Romans 13:4
Do you want to be on good terms with the
government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the
government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules
right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in
their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses
them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid
punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.
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.
Things have certainly changed
since I taught school in the years from 1977-1986. Now a “School
Resource Officer” (SRO) is on duty every school day at our children’s
elementary school and middle school.
Information on our city’s Police Department website states that:
“SROs
work closely with administrators in an effort to create a safer
environment for both students and staff. The responsibilities of SROs
are similar to regular police officers in that they have the ability to
make arrests, respond to calls for service, and document incidents that
occur within their jurisdiction. School resource officers typically have
additional duties to include mentoring and conducting presentations on
youth-related issues. School resource officers play an integral role in
the public school system and have had many positive impacts on the
students that they are involved with.”
Further explanation is given that the School Resource Officer…
- "’humanizes’ the police; that is, young people can begin to relate to officers as people
- permits students to see officers in a helping role, not just an enforcement role
- opens lines of communication between law enforcement and youth
- opens dialogue between the school, law enforcement and parents to deal with other issues”
What
is not explained on the website is how this job is God-ordained. Yes,
it is sad that we have come to a point where we feel we must have an
armed police office on duty at our elementary schools, of all places.
But I can tell you…thirty years ago, there were situations where I would
have welcomed this presence! And I can also tell you that Officer
Wildman, the policeman on duty at our elementary school, is amazing.
The children adore him AND respect his authority. He can respond to an
emergency situation in one hour…and crawl into the back of my car to
buckle Timothy into his child safety seat in the next! And Timothy and
his fellow students have tremendous respect for this man.
What
does this have to do with you and me? I have done a lot of reflecting
since my teaching “career” ended. Particularly as our little ones
entered the school system, I have realized more profoundly just how
significant the role of a teacher or other person of authority and
influence is for children and young people. These are God-ordained
positions. As a 20-something kindergarten teacher, I wish I had been
more aware of this “mission” and sought God even more in my daily
interactions with my students.
But here’s the thing…since those
years, I have become more cognizant of God’s purpose for me in WHATEVER
position I find myself. Even on the days when my main objective is to
cook, clean and do our laundry…make Play-doh® characters with the
kids...or spend an hour visiting with someone who needs a little
encouragement or a friendly ear…I have learned to find God’s purpose –
and to recognize that HE put me here at this moment!
This is what
I want us to think about today. God put each of us here for a reason.
Whatever He has called you to do…from
spouse/parent/housekeeper/caregiver to police
officer/teacher/nurse/physician/public leader – and everything in
between – He has ordained you to do your best. If you are a student,
God has a plan for your future, as well. God has called on us to trust
Him and His plans…and to recognize His presence in them. We must carry
out our “mission” to the best of our ability – and respect the “calling”
of others.
Whatever you do this day, ask God to fully equip
you to give it your best. Live responsibly…not because it keeps you out
of trouble – but because it pleases God. And isn’t that the ultimate
goal?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Isaiah 55:8-13
This plan of mine is not what you
would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours! For just as
the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours,
and my thoughts than yours.
As the rain and snow come down from
heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth, and cause the grain
to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, so
also is my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It shall
accomplish all I want it to and prosper everywhere I send it. You will
live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills, the trees of the
field—all the world around you—will rejoice. Where once were thorns, fir
trees will grow; where briars grew, the myrtle trees will sprout up.
This miracle will make the Lord’s name very great and be an everlasting
sign of God’s power and love.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
In the early 1950s, a man
and his wife were expecting a baby…their third child. These parents of
two boys - ages 9 and 5 - were hoping for a girl this time around.
Instead, they were blessed with a dark-haired, brown-eyed boy. God’s
plan and theirs were just a tad different! And as the wife of this
“third boy”, I am incredibly glad!
See, God already knew that
Greg and I would marry. Even though I would not even enter this world
for another three years, He was planning the events that would bring us
together. He was orchestrating the details of the move from Iowa to
Arkansas that would eventually bring Greg’s family to my home town.
Believe it or not, we didn’t even really know each other until Greg’s
senior year of high school…even though we lived in a very small town
with a population of roughly 2500. To think that God brought us
together at that time in our lives indicates to me His intention for us!
Stop
and think about the people and events that have come together to form
your life. Haven’t you ever wondered, “Why did I meet this person?” or
“How did this happen?” Why do families move thousands of miles and
become part of the fabric of another community and state? Think of the
times you have said “I didn’t expect this, but I couldn’t imagine my
life any other way now.” When we are young, we picture our lives and
the events that will frame them, and “life” almost never turns out that
way. We don’t anticipate significant changes – both good and bad. We
cannot begin to name all of the people who will enter – and depart from –
our lives. We don’t know what successes and triumphs we will
experience…or what tragedies and losses will befall us. I often say
that when I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming an architect…or a
ballerina…and you can see how well this worked for me!
God has
perfect plans for us. He knows who our parents will be…where we will
live…what will happen to us every single second of every day…and He will
be with us every step of the journey. And the most beautiful part is
that God is not done when our earthly life ends…He will continue to
orchestrate our future and walk with us in heaven, as well. I am so
grateful that I am a creation of such a powerful, loving God. And I am
learning to trust His plans for my life – in all things. I don’t
understand it all…a lot of what happens is more than I can wrap my brain
around and digest. But I trust Him. I feel His presence. God is with
me, and I know that He is planning my every step. MY JOB is to
pay attention - and to follow Him…to trust in His wisdom and power…to
listen for His voice …and to be faithful and obedient!
May 1st
is a day that I celebrate enthusiastically. I am so glad that God chose
Greg to be my companion and mate. I am even more grateful that He has
guided my steps most of my own 56+ years. There were moments when I
thought I knew more than He and tried to do things my way – with mostly
miserable results! But I am growing in my relationship with
Him…recognizing His presence alongside me more and more…and trusting His
guidance.
What about you? Have you truly found God? Do you
understand His presence in your life…and do you trust His leadership and
direction? Take some time today to reflect on the events of your
life. Recognize God’s loving, caring hand in all of the circumstances
that make up your time on this earth…and trust His plans for your
future. Make every day a celebration because God is with you -
and you know it! Learn to appreciate the signs and miracles of God’s
everlasting love…and revel in His continual presence.
God may not always give you the desires of your heart…at least not as you envisioned them…but He will
do what is best and perfect! Today, I am celebrating God’s wisdom and
incredible love…and the fact that the third Robus baby was NOT a girl!
What will you celebrate?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
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.
For days, all we heard from newscasters was “Get ready for the big storm.” We were told to make sure we had non-perishable food items, water, fuel, cash, flashlights, batteries and more… in case we were iced in for several days and lost power. We were warned to run any errands and make preparations to stay at home for a while. I saw people in Wal-Mart who were gathering games and other activities to occupy their kiddos over the weekend – especially things that wouldn’t require electrical power. I helped a couple of bewildered husbands find the candles their wives had sent them to purchase.
The ice came, and some areas lost power. Those who didn’t have a plan in place must take personal responsibility, because we were all given ample time and warning to face this storm with hope for a positive outcome.
Anyone who knows me very well can tell you that I am one of those people who like to have a plan. I don’t function well in the realm of “whatever comes along”. I can be spontaneous, and I can adjust on the fly… but I really like to know what’s on the agenda. Of course, there are always unknowns. We can’t always prepare for trees that fall on our house… cars that spin out of control on an icy driveway…or power outages that last far longer than we expected. We can’t know that we will get sick…that certain events will have to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, and more. In short… we truly don’t know for certain what our future holds… at least not 100 percent!
The GOOD NEWS is that God knows exactly what’s in store for us. His plans are perfect. He knows what will be cancelled, what obstacles we will face… and even if the power will go out – and for how long! If we trust God’s plans for our lives… if we have faith and confidence that He will work things out for good and not for disaster… we can live with hope that our future is bright. We still won’t know what is going to happen at any given moment… but we know that God is working things out perfectly. In other words, we don’t know what the future holds, but we know WHO holds the future.
Because of this promise, I can handle the “surprises” that come my way… both the happy ones and those that are not so pleasant. I know that God is planning every minute of my future…and it is indeed a good one. Because I believe in God… because I trust His promises are true…I have hope - and I pray that the same can be said for you. Are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Ephesians 1:11-12
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
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.
When we were in high school, there was a big pep rally and bonfire the night before one of the football games. I was a freshman… and a majorette in the marching band. Greg was a senior…and a student assistant for the football team. He says he spotted me in the firelight… and that after that night, he had his eye on me. That was forty-two years ago! I knew Greg’s name and who he was… I’d seen him at school and riding his motorcycle around town. But I didn’t really know anything about him. A few weeks later, we had our first date…and after that, we were pretty much inseparable.
I find it amazingly wonderful that long before we were even aware of each other, God was orchestrating our life together…that He had designs for “glorious living” for us as a couple. Even more incredible is the realization that long before I was born, God had “designs for glorious living” for me… and an overall purpose that He was working out in everything and everyone around me. And the coolest part of all is that He was doing the same things for you and countless others as well! As this scripture tells us, long before we ever even were born - certainly well before we first heard about Jesus - He was thinking of us… planning for our future… orchestrating everything perfectly.
When you think about your relationship to Jesus in this manner, doesn’t it make sense to live with hope? When you realize that long before you were even born God had His eye on you - was planning for your glorious living - does it give you a reason to face whatever challenges and struggles you may be given… with confidence that He will work out everything for His overall perfect purpose? Don’t you feel energized and encouraged to know that you are loved and cared for so deeply? Doesn’t this give you hope for the future?
The God who can orchestrate the firelight so that the face of a 14-year-old girl catches the eye of a 17-year-old boy can surely shine a light on your future and the steps you need to take to accomplish His purpose. The God who can plan so carefully for every aspect of your life… Who can even set your future mate in your path…can certainly line up the events of your days and show you the right choices to make. The God who loved you enough to send Jesus Christ to earth to live and die for your sins close to 2000 years before you were born can surely handle whatever “life” tosses your way today… and in the days ahead.
This is GOOD NEWS… HOPEFUL news! Do you know who you are and what you are living for in Jesus Christ? Isn’t it time you figured it out? Are you ready to face the future with hope and confidence that He has your back? Will this be the day you begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Psalm 119:121-127
I stood up for justice and the right;
don’t leave me to the mercy of my oppressors.
Take the side of your servant, good God;
don’t let the godless take advantage of me.
I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, waiting for you
to keep your promise to set everything right.
Let your love dictate how you deal with me;
teach me from your textbook on life.
I’m your servant—help me understand what that means,
the inner meaning of your instructions.
It’s time to act, God;
they’ve made a shambles of your revelation!
Yea-Saying God, I love what you command,
I love it better than gold and gemstones;
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.
Thirty-nine years ago today, I married my high school sweetheart. I remember how hard I worked all summer with my mom and my grandmother to get everything ready for the wedding. We made pretty much everything… down to the gowns, cake, mints and flowers! I remember when Greg and I returned from our honeymoon. We still had a couple of weeks before school started at our university, and my family was on vacation in Texas… so we stayed at their house. When Greg returned to his summer job, I still recall thinking, “Now what?” The “hoopla” was over… college still lay ahead of me. But for the moment, reality had set in – and I was more than a little thrown by it all.
For many of us, there are lots of “Now what?” moments in life. When we settle into our college dorm room or new home for the first time, we may have those moments of asking… “Now what do I do?” When the wedding toasts have all been given and the honeymoon trip has been taken… and you return to the everyday world of work, school, household chores – or whatever your life entails, it is normal to have that moment when you wonder, “What is next?” When you finish school and enter the workforce, you may wonder, “Where do I go from here?” As you age, retire, lose family members, peers – or even a spouse, it is natural to ask, “Now what?”
In any life-changing event, there is a time of a “natural high”… followed by a “reality check” where we may wonder what will come next. Even in our Christian faith, we often go through a period of exhilaration… a “mountaintop experience” in which we are filled with joy, confidence, and inspiration to be the most devoted Disciple for Christ. On the Walk to Emmaus, participants are cautioned on the last day as they return home that the world does not operate as we do… that we will face all sorts of challenges and struggles… and the potential for becoming discouraged or complacent is high.
So where does this leave us? How do we avoid the pitfalls and navigate the “what nows”? I believe that these verses help us figure out where to begin… “teach me from your textbook on life. I’m your servant—help me understand what that means, the inner meaning of your instructions.” If we continually seek God in all things… if we listen and learn from His teachings… we can experience peace even in the midst of the most troubling “Now what?” event. God will show us how to proceed in every circumstance… He will guide us – and number our steps. And this, my friends, is worth more than the purest gold or a chest full of diamonds and gemstones.
Even after 39 years, I don’t know for certain what lies ahead… but I know Who is in charge. Because of God’s love and care, I can give my “Now whats?” to Him and rest in the assurance – and peace - that He will show me the right answers. Can you say the same?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. And so, we won’t be afraid!
Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.
Let the ocean roar and foam, and its raging waves shake the mountains.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today was the day we were all supposed to die. Many interpreted calculations on a Mayan calendar to indicate that the world would end today… December 21, 2012. But here we are! Matthew 24:36 tells us… “No one knows the day or hour. The angels in heaven don’t know, and the Son himself doesn’t know. Only the Father knows.” That’s good enough for me… what about you?
See, I believe the words of Psalm 46:1-3. I believe that God will help in times of trouble. I trust His mighty strength… He is my fortress. So I say, “Bring it!” Let the mountains tumble and the oceans roar. Let the earth tremble! There has not been a single thing in my life to this day that I could not handle with God’s help. There has yet to be any obstacle too big for Him to overcome… a problem He could not solve.
Did I always like the outcome? Was everything easy, pleasant and “ooey-gooey” nice? Absolutely not! Were there heartaches and difficulties? Most definitely! Was I left alone to figure out how to manage by myself? Never!
I do not dwell on the end of the world – or the end of my life. Either way, I plan to wake up in heaven! I hope you will be there with me someday. I pray that you are trusting God as your mighty fortress… ready to help in times of trouble. I trust that you do not live in fear of the temptations and struggles the devil throws your way. Our God is awesome, amazing, strong and powerful. He never leaves our side.
I don’t know what tomorrow holds… but I know WHO holds tomorrow. I am counting on God to always be my fortress and my strength in all situations. Are you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Ephesians 1:11-14
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
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.
When my husband and I first started our own business, we stuck to a very strict monthly budget. We had allotted so much for the basics… groceries, utilities, gas for the vehicles, insurance, and other household expenses. We also had allotted a certain amount each month for business expenses…office supplies, postage, telephone bill, and more. Because we had planned carefully and spent frugally early in our careers, we had saved enough money to pay for our home outright. So we didn’t have the monthly expense of a house payment or rent. This was very liberating!
We also had what we called a “nest egg” – money we had set aside from our retirement funds and savings, in case we had an emergency or the business did not develop and go well. We worked very hard… God blessed us… and our business was successful. After a few years, we didn’t have to adhere to the budget nearly as tightly as we did those first years.
Think of your life sort of like a budget. You must be careful with the details… how you conduct yourself, where you spend your time and energy. When you give your heart to Jesus, it’s sort of like when we paid for our house… there is a burden lifted… you no longer have to worry about eternity or forgiveness for your sins. Does this mean you can “blow the budget?” Absolutely not! You still must be careful, monitor all “expenditures” and how you conduct your life. But you have the security of knowing that your future is secure in Jesus Christ… you will spend eternity with Him in heaven someday.
Now think of the Holy Spirit as your “nest egg” – the gift God has given you of a guiding force in your life… someone who you can fall back on in hard times... something of a security blanket. Again, you can’t expect the Holy Spirit to carry you while you coast along and do as you please. But you know He is there… that He is directing your path when you ask for help… that He will watch over you and help you plan a future filled with abundance and blessings.
Budgets and plans are wonderful tools. I’m so glad that God “budgeted and planned” for me… and that the Holy Spirit is helping me each and every day. What an amazing God we serve. To think that He cares that deeply for each of us boggles my mind. But I’m surely glad He does… aren’t you?
How are you budgeting these days… not just in the regular world, but spiritually, as well? Are you a good steward of God’s gifts? Do you take advantage of the presence of His Holy Spirit? Are you living in a way that says, “I’m ready for the next level! I know that God has great things in store for me, and I can’t wait to experience them!”? Today is the perfect time to start to live according to God’s plan… to pay closer attention to how you are using the gifts and blessings He has provided… and to “operate within the budget.” Are you ready to do this?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Psalm 90:10, 12
We can expect seventy years, or maybe eighty, if we are healthy, but even our best years bring trouble and sorrow. Suddenly our time is up, and we disappear.
Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the first twenty-five-plus years of my adult life, I lived and breathed by a schedule and calendar. In my years as a teacher, I planned everything around the school year and scheduled holidays. When I was not in summer school, I mapped out my summer days – to some degree - trying to get everything I felt I had to get done finished within the first week or two so I could “relax” and enjoy the rest of the break. I would frantically spend the first week or two of June doing all of my heavy house cleaning, any “summer sewing” and getting other “obligations” out of the way.
At the end of the summer break, I would allow a couple of weeks or more to get ready to go back to school… cleaning again, making meals to put in the freezer, and then actually working at school to get my room ready for the new class. I used to plan weekly menus – and stick to them! I have “to-do” lists from those years that would probably stack inches high on my desk. And yes, if you saw my laundry room filled with fabrics and crafts items waiting to become my latest project, you would say I still have “to-do” lists of sorts!
Now that I have the luxury of retirement and don’t have to plan my life around a work schedule, I can enjoy “going with the flow” more. There are many days when I say to myself – or anyone within earshot, “I got so much more done when I was working!” But at the same time, I have to ask myself if I really made every day count in the bargain.
In my notes, I have written that “the value of dying is that it makes us aware of how limited time is. Our days are numbered! Make every day count for God!” I have learned the hard way that a lot of what we think is important – or makes us happy – is more about appearances and pleasing others than satisfying ourselves… much less God.
So here are a few things I have learned along the way...
- It is okay to pick and choose. I have opted to spend time with my grandmother instead of attending the funeral of one of her friends. I have learned to say “No!” rather than stretch myself too thinly. A dear “other-mother” friend of mine told a mutual friend once, “’No!’ can be a holy answer!” My former pastor told me that “’No!” is a complete sentence!”
- Spending time on my own health and fitness benefits everyone… not just me. If I don’t take care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually, I cannot help those who need me… not to mention that God wants me to be the best “me” possible. (see point #1)
- If I get to the end of a busy, productive day and didn’t plan a meal for dinner, there is always peanut butter – or carry-out!
- “To-do” lists are great things… we should have goals. But just because something is on “the list” doesn’t mean the world will crash down around you if it doesn’t get done!
- Relationships are more important than crossing something off the list. A walk in the park with my husband trumps a clean floor any day. Ditto for time spent with our little ones, a phone conversation with a friend or family member, and dropping everything to comfort someone who is in need.
Don’t kid yourself… I still will stay up half the night to write cards to friends, update a blog, make a dress for my little great niece, or watch mindless drivel on television. I have days when I don’t feel like I accomplished much – and as I like to say, I “piddled” all day. But I am trying to look at each day with fresh eyes…to see the gift that God has given me… and not to waste a minute of it. Even “piddling” is sometimes a good use of a day, if it refreshes and rejuvenates us for what God wants us to do next. The key is not to string too many of these days together… or get in a rut of doing too much or too little all the time!
I suggest that we start each day with a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of a new day. Ask God to show you what He has planned for your day… and work your own “to-do” list around His! Our days are numbered, but God can show us how to make every single one count. Are you wisely using all the time that you have?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Philippians 3:7-11
But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, so that somehow I also may be raised to life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
How do you measure success? When I was a little girl, I thought I wanted to be a nurse. (I didn’t realize that I don’t do well with needles – shots, IVs, etc.) My grandmother said, “If you’re going to be a nurse, become a doctor instead… they make more money!” My other grandmother said, “Marry a rich man!” To a large extent, both women viewed success in terms of dollars and cents. And that is not an uncommon opinion. Just turn on the television and look at how success is portrayed… fancy houses, sports cars, diamonds and designer clothes, jobs that pay six figures, and a high public profile.
Did it ever occur to you that when we talk to someone about his/her goals in life, we don’t encourage them to “Be the most humble, faithful servant of Christ you can be” – as if that were a noble calling? We may toss it casually into the conversation along with, “You need to get a college degree,” and “Pick a career that has good earning potential.” We don’t encourage others to pursue a degree or career in an area that will serve others – unless it pays well. We don’t look at what God might be able to do with a coach or teacher in a low-paying position… the social worker who works for the local welfare office or juvenile court… or the nurses’ aides who care for the elderly in a skilled care facility. When we go on vacation, we want our hotel room to be spotlessly clean, but we don’t consider the people who will make sure this is how we find it… or the wait staff who serves us at our favorite restaurant! We often fail to recognize the importance of stay-at-home moms or the daycare workers who nurture our children.
Maybe… just maybe… the people who serve others in low-paying, thankless jobs are right where God wanted them to be. Maybe they have discovered that the things the world thinks are important are like garbage compared to the joy of seeking and serving Christ in all things. Is it possible that the most successful people on earth are not necessarily those with tons of money… but rather, those who spend their time and energy getting closer to God and belonging totally to Him? It’s that old adage, “Bloom where you are planted” in action, coupled with a hefty challenge to get our priorities straight!
This is not to say that everyone in a low-paying, or blue collar job is there because he/she wants to be – or feels that this is where God wants them to serve. This also doesn’t mean you can’t get close to God and be well-educated, highly paid, popular, and prestigious. But wealth and status should not be the ultimate goals of a Christian disciple who has humbly committed himself/herself to Jesus and His service.
Regardless of your stage and station in life, it is never too late to stop and take stock… to re-evaluate your goals and aspirations. You may find that you have lost your passion for the things that once held such allure and excitement for you. If you are ready to really serve Jesus and be more like Him, you will probably find that your priorities are changing. And this could be the beginning of a total redefinition of your idea of success… one with Eternal and everlasting results. Make Jesus your passion… serve Him first and foremost… and see where He takes you. Get ready to be amazed at how “successful” you truly are.
©2012 Debbie Robus
