James 5:19-20
Dear brothers, if anyone has slipped
away from God and no longer trusts the Lord and someone helps him
understand the Truth again, that person who brings him back to God will
have saved a wandering soul from death, bringing about the forgiveness
of his many sins.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
A friend of mine shared a
blog post today from Jamie Jones*, a Christian speaker who is heartsick
over world events. The title of her post was “The Reason I Don’t Pray
for the Genocide in Iraq...” Jones acknowledged that events around the
world have made her “numb”...and she doesn’t even know how to pray about
them. But she points out in her post that in Romans 8:26, the
scripture says that the Holy Spirit “prays for us with groanings” when
we have no words to express our thoughts and feelings. In 2 Corinthians
4:7, Paul describes us as “fragile clay jars” containing the treasure
of God’s power. In other words...we don’t have to have all of the
answers - we just have to trust God for them.
Here’s how this
applies to the scripture passage in James 5...God doesn’t call on us to
specifically do or say any particular thing to someone else about
salvation, our faith, or sin – theirs or ours. He calls on us to be the
“fragile clay jars”...then He supplies the power to evoke change. We
are to operate in love, grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness...all
of the blessings and gifts that Jesus bestows to us through His Holy
Spirit...then give Him room to work.
So when your friend tells
you over and again that he/she is an atheist, keep on loving and
operating in kindness. Instead of hounding others to come to church
with you, cook a meal for them – or invite them to dine with you. Be a
friend in whatever way the other person needs – lend a listening ear,
help with an errand, babysit, offer an occasional ride to work or
school, pitch in to help with housekeeping or yard work, or do whatever
you determine could make a difference for this person at the moment. Be
available in ways great and small – and make sure the other person sees
your willingness to love them and help however - and whenever - you
can. Smile! Speak positively, and operate with a spirit of confidence,
hopefulness and faith. Nobody sees the love and mercy of Jesus in
someone who is always negative and critical.
I don’t want to cite
specific examples, but trust me when I say that I have known more than a
couple of people in my life who claimed there was no God...or renounced
Him in some manner. Instead of chastising them, “preaching” to them,
or even talking much about God in their presence, I have chosen to love
them...to pray for them. I have not backed away from opportunities to
share the GOOD NEWS with them...to include a scripture reference in a
personal note or to mention how God blessed me or saw me through a
specific situation. But I have tried very hard to be the “fragile clay
jar” – and to allow God to handle the rest in his infinite wisdom and
omnipotent power.
Here’s the thing...more than one of the people
that I’ve referenced has started to come around. Some have made huge
transformations and are now boldly declaring their devotion to Jesus.
Others are starting to show chinks in the armor...their hardline
attitudes have softened...talk of a “Higher Power” or “Christian love”
finds its way into their conversations. And so I persevere...I offer
myself as a disciple of Christ...His servant and “fragile clay jar” to
be used to reach others.
Before you add stars to my crown, know
that I don’t always get this right. None of us do! And the state of
world affairs on any given day is enough to make any of us throw up our
hands and say, “I simply don’t know what to do with this...or how to
even pray about it!” The GOOD NEWS is that we don’t have to...we know a
Potter who can work miracles with sinful lumps of clay! He can turn us
in to “fragile jars” and fill us with His Holy Spirit, which has power
that we cannot begin to comprehend. If we will remain steady and
persistent...committed and willing love others with grace and mercy, He
will handle the rest.
We have one job...to continually love
others in Jesus name and to give Him a vessel from which to work. My
question to you today is, “How are you using your jar?”
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://jamiejones.org/the-reason-i-dont-pray-for-the-genocide-in-iraq/
Showing posts with label power of the Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power of the Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 28, 2013
Romans 15:13
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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.
Greg and I watched Amour, an award-winning French film about an aging couple who face serious challenges after the wife suffers a stroke that leaves her paralyzed on her right side. The couple – former piano teachers in Paris – both make numerous adjustments to their home and lifestyle to accommodate her affliction. Then she suffers a second stroke that leaves her bedridden and unable to speak. Understandably, she loses hope… and over time, so does her husband. After the movie ended, Greg and I looked at each other, and I said, “I pray that God spares us this kind of ending.”
I know that we don’t get to choose what happens… and I would never dare to tell God how things ought to go. I know that His plans are perfect… that there are reasons and outcomes that I cannot envision. I know that I must trust Him completely… and for the most part, I do a pretty good job of this.
Still, I don’t have enough fingers and toes to name those I know personally who are currently facing situations that seem hopeless. I think of a friend who just had babies she had fostered for most of their little lives removed from her home yesterday in the dark of early morning… whisked away to live with a cousin they had never even met. I think about friends who have a spouse who is seriously ill and the decisions they face daily about the care and well-being of these spouses – and themselves. I think of a friend who will bury her brother in a couple of days… and another who sits at her brother’s bedside as he appears to be losing his battle with cancer. I am reminded of my friend Mich, who lost his battle with a cancerous brain tumor that he didn’t even know he had three months ago. I have prayed today for a high school classmate, whose grand-daughter was born yesterday with Down’s Syndrome and three holes in her little heart.
I know families who struggle from day to day to pay bills and put food on the table… and others who just can’t seem to get it together in their interpersonal relationships. I know some who struggle with addictions… smoking, drinking, drugs and more – and wrestle with kicking their habits. I visited this week with an elderly mother who lives in an assisted living facility. Her daughter is fighting for her life in a hospital in a nearby city, and this mother had not received any word about her condition in two days. Another resident I visited at the same facility was deeply concerned about his friend who is experiencing health problems as he stresses over caring for his wife. I picked up the local paper and read about a man who was arrested for receiving a shipment of illegal drugs at our local post office. His mother lives on my mother-in-law’s street, and my sister and I attended elementary school with him. I thought about how hopeless she – and all of these dear people – must feel.
How do you find joy and peace when you feel so hopeless… and helpless? How do you forge ahead with confidence in the midst of such trials and suffering? There is only one answer… Jesus! Through the power of His Holy Spirit, we can feel calm and peace when life swirls around us like a whirlpool and threatens to suck us down into the depths of despair. Because of Jesus, we can believe that we will laugh again… that we will find happiness, serenity, rest and renewal…that Someone far more competent and powerful than we are is in complete control… and that all will be well. Because of Jesus, we can dare to hope and believe that God’s plan is perfect… and we can rest in this.
Today marks 50 years since the infamous speech by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that is known to many as the “I Have a Dream” address. I also have a dream… that God is working out everything, according to His perfect plan… that I can rest in this hope and find His peace and joy in even the worst of circumstances. What is your dream? Where is your hope? Will this be the day that you rest in the LORD and begin to operate in His peace?
©2013 Debbie Robus
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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.
Greg and I watched Amour, an award-winning French film about an aging couple who face serious challenges after the wife suffers a stroke that leaves her paralyzed on her right side. The couple – former piano teachers in Paris – both make numerous adjustments to their home and lifestyle to accommodate her affliction. Then she suffers a second stroke that leaves her bedridden and unable to speak. Understandably, she loses hope… and over time, so does her husband. After the movie ended, Greg and I looked at each other, and I said, “I pray that God spares us this kind of ending.”
I know that we don’t get to choose what happens… and I would never dare to tell God how things ought to go. I know that His plans are perfect… that there are reasons and outcomes that I cannot envision. I know that I must trust Him completely… and for the most part, I do a pretty good job of this.
Still, I don’t have enough fingers and toes to name those I know personally who are currently facing situations that seem hopeless. I think of a friend who just had babies she had fostered for most of their little lives removed from her home yesterday in the dark of early morning… whisked away to live with a cousin they had never even met. I think about friends who have a spouse who is seriously ill and the decisions they face daily about the care and well-being of these spouses – and themselves. I think of a friend who will bury her brother in a couple of days… and another who sits at her brother’s bedside as he appears to be losing his battle with cancer. I am reminded of my friend Mich, who lost his battle with a cancerous brain tumor that he didn’t even know he had three months ago. I have prayed today for a high school classmate, whose grand-daughter was born yesterday with Down’s Syndrome and three holes in her little heart.
I know families who struggle from day to day to pay bills and put food on the table… and others who just can’t seem to get it together in their interpersonal relationships. I know some who struggle with addictions… smoking, drinking, drugs and more – and wrestle with kicking their habits. I visited this week with an elderly mother who lives in an assisted living facility. Her daughter is fighting for her life in a hospital in a nearby city, and this mother had not received any word about her condition in two days. Another resident I visited at the same facility was deeply concerned about his friend who is experiencing health problems as he stresses over caring for his wife. I picked up the local paper and read about a man who was arrested for receiving a shipment of illegal drugs at our local post office. His mother lives on my mother-in-law’s street, and my sister and I attended elementary school with him. I thought about how hopeless she – and all of these dear people – must feel.
How do you find joy and peace when you feel so hopeless… and helpless? How do you forge ahead with confidence in the midst of such trials and suffering? There is only one answer… Jesus! Through the power of His Holy Spirit, we can feel calm and peace when life swirls around us like a whirlpool and threatens to suck us down into the depths of despair. Because of Jesus, we can believe that we will laugh again… that we will find happiness, serenity, rest and renewal…that Someone far more competent and powerful than we are is in complete control… and that all will be well. Because of Jesus, we can dare to hope and believe that God’s plan is perfect… and we can rest in this.
Today marks 50 years since the infamous speech by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that is known to many as the “I Have a Dream” address. I also have a dream… that God is working out everything, according to His perfect plan… that I can rest in this hope and find His peace and joy in even the worst of circumstances. What is your dream? Where is your hope? Will this be the day that you rest in the LORD and begin to operate in His peace?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 17, 2013
1 Timothy 5:8
People who don’t take care of their relatives, and especially their own families, have given up their faith. They are worse than someone who doesn’t have faith in the Lord.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today is my cousin JD’s birthday. I have known JD since he was a very little boy… when his parents moved to Arkansas from Wisconsin. His mother was recovering from breast cancer, and she wanted JD to grow up near her husband’s family. So they moved to the hometown of JD’s dad. I’ve shared this story before…but as JD grew up, he got into trouble - particularly with drug abuse. He spent time in juvenile detention programs and rehabs. His mother’s cancer returned, and she died around the time JD graduated from high school. When JD tried to physically harm a police officer, he was sent to prison.
It seemed that there was no hope for this guy… and we were all heartsick. But JD’s dad never gave up on him… and I knew that his mother and grandmother wouldn’t either – were they still alive. I felt God telling me, “This is your cousin…the son of people you love dearly. Reach out to him.” I’ll be honest… JD scared me. He was loud and wild… and VERY tall and strong. He intimidated a lot of people. But I got his prison address and began to write to him. I told him that I loved him… but God loved him even more. And JD returned letters filled with anger, hatred…and absolutely no peace.
I’ll spare the further details, except to say that JD was sent to “the hole” for some infraction in the prison’s general population, and he had nothing to keep him company except a Bible [and the Holy Spirit]. This is where JD rediscovered Jesus. From then, everything changed… and a “new creature” emerged. I wish I could say that everything has been peaceful and happy since that time. But the truth is that there were rocky patches in our relationship… and even rockier times for JD. He married Angie, the love of his life, in 2011…only to lose her to breast cancer two days before their 2nd wedding anniversary this past January. JD and Angie had spent much of their two-year marriage traveling from city to city, preaching the gospel in churches and a underneath large tent they hauled with them.
This morning, I was watching a segment on ABC’s The View about Lt. Col. Mark Weber, who appeared on the June 5th episode with his wife and three sons. Weber was diagnosed with Stage IV gastrointestinal cancer in 2010, shortly before being appointed as a military advisor to the Afghan Parliament. He penned Tell My Sons… A Father’s Love Letters as a collection of life lessons for his own sons – and for others. Something Weber said in the end of the interview was incredibly profound… as I am certain are many of the insights in his book. He said in part…”What do you do when life doesn’t go the way that you want it to? Because I’ve got news for you – and I hope it’s not a news flash – but life’s not going to go the way that you want it to. So what are you gonna do? [You] realize that sadness is part of the equation…you can’t get rid of that. And you don’t call what’s sad ‘happy’… you look for the happiness that’s right next to it.” Eight days later, Weber peacefully slipped away from this earth at his home, surrounded by family members.
My cousin JD and Angie dreamed of spending years on the road, enlarging God’s Kingdom and helping others find peace and healing. So when Angie died so suddenly, JD sold virtually everything he owned, packed his tent, loaded his truck, and headed out to continue the work that God had called him to do. He is looking for happiness right next to the sadness. And while I know he misses Angie every minute and grieves the loss of her service alongside him, JD is finding purpose – and peace – in his own discipleship. He is presently ministering every night under a tent in Fairview, Alabama, where lives are being changed and souls are being won to Jesus. In one Facebook post, JD wrote… “I'm speechless about the move of God in Fairview. We had planned to end the meeting on the 14th of June… but as of right now, it's open-ended. We will be here until whenever!”
And I am reminded once again of the words in 1 Timothy 5:8, where Paul admonishes us to take care of our relatives… especially our own families. Each of us will become disheartened, disappointed, and/or discouraged at one time or another. Some of us may wish to throw up our hands and say, “That’s it! I’m done!” But God is reminding us in this passage that we must never stop loving others and caring about them. We may stop giving physical and monetary aid… we may step aside and allow others to learn hard lessons or tempers to cool… but we must always share love in Christ Jesus, just as He does for us when we are unlovely. God will handle the rest. He will work in our lives and the lives of others - and fill in the gaps. He will bring peace and contentment, and the assurance that we did what He asked of us.
I know that some of you are tempted to “find a new family.” But what if God did this to you? This would not bring you peace, any more than a failure to share God’s love with your own family members will allow you to operate in joy and contentment. Ask God to show you how and where to minister to your own relatives… and to your family of believers in Jesus Christ. Begin in your own back yard…then branch out and broaden your circle. Ask God to bless your obedience… to help you discover happiness right next to sadness… and to fill you with peace in the process.
©2013 Debbie Robus
People who don’t take care of their relatives, and especially their own families, have given up their faith. They are worse than someone who doesn’t have faith in the Lord.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today is my cousin JD’s birthday. I have known JD since he was a very little boy… when his parents moved to Arkansas from Wisconsin. His mother was recovering from breast cancer, and she wanted JD to grow up near her husband’s family. So they moved to the hometown of JD’s dad. I’ve shared this story before…but as JD grew up, he got into trouble - particularly with drug abuse. He spent time in juvenile detention programs and rehabs. His mother’s cancer returned, and she died around the time JD graduated from high school. When JD tried to physically harm a police officer, he was sent to prison.
It seemed that there was no hope for this guy… and we were all heartsick. But JD’s dad never gave up on him… and I knew that his mother and grandmother wouldn’t either – were they still alive. I felt God telling me, “This is your cousin…the son of people you love dearly. Reach out to him.” I’ll be honest… JD scared me. He was loud and wild… and VERY tall and strong. He intimidated a lot of people. But I got his prison address and began to write to him. I told him that I loved him… but God loved him even more. And JD returned letters filled with anger, hatred…and absolutely no peace.
I’ll spare the further details, except to say that JD was sent to “the hole” for some infraction in the prison’s general population, and he had nothing to keep him company except a Bible [and the Holy Spirit]. This is where JD rediscovered Jesus. From then, everything changed… and a “new creature” emerged. I wish I could say that everything has been peaceful and happy since that time. But the truth is that there were rocky patches in our relationship… and even rockier times for JD. He married Angie, the love of his life, in 2011…only to lose her to breast cancer two days before their 2nd wedding anniversary this past January. JD and Angie had spent much of their two-year marriage traveling from city to city, preaching the gospel in churches and a underneath large tent they hauled with them.
This morning, I was watching a segment on ABC’s The View about Lt. Col. Mark Weber, who appeared on the June 5th episode with his wife and three sons. Weber was diagnosed with Stage IV gastrointestinal cancer in 2010, shortly before being appointed as a military advisor to the Afghan Parliament. He penned Tell My Sons… A Father’s Love Letters as a collection of life lessons for his own sons – and for others. Something Weber said in the end of the interview was incredibly profound… as I am certain are many of the insights in his book. He said in part…”What do you do when life doesn’t go the way that you want it to? Because I’ve got news for you – and I hope it’s not a news flash – but life’s not going to go the way that you want it to. So what are you gonna do? [You] realize that sadness is part of the equation…you can’t get rid of that. And you don’t call what’s sad ‘happy’… you look for the happiness that’s right next to it.” Eight days later, Weber peacefully slipped away from this earth at his home, surrounded by family members.
My cousin JD and Angie dreamed of spending years on the road, enlarging God’s Kingdom and helping others find peace and healing. So when Angie died so suddenly, JD sold virtually everything he owned, packed his tent, loaded his truck, and headed out to continue the work that God had called him to do. He is looking for happiness right next to the sadness. And while I know he misses Angie every minute and grieves the loss of her service alongside him, JD is finding purpose – and peace – in his own discipleship. He is presently ministering every night under a tent in Fairview, Alabama, where lives are being changed and souls are being won to Jesus. In one Facebook post, JD wrote… “I'm speechless about the move of God in Fairview. We had planned to end the meeting on the 14th of June… but as of right now, it's open-ended. We will be here until whenever!”
And I am reminded once again of the words in 1 Timothy 5:8, where Paul admonishes us to take care of our relatives… especially our own families. Each of us will become disheartened, disappointed, and/or discouraged at one time or another. Some of us may wish to throw up our hands and say, “That’s it! I’m done!” But God is reminding us in this passage that we must never stop loving others and caring about them. We may stop giving physical and monetary aid… we may step aside and allow others to learn hard lessons or tempers to cool… but we must always share love in Christ Jesus, just as He does for us when we are unlovely. God will handle the rest. He will work in our lives and the lives of others - and fill in the gaps. He will bring peace and contentment, and the assurance that we did what He asked of us.
I know that some of you are tempted to “find a new family.” But what if God did this to you? This would not bring you peace, any more than a failure to share God’s love with your own family members will allow you to operate in joy and contentment. Ask God to show you how and where to minister to your own relatives… and to your family of believers in Jesus Christ. Begin in your own back yard…then branch out and broaden your circle. Ask God to bless your obedience… to help you discover happiness right next to sadness… and to fill you with peace in the process.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 8, 2010
Job 5:11
He protects the sorrowful and lifts up those who have been disgraced.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you stop and think about Jesus’ ministry and teachings, the core of His message is found in Matthew 25:37-40, which says, “Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, "When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?" The king will answer, "Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me."
God protects the sorrowful and lifts up those who have been disgraced. How? By sending nurturing believers … caregivers … those who are filled with grace, love and mercy – and willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I hear so many people say, “Oh, when someone dies, I just don’t know what to do… I don’t know what to say to the family… it just makes me uncomfortable.” Others say, “I am no good at helping sick people,” or “I have my hands full with my own life … I have so much to do, and don’t have time to see about someone who is injured or help others with their chores and errands.” Others say, “I simply have no patience with people who whine and complain or are sick or depressed or can’t seem to get their life together.”
Can I tell you something? There is an epidemic of burned-out caregivers and nurturers in this country, because many are called, but few are stepping up to the plate. If you look around and listen, a whole lot of us have an arsenal of excuses ... and what it often boils down to is the fact that we don’t want to do anything that tests our patience, our comfort level, our “image,” or costs us a little bit of our time. And age is no excuse, either.
Not too long ago, a junior high student posted a prayer request on Facebook for a fellow classmate who was having serious surgery. An elementary school student spent many hours and days this summer with her friend during his ordeal with brain surgery. My friend Melissa is heading up The C.A.L.L. – a ministry to help foster children in our area – despite the fact that she is the busy mother of two very young children. Another friend, Ms. Peggy, who is an octogenarian, keeps a visitation calendar that would exhaust a 16-year-old. She cooks for others, visits, calls, sends cards and notes of encouragement, love and sympathy … and she prays for countless people on her list.
Let me tell you … caring for the hungry, the sick, the elderly, the injured, those in prison or down on their luck, the homeless and hopeless, and more… can be unpleasant, time-consuming, and personally draining. But consider this … when a woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, He felt the power of the Holy Spirit leave His body. The next time you help someone in the name of Jesus and feel drained afterward, maybe that is the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through you! Maybe God is using you to protect the sorrowful and lift those who have been disgraced. Do you really want to risk missing this blessing?
There may very well come a day when you find yourself in need of nurture and care from others. How will you feel if nobody shows up to serve you? We have a lot of excuses – but none of them are good ones. You can say all you want that “I’m not very good at that,” or “I have no patience,” … or even “I don’t know what to do,” but I’m not buying it … and God most certainly isn’t! We weren’t called to only serve when it is pleasant or convenient or makes us look good. In fact, we are called to do just the opposite … to step outside our comfort zone and do what needs to be done, with grace, mercy, love and joy … and the power of the Holy Spirit.
In the words of comedian Bill Engvall, “Here’s your sign.” This is your wake-up call … your notice that it’s time to get up and get going and figure out how and where God is calling you to serve. Who are you supposed to lift from sorrow? Who are you to encourage to overcome disgrace? Who are you supposed to feed, clothe and assist? Are you praying for others and asking God to send you wherever He needs you to serve? How long has it been since you felt the power of the Holy Spirit flow from you to others – if ever? It’s time… now… today… to start serving in the name of the One who gave His very life for us. Where will you begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
He protects the sorrowful and lifts up those who have been disgraced.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you stop and think about Jesus’ ministry and teachings, the core of His message is found in Matthew 25:37-40, which says, “Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, "When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?" The king will answer, "Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me."
God protects the sorrowful and lifts up those who have been disgraced. How? By sending nurturing believers … caregivers … those who are filled with grace, love and mercy – and willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I hear so many people say, “Oh, when someone dies, I just don’t know what to do… I don’t know what to say to the family… it just makes me uncomfortable.” Others say, “I am no good at helping sick people,” or “I have my hands full with my own life … I have so much to do, and don’t have time to see about someone who is injured or help others with their chores and errands.” Others say, “I simply have no patience with people who whine and complain or are sick or depressed or can’t seem to get their life together.”
Can I tell you something? There is an epidemic of burned-out caregivers and nurturers in this country, because many are called, but few are stepping up to the plate. If you look around and listen, a whole lot of us have an arsenal of excuses ... and what it often boils down to is the fact that we don’t want to do anything that tests our patience, our comfort level, our “image,” or costs us a little bit of our time. And age is no excuse, either.
Not too long ago, a junior high student posted a prayer request on Facebook for a fellow classmate who was having serious surgery. An elementary school student spent many hours and days this summer with her friend during his ordeal with brain surgery. My friend Melissa is heading up The C.A.L.L. – a ministry to help foster children in our area – despite the fact that she is the busy mother of two very young children. Another friend, Ms. Peggy, who is an octogenarian, keeps a visitation calendar that would exhaust a 16-year-old. She cooks for others, visits, calls, sends cards and notes of encouragement, love and sympathy … and she prays for countless people on her list.
Let me tell you … caring for the hungry, the sick, the elderly, the injured, those in prison or down on their luck, the homeless and hopeless, and more… can be unpleasant, time-consuming, and personally draining. But consider this … when a woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, He felt the power of the Holy Spirit leave His body. The next time you help someone in the name of Jesus and feel drained afterward, maybe that is the power of the Holy Spirit flowing through you! Maybe God is using you to protect the sorrowful and lift those who have been disgraced. Do you really want to risk missing this blessing?
There may very well come a day when you find yourself in need of nurture and care from others. How will you feel if nobody shows up to serve you? We have a lot of excuses – but none of them are good ones. You can say all you want that “I’m not very good at that,” or “I have no patience,” … or even “I don’t know what to do,” but I’m not buying it … and God most certainly isn’t! We weren’t called to only serve when it is pleasant or convenient or makes us look good. In fact, we are called to do just the opposite … to step outside our comfort zone and do what needs to be done, with grace, mercy, love and joy … and the power of the Holy Spirit.
In the words of comedian Bill Engvall, “Here’s your sign.” This is your wake-up call … your notice that it’s time to get up and get going and figure out how and where God is calling you to serve. Who are you supposed to lift from sorrow? Who are you to encourage to overcome disgrace? Who are you supposed to feed, clothe and assist? Are you praying for others and asking God to send you wherever He needs you to serve? How long has it been since you felt the power of the Holy Spirit flow from you to others – if ever? It’s time… now… today… to start serving in the name of the One who gave His very life for us. Where will you begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 7, 2010
Acts 1:8
But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I really enjoy listening to the teachings of evangelist Joyce Meyer. She truly tells it like it is, and she has a great knack for putting things in ordinary terms for ordinary people. The other day I heard her say that we can hardly pray without using the word “just” in a sentence. “Lord, if you will just heal me.” “Father, if you will just help me pay my bills.” “God if you will just get me out of this mess.”
Joyce said she looked up the word “just” in the dictionary, and it said “only or merely … by a narrow margin … barely.” Now I ask you what she asked … “Do you really want God to ‘barely, by a narrow margin’ meet your needs?” Do you see how we limit God in our prayers?
Acts 1:8 tells us that we have been filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. By that power, we can do amazing, incredible, seemingly impossible things. We can boldly go out and share the love of Christ with others. We don’t have to have a “just” mentality … “I am just one person,” or “I am just this or that,” or “I can just get by myself, so how can I minister to anyone else?” We are more than this by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have so many resources right at our fingertips for sharing God’s love and the Good News of Jesus with others, starting with a smile on our faces and a cheerful attitude. We have great social networking tools like Facebook, where we can post positive encouraging messages for others. It’s one thing to share our need for prayer and a concern for our health or the well-being of someone else, but some of us have made these outlets our daily sounding board for everything to how poorly we slept to our pounding headache to how much we hate our job and can’t wait for the weekend! Do these comments and the attitudes behind them reflect the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
We need to be aware of the Holy Spirit within us. More than that, we need to be recognizing His power and living and speaking in a way that says to others… “He/she has something special … something extra that is above and beyond ordinary.” We need to live this way because it is the truth! We are not “just” Christians … we are driven by the power of the Holy Spirit, and for many of us, it’s time we acted like it! How much power are you operating under today? Are you fully filled with Holy Spirit power … or are you operating in “just” enough?
©2010 Debbie Robus
But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I really enjoy listening to the teachings of evangelist Joyce Meyer. She truly tells it like it is, and she has a great knack for putting things in ordinary terms for ordinary people. The other day I heard her say that we can hardly pray without using the word “just” in a sentence. “Lord, if you will just heal me.” “Father, if you will just help me pay my bills.” “God if you will just get me out of this mess.”
Joyce said she looked up the word “just” in the dictionary, and it said “only or merely … by a narrow margin … barely.” Now I ask you what she asked … “Do you really want God to ‘barely, by a narrow margin’ meet your needs?” Do you see how we limit God in our prayers?
Acts 1:8 tells us that we have been filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. By that power, we can do amazing, incredible, seemingly impossible things. We can boldly go out and share the love of Christ with others. We don’t have to have a “just” mentality … “I am just one person,” or “I am just this or that,” or “I can just get by myself, so how can I minister to anyone else?” We are more than this by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have so many resources right at our fingertips for sharing God’s love and the Good News of Jesus with others, starting with a smile on our faces and a cheerful attitude. We have great social networking tools like Facebook, where we can post positive encouraging messages for others. It’s one thing to share our need for prayer and a concern for our health or the well-being of someone else, but some of us have made these outlets our daily sounding board for everything to how poorly we slept to our pounding headache to how much we hate our job and can’t wait for the weekend! Do these comments and the attitudes behind them reflect the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
We need to be aware of the Holy Spirit within us. More than that, we need to be recognizing His power and living and speaking in a way that says to others… “He/she has something special … something extra that is above and beyond ordinary.” We need to live this way because it is the truth! We are not “just” Christians … we are driven by the power of the Holy Spirit, and for many of us, it’s time we acted like it! How much power are you operating under today? Are you fully filled with Holy Spirit power … or are you operating in “just” enough?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 6, 2010
Matthew 3:11
I baptize you with water so that you will give up your sins. But someone more powerful is going to come, and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I bought a new digital camera, I researched all of the major brands, read reviews, and compared prices and packages. One option was to choose a basic camera, see how things went, and then consider adding lenses and other accessories at a later date. Another option was to choose a “deluxe package” and get extra lenses, an external flash, tripod, carrying case, and even lens cleaner. The question became whether I wanted the basic, bare bones camera or whether I wanted the whole enchilada… the full experience (or potential for it!).
John the Baptist offered the message to choose God and the promise of heaven. He foretold of the coming of Jesus … Who would bring the “full experience”. Some of us heard the John the Baptist sermon and stopped, so to speak. We live in the world of forgiven sins, love for God and the promise of heaven. But we have never fully acknowledged Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit. We’ve never embraced our faith on a level where our hearts are filled with the fire and excitement of recognizing the Holy Spirit’s continual presence within us.
There seem to be a whole lot of “John the Baptist” Christians who have invited Jesus to be the Lord of their lives and forgive their sins … but that’s where their walk with the Lord begins and ends. They are satisfied with the “basic package”. They live a good life, go to church and pray. They are nice to their neighbors, and most days, they are pretty content and confident. But Christians who have recognized the Holy Spirit and the “fire in the belly” of a continual relationship with Him have tapped into the potential for experiencing God on a level that is almost beyond description.
I bet if you think about it, you can name dozens of “John the Baptist” Christians, but naming those who appear to recognize their anointing by the Holy Spirit may be much more difficult. And only you know for sure which camp in which you fall these days. But the GOOD NEWS is that you can change camps! There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a “John the Baptist” Christian. If you have invited Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, you have chosen perfectly. But if you stopped at salvation, you’re missing out on all God wants to give you … and that’s a shame! God wants us to experience the presence of His Holy Spirit every day - all day. He wants us to operate in this anointing, companionship, and fire! He wants us to be so filled with His glory that we overflow with excitement, enthusiasm, joy and blessings.
John the Baptist said it best – if humbly. He knew that God had empowered him to share His message and to foretell the coming of Jesus. He was clearly chosen by God and given great responsibility. But he also realized that he was not even worthy to carry the shoes of Jesus … the One who brought the power of the Holy Spirit to His children. Just like salvation itself, the gift of the Holy Spirit is 100% free. It doesn’t cost us anything … there is nothing scary about it, and it doesn’t hurt! Haven’t we been “John the Baptist” Christians long enough? Isn’t it time to upgrade to the “Deluxe Package?” Won’t you invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I baptize you with water so that you will give up your sins. But someone more powerful is going to come, and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I bought a new digital camera, I researched all of the major brands, read reviews, and compared prices and packages. One option was to choose a basic camera, see how things went, and then consider adding lenses and other accessories at a later date. Another option was to choose a “deluxe package” and get extra lenses, an external flash, tripod, carrying case, and even lens cleaner. The question became whether I wanted the basic, bare bones camera or whether I wanted the whole enchilada… the full experience (or potential for it!).
John the Baptist offered the message to choose God and the promise of heaven. He foretold of the coming of Jesus … Who would bring the “full experience”. Some of us heard the John the Baptist sermon and stopped, so to speak. We live in the world of forgiven sins, love for God and the promise of heaven. But we have never fully acknowledged Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit. We’ve never embraced our faith on a level where our hearts are filled with the fire and excitement of recognizing the Holy Spirit’s continual presence within us.
There seem to be a whole lot of “John the Baptist” Christians who have invited Jesus to be the Lord of their lives and forgive their sins … but that’s where their walk with the Lord begins and ends. They are satisfied with the “basic package”. They live a good life, go to church and pray. They are nice to their neighbors, and most days, they are pretty content and confident. But Christians who have recognized the Holy Spirit and the “fire in the belly” of a continual relationship with Him have tapped into the potential for experiencing God on a level that is almost beyond description.
I bet if you think about it, you can name dozens of “John the Baptist” Christians, but naming those who appear to recognize their anointing by the Holy Spirit may be much more difficult. And only you know for sure which camp in which you fall these days. But the GOOD NEWS is that you can change camps! There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a “John the Baptist” Christian. If you have invited Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, you have chosen perfectly. But if you stopped at salvation, you’re missing out on all God wants to give you … and that’s a shame! God wants us to experience the presence of His Holy Spirit every day - all day. He wants us to operate in this anointing, companionship, and fire! He wants us to be so filled with His glory that we overflow with excitement, enthusiasm, joy and blessings.
John the Baptist said it best – if humbly. He knew that God had empowered him to share His message and to foretell the coming of Jesus. He was clearly chosen by God and given great responsibility. But he also realized that he was not even worthy to carry the shoes of Jesus … the One who brought the power of the Holy Spirit to His children. Just like salvation itself, the gift of the Holy Spirit is 100% free. It doesn’t cost us anything … there is nothing scary about it, and it doesn’t hurt! Haven’t we been “John the Baptist” Christians long enough? Isn’t it time to upgrade to the “Deluxe Package?” Won’t you invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 5, 2010
Acts 4:31
After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you asked most Christians, “Do you pray?” they would readily say, “Oh, yes!” If you asked them, “Does the earth shake when you pray?” most people would probably laugh at you – or look at you like you were crazy and walk away. Don’t miss my point. I’m not saying that we should expect the ground to shake every time we pray. But often we offer God “lip service,” and our prayers are more filled with ritual than the presence of the Holy Spirit! We are more concerned with “how” we pray than actual communion with God … and it shows!
During our prayer time, we need to be mindful of the Holy Spirit. We need to invite Him to fill us … and then we must recognize His presence. We need to pray with expectation! If you go back and read the verses leading up to Acts 4:31, you will see that Peter and John had been praying for courage. They were asking God to give them bravery as they shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ, healed the sick and lame, and ministered in Jesus’ name. And they didn’t say, “If you give us opportunities to minister and heal” – they asked for bravery when they did these things. You could easily argue that their “bravery” was the very essence of the Holy Spirit manifested in them!
So my challenge to you this day – and to myself – is to pray with sincerity and expectation. Let’s acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit to work in and through us to accomplish great things in the name of Jesus. Let’s be specific in our prayers, humble before God, grateful for His blessings, and confident that He is going to answer in mighty ways. Let’s expect the ground to shake (at least figuratively), and let’s step out in faith that God will fill us to overflowing with His Holy Spirit and use us to accomplish great things for His kingdom. No more “lip service” – it’s time for a whole lotta shakin’ to begin!
©2010 Debbie Robus
After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you asked most Christians, “Do you pray?” they would readily say, “Oh, yes!” If you asked them, “Does the earth shake when you pray?” most people would probably laugh at you – or look at you like you were crazy and walk away. Don’t miss my point. I’m not saying that we should expect the ground to shake every time we pray. But often we offer God “lip service,” and our prayers are more filled with ritual than the presence of the Holy Spirit! We are more concerned with “how” we pray than actual communion with God … and it shows!
During our prayer time, we need to be mindful of the Holy Spirit. We need to invite Him to fill us … and then we must recognize His presence. We need to pray with expectation! If you go back and read the verses leading up to Acts 4:31, you will see that Peter and John had been praying for courage. They were asking God to give them bravery as they shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ, healed the sick and lame, and ministered in Jesus’ name. And they didn’t say, “If you give us opportunities to minister and heal” – they asked for bravery when they did these things. You could easily argue that their “bravery” was the very essence of the Holy Spirit manifested in them!
So my challenge to you this day – and to myself – is to pray with sincerity and expectation. Let’s acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit to work in and through us to accomplish great things in the name of Jesus. Let’s be specific in our prayers, humble before God, grateful for His blessings, and confident that He is going to answer in mighty ways. Let’s expect the ground to shake (at least figuratively), and let’s step out in faith that God will fill us to overflowing with His Holy Spirit and use us to accomplish great things for His kingdom. No more “lip service” – it’s time for a whole lotta shakin’ to begin!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 4, 2010
Titus 3:5
He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I am so thankful for contemporary translation of the scriptures. When I learned scripture as a child from the King James version of the Bible, the Holy Spirit was referred to as the “Holy Ghost.” There was a cartoon show, “Casper the Friendly Ghost,” and I loved this character. Since this was my point of reference, the “Holy Ghost” in my mind was this wispy, ghost-like spirit that floated around and came in and out of our lives. We could “call on the Holy Ghost” and he would come to us. But I have to tell you, this seemed more scary than comforting. So quite honestly, I tended just to push any consideration of the Holy Ghost aside and not think about Him.
Through study of contemporary scripture translations … and in-depth Bible study in general … I came to understand the Holy Spirit and how God operates within us in this form. I realized that salvation through Jesus Christ is not the end … it’s the beginning! When we accept Jesus, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts and rework us from the inside out.
The sad fact is that many Christians have never recognized the Holy Spirit within themselves. They have never tapped into His power. They have never felt His presence and understood the LIFE He brings to our daily walk as a Christian. If you truly recognize the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, you can’t help but feel differently. And I believe that this will radiate from you. Others will notice a change – if only subtly – and you will feel differently about your relationship with God.
I accepted Jesus Christ when I was seven years old. I recognized the Holy Spirit in my heart when I was almost 40. For over thirty years, I knew God and trusted Him. I called on Him in prayer … usually when I needed something! I believed that God was in control, and I had faith that He would take care of me. But when I acknowledged the power of the Holy Spirit on the inside of me, everything changed. I realized I have a constant companion Who is blessing me and interceding for me with God throughout each day.
I now recognize that I have an active relationship with God, via the Holy Spirit. I always believed that I was not alone – that God was with me – but now I know it’s more than this. The Holy Spirit permeates my heart and soul and truly never leaves me. I can tap into His power any time I want or need. And because of this, I feel a love like I have never felt before – for God, for others, and for myself.
I realize that acknowledging the Holy Spirit may seem daunting – or even scary. I understand that we are sensory creatures who need something tangible to touch, see and hear. But I am telling you, the Holy Spirit is real. If you have accepted Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is living inside you, waiting for you to open the door of your heart and unleash His power. Start with a simple invitation. Sit quietly by yourself and sincerely say, “Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me.” Keep saying this until you begin to experience the release of your self and feel His presence. Make this day the day of new birth and a fresh beginning. Welcome the Holy Spirit, and keep Him close from this day forward.
©2010 Debbie Robus
He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I am so thankful for contemporary translation of the scriptures. When I learned scripture as a child from the King James version of the Bible, the Holy Spirit was referred to as the “Holy Ghost.” There was a cartoon show, “Casper the Friendly Ghost,” and I loved this character. Since this was my point of reference, the “Holy Ghost” in my mind was this wispy, ghost-like spirit that floated around and came in and out of our lives. We could “call on the Holy Ghost” and he would come to us. But I have to tell you, this seemed more scary than comforting. So quite honestly, I tended just to push any consideration of the Holy Ghost aside and not think about Him.
Through study of contemporary scripture translations … and in-depth Bible study in general … I came to understand the Holy Spirit and how God operates within us in this form. I realized that salvation through Jesus Christ is not the end … it’s the beginning! When we accept Jesus, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts and rework us from the inside out.
The sad fact is that many Christians have never recognized the Holy Spirit within themselves. They have never tapped into His power. They have never felt His presence and understood the LIFE He brings to our daily walk as a Christian. If you truly recognize the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, you can’t help but feel differently. And I believe that this will radiate from you. Others will notice a change – if only subtly – and you will feel differently about your relationship with God.
I accepted Jesus Christ when I was seven years old. I recognized the Holy Spirit in my heart when I was almost 40. For over thirty years, I knew God and trusted Him. I called on Him in prayer … usually when I needed something! I believed that God was in control, and I had faith that He would take care of me. But when I acknowledged the power of the Holy Spirit on the inside of me, everything changed. I realized I have a constant companion Who is blessing me and interceding for me with God throughout each day.
I now recognize that I have an active relationship with God, via the Holy Spirit. I always believed that I was not alone – that God was with me – but now I know it’s more than this. The Holy Spirit permeates my heart and soul and truly never leaves me. I can tap into His power any time I want or need. And because of this, I feel a love like I have never felt before – for God, for others, and for myself.
I realize that acknowledging the Holy Spirit may seem daunting – or even scary. I understand that we are sensory creatures who need something tangible to touch, see and hear. But I am telling you, the Holy Spirit is real. If you have accepted Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is living inside you, waiting for you to open the door of your heart and unleash His power. Start with a simple invitation. Sit quietly by yourself and sincerely say, “Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me.” Keep saying this until you begin to experience the release of your self and feel His presence. Make this day the day of new birth and a fresh beginning. Welcome the Holy Spirit, and keep Him close from this day forward.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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