certain things… don’t throw rocks, come when called, don’t hit your sister/brother! We try to be patient as they learn these lessons.
As children become teenagers, the “second chances” diminish. Older kids know that “No means no!” – or they should! By the time we are young adults, there are still instances in which we “test the waters”… but hopefully, most of us understand that life is full of choices, rules, and rewards. There are also consequences when we choose poorly or fail to comply.
This is no different for Christians. God is patient with us... to a point. He waits for us to choose to follow Jesus…granting us free will. He nurtures us in the first weeks/months/years after we become a Christian. God allows for our “humanness” – He understands that we are not perfect and never will be. But there comes a time when His patience wears thin. He will not tolerate “pre-K Christians” forever. And while God will not retract your salvation…He will withhold blessings and rewards.
God will not allow us to fully self-destruct… and possibly take down those around us… at least not indefinitely. He has given us clear guidelines for how to live… rules to follow and a distinct indication of the potential for blessings. God has also detailed the surety of consequences when we choose to go our own way. Just as our patience runs thin with children who don’t seem to learn as they grow… God loses patience with us when there is no progress in our Spiritual journey.
We all know the feeling when our patience wears thin with someone or something. This is not a sentiment that I want God to experience about me and my faith! What about you? Are you trying God’s patience? Isn’t it time you re-examined your life in Christ and determined where you need to make adjustments to get you back on track?
None of us will live forever. But let’s make the most of every minute God gives us on this earth. Let’s live in a way that indicates a deep desire to grow and serve Him each and every day. Let’s live a long, full life in Christ … and give God every reason to be pleased with our progress.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 27, 2013
April 27 ~ Matthew 7:21-23
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
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.
When my grandmother died, the members of her church prepared lunch for my family on the day of her visitation and funeral service. Someone organized a meal and contacted church members to prepare the varied dishes that were served. Several couples and individuals set up tables in the social hall, prepared iced tea and coffee, and set out a buffet table with all of the food that had been provided. We literally didn’t have to do a thing except fill our plates. These loving servants brought beverages to our tables, picked up our dirty dishes, and stayed to clean up and take care of the leftovers after we had eaten.
Afterward, I was given a list of the people who participated. I have to tell you…it was humbling to see the names of many busy people who took time to prepare a dish, even though they work fulltime… the retirees who made a salad or baked a casserole, cake or pie, when I know they are in poor health… those who contributed in some way, even though they are caring for a loved one at home who is unwell and could probably use a covered dish themselves!
I was greatly moved by the loving gestures of people who dropped everything to stop by my grandmother’s room as she lay dying and offer us a hug. Some of them left loved ones of theirs who were not well, and others who took time out of a busy workday… just to pray with us, say a “Goodbye” to my grandmother - and to let us know how deeply they cared. Even fellow believers need nurture and encouragement… and ministry!
Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, says that some of the most important ministries are the most obscure. And truly, what could share the love of Jesus better than a visit to a shut-in or someone who is sick… an anonymous donation of clothing or food to a needy family… or the subtle palming of a twenty dollar bill to someone who is down to their last dime? Which makes the bigger impact… a check written to a memorial fund that gets your name on a plaque or pulling out your wallet and paying for the groceries of the person ahead of you in the check-out line who has obviously overspent? Who is the bigger servant… the 80-year-old man who sets out tables and chairs for a luncheon to feed a grieving family – or the person who lends his/her name to committees and projects and participates in church and community events in hopes that everyone will see him/her and be impressed?
This scripture passage reminds me of people we meet along the way who ask, “How are you doing?” but never stick around for the answer. And at the end of the day, God really doesn’t care how big of a splash you made, what committees you chaired, or how much money you gave. He cares about your heart. And no amount of excuses will be good enough to justify giving Him “lip service” or serving with ulterior motives or selfish ambition.
Three things come to mind about this passage…
Where do you find yourself these days? Are you willing to do the “grunt work” for God… or do you crave the limelight? When God assesses your ministries, will He be pleased… or will you be grappling for excuses?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
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.
When my grandmother died, the members of her church prepared lunch for my family on the day of her visitation and funeral service. Someone organized a meal and contacted church members to prepare the varied dishes that were served. Several couples and individuals set up tables in the social hall, prepared iced tea and coffee, and set out a buffet table with all of the food that had been provided. We literally didn’t have to do a thing except fill our plates. These loving servants brought beverages to our tables, picked up our dirty dishes, and stayed to clean up and take care of the leftovers after we had eaten.
Afterward, I was given a list of the people who participated. I have to tell you…it was humbling to see the names of many busy people who took time to prepare a dish, even though they work fulltime… the retirees who made a salad or baked a casserole, cake or pie, when I know they are in poor health… those who contributed in some way, even though they are caring for a loved one at home who is unwell and could probably use a covered dish themselves!
I was greatly moved by the loving gestures of people who dropped everything to stop by my grandmother’s room as she lay dying and offer us a hug. Some of them left loved ones of theirs who were not well, and others who took time out of a busy workday… just to pray with us, say a “Goodbye” to my grandmother - and to let us know how deeply they cared. Even fellow believers need nurture and encouragement… and ministry!
Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, says that some of the most important ministries are the most obscure. And truly, what could share the love of Jesus better than a visit to a shut-in or someone who is sick… an anonymous donation of clothing or food to a needy family… or the subtle palming of a twenty dollar bill to someone who is down to their last dime? Which makes the bigger impact… a check written to a memorial fund that gets your name on a plaque or pulling out your wallet and paying for the groceries of the person ahead of you in the check-out line who has obviously overspent? Who is the bigger servant… the 80-year-old man who sets out tables and chairs for a luncheon to feed a grieving family – or the person who lends his/her name to committees and projects and participates in church and community events in hopes that everyone will see him/her and be impressed?
This scripture passage reminds me of people we meet along the way who ask, “How are you doing?” but never stick around for the answer. And at the end of the day, God really doesn’t care how big of a splash you made, what committees you chaired, or how much money you gave. He cares about your heart. And no amount of excuses will be good enough to justify giving Him “lip service” or serving with ulterior motives or selfish ambition.
Three things come to mind about this passage…
- God is not impressed with a show… and He does know when we are giving Him one.
- You truly can’t judge a book by its cover. Just because someone doesn’t appear to be doing anything for the LORD doesn’t mean this is the case. He/she may have actually mastered serving with humility and working in the background – and accomplishing more than most for the Kingdom of heaven!
- You can’t toss around God’s name and expect to receive a free pass. Just because you are a born-again Christian doesn’t mean you are more special than the next guy… or exempt from serving obediently wherever – and whenever God calls on you.
Where do you find yourself these days? Are you willing to do the “grunt work” for God… or do you crave the limelight? When God assesses your ministries, will He be pleased… or will you be grappling for excuses?
©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 October 19, 2012
Matthew 5:2-12
Jesus' disciples gathered around him, and he taught them:
God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!
God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!
God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!
God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!
God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!
God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Remember the story of The Little Red Hen? She asked for help with planting, harvesting and grinding her wheat into flour, and no one was available. So she quietly and dutifully went about getting everything done. When she turned her flour into warm, tasty loaves of bread, all of those who had refused to help were suddenly interested in “helping” her eat the bread. Now I ask you, what should she do? In the story, she reminds all of her friends that they refused to help… so now they will not get to eat! She then eats the bread herself… and feeds her chicks.
Apparently the Little Red Hen didn’t read this scripture passage! The moral of the story is that “only those who work will eat.” But for Christians, there is more to the story. Can we really refuse to feed our neighbor who is hungry just because he/she won’t work? When someone fails to help us out when we are in need, does this give us license to do the same in return? Do we have the right to lie for our boss or a friend just to keep our job? Will God understand if we let our relationship with Him lapse because we are busy or preoccupied… sick or in trouble?
This passage is a wonderful outline for how to live as a disciple of Christ. Coupled with the commandments in Luke 10:27 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind,” and “Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself,” these verses give us a great road map for Christian living. When we follow these teachings, we live in a manner that pleases God and leads to incredible blessings – both on this earth and in heaven.
These guidelines are not always easy to follow. Yes, there will be ridicule, difficulty, and frustration as you strive to follow them. But as the scriptures tell us, there will also be great rewards and blessings. You will not serve alone… your efforts will not be in vain. When you get to the point where your “Little Red Hen” story includes feeding those who are hungry – even when they didn’t help – you have truly turned a corner in your Christian living. When you care more about serving God than about what others think, an entirely new world of possibilities with Christ opens up to you. When you humble yourself and begin to depend totally on God… and genuinely grieve over the sufferings of others, you discover the joys of knowing that God will more than meet your every need. He will bless and care for you in this lifetime… and for all eternity.
Where are you in your Disciple life? Are you still a “Little Red Hen” Christian who is out to get all you can for yourself and those in your circle? Or are you “in it to win it” with Jesus… totally focused on Him and allowing Him to work in and through you for His glory? Do others see Jesus in your actions and daily living? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus' disciples gathered around him, and he taught them:
God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!
God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!
God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!
God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!
God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!
God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Remember the story of The Little Red Hen? She asked for help with planting, harvesting and grinding her wheat into flour, and no one was available. So she quietly and dutifully went about getting everything done. When she turned her flour into warm, tasty loaves of bread, all of those who had refused to help were suddenly interested in “helping” her eat the bread. Now I ask you, what should she do? In the story, she reminds all of her friends that they refused to help… so now they will not get to eat! She then eats the bread herself… and feeds her chicks.
Apparently the Little Red Hen didn’t read this scripture passage! The moral of the story is that “only those who work will eat.” But for Christians, there is more to the story. Can we really refuse to feed our neighbor who is hungry just because he/she won’t work? When someone fails to help us out when we are in need, does this give us license to do the same in return? Do we have the right to lie for our boss or a friend just to keep our job? Will God understand if we let our relationship with Him lapse because we are busy or preoccupied… sick or in trouble?
This passage is a wonderful outline for how to live as a disciple of Christ. Coupled with the commandments in Luke 10:27 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind,” and “Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself,” these verses give us a great road map for Christian living. When we follow these teachings, we live in a manner that pleases God and leads to incredible blessings – both on this earth and in heaven.
These guidelines are not always easy to follow. Yes, there will be ridicule, difficulty, and frustration as you strive to follow them. But as the scriptures tell us, there will also be great rewards and blessings. You will not serve alone… your efforts will not be in vain. When you get to the point where your “Little Red Hen” story includes feeding those who are hungry – even when they didn’t help – you have truly turned a corner in your Christian living. When you care more about serving God than about what others think, an entirely new world of possibilities with Christ opens up to you. When you humble yourself and begin to depend totally on God… and genuinely grieve over the sufferings of others, you discover the joys of knowing that God will more than meet your every need. He will bless and care for you in this lifetime… and for all eternity.
Where are you in your Disciple life? Are you still a “Little Red Hen” Christian who is out to get all you can for yourself and those in your circle? Or are you “in it to win it” with Jesus… totally focused on Him and allowing Him to work in and through you for His glory? Do others see Jesus in your actions and daily living? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 17, 2012
Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus left Galilee and went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John kept objecting and said, “I ought to be baptized by you. Why have you come to me?”
Jesus answered, “For now this is how it should be, because we must do all that God wants us to do.” Then John agreed.
So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever gotten an extravagant gift? Maybe someone did something for you that in no way could you repay or reciprocate. Perhaps you protested genuinely… “Oh, you shouldn’t have. I cannot accept.” Maybe the person persisted… “I insist! I want you to have this,” or “I want to do this for you.” Maybe someone offered to do something incredibly generous for you and said, “You must let me do this for you. I won’t allow you to refuse.”
Learning to accept gifts graciously is a big life lesson for many of us. And accepting Jesus’ gifts with obedience and gratitude is no exception. See, none of us deserves anything from Jesus. We truly are not worthy to even hear Him whisper our name, much less receive any of the blessings He bestows on us. Truly, John… the anointed forerunner of Christ… acknowledged that he was not worthy to baptize Jesus. But at the same time, John realized that obedience trumps worthiness. So when Jesus said, “… this is how it should be,” John listened.
I wonder…how well are we listening to God? Does it even occur to us that we really are not worthy of the things Jesus has done for us… the blessings, grace and mercy He continues to shower on us through His Holy Spirit each and every day? Have we grown so used to His gifts that we no longer feel the urge to protest? Do we act out of a sense of obedience to a God who has given so generously to us, or have we become complacent and now take Him for granted?
John’s baptism of Jesus was a major turning point in Christian history. Not only was Jesus’ significance to God emphasized, but both Jesus and John exemplified obedience. Jesus also demonstrated grace. In this moment, the importance of listening to God and doing what He commands was brought home in a profound way. We will never deserve a single thing from God. Yet He continues to shower us with His goodness. Our responsibility is to be obedient… even if it is to say, “Thank You for such a wonderful gift.”
With God, there is no need for “Oh, you shouldn’t have…” because that is a “given.” But a heartfelt, “Thank You, Master… how can I serve You?” is always appropriate. Have you stopped lately to thank God for what He does for you every minute of the day? Are you respectful and submissive? Do you attend to His will out of a sense of gratitude and faithfulness… or because you think you have to earn your way? When we come to a point in our Christian living where we operate from a profound sense of obedience and gratitude, we have turned a corner. When God calls on you to do something, how will you answer?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus left Galilee and went to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John kept objecting and said, “I ought to be baptized by you. Why have you come to me?”
Jesus answered, “For now this is how it should be, because we must do all that God wants us to do.” Then John agreed.
So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever gotten an extravagant gift? Maybe someone did something for you that in no way could you repay or reciprocate. Perhaps you protested genuinely… “Oh, you shouldn’t have. I cannot accept.” Maybe the person persisted… “I insist! I want you to have this,” or “I want to do this for you.” Maybe someone offered to do something incredibly generous for you and said, “You must let me do this for you. I won’t allow you to refuse.”
Learning to accept gifts graciously is a big life lesson for many of us. And accepting Jesus’ gifts with obedience and gratitude is no exception. See, none of us deserves anything from Jesus. We truly are not worthy to even hear Him whisper our name, much less receive any of the blessings He bestows on us. Truly, John… the anointed forerunner of Christ… acknowledged that he was not worthy to baptize Jesus. But at the same time, John realized that obedience trumps worthiness. So when Jesus said, “… this is how it should be,” John listened.
I wonder…how well are we listening to God? Does it even occur to us that we really are not worthy of the things Jesus has done for us… the blessings, grace and mercy He continues to shower on us through His Holy Spirit each and every day? Have we grown so used to His gifts that we no longer feel the urge to protest? Do we act out of a sense of obedience to a God who has given so generously to us, or have we become complacent and now take Him for granted?
John’s baptism of Jesus was a major turning point in Christian history. Not only was Jesus’ significance to God emphasized, but both Jesus and John exemplified obedience. Jesus also demonstrated grace. In this moment, the importance of listening to God and doing what He commands was brought home in a profound way. We will never deserve a single thing from God. Yet He continues to shower us with His goodness. Our responsibility is to be obedient… even if it is to say, “Thank You for such a wonderful gift.”
With God, there is no need for “Oh, you shouldn’t have…” because that is a “given.” But a heartfelt, “Thank You, Master… how can I serve You?” is always appropriate. Have you stopped lately to thank God for what He does for you every minute of the day? Are you respectful and submissive? Do you attend to His will out of a sense of gratitude and faithfulness… or because you think you have to earn your way? When we come to a point in our Christian living where we operate from a profound sense of obedience and gratitude, we have turned a corner. When God calls on you to do something, how will you answer?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 23, 2012
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Everything you were taught can be put into a few words:
Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If someone asked you what your sole purpose in life is, what would you tell them? Why do you suppose you are here? What has God placed you on this earth to accomplish? There is a “short answer” to this question… and it is the same for all Christians – or should be. Our sole purpose in life is to walk in the fear of the LORD and keep His commandments.
Let this soak in for a minute. If our primary purpose in life is to respect and revere God and keep His commandments, won’t this affect every aspect of our lives? If God has called you to be a great physician, and you spend your life working to keep others healthy, you have fulfilled God’s desires for you… if you have kept His commandments at the same time. If God calls you to be a teacher, lawyer, builder, laborer, mother, father, pastor, policeman, coach, salesman, farmer… or whatever… and you do this to the best of your ability and keep His commandments, you have fulfilled your purpose in life.
When we try to do anything on our own… or when we ignore God’s commandments and do things the way we want, we are fulfilling our own purposes – not God’s. If we try to minister to others while we are not walking in the fear of the LORD and His commandments, we can really mess things up. I know that God wants me to share this message with you today, because He has revealed it to me twice in the last two hours. My daily devotional from the book God Calling spoke of learning to “be” for God rather than “speak” for Him. In other words, we are far more effective witnesses for God when we live in a manner that exhibits respect, reverence and obedience for His commandments than when we try to tell someone else how to live for God. Sometimes, we need to be quiet and let the actions of our life speak for us rather than try to “win someone to the LORD” with our words.
Show others what your sole purpose is by showing them your “soul purpose.” Live in such a way that it is evident to all who know you that your primary purpose is to serve God and obey His commands. Show God how much you love Him by following His commandments and operating within His will for your life. In doing so, you will say to everyone you meet that the fear of the LORD is the foundation of all happiness. Keeping God’s commandments will open the door for God to reveal His will for your life… and bless you and others in your path.
What is your “sole purpose” today… and what is your “soul purpose?” Are they the same thing? Shouldn’t they be?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Everything you were taught can be put into a few words:
Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If someone asked you what your sole purpose in life is, what would you tell them? Why do you suppose you are here? What has God placed you on this earth to accomplish? There is a “short answer” to this question… and it is the same for all Christians – or should be. Our sole purpose in life is to walk in the fear of the LORD and keep His commandments.
Let this soak in for a minute. If our primary purpose in life is to respect and revere God and keep His commandments, won’t this affect every aspect of our lives? If God has called you to be a great physician, and you spend your life working to keep others healthy, you have fulfilled God’s desires for you… if you have kept His commandments at the same time. If God calls you to be a teacher, lawyer, builder, laborer, mother, father, pastor, policeman, coach, salesman, farmer… or whatever… and you do this to the best of your ability and keep His commandments, you have fulfilled your purpose in life.
When we try to do anything on our own… or when we ignore God’s commandments and do things the way we want, we are fulfilling our own purposes – not God’s. If we try to minister to others while we are not walking in the fear of the LORD and His commandments, we can really mess things up. I know that God wants me to share this message with you today, because He has revealed it to me twice in the last two hours. My daily devotional from the book God Calling spoke of learning to “be” for God rather than “speak” for Him. In other words, we are far more effective witnesses for God when we live in a manner that exhibits respect, reverence and obedience for His commandments than when we try to tell someone else how to live for God. Sometimes, we need to be quiet and let the actions of our life speak for us rather than try to “win someone to the LORD” with our words.
Show others what your sole purpose is by showing them your “soul purpose.” Live in such a way that it is evident to all who know you that your primary purpose is to serve God and obey His commands. Show God how much you love Him by following His commandments and operating within His will for your life. In doing so, you will say to everyone you meet that the fear of the LORD is the foundation of all happiness. Keeping God’s commandments will open the door for God to reveal His will for your life… and bless you and others in your path.
What is your “sole purpose” today… and what is your “soul purpose?” Are they the same thing? Shouldn’t they be?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 12, 2012
James 4:4-6
You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
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 the reality TV show, “The Biggest Loser,” there are frequent “temptation” games. Often, the contestants will be presented with tables laden with their favorite foods… pizza, cheeseburgers, cupcakes, candy, ice cream and more. The challenge is offered… whichever team eats the most calories will win an advantage in the overall game. Then contestants are brought in one at a time and given a certain number of minutes to eat as much as they can.
Some contestants go nuts and cram high-calorie, fat-laden foods into their mouths as fast as possible for the allotted time. Others come into the room, fold their arms and say, “I’m not sabotaging my health and weight loss for this.” Some teams agree as a group not to cave in to the pressure… and none of them eat. Virtually every time this challenge is presented, at least one person will take the dare…often with dire consequences.
Usually, the rest of the team feels betrayed. In some instances, the “prize” involves the “winner” getting to make decisions that alter the course of the entire game – and the lives of those who are participating. More than once, this decision to “flirt with danger” and eat the tempting foods has had disastrous payoffs… from weight gain to alienation from the group to actually being ousted from the game by fellow contestants. The sense of separation cannot possibly be worth those brief times of satiation with the rich, delicious foods.
If you think about your Spiritual life in this context, you can readily see that a few minutes of flirting with the devil’s temptations can lead to heartbreaking results. Not only might your selfish choices cost you directly in some way… they can also lead to alienation and/or separation from other people – and worse yet, from God.
As much as it would pain me to experience the distance or rejection of my friends and family, I cannot bear to think of disappointing God. As a disciple of Christ, I know that God would never completely turn His back on me. But just the idea that the One who has done so much for me could be heartbroken over my choices – even temporarily – is not a thought I care to entertain… much less make a reality.
So I am choosing NOT to take the dare… to “step away from the table” of temptations of this world. I know it won’t be easy. I know that Satan is clever… and persistent… and we are weak human creatures. But I also know that I am made strong by the word and wisdom of the LORD… cleansed by the blood of Jesus… and equipped with His full armor to fight against whatever the devil throws in my face.
How is your armor… does it need a little polish and refreshing? Do you need to reconnect with God and give your resolve a bit of a facelift? When your turn comes at the “temptation table,” will you eat… or will you fold your arms and say “No thanks”? Will you operate in pride or humility? Who has your heart these days… the enticements of this world and all that Satan has to offer? Or are you trusting in God’s promises to bless you and meet your every need – both now, and for all eternity?
©2012 Debbie Robus
You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
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 the reality TV show, “The Biggest Loser,” there are frequent “temptation” games. Often, the contestants will be presented with tables laden with their favorite foods… pizza, cheeseburgers, cupcakes, candy, ice cream and more. The challenge is offered… whichever team eats the most calories will win an advantage in the overall game. Then contestants are brought in one at a time and given a certain number of minutes to eat as much as they can.
Some contestants go nuts and cram high-calorie, fat-laden foods into their mouths as fast as possible for the allotted time. Others come into the room, fold their arms and say, “I’m not sabotaging my health and weight loss for this.” Some teams agree as a group not to cave in to the pressure… and none of them eat. Virtually every time this challenge is presented, at least one person will take the dare…often with dire consequences.
Usually, the rest of the team feels betrayed. In some instances, the “prize” involves the “winner” getting to make decisions that alter the course of the entire game – and the lives of those who are participating. More than once, this decision to “flirt with danger” and eat the tempting foods has had disastrous payoffs… from weight gain to alienation from the group to actually being ousted from the game by fellow contestants. The sense of separation cannot possibly be worth those brief times of satiation with the rich, delicious foods.
If you think about your Spiritual life in this context, you can readily see that a few minutes of flirting with the devil’s temptations can lead to heartbreaking results. Not only might your selfish choices cost you directly in some way… they can also lead to alienation and/or separation from other people – and worse yet, from God.
As much as it would pain me to experience the distance or rejection of my friends and family, I cannot bear to think of disappointing God. As a disciple of Christ, I know that God would never completely turn His back on me. But just the idea that the One who has done so much for me could be heartbroken over my choices – even temporarily – is not a thought I care to entertain… much less make a reality.
So I am choosing NOT to take the dare… to “step away from the table” of temptations of this world. I know it won’t be easy. I know that Satan is clever… and persistent… and we are weak human creatures. But I also know that I am made strong by the word and wisdom of the LORD… cleansed by the blood of Jesus… and equipped with His full armor to fight against whatever the devil throws in my face.
How is your armor… does it need a little polish and refreshing? Do you need to reconnect with God and give your resolve a bit of a facelift? When your turn comes at the “temptation table,” will you eat… or will you fold your arms and say “No thanks”? Will you operate in pride or humility? Who has your heart these days… the enticements of this world and all that Satan has to offer? Or are you trusting in God’s promises to bless you and meet your every need – both now, and for all eternity?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 9, 2012
Acts 1:22-26
"Judas must now be replaced. The replacement must come from the company of men who stayed together with us from the time Jesus was baptized by John up to the day of his ascension, designated along with us as a witness to his resurrection."
They nominated two: Joseph Barsabbas, nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, "You, O God, know every one of us inside and out. Make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way." They then drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles.
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.
One of the most puzzling questions many have is, “How do you know when you’ve truly heard from God?” Few, if any of us, get a lightning bolt… much less an audible Voice that tells us how to proceed. So how do you know when you are really hearing from God? As I read this scripture passage, I had to laugh when I got to the part where the people prayed to God for an answer… and then “drew straws.”
Surely picking a name out of the hat or “drawing straws” is not how God communicates with us… or is it? If you go back and read the verses in Acts 1 leading up to this passage, you will see that the disciples were following God’s word from scripture… replacing Judas, who had fulfilled prophecy and betrayed Jesus, then killed himself on a farm he bought with the dirty money. There were about 120 people gathered together, including Jesus’ mother Mary, His brothers, the disciples, and other followers.
Two names were placed in nomination, and then they prayed before drawing a name of one of the nominees. The more I thought about this, the more I realized what the message of this passage is for us today. God shows up in amazing, unexpected places. And He very well may tell us to “draw straws” for our answer. But the KEY to the passage comes before the name was drawn. The most important part of the passage is the verse where the people ask God to “make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership.”
As long as we are communicating with God and asking Him to guide or steps and our choices, He can utilize any tool or method to deliver our answer. If you have a hard choice to make, and God plainly directs you to “draw straws,” then do it. If He sends you an audible message in the form of advice from a trusted Christian brother or sister that you cannot shake… that’s probably what you are supposed to do. If you just know in your gut that one choice is right over another, God is probably giving you that physical nudge. If you have prayerfully sought God’s guidance, He can show up to answer in amazing ways that may even seem off-the-wall to some.
How do you know when you’ve heard from God? When you have spent time talking with Him and done all of the necessary preparation… then listened… God will show up. Whatever He is telling you to do… however He is reaching you and giving you the solution…don’t hesitate to follow through on His message. Have you consulted God about your decisions for today? Eenie, meenie, miney, moe… who has some straws to draw?
©2012 Debbie Robus
"Judas must now be replaced. The replacement must come from the company of men who stayed together with us from the time Jesus was baptized by John up to the day of his ascension, designated along with us as a witness to his resurrection."
They nominated two: Joseph Barsabbas, nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, "You, O God, know every one of us inside and out. Make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way." They then drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles.
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.
One of the most puzzling questions many have is, “How do you know when you’ve truly heard from God?” Few, if any of us, get a lightning bolt… much less an audible Voice that tells us how to proceed. So how do you know when you are really hearing from God? As I read this scripture passage, I had to laugh when I got to the part where the people prayed to God for an answer… and then “drew straws.”
Surely picking a name out of the hat or “drawing straws” is not how God communicates with us… or is it? If you go back and read the verses in Acts 1 leading up to this passage, you will see that the disciples were following God’s word from scripture… replacing Judas, who had fulfilled prophecy and betrayed Jesus, then killed himself on a farm he bought with the dirty money. There were about 120 people gathered together, including Jesus’ mother Mary, His brothers, the disciples, and other followers.
Two names were placed in nomination, and then they prayed before drawing a name of one of the nominees. The more I thought about this, the more I realized what the message of this passage is for us today. God shows up in amazing, unexpected places. And He very well may tell us to “draw straws” for our answer. But the KEY to the passage comes before the name was drawn. The most important part of the passage is the verse where the people ask God to “make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership.”
As long as we are communicating with God and asking Him to guide or steps and our choices, He can utilize any tool or method to deliver our answer. If you have a hard choice to make, and God plainly directs you to “draw straws,” then do it. If He sends you an audible message in the form of advice from a trusted Christian brother or sister that you cannot shake… that’s probably what you are supposed to do. If you just know in your gut that one choice is right over another, God is probably giving you that physical nudge. If you have prayerfully sought God’s guidance, He can show up to answer in amazing ways that may even seem off-the-wall to some.
How do you know when you’ve heard from God? When you have spent time talking with Him and done all of the necessary preparation… then listened… God will show up. Whatever He is telling you to do… however He is reaching you and giving you the solution…don’t hesitate to follow through on His message. Have you consulted God about your decisions for today? Eenie, meenie, miney, moe… who has some straws to draw?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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