Isaiah 29:13-15
The Lord has said: “These people
praise me with their words, but they never really think about me. They
worship me by repeating rules made up by humans.
So once again I
will do things that shock and amaze them, and I will destroy the wisdom
of those who claim to know and understand.”
You are in for trouble, if you try to hide your plans from the Lord! Or if you think what you do in the dark can’t be seen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
“Everything happens for a reason.”
“God helps those who help themselves.”
“God wants you to be happy.”
“God will not give you more than you can handle.”
“God works in mysterious ways.”
“If you can envision and believe it, you will receive it.”
“If you work hard enough, you'll be successful.”
“Love the sinner, hate the sin.”
“Money is the root of all evil.”
“This, too, shall pass.”
“To thine own self be true.”
Would
it surprise you to learn that NONE of these phrases actually appears in
God’s Holy Word? Still, I bet you have heard at least one of these
quoted as if the words came directly from the pages of your Bible! This
is but a sampling of the ways in which we twist God’s words to suit our
own agendas. And by virtue of repetition, several of these “tenets”
have become part of the “makeup” of many a Christian’s core beliefs and
values.
While some of these phrases did have a somewhat
scriptural origin…do you see how they have been manipulated and the
meaning has changed? For instance, money is not the root of all evil…but the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10) “causes all kinds of trouble.”
Likewise,
some will take the middle section of this scripture passage where
Isaiah prophecies that God will shock, amaze, and destroy those who
disobey or twist His words to mean that everything from natural
disasters to AIDS and other diseases are God’s punishment upon us. If
you prayerfully and carefully read this passage, you will see that God
is saying that those who turn His words and commands into something that
He did not intend will be disappointed and corrected. God will not
stand for this! He will not allow His message to be tainted…and He will make things right…but not by bringing plagues and disasters!
Finally, we come to the third section of this passage, in which we are reminded that God knows everything.
So whether you talk about others in a derogatory manner in the privacy
of your own home – or with people you believe agree with your stance -
or you voice your opinions in a public venue…God knows. When you work
behind the scenes to create divisiveness toward a group of people or a
particular ideology, you are breaking Jesus’ commandment to “love one
another.” When you make up the rules as you go along and hope that God
will forgive you later…or you think that your Salvation in Jesus has
given you a “free pass” or somehow elevated you in status, you have
totally blown it!
I know I talk about this a lot. But it seems
like a large number of “Christians” today are operating in man-made
rules. They are judgmental, pious, unloving, and divisive…and they try
to justify it all in the name of Jesus. I believe that God’s heart is
breaking over this. I pray that you are not among them. But the only
way we can know if we are in God’s will and serving as genuine disciples
of Christ is to stay in constant contact with Him…to study His word
night and day, and beg God to impress upon our hearts His true
meaning…and to sift through and discard the ugliness and confusion that
the devil tries to intersperse.
Will you join me in renewing your
efforts to operate in God’s truth? Will you rekindle your love for the
words and wisdom of our Heavenly Father…and vow to operate only from
His vantage point? Are you ready to step out into the Light of Christ
and “disciple” confidently from that position? Is this the day that you
will begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label personal agenda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal agenda. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 24, 2015
Matthew 10:38
“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.
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.
It happens almost every time we are together. Timothy gets so engrossed in playing with his Legos®…or watching videos or a movie…or whatever has grabbed his attention at the moment…and he totally ignores our summons. At least that’s how it seems…because, you see, we KNOW that he hears us! We call, “C’mon…it’s time to go,” or "Dinner is ready…you can play with that again after you eat.” And he acts as if nothing has been said to him until we call to him two or three (or more) times! If we start to move on without him, Timothy will often look up and say, “Wait! Wait for me!” and come running to join us.
This is not a case of childhood misbehavior, necessarily. Timothy’s siblings – and all children – do this, because they are immature children! They lack the ability to understand that there will be plenty of time to do what they want after they complete the task being required by the adult(s). And most surely, they lack the capacity to fully comprehend that there is a time and a place for us to do what we please and follow our own desires…and a time to set those aside for someone or something else. No kid of any age ever likes to hear the words, “Time’s up!”
I know this scripture verse is almost identical to the passage from Luke 9 that I shared yesterday. And I’ll be honest, the outline I created for these devotionals called for me to use another passage from the Book of Mark, Chapter 8, that says virtually the same thing. So I surmised that God really wants me to share this thought again today. We cannot be true disciples of Jesus Christ and focus on our own desires and agendas. We must understand that HIS desires and plans come first. When He calls, we must drop what we are doing…and answer!
Most likely, there will be plenty of time for us to do the things that we want to do…and if not, they weren’t all that important anyway. If God supports your desires and activities, He will see that you have the means to pursue them. And if you choose to pursue them without His blessing, don’t be surprised if the end results are less than stellar. I’m not suggesting that God will sabotage you…but He surely will not support and enhance your selfish behavior.
Let’s all stop today and spend a few minutes talking to God about what He wants for us. Let’s ask Him to show us which pursuits and desires are selfish…and which are on point with what Jesus requires from His disciples – including us. When Jesus calls, let’s drop what we are doing and answer right away. If we are not willing to do this – to go all the way with Him through thick and thin – we really don’t deserve to have a relationship with Him. I don’t want to be like a child who keeps on playing…and look up to find Jesus leaving without me. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.
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.
It happens almost every time we are together. Timothy gets so engrossed in playing with his Legos®…or watching videos or a movie…or whatever has grabbed his attention at the moment…and he totally ignores our summons. At least that’s how it seems…because, you see, we KNOW that he hears us! We call, “C’mon…it’s time to go,” or "Dinner is ready…you can play with that again after you eat.” And he acts as if nothing has been said to him until we call to him two or three (or more) times! If we start to move on without him, Timothy will often look up and say, “Wait! Wait for me!” and come running to join us.
This is not a case of childhood misbehavior, necessarily. Timothy’s siblings – and all children – do this, because they are immature children! They lack the ability to understand that there will be plenty of time to do what they want after they complete the task being required by the adult(s). And most surely, they lack the capacity to fully comprehend that there is a time and a place for us to do what we please and follow our own desires…and a time to set those aside for someone or something else. No kid of any age ever likes to hear the words, “Time’s up!”
I know this scripture verse is almost identical to the passage from Luke 9 that I shared yesterday. And I’ll be honest, the outline I created for these devotionals called for me to use another passage from the Book of Mark, Chapter 8, that says virtually the same thing. So I surmised that God really wants me to share this thought again today. We cannot be true disciples of Jesus Christ and focus on our own desires and agendas. We must understand that HIS desires and plans come first. When He calls, we must drop what we are doing…and answer!
Most likely, there will be plenty of time for us to do the things that we want to do…and if not, they weren’t all that important anyway. If God supports your desires and activities, He will see that you have the means to pursue them. And if you choose to pursue them without His blessing, don’t be surprised if the end results are less than stellar. I’m not suggesting that God will sabotage you…but He surely will not support and enhance your selfish behavior.
Let’s all stop today and spend a few minutes talking to God about what He wants for us. Let’s ask Him to show us which pursuits and desires are selfish…and which are on point with what Jesus requires from His disciples – including us. When Jesus calls, let’s drop what we are doing and answer right away. If we are not willing to do this – to go all the way with Him through thick and thin – we really don’t deserve to have a relationship with Him. I don’t want to be like a child who keeps on playing…and look up to find Jesus leaving without me. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 26, 2013
May 26 ~ Matthew 25:41-43
“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—
I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’
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.
Last week, for the first time since my grandmother’s death more than a couple of months ago, I returned to the assisted living facility where she had resided. I visit with several residents and staff members there… many who have been lifelong dear friends. One man told me, “You missed my birthday! I’ve gotten a year older since you were here last.” He celebrated 95 years on May 18th, and clearly, it was important to him that we acknowledge this milestone . Another man, whom I only know as an acquaintance, told me that his wife passed away eleven days after my grandmother died. I had no idea that this had happened, and I spent a few minutes offering my condolences to him - and remembering her. Still others were eager to hug me and tell me how much they miss my grandmother – and how glad they were to see me. I promised to visit again… and I will.
There was a time in my life where I made giant “to-do” lists. I spent hours/days/weeks/months trying to accomplish everything on the lists. I set schedules and mental deadlines… and when things didn’t happen as they should, I beat myself up pretty badly over it all. If only I were more organized… more focused. Could I sleep less… or skip over something that was less significant? Many days, I hurriedly moved from one task to the next… eager to mark things off the list – and often more concerned with this than the quality of my work!
It took a long time, but I finally realized that a lot of the things on my list were never all that important in the first place… except in my own mind. Just because I say I’m going to clean the house on Tuesday doesn’t mean I can’t postpone these tasks in favor of a day trip with my husband – or a trip to the park with Timothy, Zola and Nathan. It won’t be the end of the world if someone drops by and my house is not spotless! When I get sick or someone needs my help and I don’t find time to write this daily devotional, the world will not fall apart!
If I never get all of my photos organized, closets cleaned, and all of those old greeting cards recycled into new ones, life will continue. The fabrics calling to me from my “stash” may or may not become cute outfits for my little ones… but they will not go naked. Thanks to restaurants and “take-out,” we will not go hungry if meals aren’t prepared… and there is nothing wrong with an occasional bowl of cereal for dinner!
On the other hand, these little ones won’t be little forever. The opportunities to nurture and mold them - and teach them about the love, grace, mercy and tender care of Jesus - will wane as they grow…and outgrow us in the process! The opportunities to visit elderly friends and loved ones will not last. The tray of cookies or a hot casserole we deliver to a family going through a crisis will have a far bigger impact than missing a hot meal on our own table for one night. Skipping an afternoon on the couch channel surfing in favor of a visit to someone who is house-bound – or in the hospital or in jail – will be far more impactful in the long run. Working at the local soup kitchen or volunteering for a church or community event will mean more than getting your car washed, that shopping trip you were anticipating, or hanging out at the lake with your friends. Taking time to write a note of encouragement – or thanks – or to drop someone an e-mail just to let them know you love them is more important than spending a half hour playing Angry Birds, Words with Friends, or Farmville!
Don’t misunderstand me… keeping things in order – keeping your homes, yard and vehicles clean…spending time with friends and family members… and even resting… are all important. It’s great to have hobbies and goals. But too many of us have become slaves to our schedules… and in doing so, we have become like “worthless goats” rather than Disciples who please God with our service and witness. We have placed our focus on things that are short-term. We are impatient. We cannot see the bigger picture and how what we are doing now relates to God’s overall plan.
When I was visiting with the man at my grandmother’s facility who was recently widowed, he shared a compelling analogy with me. He said someone had told him that God’s love and plans for us can be compared to a father and son who are standing behind a fence watching a parade. The father is tall enough to look over the fence and see the entire parade, from beginning to end. The son can only peer through a knothole in the fence. He only sees what advances in front of him. He cannot see the entire length of the parade until it passes before him. This is a great description of our life in Christ. He sees the entire parade… we only see the limited view from our “knothole.” And often, we grow impatient… weary… bored and/or disgruntled… and too often, we move away and focus on our own personal agendas.
The time has come to stand still and wait for the entire parade. We must re-evaluate our priorities and our “to-do” lists. We need to spend time in prayer and meditation and ask God, “Is this really where you want me to expend my efforts and energy?” When God presents us with an unexpected task or opportunity, we need to be prepared to say, “Sign me up! I’m ready!” - knowing that His plan will be far superior to our own.
In most instances, God’s “parade” looks altogether different than ours… but His is so much better! If we follow God’s “parade,” He will grant us plenty of time for many of the things that we want to do. If we are patient – and obedient – He will grant us plenty of opportunities for the things we feel are significant – and fun. Won’t you ask Him to show you where you need to rearrange your priorities and your “lists”? Are you ready to exchange your “worthless goat” agenda for the blessings and joy that come from His approval? Will this be the day that you start to trust God for the “whole parade”… or will you continue to live with a “knothole” view?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—
I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’
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.
Last week, for the first time since my grandmother’s death more than a couple of months ago, I returned to the assisted living facility where she had resided. I visit with several residents and staff members there… many who have been lifelong dear friends. One man told me, “You missed my birthday! I’ve gotten a year older since you were here last.” He celebrated 95 years on May 18th, and clearly, it was important to him that we acknowledge this milestone . Another man, whom I only know as an acquaintance, told me that his wife passed away eleven days after my grandmother died. I had no idea that this had happened, and I spent a few minutes offering my condolences to him - and remembering her. Still others were eager to hug me and tell me how much they miss my grandmother – and how glad they were to see me. I promised to visit again… and I will.
There was a time in my life where I made giant “to-do” lists. I spent hours/days/weeks/months trying to accomplish everything on the lists. I set schedules and mental deadlines… and when things didn’t happen as they should, I beat myself up pretty badly over it all. If only I were more organized… more focused. Could I sleep less… or skip over something that was less significant? Many days, I hurriedly moved from one task to the next… eager to mark things off the list – and often more concerned with this than the quality of my work!
It took a long time, but I finally realized that a lot of the things on my list were never all that important in the first place… except in my own mind. Just because I say I’m going to clean the house on Tuesday doesn’t mean I can’t postpone these tasks in favor of a day trip with my husband – or a trip to the park with Timothy, Zola and Nathan. It won’t be the end of the world if someone drops by and my house is not spotless! When I get sick or someone needs my help and I don’t find time to write this daily devotional, the world will not fall apart!
If I never get all of my photos organized, closets cleaned, and all of those old greeting cards recycled into new ones, life will continue. The fabrics calling to me from my “stash” may or may not become cute outfits for my little ones… but they will not go naked. Thanks to restaurants and “take-out,” we will not go hungry if meals aren’t prepared… and there is nothing wrong with an occasional bowl of cereal for dinner!
On the other hand, these little ones won’t be little forever. The opportunities to nurture and mold them - and teach them about the love, grace, mercy and tender care of Jesus - will wane as they grow…and outgrow us in the process! The opportunities to visit elderly friends and loved ones will not last. The tray of cookies or a hot casserole we deliver to a family going through a crisis will have a far bigger impact than missing a hot meal on our own table for one night. Skipping an afternoon on the couch channel surfing in favor of a visit to someone who is house-bound – or in the hospital or in jail – will be far more impactful in the long run. Working at the local soup kitchen or volunteering for a church or community event will mean more than getting your car washed, that shopping trip you were anticipating, or hanging out at the lake with your friends. Taking time to write a note of encouragement – or thanks – or to drop someone an e-mail just to let them know you love them is more important than spending a half hour playing Angry Birds, Words with Friends, or Farmville!
Don’t misunderstand me… keeping things in order – keeping your homes, yard and vehicles clean…spending time with friends and family members… and even resting… are all important. It’s great to have hobbies and goals. But too many of us have become slaves to our schedules… and in doing so, we have become like “worthless goats” rather than Disciples who please God with our service and witness. We have placed our focus on things that are short-term. We are impatient. We cannot see the bigger picture and how what we are doing now relates to God’s overall plan.
When I was visiting with the man at my grandmother’s facility who was recently widowed, he shared a compelling analogy with me. He said someone had told him that God’s love and plans for us can be compared to a father and son who are standing behind a fence watching a parade. The father is tall enough to look over the fence and see the entire parade, from beginning to end. The son can only peer through a knothole in the fence. He only sees what advances in front of him. He cannot see the entire length of the parade until it passes before him. This is a great description of our life in Christ. He sees the entire parade… we only see the limited view from our “knothole.” And often, we grow impatient… weary… bored and/or disgruntled… and too often, we move away and focus on our own personal agendas.
The time has come to stand still and wait for the entire parade. We must re-evaluate our priorities and our “to-do” lists. We need to spend time in prayer and meditation and ask God, “Is this really where you want me to expend my efforts and energy?” When God presents us with an unexpected task or opportunity, we need to be prepared to say, “Sign me up! I’m ready!” - knowing that His plan will be far superior to our own.
In most instances, God’s “parade” looks altogether different than ours… but His is so much better! If we follow God’s “parade,” He will grant us plenty of time for many of the things that we want to do. If we are patient – and obedient – He will grant us plenty of opportunities for the things we feel are significant – and fun. Won’t you ask Him to show you where you need to rearrange your priorities and your “lists”? Are you ready to exchange your “worthless goat” agenda for the blessings and joy that come from His approval? Will this be the day that you start to trust God for the “whole parade”… or will you continue to live with a “knothole” view?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 8, 2011
John 5:41-44
I'm not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Turn on the television, and you will find countless programs where people are clamoring to “be Somebody!” From the winner of Survivor to The Biggest Loser to the writer of the next Platinum Hit or HGTV’s Design Star and more… people want to be on top. Turn on a sports channel, and you will find athletes hoping to be a first-round draft pick or the winner of this award or that… or a whole team wanting to come out on top in the championship. Clearly, we are wired for crowd approval.
The sad thing is that we are so hungry for human approval… yet the approval that matters gets kicked to the curb. And I believe this is why so many human beings are discontent at best… and downright miserable in many cases. A few years ago, I wrote a song that I titled “I Am a Child of God.” In one of the verses, I said, “I used to care what others thought of me… it mattered that they liked me and approved. I wanted the assurance that in me, they could see something that was acceptable… something that was good.” Later, a verse says, “I tried to do the things that I thought would please others. But in the end, no one was pleased, and everything went wrong.” Do you relate to these phrases?
When I learned to focus on pleasing only God, everything else started to fall into place. When I realized that the most important Being in the room was my Heavenly Father, and He was the only One who truly mattered…a huge weight was lifted. As long as we recognize – and welcome – God into our day, He will take care of the rest. If you have focused on giving God top priority… First Place… you can rest assured that He will meet your every need.
Doors will open… “championships” (of God’s choosing) will come. You will find a “position” in life – the one God chooses for you… and it will be exactly right. Will you win a sweepstakes or be elected to high office? Will people be rushing to your side and vying for your friendship and affection? Only if this is what fits into God’s grand plan. Will it matter if it doesn’t happen? Not one bit! What will matter is what God thinks… and He thinks you are the most important thing ever! What God brings to you is what counts… not the approval and accolades of the world.
So what will you do with the rest of your life? Will you spend it wandering aimlessly, so to speak… seeking the recognition and approval of mere mortals… the fleeting rewards and temporary thrills of feeling important to other human beings who are seeking the same sort of recognition and acceptance? Or will you focus on pleasing God… welcome Him with open arms and place your fate and your future in His hands? Will you bask in the glory of being His precious child? Will you make God most important in your life and focus on His love? He can make you a true champion… God can give you what you’ve been looking for all along. Are you ready to turn around and greet Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I'm not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Turn on the television, and you will find countless programs where people are clamoring to “be Somebody!” From the winner of Survivor to The Biggest Loser to the writer of the next Platinum Hit or HGTV’s Design Star and more… people want to be on top. Turn on a sports channel, and you will find athletes hoping to be a first-round draft pick or the winner of this award or that… or a whole team wanting to come out on top in the championship. Clearly, we are wired for crowd approval.
The sad thing is that we are so hungry for human approval… yet the approval that matters gets kicked to the curb. And I believe this is why so many human beings are discontent at best… and downright miserable in many cases. A few years ago, I wrote a song that I titled “I Am a Child of God.” In one of the verses, I said, “I used to care what others thought of me… it mattered that they liked me and approved. I wanted the assurance that in me, they could see something that was acceptable… something that was good.” Later, a verse says, “I tried to do the things that I thought would please others. But in the end, no one was pleased, and everything went wrong.” Do you relate to these phrases?
When I learned to focus on pleasing only God, everything else started to fall into place. When I realized that the most important Being in the room was my Heavenly Father, and He was the only One who truly mattered…a huge weight was lifted. As long as we recognize – and welcome – God into our day, He will take care of the rest. If you have focused on giving God top priority… First Place… you can rest assured that He will meet your every need.
Doors will open… “championships” (of God’s choosing) will come. You will find a “position” in life – the one God chooses for you… and it will be exactly right. Will you win a sweepstakes or be elected to high office? Will people be rushing to your side and vying for your friendship and affection? Only if this is what fits into God’s grand plan. Will it matter if it doesn’t happen? Not one bit! What will matter is what God thinks… and He thinks you are the most important thing ever! What God brings to you is what counts… not the approval and accolades of the world.
So what will you do with the rest of your life? Will you spend it wandering aimlessly, so to speak… seeking the recognition and approval of mere mortals… the fleeting rewards and temporary thrills of feeling important to other human beings who are seeking the same sort of recognition and acceptance? Or will you focus on pleasing God… welcome Him with open arms and place your fate and your future in His hands? Will you bask in the glory of being His precious child? Will you make God most important in your life and focus on His love? He can make you a true champion… God can give you what you’ve been looking for all along. Are you ready to turn around and greet Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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