Revelation 20:4
Then I saw thrones, and sitting
on them were those who had been given the right to judge. And I saw the
souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus,
for proclaiming the Word of God, and who had not worshiped the Creature
or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their foreheads or their hands.
They had come to life again and now they reigned with Christ for a
thousand years.
The Living
Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All
rights reserved.
You and I cannot fathom literally
losing our heads for speaking of Jesus and proclaiming the Word of God.
And yet, it happens in our world even today. In Columbine, Colorado, a
teenage girl was shot when she told her assailant she knew Jesus. In
Charleston, South Carolina, family members of the victims told their
murderer in court, “I forgive you.” In a way, these are forms of
“losing your head” for Jesus. Many Christians are persecuted every day
in our own back yards because they prayerfully speak what they believe
is God’s truth, while others condemn them – and sometimes physically
abuse them!
The Bible tells us that those who stand firm and
serve as God’s witnesses will be rewarded. We are promised that we will
be given yet another “new life in Christ” for our faithfulness and
steadfast delivery of His message to the world. OUR JOB is to be
certain that this is the message we are delivering…that we are doing the
work of Jesus Christ and not that of the conniving, sly agents of the
devil!
Sadly, there are a lot of people who believe they are
doing God’s work…that they are sharing the message of Christ. And all
the while, they are judging and condemning others, acting out of hate
and fear rather than love, and demonstrating anything but Jesus’ grace
and mercy. As I read this scripture verse, I pictured the day of
judgment…and the countless “Christians” who THOUGHT they were serving
God but had actually accepted the mark of the devil and perpetuated His
message! These souls will be sorely disappointed and dismayed when
Christ raises His church – and they are not among the saints!
We
must be diligent and very careful as we study God’s word and follow the
teachings of Jesus. We must make certain that our thoughts, words and
actions line up with His. We must be prepared to take the abuse and
criticism that may come…willing to literally lose our heads (although
hopefully, it will never come to that) in order to speak and live God’s
truth. I don’t know where or how you and I will come face to face with
Jesus…but I want to be certain that He is pleased with me in that
moment. I want to know that He will raise me to new life with Him…and I
am doing all I can to ensure that I always operate in His will – and no one else’s. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label operating in God's will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label operating in God's will. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 17, 2015
Jude 1:3-4
Dearly loved friends, I had been planning to write you some thoughts about the salvation God has given us, but now I find I must write of something else instead, urging you to stoutly defend the truth that God gave once for all to his people to keep without change through the years. I say this because some godless teachers have wormed their way in among you, saying that after we become Christians we can do just as we like without fear of God’s punishment. The fate of such people was written long ago, for they have turned against our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I often hear some form of this question …”If God loves me, and I am now saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, why on earth would He ever let anything ‘bad’ happen to me?” The query is understandable, and the short answer is that God does love us…and we Christians are His forever – ultimately “safe from all harm.” But God is still our Heavenly Father – and as such, He corrects us when we get in the weeds. He reins us in…and sometimes, to protect us from ourselves – or from the snares of the devil and any harm that we might cause others – God takes us out…maybe even LITERALLY! Often, those seemingly “bad” things that God allows to happen may minister to others…possibly in a way that we will never see for ourselves. But God uses us - and these events - to serve His purpose, all the same.
I don’t say this to scare anyone – or to turn you away from God. Too many folks claim they cannot serve a God who “lets bad things happen to good people.” And maybe you don’t want to be a “martyr” for Jesus. (Do you see the irony here?!) But I tell you this to explain that we cannot give our hearts to Jesus and then expect to go on our merry way - doing as we please – and counting on God to pat us on the head, smile and say…“It’s all good!”
I know this is a hard concept to grasp, but when we accept Salvation through Jesus – freely given, freely received – God promises to care, protect and bless us according to His will…for all Eternity. This is binding…God will not renege on this promise! Salvation does not come with conditions, per se…but it should come with a willing obligation on our part to please God. We should desire to love Him, serve Him in all things, and represent the love and teachings of Jesus at every turn. This should not be done out of fear of retaliation…but out of a tremendous love and respect for The One who gave EVERYTHING – and then some – for us and our sins.
As this scripture passage indicates, there will be plenty of people who think giving their heart to Jesus is the “Golden Ticket”…to heaven - and to do as they please in the meantime. You and I know better…don’t we? When you get to a point where you truly know God and walk in His will and ways, you better understand His purposes. I don’t know about you, but the more I see His perfect orchestration of all events…good AND bad…and how He weaves everything together so beautifully, the more I want to be a part of His endeavors (and the less I care about the “old me!”).
I’m reminded once again of the little boy at Timothy’s kindergarten “Water Day” who was standing in line for the water slides…wearing his swimsuit…and dry as a bone. He declared that “water is really not my thing” as he continually moved to the back of the line. He had a “ticket to ride”…but he never cashed it. What about you? Where do you land in relationship to God and Salvation through Jesus? Are you “all in”…or have you “purchased the ticket” and stepped to the back of the line? Isn’t it time you “got wet” and enjoyed all that God has to offer by accepting His commission on your life? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Dearly loved friends, I had been planning to write you some thoughts about the salvation God has given us, but now I find I must write of something else instead, urging you to stoutly defend the truth that God gave once for all to his people to keep without change through the years. I say this because some godless teachers have wormed their way in among you, saying that after we become Christians we can do just as we like without fear of God’s punishment. The fate of such people was written long ago, for they have turned against our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I often hear some form of this question …”If God loves me, and I am now saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, why on earth would He ever let anything ‘bad’ happen to me?” The query is understandable, and the short answer is that God does love us…and we Christians are His forever – ultimately “safe from all harm.” But God is still our Heavenly Father – and as such, He corrects us when we get in the weeds. He reins us in…and sometimes, to protect us from ourselves – or from the snares of the devil and any harm that we might cause others – God takes us out…maybe even LITERALLY! Often, those seemingly “bad” things that God allows to happen may minister to others…possibly in a way that we will never see for ourselves. But God uses us - and these events - to serve His purpose, all the same.
I don’t say this to scare anyone – or to turn you away from God. Too many folks claim they cannot serve a God who “lets bad things happen to good people.” And maybe you don’t want to be a “martyr” for Jesus. (Do you see the irony here?!) But I tell you this to explain that we cannot give our hearts to Jesus and then expect to go on our merry way - doing as we please – and counting on God to pat us on the head, smile and say…“It’s all good!”
I know this is a hard concept to grasp, but when we accept Salvation through Jesus – freely given, freely received – God promises to care, protect and bless us according to His will…for all Eternity. This is binding…God will not renege on this promise! Salvation does not come with conditions, per se…but it should come with a willing obligation on our part to please God. We should desire to love Him, serve Him in all things, and represent the love and teachings of Jesus at every turn. This should not be done out of fear of retaliation…but out of a tremendous love and respect for The One who gave EVERYTHING – and then some – for us and our sins.
As this scripture passage indicates, there will be plenty of people who think giving their heart to Jesus is the “Golden Ticket”…to heaven - and to do as they please in the meantime. You and I know better…don’t we? When you get to a point where you truly know God and walk in His will and ways, you better understand His purposes. I don’t know about you, but the more I see His perfect orchestration of all events…good AND bad…and how He weaves everything together so beautifully, the more I want to be a part of His endeavors (and the less I care about the “old me!”).
I’m reminded once again of the little boy at Timothy’s kindergarten “Water Day” who was standing in line for the water slides…wearing his swimsuit…and dry as a bone. He declared that “water is really not my thing” as he continually moved to the back of the line. He had a “ticket to ride”…but he never cashed it. What about you? Where do you land in relationship to God and Salvation through Jesus? Are you “all in”…or have you “purchased the ticket” and stepped to the back of the line? Isn’t it time you “got wet” and enjoyed all that God has to offer by accepting His commission on your life? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 15, 2015
1 Timothy 4:1-4
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.
They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I still remember when my grandmother was visiting her doctor a few years ago, and he asked her how she planned to vote. She told him…and his reply was, “Well, I’m voting how GOD says!” They were clearly not voting for the same person! Mam-ma Polly gave him a dirty look. As we left, he muttered, "I thought that would get a response." I looked at him and said, "I think that was Divine Intervention. You had better thank your lucky stars that she didn't say give you an earful!"
Everywhere we turn, it seems that someone has figured out all of the answers. These people know what the Bible says – and exactly what God meant by every word…and they are more than eager to set the rest of us straight! At the very least, we are judged because we don’t “follow the rules” – as they interpret them. This has caused so much angst and heartache, ruined relationships, split churches and even sparked horrific wars.
Listen to Paul’s words to Timothy…truly study the scriptures for yourself, and prayerfully consider what God is telling you. Research a handful of translations to gain new insights, and open your heart and mind to God’s true intentions – then follow His lead. Don’t joke about God telling you what to do or how to act…really trust Him for these things. Don’t get caught up in the rules and opinions of others…and do not shame others who do not agree with you on every issue.
God has not called us to an “us vs. them” faith. He created the world and everything that is in it…and He will show us how to live according to His will. Our job is to hear what He says to us and follow His rules…and thankfully live every day in His presence and abundance.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.
They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I still remember when my grandmother was visiting her doctor a few years ago, and he asked her how she planned to vote. She told him…and his reply was, “Well, I’m voting how GOD says!” They were clearly not voting for the same person! Mam-ma Polly gave him a dirty look. As we left, he muttered, "I thought that would get a response." I looked at him and said, "I think that was Divine Intervention. You had better thank your lucky stars that she didn't say give you an earful!"
Everywhere we turn, it seems that someone has figured out all of the answers. These people know what the Bible says – and exactly what God meant by every word…and they are more than eager to set the rest of us straight! At the very least, we are judged because we don’t “follow the rules” – as they interpret them. This has caused so much angst and heartache, ruined relationships, split churches and even sparked horrific wars.
Listen to Paul’s words to Timothy…truly study the scriptures for yourself, and prayerfully consider what God is telling you. Research a handful of translations to gain new insights, and open your heart and mind to God’s true intentions – then follow His lead. Don’t joke about God telling you what to do or how to act…really trust Him for these things. Don’t get caught up in the rules and opinions of others…and do not shame others who do not agree with you on every issue.
God has not called us to an “us vs. them” faith. He created the world and everything that is in it…and He will show us how to live according to His will. Our job is to hear what He says to us and follow His rules…and thankfully live every day in His presence and abundance.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 23, 2014
Nahum 1:3, 9
The Lord is powerful,
yet patient;
he makes sure that the guilty
are always punished.
He can be seen in storms
and in whirlwinds;
clouds are the dust from his feet.
So don’t plot against the Lord!
He wipes out his enemies,
and they never revive.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
While waiting for a local parade, Timothy "hid" behind the bushes that were planted near an office building. He thought he was being clever...he even said, "You'll never find me!" (He also said, "Please don't leave me!") In truth, I always knew where he was...even when I counted to ten and pretended to "search" for him. And when we would discover each other, Timothy would squeal with delight and laugh like it was the funniest thing ever. This was simply a fun childhood game that we have all played hundreds of times...but it has bigger ramifications for us as Christians!
As we grow older, we often try to play "hide-and-seek" with God...or rather, there are times when we try to hide from Him. Once in a while, many of us would really like to take a "day off" from being a Christian, live in the world of "Burger King®", and "have it our way." Because we serve the God of free will, He allows this...to a point. But everyone has limits - even God. If we linger too long in the land of "You-Can't-Find-Me!", God will grow weary of these games - and He may allow us to suffer some consequences. We may even feel like God "counted to ten", then walked away and left us to fend for ourselves.
Understand this...God's desire for each of us is never to leave us - or that we suffer in any form. He does not send diseases, natural disasters, war, personal ridicule or mistreatment by others, and "bad things that happen to good people" in order to punish us. This might have happened in the Old Testament times, but the blood of Jesus changed everything - forever!
God does not "rain down" these things to "give us something to cry about"...but He does allow them some of the time. If God is so patient and loving...why would He do this? Think about it this way...if a child was playing hide-and-seek, and he/she wandered farther and farther away and would not come when called, you might let them feel "lost" for a little bit so that they realized that they needed to return. Sometimes children have to learn a hard lesson...and experience a burned finger or a scraped knee in the process.
As God's children, we have sometimes have to learn hard lessons, too. It's the price we pay for our "grown-up independence". I cannot promise that you will have a life free of any and every discomfort, illness, or unpleasant situation if you "toe the line" with God and "do everything right." For one thing, that will never happen, because we are human - and sinful! But more importantly, we will always need to lean on God to get us through tough times...to heal us from diseases and solve our problems. And that can only happen when there is the potential for troubles.
The GOOD NEWS is that with God, there will never be anything that we cannot handle together. Philippians 4:13 promises us that we can do all things through the power and strength of Christ Jesus (paraphrased). God's deepest desire is to heal us and restore us to new life, peace and joy in Him - and He is willing to do this over and again, every single day, if necessary. Our job is to "come out from behind the bush or tree" and follow Him...to say, "Here I am, LORD...where would you like me to go?"
God has counted to ten...and said, "Here I am!" Are you ready to be "found"? Have you decided to operate in His will and receive His healing power in every situation of your life? Isn't it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
The Lord is powerful,
yet patient;
he makes sure that the guilty
are always punished.
He can be seen in storms
and in whirlwinds;
clouds are the dust from his feet.
So don’t plot against the Lord!
He wipes out his enemies,
and they never revive.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
While waiting for a local parade, Timothy "hid" behind the bushes that were planted near an office building. He thought he was being clever...he even said, "You'll never find me!" (He also said, "Please don't leave me!") In truth, I always knew where he was...even when I counted to ten and pretended to "search" for him. And when we would discover each other, Timothy would squeal with delight and laugh like it was the funniest thing ever. This was simply a fun childhood game that we have all played hundreds of times...but it has bigger ramifications for us as Christians!
As we grow older, we often try to play "hide-and-seek" with God...or rather, there are times when we try to hide from Him. Once in a while, many of us would really like to take a "day off" from being a Christian, live in the world of "Burger King®", and "have it our way." Because we serve the God of free will, He allows this...to a point. But everyone has limits - even God. If we linger too long in the land of "You-Can't-Find-Me!", God will grow weary of these games - and He may allow us to suffer some consequences. We may even feel like God "counted to ten", then walked away and left us to fend for ourselves.
Understand this...God's desire for each of us is never to leave us - or that we suffer in any form. He does not send diseases, natural disasters, war, personal ridicule or mistreatment by others, and "bad things that happen to good people" in order to punish us. This might have happened in the Old Testament times, but the blood of Jesus changed everything - forever!
God does not "rain down" these things to "give us something to cry about"...but He does allow them some of the time. If God is so patient and loving...why would He do this? Think about it this way...if a child was playing hide-and-seek, and he/she wandered farther and farther away and would not come when called, you might let them feel "lost" for a little bit so that they realized that they needed to return. Sometimes children have to learn a hard lesson...and experience a burned finger or a scraped knee in the process.
As God's children, we have sometimes have to learn hard lessons, too. It's the price we pay for our "grown-up independence". I cannot promise that you will have a life free of any and every discomfort, illness, or unpleasant situation if you "toe the line" with God and "do everything right." For one thing, that will never happen, because we are human - and sinful! But more importantly, we will always need to lean on God to get us through tough times...to heal us from diseases and solve our problems. And that can only happen when there is the potential for troubles.
The GOOD NEWS is that with God, there will never be anything that we cannot handle together. Philippians 4:13 promises us that we can do all things through the power and strength of Christ Jesus (paraphrased). God's deepest desire is to heal us and restore us to new life, peace and joy in Him - and He is willing to do this over and again, every single day, if necessary. Our job is to "come out from behind the bush or tree" and follow Him...to say, "Here I am, LORD...where would you like me to go?"
God has counted to ten...and said, "Here I am!" Are you ready to be "found"? Have you decided to operate in His will and receive His healing power in every situation of your life? Isn't it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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