Acts 2:38
And Peter replied, “Each one of you must
turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus
Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive
this gift, the Holy Spirit.
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 cannot count the number
of times we have taken the children to the park to play. The first few
trips, Timothy and Zola would often run from us. We would call to them
to come back, and they would keep on running. And I think I shared
recently about taking the children to see the trumpeter swans on a small
lake near our town last winter, and Timothy got caught up in hopping on
some large rocks near the parking lot and would not return when I
called to him.
Almost all kids do this at some point. It seems
like a game to the children…and I’m sure they think it is fun. But we
adults are not at all amused. We know the dangers that are
lurking…traffic, strangers, a body of water, and more. Children have to
learn the importance of turning around when adults call to them!
You
and I are pretty much like toddlers and young children much of the
time. In our grown-up bodies, we defy God and run from Him…sometimes
with wild abandon. We get caught up in the moment…or we think we are
having SO MUCH FUN…or we just flat out do not want to “come when
called.” Whatever the reason, we fail to appreciate the consequences –
and dangers – that await us when we behave so foolishly. We thumb our
noses, so to speak, at God’s love and protection in favor of our own
desires. And the results can be deadly… mentally, physically - and most
certainly – spiritually.
In Acts 2:38, Peter is telling the
crowd at Jerusalem – and us – to turn around and run toward God, as fast
as we can! He is reminding us that the gift of the Holy Spirit awaits
us…that we are safe in God’s arms - and His calling is meant to bless,
not restrain. We must also realize that we are not small children…we
know better, and we must do better.
So listen for God’s
voice…turn around and fall on your knees and ask Him to forgive your
arrogance and/or stupidity – and your false notion that you know what’s
best! Turn around and run to God and bask in His blessings and
perfection. Embrace the Holy Spirit and let Him guide you at every turn.
Be grateful for God’s mercy – and His gifts…and never ever take them
for granted for even a minute!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label operating in arrogance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label operating in arrogance. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for January 18, 2014
Matthew 7:1-5
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We took Timothy and Zola to the park to play after church and lunch today. While we were there, both children had “boomerang” experiences. Timothy was pushing a teeter-totter up and down, and it caught him on the upswing and hit his ear, knocking him to the ground. Zola was pushing a tire swing, and as the tire returned, it smacked her in the forehead, and she fell over, too. Both children were okay, but they both got the point that when you push, sometimes things push back!
We have all been hypocrites in one way or another. We criticize when we should keep our mouths shut. We readily see others’ faults…but turn a blind eye to our own. And sometimes, this comes back to knock us off our feet!
Here’s the good news…Jesus loves us…warts and all. And He loves that person you have criticized, too. We should be mindful of this as we formulate our thoughts and opinions…and grateful that God is so merciful toward us!
If we want to be like Jesus, we have to learn to be more inclusive…more tolerant…more accepting and less critical. If we want others to treat us in this manner, we have to first demonstrate these traits to them. No one will ever want to hear what we have to say about Jesus until we demonstrate His love and non-judgmental stance…and who could blame them?!
This scripture passage says it all pretty well. Just as Timothy and Zola must learn that pushing on these things will cause a direct – and uncomfortable – return “push”…we must learn that our critical and intolerant spirit has consequences, as well. The last thing we should want is to dishonor our relationship with Jesus – or to misrepresent His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion for all who trust in Him. Yet this is what we do any time we are critical and overbearing toward someone else.
But we can change this…and we can start today. Will you join me? Will you examine your heart and see where you could operate with a more loving, tolerant spirit? It’s time to kick nitpicking and fault-finding to the curb and operate in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. What do you say…are you with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We took Timothy and Zola to the park to play after church and lunch today. While we were there, both children had “boomerang” experiences. Timothy was pushing a teeter-totter up and down, and it caught him on the upswing and hit his ear, knocking him to the ground. Zola was pushing a tire swing, and as the tire returned, it smacked her in the forehead, and she fell over, too. Both children were okay, but they both got the point that when you push, sometimes things push back!
We have all been hypocrites in one way or another. We criticize when we should keep our mouths shut. We readily see others’ faults…but turn a blind eye to our own. And sometimes, this comes back to knock us off our feet!
Here’s the good news…Jesus loves us…warts and all. And He loves that person you have criticized, too. We should be mindful of this as we formulate our thoughts and opinions…and grateful that God is so merciful toward us!
If we want to be like Jesus, we have to learn to be more inclusive…more tolerant…more accepting and less critical. If we want others to treat us in this manner, we have to first demonstrate these traits to them. No one will ever want to hear what we have to say about Jesus until we demonstrate His love and non-judgmental stance…and who could blame them?!
This scripture passage says it all pretty well. Just as Timothy and Zola must learn that pushing on these things will cause a direct – and uncomfortable – return “push”…we must learn that our critical and intolerant spirit has consequences, as well. The last thing we should want is to dishonor our relationship with Jesus – or to misrepresent His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion for all who trust in Him. Yet this is what we do any time we are critical and overbearing toward someone else.
But we can change this…and we can start today. Will you join me? Will you examine your heart and see where you could operate with a more loving, tolerant spirit? It’s time to kick nitpicking and fault-finding to the curb and operate in the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. What do you say…are you with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 4, 2015
Acts 10:27-28
As Peter entered the house, he was still talking with Cornelius. Many people were there, and Peter said to them, “You know that we Jews are not allowed to have anything to do with other people. But God has shown me that he doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
At some point in our lives, we have probably all walked into a room and thought, “I don’t belong here.” Maybe you stumbled into the wrong meeting room during a conference – or the wrong classroom at school. Perhaps you entered a room where a club meeting or party was in session – and you were not a member. Or maybe you walked into a store or restaurant where others looked at you as if you were not “high-class” enough to be there.
Worse yet, maybe you entered a church and felt out of place. You weren’t familiar with the music, the rituals, where to sit, when to stand or kneel…and you just felt out of place – and maybe a little unwelcome. And no one seemed to do anything to change that.
Sadly…a lot of us were indoctrinated as young children with the idea that not all people are the same…for one reason or another. We all learn pretty early about “clubs” – who is “in” and who is “out”. And we learn to discriminate…sometimes artfully – and other times with what borders on downright cruelty. I’m sorry to say it, but often, this plays out most skillfully among people who claim to be Christians.
Hear Peter’s words to Cornelius and the others…”God has shown me that He doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit.” If God doesn’t feel this way…how on earth can we? The time has come for us to examine how we treat others – everything from our words and actions to our body language. Where have we discriminated? How have we acted with an air of superiority? Who have we disrespected and disparaged? What have we done…and how do we correct this?
Search your heart and see if there are any situations in which you have said and done things that made others feel uncomfortable…like they were on the outside looking in…and/or unloved and unwelcome. Then ask God to show you how to make necessary changes...to begin to operate like He does - with grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, love and care and acceptance for everyone - whether they are “in your league” or not.
God does not think anyone is "unclean or unfit"…so what makes us think that we should?
©2015 Debbie Robus
As Peter entered the house, he was still talking with Cornelius. Many people were there, and Peter said to them, “You know that we Jews are not allowed to have anything to do with other people. But God has shown me that he doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
At some point in our lives, we have probably all walked into a room and thought, “I don’t belong here.” Maybe you stumbled into the wrong meeting room during a conference – or the wrong classroom at school. Perhaps you entered a room where a club meeting or party was in session – and you were not a member. Or maybe you walked into a store or restaurant where others looked at you as if you were not “high-class” enough to be there.
Worse yet, maybe you entered a church and felt out of place. You weren’t familiar with the music, the rituals, where to sit, when to stand or kneel…and you just felt out of place – and maybe a little unwelcome. And no one seemed to do anything to change that.
Sadly…a lot of us were indoctrinated as young children with the idea that not all people are the same…for one reason or another. We all learn pretty early about “clubs” – who is “in” and who is “out”. And we learn to discriminate…sometimes artfully – and other times with what borders on downright cruelty. I’m sorry to say it, but often, this plays out most skillfully among people who claim to be Christians.
Hear Peter’s words to Cornelius and the others…”God has shown me that He doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit.” If God doesn’t feel this way…how on earth can we? The time has come for us to examine how we treat others – everything from our words and actions to our body language. Where have we discriminated? How have we acted with an air of superiority? Who have we disrespected and disparaged? What have we done…and how do we correct this?
Search your heart and see if there are any situations in which you have said and done things that made others feel uncomfortable…like they were on the outside looking in…and/or unloved and unwelcome. Then ask God to show you how to make necessary changes...to begin to operate like He does - with grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, love and care and acceptance for everyone - whether they are “in your league” or not.
God does not think anyone is "unclean or unfit"…so what makes us think that we should?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 19, 2014
1 Peter 5:1-5
I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for —
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
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.
You know me and “reality TV” shows…especially if they pertain to sewing or cooking! So I am currently watching a fashion design show called “Under the Gunn”. Three winners from former seasons of “Project Runway” are mentoring up-and-coming fashion designers…and offering them advice and encouragement as they compete for cash and prizes each week. One of the current mentors has had a terrible time restraining himself. He doesn’t want to truly “mentor” his prodigies…he wants to design their garments, select the fabric, and tell them how to sew the garments! He has had to be “reined in” by Tim Gunn, the show’s host…and Gunn has even had to specifically “call him out” for his over-zealous – and bossy – actions.
The designer feels like he knows best. But he is does not allow the younger designers to grow and learn. Gunn instructed him to ask more questions…to compliment when appropriate – and to encourage as needed by asking, “What do you think? How do you feel that is really looking or fitting the challenge?” Even asking “Have you considered trying another fabric, color, or construction method?” rather than saying, “Why don’t you do ABC?” would be acceptable. The mentoring designer took this advice to heart, and the results were a vast improvement. One of his designer-contestants even won the weekly competition!
Too many of us are “bossy Christians”. Instead of loving and encouraging…and leading by example…we want to cut to the chase and tell others, “You’re wrong!” or “You need to pray harder”…or even “Get over yourself!” I’ve been reading recently about how insensitive people have been to Pastor Rick and Kathy Warren, who lost their son to suicide almost a year ago. Many have complained that this author of The Purpose Driven Life and his wife should be back at the church preaching and going on with their lives…that they have grieved long enough. Kathy Warren wrote about this recently in a blog post, in which she said that there is no time limit on grief…and for the record, she and Rick will never, ever be the same people as a result of their tragic loss. They are forever changed. Friends have expressed to me in recent days how others have been insensitive to them as they grieved the loss of a loved one…and many of those critics were doing so under the guise of “Christian love”.
Being a Christian does not make us instant authorities about anything. Being a pastor or church leader does not entitle one to boss others around, either. We must think about what we say from the pulpit…in Sunday school classes and Bible studies…and yes – even in these devotionals. I include myself when I say that we must all make a concerted, intentional effort not to hurt others with our words and actions…and hurt our Christian witness by default. Think of Jesus…did He publicly condemn the woman at the well? Did He chime in and admonish the prostitute who was about to be stoned? Did he lecture and humiliate Zacchaeus…or Saul as he traveled on the road to Damascus? Did Jesus look down His nose at Judas…or Peter? Who do we think we are to do such things in His name?
As you go about your day, think of Jesus. I know it sounds cliché, but ask yourself…“What would Jesus do?” Stop, take a breath, and say a quick prayer to seek guidance and wisdom before you react and respond to others. Operate in love and compassion…not bossiness and arrogance. Remind yourself that we are servants of the Most High God…even if He has placed you in a position of leadership. Ask God to give you a hefty dose of humility as you serve Him…to help you to truly serve by example and demonstrate Jesus’ teachings – and love – to others.
When the mentoring designer’s “student” won the competition, he was ecstatic. He saw that his kind and gentle approach had paid off in benefits both tangible and intrinsic. And so it is for us, as we strive to emulate Jesus in our discipleship. God will bless us…He will use us as “mentoring shepherds” for others…and we will feel the joy of His blessings and rewards for our obedience. We are called to serve as witnesses, leaders and mentors for God…not bosses, critics and overseers. How are you doing these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.
When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for —
God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.
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.
You know me and “reality TV” shows…especially if they pertain to sewing or cooking! So I am currently watching a fashion design show called “Under the Gunn”. Three winners from former seasons of “Project Runway” are mentoring up-and-coming fashion designers…and offering them advice and encouragement as they compete for cash and prizes each week. One of the current mentors has had a terrible time restraining himself. He doesn’t want to truly “mentor” his prodigies…he wants to design their garments, select the fabric, and tell them how to sew the garments! He has had to be “reined in” by Tim Gunn, the show’s host…and Gunn has even had to specifically “call him out” for his over-zealous – and bossy – actions.
The designer feels like he knows best. But he is does not allow the younger designers to grow and learn. Gunn instructed him to ask more questions…to compliment when appropriate – and to encourage as needed by asking, “What do you think? How do you feel that is really looking or fitting the challenge?” Even asking “Have you considered trying another fabric, color, or construction method?” rather than saying, “Why don’t you do ABC?” would be acceptable. The mentoring designer took this advice to heart, and the results were a vast improvement. One of his designer-contestants even won the weekly competition!
Too many of us are “bossy Christians”. Instead of loving and encouraging…and leading by example…we want to cut to the chase and tell others, “You’re wrong!” or “You need to pray harder”…or even “Get over yourself!” I’ve been reading recently about how insensitive people have been to Pastor Rick and Kathy Warren, who lost their son to suicide almost a year ago. Many have complained that this author of The Purpose Driven Life and his wife should be back at the church preaching and going on with their lives…that they have grieved long enough. Kathy Warren wrote about this recently in a blog post, in which she said that there is no time limit on grief…and for the record, she and Rick will never, ever be the same people as a result of their tragic loss. They are forever changed. Friends have expressed to me in recent days how others have been insensitive to them as they grieved the loss of a loved one…and many of those critics were doing so under the guise of “Christian love”.
Being a Christian does not make us instant authorities about anything. Being a pastor or church leader does not entitle one to boss others around, either. We must think about what we say from the pulpit…in Sunday school classes and Bible studies…and yes – even in these devotionals. I include myself when I say that we must all make a concerted, intentional effort not to hurt others with our words and actions…and hurt our Christian witness by default. Think of Jesus…did He publicly condemn the woman at the well? Did He chime in and admonish the prostitute who was about to be stoned? Did he lecture and humiliate Zacchaeus…or Saul as he traveled on the road to Damascus? Did Jesus look down His nose at Judas…or Peter? Who do we think we are to do such things in His name?
As you go about your day, think of Jesus. I know it sounds cliché, but ask yourself…“What would Jesus do?” Stop, take a breath, and say a quick prayer to seek guidance and wisdom before you react and respond to others. Operate in love and compassion…not bossiness and arrogance. Remind yourself that we are servants of the Most High God…even if He has placed you in a position of leadership. Ask God to give you a hefty dose of humility as you serve Him…to help you to truly serve by example and demonstrate Jesus’ teachings – and love – to others.
When the mentoring designer’s “student” won the competition, he was ecstatic. He saw that his kind and gentle approach had paid off in benefits both tangible and intrinsic. And so it is for us, as we strive to emulate Jesus in our discipleship. God will bless us…He will use us as “mentoring shepherds” for others…and we will feel the joy of His blessings and rewards for our obedience. We are called to serve as witnesses, leaders and mentors for God…not bosses, critics and overseers. How are you doing these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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