1 Thessalonians 5:13-28
Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil.
May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!
Friends, keep up your prayers for us. Greet all the followers of Jesus there with a holy embrace. And make sure this letter gets read to all the brothers and sisters. Don’t leave anyone out.
The amazing grace of Jesus Christ be with you!
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.
A new “group” has been started on Facebook for people in my “neck of the woods” who wish to share photos and information about the history of this area. It’s been a lot of fun to look at old pictures and reminisce…to see the ancestors of others – and to discover in some instances that we are connected “down the line” in some manner. And as with all things of this sort, there have been some mislabeled photos…some “data” that was not quite accurate…and more than one case of mistaken identity.
This page has sparked some new “friendships”, and for the most part it has been cordial. On a similar site, someone asked the simple question, “Which of you are truly ‘from’ our city?” This caused a firestorm of hurt feelings among people who were not truly “native”…but felt a deep connection to this community, nonetheless. This was unfortunate and something that we must try to avoid. Furthermore, these pages have somewhat rekindled my decades-long interest in family history.
I mentioned to my mom that I was considering spending the “big bucks” to rejoin a well-known genealogy website and get serious about this. She asked, “Isn’t much of the info on that site dependent on the input of others?” And she is right! So for now, I am going to glean what I can from friends and family members via Facebook and other avenues…ask questions…be cordial, and share my own info in the spirit of “good will”…and do my best to operate in accuracies, joy and encouragement of others. At least we are all talking about something positive on Facebook, for a change…which is incredibly refreshing!
What does this have to do with the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians? This “group” on Facebook is a microcosm of the world at large. I do not know every person who is participating. I do not recognize all of the family names presented…and many of the photographs are portraits of people I’ve never heard of or seen. But they are important to someone…namely, the person who posted the photo!
Everything I say - and everything I post on this page – represents who I am as a person – and a Christian. I must do all I can to get along with others…to make my comments positive, polite and pleasant – even when questioning someone’s sources or the accuracy of his/her data. I must respond to others’ questions and posts with kindness and respect. I must remind myself that each interaction is an opportunity to witness to others…to represent God and demonstrate my love for Jesus Christ. And I must courteously and gently ask questions to ensure that we all exchange accurate information – for ourselves and for future generations.
In our daily living, we encounter people we know well…and those we only know casually. But each one is important to someone…and especially to God - just as we are. It is important that we treat others with love, compassion, and genuine kindness. Whatever our circumstances or the challenges we are facing on any given day, we can offer a smile – and where appropriate, a hug - to someone else. We can treat them with respect and convey to them a sense of value and worth. We can ask ourselves, “How would Jesus treat me if we were chatting on Facebook or met at school, in church – or even at Wal-Mart? How would He respond to me if He saw me at a restaurant – or a mutual friend introduced us? How would I want Him to respond?” THIS is the answer to how we should treat others!
Occasionally, I am contacted by someone who read one of these devotionals or saw something I posted on one of my blogs or Facebook. I’m not talking about those annoying “spammers” who sometimes contact us pretending to be someone they aren’t. God wants us to be cautious… to be able to determine when we are in danger of being scammed or mistreated. It’s okay to block these people…or to politely cut conversations short and avoid interaction with those you feel reasonably certain are pursuing you to further their own advantage - or with underhanded motives.
I’m talking about real, honest-to-goodness people who are seeking encouragement or compassion…young people who are wrestling with the challenges of daily life… caregivers who are struggling to deal with a relative who is aging…a grandma who is looking for cute sewing ideas for her grandchildren…someone who is grieving and truly having a difficult time coping with his/her feelings. I believe that God creates such encounters in order to provide us with an opportunity to share His love with others…and to give those whom we bless in His name the “good things” that they need to remain encouraged. Each time I respond to one of these people or situations, I am representing my faith in God and how He has blessed me. I am being obedient to God’s directives via Paul’s message in this scripture passage. It matters greatly what I say, how I say it, and the attitude and demeanor I convey in the process. And the same is true for you!
God never wastes an opportunity…and neither should we! Let’s double our efforts to be vigilant in sharing His love, compassion, kindness and encouragement with others. And let’s make sure that we do so with a smile, a hug or pat on the back when appropriate, accuracy, a kind word, and a positive attitude. Let’s be guardedly friendly…and do our part to bring out the best in others. In many cases, we will never truly realize the impact we have on those we encounter – both positively and negatively. Make every effort to be a whole, holy and fit creation of God…and to make each and every gesture really count for Him!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label operating in compassion love understanding humility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label operating in compassion love understanding humility. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 20, 2014
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently attended the funeral of a friend who died suddenly at the age of 63. This man was an only child who moved to California as an adult and built a career there as a landscape architect. I only saw him in later life on occasions when he would return to visit his mother, who has been a friend of mine since I was a little girl. This woman is probably somewhere close to 90 now, and in failing health. She was absolutely devastated to lose her only son, and it broke my heart to see her so distraught at the funeral.
I have no firsthand knowledge of the profound grief that comes from losing a child. But I’ve witnessed it firsthand…my mother, my grandmother, the mothers and fathers of dear childhood friends, and even close friends about our age whose teenage son died in a car crash. As I hugged this woman and tried to offer her some semblance of comfort, I thought of my then-87-year-old grandmother and recalled how devastated she was when my dad passed away – also at age 63. This woman is probably about the same age as my grandmother was then. Remembering how God sent others to minister to us in our own grief, I felt confident in reassuring her that God would comfort her, too. I believe that God reminded me of things that comforted my own grandmother in her grief…and showed me how to offer consolation to this friend in the same manner.
Like most 56-year-olds, I have experienced troubles in my lifetime…but I know many people who have endured far worse – and lived to tell about it! Over and again, I have seen how God has given comfort to those in trouble…and used them to encourage and console many who are placed in their path. There are two things that I have taken away from my own experiences:
Take stock of your own life. Ask God to show you where you have experienced something that could aid you in comforting or encouraging someone else. Use your life events to offer compassion and hope to others. “Show and tell” them what God has done in your life – and assure them that He offers these same helps and blessings to them.
God never wastes an experience…and we shouldn’t either! How is he leading you to encourage or comfort someone today? Will you answer the call?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently attended the funeral of a friend who died suddenly at the age of 63. This man was an only child who moved to California as an adult and built a career there as a landscape architect. I only saw him in later life on occasions when he would return to visit his mother, who has been a friend of mine since I was a little girl. This woman is probably somewhere close to 90 now, and in failing health. She was absolutely devastated to lose her only son, and it broke my heart to see her so distraught at the funeral.
I have no firsthand knowledge of the profound grief that comes from losing a child. But I’ve witnessed it firsthand…my mother, my grandmother, the mothers and fathers of dear childhood friends, and even close friends about our age whose teenage son died in a car crash. As I hugged this woman and tried to offer her some semblance of comfort, I thought of my then-87-year-old grandmother and recalled how devastated she was when my dad passed away – also at age 63. This woman is probably about the same age as my grandmother was then. Remembering how God sent others to minister to us in our own grief, I felt confident in reassuring her that God would comfort her, too. I believe that God reminded me of things that comforted my own grandmother in her grief…and showed me how to offer consolation to this friend in the same manner.
Like most 56-year-olds, I have experienced troubles in my lifetime…but I know many people who have endured far worse – and lived to tell about it! Over and again, I have seen how God has given comfort to those in trouble…and used them to encourage and console many who are placed in their path. There are two things that I have taken away from my own experiences:
- I firmly believe that God will place people in your path to whom you can offer His grace, mercy, encouragement, comfort and compassion. OUR JOB is to be open and obedient to share out of our own life events…to demonstrate to others how God helped us…and to offer this same help to them in His name.
- I also believe that ANYONE who calls on God for help and comfort will receive it. You may not feel like He answers in the way you desired. You may think that God’s timing is slow or that He has allowed you to suffer too much. But the bottom line is that God is truly a “merciful God, who always gives us comfort”. God will never leave you…and when you call on Him for help, He will answer.
Take stock of your own life. Ask God to show you where you have experienced something that could aid you in comforting or encouraging someone else. Use your life events to offer compassion and hope to others. “Show and tell” them what God has done in your life – and assure them that He offers these same helps and blessings to them.
God never wastes an experience…and we shouldn’t either! How is he leading you to encourage or comfort someone today? Will you answer the call?
©2014 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
Daily Devotional for March 18, 2014
2 Peter 1:3-8
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When Timothy was a baby, I bought him this stacking toy that is fairly popular as an early baby toy. It consists of a plastic base that will rock back and forth on a solid surface. Atop the base is a “pole”. There are five plastic rings in graduated sizes that the baby is supposed to stack on the “pole”. If the rings are stacked in the right order, everything fits…and the last ring is filled with colorful swirling beads that move as the entire toy rocks back and forth. If the rings are not stacked in the correct order, there is a problem. It took Timothy a while to figure out how the rings have to fit. But once he “got it,” he was a pro at the stacking game and really enjoyed naming the colors, stacking them appropriately…and then knocking it all over!
Sometimes I think we Christians are like the toddler with the stacking toy. Until Timothy matured enough to fully understand the concept of stacking the rings in the appropriate order, he would mix them up. And then he would be frustrated because they didn’t all fit. I think this is a good illustration of how we are in our Christian living. We sometimes try to do things out of order. We want to serve God out of faith…but we still cling to some of our old – and possibly immoral – ways. We want to live a morally upright life…but we have not fully committed to learning from fellow believers. We aren’t ready to admit that someone else might know more than we do!
We want to act with self-control…but we don’t have the tools to do this, because we were not willing to listen and learn from others. We want patience…but until we can learn to operate in self-control, this will be hard to achieve. We desire to truly be a godly disciple…but we have not yet surrendered fully to God’s will for our lives - and taken the necessary steps to fully develop in His glory and excellence. We want to love others as God loves us…but until we become more like Jesus, we cannot fully and genuinely operate in brotherly love for everyone.
Do you see how if you stack one of these “rings” in the wrong order, everything will not come together as it should? Just as the stacking rings and a plastic “pole” on a rocking base look so simple…being a Christian may appear rather straightforward at first glance. And truly, God doesn’t intend for a life in Christ to be complicated. But there is an order to Christian discipleship. Salvation may be instantaneous…but a full, rich, meaningful life in Christ Jesus takes time, effort, and a desire to grow and mature in God’s will.
If we are to be effective in sharing God’s love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion with others…we have to learn to “stack the rings” in the right order. When Timothy learned to accomplish this successfully, we would clap and cheer for him…and he would squeal with delight. Imagine how God will clap and cheer as you grow and learn to walk in His will and ways. Picture the thrill of accomplishment you will experience as you discover more about Him and how to share the love and Good News of Jesus with others.
Don’t you think it’s time we spent a while “in the floor with the rings and pole” of a life in Christ …practicing and developing our “discipleship skills and abilities”? Will this be the day that you commit to building your skillset…and doing things in the proper order? Shouldn’t it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When Timothy was a baby, I bought him this stacking toy that is fairly popular as an early baby toy. It consists of a plastic base that will rock back and forth on a solid surface. Atop the base is a “pole”. There are five plastic rings in graduated sizes that the baby is supposed to stack on the “pole”. If the rings are stacked in the right order, everything fits…and the last ring is filled with colorful swirling beads that move as the entire toy rocks back and forth. If the rings are not stacked in the correct order, there is a problem. It took Timothy a while to figure out how the rings have to fit. But once he “got it,” he was a pro at the stacking game and really enjoyed naming the colors, stacking them appropriately…and then knocking it all over!
Sometimes I think we Christians are like the toddler with the stacking toy. Until Timothy matured enough to fully understand the concept of stacking the rings in the appropriate order, he would mix them up. And then he would be frustrated because they didn’t all fit. I think this is a good illustration of how we are in our Christian living. We sometimes try to do things out of order. We want to serve God out of faith…but we still cling to some of our old – and possibly immoral – ways. We want to live a morally upright life…but we have not fully committed to learning from fellow believers. We aren’t ready to admit that someone else might know more than we do!
We want to act with self-control…but we don’t have the tools to do this, because we were not willing to listen and learn from others. We want patience…but until we can learn to operate in self-control, this will be hard to achieve. We desire to truly be a godly disciple…but we have not yet surrendered fully to God’s will for our lives - and taken the necessary steps to fully develop in His glory and excellence. We want to love others as God loves us…but until we become more like Jesus, we cannot fully and genuinely operate in brotherly love for everyone.
Do you see how if you stack one of these “rings” in the wrong order, everything will not come together as it should? Just as the stacking rings and a plastic “pole” on a rocking base look so simple…being a Christian may appear rather straightforward at first glance. And truly, God doesn’t intend for a life in Christ to be complicated. But there is an order to Christian discipleship. Salvation may be instantaneous…but a full, rich, meaningful life in Christ Jesus takes time, effort, and a desire to grow and mature in God’s will.
If we are to be effective in sharing God’s love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion with others…we have to learn to “stack the rings” in the right order. When Timothy learned to accomplish this successfully, we would clap and cheer for him…and he would squeal with delight. Imagine how God will clap and cheer as you grow and learn to walk in His will and ways. Picture the thrill of accomplishment you will experience as you discover more about Him and how to share the love and Good News of Jesus with others.
Don’t you think it’s time we spent a while “in the floor with the rings and pole” of a life in Christ …practicing and developing our “discipleship skills and abilities”? Will this be the day that you commit to building your skillset…and doing things in the proper order? Shouldn’t it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 13, 2014
Ephesians 5:8-10
You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.
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.
A childhood friend of mine who teaches 3rd grade said that one of her students asked her if she has a disco ball at her house. She asked, “How does he know what a disco ball is…and do I look like I have a disco ball at my house?” Friends began to tease her about it, of course, and I told her and a mutual friend that there is no going back now…we all know what they really do together on “movie night”!
Of course, we were all having some harmless fun at my friends’ expense. But this scripture passage did remind me once again that we truly do not know what goes on “behind closed doors”. And for the most part, we should remind ourselves that as Christians, the “bright light of Christ” is always “on”…and people are watching! Someone commented to the Facebook post and said that at one time, she truly did own a disco ball…but it she gave it away because she heard it could cause seizures. Here’s the good news… the light of Christ is in no way harmful! When you walk in Jesus’ light, you are not only “out in the open”…but you have no reason for stumbling around. His light will direct your path in the best possible way. You can count on Jesus’ love and light to illuminate the perfect plan for you…to show you how and where to serve Him, and what actions are appropriate.
I’m 99% sure my friend doesn’t really own a disco ball. But if she does, I hope she dances to her heart’s content, because I know it would all be in harmless fun. But I also hope that we will all stop and take a look at what is revealed in the bright light of Christ that illuminates our lives. Do we represent Jesus well? Do we share His love and compassion with others? Do we tell them the Good News about salvation in Jesus and the opportunity to spend Eternity in His presence? Are we caring, kind, honest, fair, merciful, gracious, forgiving, respectful, honest and genuine? Do we show others an example of what pleases Jesus in our “walk” and our “talk”?
Isn’t it time we remembered that Jesus pulled us out of the murk and darkness of sin…and started acting like “children of the Light”? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.
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.
A childhood friend of mine who teaches 3rd grade said that one of her students asked her if she has a disco ball at her house. She asked, “How does he know what a disco ball is…and do I look like I have a disco ball at my house?” Friends began to tease her about it, of course, and I told her and a mutual friend that there is no going back now…we all know what they really do together on “movie night”!
Of course, we were all having some harmless fun at my friends’ expense. But this scripture passage did remind me once again that we truly do not know what goes on “behind closed doors”. And for the most part, we should remind ourselves that as Christians, the “bright light of Christ” is always “on”…and people are watching! Someone commented to the Facebook post and said that at one time, she truly did own a disco ball…but it she gave it away because she heard it could cause seizures. Here’s the good news… the light of Christ is in no way harmful! When you walk in Jesus’ light, you are not only “out in the open”…but you have no reason for stumbling around. His light will direct your path in the best possible way. You can count on Jesus’ love and light to illuminate the perfect plan for you…to show you how and where to serve Him, and what actions are appropriate.
I’m 99% sure my friend doesn’t really own a disco ball. But if she does, I hope she dances to her heart’s content, because I know it would all be in harmless fun. But I also hope that we will all stop and take a look at what is revealed in the bright light of Christ that illuminates our lives. Do we represent Jesus well? Do we share His love and compassion with others? Do we tell them the Good News about salvation in Jesus and the opportunity to spend Eternity in His presence? Are we caring, kind, honest, fair, merciful, gracious, forgiving, respectful, honest and genuine? Do we show others an example of what pleases Jesus in our “walk” and our “talk”?
Isn’t it time we remembered that Jesus pulled us out of the murk and darkness of sin…and started acting like “children of the Light”? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 7, 2014
1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
That’s why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.
My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord. Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other. My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Less than a week ago, Greg and I helplessly watched out our living room windows as a house located on the ridge across the river from us burned to the ground. I’m told that a family got out unscathed…but they lost everything. I believe it! The flames leapt above the treetops, and the fire seemed massive in size. Later that same morning, our community – and virtually the entire state – was crippled by a winter storm. We were blanketed with about 4 inches of sleet and ice that still remains evident in grassy and shady areas – and covered most roadways for days…leaving many unable to travel anywhere. Throughout this ordeal, our law enforcement officials…city, county and state road crews...power company linemen…and countless other emergency service and rescue personnel and government leaders worked around the clock to clear the mess, restore power and order…and reach those in dire need of aid and services.
On the heels of these challenges, there was a house fire in our community that left one person hospitalized with serious burns. Then this morning, as area schools began to re-open after the winter storm, a 54-year-old woman rear-ended a school bus when it stopped to pick up the fourth passenger of the day. The woman was killed…the infant riding in her mini-van and the driver and students on the bus were uninjured. Witnesses say it was truly a tragic scene.
To say that our law enforcement, fire department and emergency service and rescue personnel have been through the wringer in the last week would be an understatement. Some of these folks are friends of mine…others I don’t know at all. I hear positive talk about some…and not-so-good things about others. But at the end of the day, they have all been working hard for the people of my county and state…they have been risking their own lives, leaving their own families, withstanding sub-freezing temperatures and facing human suffering and tragedy that no one would wish on his/her own worst enemy. And for this, they deserve our respect and compassion…as well as our gratitude and prayers. More importantly, we are instructed in scripture to do this!
If we are going to call ourselves Christians, we simply must think about other people. We must encourage those who struggle or feel left out…we must help the weak and be patient with everyone. I reminded myself of the latter as I sat at my niece’s basketball game and listened to the roar of the fans for the opposing team when they took the lead. Those parents, family members and friends loved their kids and wanted the win just as badly as we did. It might be hard to stomach, but we were all truly in the same boat. I thought of this as a lady whizzed down a grocery aisle at Wal-Mart and almost “t-boned” me when I turned the corner. She was talking on her cell phone and not paying one bit of attention to where she was going. There was a time when I would probably have at least wanted to give her a piece of my mind – and a lecture on the dangers of “talking and driving”! Instead, I took a deep breath and smiled at her.
It really takes very little time and energy to stop and let someone know you care. You can drop them a private message on Facebook and tell them… or send them a text or e-mail. Here’s a novel idea… pick up the phone and actually talk to someone to tell them how much you are thinking of them or what they mean to you! When you walk into a restaurant and see a table filled with law enforcement officers or emergency services personnel – or a power company crew who is working in your area to get your electricity working again, walk over and thank them for their service. Tell them you appreciate how hard they work. It doesn’t matter whether you know this to be true of each one of them individually. The fact that you took time to thank them might be the incentive for those who are slacking off a bit to do better! People will generally rise to expectations!
Finally, it costs you virtually nothing to smile at others. Oh, you might use an extra facial muscle or two…but the results are so worth it! Give it a whirl and see what happens! Watch people respond in kind. Thank the clerk at the grocery store as he/she hands your receipt to you…and offer a “Have a good day!” Say this with a kind tone that indicates you are sincere, and watch their whole body language change. We are often so busy looking for the BIG acts of kindness and compassion we can perform that we forget about the simplest of actions…such as a smile, a compliment, or a heartfelt “Thanks so much!”
If I had included verse 10 from 1 Thessalonians 5, you would hear the Apostle Paul reminding us how Christ died for our sins…so that we could all live with Him someday. He didn’t do this just for you and me…he didn’t exclude law enforcement, government leaders, or the sanitation worker who never puts the lid back on your trash can when he collects your garbage. His love, grace, mercy, kindness, forgiveness – and salvation – is freely offered to everyone. We cannot directly save anyone, but we can offer them salvation in Jesus Christ…and we can demonstrate His qualities and character traits to others in His name.
If we really want to live for Jesus and carry His message to others…we must eagerly offer these things to everyone…not just a chosen few. Just how serious are you about serving Jesus and sharing His message?
©2014 Debbie Robus
That’s why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.
My friends, we ask you to be thoughtful of your leaders who work hard and tell you how to live for the Lord. Show them great respect and love because of their work. Try to get along with each other. My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Less than a week ago, Greg and I helplessly watched out our living room windows as a house located on the ridge across the river from us burned to the ground. I’m told that a family got out unscathed…but they lost everything. I believe it! The flames leapt above the treetops, and the fire seemed massive in size. Later that same morning, our community – and virtually the entire state – was crippled by a winter storm. We were blanketed with about 4 inches of sleet and ice that still remains evident in grassy and shady areas – and covered most roadways for days…leaving many unable to travel anywhere. Throughout this ordeal, our law enforcement officials…city, county and state road crews...power company linemen…and countless other emergency service and rescue personnel and government leaders worked around the clock to clear the mess, restore power and order…and reach those in dire need of aid and services.
On the heels of these challenges, there was a house fire in our community that left one person hospitalized with serious burns. Then this morning, as area schools began to re-open after the winter storm, a 54-year-old woman rear-ended a school bus when it stopped to pick up the fourth passenger of the day. The woman was killed…the infant riding in her mini-van and the driver and students on the bus were uninjured. Witnesses say it was truly a tragic scene.
To say that our law enforcement, fire department and emergency service and rescue personnel have been through the wringer in the last week would be an understatement. Some of these folks are friends of mine…others I don’t know at all. I hear positive talk about some…and not-so-good things about others. But at the end of the day, they have all been working hard for the people of my county and state…they have been risking their own lives, leaving their own families, withstanding sub-freezing temperatures and facing human suffering and tragedy that no one would wish on his/her own worst enemy. And for this, they deserve our respect and compassion…as well as our gratitude and prayers. More importantly, we are instructed in scripture to do this!
If we are going to call ourselves Christians, we simply must think about other people. We must encourage those who struggle or feel left out…we must help the weak and be patient with everyone. I reminded myself of the latter as I sat at my niece’s basketball game and listened to the roar of the fans for the opposing team when they took the lead. Those parents, family members and friends loved their kids and wanted the win just as badly as we did. It might be hard to stomach, but we were all truly in the same boat. I thought of this as a lady whizzed down a grocery aisle at Wal-Mart and almost “t-boned” me when I turned the corner. She was talking on her cell phone and not paying one bit of attention to where she was going. There was a time when I would probably have at least wanted to give her a piece of my mind – and a lecture on the dangers of “talking and driving”! Instead, I took a deep breath and smiled at her.
It really takes very little time and energy to stop and let someone know you care. You can drop them a private message on Facebook and tell them… or send them a text or e-mail. Here’s a novel idea… pick up the phone and actually talk to someone to tell them how much you are thinking of them or what they mean to you! When you walk into a restaurant and see a table filled with law enforcement officers or emergency services personnel – or a power company crew who is working in your area to get your electricity working again, walk over and thank them for their service. Tell them you appreciate how hard they work. It doesn’t matter whether you know this to be true of each one of them individually. The fact that you took time to thank them might be the incentive for those who are slacking off a bit to do better! People will generally rise to expectations!
Finally, it costs you virtually nothing to smile at others. Oh, you might use an extra facial muscle or two…but the results are so worth it! Give it a whirl and see what happens! Watch people respond in kind. Thank the clerk at the grocery store as he/she hands your receipt to you…and offer a “Have a good day!” Say this with a kind tone that indicates you are sincere, and watch their whole body language change. We are often so busy looking for the BIG acts of kindness and compassion we can perform that we forget about the simplest of actions…such as a smile, a compliment, or a heartfelt “Thanks so much!”
If I had included verse 10 from 1 Thessalonians 5, you would hear the Apostle Paul reminding us how Christ died for our sins…so that we could all live with Him someday. He didn’t do this just for you and me…he didn’t exclude law enforcement, government leaders, or the sanitation worker who never puts the lid back on your trash can when he collects your garbage. His love, grace, mercy, kindness, forgiveness – and salvation – is freely offered to everyone. We cannot directly save anyone, but we can offer them salvation in Jesus Christ…and we can demonstrate His qualities and character traits to others in His name.
If we really want to live for Jesus and carry His message to others…we must eagerly offer these things to everyone…not just a chosen few. Just how serious are you about serving Jesus and sharing His message?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 6, 2014
Colossians 3:12-14
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I recently watched the 86th annual Academy Awards presentation, commonly known as “The Oscars”. I also watched the show that preceded the actual award ceremony, in which celebrities and their entourage “walked the red carpet” to the applause and excitement of a crowd of onlookers. The pervading – and oft-repeated – question was, “Who are you wearing?” The person making the inquiry meant, “Who designed your clothing and accessories?” Let me assure you, there were some big “hits”…and some definite “misses”! Some of the outfits were so bad that you would never believe this person had a “stylist” who actually put this look together and said, “Yes…I think you will look smashing in that!”
Unless you are a nudist, one of the first things you do in the morning is dress for the day. Now granted…for some, this may mean changing from one pair of flannel pajama pants and a tee-shirt into another! But let’s just say for the sake of argument that everyone gets dressed each morning. Would you agree that what you wear tells others something about you? If you are neat and clean, wearing clothing that fits relatively well and looks freshly laundered…won’t people treat you differently than if you are disheveled, dirty, and sloppily dressed in ill-fitting clothes? Don’t try to pretend you have not seen those “people of Wal-Mart” photos! What we wear says something about us, whether we like it or not!
It’s the same with our “spiritual wardrobe”. God has provided us with a “closet” filled with compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline, and forgiveness. Some of us have added our own “items of clothing”...hatefulness, anger, judgment, self-centeredness and ego, disrespect, disobedience, a penchant for degradation and gossip, and small-mindedness, to name a few. Some of us try to “mix and match”…and often, the “look” is truly not good. Others simply wear the wrong outfit and pretend not to care.
So we present a poor example of Christian faith to others. A friend of mine who is a high school teacher recently told of having his cell phone stolen at school. He was upset to learn the phone was gone… but more upset when students “ratted out” the thief – and he learned who had actually taken it. My teacher friend was heartsick and disappointed. Apparently this student was one who “mixed and matched” his/her “spiritual clothing”. I know people who claim to be faith-filled Christians…but they have tried to poison family members or friends against each other. They want to wear a coat of “God answered my prayer” over a shirt of “he thinks you are lazy and worthless.” I’ve seen people be incredibly kind and loving toward people they felt were “important” or could take them places in life…while treating their own parents or other family members like dirt. Clearly they have a case of “hopefully my designer bag will distract you from my shoes with the hole in the toe” going on.
What about you? Do you let God pick out your wardrobe? Or do you do the choosing? Are you comfortable wearing the items you’ve added…and do you understand the image they project to others? Do you care? Does it bother you to claim to be a Christian while always expressing anger, disdain, disrespect or vanity toward someone or something? Do you see that this sends others a mixed message, at best…and might actually give them the impression that either 1) you are not truly a Christian; or 2) serving God is not all that Christians claim it is? Do you put on the ultimate spiritual “undergarment” each day…do you start with love? Do you pick and choose which days to “wear” it… or with whom?
Like it or not, what we wear says something about us...both from a physical standpoint…and certainly in the context of our Christian faith. I have a little metal bracelet that I wear anytime I leave the house. It has important information engraved on it that explains my food allergies. I would not think of leaving home without wearing this bracelet. If I were to become ill or injured somewhere, it could quite literally help to save my life. The same can be said for God’s wardrobe...especially love. Consider it your “allergy bracelet” of sorts. Without it, we risk the possibility of serious injury to ourselves or others…we dare to damage not only our reputation, but that of Christians everywhere.
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I recently watched the 86th annual Academy Awards presentation, commonly known as “The Oscars”. I also watched the show that preceded the actual award ceremony, in which celebrities and their entourage “walked the red carpet” to the applause and excitement of a crowd of onlookers. The pervading – and oft-repeated – question was, “Who are you wearing?” The person making the inquiry meant, “Who designed your clothing and accessories?” Let me assure you, there were some big “hits”…and some definite “misses”! Some of the outfits were so bad that you would never believe this person had a “stylist” who actually put this look together and said, “Yes…I think you will look smashing in that!”
Unless you are a nudist, one of the first things you do in the morning is dress for the day. Now granted…for some, this may mean changing from one pair of flannel pajama pants and a tee-shirt into another! But let’s just say for the sake of argument that everyone gets dressed each morning. Would you agree that what you wear tells others something about you? If you are neat and clean, wearing clothing that fits relatively well and looks freshly laundered…won’t people treat you differently than if you are disheveled, dirty, and sloppily dressed in ill-fitting clothes? Don’t try to pretend you have not seen those “people of Wal-Mart” photos! What we wear says something about us, whether we like it or not!
It’s the same with our “spiritual wardrobe”. God has provided us with a “closet” filled with compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline, and forgiveness. Some of us have added our own “items of clothing”...hatefulness, anger, judgment, self-centeredness and ego, disrespect, disobedience, a penchant for degradation and gossip, and small-mindedness, to name a few. Some of us try to “mix and match”…and often, the “look” is truly not good. Others simply wear the wrong outfit and pretend not to care.
So we present a poor example of Christian faith to others. A friend of mine who is a high school teacher recently told of having his cell phone stolen at school. He was upset to learn the phone was gone… but more upset when students “ratted out” the thief – and he learned who had actually taken it. My teacher friend was heartsick and disappointed. Apparently this student was one who “mixed and matched” his/her “spiritual clothing”. I know people who claim to be faith-filled Christians…but they have tried to poison family members or friends against each other. They want to wear a coat of “God answered my prayer” over a shirt of “he thinks you are lazy and worthless.” I’ve seen people be incredibly kind and loving toward people they felt were “important” or could take them places in life…while treating their own parents or other family members like dirt. Clearly they have a case of “hopefully my designer bag will distract you from my shoes with the hole in the toe” going on.
What about you? Do you let God pick out your wardrobe? Or do you do the choosing? Are you comfortable wearing the items you’ve added…and do you understand the image they project to others? Do you care? Does it bother you to claim to be a Christian while always expressing anger, disdain, disrespect or vanity toward someone or something? Do you see that this sends others a mixed message, at best…and might actually give them the impression that either 1) you are not truly a Christian; or 2) serving God is not all that Christians claim it is? Do you put on the ultimate spiritual “undergarment” each day…do you start with love? Do you pick and choose which days to “wear” it… or with whom?
Like it or not, what we wear says something about us...both from a physical standpoint…and certainly in the context of our Christian faith. I have a little metal bracelet that I wear anytime I leave the house. It has important information engraved on it that explains my food allergies. I would not think of leaving home without wearing this bracelet. If I were to become ill or injured somewhere, it could quite literally help to save my life. The same can be said for God’s wardrobe...especially love. Consider it your “allergy bracelet” of sorts. Without it, we risk the possibility of serious injury to ourselves or others…we dare to damage not only our reputation, but that of Christians everywhere.
I can tell you that the risk for me is too high…on all accounts. I will also admit that I am guilty of occasional “fashion faux pas” on all levels. But I am trying to do better…and I’m trusting God to help me with this. When it comes to my wardrobe, God is the best “stylist” I know. The question is…”Who are you wearing?” and more importantly…“Who is your stylist?” Is it time to “clean the closets” in your life? Is your “spiritual wardrobe” in need of a makeover? Wouldn’t this be the perfect time to ask God to help you get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 28, 2014
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Attending a high school basketball game can be akin to looking at humanity in a fishbowl! You have two teams fighting for the same victory. Then you have the parents, friends, relatives and casual observers who care about the outcome to varying degrees. On the teams themselves, you have players representing several age groups…from freshmen and sophomores who are relatively “green”…to the seniors who are playing their last season and laying it all on the line. In the case of a district tournament we recently attended, the outcome of the games signaled not only the end of the season for some…but also the end of a “career” for many who will not be moving on to play ball at the college level.
So as we sat and cheered our senior girls’ team to victory, I watched the players on the opposing team see their hopes and dreams dashed in a one-point loss. I observed in the previous game as almost-grown boys quite literally made a trudge of defeat to their bench…tears filling their eyes as they hugged teammates and commiserated the end of this phase of their lives.
I know what you may be thinking…a year from now, these will be distant memories – maybe totally unimportant to these young people in the scheme of things. And yes, the final game(s) of your high school “career” are not as critical as world peace…or even many of the crises and concerns that affect each of us on any given day. But let’s keep things in context…and in so doing, let’s have a little empathy and compassion for the other guy.
We were all teenagers once…surely we remember how all-important many of those experiences were at the time…the first dance…your athletic competitions…your last band concert or marching performance…a budding romance. Some of you remember what it felt like as a parent to see your children go through these rites of passage and realize that they were growing up…and away from your “nest” in short order. Surely you can feel some semblance of empathy for the person seated next to you who is exuberant over every basket…yelling at the referee in protest of a foul on his/her kid that seemed undeserved…or tearful at game’s end.
What does this have to do with our scripture verse for today? I’m glad you asked! The very same God who forgives our sins when we call on Him… the One who takes away our tears and fears and forgives us when we “act a fool” and admit it…the God who cares about worldwide hunger and injustice…also cares about the mixed bag of emotions that surround a high school senior’s last ballgame. The same God we trust to care for us and take away our sins cares for that dad who is unhappy with the refs - and the mom who is crying her eyes out because her baby has taken one more step toward independence.
The same God who holds us in His hands when we are sick or in need will heal and comfort others who are sick or troubled. The same God who orchestrates even the most mundane occurrences of our daily living will guide the steps of others who call on Him. The same God who forgives our sins and washes them away will offer salvation and eternal life to anyone else who confesses his/her sins.
We are no different…no better…no more privileged before God than anyone else. And at the end of the day…or the end of a game…we are all pretty much the same. We love our kids… our schools…our communities and our country. We live, love, laugh and cry…and we are all precious to God. Take a good hard look at the people around you and recognize that what God offers to you…He also offers to them. Does this change how you relate with them? Shouldn’t it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Attending a high school basketball game can be akin to looking at humanity in a fishbowl! You have two teams fighting for the same victory. Then you have the parents, friends, relatives and casual observers who care about the outcome to varying degrees. On the teams themselves, you have players representing several age groups…from freshmen and sophomores who are relatively “green”…to the seniors who are playing their last season and laying it all on the line. In the case of a district tournament we recently attended, the outcome of the games signaled not only the end of the season for some…but also the end of a “career” for many who will not be moving on to play ball at the college level.
So as we sat and cheered our senior girls’ team to victory, I watched the players on the opposing team see their hopes and dreams dashed in a one-point loss. I observed in the previous game as almost-grown boys quite literally made a trudge of defeat to their bench…tears filling their eyes as they hugged teammates and commiserated the end of this phase of their lives.
I know what you may be thinking…a year from now, these will be distant memories – maybe totally unimportant to these young people in the scheme of things. And yes, the final game(s) of your high school “career” are not as critical as world peace…or even many of the crises and concerns that affect each of us on any given day. But let’s keep things in context…and in so doing, let’s have a little empathy and compassion for the other guy.
We were all teenagers once…surely we remember how all-important many of those experiences were at the time…the first dance…your athletic competitions…your last band concert or marching performance…a budding romance. Some of you remember what it felt like as a parent to see your children go through these rites of passage and realize that they were growing up…and away from your “nest” in short order. Surely you can feel some semblance of empathy for the person seated next to you who is exuberant over every basket…yelling at the referee in protest of a foul on his/her kid that seemed undeserved…or tearful at game’s end.
What does this have to do with our scripture verse for today? I’m glad you asked! The very same God who forgives our sins when we call on Him… the One who takes away our tears and fears and forgives us when we “act a fool” and admit it…the God who cares about worldwide hunger and injustice…also cares about the mixed bag of emotions that surround a high school senior’s last ballgame. The same God we trust to care for us and take away our sins cares for that dad who is unhappy with the refs - and the mom who is crying her eyes out because her baby has taken one more step toward independence.
The same God who holds us in His hands when we are sick or in need will heal and comfort others who are sick or troubled. The same God who orchestrates even the most mundane occurrences of our daily living will guide the steps of others who call on Him. The same God who forgives our sins and washes them away will offer salvation and eternal life to anyone else who confesses his/her sins.
We are no different…no better…no more privileged before God than anyone else. And at the end of the day…or the end of a game…we are all pretty much the same. We love our kids… our schools…our communities and our country. We live, love, laugh and cry…and we are all precious to God. Take a good hard look at the people around you and recognize that what God offers to you…He also offers to them. Does this change how you relate with them? Shouldn’t it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 24, 2014
1 Timothy 1:19-20
Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.
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 watched a documentary on NBC about Olympic figure skaters Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. You may know the story of these two women who were rising stars in the figure skating world… both poised to win Olympic medals in 1994 at Lillehammer, Norway. Kerrigan was attacked after a practice one day and hit in the knee with a metal bar. Harding would later be implicated in a convoluted – and poorly executed – scheme to injure Kerrigan so that she could not contend for Olympic gold…thus, freeing the way for Harding to win the medal. As Kerrigan lay in the hallway, crippled from the attack, she cried out, “Why?! Why, me?!” Some have made fun of her and criticized her as a “whiner,” while others maintain that she was in excruciating pain and offered a legitimate reaction.
Pastor Joel Osteen recently preached a sermon titled, “All is Well.” He encouraged listeners to focus on repeating this phrase – and truly believing these words…regardless of what is happening in our lives. He maintained that with God at the helm, all truly is well…all the time. These are encouraging words. This is an incredibly hopeful thought…and one that represents “perfect timing” for many people I know who are experiencing a “season” of difficulty and challenge. The fact is that this is a timely thought for many people on any given day. If we truly do rely on God to meet our needs…if we honestly believe that He will make a way where none seems possible…then certainly “all is well”.
Given this thought to ponder, we look at Paul’s words to Timothy – in particular, verse 20 when he says that he threw out Hymenaeus and Alexander (two pastors) and “handed them over to Satan”. What does this mean? How can this be? I went in search of explanation and discovered an insightful online sermon by Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. If you have time and really want to dig into this message, go to http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/54-9 and read/listen to what he says. He cites numerous scripture passages to solidify his view…including instances in the Old and New Testament where a believer was handed over to Satan…for “refining”…for “proving the validity of their faith”…and “for greater effectiveness”. But in all situations, the purpose was not to literally give these people to the devil…but ultimately, to bring glory to God - and a deepening of their relationship with Him.
So what does this mean for us as Christians? Stop and think about your life and the lives of others. Do you know someone who just can’t seem to catch a break? I’m talking about a faith-filled Christian who seems to experience one challenge after another for a period of time…physical illness and/or injury, the loss of loved ones, perhaps a job loss or difficulties at school – or some problem in their home life. Perhaps you or someone you know have gotten to the point where you wake up in the morning and ask, “What else can possibly go wrong?”
Here’s the thing…even Jesus was delivered to Satan…but He was not defeated by him. God’s hand of protection never left Jesus…and He won’t leave us, either. We may go through some truly rough, heartbreaking, painful times in our lives…but God will still meet our needs…and ultimately, “all is well”. As faith-filled Christians, this is the message we must internalize…and the hope and encouragement that we must offer others.
Our job is to operate with compassion and empathy…to honestly offer sympathy to others who seem to be in the pit of despair and desperation. But at the same time, we must offer them hope. We must assure them that God will not leave them in this pit…even if He allows them to visit for a while. We must demonstrate confidence and faith in our own lives when things appear to be impossible…and we must use our own bleak “seasons” as tools to encourage others who are troubled. We must pray fervently for God to work in us and those to whom we minister, so that the results He desires are manifested…and His power and everlasting care are glorified.
God will not hand us over to Satan “lock, stock and barrel”…but He will do whatever it takes to refine us and make us the most faithful, hopeful, and effective Disciples we can possibly become. We must look at the challenges before us - and those presented to others - as opportunities to stretch and grow in our faith and ministry. We must be ready to learn from them…and to trust God for the outcomes. And all the while, we must demonstrate that…“All is well”.
Has God handed you over to the devil for a season? If so, are you remaining steadfast in your faith? Are you growing in your reliance on God’s wisdom, power, and love? Are you encouraging others and offering them compassion and empathy…even as they seem to fall into a pit of despair and the tricks and battering of Satan’s attempts to wear them down and reclaim them? Will this be the day that you look up and grab God’s hand and say, “Whatever You throw at me, I will not let go. All is well! All is well!”? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
https://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/VideoStreaming.aspx
Click on 2.23.2014 #607 "All is Well"
Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.
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 watched a documentary on NBC about Olympic figure skaters Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. You may know the story of these two women who were rising stars in the figure skating world… both poised to win Olympic medals in 1994 at Lillehammer, Norway. Kerrigan was attacked after a practice one day and hit in the knee with a metal bar. Harding would later be implicated in a convoluted – and poorly executed – scheme to injure Kerrigan so that she could not contend for Olympic gold…thus, freeing the way for Harding to win the medal. As Kerrigan lay in the hallway, crippled from the attack, she cried out, “Why?! Why, me?!” Some have made fun of her and criticized her as a “whiner,” while others maintain that she was in excruciating pain and offered a legitimate reaction.
Pastor Joel Osteen recently preached a sermon titled, “All is Well.” He encouraged listeners to focus on repeating this phrase – and truly believing these words…regardless of what is happening in our lives. He maintained that with God at the helm, all truly is well…all the time. These are encouraging words. This is an incredibly hopeful thought…and one that represents “perfect timing” for many people I know who are experiencing a “season” of difficulty and challenge. The fact is that this is a timely thought for many people on any given day. If we truly do rely on God to meet our needs…if we honestly believe that He will make a way where none seems possible…then certainly “all is well”.
Given this thought to ponder, we look at Paul’s words to Timothy – in particular, verse 20 when he says that he threw out Hymenaeus and Alexander (two pastors) and “handed them over to Satan”. What does this mean? How can this be? I went in search of explanation and discovered an insightful online sermon by Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. If you have time and really want to dig into this message, go to http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/54-9 and read/listen to what he says. He cites numerous scripture passages to solidify his view…including instances in the Old and New Testament where a believer was handed over to Satan…for “refining”…for “proving the validity of their faith”…and “for greater effectiveness”. But in all situations, the purpose was not to literally give these people to the devil…but ultimately, to bring glory to God - and a deepening of their relationship with Him.
So what does this mean for us as Christians? Stop and think about your life and the lives of others. Do you know someone who just can’t seem to catch a break? I’m talking about a faith-filled Christian who seems to experience one challenge after another for a period of time…physical illness and/or injury, the loss of loved ones, perhaps a job loss or difficulties at school – or some problem in their home life. Perhaps you or someone you know have gotten to the point where you wake up in the morning and ask, “What else can possibly go wrong?”
Here’s the thing…even Jesus was delivered to Satan…but He was not defeated by him. God’s hand of protection never left Jesus…and He won’t leave us, either. We may go through some truly rough, heartbreaking, painful times in our lives…but God will still meet our needs…and ultimately, “all is well”. As faith-filled Christians, this is the message we must internalize…and the hope and encouragement that we must offer others.
Our job is to operate with compassion and empathy…to honestly offer sympathy to others who seem to be in the pit of despair and desperation. But at the same time, we must offer them hope. We must assure them that God will not leave them in this pit…even if He allows them to visit for a while. We must demonstrate confidence and faith in our own lives when things appear to be impossible…and we must use our own bleak “seasons” as tools to encourage others who are troubled. We must pray fervently for God to work in us and those to whom we minister, so that the results He desires are manifested…and His power and everlasting care are glorified.
God will not hand us over to Satan “lock, stock and barrel”…but He will do whatever it takes to refine us and make us the most faithful, hopeful, and effective Disciples we can possibly become. We must look at the challenges before us - and those presented to others - as opportunities to stretch and grow in our faith and ministry. We must be ready to learn from them…and to trust God for the outcomes. And all the while, we must demonstrate that…“All is well”.
Has God handed you over to the devil for a season? If so, are you remaining steadfast in your faith? Are you growing in your reliance on God’s wisdom, power, and love? Are you encouraging others and offering them compassion and empathy…even as they seem to fall into a pit of despair and the tricks and battering of Satan’s attempts to wear them down and reclaim them? Will this be the day that you look up and grab God’s hand and say, “Whatever You throw at me, I will not let go. All is well! All is well!”? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
https://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/VideoStreaming.aspx
Click on 2.23.2014 #607 "All is Well"
Daily Devotional for February 22, 2014
Titus 2:1-6
Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives.
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.
Someone shared a video on Facebook of what appeared to be a “tween-age” boy standing on a covered sidewalk at a middle school or junior high. This boy, who was fairly hefty in size, was approached by another young man – a somewhat scrawny and certainly smaller kid – who began to bully him. In fact, he punched the larger boy in the face as other children looked on and encouraged him. Then the larger boy lifted the bully – almost over his head - and slammed him into the concrete sidewalk. The bully slowly rose and literally limped away – clearly injured…hopefully not permanently.
I have to tell you, I was sorry I clicked on this video. I cannot erase this image from my mind. While I will be the first to say that there is no place for bullying – ever – I cannot agree that this retaliation was acceptable. It does not represent a disciplined life or solid doctrine in my book. What bothers me as much is that this video is being shared and presented in a somewhat “he-had-it-coming” light. I found myself feeling sorry for pint-sized aggressor.
Bullying is never acceptable or appropriate. But I believe that bullies act out of insecurity more than aggression. And this is where I feel that these verses from Titus are appropriate. What are we teaching our children? Are we building them up – or tearing them down – with our own behavior? What sort of example are we setting for each other? How are we relating to one another on a daily basis? Are we operating with dignity, temperance, patience and reverence? Do we strive to be good role models for children? Or do we gossip, cheat, lie, steal, and look down on others? Do we perpetuate the concept of bullying by our talk? Are we quick to criticize, belittle, and taunt others – if only in the privacy of our homes or vehicles?
Do we laugh at videos such as this one, pat each other on the shoulder and say, “That’ll teach him!”? Do others see us as someone who has a kind heart and a healthy respect for each person…or as someone who endorses undisciplined, ungodly behavior? Where exactly do you draw the line?
I believe these are all valid questions. And I believe that God has given us clear instructions on how we are to conduct our lives each day. We need to ask God to fill us with solid doctrine (i.e. a healthy understanding – and practice – of Jesus’ teachings)…and to guide us as we demonstrate this to others in our behavior, our speech, and our personal interactions. People are watching! When they look at you…who – and what – do they see?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives.
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.
Someone shared a video on Facebook of what appeared to be a “tween-age” boy standing on a covered sidewalk at a middle school or junior high. This boy, who was fairly hefty in size, was approached by another young man – a somewhat scrawny and certainly smaller kid – who began to bully him. In fact, he punched the larger boy in the face as other children looked on and encouraged him. Then the larger boy lifted the bully – almost over his head - and slammed him into the concrete sidewalk. The bully slowly rose and literally limped away – clearly injured…hopefully not permanently.
I have to tell you, I was sorry I clicked on this video. I cannot erase this image from my mind. While I will be the first to say that there is no place for bullying – ever – I cannot agree that this retaliation was acceptable. It does not represent a disciplined life or solid doctrine in my book. What bothers me as much is that this video is being shared and presented in a somewhat “he-had-it-coming” light. I found myself feeling sorry for pint-sized aggressor.
Bullying is never acceptable or appropriate. But I believe that bullies act out of insecurity more than aggression. And this is where I feel that these verses from Titus are appropriate. What are we teaching our children? Are we building them up – or tearing them down – with our own behavior? What sort of example are we setting for each other? How are we relating to one another on a daily basis? Are we operating with dignity, temperance, patience and reverence? Do we strive to be good role models for children? Or do we gossip, cheat, lie, steal, and look down on others? Do we perpetuate the concept of bullying by our talk? Are we quick to criticize, belittle, and taunt others – if only in the privacy of our homes or vehicles?
Do we laugh at videos such as this one, pat each other on the shoulder and say, “That’ll teach him!”? Do others see us as someone who has a kind heart and a healthy respect for each person…or as someone who endorses undisciplined, ungodly behavior? Where exactly do you draw the line?
I believe these are all valid questions. And I believe that God has given us clear instructions on how we are to conduct our lives each day. We need to ask God to fill us with solid doctrine (i.e. a healthy understanding – and practice – of Jesus’ teachings)…and to guide us as we demonstrate this to others in our behavior, our speech, and our personal interactions. People are watching! When they look at you…who – and what – do they see?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 21, 2014
Philippians 2:5-8
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
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 13th season of the reality TV competition American Idol is underway, and two Arkansans were included in this year’s group of contestants who “made it through to Hollywood”. Malcolm Allen of Wrightsville, and Spencer Lloyd, who hails from Bryant, made it through the first rounds and competed as part of the “top 13” as the field narrowed to 10 contestants. Neither continued beyond this point, although Lloyd was given a chance to “sing for your life” - as contest judge Jennifer Lopez put it. The judges all found Lloyd’s song selection and performance to be lackluster and not truly “star quality”, although they commended him for his talent and making it as far in the competition as he did.
So the aspirations of these two young men – and countless other young people who auditioned and participated in this competition – have been somewhat dashed. While a few eliminated contestants have gone on to reach some pinnacle of stardom, most returned home to a “regular life” among their family and friends. Some will perform at local venues, while others will sing in a church choir – or in the shower! Hopefully, this experience will not define these young people…at least not in the way one might think.
Consider Spencer Lloyd…a youth minister and worship leader at Family Life Church in Bryant, Arkansas. Perhaps God is calling him to focus on this ministry instead of a bigger stage. Maybe this is a harsh – even humbling – reminder that God decides how, when and where we are to use the talents and abilities that He gives us. Perhaps God is whispering to Spencer, “I need you to reach people for Me on a more basic, intimate level.” Yes, some are called to share Jesus on a world-wide stage. There is a place for the Chris Tomlins, Michael W. Smiths, and Natalie Grants…Beth Moores, Jen Hatmakers and Max Lucados. But not all of us are called to serve on such a high-profile stage.
Quite honestly, this notoriety can be a slippery slope. The devil loves to take men and women of God, fill them with a powerful ego, and watch them fall – and take others along with them for the ride. Because of his appearance on American Idol, Spencer Lloyd’s name recognition has grown…so essentially, he has expanded his audience. But you and I are no less important to God. Our ministries and witness are every bit as vital. And because of our “simplicity”, we might just be able to reach those who would never listen to someone with celebrity status. They might perceive such people as “unapproachable” or out of touch with the realities of their “regular” lives. We - plain, ordinary people that we are - have a critical role to play as Disciples of Christ!
We can relate to the person who struggles to trust God when bills are piling up and there don’t seem to be enough work hours in the day to earn enough to cover them. We can offer first-hand compassion and empathy to someone who is going through a rough time…illness, relationship problems, work challenges – or the lack of a job, the challenges of child-rearing – or aging, and so much more. We can share out of the plainness of our own lives in a way that is real and plausible to others.
This is why Jesus came to earth as a humble human being. He certainly is anything but plain and ordinary. But God knew that people would not accept another egotistical, arrogant king. He knew that we needed someone who was one of us…a real, honest-to-goodness person…even though Jesus is truly so much more! Only a Supernatural King in a commonplace, familiar form could speak to us at our very core. Jesus could only reach the “average Joe” as a humble servant touched by the hand of God. And this is who we are called to be…the regular guy…the plain and simple, humble servant who loves God and shares His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional devotion with others.
Spencer Lloyd is perfectly positioned to reach countless people for Jesus Christ…but so are you and I. God has called us to humbly serve others in Jesus’ name…to be one of them – relatable, sympathetic, and “human”. We might not be the next American Idol, but if we serve with a respectful and unpretentious heart, we’ll be true rock stars in the eyes of God. We will become “celebrities” of a heavenly kind…with blessings and dividends far beyond anything Hollywood could ever hope to offer.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
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 13th season of the reality TV competition American Idol is underway, and two Arkansans were included in this year’s group of contestants who “made it through to Hollywood”. Malcolm Allen of Wrightsville, and Spencer Lloyd, who hails from Bryant, made it through the first rounds and competed as part of the “top 13” as the field narrowed to 10 contestants. Neither continued beyond this point, although Lloyd was given a chance to “sing for your life” - as contest judge Jennifer Lopez put it. The judges all found Lloyd’s song selection and performance to be lackluster and not truly “star quality”, although they commended him for his talent and making it as far in the competition as he did.
So the aspirations of these two young men – and countless other young people who auditioned and participated in this competition – have been somewhat dashed. While a few eliminated contestants have gone on to reach some pinnacle of stardom, most returned home to a “regular life” among their family and friends. Some will perform at local venues, while others will sing in a church choir – or in the shower! Hopefully, this experience will not define these young people…at least not in the way one might think.
Consider Spencer Lloyd…a youth minister and worship leader at Family Life Church in Bryant, Arkansas. Perhaps God is calling him to focus on this ministry instead of a bigger stage. Maybe this is a harsh – even humbling – reminder that God decides how, when and where we are to use the talents and abilities that He gives us. Perhaps God is whispering to Spencer, “I need you to reach people for Me on a more basic, intimate level.” Yes, some are called to share Jesus on a world-wide stage. There is a place for the Chris Tomlins, Michael W. Smiths, and Natalie Grants…Beth Moores, Jen Hatmakers and Max Lucados. But not all of us are called to serve on such a high-profile stage.
Quite honestly, this notoriety can be a slippery slope. The devil loves to take men and women of God, fill them with a powerful ego, and watch them fall – and take others along with them for the ride. Because of his appearance on American Idol, Spencer Lloyd’s name recognition has grown…so essentially, he has expanded his audience. But you and I are no less important to God. Our ministries and witness are every bit as vital. And because of our “simplicity”, we might just be able to reach those who would never listen to someone with celebrity status. They might perceive such people as “unapproachable” or out of touch with the realities of their “regular” lives. We - plain, ordinary people that we are - have a critical role to play as Disciples of Christ!
We can relate to the person who struggles to trust God when bills are piling up and there don’t seem to be enough work hours in the day to earn enough to cover them. We can offer first-hand compassion and empathy to someone who is going through a rough time…illness, relationship problems, work challenges – or the lack of a job, the challenges of child-rearing – or aging, and so much more. We can share out of the plainness of our own lives in a way that is real and plausible to others.
This is why Jesus came to earth as a humble human being. He certainly is anything but plain and ordinary. But God knew that people would not accept another egotistical, arrogant king. He knew that we needed someone who was one of us…a real, honest-to-goodness person…even though Jesus is truly so much more! Only a Supernatural King in a commonplace, familiar form could speak to us at our very core. Jesus could only reach the “average Joe” as a humble servant touched by the hand of God. And this is who we are called to be…the regular guy…the plain and simple, humble servant who loves God and shares His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional devotion with others.
Spencer Lloyd is perfectly positioned to reach countless people for Jesus Christ…but so are you and I. God has called us to humbly serve others in Jesus’ name…to be one of them – relatable, sympathetic, and “human”. We might not be the next American Idol, but if we serve with a respectful and unpretentious heart, we’ll be true rock stars in the eyes of God. We will become “celebrities” of a heavenly kind…with blessings and dividends far beyond anything Hollywood could ever hope to offer.
©2014 Debbie Robus
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