1 Corinthians 10:1-5
Remember our history, friends,
and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and
taken miraculously through the Sea. They went through the waters, in a
baptism like ours, as Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation
life. They all ate and drank identical food and drink, meals provided
daily by God. They drank from the Rock, God’s fountain for them that
stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ. But just
experiencing God’s wonder and grace didn’t seem to mean much—most of
them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert,
and God was not pleased.
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.
Years ago, I had a
housekeeper who did an amazing job. She kept our house thoroughly clean
and pretty well did a better job than I did! When this person left to
take another job, I hired someone new. I should have known there was a
problem when the new woman could “clean” the same house in about half
the time of the first housekeeper. For a while, I marveled at how nice
and neat the house looked – and chalked it up to the additional help
from a relative who came along to share the workload.
After a
month or two, I began to notice that the house didn’t seem all that
clean. It would look nice and neat for a day or so…but I discovered
areas that had really not been scrubbed at all…like the shower. A light
rub-down and spritz of cleaner gave it a sparkly appearance…but
underneath, there was a buildup of grime and scum that soon became
disgustingly apparent. And that was the tip of the iceberg. It
ultimately took me several days to get our house back to the condition
that the other housekeeper had maintained for us. And I ended up doing
the housekeeping myself afterward. I’d had the best, and I didn’t think
I could ever replicate her level of commitment again!
How does
this relate to our spiritual life – and this scripture passage? It’s
all about going the second mile. Moses’ people listened to God speak
through him…they followed God and pledged allegiance to Him – for a
while. And then they went back to their old ways. They were “all in”
for God’s gifts, goodness and blessings…but they didn’t fully
internalize His message. They didn’t embrace His grace, mercy,
forgiveness, and healing - and allow Him to change them from the inside
out. So essentially, things looked all sparkly and shiny on the
surface…but underneath, a layer of grime and scum built up that could
not be ignored.
God has so much to offer us. And most of us are
eager to sign on and take all that He will give! But are we willing to
go the extra mile…to do the “deep cleaning” of our hearts and minds…to
do the hard work of maintaining a spotless vessel for Him? Are we
demonstrating a level of commitment to God that is beyond reproach? Or
are we giving Him justification to throw up His hands and say, “Enough!
I’m done with him/her!” Oh, how I hope it’s not the latter!
I
don’t think that any of us want to deliberately disappoint God. But we
do get caught up in the temptations of the devil and this world…and we
tend to cut corners in our walk with God – and hope that He will
overlook this. Let’s not play that game! Let’s give God our very best
efforts every single day. Let’s honor God and His blessings over us by
serving wholeheartedly and going the second mile. The Bible says that
our bodies are God’s “houses”…that we are His vessels on this earth.
What sort of “housekeeper” are you these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label putting faith into action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label putting faith into action. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 7, 2016
Matthew 7:24-29
“All who listen to my instructions and follow them are wise, like a man who builds his house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents, and the floods rise and the storm winds beat against his house, it won’t collapse, for it is built on rock.
“But those who hear my instructions and ignore them are foolish, like a man who builds his house on sand. For when the rains and floods come, and storm winds beat against his house, it will fall with a mighty crash.” The crowds were amazed at Jesus’ sermons, for he taught as one who had great authority, and not as their Jewish leaders.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
We have a large square ottoman in our living room that has been the “go-to-table” for the children these last seven years. It has been used as a track for cars…the base for creations from a variety of media, including Legos®, “bristle” blocks, wooden blocks, puzzles, and more…and just a great place to chill out for a few minutes and watch TV. The ottoman is big…and sturdy. But it is also upholstered and tufted. So the top is flexible and not the firmest foundation for jigsaw puzzles or some block creations. So there are lots of “collapses”…both from the creations AND the children who design them!
We have tried to teach the children to either 1) build certain things that need a solid base on the floor; or 2) put something sturdy, like a big book, on the ottoman first…and build their masterpiece on top of that. Experience is a great teacher…and the children are learning that the foundation matters!
It is one thing to tell our children that the blocks will stand up better on a solid surface…that the puzzle pieces will hold together better on the floor than a cushioned piece of furniture. But when they put these suggestions into action – or see them demonstrated – the “lesson” is reinforced. And so it is with us in our relationship with Jesus Christ. This foundation is important. Bible study grounds us…give us a “go-to” source for guidance and encouragement. But we have to know how to put these lessons and assurances into action, also.
We can spout scripture all day long. We can appear to be one of the Godliest people on the planet...someone who always attends worship services and Bible studies – or teaches classes and serves on committees. We can wear the t-shirts and sport the bumper stickers and the crosses on our clothing and jewelry. We can pass out food to the needy and house the homeless and orphans. But if we don’t demonstrate a sincere internalization of the Biblical foundation that we have been given, we will eventually crumble and wash away. People will see us for the shams and frauds that we are…and God’s Kingdom will suffer.
What I am trying to tell you is that we have to get into God’s word…and then we have to get into God’s word. We have to build a solid base of wisdom, encouragement, hope and faith…and then we have to reinforce the foundation by prayerfully putting these into practice each and every day in our own lives. We want to demonstrate the confidence and assurance that Jesus emulated to those with whom He interacted. We don’t want to just keep up appearances like the priests and “religion teachers”…we want others to truly see Jesus Christ in action through our words and deeds.
Build your Christian discipleship on a firm foundation that includes confidence in God’s word…and personal evidence that it works in your own life. Demonstrate that you are rock solid in your faith…that everything you say and do is undergirded by the power of Jesus Christ working in and through you. Let others see someone who is firmly planted in the word of God…and operating daily in His wisdom and promises. How firm is your “foundation” today? Isn’t it time you knew?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“All who listen to my instructions and follow them are wise, like a man who builds his house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents, and the floods rise and the storm winds beat against his house, it won’t collapse, for it is built on rock.
“But those who hear my instructions and ignore them are foolish, like a man who builds his house on sand. For when the rains and floods come, and storm winds beat against his house, it will fall with a mighty crash.” The crowds were amazed at Jesus’ sermons, for he taught as one who had great authority, and not as their Jewish leaders.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
We have a large square ottoman in our living room that has been the “go-to-table” for the children these last seven years. It has been used as a track for cars…the base for creations from a variety of media, including Legos®, “bristle” blocks, wooden blocks, puzzles, and more…and just a great place to chill out for a few minutes and watch TV. The ottoman is big…and sturdy. But it is also upholstered and tufted. So the top is flexible and not the firmest foundation for jigsaw puzzles or some block creations. So there are lots of “collapses”…both from the creations AND the children who design them!
We have tried to teach the children to either 1) build certain things that need a solid base on the floor; or 2) put something sturdy, like a big book, on the ottoman first…and build their masterpiece on top of that. Experience is a great teacher…and the children are learning that the foundation matters!
It is one thing to tell our children that the blocks will stand up better on a solid surface…that the puzzle pieces will hold together better on the floor than a cushioned piece of furniture. But when they put these suggestions into action – or see them demonstrated – the “lesson” is reinforced. And so it is with us in our relationship with Jesus Christ. This foundation is important. Bible study grounds us…give us a “go-to” source for guidance and encouragement. But we have to know how to put these lessons and assurances into action, also.
We can spout scripture all day long. We can appear to be one of the Godliest people on the planet...someone who always attends worship services and Bible studies – or teaches classes and serves on committees. We can wear the t-shirts and sport the bumper stickers and the crosses on our clothing and jewelry. We can pass out food to the needy and house the homeless and orphans. But if we don’t demonstrate a sincere internalization of the Biblical foundation that we have been given, we will eventually crumble and wash away. People will see us for the shams and frauds that we are…and God’s Kingdom will suffer.
What I am trying to tell you is that we have to get into God’s word…and then we have to get into God’s word. We have to build a solid base of wisdom, encouragement, hope and faith…and then we have to reinforce the foundation by prayerfully putting these into practice each and every day in our own lives. We want to demonstrate the confidence and assurance that Jesus emulated to those with whom He interacted. We don’t want to just keep up appearances like the priests and “religion teachers”…we want others to truly see Jesus Christ in action through our words and deeds.
Build your Christian discipleship on a firm foundation that includes confidence in God’s word…and personal evidence that it works in your own life. Demonstrate that you are rock solid in your faith…that everything you say and do is undergirded by the power of Jesus Christ working in and through you. Let others see someone who is firmly planted in the word of God…and operating daily in His wisdom and promises. How firm is your “foundation” today? Isn’t it time you knew?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 17, 2015
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This passage has had special meaning for me since the early 1980s, when my mother asked me to design a cross-stitch pattern to include these words. I can’t remember if she stitched it or I did, but the piece was framed and hangs above her desk today.
This verse is a favorite for many and was even featured in the movie, “Chariots of Fire*,” which tells the true story of two British athletes who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. Harold Abrahams – a Jew – was set to run against Eric Liddell, known as the “Flying Scotsman,” in the 100-meter race. However, Liddell discovered that the race was to be held on Sunday, and this conflicted with his Christian convictions to keep the Sabbath for worship.
Arrangements were made for Liddell to switch and run in a 400-meter race on another day of the week…and he was given little hope of doing well in a sprint four times the distance with which he was familiar. On the Sunday of the 100-meter race, Liddell delivered a sermon at the Paris Church of Scotland, in which he cited Isaiah 40:31. And the following Tuesday, Liddell ran the race of his life, defeated all other runners in the “400,” and won the gold medal. In the movie, a friend is shown handing Liddell a piece of paper before the start of the race that contained a scripture verse from 1 Samuel 2:30 and reminded him…“He that honors me, I will honor.”
When I read Isaiah 40:31 today, I picture the scenes in “Chariots of Fire” where Liddell is racing down the beach with a sense of peace and complete abandon – and the victory scene when he completes his race in the Olympic Stadium of Colombes. Now, when I read this verse, I not only think of my mother’s needlework piece…I also envision the runners in the 1924 Olympics – and I am reminded of the steadfast faith and courage of Eric Liddell.
What does this mean for you and me today? I believe that Liddell’s character in “Chariots of Fire” said this best...” I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe your dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, ‘Believe, have faith,’ in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’ If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”
We are all in a “race” today. Are you soaring on the wings of eagles and trusting God to carry you when you are too weak to continue? Are you honoring God by your efforts…by your steadfast faith in Him to see you through anything and everything? Isn’t it time you were? Will this be the day that you allow God to power your race? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* Chariots of Fire - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082158/
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This passage has had special meaning for me since the early 1980s, when my mother asked me to design a cross-stitch pattern to include these words. I can’t remember if she stitched it or I did, but the piece was framed and hangs above her desk today.
This verse is a favorite for many and was even featured in the movie, “Chariots of Fire*,” which tells the true story of two British athletes who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. Harold Abrahams – a Jew – was set to run against Eric Liddell, known as the “Flying Scotsman,” in the 100-meter race. However, Liddell discovered that the race was to be held on Sunday, and this conflicted with his Christian convictions to keep the Sabbath for worship.
Arrangements were made for Liddell to switch and run in a 400-meter race on another day of the week…and he was given little hope of doing well in a sprint four times the distance with which he was familiar. On the Sunday of the 100-meter race, Liddell delivered a sermon at the Paris Church of Scotland, in which he cited Isaiah 40:31. And the following Tuesday, Liddell ran the race of his life, defeated all other runners in the “400,” and won the gold medal. In the movie, a friend is shown handing Liddell a piece of paper before the start of the race that contained a scripture verse from 1 Samuel 2:30 and reminded him…“He that honors me, I will honor.”
When I read Isaiah 40:31 today, I picture the scenes in “Chariots of Fire” where Liddell is racing down the beach with a sense of peace and complete abandon – and the victory scene when he completes his race in the Olympic Stadium of Colombes. Now, when I read this verse, I not only think of my mother’s needlework piece…I also envision the runners in the 1924 Olympics – and I am reminded of the steadfast faith and courage of Eric Liddell.
What does this mean for you and me today? I believe that Liddell’s character in “Chariots of Fire” said this best...” I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe your dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, ‘Believe, have faith,’ in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’ If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”
We are all in a “race” today. Are you soaring on the wings of eagles and trusting God to carry you when you are too weak to continue? Are you honoring God by your efforts…by your steadfast faith in Him to see you through anything and everything? Isn’t it time you were? Will this be the day that you allow God to power your race? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* Chariots of Fire - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082158/
Daily Devotional for August 14, 2015
James 2:19-20
Are there still some among you who hold that “only believing” is enough? Believing in one God? Well, remember that the demons believe this too—so strongly that they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that “believing” is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Our little ones shower us with demonstrations of love and affection. We get hugs, kisses, and lots of “I love yous!”…and we are grateful for every single gesture. As they get older, they are learning that acts of respect demonstrate love, also…things like helping without being asked, picking up toys and responding right away to a summons, and showing kindness and consideration to each other do not go unnoticed. We see their efforts to prove their love to us…and while we would love them anyway, these endeavors are not without merit – and we make sure the children know that we have taken note of them.
The point is that God would love us whether we ever publicly lived out our faith in Him or not. Certainly, the thief on the cross had neither the time nor the means for demonstrating his faith in Jesus…but I have no doubt that he is in Paradise today, just as Jesus promised him. Still, Jesus commanded us to demonstrate our faith. He used words like “go”…”make disciples”…”teach”…”heal”…”minister”…”baptize”…and “share the Good News.”
Jesus did not follow this up with, “If you don’t do this, I won’t love you.” I believe that He gave these directives with the understanding that we would surely want to serve in the name of One who had given so much on our behalf…that we would want to tell others about Him, and give them the opportunity to have Jesus as their Savior, too!
So don’t serve Jesus out of fear…serve Him out of faith! Serve because you love Jesus so much and want others to know about His incredible message and gift. Serve in His name because it’s the only thing that makes sense. To accept His suffering and death for our sins and then do nothing in return seems incredibly preposterous…and downright ungrateful.
People who are truly faith-filled act like it. They “walk the walk” to reinforce their claim of unfailing love for Jesus Christ…and others know their true position by not only their words, but also their actions. People who are truly full of faith in Jesus Christ are busy serving Him as the Holy Spirit leads them. Are you one of them?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Are there still some among you who hold that “only believing” is enough? Believing in one God? Well, remember that the demons believe this too—so strongly that they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that “believing” is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Our little ones shower us with demonstrations of love and affection. We get hugs, kisses, and lots of “I love yous!”…and we are grateful for every single gesture. As they get older, they are learning that acts of respect demonstrate love, also…things like helping without being asked, picking up toys and responding right away to a summons, and showing kindness and consideration to each other do not go unnoticed. We see their efforts to prove their love to us…and while we would love them anyway, these endeavors are not without merit – and we make sure the children know that we have taken note of them.
The point is that God would love us whether we ever publicly lived out our faith in Him or not. Certainly, the thief on the cross had neither the time nor the means for demonstrating his faith in Jesus…but I have no doubt that he is in Paradise today, just as Jesus promised him. Still, Jesus commanded us to demonstrate our faith. He used words like “go”…”make disciples”…”teach”…”heal”…”minister”…”baptize”…and “share the Good News.”
Jesus did not follow this up with, “If you don’t do this, I won’t love you.” I believe that He gave these directives with the understanding that we would surely want to serve in the name of One who had given so much on our behalf…that we would want to tell others about Him, and give them the opportunity to have Jesus as their Savior, too!
So don’t serve Jesus out of fear…serve Him out of faith! Serve because you love Jesus so much and want others to know about His incredible message and gift. Serve in His name because it’s the only thing that makes sense. To accept His suffering and death for our sins and then do nothing in return seems incredibly preposterous…and downright ungrateful.
People who are truly faith-filled act like it. They “walk the walk” to reinforce their claim of unfailing love for Jesus Christ…and others know their true position by not only their words, but also their actions. People who are truly full of faith in Jesus Christ are busy serving Him as the Holy Spirit leads them. Are you one of them?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 6, 2012
James 2:24-26
You can now see that we please God by what we do and not only by what we believe. For example, Rahab had been a prostitute. But she pleased God when she welcomed the spies and sent them home by another way.
Anyone who doesn’t breathe is dead, and faith that doesn’t do anything is just as dead!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Early in the summer, a spotted toad appeared on our back porch. He took up residence in a decorative bird house we keep on a glass-topped coffee table sitting there. One night, I discovered him pressed belly-side down against one of our picture windows, catching bugs that collected there in the light from one of our table lamps. I did a little research and learned that “Frodo,” as I named him, is a Great Plains Toad. Most likely, he moved into the bird house because his normal habitat… moist, damp earth… was not available in this summer’s drought.
I so hoped that Frodo would hang around for Timothy’s visit in August… and he did. We enjoyed watching Frodo – and his new cohort we dubbed “Little Frodo” – as they moved in and out of the bird house. We laughed as we watched “Big Frodo” attach to our picture window at night and catch bugs. Frodo grew accustomed to us, and I even put out water for him in a little dish on the table. I know he enjoyed it, because we would find it splashed across the table the next day.
After Timothy went home, we were a little lonesome. Remnants of a hurricane threatened to move things around on our back porch, so we did some rearranging before the storm hit. My husband gently moved the bird house to the porch floor underneath the coffee table and surrounded it with bricks. Frodo played on the bricks and around the bird house… and then he disappeared. For several days, the toads were gone. I know it’s silly, but I was truly sad and missed them. I had grown fond of looking for them peering from the bird house opening each morning. I missed seeing the toad on the window at night. And I was a little worried… what had happened to Frodo during the storm’s wind and rain?
My answer came four days later when I happened to pass the window, and there was Frodo… perched inside the bird house with his head hanging out. He was back! He probably took refuge in one of our many potted plants on the porch. But I was so glad to see him. And I felt God saying, “I take care of my creatures… ALL of them.”
I know this is a little bit of a weird analogy, but I have faithfully taken care of this little toad and his buddy most of the summer. And yes, he is just a toad… but God has used him to teach me a couple of lessons about faith. We are all “toads” of one sort of another, but God uses us to accomplish many things… if only we will let him. Just as he used the prostitute Rahab, God uses any who willingly serves Him – in spite of our brokenness!
I’m glad that Frodo has returned. He serves as a reminder to me that God is in control… that if He can meet the needs of a tiny Great Plains Toad, He surely cares about my needs. I am encouraged to stay faithful… to be strong and confident… and to look for ways to serve God when He calls upon me. What about you… does your faith need a little boost today? Are you serving faithfully and confidently? Does your witness show others that God cares for all of His “toads?” Shouldn’t it?
©2012 Debbie Robus
You can now see that we please God by what we do and not only by what we believe. For example, Rahab had been a prostitute. But she pleased God when she welcomed the spies and sent them home by another way.
Anyone who doesn’t breathe is dead, and faith that doesn’t do anything is just as dead!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Early in the summer, a spotted toad appeared on our back porch. He took up residence in a decorative bird house we keep on a glass-topped coffee table sitting there. One night, I discovered him pressed belly-side down against one of our picture windows, catching bugs that collected there in the light from one of our table lamps. I did a little research and learned that “Frodo,” as I named him, is a Great Plains Toad. Most likely, he moved into the bird house because his normal habitat… moist, damp earth… was not available in this summer’s drought.
I so hoped that Frodo would hang around for Timothy’s visit in August… and he did. We enjoyed watching Frodo – and his new cohort we dubbed “Little Frodo” – as they moved in and out of the bird house. We laughed as we watched “Big Frodo” attach to our picture window at night and catch bugs. Frodo grew accustomed to us, and I even put out water for him in a little dish on the table. I know he enjoyed it, because we would find it splashed across the table the next day.
After Timothy went home, we were a little lonesome. Remnants of a hurricane threatened to move things around on our back porch, so we did some rearranging before the storm hit. My husband gently moved the bird house to the porch floor underneath the coffee table and surrounded it with bricks. Frodo played on the bricks and around the bird house… and then he disappeared. For several days, the toads were gone. I know it’s silly, but I was truly sad and missed them. I had grown fond of looking for them peering from the bird house opening each morning. I missed seeing the toad on the window at night. And I was a little worried… what had happened to Frodo during the storm’s wind and rain?
My answer came four days later when I happened to pass the window, and there was Frodo… perched inside the bird house with his head hanging out. He was back! He probably took refuge in one of our many potted plants on the porch. But I was so glad to see him. And I felt God saying, “I take care of my creatures… ALL of them.”
I know this is a little bit of a weird analogy, but I have faithfully taken care of this little toad and his buddy most of the summer. And yes, he is just a toad… but God has used him to teach me a couple of lessons about faith. We are all “toads” of one sort of another, but God uses us to accomplish many things… if only we will let him. Just as he used the prostitute Rahab, God uses any who willingly serves Him – in spite of our brokenness!
I’m glad that Frodo has returned. He serves as a reminder to me that God is in control… that if He can meet the needs of a tiny Great Plains Toad, He surely cares about my needs. I am encouraged to stay faithful… to be strong and confident… and to look for ways to serve God when He calls upon me. What about you… does your faith need a little boost today? Are you serving faithfully and confidently? Does your witness show others that God cares for all of His “toads?” Shouldn’t it?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 5, 2012
James 2:21-14
Wasn't our ancestor Abraham "made right with God by works" when he placed his son Isaac on the sacrificial altar? Isn't it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expresses itself in works? That the works are "works of faith"? The full meaning of "believe" in the Scripture sentence, "Abraham believed God and was set right with God," includes his action. It's that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named "God's friend." Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works?
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.
Labor Day 2011, Timothy awoke wheezing. He could hardly catch his breath. The noise was so loud that my husband rushed from his upstairs office and said, “He’s having an asthma attack.” Thankfully, Timothy did not have asthma – just a serious allergic reaction to leaves and grass he had played in the day before. But it took a trip to our local hospital Emergency Room to determine this. And the entire event scared our little guy half to death… particularly some of the devices used to examine him, like a blood pressure cuff and a nebulizer mask applied for a “breathing treatment.”
The doctor ordered a chest x-ray, and the technician came to our exam room to get us. Timothy was terrified and did not want to cooperate. He most certainly did not want to let go of me. In frustration, the technician finally ordered us to leave the x-ray lab. We did NOT want to do this, but nurses and the respiratory therapist assured me that they would not leave Timothy… and that he would be in good hands. So my husband and I reluctantly stepped out of the room and left our little guy sitting on the x-ray table, screaming at the top of his lungs. I told my husband, “They have five minutes.” Some three minutes and one decent x-ray later, we were allowed to return.
I don’t begin to compare this experience to that of Abraham placing Isaac on the altar and preparing to kill him in sacrifice. But I have a glimpse of how hard it is to entrust your child to others who are assuring you that “this is the right thing to do,” and “it will be okay,” when your gut is telling you something completely different. I have a little clearer picture of operating in faith. I knew that we needed the x-ray. I knew some of these nurses and trusted them to take care of Timothy. The doctor had explained that he had to rule out pneumonia… and this was the least invasive procedure they offered. But I still hear the screams and terror in my nephew’s voice. Nobody ever said being a “parent” was easy… and certainly no one ever said walking in faith with Jesus would be simple, either.
My point is that we often realize that what God is calling us to do is going to be difficult… or at best, something we really don’t want to do. Other times, we are simply a little lazy. God is requiring effort on our part that we do not want to provide. Regardless of the reason, there will be times when walking in faith is incredibly hard… but extremely vital. As the scripture states, that “mesh of believing and acting” is what brings the results we so desperately seek… the relationship with God that creates the genuine “friendship.”
As Christians, there will be many times in our lives when God calls upon us to demonstrate incredible faith in Him and the promises He has given us. The word “demonstrate” is not passive… it is a call to action! This may mean actively getting up and getting busy – or it may simply mean behaving in a manner that exudes a positive, hopeful attitude. Whatever and wherever God calls us, we must be ready to do what is required… even if it means temporarily leaving our child in the care of trained medical staff members who are trying to help. Are you up for the challenges of living in Christian faith? Where do you need to make necessary adjustments – in your actions and your attitude? Are you ready to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Wasn't our ancestor Abraham "made right with God by works" when he placed his son Isaac on the sacrificial altar? Isn't it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expresses itself in works? That the works are "works of faith"? The full meaning of "believe" in the Scripture sentence, "Abraham believed God and was set right with God," includes his action. It's that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named "God's friend." Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works?
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.
Labor Day 2011, Timothy awoke wheezing. He could hardly catch his breath. The noise was so loud that my husband rushed from his upstairs office and said, “He’s having an asthma attack.” Thankfully, Timothy did not have asthma – just a serious allergic reaction to leaves and grass he had played in the day before. But it took a trip to our local hospital Emergency Room to determine this. And the entire event scared our little guy half to death… particularly some of the devices used to examine him, like a blood pressure cuff and a nebulizer mask applied for a “breathing treatment.”
The doctor ordered a chest x-ray, and the technician came to our exam room to get us. Timothy was terrified and did not want to cooperate. He most certainly did not want to let go of me. In frustration, the technician finally ordered us to leave the x-ray lab. We did NOT want to do this, but nurses and the respiratory therapist assured me that they would not leave Timothy… and that he would be in good hands. So my husband and I reluctantly stepped out of the room and left our little guy sitting on the x-ray table, screaming at the top of his lungs. I told my husband, “They have five minutes.” Some three minutes and one decent x-ray later, we were allowed to return.
I don’t begin to compare this experience to that of Abraham placing Isaac on the altar and preparing to kill him in sacrifice. But I have a glimpse of how hard it is to entrust your child to others who are assuring you that “this is the right thing to do,” and “it will be okay,” when your gut is telling you something completely different. I have a little clearer picture of operating in faith. I knew that we needed the x-ray. I knew some of these nurses and trusted them to take care of Timothy. The doctor had explained that he had to rule out pneumonia… and this was the least invasive procedure they offered. But I still hear the screams and terror in my nephew’s voice. Nobody ever said being a “parent” was easy… and certainly no one ever said walking in faith with Jesus would be simple, either.
My point is that we often realize that what God is calling us to do is going to be difficult… or at best, something we really don’t want to do. Other times, we are simply a little lazy. God is requiring effort on our part that we do not want to provide. Regardless of the reason, there will be times when walking in faith is incredibly hard… but extremely vital. As the scripture states, that “mesh of believing and acting” is what brings the results we so desperately seek… the relationship with God that creates the genuine “friendship.”
As Christians, there will be many times in our lives when God calls upon us to demonstrate incredible faith in Him and the promises He has given us. The word “demonstrate” is not passive… it is a call to action! This may mean actively getting up and getting busy – or it may simply mean behaving in a manner that exudes a positive, hopeful attitude. Whatever and wherever God calls us, we must be ready to do what is required… even if it means temporarily leaving our child in the care of trained medical staff members who are trying to help. Are you up for the challenges of living in Christian faith? Where do you need to make necessary adjustments – in your actions and your attitude? Are you ready to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 4, 2012
James 2:19-20
Do I hear you professing to believe in the one and only God, but then observe you complacently sitting back as if you had done something wonderful? That's just great. Demons do that, but what good does it do them? Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The late radio commentator and author, Paul Harvey, was known for telling “the rest of the story.” He would weave interesting tales for his listeners that contained a twist or something peculiar or unique at the end… and he would utter his trademark phrase, “… and now you know the rest of the story.”
As Christians, we often fail to tell “the rest of the story.” We stop short by claiming to believe in God… we are ready and willing to tell others what God is capable of doing – and we may even share personal examples of how God has blessed and cared for us. But this is where we begin and end… with talk. We don’t “live by example.” We judge others – often unfairly. We are exclusive in our social circles and display negative attitudes and stereotypes. We gripe about how bad things are getting in our country – and the world at large – and we blame everything on someone else.
How often do you hear someone say, “I’ve been asking God to turn this economy around, and I believe He is answering,” or “I thank God for my freedoms, and I know He is blessing me at every turn.” When was the last time you posted something positive on Facebook… or offered someone who was struggling a little hope for the future? How often to you speak encouraging words to someone else, based on your own hope and faith in Jesus Christ to “do all things?”
There are far too many “Christians” in this world who are sitting on the sidelines, judging each and every person they encounter according to a personal agenda, and offering little to nothing that would make the next guy say, “If he/she is the example of what life holds for those with Christian faith, sign me up!” Instead, there are plenty who are claiming the name of Jesus and turning off others at every turn. In a nutshell, if these folks are the epitome of a faith-filled Christian, forget it! They don’t want any part of it… and who could blame them?!
We have to stay awake and alert… and we simply must examine our hearts – and our faith – on a daily basis. Are we truly sharing “the rest of the story” with others? Or are we giving lip service to the love and power of Jesus Christ and then sitting on our hands? Worse yet, do we say one thing and demonstrate another? The time has come for us to be “the real deal” for Jesus. It will require hard work, dedication, and continual effort… but nothing less is acceptable. What is your level of commitment? How much of the story are telling these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Do I hear you professing to believe in the one and only God, but then observe you complacently sitting back as if you had done something wonderful? That's just great. Demons do that, but what good does it do them? Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The late radio commentator and author, Paul Harvey, was known for telling “the rest of the story.” He would weave interesting tales for his listeners that contained a twist or something peculiar or unique at the end… and he would utter his trademark phrase, “… and now you know the rest of the story.”
As Christians, we often fail to tell “the rest of the story.” We stop short by claiming to believe in God… we are ready and willing to tell others what God is capable of doing – and we may even share personal examples of how God has blessed and cared for us. But this is where we begin and end… with talk. We don’t “live by example.” We judge others – often unfairly. We are exclusive in our social circles and display negative attitudes and stereotypes. We gripe about how bad things are getting in our country – and the world at large – and we blame everything on someone else.
How often do you hear someone say, “I’ve been asking God to turn this economy around, and I believe He is answering,” or “I thank God for my freedoms, and I know He is blessing me at every turn.” When was the last time you posted something positive on Facebook… or offered someone who was struggling a little hope for the future? How often to you speak encouraging words to someone else, based on your own hope and faith in Jesus Christ to “do all things?”
There are far too many “Christians” in this world who are sitting on the sidelines, judging each and every person they encounter according to a personal agenda, and offering little to nothing that would make the next guy say, “If he/she is the example of what life holds for those with Christian faith, sign me up!” Instead, there are plenty who are claiming the name of Jesus and turning off others at every turn. In a nutshell, if these folks are the epitome of a faith-filled Christian, forget it! They don’t want any part of it… and who could blame them?!
We have to stay awake and alert… and we simply must examine our hearts – and our faith – on a daily basis. Are we truly sharing “the rest of the story” with others? Or are we giving lip service to the love and power of Jesus Christ and then sitting on our hands? Worse yet, do we say one thing and demonstrate another? The time has come for us to be “the real deal” for Jesus. It will require hard work, dedication, and continual effort… but nothing less is acceptable. What is your level of commitment? How much of the story are telling these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 3, 2012
James 2:18
I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, "Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the works department."
Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.
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.
Ever since I was a teenager, my family has enjoyed a special recipe for spaghetti sauce that came from my Aunt Martha Raye. This meat and tomato blend is rich and flavorful… filled with seasonings like oregano, cumin, sweet basil, and of course – garlic. The recipe makes a huge amount that can be frozen in small containers for individual servings. All you have to do is cook some pasta and heat the sauce to pour over it.
I could eat cooked pasta all by itself… I love it that much. And a dish of plain pasta would serve the purpose of feeding someone who was hungry. The same could be said for the spaghetti sauce. It could be poured into a bowl and eaten with a spoon… and once again, hunger would be sated. But when you pour this spaghetti sauce over the noodles, something magical happens. You have a complete dish… one that tastes altogether different and is incredibly satisfying on several levels. You have a complete meal!
Honestly, to serve the sauce or the pasta by themselves would be a little ridiculous. The two were meant to work in tandem to produce a delicious, hearty, nourishing dish. And yes, there will be those picky eaters who say, “I just want noodles,” or “I’ll just have a little sauce.” But they are missing out on the bigger picture… the gratification of a blend of textures, spices, flavors, nutrients and more.
Do you see what I am saying here in relation to our walk with Jesus? We can’t have the “sauce” without the “pasta.” We can’t say we trust Him to meet our needs and answer our prayers, then walk around in a funk as if we just lost our last friend… worried and wringing our hands over the very issues we handed to Him in confidence. As I told my husband recently about my some of my own concerns... “How can I write daily devotionals - and challenge all of us to trust God and truly live like we know He is going to do what He says - if I am moping around and acting sad, upset, and worried all the time?”
How can we say to someone, “I know that God is working this out for you,” then act like things are falling apart in our own life? How can we show up to help with children’s programs, deliver Meals on Wheels, work at the food bank and thrift store, visit the sick and elderly, and offer others a glimpse of the love, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ… then sulk and brood about their circumstances – and/or our own? How can we sit back and say, “God will take care of this… He doesn’t need my input,” and not put our faith into action?
When people look at you, do they see someone who is hopeful, confident, and fully walking in faith as you serve God in whatever manner He has directed? Or do they see someone who either says, “I have full confidence in God to meet our needs” while you sit on your hands and never even offer to help someone else or serve in any capacity? Do they see someone who is always front and center to do whatever needs to be done – all the while pouting and worrying about this or that and lamenting that “I just don’t know what will happen.”
Faith-filled Christians can’t have “spaghetti sauce” without the “pasta”… or vice versa. It’s a two-fold design. Faith and works must work in tandem. I can assure you, this is not always easy. The devil is ready and waiting to trip us up… to whisper in our ear and say, “Yeah, BUT… what if this? What about that? How can you really be so sure? How can you possibly smile and be happy while all of this is going on? Do you really need to serve… won’t God take care of this by Himself?”
Don’t listen to the devil… brush him off your shoulder and stand up straight and tall, confident in God’s ability to handle all things – and your obligation to serve Him and do your part. Faith and works… “pasta and sauce”… one requires the other. Be sure your plate includes an ample serving of both!
©2012 Debbie Robus
I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, "Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the works department."
Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.
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.
Ever since I was a teenager, my family has enjoyed a special recipe for spaghetti sauce that came from my Aunt Martha Raye. This meat and tomato blend is rich and flavorful… filled with seasonings like oregano, cumin, sweet basil, and of course – garlic. The recipe makes a huge amount that can be frozen in small containers for individual servings. All you have to do is cook some pasta and heat the sauce to pour over it.
I could eat cooked pasta all by itself… I love it that much. And a dish of plain pasta would serve the purpose of feeding someone who was hungry. The same could be said for the spaghetti sauce. It could be poured into a bowl and eaten with a spoon… and once again, hunger would be sated. But when you pour this spaghetti sauce over the noodles, something magical happens. You have a complete dish… one that tastes altogether different and is incredibly satisfying on several levels. You have a complete meal!
Honestly, to serve the sauce or the pasta by themselves would be a little ridiculous. The two were meant to work in tandem to produce a delicious, hearty, nourishing dish. And yes, there will be those picky eaters who say, “I just want noodles,” or “I’ll just have a little sauce.” But they are missing out on the bigger picture… the gratification of a blend of textures, spices, flavors, nutrients and more.
Do you see what I am saying here in relation to our walk with Jesus? We can’t have the “sauce” without the “pasta.” We can’t say we trust Him to meet our needs and answer our prayers, then walk around in a funk as if we just lost our last friend… worried and wringing our hands over the very issues we handed to Him in confidence. As I told my husband recently about my some of my own concerns... “How can I write daily devotionals - and challenge all of us to trust God and truly live like we know He is going to do what He says - if I am moping around and acting sad, upset, and worried all the time?”
How can we say to someone, “I know that God is working this out for you,” then act like things are falling apart in our own life? How can we show up to help with children’s programs, deliver Meals on Wheels, work at the food bank and thrift store, visit the sick and elderly, and offer others a glimpse of the love, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ… then sulk and brood about their circumstances – and/or our own? How can we sit back and say, “God will take care of this… He doesn’t need my input,” and not put our faith into action?
When people look at you, do they see someone who is hopeful, confident, and fully walking in faith as you serve God in whatever manner He has directed? Or do they see someone who either says, “I have full confidence in God to meet our needs” while you sit on your hands and never even offer to help someone else or serve in any capacity? Do they see someone who is always front and center to do whatever needs to be done – all the while pouting and worrying about this or that and lamenting that “I just don’t know what will happen.”
Faith-filled Christians can’t have “spaghetti sauce” without the “pasta”… or vice versa. It’s a two-fold design. Faith and works must work in tandem. I can assure you, this is not always easy. The devil is ready and waiting to trip us up… to whisper in our ear and say, “Yeah, BUT… what if this? What about that? How can you really be so sure? How can you possibly smile and be happy while all of this is going on? Do you really need to serve… won’t God take care of this by Himself?”
Don’t listen to the devil… brush him off your shoulder and stand up straight and tall, confident in God’s ability to handle all things – and your obligation to serve Him and do your part. Faith and works… “pasta and sauce”… one requires the other. Be sure your plate includes an ample serving of both!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 2, 2012
James 2:14-17
Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?
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.
Several of my friends are actively serving as foster parents. One of the hardest parts of being a foster parent is the moment when you have to give the child who has been placed in your care to someone else. Whether the courts say the child must return to his/her own parent(s) or must be placed with another family… whether you know this is a good and proper step or you have reservations... letting go is hard. There is that moment when you feel like you can’t breathe, a lump the size of a grapefruit forms in your throat, and you are genuinely frightened that you might pass out. You are telling the child – and yourself – that “this will be okay,” and all the while, you are trying to convince yourself it really will be. I honestly do not know how foster families do this… some of them over and again through the years with countless children. The physical and emotional toll it takes on them must be huge… matched only by their faith.
I have to believe that the way these parents do what they do is by living their faith. They ask God to work out these situations according to His will – then trust Him to do exactly this. While the child is in their care, they faithfully trust God to equip them for the challenges that surely come. They pray for strength and courage when the child moves to another home… for themselves and for the child. But as importantly, they live each day with joy and confidence that God truly IS doing what He promised… that He really DOES have the situation under control and will meet the individual needs of all concerned, once this transition occurs.
A lot of us have a huge problem in this area. We say we believe in God. We ask Him for help with all kinds of thing. But we want to meddle. We say, “I know God is doing this for me, but I just can’t help worrying.” Or, we say conversely, “I asked God to handle this for me, so I don’t have to worry about it again” – as in “I asked God to take care of the homeless lady I met the other day,” and then we totally walk away and forget about her.
Here’s the deal… there are times when we need to faithfully give our burdens and concerns to God and walk in confidence that He will handle them for us. But we must also ask God to show us if/when there is anything we need to be doing to help Him – or in His name! Sometimes, all God wants us to do is to trust Him for an outcome. Sometimes, He expects us to get our hands dirty. So while God gives foster parents PLENTY to do for Him when they are caring for needy children, He expects them to trust HIM to handle things when the children are no longer in their care.
It’s a little like when we greet someone at Wal-Mart and say, “Hi! How are you doing?” as we whiz past them! We don’t really want to know how this person is. We don’t have time to get involved… to hear that there might be problems in this person’s life… or even to hear their good news! But we ask anyway and feel so good about our kind, friendly attitude. We pat ourselves on the back as a “good Christian.” And this is the problem. In terms of our Christian faith… we can’t ask and not expect to wait on the answer. All talk and no action is not true Christian faith.
We can’t expect God to meet our needs without doing our part. We can’t say we have faith and confidence in God and then walk around acting like someone just stepped on our big toe! And we can’t talk a good game and give God lip service… then sit back and expect others to be the real servants. We have to be willing to get up and get going when God calls us… and to sit still and be calm when He tells us, “I’ve got this!”
Take a good look at yourself. Do others see a person of true Christian faith when they look at you? Or do they see someone who talks big but has little to show for it? Do you really care how the other guy is doing… or are you counting on someone else to stop and hear what he/she has to say? When you feel God telling you that He has a situation under control, do you trust Him and act with confidence that He is plenty capable to handle this for you? Do you not only “talk the talk” but also “walk the walk?” Do you really have Christian faith… or do you merely talk about it? Isn’t it time to spend some time with God and get this right?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?
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.
Several of my friends are actively serving as foster parents. One of the hardest parts of being a foster parent is the moment when you have to give the child who has been placed in your care to someone else. Whether the courts say the child must return to his/her own parent(s) or must be placed with another family… whether you know this is a good and proper step or you have reservations... letting go is hard. There is that moment when you feel like you can’t breathe, a lump the size of a grapefruit forms in your throat, and you are genuinely frightened that you might pass out. You are telling the child – and yourself – that “this will be okay,” and all the while, you are trying to convince yourself it really will be. I honestly do not know how foster families do this… some of them over and again through the years with countless children. The physical and emotional toll it takes on them must be huge… matched only by their faith.
I have to believe that the way these parents do what they do is by living their faith. They ask God to work out these situations according to His will – then trust Him to do exactly this. While the child is in their care, they faithfully trust God to equip them for the challenges that surely come. They pray for strength and courage when the child moves to another home… for themselves and for the child. But as importantly, they live each day with joy and confidence that God truly IS doing what He promised… that He really DOES have the situation under control and will meet the individual needs of all concerned, once this transition occurs.
A lot of us have a huge problem in this area. We say we believe in God. We ask Him for help with all kinds of thing. But we want to meddle. We say, “I know God is doing this for me, but I just can’t help worrying.” Or, we say conversely, “I asked God to handle this for me, so I don’t have to worry about it again” – as in “I asked God to take care of the homeless lady I met the other day,” and then we totally walk away and forget about her.
Here’s the deal… there are times when we need to faithfully give our burdens and concerns to God and walk in confidence that He will handle them for us. But we must also ask God to show us if/when there is anything we need to be doing to help Him – or in His name! Sometimes, all God wants us to do is to trust Him for an outcome. Sometimes, He expects us to get our hands dirty. So while God gives foster parents PLENTY to do for Him when they are caring for needy children, He expects them to trust HIM to handle things when the children are no longer in their care.
It’s a little like when we greet someone at Wal-Mart and say, “Hi! How are you doing?” as we whiz past them! We don’t really want to know how this person is. We don’t have time to get involved… to hear that there might be problems in this person’s life… or even to hear their good news! But we ask anyway and feel so good about our kind, friendly attitude. We pat ourselves on the back as a “good Christian.” And this is the problem. In terms of our Christian faith… we can’t ask and not expect to wait on the answer. All talk and no action is not true Christian faith.
We can’t expect God to meet our needs without doing our part. We can’t say we have faith and confidence in God and then walk around acting like someone just stepped on our big toe! And we can’t talk a good game and give God lip service… then sit back and expect others to be the real servants. We have to be willing to get up and get going when God calls us… and to sit still and be calm when He tells us, “I’ve got this!”
Take a good look at yourself. Do others see a person of true Christian faith when they look at you? Or do they see someone who talks big but has little to show for it? Do you really care how the other guy is doing… or are you counting on someone else to stop and hear what he/she has to say? When you feel God telling you that He has a situation under control, do you trust Him and act with confidence that He is plenty capable to handle this for you? Do you not only “talk the talk” but also “walk the walk?” Do you really have Christian faith… or do you merely talk about it? Isn’t it time to spend some time with God and get this right?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 9, 2012
James 2:14-17
Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?
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.
One day last fall, I promised Timothy I would come and get him on Sunday morning at his grandparents’ house. We had a commitment on Saturday night, so he stayed with my sister and her husband. My sister let me know that there was really no need for me to come after Timothy on Sunday. She was working, but she assured me that Timothy’s grandfather could watch him while she was away. However, I had promised to come after him. A few people said, “He won’t remember”… and maybe he wouldn’t. But I made a promise… and I wasn’t about to break it - unless circumstances were beyond my control.
If you know me very well, you know that I am something of a stickler for people keeping their word. If you say you are going to do something, do it. If you promise to call or stop by… you should call or stop by! If you can’t follow through on a promise, don’t make it. And in my opinion, this starts with small children. It really shouldn’t matter whether the person will remember or not… GOD remembers! He has called us to a life of words and deeds… and the two should match!
So think carefully – and prayerfully – about what you say and do. Look for ways to offer words of encouragement… but back them up with action! The old adage “Don’t make promises you can’t keep” applies… even to phone calls, visits, and commitments to show up in life. By the same token, don’t be a person who is “all talk and no action.” A fully committed disciple of Christ is ready to serve with words and deeds! I promise you… the times you get out of your comfort zone and get off your duff to serve will be your best moments as a Christian.
A couple of weekends ago, the husband of one of my dad’s cousins died. His visitation was in Searcy, some thirty miles away. I had a prior commitment on the day of the funeral and knew I could not attend. So I decided to drive over for the visitation. I really didn’t want to spend my Friday evening this way. I had a lot going on already, and this was not in my plans. But I did it, because I felt that it was the right thing to do… to go and support my cousin and his family in the loss of his dad. I have to tell you, I am so glad I went. I visited with a half-dozen or more cousins I have not seen in a while… some for decades. We reconnected and exchanged Facebook info so we could keep up… and we reminisced about fun times spent at our grandmothers’ houses.
Had I blown off the visitation, I could have sent my cousin a condolence note and said, “I’m sorry I couldn’t attend the visitation.” That would have been a true statement, and he would have understood. But I would not have been obedient to God’s command to be a disciple of words and actions! And the look on my cousin’s face when I reached him in the receiving line told me that I had done the right thing.
Before you go adding stars to my crown, be assured that there have been plenty of times that I have failed miserably in this department. I’ve skipped funerals I should have attended, put off phone calls, substituted a note for a visit, and made promises I couldn’t keep. But I am reminded in this scripture that these are not the behaviors of a true Disciple of Christ! This is not how faith-filled Christians behave. Dr. Seuss’s character, Horton the Elephant, says, “I meant what I said and I said what I meant… an elephant’s faithful, one hundred percent!” I want to be a “Horton” kind of Christian… don’t you? Will you join me today and renew your commitment to put your words… and deeds… into action each and every day? Will your God-talk be followed up with God-acts? Shouldn’t it?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?
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.
One day last fall, I promised Timothy I would come and get him on Sunday morning at his grandparents’ house. We had a commitment on Saturday night, so he stayed with my sister and her husband. My sister let me know that there was really no need for me to come after Timothy on Sunday. She was working, but she assured me that Timothy’s grandfather could watch him while she was away. However, I had promised to come after him. A few people said, “He won’t remember”… and maybe he wouldn’t. But I made a promise… and I wasn’t about to break it - unless circumstances were beyond my control.
If you know me very well, you know that I am something of a stickler for people keeping their word. If you say you are going to do something, do it. If you promise to call or stop by… you should call or stop by! If you can’t follow through on a promise, don’t make it. And in my opinion, this starts with small children. It really shouldn’t matter whether the person will remember or not… GOD remembers! He has called us to a life of words and deeds… and the two should match!
So think carefully – and prayerfully – about what you say and do. Look for ways to offer words of encouragement… but back them up with action! The old adage “Don’t make promises you can’t keep” applies… even to phone calls, visits, and commitments to show up in life. By the same token, don’t be a person who is “all talk and no action.” A fully committed disciple of Christ is ready to serve with words and deeds! I promise you… the times you get out of your comfort zone and get off your duff to serve will be your best moments as a Christian.
A couple of weekends ago, the husband of one of my dad’s cousins died. His visitation was in Searcy, some thirty miles away. I had a prior commitment on the day of the funeral and knew I could not attend. So I decided to drive over for the visitation. I really didn’t want to spend my Friday evening this way. I had a lot going on already, and this was not in my plans. But I did it, because I felt that it was the right thing to do… to go and support my cousin and his family in the loss of his dad. I have to tell you, I am so glad I went. I visited with a half-dozen or more cousins I have not seen in a while… some for decades. We reconnected and exchanged Facebook info so we could keep up… and we reminisced about fun times spent at our grandmothers’ houses.
Had I blown off the visitation, I could have sent my cousin a condolence note and said, “I’m sorry I couldn’t attend the visitation.” That would have been a true statement, and he would have understood. But I would not have been obedient to God’s command to be a disciple of words and actions! And the look on my cousin’s face when I reached him in the receiving line told me that I had done the right thing.
Before you go adding stars to my crown, be assured that there have been plenty of times that I have failed miserably in this department. I’ve skipped funerals I should have attended, put off phone calls, substituted a note for a visit, and made promises I couldn’t keep. But I am reminded in this scripture that these are not the behaviors of a true Disciple of Christ! This is not how faith-filled Christians behave. Dr. Seuss’s character, Horton the Elephant, says, “I meant what I said and I said what I meant… an elephant’s faithful, one hundred percent!” I want to be a “Horton” kind of Christian… don’t you? Will you join me today and renew your commitment to put your words… and deeds… into action each and every day? Will your God-talk be followed up with God-acts? Shouldn’t it?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 31, 2011
Proverbs 20:29
Young people take pride in their strength, but the gray hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Someone paid me a compliment recently, and in thanking them, I said, “I have had some great role models.” From my grandmother and her peers, to my mother and mother-in-law and many of their friends, to dear ladies (and gentlemen) I know who attend our church and the church in which I grew up… I am surrounded by Godly influences. Many, like my grandmother, have aged to a point where the tables have turned in terms of strength. I am now more able bodied and help her with things that are no longer easily accomplished… from driving, to paying bills and balancing the checkbook, to shopping and more.
By keeping Timothy so often – and caring for my grandmother – I recognize that many of the things I do for him are things she and my mother did for me not so long ago. Now I am repaying them, somewhat, by paying it forward. And this is where you come in... it is your turn to start sharing your blessings and wisdom with others in your own path.
As you go about your day, I assure you that people are watching… from the little kid down the street who sees you in the driveway and observes your demeanor to the older folks who meet you in the grocery store or the aisle at church. They notice when you are polite… and when you are not. They see your body language and your overall appearance… they hear the language that comes out of your mouth… they determine what sort of person you are by how you conduct yourself – even in the privacy of your own yard! For those of us who are older and (supposedly) wiser, we can easily become discouraged when we see that the kindness and “sage wisdom” we impart to younger people seems to be ignored. We can get upset and feel like those we tried to nurture have failed to live up to our expectations – or even brought us major disappointment.
This is rotten thinking on our part. Our job is not to love others with any expectations or desired outcomes. That’s why it’s called unconditional love. We are to nurture others… to live as an example of the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ… and leave the outcomes to God Almighty. While I occasionally may think to myself, “What would So-and-so think if he/she saw me now?”… for the most part, I never give a second thought to the opinions of my role models. I know that they love me me no matter what. They might disapprove of my methods or actions once in awhile… and yes, a few have voiced their opinions from time to time in that regard… but mostly, they just go about the business of living a life that reflects their love and devotion to Jesus.
I told you about my hero, Geraldine “MawMac” McCurry, and how she influenced me so much. What I didn’t tell you was that MawMac had a set of “internal rules” by which she lived. I can’t tell you what all of them were, but I know there were certain things that she felt simply were not done. For instance, after one of her falls, she was unable to wear her high-heeled pumps and a dress to church – and for awhile, she had to wear slacks and sandals (which meant she could not wear stockings). She considered this terribly inappropriate for church attendance. I have to tell you, as I sat at a funeral in her church’s sanctuary lately on a 100+ degree day, wearing sandals and bear legs with my dress, I thought, “MawMac would not approve!” In her honor, I will wear stockings with my dress to her funeral… even if the temperatures are scorching!
Now this may seem like a minor, silly thing… but it is only one small example of how we are influenced by our elders – and how what we do matters to those around us. We may never see the “fruits of our labor”… it may seem like we are not making a difference at all. But in truth, our wisdom and influence matters greatly. I have 40-year-old first graders who still talk about their “guitar-playing first grade teacher” on a regular basis. I had no clue that singing songs in a crowded classroom would make such an impact… and you have no clue what you are saying and doing that is influencing others, too!
Check your attitudes… your behaviors… your appearance and demeanor. Make sure that you are exhibiting the traits of a Disciple of Christ. Share wisdom and Christian behavior for others on a daily basis… and be a good role model – even if those gray hairs are still years away.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Young people take pride in their strength, but the gray hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Someone paid me a compliment recently, and in thanking them, I said, “I have had some great role models.” From my grandmother and her peers, to my mother and mother-in-law and many of their friends, to dear ladies (and gentlemen) I know who attend our church and the church in which I grew up… I am surrounded by Godly influences. Many, like my grandmother, have aged to a point where the tables have turned in terms of strength. I am now more able bodied and help her with things that are no longer easily accomplished… from driving, to paying bills and balancing the checkbook, to shopping and more.
By keeping Timothy so often – and caring for my grandmother – I recognize that many of the things I do for him are things she and my mother did for me not so long ago. Now I am repaying them, somewhat, by paying it forward. And this is where you come in... it is your turn to start sharing your blessings and wisdom with others in your own path.
As you go about your day, I assure you that people are watching… from the little kid down the street who sees you in the driveway and observes your demeanor to the older folks who meet you in the grocery store or the aisle at church. They notice when you are polite… and when you are not. They see your body language and your overall appearance… they hear the language that comes out of your mouth… they determine what sort of person you are by how you conduct yourself – even in the privacy of your own yard! For those of us who are older and (supposedly) wiser, we can easily become discouraged when we see that the kindness and “sage wisdom” we impart to younger people seems to be ignored. We can get upset and feel like those we tried to nurture have failed to live up to our expectations – or even brought us major disappointment.
This is rotten thinking on our part. Our job is not to love others with any expectations or desired outcomes. That’s why it’s called unconditional love. We are to nurture others… to live as an example of the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ… and leave the outcomes to God Almighty. While I occasionally may think to myself, “What would So-and-so think if he/she saw me now?”… for the most part, I never give a second thought to the opinions of my role models. I know that they love me me no matter what. They might disapprove of my methods or actions once in awhile… and yes, a few have voiced their opinions from time to time in that regard… but mostly, they just go about the business of living a life that reflects their love and devotion to Jesus.
I told you about my hero, Geraldine “MawMac” McCurry, and how she influenced me so much. What I didn’t tell you was that MawMac had a set of “internal rules” by which she lived. I can’t tell you what all of them were, but I know there were certain things that she felt simply were not done. For instance, after one of her falls, she was unable to wear her high-heeled pumps and a dress to church – and for awhile, she had to wear slacks and sandals (which meant she could not wear stockings). She considered this terribly inappropriate for church attendance. I have to tell you, as I sat at a funeral in her church’s sanctuary lately on a 100+ degree day, wearing sandals and bear legs with my dress, I thought, “MawMac would not approve!” In her honor, I will wear stockings with my dress to her funeral… even if the temperatures are scorching!
Now this may seem like a minor, silly thing… but it is only one small example of how we are influenced by our elders – and how what we do matters to those around us. We may never see the “fruits of our labor”… it may seem like we are not making a difference at all. But in truth, our wisdom and influence matters greatly. I have 40-year-old first graders who still talk about their “guitar-playing first grade teacher” on a regular basis. I had no clue that singing songs in a crowded classroom would make such an impact… and you have no clue what you are saying and doing that is influencing others, too!
Check your attitudes… your behaviors… your appearance and demeanor. Make sure that you are exhibiting the traits of a Disciple of Christ. Share wisdom and Christian behavior for others on a daily basis… and be a good role model – even if those gray hairs are still years away.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 31, 2011
July 31 ~ John 5:37-40
The Father who sent me also speaks for me, but you have never heard his voice or seen him face to face. You have not believed his message, because you refused to have faith in the one he sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me, but you refuse to come to me for eternal life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I really love a good cookbook. I can sit and read the recipes for hours and dream of creating wonderful casseroles and soups… rich, calorie-laden desserts… delicious, fragrant breads… and even something light, healthy, and tasty. But most of the time, I slide the cookbook back onto the shelf and cook the same old standards in my “culinary repertoire.” This is partly because I don’t want to expend the time and effort required to create these dishes. But there is also a part of me that fears a poor result – a part that lacks faith and confidence in my ability to deliver the outcome promised in the cookbook!
Let’s be honest. Watching cooking shows on TV, buying the fancy knives and utensils, and reading recipes does not make one a great cook! There is a commitment involved… a determination to accept the challenge, do the work, and step out in faith that the delicious dishes detailed and photographed in the cookbooks can indeed be accomplished by a “regular Joe or Jane”.
I’m afraid we are a often a lot like that in our Spiritual life. We read the scriptures and give ourselves a pep talk… “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! He’s got the answers. We really ought to follow Him and share His Good News with others.” Or we read the Psalms and think, “LORD, this surely sounds good… You are our rock… You can handle all of our cares.” We read the stories of courage and faith in the Old Testament and the incredibly sound advice of the Proverbs… we read the letters of the Apostle Paul and hear Him encouraging us to live for Jesus.
Then we shelve our Bible, say a quick prayer and go back to life as usual. We never fully commit to the cross. We never leave our old, sinful, burdened life at the feet of Jesus and let His blood wash over them. We talk a good talk… but we never fully embrace the walk. In part, we are afraid and lacking in faith. In part, we are just plain stubborn and lazy! But in total, we are totally missing out on all that Jesus offers… and some of us are even risking the opportunity to spend Eternity with Him in heaven.
Our life in Christ is no recipe, and the Bible is no cookbook. This is serious business, and operating in faith is critical. It’s time we “hitched up our britches” and stepped up and out toward Jesus. It’s time we completely acknowledged that we truly can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us. We may have never seen Him in the flesh, but He is completely with us… even in the air we breathe… and His message is, “Come to Me. Open your heart and let me inside… I will give you peace, comfort – and Eternal Life!”
What are you waiting for? Isn’t it time you stopped merely reading and talking about your Christian faith and took action? Isn’t it time to truly come to Jesus and believe in Him completely? Your future depends on how you choose… what will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The Father who sent me also speaks for me, but you have never heard his voice or seen him face to face. You have not believed his message, because you refused to have faith in the one he sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me, but you refuse to come to me for eternal life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I really love a good cookbook. I can sit and read the recipes for hours and dream of creating wonderful casseroles and soups… rich, calorie-laden desserts… delicious, fragrant breads… and even something light, healthy, and tasty. But most of the time, I slide the cookbook back onto the shelf and cook the same old standards in my “culinary repertoire.” This is partly because I don’t want to expend the time and effort required to create these dishes. But there is also a part of me that fears a poor result – a part that lacks faith and confidence in my ability to deliver the outcome promised in the cookbook!
Let’s be honest. Watching cooking shows on TV, buying the fancy knives and utensils, and reading recipes does not make one a great cook! There is a commitment involved… a determination to accept the challenge, do the work, and step out in faith that the delicious dishes detailed and photographed in the cookbooks can indeed be accomplished by a “regular Joe or Jane”.
I’m afraid we are a often a lot like that in our Spiritual life. We read the scriptures and give ourselves a pep talk… “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! He’s got the answers. We really ought to follow Him and share His Good News with others.” Or we read the Psalms and think, “LORD, this surely sounds good… You are our rock… You can handle all of our cares.” We read the stories of courage and faith in the Old Testament and the incredibly sound advice of the Proverbs… we read the letters of the Apostle Paul and hear Him encouraging us to live for Jesus.
Then we shelve our Bible, say a quick prayer and go back to life as usual. We never fully commit to the cross. We never leave our old, sinful, burdened life at the feet of Jesus and let His blood wash over them. We talk a good talk… but we never fully embrace the walk. In part, we are afraid and lacking in faith. In part, we are just plain stubborn and lazy! But in total, we are totally missing out on all that Jesus offers… and some of us are even risking the opportunity to spend Eternity with Him in heaven.
Our life in Christ is no recipe, and the Bible is no cookbook. This is serious business, and operating in faith is critical. It’s time we “hitched up our britches” and stepped up and out toward Jesus. It’s time we completely acknowledged that we truly can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us. We may have never seen Him in the flesh, but He is completely with us… even in the air we breathe… and His message is, “Come to Me. Open your heart and let me inside… I will give you peace, comfort – and Eternal Life!”
What are you waiting for? Isn’t it time you stopped merely reading and talking about your Christian faith and took action? Isn’t it time to truly come to Jesus and believe in Him completely? Your future depends on how you choose… what will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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