Matthew 26:45
Finally, Jesus returned to his
disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? The time has
come for the Son of Man to be handed over to sinners.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Timothy
has this book we read at bedtime about a farmer whose entire menagerie –
and even his family – arose before he did. Every time he heard the
rooster crow, he would say, “Just a few more minutes”…or “Not yet”…or
“Just one more second” so that he could continue sleeping. He would
burrow further under the covers as the cow mooed and the cat and dog
came to sit on top of him. And then, his wife yelled “ALBERTTTTTTTT!”
He continued to try to sleep until the second time his wife yelled
“ALBERTTTTTTTTT!!!” Then he said, “Oh, alright!” He got up, dressed,
did his chores, and sat down to a hearty breakfast.
Timothy loves
this story. So when he awoke at 6:15 a.m., and I wanted to continue
sleeping, I reminded him that I was like the farmer in his story…”just a
few more minutes, please!” “But it’s a beautiful day!” Timothy told
me. And as much as I wanted to sleep and rest a little while longer, I
knew that it was time to get up and start enjoying this “beautiful day”
with my nephew. Soon enough, he will be too old for his Aunt Debbie. I
will be the one saying, “Get up! It’s a beautiful day,” and he will be
grumbling and groaning as many teenagers do…and saying, “Just a few
more minutes!”
Soon enough, this little boy who thinks we are
“perfect” (his word, not mine!) will not want to be seen with two old
fogeys like us! Soon enough, he will be grown, move out of the house,
and maybe have a family with little boys and girls of his own. The time
to “get up and enjoy a beautiful day” with him is NOW! And this is the
point of today’s scripture passage…the time to get up and share the
GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ is here!
Jesus didn’t tarry…He didn’t
say, “Just a few more minutes”…or “God, can’t this wait until another
day?”…He didn’t make excuses and shirk His responsibilities. Surely we
can get up and get going on behalf of the One who did so much for each
one of us! Soon enough, our earthly lives will be over, and all of the
opportunities we had to serve Jesus and share His message of love,
grace, mercy, forgiveness – and a new life in Him – will have passed.
Where will you be on that day? Will you have spent your time wisely and
obediently? Or will you have been like the farmer who pulled the quilt
up over his head and pled, “Just a little while longer!” as his wife
and animals called to him.
“The time has come.” These are Jesus’ words…will you answer His call… or are you still sleeping?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label responsive obedience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label responsive obedience. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 27, 2014
Colossians 1:9-12
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A friend of mine is embarking on a huge project to create a home for single mothers whose children were placed in foster care and are now transitioning back into a “traditional home” setting. Many of these women need help developing the necessary skills to create a solid, stable family unit that can sustain them and their children. It is hoped that a commitment to six months in this group home will equip these families to function well enough to stay out of the foster care system and “make a go of it”. Is this project fraught with opportunities for difficulties – even failure? Absolutely! Does this mean that my friend should not pursue what she believes God has called her to do? Absolutely not!
There are plenty of situations where we hesitate to get involved because we fear the outcome. Will we offend the person we are trying to comfort? Will we say the right things? Will this endeavor work…or will it fail miserably? Will all parties be left disappointed – even devastated? If we cannot guarantee that our efforts and ministries will be successful – and fruitful – should we pursue them? Read this scripture passage again…pay particular attention to the phrase that says “It is strength [the God-given glory-strength] that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy…”
Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.” There are a lot of situations where we will be called to pour out our hearts…to invest our physical, mental and emotional strength…and every indication will be that our attempts to share the compassion, mercy, love and grace of Jesus Christ were ineffective…rejected…a total waste of time. But this is never the case.
We do not get to decide whether our service for Jesus was effective or not. In fact, whether we have a visible, tangible result or not is totally unimportant. What matters is that we are obedient…that we do what God leads us to do…that we make the effort and trust Him for the outcome. So my friend feels that God is calling her to do this…and she is obediently serving. Whether the desired outcome is achieved or not is totally up to God. At the end of the day, all who were involved will know that they “worked hard in God’s orchard”…that they listened to His voice and operated in His strength.
Where is God calling you to step up and out today? Who needs a hug…a hand…a word of encouragement…or whatever you feel God leading you to share as an act of mercy and compassion? How are you offering God’s love to others…and how are you serving Him? Are you obedient and eager to learn more about how to do His work? Are you willing to accept the challenge…and the potential for “failure”?
God will not waste your efforts…you will not serve Him in vain – even if it seems that your offers of love and support have been rejected. When we listen to God’s voice and serve Him obediently, He will make the difference…and we will be strengthened and blessed in the process. Are you ready to discover this for yourself?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A friend of mine is embarking on a huge project to create a home for single mothers whose children were placed in foster care and are now transitioning back into a “traditional home” setting. Many of these women need help developing the necessary skills to create a solid, stable family unit that can sustain them and their children. It is hoped that a commitment to six months in this group home will equip these families to function well enough to stay out of the foster care system and “make a go of it”. Is this project fraught with opportunities for difficulties – even failure? Absolutely! Does this mean that my friend should not pursue what she believes God has called her to do? Absolutely not!
There are plenty of situations where we hesitate to get involved because we fear the outcome. Will we offend the person we are trying to comfort? Will we say the right things? Will this endeavor work…or will it fail miserably? Will all parties be left disappointed – even devastated? If we cannot guarantee that our efforts and ministries will be successful – and fruitful – should we pursue them? Read this scripture passage again…pay particular attention to the phrase that says “It is strength [the God-given glory-strength] that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy…”
Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.” There are a lot of situations where we will be called to pour out our hearts…to invest our physical, mental and emotional strength…and every indication will be that our attempts to share the compassion, mercy, love and grace of Jesus Christ were ineffective…rejected…a total waste of time. But this is never the case.
We do not get to decide whether our service for Jesus was effective or not. In fact, whether we have a visible, tangible result or not is totally unimportant. What matters is that we are obedient…that we do what God leads us to do…that we make the effort and trust Him for the outcome. So my friend feels that God is calling her to do this…and she is obediently serving. Whether the desired outcome is achieved or not is totally up to God. At the end of the day, all who were involved will know that they “worked hard in God’s orchard”…that they listened to His voice and operated in His strength.
Where is God calling you to step up and out today? Who needs a hug…a hand…a word of encouragement…or whatever you feel God leading you to share as an act of mercy and compassion? How are you offering God’s love to others…and how are you serving Him? Are you obedient and eager to learn more about how to do His work? Are you willing to accept the challenge…and the potential for “failure”?
God will not waste your efforts…you will not serve Him in vain – even if it seems that your offers of love and support have been rejected. When we listen to God’s voice and serve Him obediently, He will make the difference…and we will be strengthened and blessed in the process. Are you ready to discover this for yourself?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 18, 2014
Philippians 2:12-13
What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
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.
Our 18-month-old nephew Nathan is incredibly shy and does not like to interact with others. As his mother says, “He will charm the socks off you…but he’ll give you the evil eye while doing it!” And that’s if he will even look at you! When he finally learned to walk, he would only do so “in secret” for several months. If anyone spotted him walking…and certainly if we acknowledged it or praised him…he immediately sat down. Nathan truly proves the theory that every child is different. His personality is certainly not anything like that of Timothy and Zola – neither of whom ever meet a stranger!
When you think about it, little ones are often doing things “in secret” that they don’t want adults to see or hear. And I can tell you from my own teaching experience that children often behave in a totally different manner when they are at school or in public from how they act at home. And this speaks to the heart of what Paul is telling the Philippians in this scripture passage.
As disciples of Christ, it is important that we honor Him in our daily living. People are watching! But here’s the deal…we cannot drop our guard when we are in the privacy of our own home. We can’t smile and be kind to others when we meet them at school or in the grocery store…then make fun of them and/or curse them when we get in the car and drive away. We cannot be front and center at the latest community service or church mission project, and then refuse to help around the house – or act like we are entitled to special treatment with family and friends. The true measure of our faithfulness and devotion to Jesus Christ and His teachings is evidenced by how we live “in secret”.
When no one is around to tell you how wonderful you are, do you still pray for others…send them encouraging messages…offer to help – and follow through? Do you only serve in ministries with a high visibility? Are you just as eager to work “behind the scenes” in God’s army…or do you have to be “front and center” so that everyone can see what a wonderful, devoted “soldier” you are? Do you love as unconditionally…care as deeply…act as kindly…empathize and seek ways to share Jesus with others as fervently when no one is looking? Or do you require an audience in order to feel “generous”?
In other words, do you have God’s energy deep within you…a true urge to be vigorous in your life of salvation – “reverent and sensitive before God”? Do you earnestly seek to do even more in Jesus’ name when nobody is looking? When was the last time you did something for someone else that nobody knew about except that person and God? Can you see that these acts of compassion and ministry done “in secret” are the ones that please God the most?
Get in on this! Redouble your efforts to serve God… especially when nobody else is looking. Be the “real deal” for Him in all things…at all times…even “in secret”. Serve God with every ounce of energy you can muster…and discover what “responsive obedience” truly means.
©2014 Debbie Robus
What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
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.
Our 18-month-old nephew Nathan is incredibly shy and does not like to interact with others. As his mother says, “He will charm the socks off you…but he’ll give you the evil eye while doing it!” And that’s if he will even look at you! When he finally learned to walk, he would only do so “in secret” for several months. If anyone spotted him walking…and certainly if we acknowledged it or praised him…he immediately sat down. Nathan truly proves the theory that every child is different. His personality is certainly not anything like that of Timothy and Zola – neither of whom ever meet a stranger!
When you think about it, little ones are often doing things “in secret” that they don’t want adults to see or hear. And I can tell you from my own teaching experience that children often behave in a totally different manner when they are at school or in public from how they act at home. And this speaks to the heart of what Paul is telling the Philippians in this scripture passage.
As disciples of Christ, it is important that we honor Him in our daily living. People are watching! But here’s the deal…we cannot drop our guard when we are in the privacy of our own home. We can’t smile and be kind to others when we meet them at school or in the grocery store…then make fun of them and/or curse them when we get in the car and drive away. We cannot be front and center at the latest community service or church mission project, and then refuse to help around the house – or act like we are entitled to special treatment with family and friends. The true measure of our faithfulness and devotion to Jesus Christ and His teachings is evidenced by how we live “in secret”.
When no one is around to tell you how wonderful you are, do you still pray for others…send them encouraging messages…offer to help – and follow through? Do you only serve in ministries with a high visibility? Are you just as eager to work “behind the scenes” in God’s army…or do you have to be “front and center” so that everyone can see what a wonderful, devoted “soldier” you are? Do you love as unconditionally…care as deeply…act as kindly…empathize and seek ways to share Jesus with others as fervently when no one is looking? Or do you require an audience in order to feel “generous”?
In other words, do you have God’s energy deep within you…a true urge to be vigorous in your life of salvation – “reverent and sensitive before God”? Do you earnestly seek to do even more in Jesus’ name when nobody is looking? When was the last time you did something for someone else that nobody knew about except that person and God? Can you see that these acts of compassion and ministry done “in secret” are the ones that please God the most?
Get in on this! Redouble your efforts to serve God… especially when nobody else is looking. Be the “real deal” for Him in all things…at all times…even “in secret”. Serve God with every ounce of energy you can muster…and discover what “responsive obedience” truly means.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 17, 2014
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I still cannot get over the news story this week about the young father of a three-year-old who was allegedly killed by a retired police officer in a movie theater. During the movie previews, this man refused to stop texting a message to his young daughter via the child’s babysitter. The former policeman sitting behind him apparently instigated an argument over this that escalated to his pulling out a gun and shooting this man, who later died. The man’s wife was also shot and received a non-life-threatening wound to her hand. The theater’s website lists prohibited items and actions…among them, any use of a cell phone inside the theater’s auditorium (including texting) - and possession of any weapons.
We rarely go to see a movie in the theater, because we inevitably are distracted by someone who is talking, eating too loudly, or otherwise creating a distraction. However, we would never let things escalate to this level. After all, it is just a movie. And while a theater experience isn’t cheap these days…I cannot imagine any disruption that could present a cause for “war” – much less murder! Yet these days, this seems to be where we have come to in the world as we know it. To quote this scripture passage, “It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair.”
The next sentence of this passage is incredibly profound and important: “But we don’t live or fight our battles that way – never have and never will.” As Christians, we are equipped with what this scripture passage refers to as “God-tools.” Just what are some of our God-tools? These include love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, encouragement, and responsive obedience. Does this mean that we sit back and let “the world” walk all over us? Not at all! But we are commanded to demonstrate a better way of solving problems and dealing with conflict.
We recently watched a documentary on our local PBS station about Woodruff Elementary School… a neighborhood institution of learning that was once part of the Little Rock School district. Woodruff was located in a truly dangerous part of the city…the principal and guidance counselor claimed that the “Crips” gang actually “met” on school grounds. Violence and murder were familiar to the fabric of life in this neighborhood…even among the young children who were brought up in this culture. The principal, Pat Higginbotham, and counselor Shirley Davis, developed a “plan” to challenge the children to go a set number of days without a single fight occurring at school. At the end of this time period, there would be a reward.
It took a lot of setbacks and restarts, but the children finally made it twenty days without a fight…and they were rewarded with a huge “play day”. From there, the school staff started again…and the time frame extended – eventually reaching 300 days without a single fight at school. Along the way, victories were rewarded with field trips, play days, and more. These administrators, and a subsequent principal, Janice Wilson, credited the children and teachers with making this concept work. They claimed that as new children came into the school, the others would teach them that “we don’t behave like that here.” Daily mantras were recited to remind the children to solve problems with words and cool-headed thinking…not heated actions and reactions.
Other educators repeatedly came to study the school and its success… and to “get a copy of the program.” They were all told, “There is no ‘program’…we are simply instilling a sense of personal worth and values into these children and showing them that fighting is not the answer.” Key in their approach was to emphasize to the children that the school was a “family”…and that families take care of each other, do not solve problems with fighting, and genuinely regard each other with respect.
Do you realize that we are a family in Christ Jesus? As such, don’t you think we owe it to each other to get along without violence, unkindness, and disrespect? How handy are your “God-tools”…and do you use them often? Do you treat others with love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, and encouragement? Do you practice “responsive obedience” by putting God’s commands and the teachings of Jesus into practice in your daily living? Are you quick to “fly off the handle” and make snap judgments about others…or worse yet, react in a way that belies your Christian faith and witness? Do you let the little things in life get to you in such a way that you are ready to “pull the trigger and shoot somebody”… if only figuratively?
Does it make sense to you that we can use these “God-tools” (with the backing strength of God Almighty) to bring the thoughts and actions of others around without the senseless “spilling of blood”? How long can YOU go without a fight…literally and figuratively? Are you truly operating within the structure of a life shaped by Christ? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I still cannot get over the news story this week about the young father of a three-year-old who was allegedly killed by a retired police officer in a movie theater. During the movie previews, this man refused to stop texting a message to his young daughter via the child’s babysitter. The former policeman sitting behind him apparently instigated an argument over this that escalated to his pulling out a gun and shooting this man, who later died. The man’s wife was also shot and received a non-life-threatening wound to her hand. The theater’s website lists prohibited items and actions…among them, any use of a cell phone inside the theater’s auditorium (including texting) - and possession of any weapons.
We rarely go to see a movie in the theater, because we inevitably are distracted by someone who is talking, eating too loudly, or otherwise creating a distraction. However, we would never let things escalate to this level. After all, it is just a movie. And while a theater experience isn’t cheap these days…I cannot imagine any disruption that could present a cause for “war” – much less murder! Yet these days, this seems to be where we have come to in the world as we know it. To quote this scripture passage, “It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair.”
The next sentence of this passage is incredibly profound and important: “But we don’t live or fight our battles that way – never have and never will.” As Christians, we are equipped with what this scripture passage refers to as “God-tools.” Just what are some of our God-tools? These include love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, encouragement, and responsive obedience. Does this mean that we sit back and let “the world” walk all over us? Not at all! But we are commanded to demonstrate a better way of solving problems and dealing with conflict.
We recently watched a documentary on our local PBS station about Woodruff Elementary School… a neighborhood institution of learning that was once part of the Little Rock School district. Woodruff was located in a truly dangerous part of the city…the principal and guidance counselor claimed that the “Crips” gang actually “met” on school grounds. Violence and murder were familiar to the fabric of life in this neighborhood…even among the young children who were brought up in this culture. The principal, Pat Higginbotham, and counselor Shirley Davis, developed a “plan” to challenge the children to go a set number of days without a single fight occurring at school. At the end of this time period, there would be a reward.
It took a lot of setbacks and restarts, but the children finally made it twenty days without a fight…and they were rewarded with a huge “play day”. From there, the school staff started again…and the time frame extended – eventually reaching 300 days without a single fight at school. Along the way, victories were rewarded with field trips, play days, and more. These administrators, and a subsequent principal, Janice Wilson, credited the children and teachers with making this concept work. They claimed that as new children came into the school, the others would teach them that “we don’t behave like that here.” Daily mantras were recited to remind the children to solve problems with words and cool-headed thinking…not heated actions and reactions.
Other educators repeatedly came to study the school and its success… and to “get a copy of the program.” They were all told, “There is no ‘program’…we are simply instilling a sense of personal worth and values into these children and showing them that fighting is not the answer.” Key in their approach was to emphasize to the children that the school was a “family”…and that families take care of each other, do not solve problems with fighting, and genuinely regard each other with respect.
Do you realize that we are a family in Christ Jesus? As such, don’t you think we owe it to each other to get along without violence, unkindness, and disrespect? How handy are your “God-tools”…and do you use them often? Do you treat others with love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, and encouragement? Do you practice “responsive obedience” by putting God’s commands and the teachings of Jesus into practice in your daily living? Are you quick to “fly off the handle” and make snap judgments about others…or worse yet, react in a way that belies your Christian faith and witness? Do you let the little things in life get to you in such a way that you are ready to “pull the trigger and shoot somebody”… if only figuratively?
Does it make sense to you that we can use these “God-tools” (with the backing strength of God Almighty) to bring the thoughts and actions of others around without the senseless “spilling of blood”? How long can YOU go without a fight…literally and figuratively? Are you truly operating within the structure of a life shaped by Christ? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 15, 2014
Luke 10:30-35
Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’"
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.
My friend Teresa has entirely taken the term “Good Samaritan” to another level. She serves in outreach ministry through her local division of the Arkansas Dream Center, a church-supported group whose website lists their mission as…”to serve, love, and build relationships with the people in these communities in order that they would Dream Again. It’s a simple ...an after-school program to provide kids with snacks…homework help and fun activities…feeding pre-school and some of the elderly and disabled lunches twice a week during the school year…filling backpacks with food for kids to eat on weekends…annual coat and shoe drives, and perhaps their most ambitious project - a Christmas Mall, where close to 250 families were able to provide more than 500 toys to children who would otherwise receive nothing for Christmas.
Additionally, Teresa frequently puts out the call on Facebook to help someone… family of four lost everything in house fire – here are sizes and needs…elderly friend fell on the ice and needs a welfare check…looking for a queen size bed for a single mom who has no bed…electricity is due to be shut off TODAY - two children in home - one with special needs…family with two toddlers has NO FOOD - they have nothing to serve for Thanksgiving and no food in their house. You get the picture. And every time, someone comes through…usually with donations of goods and services to spare!
I know what you are thinking…that there are special people among us who truly are “Good Samaritans” like Teresa… and this is their “calling”…that ordinary folks like you and I could not be this effective. My answer is that Teresa is an “ordinary” single mother of two with a full-time job. She is not an heiress with an unlimited bank account or a paid employee of this organization. She is simply an obedient servant of Christ with a heart for others. In most cases, she doesn’t know the people she is serving…and it doesn’t matter. When I think of this story in Luke, I cannot imagine that Teresa would pass by the man traveling to Jericho…much less cross the street to avoid him. She would be like the Samaritan…she would go out of her way to kneel before him, assess his needs, and meet them. And if you continue reading in the 37th verse of this passage, Jesus tells the religious scholars – and us – to “go and do the same.”
Please understand that I am not suggesting that we all become involved in a ministry like the Arkansas Dream Center… or that we should strive to be involved to the same extent as my friend Teresa (but wouldn’t it be great if we were?!). What I am saying is that in many instances, we have honed the fine art of saying, “That’s not my problem!” and crossed to the other side of the road. Some of us have a fleeting hope that another person will pick up the slack and help out…while others never give it a second thought. Either way, we have failed to operate in obedience to Jesus’ commands.
My challenge to you – and to myself – is to set aside our own desires and agendas for just a few moments each day. Ask God, “Who, where and how do you want me to serve today?” And when He shows you His answer…make sure you pay attention. Be ready and willing to…”go and do the same.” If God has called you to it, He will enable you to accomplish it all...and then some!
©2014 Debbie Robus
http://arkansasdreamcenter.tv
Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’"
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.
My friend Teresa has entirely taken the term “Good Samaritan” to another level. She serves in outreach ministry through her local division of the Arkansas Dream Center, a church-supported group whose website lists their mission as…”to serve, love, and build relationships with the people in these communities in order that they would Dream Again. It’s a simple ...an after-school program to provide kids with snacks…homework help and fun activities…feeding pre-school and some of the elderly and disabled lunches twice a week during the school year…filling backpacks with food for kids to eat on weekends…annual coat and shoe drives, and perhaps their most ambitious project - a Christmas Mall, where close to 250 families were able to provide more than 500 toys to children who would otherwise receive nothing for Christmas.
Additionally, Teresa frequently puts out the call on Facebook to help someone… family of four lost everything in house fire – here are sizes and needs…elderly friend fell on the ice and needs a welfare check…looking for a queen size bed for a single mom who has no bed…electricity is due to be shut off TODAY - two children in home - one with special needs…family with two toddlers has NO FOOD - they have nothing to serve for Thanksgiving and no food in their house. You get the picture. And every time, someone comes through…usually with donations of goods and services to spare!
I know what you are thinking…that there are special people among us who truly are “Good Samaritans” like Teresa… and this is their “calling”…that ordinary folks like you and I could not be this effective. My answer is that Teresa is an “ordinary” single mother of two with a full-time job. She is not an heiress with an unlimited bank account or a paid employee of this organization. She is simply an obedient servant of Christ with a heart for others. In most cases, she doesn’t know the people she is serving…and it doesn’t matter. When I think of this story in Luke, I cannot imagine that Teresa would pass by the man traveling to Jericho…much less cross the street to avoid him. She would be like the Samaritan…she would go out of her way to kneel before him, assess his needs, and meet them. And if you continue reading in the 37th verse of this passage, Jesus tells the religious scholars – and us – to “go and do the same.”
Please understand that I am not suggesting that we all become involved in a ministry like the Arkansas Dream Center… or that we should strive to be involved to the same extent as my friend Teresa (but wouldn’t it be great if we were?!). What I am saying is that in many instances, we have honed the fine art of saying, “That’s not my problem!” and crossed to the other side of the road. Some of us have a fleeting hope that another person will pick up the slack and help out…while others never give it a second thought. Either way, we have failed to operate in obedience to Jesus’ commands.
My challenge to you – and to myself – is to set aside our own desires and agendas for just a few moments each day. Ask God, “Who, where and how do you want me to serve today?” And when He shows you His answer…make sure you pay attention. Be ready and willing to…”go and do the same.” If God has called you to it, He will enable you to accomplish it all...and then some!
©2014 Debbie Robus
http://arkansasdreamcenter.tv
Daily Devotional for April 18, 2013
Jeremiah 1:4-10
This is what God said:
“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations - that’s what I had in mind for you.”
But I said, “Hold it, Master God! Look at me. I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy!”
God told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’ I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there. I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it. Don’t be afraid of a soul. I’ll be right there, looking after you.” God’s Decree.
God reached out, touched my mouth, and said, “Look! I’ve just put my words in your mouth—hand-delivered! See what I’ve done? I’ve given you a job to do among nations and governments—a red-letter day! Your job is to pull up and tear down, take apart and demolish,
And then start over, building and planting.”
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 of the earliest lessons we teach our children is how to speak and do things for themselves. Timothy will say to me, “I want Uncle Greg to come downstairs and see what I built with blocks.” For a long time, he was not permitted to go upstairs alone, because we were afraid he would fall on the steps. Now he is big enough to go up and down independently. Still, when I tell him to go and ask his Uncle Greg to come and have a look, he sometimes says, “But I can’t!” When I either ignore this or remind him that he can indeed do it himself, he usually decides to go alone to summon his uncle. Sometimes he will ask, “Come with me?” And I will usually oblige. My point is not to make him do things by himself as much as to teach him that he is developing capabilities for accomplishing new things.
We will start to walk somewhere together, and Timothy will say, “Carry me!” I often remind him that he is a big boy – almost too big now for me to carry – that he is perfectly capable of walking. Sometimes, he will come back with… “But I’m too little… I’m just a little boy!” And I have to laugh at this ploy for my sympathies and concession. This is exactly what Jeremiah said to God. But God had equipped Jeremiah for these tasks and knew his capabilities – and He was not buying this excuse for one minute!
If we are truly serving God, there will be plenty of times when we feel inadequate to accomplish what He has called us to do – in our own strength and wisdom. We will want to throw up our hands and say, “But I am too young/old/poor/sick… I’m not smart enough… I don’t have time… I don’t have any talent for this. But with God, all things are possible. He has equipped us to do far beyond what we ever dreamed possible. And it is time for us to realize just how ridiculous our excuses must sound to Him.
God has called me to do several things in even the last few months that I would never have dreamed were possible. There is no way I could have accomplished many of them under my own power… or even with the help of my husband, family members, friends and acquaintances. There have been too many instances where I had to stop and say, “Only God can get this done.” And I will admit… there were a few times when I wanted to throw up my hands and say, “But wait! I’m only human…I’m not strong enough… this is too hard… there is NO WAY this can ever work… I am ‘just a boy!’” And yet, God has proven to me over and again that HIS power and purpose far exceed mine. With God behind me (and beside me), I can do far more than I ever expected!
So what is God calling you to do today that seems daunting and/or impossible? Where is He sending you and equipping you to serve, even though you feel anything but adequate for the task? What is your excuse for turning Him down… and have you considered how preposterous you seem to Him for doing so? Will this be the day you step up and out - and ask, “Where, when and how, LORD?” instead of merely “Why me?” Or will you leave Him shaking His head in disappointment as you offer yet another argument as you try to justify your hesitance or refusal?
Do you really believe in the power of God to do all things? Are you confident that He formed you for His purposes… that He will equip you to handle anything and everything to which He calls you? Isn’t it time to tear down the walls of insecurity, uncertainty, and excuses… to allow God to work in and through you? Are you ready to build and plant wherever God sends you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
This is what God said:
“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations - that’s what I had in mind for you.”
But I said, “Hold it, Master God! Look at me. I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy!”
God told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’ I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there. I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it. Don’t be afraid of a soul. I’ll be right there, looking after you.” God’s Decree.
God reached out, touched my mouth, and said, “Look! I’ve just put my words in your mouth—hand-delivered! See what I’ve done? I’ve given you a job to do among nations and governments—a red-letter day! Your job is to pull up and tear down, take apart and demolish,
And then start over, building and planting.”
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 of the earliest lessons we teach our children is how to speak and do things for themselves. Timothy will say to me, “I want Uncle Greg to come downstairs and see what I built with blocks.” For a long time, he was not permitted to go upstairs alone, because we were afraid he would fall on the steps. Now he is big enough to go up and down independently. Still, when I tell him to go and ask his Uncle Greg to come and have a look, he sometimes says, “But I can’t!” When I either ignore this or remind him that he can indeed do it himself, he usually decides to go alone to summon his uncle. Sometimes he will ask, “Come with me?” And I will usually oblige. My point is not to make him do things by himself as much as to teach him that he is developing capabilities for accomplishing new things.
We will start to walk somewhere together, and Timothy will say, “Carry me!” I often remind him that he is a big boy – almost too big now for me to carry – that he is perfectly capable of walking. Sometimes, he will come back with… “But I’m too little… I’m just a little boy!” And I have to laugh at this ploy for my sympathies and concession. This is exactly what Jeremiah said to God. But God had equipped Jeremiah for these tasks and knew his capabilities – and He was not buying this excuse for one minute!
If we are truly serving God, there will be plenty of times when we feel inadequate to accomplish what He has called us to do – in our own strength and wisdom. We will want to throw up our hands and say, “But I am too young/old/poor/sick… I’m not smart enough… I don’t have time… I don’t have any talent for this. But with God, all things are possible. He has equipped us to do far beyond what we ever dreamed possible. And it is time for us to realize just how ridiculous our excuses must sound to Him.
God has called me to do several things in even the last few months that I would never have dreamed were possible. There is no way I could have accomplished many of them under my own power… or even with the help of my husband, family members, friends and acquaintances. There have been too many instances where I had to stop and say, “Only God can get this done.” And I will admit… there were a few times when I wanted to throw up my hands and say, “But wait! I’m only human…I’m not strong enough… this is too hard… there is NO WAY this can ever work… I am ‘just a boy!’” And yet, God has proven to me over and again that HIS power and purpose far exceed mine. With God behind me (and beside me), I can do far more than I ever expected!
So what is God calling you to do today that seems daunting and/or impossible? Where is He sending you and equipping you to serve, even though you feel anything but adequate for the task? What is your excuse for turning Him down… and have you considered how preposterous you seem to Him for doing so? Will this be the day you step up and out - and ask, “Where, when and how, LORD?” instead of merely “Why me?” Or will you leave Him shaking His head in disappointment as you offer yet another argument as you try to justify your hesitance or refusal?
Do you really believe in the power of God to do all things? Are you confident that He formed you for His purposes… that He will equip you to handle anything and everything to which He calls you? Isn’t it time to tear down the walls of insecurity, uncertainty, and excuses… to allow God to work in and through you? Are you ready to build and plant wherever God sends you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 2, 2012
Ezekiel 37:7-10
I did what the Lord said, but before I finished speaking, I heard a rattling noise. The bones were coming together! I saw muscles and skin cover the bones, but they had no life in them.
The Lord said: Ezekiel, now say to the wind, “The Lord God commands you to blow from every direction and to breathe life into these dead bodies, so they can live again.”
As soon as I said this, the wind blew among the bodies, and they came back to life! They all stood up, and there were enough to make a large army.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Ellen DeGeneres is well-known for her hidden camera pranks. For instance, she once sent one of her writers, Amy, to a supermarket disguised as a produce manager. She told Amy what to say to customers, and Amy had to say and do whatever Ellen told her. At one point, Ellen told Amy to ask a customer what she was buying, and then to ask her, “Do you have any cats?” Then she told Amy to yell out, “I have two cats!” Ellen got more ridiculous with the prank, and Amy the writer had people looking at her like she was insane.
It was all in good fun… and Amy was a good sport. She said and did everything Ellen commanded. At one point, a customer pushed her cart past Amy. Ellen told Amy to yell "TURNIP!” and then start tap dancing. Amy did exactly this! Finally, Amy was allowed to tell the customer that she was with the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and they were on hidden camera… and everything ended well.
There were a few tense moments when Ellen told Amy to do something, and Amy looked somewhat shocked and reluctant… as in, “Are you kidding me?!” And I have a feeling this is how we often react when God speaks to us – if we even recognize His voice in the first place! Unlike Ellen’s writer Amy, I’d be willing to bet that we have ignored God more than a few times… or disobeyed Him. And unlike the harmless prank that Ellen DeGeneres was pulling for her television show, the consequences of ignoring God can be life changing!
Just look at what happened to Ezekiel. Imagine if he had ignored God’s commands about the dry bones. What if he had failed to command the winds on God’s behalf? I must tell you, our failure to do what God commands us is every bit as critical! We must be awake, alert, and completely in tune with God and His will, so that when He speaks to us, we answer swiftly and obediently.
If God told you to yell “TURNIP!” and start tap dancing in a grocery store, would you do it? Would you hear His voice, recognize HE was speaking, and obey His command? I doubt seriously that God will ever tell any of us to do this. But we must be ready, willing and able to answer when He does speak… and to do whatever He tells us. Are you prepared to answer obediently? When God speaks to you, how do you respond?
©2012 Debbie Robus
I did what the Lord said, but before I finished speaking, I heard a rattling noise. The bones were coming together! I saw muscles and skin cover the bones, but they had no life in them.
The Lord said: Ezekiel, now say to the wind, “The Lord God commands you to blow from every direction and to breathe life into these dead bodies, so they can live again.”
As soon as I said this, the wind blew among the bodies, and they came back to life! They all stood up, and there were enough to make a large army.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Ellen DeGeneres is well-known for her hidden camera pranks. For instance, she once sent one of her writers, Amy, to a supermarket disguised as a produce manager. She told Amy what to say to customers, and Amy had to say and do whatever Ellen told her. At one point, Ellen told Amy to ask a customer what she was buying, and then to ask her, “Do you have any cats?” Then she told Amy to yell out, “I have two cats!” Ellen got more ridiculous with the prank, and Amy the writer had people looking at her like she was insane.
It was all in good fun… and Amy was a good sport. She said and did everything Ellen commanded. At one point, a customer pushed her cart past Amy. Ellen told Amy to yell "TURNIP!” and then start tap dancing. Amy did exactly this! Finally, Amy was allowed to tell the customer that she was with the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and they were on hidden camera… and everything ended well.
There were a few tense moments when Ellen told Amy to do something, and Amy looked somewhat shocked and reluctant… as in, “Are you kidding me?!” And I have a feeling this is how we often react when God speaks to us – if we even recognize His voice in the first place! Unlike Ellen’s writer Amy, I’d be willing to bet that we have ignored God more than a few times… or disobeyed Him. And unlike the harmless prank that Ellen DeGeneres was pulling for her television show, the consequences of ignoring God can be life changing!
Just look at what happened to Ezekiel. Imagine if he had ignored God’s commands about the dry bones. What if he had failed to command the winds on God’s behalf? I must tell you, our failure to do what God commands us is every bit as critical! We must be awake, alert, and completely in tune with God and His will, so that when He speaks to us, we answer swiftly and obediently.
If God told you to yell “TURNIP!” and start tap dancing in a grocery store, would you do it? Would you hear His voice, recognize HE was speaking, and obey His command? I doubt seriously that God will ever tell any of us to do this. But we must be ready, willing and able to answer when He does speak… and to do whatever He tells us. Are you prepared to answer obediently? When God speaks to you, how do you respond?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 31, 2012
James 2:8-11
You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: "Love others as you love yourself." But if you play up to these so-called important people, you go against the Rule and stand convicted by it. You can't pick and choose in these things, specializing in keeping one or two things in God's law and ignoring others. The same God who said, "Don't commit adultery," also said, "Don't murder." If you don't commit adultery but go ahead and murder, do you think your non-adultery will cancel out your murder? No, you're a murderer, period.
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.
An auctioneer will often bundle several items together in a box and offer them for bid as one item. There is a “cardinal rule” among seasoned auction-goers that you don’t mess with the items on the table! If you only care about one particular item in a box and don’t want the others, you had better be prepared to purchase everything. Taking out the item you want and putting it somewhere else is considered a huge “no-no!” Still, there will often be people who try to stealthily move their favored item to another box – or another spot on the table. I’ve seen more than one bidder “win” a box of items only to find that the very thing he/she was after had gone missing!
While this sort of action will not be the end of the world in the context of an auction purchase, such behavior matters tremendously in Spiritual terms. I am truly amazed that many “Christians” want to categorize actions according to their own preferences. They “grade” the deeds of some and deem their behaviors to be significant, while others’ exploits are just “discards in the box.” And then they rate each person according to their “sin meter.” Many of us also select the people with whom we want to associate - much like an auction bidder picks out the best item(s) in the box - and then we toss the others to the curb.
Christianity does not work this way. We cannot pick and choose… who we love and treat with respect and care…or which actions and behaviors are unacceptable (or sinful) and which of them will be tolerated or excused. We are called to love others as we love ourselves. We are expected to love God and obey His law… and to prayerfully study God’s directives, so that we are clear about what He is saying. In other words, we cannot interpret God’s commands in a manner that suits our desires and whims… or makes us popular with others in our social group.
I don’t know about you, but I am pretty weary of those who claim the name of Jesus and then mistreat others. I cannot imagine that a single person who feels this sort of judgment and/or disdain has a desire to become like these so-called “Christians”… or to follow the God they follow. Surely this must break God’s heart…and as Disciples of Christ, it should cut us to the very core.
My prayer for each of us today is that we would truly examine our hearts… that we would spend time in prayer and meditation, really listening for God’s voice. Hear what He is telling you and follow His lead. If you are judging others or picking and choosing which of God’s laws to follow – or interpreting them to suit your own agenda – change today. If you are discriminating against any of God’s children in any fashion… or if you are choosing to associate only with those you consider like-minded or “lovable,” get over yourself this minute! Ask God to genuinely - and completely - change your heart. To offer God anything less dishonors Him. I can’t imagine that any among us wants to do this… can you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: "Love others as you love yourself." But if you play up to these so-called important people, you go against the Rule and stand convicted by it. You can't pick and choose in these things, specializing in keeping one or two things in God's law and ignoring others. The same God who said, "Don't commit adultery," also said, "Don't murder." If you don't commit adultery but go ahead and murder, do you think your non-adultery will cancel out your murder? No, you're a murderer, period.
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.
An auctioneer will often bundle several items together in a box and offer them for bid as one item. There is a “cardinal rule” among seasoned auction-goers that you don’t mess with the items on the table! If you only care about one particular item in a box and don’t want the others, you had better be prepared to purchase everything. Taking out the item you want and putting it somewhere else is considered a huge “no-no!” Still, there will often be people who try to stealthily move their favored item to another box – or another spot on the table. I’ve seen more than one bidder “win” a box of items only to find that the very thing he/she was after had gone missing!
While this sort of action will not be the end of the world in the context of an auction purchase, such behavior matters tremendously in Spiritual terms. I am truly amazed that many “Christians” want to categorize actions according to their own preferences. They “grade” the deeds of some and deem their behaviors to be significant, while others’ exploits are just “discards in the box.” And then they rate each person according to their “sin meter.” Many of us also select the people with whom we want to associate - much like an auction bidder picks out the best item(s) in the box - and then we toss the others to the curb.
Christianity does not work this way. We cannot pick and choose… who we love and treat with respect and care…or which actions and behaviors are unacceptable (or sinful) and which of them will be tolerated or excused. We are called to love others as we love ourselves. We are expected to love God and obey His law… and to prayerfully study God’s directives, so that we are clear about what He is saying. In other words, we cannot interpret God’s commands in a manner that suits our desires and whims… or makes us popular with others in our social group.
I don’t know about you, but I am pretty weary of those who claim the name of Jesus and then mistreat others. I cannot imagine that a single person who feels this sort of judgment and/or disdain has a desire to become like these so-called “Christians”… or to follow the God they follow. Surely this must break God’s heart…and as Disciples of Christ, it should cut us to the very core.
My prayer for each of us today is that we would truly examine our hearts… that we would spend time in prayer and meditation, really listening for God’s voice. Hear what He is telling you and follow His lead. If you are judging others or picking and choosing which of God’s laws to follow – or interpreting them to suit your own agenda – change today. If you are discriminating against any of God’s children in any fashion… or if you are choosing to associate only with those you consider like-minded or “lovable,” get over yourself this minute! Ask God to genuinely - and completely - change your heart. To offer God anything less dishonors Him. I can’t imagine that any among us wants to do this… can you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 27, 2012
James 1:22-25
Obey God’s message! Don’t fool yourselves by just listening to it. If you hear the message and don’t obey it, you are like people who stare at themselves in a mirror and forget what they look like as soon as they leave. But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don’t just hear and forget.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know if you do this or not, but sometimes when I watch television, I see and hear what is on the screen, but it doesn’t process. Often the problem is that I am distracted… trying to do something on my laptop or talking to my husband… and sometimes I fall asleep! Thank goodness for a DVR! I can back up and play the program again to get what I missed! And I have to do this quite often, it seems!
We have a bad habit of hearing God without really hearing Him… or as this scripture passage puts it… hearing and forgetting. We don’t internalize what God is saying to us and take His words to heart. God tells us what to do… how to handle certain situations in our life… which path to choose. But if we are not listening carefully and obediently, we might just as well be asleep. We do not have the luxury – or crutch – of a DVR with God. When He talks to us, we are expected to listen – and listen well. It’s not that God doesn’t offer second chances… He often does! But God wants us to hear what He is saying the first time… and He blesses our attentiveness and obedience to His word in amazing ways.
Let’s redouble our efforts to listen to God. Work hard at not only hearing what God is telling you… but remembering and acting on His word. Obey His message… and live in the blessings of a life that reflects compliance and respect for the perfection of God’s word. Make it a priority in your daily living to hear what He has to say – the first time.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Obey God’s message! Don’t fool yourselves by just listening to it. If you hear the message and don’t obey it, you are like people who stare at themselves in a mirror and forget what they look like as soon as they leave. But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don’t just hear and forget.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know if you do this or not, but sometimes when I watch television, I see and hear what is on the screen, but it doesn’t process. Often the problem is that I am distracted… trying to do something on my laptop or talking to my husband… and sometimes I fall asleep! Thank goodness for a DVR! I can back up and play the program again to get what I missed! And I have to do this quite often, it seems!
We have a bad habit of hearing God without really hearing Him… or as this scripture passage puts it… hearing and forgetting. We don’t internalize what God is saying to us and take His words to heart. God tells us what to do… how to handle certain situations in our life… which path to choose. But if we are not listening carefully and obediently, we might just as well be asleep. We do not have the luxury – or crutch – of a DVR with God. When He talks to us, we are expected to listen – and listen well. It’s not that God doesn’t offer second chances… He often does! But God wants us to hear what He is saying the first time… and He blesses our attentiveness and obedience to His word in amazing ways.
Let’s redouble our efforts to listen to God. Work hard at not only hearing what God is telling you… but remembering and acting on His word. Obey His message… and live in the blessings of a life that reflects compliance and respect for the perfection of God’s word. Make it a priority in your daily living to hear what He has to say – the first time.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 6, 2012
Psalm 71:24
All day long I will announce your power to save. I will tell how you disgraced and disappointed those who wanted to hurt me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Twisting words has become common practice in today’s politics… or maybe we are just more keenly aware of this because of social media and the Internet. At any rate, something of a sport has been made from taking a comment and repeating it out of context in order to make a particular point. One example I noticed in the last couple of days was a post circulating on Facebook that says people are complaining about a new gold-medal Olympian from the United States, because she gives the credit to God so often. The implication is that only one particular political party is complaining about her “Christian” behavior… and the “Christians” belong to the other party (not the party that is complaining)!
Another campaign-related post showed two people praying over a meal in a restaurant and implied that a particular candidate was going to preserve our “freedom to pray if we so choose.” Is anyone really thinking about this? We can pray anywhere, anytime! This caption did not say, “…freedom to pray in a public restaurant, out loud, with our heads bent over.” Do we really believe that God only hears the prayers that make a public scene?
We like to do this with scripture verses, too. We quote the Bible in a context that suits our needs at the present time and give little to no regard to what was really being said in a particular scripture passage. I have to believe that God is not amused when we use our Christian faith to twist and shape things to suit our needs. I do not mean to single out any one political party or person here. We are all guilty… and we need to stop!
It is time to recognize that our God is so powerful and all-encompassing that He really doesn’t need us putting words in His mouth… or operating as judge and jury on His behalf. He will handle these things perfectly. And our attempts to do this for God only serve to show us up for our lack of faith and confidence in His abilities to get the job done!
Think about it… do un-believers look at these comments and think, “That’s the kind of faith I want! There’s the God I want to serve – One who depends on His children to wield justice on His behalf!” Or do they want a God who says, “Come to me, and I will give you rest. I will show you the truth and how to operate in it… and I will handle anyone who tries to shame or disgrace you.”
I am reminded of the old hymn that says, “I know whom I have believed… and am persuaded that He is able …to keep that which I’ve committed… unto Him against that day.” I am persuaded that God is indeed able to use me when I humble myself to Him… to provide me with His truth to guide me… and to handle any who would dare to try and misconstrue or exploit my witness. And I trust Him to do exactly that. Do you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – 1883 – Daniel W. Whittle ~ James McGranahan
All day long I will announce your power to save. I will tell how you disgraced and disappointed those who wanted to hurt me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Twisting words has become common practice in today’s politics… or maybe we are just more keenly aware of this because of social media and the Internet. At any rate, something of a sport has been made from taking a comment and repeating it out of context in order to make a particular point. One example I noticed in the last couple of days was a post circulating on Facebook that says people are complaining about a new gold-medal Olympian from the United States, because she gives the credit to God so often. The implication is that only one particular political party is complaining about her “Christian” behavior… and the “Christians” belong to the other party (not the party that is complaining)!
Another campaign-related post showed two people praying over a meal in a restaurant and implied that a particular candidate was going to preserve our “freedom to pray if we so choose.” Is anyone really thinking about this? We can pray anywhere, anytime! This caption did not say, “…freedom to pray in a public restaurant, out loud, with our heads bent over.” Do we really believe that God only hears the prayers that make a public scene?
We like to do this with scripture verses, too. We quote the Bible in a context that suits our needs at the present time and give little to no regard to what was really being said in a particular scripture passage. I have to believe that God is not amused when we use our Christian faith to twist and shape things to suit our needs. I do not mean to single out any one political party or person here. We are all guilty… and we need to stop!
It is time to recognize that our God is so powerful and all-encompassing that He really doesn’t need us putting words in His mouth… or operating as judge and jury on His behalf. He will handle these things perfectly. And our attempts to do this for God only serve to show us up for our lack of faith and confidence in His abilities to get the job done!
Think about it… do un-believers look at these comments and think, “That’s the kind of faith I want! There’s the God I want to serve – One who depends on His children to wield justice on His behalf!” Or do they want a God who says, “Come to me, and I will give you rest. I will show you the truth and how to operate in it… and I will handle anyone who tries to shame or disgrace you.”
I am reminded of the old hymn that says, “I know whom I have believed… and am persuaded that He is able …to keep that which I’ve committed… unto Him against that day.” I am persuaded that God is indeed able to use me when I humble myself to Him… to provide me with His truth to guide me… and to handle any who would dare to try and misconstrue or exploit my witness. And I trust Him to do exactly that. Do you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
“I Know Whom I Have Believed” – 1883 – Daniel W. Whittle ~ James McGranahan
Daily Devotional for July 18, 2012
Romans 5:6-8
Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.
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.
Today, a college student from our community named Olivia received a healthy kidney from another local woman named Kathy - who felt God calling her to be the donor. Olivia suffered for three years with a kidney disease. Now, her “new” kidney is in place – and working beautifully, according to Olivia’s mom. I really don’t know Olivia or Kathy... but I’ve been reading their Facebook posts and have gleaned enough to know that Kathy has made a selfless sacrifice for Olivia.
Eleven days ago, Kathy posted on Facebook that “I will definitely be praying as I have been from the beginning!!!! God is so great to allow me to be a part of this...I still can't believe what a blessing this is to me! Can't wait to see Olivia feeling great!!!! I love you, Olivia! Meet you there!” Now THIS is obedience! This is sacrifice – one I’m not sure I could ever make. But I’m certain that Olivia and her family will forever be grateful that Kathy came forward to help.
We can’t all donate a kidney – nor are we expected to do this. But every day, God calls on us to be selfless – to think more of others than we do of our own desires and well-being. This may mean doing something as simple as taking a few minutes to move away from our computer or smart phone and write a note of encouragement to someone. We may be asked to forego our morning cup of coffee and apply that money toward a local charity or mission fundraiser. We might be led to volunteer in the church or community… to serve those who have far greater needs than our own. Or God could instruct us to stop what we are doing and pray for others. Then again, He might show you someone who needs a place to live… money for food and transportation… or one of your kidneys.
Whatever God is calling us to do, it pales in comparison to what Jesus has already done for each of us. He didn’t wait until it was convenient – or until we were deserving of such redemption. Jesus didn’t say, “Just one more game of Solitaire,” or “Let me finish this text or e-mail message.” He didn’t say, “I’m still a young man. Let me live a little first!” And God didn’t say, “I can’t sacrifice My Only Son… I’ll send Peter or James or John.”
I imagine that the waiting today was agony for Olivia’s parents… even though they were trusting God for a good outcome. But picture the anguish of sending your only child to die for the sins of undeserving – and often ungrateful – people who seem to do nothing but rebel and misbehave. We can never out-give God. Our “sacrifices” can never compare to those of Jesus on our behalf. And yet, we whine and complain when God asks us to do even the least little thing for Him.
This is a good day to stop and spend some time with God. Ask Him to show you His will for your life… where and when to “sacrifice” on His behalf. Humbly and obediently pursue His plans. Don’t ask “Why me?” or “Do I really have to?” Instead, ask, “What’s next?” God will probably never call on you to donate a kidney. But if He did… what would you say?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.
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.
Today, a college student from our community named Olivia received a healthy kidney from another local woman named Kathy - who felt God calling her to be the donor. Olivia suffered for three years with a kidney disease. Now, her “new” kidney is in place – and working beautifully, according to Olivia’s mom. I really don’t know Olivia or Kathy... but I’ve been reading their Facebook posts and have gleaned enough to know that Kathy has made a selfless sacrifice for Olivia.
Eleven days ago, Kathy posted on Facebook that “I will definitely be praying as I have been from the beginning!!!! God is so great to allow me to be a part of this...I still can't believe what a blessing this is to me! Can't wait to see Olivia feeling great!!!! I love you, Olivia! Meet you there!” Now THIS is obedience! This is sacrifice – one I’m not sure I could ever make. But I’m certain that Olivia and her family will forever be grateful that Kathy came forward to help.
We can’t all donate a kidney – nor are we expected to do this. But every day, God calls on us to be selfless – to think more of others than we do of our own desires and well-being. This may mean doing something as simple as taking a few minutes to move away from our computer or smart phone and write a note of encouragement to someone. We may be asked to forego our morning cup of coffee and apply that money toward a local charity or mission fundraiser. We might be led to volunteer in the church or community… to serve those who have far greater needs than our own. Or God could instruct us to stop what we are doing and pray for others. Then again, He might show you someone who needs a place to live… money for food and transportation… or one of your kidneys.
Whatever God is calling us to do, it pales in comparison to what Jesus has already done for each of us. He didn’t wait until it was convenient – or until we were deserving of such redemption. Jesus didn’t say, “Just one more game of Solitaire,” or “Let me finish this text or e-mail message.” He didn’t say, “I’m still a young man. Let me live a little first!” And God didn’t say, “I can’t sacrifice My Only Son… I’ll send Peter or James or John.”
I imagine that the waiting today was agony for Olivia’s parents… even though they were trusting God for a good outcome. But picture the anguish of sending your only child to die for the sins of undeserving – and often ungrateful – people who seem to do nothing but rebel and misbehave. We can never out-give God. Our “sacrifices” can never compare to those of Jesus on our behalf. And yet, we whine and complain when God asks us to do even the least little thing for Him.
This is a good day to stop and spend some time with God. Ask Him to show you His will for your life… where and when to “sacrifice” on His behalf. Humbly and obediently pursue His plans. Don’t ask “Why me?” or “Do I really have to?” Instead, ask, “What’s next?” God will probably never call on you to donate a kidney. But if He did… what would you say?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 27, 2012
1 Peter 3:8-9
Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’m betting that somewhere along the line, someone has insulted you… or been rude or hateful. If you are a young adult, you have had classmates and acquaintances say something unkind that really stung. If you are a parent of grown children, you have likely survived the slings and arrows of teenagers… and many of you may now be dodging the jabs thrown by aging parents or loved ones. Others may have had to put up with a boss or co-worker who was hurtful or unkind… or maybe even a spouse, significant other - or even a family member.
Regardless of the “who or how,” one of the hardest lessons for us to learn as Christians is how to love those who insult us and treat us badly… and to continue to treat them with kindness. It would be so easy to lash out… to give as good (or is it as badly?) as we get. And the devil would love every second of it! But God calls us to always take the high road… to be kind and humble and continue to love others, even when they do not reciprocate.
Believe me when I say I have sometimes done this through gritted teeth! I am the first person to admit that this is not always easy. But I am also the first to tell you that God will bless your efforts – in ways you can’t begin to imagine. If you remain obedient and love even those who don’t seem to deserve it – or maybe especially those who are unlovable at any given moment – God will see to it that you are blessed. Better still - you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the devil didn’t win… you did! Isn’t that reason enough to give this a shot?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’m betting that somewhere along the line, someone has insulted you… or been rude or hateful. If you are a young adult, you have had classmates and acquaintances say something unkind that really stung. If you are a parent of grown children, you have likely survived the slings and arrows of teenagers… and many of you may now be dodging the jabs thrown by aging parents or loved ones. Others may have had to put up with a boss or co-worker who was hurtful or unkind… or maybe even a spouse, significant other - or even a family member.
Regardless of the “who or how,” one of the hardest lessons for us to learn as Christians is how to love those who insult us and treat us badly… and to continue to treat them with kindness. It would be so easy to lash out… to give as good (or is it as badly?) as we get. And the devil would love every second of it! But God calls us to always take the high road… to be kind and humble and continue to love others, even when they do not reciprocate.
Believe me when I say I have sometimes done this through gritted teeth! I am the first person to admit that this is not always easy. But I am also the first to tell you that God will bless your efforts – in ways you can’t begin to imagine. If you remain obedient and love even those who don’t seem to deserve it – or maybe especially those who are unlovable at any given moment – God will see to it that you are blessed. Better still - you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the devil didn’t win… you did! Isn’t that reason enough to give this a shot?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 10, 2012
Deuteronomy 8:2-6
Don’t forget how the Lord your God has led you through the desert for the past forty years. He wanted to find out if you were truly willing to obey him and depend on him, so he made you go hungry. Then he gave you manna, a kind of food that you and your ancestors had never even heard about. The Lord was teaching you that people need more than food to live - they need every word that the Lord has spoken.
Over the past forty years, your clothing hasn’t worn out, and your feet haven’t swollen. So keep in mind that the Lord has been correcting you, just as parents correct their children. Obey the commands the Lord your God has given you and worship him with fear and trembling.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was talking with a friend last week, and she said, “You and I live in a more ‘grey’ world than some people. Others see everything in black and white.” I’m glad we have “black and white” people who see things so clearly. But let’s face it… some of us are more tender hearted, which often leaves us gullible and vulnerable. To put it more honestly, we are often big suckers for the person with a sob story or the stray puppy. Others can look at certain situations and say, “Nope! That’s not my problem… not my battle!” and move forward with no hindsight or remorse. But many of us take on the weight of the world and internalize not only the problems and needs of others… but much of what happens to us personally.
Somehow I think there must be more “grey” people in the world than the “black and white” variety! As a whole, we seem to quickly jump to a “woe-is-me” mentality when things don’t go our way. We are ready and willing to gripe and complain about everything from being bored to our low-paying job to a lack of respect. We are quick to air our dirty laundry and want the whole world to feel sorry for us! We’re tired, imposed upon, mistreated and under-appreciated… and if we only had XYZ, our lives would be so much better!
In my prayer notes, I’ve written the following… “Sometimes we live as if grace is cheap. We have to live with a sense of obligation to mercy and grace.” In other words, we have to learn to recognize that not everything in life is “black and white.” Some of our experiences are allowed by God in order to test our faith and see just how much we appreciate His grace and mercy!
Let me ask you something… has there ever been a time when you could honestly say that God failed you? Notice I didn’t ask if you have ever failed… I asked, “Has God ever failed you?” There is a difference! When we can learn to look at our daily experiences – and those of others – and see God’s grace and mercy at work, we realize that we can handle anything. We grow from the tests we are given according to how readily we recognize God at work in them.
As we mature in our Christian faith, we can learn to ask, “What is God showing me? How should I respond in order to show proper respect for His love and care?” The answer may truly be a “black and white” response, such as “No, I cannot take in a stray puppy!” But it may also be to stop and thank God for the little you do have instead of your lack of something bigger and better!
We know that God’s grace and mercy did not come cheaply! We know that He gave His only Son to buy it. So what could we possibly give in return that we think even comes close in comparison? We can never out-give God… but we can surely give Him our very best… and that starts with love and respect – even when He gives our faith a little workout! Are you asking God to reveal Himself in your life? Are you recognizing His presence when He does?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Don’t forget how the Lord your God has led you through the desert for the past forty years. He wanted to find out if you were truly willing to obey him and depend on him, so he made you go hungry. Then he gave you manna, a kind of food that you and your ancestors had never even heard about. The Lord was teaching you that people need more than food to live - they need every word that the Lord has spoken.
Over the past forty years, your clothing hasn’t worn out, and your feet haven’t swollen. So keep in mind that the Lord has been correcting you, just as parents correct their children. Obey the commands the Lord your God has given you and worship him with fear and trembling.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was talking with a friend last week, and she said, “You and I live in a more ‘grey’ world than some people. Others see everything in black and white.” I’m glad we have “black and white” people who see things so clearly. But let’s face it… some of us are more tender hearted, which often leaves us gullible and vulnerable. To put it more honestly, we are often big suckers for the person with a sob story or the stray puppy. Others can look at certain situations and say, “Nope! That’s not my problem… not my battle!” and move forward with no hindsight or remorse. But many of us take on the weight of the world and internalize not only the problems and needs of others… but much of what happens to us personally.
Somehow I think there must be more “grey” people in the world than the “black and white” variety! As a whole, we seem to quickly jump to a “woe-is-me” mentality when things don’t go our way. We are ready and willing to gripe and complain about everything from being bored to our low-paying job to a lack of respect. We are quick to air our dirty laundry and want the whole world to feel sorry for us! We’re tired, imposed upon, mistreated and under-appreciated… and if we only had XYZ, our lives would be so much better!
In my prayer notes, I’ve written the following… “Sometimes we live as if grace is cheap. We have to live with a sense of obligation to mercy and grace.” In other words, we have to learn to recognize that not everything in life is “black and white.” Some of our experiences are allowed by God in order to test our faith and see just how much we appreciate His grace and mercy!
Let me ask you something… has there ever been a time when you could honestly say that God failed you? Notice I didn’t ask if you have ever failed… I asked, “Has God ever failed you?” There is a difference! When we can learn to look at our daily experiences – and those of others – and see God’s grace and mercy at work, we realize that we can handle anything. We grow from the tests we are given according to how readily we recognize God at work in them.
As we mature in our Christian faith, we can learn to ask, “What is God showing me? How should I respond in order to show proper respect for His love and care?” The answer may truly be a “black and white” response, such as “No, I cannot take in a stray puppy!” But it may also be to stop and thank God for the little you do have instead of your lack of something bigger and better!
We know that God’s grace and mercy did not come cheaply! We know that He gave His only Son to buy it. So what could we possibly give in return that we think even comes close in comparison? We can never out-give God… but we can surely give Him our very best… and that starts with love and respect – even when He gives our faith a little workout! Are you asking God to reveal Himself in your life? Are you recognizing His presence when He does?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 21, 2012
John 15:21-27
"They are going to do all these things to you because of the way they treated me, because they don't know the One who sent me. If I hadn't come and told them all this in plain language, it wouldn't be so bad. As it is, they have no excuse. Hate me, hate my Father—it's all the same. If I hadn't done what I have done among them, works no one has ever done, they wouldn't be to blame. But they saw the God-signs and hated anyway, both me and my Father. Interesting—they have verified the truth of their own Scriptures where it is written, 'They hated me for no good reason.'
"When the Friend I plan to send you from the Father comes—the Spirit of Truth issuing from the Father—he will confirm everything about me. You, too, from your side must give your confirming evidence, since you are in this with me from the start."
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.
Everyone makes an occasional honest mistake. The facts are not clear, and misunderstandings occur… and all involved are able to recover and move forward. You think you recognize someone in the store, only to say “Hello” and realize this is not who you thought it was. Or you hear that someone is ill or injured… then learn that you were misinformed when you express concern or get-well wishes to that person. A temporary, slight embarrassment may occur, but no lasting harm is incurred.
On the other hand, when you run a red light, you know you shouldn’t. Before you get a driver’s license, you learn about traffic lights… you are told that “red means STOP!” So when you choose to move forward on a red light, you have no excuse for the violation… or any collision that may result.
Maya Angelou has a saying… “When you know better, you do better.” Unfortunately, we fail to do better quite often. We know that God has called us to love one another. We read in this passage that to hate or mistreat others is to hate or mistreat God. Yet we gossip, discriminate, inflict pain and abuse, and show disrespect… and we do it often.
The worst part is… we often do this and claim the name of Jesus in the process. Think political and social issues in which many claim to act out of their “Christian faith” – but in the most un-Christian manner. These include such behaviors as ugly protests and hurtful words, open disdain for people who do not meet their personal standards, public taunting – and yes, acts of hatred. We know better… but we certainly don’t do better!
From time to time, we all need to be reminded that what we do to others is a direct reflection of how we are treating God. The next time you start to lash out at someone or something… when you open your mouth to share a tidbit of “juicy” gossip…when you feel the urge to give in to temptation… think of your Heavenly Father. Picture yourself doing these things to Him. Envision Him standing alongside you and see if you can still bring yourself to participate. “Hate me, hate my Father—it's all the same.” Hate or hurt your brother…hate or hurt God - this is all the same, as well.
We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us with these challenges. All we have to do is call on Him to fill our heart and help us discern the truth. He will help us to not only know better… but do better. Ask Him to guide your thoughts and actions. Enlist His help in behaving in a manner that glorifies God and honors His presence in your life. Operate in God’s truth and love… and confirm His promises to all who cross your path.
©2012 Debbie Robus
"They are going to do all these things to you because of the way they treated me, because they don't know the One who sent me. If I hadn't come and told them all this in plain language, it wouldn't be so bad. As it is, they have no excuse. Hate me, hate my Father—it's all the same. If I hadn't done what I have done among them, works no one has ever done, they wouldn't be to blame. But they saw the God-signs and hated anyway, both me and my Father. Interesting—they have verified the truth of their own Scriptures where it is written, 'They hated me for no good reason.'
"When the Friend I plan to send you from the Father comes—the Spirit of Truth issuing from the Father—he will confirm everything about me. You, too, from your side must give your confirming evidence, since you are in this with me from the start."
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.
Everyone makes an occasional honest mistake. The facts are not clear, and misunderstandings occur… and all involved are able to recover and move forward. You think you recognize someone in the store, only to say “Hello” and realize this is not who you thought it was. Or you hear that someone is ill or injured… then learn that you were misinformed when you express concern or get-well wishes to that person. A temporary, slight embarrassment may occur, but no lasting harm is incurred.
On the other hand, when you run a red light, you know you shouldn’t. Before you get a driver’s license, you learn about traffic lights… you are told that “red means STOP!” So when you choose to move forward on a red light, you have no excuse for the violation… or any collision that may result.
Maya Angelou has a saying… “When you know better, you do better.” Unfortunately, we fail to do better quite often. We know that God has called us to love one another. We read in this passage that to hate or mistreat others is to hate or mistreat God. Yet we gossip, discriminate, inflict pain and abuse, and show disrespect… and we do it often.
The worst part is… we often do this and claim the name of Jesus in the process. Think political and social issues in which many claim to act out of their “Christian faith” – but in the most un-Christian manner. These include such behaviors as ugly protests and hurtful words, open disdain for people who do not meet their personal standards, public taunting – and yes, acts of hatred. We know better… but we certainly don’t do better!
From time to time, we all need to be reminded that what we do to others is a direct reflection of how we are treating God. The next time you start to lash out at someone or something… when you open your mouth to share a tidbit of “juicy” gossip…when you feel the urge to give in to temptation… think of your Heavenly Father. Picture yourself doing these things to Him. Envision Him standing alongside you and see if you can still bring yourself to participate. “Hate me, hate my Father—it's all the same.” Hate or hurt your brother…hate or hurt God - this is all the same, as well.
We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us with these challenges. All we have to do is call on Him to fill our heart and help us discern the truth. He will help us to not only know better… but do better. Ask Him to guide your thoughts and actions. Enlist His help in behaving in a manner that glorifies God and honors His presence in your life. Operate in God’s truth and love… and confirm His promises to all who cross your path.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 8, 2012
Philippians 2:12-13
What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
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.
Every single one of us knows someone who is on his/her best behavior around other people… but acts like a stinker the rest of the time. I’ve heard people say of a young child… “He/she doesn’t ever act like that when his dad is around,” or “So-and-so is a pretty nice guy to your face, but when you’re not around, she says awful things,” or “What’s-his-name is all about ministry when people are watching. But if there’s nothing in it for him, he won’t even show up.” Sadly, some rendition of these type of comments may fit even you and me!
We’ve all got excuses… “I was tired or stressed out”… “Everybody has an “off day”… “The devil made me do it!”… or even “I don’t know what came over me!” But the simple fact is that when we do not live in responsive obedience to God, our witness becomes miserably ineffective. And let’s be honest… if even one person sees us on an “off day,” and that is all he/she gets, our demonstration to that person of God at work in our lives was an “epic fail.”
Our constant prayer needs to be for God’s energy… that energy deep within you that permeates your very being and works for His pleasure even when you are exhausted. I have found myself repeating over and again lately, “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.” When you think you can’t be nice… when you are so tired you can’t put one foot in front of another… when the task seems incredibly daunting… remember WHO is giving you strength and energy.
Keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. Live in responsive obedience. Redouble your efforts to be energetic, reverent, and sensitive. Allow God to give you energy beyond anything you could ever imagine… and work at what gives Him pleasure. God will energize you and bless your efforts… and that’s the essence of a disciple’s life. Are you an energized disciple today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
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.
Every single one of us knows someone who is on his/her best behavior around other people… but acts like a stinker the rest of the time. I’ve heard people say of a young child… “He/she doesn’t ever act like that when his dad is around,” or “So-and-so is a pretty nice guy to your face, but when you’re not around, she says awful things,” or “What’s-his-name is all about ministry when people are watching. But if there’s nothing in it for him, he won’t even show up.” Sadly, some rendition of these type of comments may fit even you and me!
We’ve all got excuses… “I was tired or stressed out”… “Everybody has an “off day”… “The devil made me do it!”… or even “I don’t know what came over me!” But the simple fact is that when we do not live in responsive obedience to God, our witness becomes miserably ineffective. And let’s be honest… if even one person sees us on an “off day,” and that is all he/she gets, our demonstration to that person of God at work in our lives was an “epic fail.”
Our constant prayer needs to be for God’s energy… that energy deep within you that permeates your very being and works for His pleasure even when you are exhausted. I have found myself repeating over and again lately, “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.” When you think you can’t be nice… when you are so tired you can’t put one foot in front of another… when the task seems incredibly daunting… remember WHO is giving you strength and energy.
Keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. Live in responsive obedience. Redouble your efforts to be energetic, reverent, and sensitive. Allow God to give you energy beyond anything you could ever imagine… and work at what gives Him pleasure. God will energize you and bless your efforts… and that’s the essence of a disciple’s life. Are you an energized disciple today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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