Romans 1:8-15
I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you.
Please don’t misinterpret my failure to visit you, friends. You have no idea how many times I’ve made plans for Rome. I’ve been determined to get some personal enjoyment out of God’s work among you, as I have in so many other non-Jewish towns and communities. But something has always come up and prevented it. Everyone I meet—it matters little whether they’re mannered or rude, smart or simple—deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation. And that’s why I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever really wanted to do something or go somewhere, but nothing worked out? It seemed like no matter how hard you tried - or how much you wanted to do this - things just never came together. You might have even said, “There’s just something holding me back!” On the other hand, there might have been something you felt you should do… but everyone else said, “That’s crazy!” Still, you strongly felt you were supposed to take a certain job, donate to a certain cause, or even go visit someone you might not know very well – or with whom your relationship had not been all that great.
I don’t know about you, but I am comforted to know that this even happened to the Apostle Paul! And yet, I’m not surprised, because clearly the timing was not right… this was not his “season” to visit the Romans! And the “something” that held him back was most likely Someone – God Almighty!
In this passage, Paul is somewhat making excuses. But in his case, the reasons are valid. There truly are times when we are not meant to participate in something… to volunteer for a particular ministry, join a Bible study group or civic club, take on another project or hobby, or even take a trip. The KEY is to know when we are merely making excuses because we don’t want to do something or it doesn’t fit our own personal agenda…and when God is whispering, “This is not your season for that project,” or “This doesn’t fit my plans for you.”
Our pastor was speaking to the membership a few weeks ago about areas of service within the church, and he plainly told those in attendance not to sign up for everything on the list! God doesn’t want warm bodies… He wants willing servants that He can equip for the task. If we take on anything and everything that comes down the pike, we will be something of a “jack-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none.” We cannot be effective if we spread our talents and energy too thinly. So sometimes, the “excuse” that “it’s just not working for me right now,” or “this is not my season” is totally appropriate.
Believe me, if God had wanted Paul to visit the Romans at the time of his letter, He would have cleared the way. And if you and I stay in close communication with Him, we will know that He is guiding our steps and opening doors. When something doesn’t feel right - or things just don’t seem to come together – stop and ask God, “What are you showing me? Am I on track? Is this where You want me to be?” If you do not get a clear indication that God is sending you, I strongly encourage you to re-evaluate your choices.
By the same token, I can name more than one time in my life that I have felt strongly convicted I was supposed to move in a certain direction or make a specific decision that my head told me was ridiculous… but God spoke to my heart and said, “Do it anyway.” I know people who paid for meals in restaurants for complete strangers, reached out to someone with whom they had a strained relationship, and stepped up to be foster parents, and more… all while “that little voice in their heads” said, “This is crazy!” But the Voice in their heart said, “I’m beside you all the way… do this for Me.” And the outcome blessed all concerned. When God calls you to step out and do something that is scary, unconventional, or unpleasant… trust Him to make the difference - and go for it!
There are plenty of times when we make excuses because of our own selfish desires. But sometimes, our “excuse” is that “God told me to do this… or NOT to do this.” And this justification is not only appropriate… it is extremely critical to the life of a Christian. Following God’s will is the only thing that truly matters. The next time He leads you in a specific direction…will you be ready and willing to follow? Make sure your “excuses” are always based on your “heart-talk” with God… and not on your own agenda.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label opening our hearts and minds to God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label opening our hearts and minds to God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 18, 2012
1 Samuel 16:6-7
When Jesse and his sons arrived, Samuel noticed Jesse's oldest son, Eliab. "He has to be the one the LORD has chosen," Samuel said to himself.
But the LORD told him, "Samuel, don't think Eliab is the one just because he's tall and handsome. He isn't the one I've chosen. People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There was a time in my early marriage where I got out of bed each morning and immediately dashed to the bathroom to apply my makeup. It wasn’t as if my husband had never seen my bare face, but I felt more confident behind the mask of some foundation, eye shadow and mascara. I would never venture out in public without “having my face on.” When something caught me off guard – an emergency, for instance – and I had to meet the world sans makeup, I felt self-conscious.
There is nothing wrong with looking nice. Dressing neatly, cleanliness, and looking your best says a lot about you. If you care about your appearance, you probably care about other things, like responsibility, hard work, and being conscientious in many areas of life. But sometimes, “life” happens when we are not looking our best. Just ask the ER staff at your local hospital. They see us at all hours of the night and day… often at our worst. My prayer is that these folks have learned to look beyond a person’s outward appearance and see each person authentically. Unfortunately, we humans have a bad habit of judging others by their outward appearance, which fed into my compulsion to always be “made up” for so many years.
Last summer, Timothy woke me very early one morning. He was rarin’ to go, and I did all I could to keep him quiet so that his Uncle Greg could continue to sleep. We went outside to play… he squealed and yelled. I suggested a stroll down the street. We got in front of a neighbor’s house, and he had a screaming meltdown that could wake the dead! (He did not want to ride in the stroller.) It was not even 6:30 a.m. At my wits’ end, I grabbed my purse, quite literally ran my fingers through my hair, plopped Timothy into his car seat, and headed for Wal-Mart. I was wearing a t-shirt and sweat pants… Timothy was dressed in his pj’s and sandals.
We shopped for groceries. People smiled at us and admired the adorable little boy with the beautiful blue eyes. Nobody cared that Timmy was wearing his pajamas – or that I wasn’t wearing makeup and looked like a train wreck. On the ride home, Timothy fell asleep, and I let him snooze in his car seat while I unloaded the groceries. By 7:30 a.m., we had finished our shopping, enjoyed a little power nap, and were ready for breakfast with Uncle Greg.
Several years ago, a youth minister friend of mine named Noble didn’t bathe for a week. He put on really dirty clothes and drove to a nearby town where nobody knew him. A church there was holding a revival, and my friend attended one of the services. Unbeknownst to others in attendance, Noble was friends with the local youth minister, and they had set up this experiment to see how people would react. Noble will tell you that he smelled terrible… he was filthy… and he took a seat front and center in the sanctuary. And as you would expect, people reacted – and not always nicely. Then Noble was introduced by the host minister as his friend – and fellow youth leader. You can imagine the reaction of those who were attending this worship service after hearing this news!
The point is that we are all disheveled and covered with the filth and smell of sin, but God sees beyond this. He doesn’t judge us for our appearance – He looks at our heart. And while we should be respectful of the bodies God has given us and treat them as His temple (which means we need to be as neat and clean as possible and “present” well), we should focus more on what (and WHO) is within us – and how we share this with others.
Do people know you for your possessions, your nice clothes or the car you drive? Do people in your church, school and community circles know you as the person who is always front and center on this committee and project or that one – or the person who can be relied upon to truly get things done? There is a difference! There are plenty of people who want to be in the limelight… to capitalize on the opportunities of appearance… but far fewer who want to authentically show up in the lives of others and be God’s agent on this earth.
When others look at you, who and what do they see? Are you merely “tall and handsome”… or are you the one God has chosen? Today, let’s make our prayer a request to God to humble us and fill us with His wisdom and a genuine desire to serve Him from the depths of our heart. In my notes, I have written, “God formed man… then filled him with life. He doesn’t waste his breath blowing into things that leak.” What about you? Do you “leak” these days… or are you a solid vessel for the LORD and His work? How do others truly see you? More importantly, how are you seen by God?
©2012 Debbie Robus
When Jesse and his sons arrived, Samuel noticed Jesse's oldest son, Eliab. "He has to be the one the LORD has chosen," Samuel said to himself.
But the LORD told him, "Samuel, don't think Eliab is the one just because he's tall and handsome. He isn't the one I've chosen. People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There was a time in my early marriage where I got out of bed each morning and immediately dashed to the bathroom to apply my makeup. It wasn’t as if my husband had never seen my bare face, but I felt more confident behind the mask of some foundation, eye shadow and mascara. I would never venture out in public without “having my face on.” When something caught me off guard – an emergency, for instance – and I had to meet the world sans makeup, I felt self-conscious.
There is nothing wrong with looking nice. Dressing neatly, cleanliness, and looking your best says a lot about you. If you care about your appearance, you probably care about other things, like responsibility, hard work, and being conscientious in many areas of life. But sometimes, “life” happens when we are not looking our best. Just ask the ER staff at your local hospital. They see us at all hours of the night and day… often at our worst. My prayer is that these folks have learned to look beyond a person’s outward appearance and see each person authentically. Unfortunately, we humans have a bad habit of judging others by their outward appearance, which fed into my compulsion to always be “made up” for so many years.
Last summer, Timothy woke me very early one morning. He was rarin’ to go, and I did all I could to keep him quiet so that his Uncle Greg could continue to sleep. We went outside to play… he squealed and yelled. I suggested a stroll down the street. We got in front of a neighbor’s house, and he had a screaming meltdown that could wake the dead! (He did not want to ride in the stroller.) It was not even 6:30 a.m. At my wits’ end, I grabbed my purse, quite literally ran my fingers through my hair, plopped Timothy into his car seat, and headed for Wal-Mart. I was wearing a t-shirt and sweat pants… Timothy was dressed in his pj’s and sandals.
We shopped for groceries. People smiled at us and admired the adorable little boy with the beautiful blue eyes. Nobody cared that Timmy was wearing his pajamas – or that I wasn’t wearing makeup and looked like a train wreck. On the ride home, Timothy fell asleep, and I let him snooze in his car seat while I unloaded the groceries. By 7:30 a.m., we had finished our shopping, enjoyed a little power nap, and were ready for breakfast with Uncle Greg.
Several years ago, a youth minister friend of mine named Noble didn’t bathe for a week. He put on really dirty clothes and drove to a nearby town where nobody knew him. A church there was holding a revival, and my friend attended one of the services. Unbeknownst to others in attendance, Noble was friends with the local youth minister, and they had set up this experiment to see how people would react. Noble will tell you that he smelled terrible… he was filthy… and he took a seat front and center in the sanctuary. And as you would expect, people reacted – and not always nicely. Then Noble was introduced by the host minister as his friend – and fellow youth leader. You can imagine the reaction of those who were attending this worship service after hearing this news!
The point is that we are all disheveled and covered with the filth and smell of sin, but God sees beyond this. He doesn’t judge us for our appearance – He looks at our heart. And while we should be respectful of the bodies God has given us and treat them as His temple (which means we need to be as neat and clean as possible and “present” well), we should focus more on what (and WHO) is within us – and how we share this with others.
Do people know you for your possessions, your nice clothes or the car you drive? Do people in your church, school and community circles know you as the person who is always front and center on this committee and project or that one – or the person who can be relied upon to truly get things done? There is a difference! There are plenty of people who want to be in the limelight… to capitalize on the opportunities of appearance… but far fewer who want to authentically show up in the lives of others and be God’s agent on this earth.
When others look at you, who and what do they see? Are you merely “tall and handsome”… or are you the one God has chosen? Today, let’s make our prayer a request to God to humble us and fill us with His wisdom and a genuine desire to serve Him from the depths of our heart. In my notes, I have written, “God formed man… then filled him with life. He doesn’t waste his breath blowing into things that leak.” What about you? Do you “leak” these days… or are you a solid vessel for the LORD and His work? How do others truly see you? More importantly, how are you seen by God?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 6, 2012
John 3:8
Only God's Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you follow my devotionals, you know that on March 4th, I wrote about hope, based on the scripture passage from Romans 5:3-5. When I opened my Kindle to read the daily devotional from God Calling, the scripture passage for March 4th was… wait for it… Romans 5:3-5. I had already posted my own devo that day, based on this passage. As I said earlier, I am no longer truly surprised by God and how He works… but I am often incredibly impressed. This was one of those instances!
This morning, I sat in warm sunlight on my back porch, closed my eyes, and begged God to fill me with His wisdom, Holy Spirit, and all that I need to accomplish what He desires. For a while, I did not intercede on the behalf of others or ask for anything for myself… I merely sat and waited. Recent study of God’s word has convinced me that we need more of this… time spent waiting and listening… quiet time in which we allow God to reveal Himself to us. This morning, I asked God to handle what I cannot… and to show me how to be His agent in matters for which I have no answers of my own… how to be still – and softhearted.
My devotional for today from the book, God Calling, was based on the scripture passage from John 3. I found the comments to be quite profound… especially given my own morning meditations. Remember, the commentary is God speaking to us. In part, it said… “How silently My Spirit works. How gently and gradually souls are led into My Kingdom. Love and laughter form the plough that prepares the ground for the seed. Remember this. If the ground is hard, seed will not grow there. Prepare the ground, prepare it as I say.” *
This was my answer for today. God wants me to soften my heart… and to offer love, laughter, compassion and a gentle spirit to others, so that the “ground” of their hearts is softened for His seed. Where I am impatient, frustrated, disappointed, feeling hopeless and discouraged… I must find a way to relax and feel the joy of God’s presence, so that I can react and respond to others in a way that ploughs the ground for God to sow His seeds and work.
This was exactly what I needed today. My desire is for God to find “soft ground” in me and plant the seeds of His love, grace, mercy and wisdom there. If this is truly my desire, how can I even consider living in a way that would foster anything but this environment in others? I must continually look for ways to nurture joy and laughter… to plough “soft ground” in my own heart and the hearts of others, so that God has plenty of room to work. And then… I must step back and let Him accomplish what only He can… and trust His timing and perfection to produce perfect fruit.
I encourage you to take a few minutes today to sit quietly and listen for God. Soften your heart to Him – and to others – and allow him to plough and plant according to His perfect will. Feel his Spirit coming and going from all directions in and through you – just like the wind. Smile… laugh…find joy and hope in Him… and share this with every person you encounter. Then stand back… and watch God’s incredible “garden” of blessings, redemption and restoration grow!
©2012 Debbie Robus
*From God Calling, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.”
Only God's Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you follow my devotionals, you know that on March 4th, I wrote about hope, based on the scripture passage from Romans 5:3-5. When I opened my Kindle to read the daily devotional from God Calling, the scripture passage for March 4th was… wait for it… Romans 5:3-5. I had already posted my own devo that day, based on this passage. As I said earlier, I am no longer truly surprised by God and how He works… but I am often incredibly impressed. This was one of those instances!
This morning, I sat in warm sunlight on my back porch, closed my eyes, and begged God to fill me with His wisdom, Holy Spirit, and all that I need to accomplish what He desires. For a while, I did not intercede on the behalf of others or ask for anything for myself… I merely sat and waited. Recent study of God’s word has convinced me that we need more of this… time spent waiting and listening… quiet time in which we allow God to reveal Himself to us. This morning, I asked God to handle what I cannot… and to show me how to be His agent in matters for which I have no answers of my own… how to be still – and softhearted.
My devotional for today from the book, God Calling, was based on the scripture passage from John 3. I found the comments to be quite profound… especially given my own morning meditations. Remember, the commentary is God speaking to us. In part, it said… “How silently My Spirit works. How gently and gradually souls are led into My Kingdom. Love and laughter form the plough that prepares the ground for the seed. Remember this. If the ground is hard, seed will not grow there. Prepare the ground, prepare it as I say.” *
This was my answer for today. God wants me to soften my heart… and to offer love, laughter, compassion and a gentle spirit to others, so that the “ground” of their hearts is softened for His seed. Where I am impatient, frustrated, disappointed, feeling hopeless and discouraged… I must find a way to relax and feel the joy of God’s presence, so that I can react and respond to others in a way that ploughs the ground for God to sow His seeds and work.
This was exactly what I needed today. My desire is for God to find “soft ground” in me and plant the seeds of His love, grace, mercy and wisdom there. If this is truly my desire, how can I even consider living in a way that would foster anything but this environment in others? I must continually look for ways to nurture joy and laughter… to plough “soft ground” in my own heart and the hearts of others, so that God has plenty of room to work. And then… I must step back and let Him accomplish what only He can… and trust His timing and perfection to produce perfect fruit.
I encourage you to take a few minutes today to sit quietly and listen for God. Soften your heart to Him – and to others – and allow him to plough and plant according to His perfect will. Feel his Spirit coming and going from all directions in and through you – just like the wind. Smile… laugh…find joy and hope in Him… and share this with every person you encounter. Then stand back… and watch God’s incredible “garden” of blessings, redemption and restoration grow!
©2012 Debbie Robus
*From God Calling, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.”
Daily Devotional for February 15, 2012
2 Corinthians 6:11-13
Friends in Corinth, we are telling the truth when we say that there is room in our hearts for you. We are not holding back on our love for you, but you are holding back on your love for us. I speak to you as I would speak to my own children. Please make room in your hearts for us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Telephone conversations with a toddler who is not quite three are challenging, to say the least! Timothy tries to “show” me what he is saying… and of course, I can’t “see” his nods and gestures in response to my questions and comments. So I try to keep things as simple as possible… questions he can answer with one word or two… singing one of his favorite songs… and lots of “I love yous!” In the most elementary way possible, my husband and I try to convey to him with words that there is more than enough room in our hearts for him. And I know from his responses that the feeling is mutual.
We can’t exactly get a physical hug from God, either. Yet, He shows us in ways great and small that there is room in His heart for us. But how do we show Him our heart? Is there room for God there? Do we speak and act in a way that exhibits love, respect, honor and glory to Him? Do we waste time trying to make lavish, grand gestures - or do we keep it as simple as possible… offering prayers of praise, living and serving in a way that pleases Him, speaking His truths and sharing the Good News with others, operating in love and kindness?
Timothy knows that we love him. Every time he gets pictures, coloring pages, or a toy or new clothes in the mail, he knows we are thinking of him. When we sing a song over the telephone, he is reminded of the hours we spent singing in the living room and playing together. When we tell him “I love you,” he remembers the hugs and kisses that accompanied those words. And every single day, God is showering us with love and hugs through all sorts of gestures… the warmth of a beautiful sunny day… health and healing… the smiles and kindness of others… and much more. All we have to do to feel God’s love is to open our hearts and minds to the possibilities He offers. We have to stop holding back… to “let go and let God” fill us with His love, grace, mercy and blessings.
What is the condition of your heart? Is it open wide, with room for God to enter and fill you? Or are you holding back - both in your ability to receive and to give love to God and others? Isn’t this a perfect time to open your heart… to allow God to fill you with His love… and to simply and profoundly share love and kindness with others? Do you know how much God loves you? Do others know how much you love them? Just how wide open is your heart these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Friends in Corinth, we are telling the truth when we say that there is room in our hearts for you. We are not holding back on our love for you, but you are holding back on your love for us. I speak to you as I would speak to my own children. Please make room in your hearts for us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Telephone conversations with a toddler who is not quite three are challenging, to say the least! Timothy tries to “show” me what he is saying… and of course, I can’t “see” his nods and gestures in response to my questions and comments. So I try to keep things as simple as possible… questions he can answer with one word or two… singing one of his favorite songs… and lots of “I love yous!” In the most elementary way possible, my husband and I try to convey to him with words that there is more than enough room in our hearts for him. And I know from his responses that the feeling is mutual.
We can’t exactly get a physical hug from God, either. Yet, He shows us in ways great and small that there is room in His heart for us. But how do we show Him our heart? Is there room for God there? Do we speak and act in a way that exhibits love, respect, honor and glory to Him? Do we waste time trying to make lavish, grand gestures - or do we keep it as simple as possible… offering prayers of praise, living and serving in a way that pleases Him, speaking His truths and sharing the Good News with others, operating in love and kindness?
Timothy knows that we love him. Every time he gets pictures, coloring pages, or a toy or new clothes in the mail, he knows we are thinking of him. When we sing a song over the telephone, he is reminded of the hours we spent singing in the living room and playing together. When we tell him “I love you,” he remembers the hugs and kisses that accompanied those words. And every single day, God is showering us with love and hugs through all sorts of gestures… the warmth of a beautiful sunny day… health and healing… the smiles and kindness of others… and much more. All we have to do to feel God’s love is to open our hearts and minds to the possibilities He offers. We have to stop holding back… to “let go and let God” fill us with His love, grace, mercy and blessings.
What is the condition of your heart? Is it open wide, with room for God to enter and fill you? Or are you holding back - both in your ability to receive and to give love to God and others? Isn’t this a perfect time to open your heart… to allow God to fill you with His love… and to simply and profoundly share love and kindness with others? Do you know how much God loves you? Do others know how much you love them? Just how wide open is your heart these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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