Daily Devotional for May 4, 2015

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

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.

Timothy with all of his baby teeth...
this might be the last picture
before he loses one!

Sometime this week, I predict that Timothy will lose his first tooth.  He has two bottom teeth that are loose…but one is particularly wobbly.  We asked him to “show us your loose tooth” yesterday, and he eagerly wiggled it back and forth for us.  According to Timothy’s mother, the permanent tooth is already pushing through and nudging this old tooth out of the wayN

My four-year-old gap-toothed,
"David Letterman-style" smile!

I’ll be honest…I love little kids’ smiles with their sweet “baby teeth”.  Often what comes in afterward is relatively large and “gawky” for awhile. In my own case, I had a wide “David Letterman-style” gap between my two front teeth that was corrected when I was about twelve with some oral surgery - and braces.  The pretty smiles that many adults sport don’t “just happen”…they often take a lot of work!

When we surrender to Jesus and invite Him to dwell in our hearts and guide our lives, it’s somewhat like losing our baby teeth.  Over time, we get the new “permanent” ones, but there are struggles along the way – and often a lot of work is required to make everything straight and pretty.  And it’s that way for Christians, too.  We do become new creatures in Christ Jesus…but there is still a lot of work to be done…often over a lifetime!

Here’s another thing about “permanent teeth”…in general, they are stronger than “baby teeth” – and will last us the rest of our natural lives if we take care of them.  Likewise, our “New Life in Christ” will be stronger than the old one…but it will also require nurture, care – and “regular maintenance!”  Sometimes, despite our best efforts – or because of a lack thereof – we lose our teeth.  Thankfully, God often “fills in the gaps” quite literally for us with dentures and provides a way for us to keep going!

Just as a child’s “baby-teeth smile” may be all pretty and neat, our old lives may seem fairly comfortable and orderly.  But I assure you, the “permanent-tooth-smile” of a New Life in Christ will be so much better.  You will have highs and lows…and plenty of work to do…but the benefits will far surpass all of this.  God will bless and strengthen you in ways you cannot imagine…and He will reward you with a seat at His table in heaven for all eternity when your earthly life is over. 

I don’t know where you are in your journey.  I don’t know if you “still have all of your baby teeth”…are smack in the middle of “losing the bigger molars” and are experiencing some real struggles…or you’ve come to the place where you “have a set of dentures” and God’s strength, grace and mercy carry you through every minute of the day and make all the difference.  Whatever your “stage,” I pray that you have started the process…that you have asked Jesus to forgive your sins and dwell in your heart.  I pray that this day, Jesus is helping you to build the “new smile” that only He can create.  Now, let me see those “loose teeth!”

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 1, 2015

John 3:3
Jesus replied, “With all the earnestness I possess I tell you this: Unless you are born again, you can never get into the Kingdom of God.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Spring is filled with birthdays in our family.  Two of our great nieces, Erin and Caitlyn, have birthdays in March.  Today is my husband’s birthday, and our great-nephew Chase will be eleven in two more days.  Timothy will turn six on May 13^th, step-niece Mecayla will be 19 the following day, our great-niece Ellie Grace will be a year old on the 24^th, and Zola will be four on May 31^st!  We are grateful for each person represented – and the family members and friends whose birthdays we celebrate the rest of the year.  In some fashion, we will mark each and every one of these special days.

Our physical birthdays are supposed to be celebrated and noted with festivities, gifts and significant rituals and traditions.  But let’s not forget that for all its importance, this “birthday” is not the one that really matters.  Okay, sure…you can’t have one without the other.  Were there not a human “birth day”…there would be no opportunity to be born again.  But let’s not split hairs here.

For every party, candle, card, gift, tradition, greeting with well wishes, and other activity designed to celebrate these births, we should be even more jubilant and excited to celebrate our “new birth in Christ.”  I’ll be honest…I cannot tell you my exact “born again” date – and you may not recall yours, either.  And that’s okay. Let your actual birthday suffice as a “dual celebration day,” if necessary.  But let’s be sure to celebrate the day that Jesus wiped away our sins – and our tears – once and for all.  Let’s revel in the joy and confidence that we are destined for the Kingdom of God because of our decision – and our commitment - to follow Jesus.

As our young children, friends and family members give their hearts to Christ and are born again, let’s revel in the knowledge and confidence that we will all be reunited someday in Heaven. And let’s make sure that every person in our circle of influence understands that this “second birthday” is the one that really matters for all Eternity.  Let’s be sure that we share the way to Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ with each of them.  Let it never be said, “I wish I had told more people about Jesus…I wish I had helped more people understand the importance of being ‘born again’.”

We are right to celebrate birthdays…to mark the passage of time and commemorate the birth of each honoree.  But we must keep these milestones in perspective and make sure that there are TWO birthdays to celebrate…one that reflects on the past – and one that more significantly looks toward the future.  The best “birthday gift” is the assurance of an eternal home in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Have you secured yours?  Do you have two “birthdays” to celebrate?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 15, 2015

Romans 3:21-24
But now God has shown us a different way to heaven — not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us —declare us “not guilty”— if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Timothy is often a serious child…and when things don’t go well, he will sometimes ask, “Are you disappointed in me?”  And more than once, he has told me, “Aunt Debbie, I’m so disappointed in you” – usually when I tell him “No” about something!

I’m afraid that God is often “so disappointed” in me…like every day at one point or another.  And I’ll let you in on a little secret…He’s disappointed in you, too!  Feeling a little “disappointed” now?  I know I am…along with embarrassed, frustrated - and a healthy dose of “why can’t I get it right?”! 

Hear the words of Romans 3:23…”all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal.”  Now hear the GREATER news that follows…”yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.”  So while we disappoint God often, He still loves us and forgives us.  We must strive to get it right…to do better…to please Him.  We should want to do this!  But the times that we fall short…God is still there.

When children disappoint us or misbehave, we may detach from them for a few minutes.  There may be a “time out” involved in which we do not communicate.  Or if the child is angry or upset with us, he/she may walk away and ignore us momentarily.  But this is usually short lived.  And while we may feel like God has left us for a while, the truth is that He never leaves us.  He may let us simmer in our misgivings for a bit, but He is right there whenever we are ready to make things right and try again.

So today as you go about your routine, remind yourself often that God is with you…that He loves you more than you can ever imagine – much less deserve.  Remember that the only thing you could ever do to disappoint God irreparably is to deny Him completely…and even then, He would fight tooth and nail to remain in your life!  Doesn’t that kind of love make you want to do all you can to please Him?  Will this be the day that you begin?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 1, 2015

Luke 22:24-30
And they began to argue among themselves as to who would have the highest rank in the coming Kingdom.

Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men order their slaves around, and the slaves have no choice but to like it! But among you, the one who serves you best will be your leader. Out in the world the master sits at the table and is served by his servants. But not here!  For I am your servant.  Nevertheless, because you have stood true to me in these terrible days, and because my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I, here and now, grant you the right to eat and drink at my table in that Kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

I cannot tell you how many times I visited my Mam-ma Polly when she was sitting down at her table to a plate of food that would barely feed her, and she would say, “Sit down and eat with me.”  And when I did, we’d both walk away from the table stuffed to the gills.  Somehow those “little piddlin’ amounts” multiplied into a feast that sustained us…and filled our bellies AND our souls.  Even now as I remember this…or especially when I cook one of grandmother’s signature dishes, I get that same warm feeling.  I sense her presence…her love…her generosity and servant’s heart.

Like all of us, my Mam-ma Polly was not perfect.  But for the most part, she always thought of others first.  She found someone to serve virtually every day of her life, and did not discriminate in the least.  And while she might have told you that she was “a poor ‘widder’ woman” she was one of the “richest” women I ever knew.

When we eat and drink at the Holy Communion table, we should all be reminded of Jesus and how He served us…how He taught us to love and serve ALL others…and how He took OUR sins upon himself.  When we eat the bread and drink the wine that Jesus told the disciples were his “body and blood,” we are in reminded of our sins…because His body and blood of were exchanged for them.

We cannot physically share a meal with Jesus until we enter into His presence in Heaven.  But this rite of Holy Communion serves as a reminder of Him…of what and who Jesus died for…and warms our heart and soul with His presence.  This particular practice of the church is truly one of the most holy and precious demonstrations that we make as Christians.

At some point this week, many of us will likely share Holy Communion.  As you do so, think of Jesus…the “Servant” who became last so that He could be first…our King of Kings.  Remember that He gave His body and blood so that we can once again dine with him someday in His Kingdom.  Remember that Jesus promised His disciples a place at His table.  Remember how a “little piddlin’ amount” of bread and wine have come to symbolize the greatest gift we will ever receive…salvation through Jesus Christ – and a heart and soul that are brimming full! 

Humble yourself as His servant…become “last” on this earth in order to be one of the first in line for a seat at His table in Heaven.  In Jesus, we will never go hungry.  He is inviting each of us to…”Sit down and eat with me.”  Won’t you take Him up on His offer?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 31, 2014

Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever.”
 
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
 
I’ve tried to think of a dozen different ways to talk about this scripture passage today, but I keep circling back around to one particular thought.  So I am going to assume that this is what God wants me to talk about and run with it!  I am a fan of a Bravo TV show called “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.”  On this show, a young realtor named Josh Flagg is featured.  Frequently, his grandmother, Edith, is also showcased.  For a long time, Josh Flagg lived in the same apartment building as his grandmother Edith…she occupied the penthouse – he lived a few floors below.  It was not uncommon for Josh to drop everything and visit Edith – even late at night, wearing his pajamas!
 
Edith Flagg survived the Holocaust in Germany and emigrated to the United States after the WWII, with $2 in her pocket. Through hard work and determination, she built a name for herself in the fashion industry.  Her business acumen and reasoning were amazing, and she often advised her grandson about real estate deals with flair and a no-nonsense delivery.
 
Edith Flagg died on August 13, 2014, at the age of 94. Mention has been made of her physical decline during this season’s episodes, and news of her passing was incorporated into last night’s airing.  In one segment, Josh talked tearfully of how his grandmother had broken a hip  then developed pneumonia, and things did not look good.  Then in another segment, he received “the call” to come quickly and be with Edith.  He sat through the night with her before she died around 6:00 a.m.  No effort was made to downplay this young man’s grief – nor to hide it from public view.  And yet, I did not find his treatment by the network to be exploitive.  We saw Josh Flagg sitting with his partner, tears pouring from his face as he talked of how important Edith had been in his life…studying pictures of the two of them together…and wondering how life could ever be happy again without her to guide and delight him.
 
I wanted to reach through the television screen and wipe his tears.  I wanted to hold this young man’s hand and console him…to tell him that his grandmother’s legacy and the lessons she gave to him will live on…that happy times will come again someday…that everything will be alright.  But of course, I could not do this.  And there are plenty of times when we are not able to console another, for a myriad of reasons.  Quite honestly, this is not our job!
 
We cannot promise that there will be no heartaches…no sorrows, pain or crying.  We most certainly cannot promise that there will be no more death.  In fact, death is one thing that is pretty well certain for all of us!  The only One who can truly “wipe away our tears” and make these promises is God…and He offers us this hope through the blood of Jesus and the assurance that we will spend eternity with Him in heaven.
 
God can often use us to console others…to wipe away their tears and make them feel better in any given moment.  But understand that we are not the ones doing this…we are merely the vehicle for God’s love, care, healing and restoration.  And in recognizing this, I realized that I can pray for this young man in Los Angeles – and his family – and ask God to send consolation for them.  I can ask God to wipe away his tears and to fill him with hope and peace…to flood his heart with happy memories and sound advice…to help him to feel his grandmother’s hand guiding him each and every day.
 
We can all do this for others – many times each day, in a dozen different ways.  We can stop and say a quick prayer for another person – even someone we only know from a television show.  We can ask God to show us what to say and do to convey His healing power… to “wipe away the tears” in His name…and to offer the hope of a day when there truly will be no more sickness, sorrow, tears, grief and death.  We can live with this hope in our own lives and demonstrate it to others, so that they might truly believe in God’s promises and claim them for themselves.
 
It’s a pretty sure bet that God has wiped your tears at one time or another.  Now it’s your turn to pay it forward...to share His love and care with another and offer him/her the promise of a brighter day in Christ Jesus.  Are you up for the challenge? 
 
©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 10, 2014

October 10 ~ Luke 8:49-56
While he was still talking, someone from the leader’s house came up and told him, “Your daughter died. No need now to bother the Teacher.”

Jesus overheard and said, “Don’t be upset. Just trust me and everything will be all right.” Going into the house, he wouldn’t let anyone enter with him except Peter, John, James, and the child’s parents.

Everyone was crying and carrying on over her. Jesus said, “Don’t cry. She didn’t die; she’s sleeping.” They laughed at him. They knew she was dead.

Then Jesus, gripping her hand, called, “My dear child, get up.” She was up in an instant, up and breathing again! He told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were ecstatic, but Jesus warned them to keep quiet. “Don’t tell a soul what happened in this room.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

• “When pigs fly!” 
• “That will never happen!” 
• “Fat chance!” 
• “I’ll believe it when I see it!” 
• “No way!”

These are just a few of the phrases we utter about a myriad of situations and circumstances - skeptics and cynics that we are.  I could almost hear this girl’s father, Jairus, speaking these things to Jesus and His disciples.  His daughter was dead already. He and everyone else knew it.  Yet after Jesus and the disciples went in to see her, she emerged alive, well...and hungry!

There are a lot of thoughts on why Jesus warned everyone not to speak of what had happened.  People would probably not have believed them in the first place...and those who were convinced would probably assume that witchcraft or some sort of sorcery was involved - and come after Jesus and His followers.  Jesus knew that this was not “His time” to be apprehended...that there was still work to be done...miracles to be performed...lessons to be taught. And while we are called to share the Good News of Jesus...we’ve never been commissioned to brag.

There are several lessons for us in this passage.  The first seems pretty obvious – nothing is impossible with Jesus.  Now I don’t mean to imply that He is going to bring our loved ones back to life when they pass from this earth.  But He surely could if it fit into His plans.  The bigger “take-away” from these verses seems to be that we are not to underestimate the power of Jesus to do anything and everything.  We are to be less skeptical and cynical...and more positive and optimistic.  We are to trust that God is in full control...and we are to walk in this confidence.

When we receive word that things are bad...when we hear about dire circumstances, a bad diagnosis, or some sort of trial or tragedy...we are not to wring our hands and throw a pity party.  We are to seek Jesus...to “follow Him into the room” and watch and listen as He works...then emerge with the confidence that He is handling the situation.  Remember the story of David in 2 Samuel 12:22-23, where he answers those who question why he emerged from his chambers after the death of his baby with Bathsheba.  People are appalled that he is dressed and hungry – and actually sits down to eat a meal.  “While the child was alive,” he tells them, “I fasted and wept, thinking God might have mercy on me and the child would live. But now that he’s dead, why fast? Can I bring him back now? I can go to him, but he can’t come to me.”

The lesson for us is that we have a job to do...we are to trust in God and believe in His wisdom and healing power – in all situations.  We are to “follow Jesus into the room” and serve Him as He works in our lives and the lives of others.  Then we are to step out into the world and live with confidence and assurance.  We don’t need to brag...we shouldn’t need to be constantly announcing to those around us that we are Christians – and we certainly should never imply that God has given us special treatment or that we are better than anyone else.  It is one thing to say, “God has done amazing things in my life”...but it is quite another to act as if you did anything special to merit these blessings – or that you are “all that and a bag of chips!”

What God has done for us, He will gladly do for any and all who trust in Him.  Jesus died on the cross that we might all be raised from the death of our sins.  The sad thing is that a lot of us still don’t fully believe this.  We underestimate God’s healing power...His desire to rescue us...His incredible, unconditional and unending love for us.  So like Jairus and his friends, we essentially say, “It’s too late” or “I have serious doubts.”

Hear this...it is never too late with God.  As long as you draw breath, there is opportunity to be healed and restored through Jesus Christ.  Will you trust Him do work in your life?  Will you “emerge from the room”...alive, healed and hungry?  Isn’t it time you did just that?

©2014 Debbie Robus