John 17:24-26
Father, I want everyone you have given
me to be with me, wherever I am. Then they will see the glory that you
have given me, because you loved me before the world was created. Good
Father, the people of this world don’t know you. But I know you, and my
followers know that you sent me. I told them what you are like, and I
will tell them even more. Then the love that you have for me will become
part of them, and I will be one with them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have
you ever had a friendship with someone that started out fairly rocky –
until you got to know each other? Maybe you thought this person was
aloof, disinterested, or even over-bearing in some way. Maybe you just
didn’t “click” for some reason. And maybe you almost didn’t give this
person a second chance! But then you spent some time together…you got
to really know him/her…and you discovered that you’d made a pretty great
friend in the process!
It’s often like this with Jesus…many
people simply don’t give Him a chance. They don’t take the time or put
in the energy and effort to truly get to know Him – to see what a “great
Guy” Jesus is, so to speak!
Perhaps you are one of the people
who gave someone a second look and discovered a friend so precious that
now you cannot imagine your life without him/her in it on a regular – if
not daily - basis. And maybe you have made this same discovery about
Jesus Christ. If you haven’t…you should!
Spend some quality time
with Jesus. Read the New Testament and hear His words to the
disciples…and to us as they have been shared through the ages. Get to
know Jesus in a deep and profound way…learn how loyal and loving He is.
Find out firsthand just how merciful and gracious Jesus can be…and
cultivate an abiding and everlasting relationship with Him. Get to the
point where you cannot imagine a single minute without Jesus in your
life…and then nurture this bond - and offer a prayer of thanks that you
don’t have to ever be without Him!
Too often, we make snap
judgments – about other people and situations…and about our relationship
with Jesus. In both cases, we risk missing out on some amazing
opportunities and friendships. Will this be the day that you take a
second look at others – and more importantly - at Jesus? Will this be
the day that you truly get to know Jesus and learn what He has to
offer? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label second chances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label second chances. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 15, 2014
2 Samuel 24:14
“This is a hard decision,” David replied, “but it is better to fall into the hand of the Lord (for his mercy is great) than into the hands of men.”
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 made a mistake.” “My bad.”
“I shouldn’t have said/done that.” “I messed up.”
“That was wrong of me.” “It was my fault.”
“I wish I could take that back.” “I was wrong.”
“May I have a second chance?” “I’m sorry.”
We’ve all uttered at least one (and probably ALL) of these phrases at one time or another. But that doesn’t mean we liked it! We often find it hard to admit that we were mistaken or made a mess of things. It’s embarrassing…sometimes shameful. And often, there are consequences.
In this chapter of 2 Samuel, we learn about a really poor choice that David made. He sent representatives to take a census…to number (count) the people of Israel. He specifically wanted to know how many men were of conscription age – old enough to join his army. God had not sanctioned any of this…He had not told David to do this. In fact, David knew that God was not in favor of such a show of human strength. Bottom line…David just wanted to brag about how many men he had available for war. And God was not the least bit pleased.
So God offered David three choices…7 years of famine, three months on the run from his enemies, or three days of plague. David chose the three days of plague, and 70,000 people lost their lives as a result. God could have allowed even a larger number of people to die, but He had mercy before the three days was up and ordered the death angel to retreat. The people of Jerusalem were spared.
I don’t know about you, but if God offered me those same three choices, I would be tempted to answer, “None of the above!” There was no good option for David. But notice that he responded that any punishment from a merciful God would be far better than the consequences of man. David had no clue that God would spare Jerusalem or lighten the punishment. But he trusted that God would be fair and just, no matter what.
I believe that the treatment David received from God in this instance made Him a better man and taught him priceless lessons about how to behave in the future…toward God AND toward his fellow man. We can take these lessons to heart, as well…
God could have just taken David out and washed His hands of him and his antics. But He didn’t…and He won’t do this with us, either. How will we respond to this much love, grace and mercy? How will you share these gifts with others?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“This is a hard decision,” David replied, “but it is better to fall into the hand of the Lord (for his mercy is great) than into the hands of men.”
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 made a mistake.” “My bad.”
“I shouldn’t have said/done that.” “I messed up.”
“That was wrong of me.” “It was my fault.”
“I wish I could take that back.” “I was wrong.”
“May I have a second chance?” “I’m sorry.”
We’ve all uttered at least one (and probably ALL) of these phrases at one time or another. But that doesn’t mean we liked it! We often find it hard to admit that we were mistaken or made a mess of things. It’s embarrassing…sometimes shameful. And often, there are consequences.
In this chapter of 2 Samuel, we learn about a really poor choice that David made. He sent representatives to take a census…to number (count) the people of Israel. He specifically wanted to know how many men were of conscription age – old enough to join his army. God had not sanctioned any of this…He had not told David to do this. In fact, David knew that God was not in favor of such a show of human strength. Bottom line…David just wanted to brag about how many men he had available for war. And God was not the least bit pleased.
So God offered David three choices…7 years of famine, three months on the run from his enemies, or three days of plague. David chose the three days of plague, and 70,000 people lost their lives as a result. God could have allowed even a larger number of people to die, but He had mercy before the three days was up and ordered the death angel to retreat. The people of Jerusalem were spared.
I don’t know about you, but if God offered me those same three choices, I would be tempted to answer, “None of the above!” There was no good option for David. But notice that he responded that any punishment from a merciful God would be far better than the consequences of man. David had no clue that God would spare Jerusalem or lighten the punishment. But he trusted that God would be fair and just, no matter what.
I believe that the treatment David received from God in this instance made Him a better man and taught him priceless lessons about how to behave in the future…toward God AND toward his fellow man. We can take these lessons to heart, as well…
- We need to question our motives. Are we making a choice because this is what we want…or are we certain that God agrees and sanctions this decision?
- When we make a mistake, we need to own it…and do whatever is necessary to make things right as quickly as possible.
- Staying in tune with God will help to ensure that we don’t make mistakes…but when we do, we need to be prepared to accept the consequences. We must trust that God will never desert us - even while we suffer for our sins - and that He will help us through these times with grace and mercy.
- We must offer others that same grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. People will offend us…they will make mistakes that affect us in ways great and small. And when they own these wrongdoings and admit them, we must be prepared to offer them the same love and fair treatment that God offers us when we sin against Him.
God could have just taken David out and washed His hands of him and his antics. But He didn’t…and He won’t do this with us, either. How will we respond to this much love, grace and mercy? How will you share these gifts with others?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 24, 2012
Luke 6:38
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."
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 was talking with my neighbor the other day about a mutual friend who is the primary caregiver for her 103-year-old mother. Several years ago this friend and her husband moved her mother here from another community to share their home. The lady is now blind and virtually deaf… and wheelchair bound. You can imagine the stress this situation places on her daughter, son-in-law, and extended family… or maybe you can’t! But I said to my neighbor, “I think so often of Anne. As much as she loves her mother, I know this is a huge burden.”
The friend replied, “Oh… it’s not that bad… she has children who help her.” This is the same friend who only a couple of years ago was caring for her own mother… and telling me often how difficult and challenging it was! I am here to tell you that anyone who cares for an elderly loved one – especially those who do so at home – experiences challenges and a lot of stress! This woman may not openly share her frustrations and difficulties with her friends, but she surely has them! Others may see someone who seems to have it all together all the time… someone who is upbeat and positive. But on the inside, he/she may be anything but cheerful and confident.
On the other hand, we may make snap judgments about someone, based on an erratic action or a snippy comeback, missing completely that something is wrong in their life… that they are experiencing hardness. I have said this before, but I distinctly remember one weekend in February 1998, when my dad was gravely ill and at death’s door. I dashed into Wal-Mart to pick up a few groceries. People were cheerfully purchasing Valentines, candy and flowers. Everywhere I turned, “love was in the air.” People were smiling and laughing - talking about plans for their special holiday or something else fun. All I wanted to do is scream to anyone who would listen, “STOP the world! My daddy is dying!” But instead, I smiled in return and hurriedly left the store.
Before you pin on my medal for bravery and patience, be assured that I have made my fair share of brash, rude comments – and then some! – when life has been stressful and challenging. I am often critical, judgmental, and hard on people. There are plenty of times when I fail to consider the other person’s heart. I am just as guilty as the next guy of picking on people and jumping on their failures. But I am trying so very hard to do better – to be better.
There are a lot of people who have judged each of us unfairly. I’m sure there are those who wonder why I am not doing more… participating in more ministries in my church… getting more done with my days. I know there are those who think I don’t do enough for my own grandmother and family… or think I waste too much time on sewing and writing. There are plenty of people who are making similar judgments about you. They may be evaluating your character, your behavior, how you use your time and talents, and your attitude in general… all without having a clue about what is truly in your heart. They have no idea what God’s call is on your life… or how you are answering Him.
The point is this… if we want others to stop judging and criticizing us… we have to take the first step and do this for them. If we want others to go easy on us and lift us up, rather than kick us when we are down, we have to start the process by doing this for those in our circle and beyond. We have to stop paying attention to what others think… stop reacting to what others say about us or anyone else… and open our hearts and minds to the fact that we all have “issues.” Everybody is dealing with something… and how we treat each other can have a direct effect on the impact of these matters.
Be a humble, gentle person. Put on your “rose-colored glasses,” so to speak, and see others with a generous heart. Recognize that God loves us, warts and all, and we are to do the same for each other. Take the first step toward creating an atmosphere where God has room to build up His children in love and kindness and to use all of us to bless each other and strengthen His kingdom. When you have the urge to pick on someone… ask God to give you the courage and strength to give them a little slack.
Giving, not getting, is the way… and this begins with our attitude and how we treat others. Be the one who jump-start this process in your own circle of friends and influence. Always give as good as you wish to get… or better… and watch the blessings multiply for everyone.
©2012 Debbie Robus
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."
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 was talking with my neighbor the other day about a mutual friend who is the primary caregiver for her 103-year-old mother. Several years ago this friend and her husband moved her mother here from another community to share their home. The lady is now blind and virtually deaf… and wheelchair bound. You can imagine the stress this situation places on her daughter, son-in-law, and extended family… or maybe you can’t! But I said to my neighbor, “I think so often of Anne. As much as she loves her mother, I know this is a huge burden.”
The friend replied, “Oh… it’s not that bad… she has children who help her.” This is the same friend who only a couple of years ago was caring for her own mother… and telling me often how difficult and challenging it was! I am here to tell you that anyone who cares for an elderly loved one – especially those who do so at home – experiences challenges and a lot of stress! This woman may not openly share her frustrations and difficulties with her friends, but she surely has them! Others may see someone who seems to have it all together all the time… someone who is upbeat and positive. But on the inside, he/she may be anything but cheerful and confident.
On the other hand, we may make snap judgments about someone, based on an erratic action or a snippy comeback, missing completely that something is wrong in their life… that they are experiencing hardness. I have said this before, but I distinctly remember one weekend in February 1998, when my dad was gravely ill and at death’s door. I dashed into Wal-Mart to pick up a few groceries. People were cheerfully purchasing Valentines, candy and flowers. Everywhere I turned, “love was in the air.” People were smiling and laughing - talking about plans for their special holiday or something else fun. All I wanted to do is scream to anyone who would listen, “STOP the world! My daddy is dying!” But instead, I smiled in return and hurriedly left the store.
Before you pin on my medal for bravery and patience, be assured that I have made my fair share of brash, rude comments – and then some! – when life has been stressful and challenging. I am often critical, judgmental, and hard on people. There are plenty of times when I fail to consider the other person’s heart. I am just as guilty as the next guy of picking on people and jumping on their failures. But I am trying so very hard to do better – to be better.
There are a lot of people who have judged each of us unfairly. I’m sure there are those who wonder why I am not doing more… participating in more ministries in my church… getting more done with my days. I know there are those who think I don’t do enough for my own grandmother and family… or think I waste too much time on sewing and writing. There are plenty of people who are making similar judgments about you. They may be evaluating your character, your behavior, how you use your time and talents, and your attitude in general… all without having a clue about what is truly in your heart. They have no idea what God’s call is on your life… or how you are answering Him.
The point is this… if we want others to stop judging and criticizing us… we have to take the first step and do this for them. If we want others to go easy on us and lift us up, rather than kick us when we are down, we have to start the process by doing this for those in our circle and beyond. We have to stop paying attention to what others think… stop reacting to what others say about us or anyone else… and open our hearts and minds to the fact that we all have “issues.” Everybody is dealing with something… and how we treat each other can have a direct effect on the impact of these matters.
Be a humble, gentle person. Put on your “rose-colored glasses,” so to speak, and see others with a generous heart. Recognize that God loves us, warts and all, and we are to do the same for each other. Take the first step toward creating an atmosphere where God has room to build up His children in love and kindness and to use all of us to bless each other and strengthen His kingdom. When you have the urge to pick on someone… ask God to give you the courage and strength to give them a little slack.
Giving, not getting, is the way… and this begins with our attitude and how we treat others. Be the one who jump-start this process in your own circle of friends and influence. Always give as good as you wish to get… or better… and watch the blessings multiply for everyone.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 8, 2012
Psalm 148:1-4
Shout praises to the LORD! Shout the LORD's praises in the highest heavens. All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise. Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year ago this day, my cousin J.D. and a woman named Angie were married. While all wedding anniversaries are milestones, what makes this one particularly worthy of mention lies in the story of how these two were brought together in the first place… and how God works in our lives each and every day. On his website at www.kingdomcallministries.org, J.D. tells his story… how he became consumed with both using and dealing drugs as a teenager… how he was in and out of rehabs and jails – and ultimately he was incarcerated in prison for more than three years. True to his nature and the pull of the devil on his heart, J.D. was rebellious and uncooperative, and he became a frequent visitor to “The Hole” – also known as solitary confinement.
J.D. writes that… “Being sent to prison relegates you to a low class. Being sent to a prison within in a prison places one in the top ranks of the biggest losers… that is where I was. Most, I’m sure, had given up on me ever becoming a productive human being. My life was a mess, my brain was shot, and my situation was hopeless.” J.D. got some of it right… a few people did give up on him. But others did not. We prayed, we encouraged… and God kept working. And one day while sitting alone in “The Hole,” J.D. had a visit from Jesus that totally transformed his life.
After his release from prison in 2007, J.D. returned home and found a job – and a church home. He grew in his faith and found that God was calling Him to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others… to be a living testament to His ability to make a way where none seems possible. It wasn’t easy… and Satan would not go away. In 2009, J.D. awoke in a hospital with virtually every bone in his face broken, and his jaws wired shut. He had been involved in a horrible logging accident where a pine tree fell directly onto his face. In his words…“Satan had tried to take me out with that pine tree and had come awfully close to succeeding.”
But J.D. recovered fully from his injuries, and he began to share the word of God wherever a church would invite him to speak. He spent his days immersed in prayer and studying God’s word. He trusted God to provide for his needs via “love offerings” and a small business he managed selling chainsaws and parts online. And one evening as he stopped to attend a tent revival near Romance, Arkansas, he greeted the evangelist and his assistant – a woman named Angie, who would soon become his wife.
In the past year, J.D. and Angie have begun their own ministry and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others in churches and via tent revivals from Arkansas to Indiana. The young man who was hopeless and helpless is now using his own story of rescue and redemption to offer the hope and promise of a life in Christ to others. And at every turn, he and Angie are praising God for His faithfulness… and encouraging others to do the same.
J.D. and I have laughed and agreed that the God who can fix him can fix anybody! But really, this is no laughing matter… it’s the plain and simple truth. I don’t know what you are facing. I don’t know your challenges… your concerns… your needs and fears. But I know that God can accomplish ANYTHING. So I am asking you to hang on… to keep the faith… to never give up… and to always… ALWAYS, give Him the praise He so richly deserves. To God be the glory for rescuing J.D. and uniting Him with Angie. To God be the glory for the miraculous and wonderful things He is doing – and will continue – in each of our lives. Won’t you come and offer Him YOUR praise today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! Shout the LORD's praises in the highest heavens. All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise. Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year ago this day, my cousin J.D. and a woman named Angie were married. While all wedding anniversaries are milestones, what makes this one particularly worthy of mention lies in the story of how these two were brought together in the first place… and how God works in our lives each and every day. On his website at www.kingdomcallministries.org, J.D. tells his story… how he became consumed with both using and dealing drugs as a teenager… how he was in and out of rehabs and jails – and ultimately he was incarcerated in prison for more than three years. True to his nature and the pull of the devil on his heart, J.D. was rebellious and uncooperative, and he became a frequent visitor to “The Hole” – also known as solitary confinement.
J.D. writes that… “Being sent to prison relegates you to a low class. Being sent to a prison within in a prison places one in the top ranks of the biggest losers… that is where I was. Most, I’m sure, had given up on me ever becoming a productive human being. My life was a mess, my brain was shot, and my situation was hopeless.” J.D. got some of it right… a few people did give up on him. But others did not. We prayed, we encouraged… and God kept working. And one day while sitting alone in “The Hole,” J.D. had a visit from Jesus that totally transformed his life.
After his release from prison in 2007, J.D. returned home and found a job – and a church home. He grew in his faith and found that God was calling Him to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others… to be a living testament to His ability to make a way where none seems possible. It wasn’t easy… and Satan would not go away. In 2009, J.D. awoke in a hospital with virtually every bone in his face broken, and his jaws wired shut. He had been involved in a horrible logging accident where a pine tree fell directly onto his face. In his words…“Satan had tried to take me out with that pine tree and had come awfully close to succeeding.”
But J.D. recovered fully from his injuries, and he began to share the word of God wherever a church would invite him to speak. He spent his days immersed in prayer and studying God’s word. He trusted God to provide for his needs via “love offerings” and a small business he managed selling chainsaws and parts online. And one evening as he stopped to attend a tent revival near Romance, Arkansas, he greeted the evangelist and his assistant – a woman named Angie, who would soon become his wife.
In the past year, J.D. and Angie have begun their own ministry and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others in churches and via tent revivals from Arkansas to Indiana. The young man who was hopeless and helpless is now using his own story of rescue and redemption to offer the hope and promise of a life in Christ to others. And at every turn, he and Angie are praising God for His faithfulness… and encouraging others to do the same.
J.D. and I have laughed and agreed that the God who can fix him can fix anybody! But really, this is no laughing matter… it’s the plain and simple truth. I don’t know what you are facing. I don’t know your challenges… your concerns… your needs and fears. But I know that God can accomplish ANYTHING. So I am asking you to hang on… to keep the faith… to never give up… and to always… ALWAYS, give Him the praise He so richly deserves. To God be the glory for rescuing J.D. and uniting Him with Angie. To God be the glory for the miraculous and wonderful things He is doing – and will continue – in each of our lives. Won’t you come and offer Him YOUR praise today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 6, 2011
1 Samuel 15:30-31
Saul tried again, "I have sinned. But don't abandon me! Support me with your presence before the leaders and the people. Come alongside me as I go back to worship GOD."
Samuel did. He went back with him. And Saul went to his knees before GOD and worshiped.
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.
Second chances… we all need them from time to time. We make a mistake, and we know we can do better – if only we are given a chance to prove it. We all know of people who are in the media forefront who have really blown it big time… and many are asking for us to “forgive and forget” – to give them another chance to do better. We may also know people in our own community, circle of friends, or even our own family who need a second chance and our support as they make an effort to change.
Think about this… because of the blood of Jesus on the cross, we all have a shot at a second chance. Saul asked Samuel to stick by him and to encourage the entire church and community to support him as he tried to rebuild his relationship with God – and others. We have asked God to stick by us and support us as we commit to living the life of a Christian. And maybe you are asking your friends, family, church family, and community to support you in efforts to turn your own life around and live better. Or maybe someone is asking you to lend your support and encouragement in their own rebuilding effort.
Either way, we cannot refuse. Hopefully fellow believers will come to your rescue and encourage you if/when you need it. And surely you will do the same for others when they approach you. God will not abandon us… He will never turn his back on us when we ask Him to help… to set us on our feet and give us another chance. So how can we do any less for others?
Who do you need to encourage today? Who do you need to ask for support in your own efforts to make changes and/or do better? Do you need to ask God to give you a second chance? Evaluate your situation and see where you need to ask these questions… then get busy finding the road back to God and right living - for yourself and everyone in your path.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Saul tried again, "I have sinned. But don't abandon me! Support me with your presence before the leaders and the people. Come alongside me as I go back to worship GOD."
Samuel did. He went back with him. And Saul went to his knees before GOD and worshiped.
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.
Second chances… we all need them from time to time. We make a mistake, and we know we can do better – if only we are given a chance to prove it. We all know of people who are in the media forefront who have really blown it big time… and many are asking for us to “forgive and forget” – to give them another chance to do better. We may also know people in our own community, circle of friends, or even our own family who need a second chance and our support as they make an effort to change.
Think about this… because of the blood of Jesus on the cross, we all have a shot at a second chance. Saul asked Samuel to stick by him and to encourage the entire church and community to support him as he tried to rebuild his relationship with God – and others. We have asked God to stick by us and support us as we commit to living the life of a Christian. And maybe you are asking your friends, family, church family, and community to support you in efforts to turn your own life around and live better. Or maybe someone is asking you to lend your support and encouragement in their own rebuilding effort.
Either way, we cannot refuse. Hopefully fellow believers will come to your rescue and encourage you if/when you need it. And surely you will do the same for others when they approach you. God will not abandon us… He will never turn his back on us when we ask Him to help… to set us on our feet and give us another chance. So how can we do any less for others?
Who do you need to encourage today? Who do you need to ask for support in your own efforts to make changes and/or do better? Do you need to ask God to give you a second chance? Evaluate your situation and see where you need to ask these questions… then get busy finding the road back to God and right living - for yourself and everyone in your path.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 30, 2010
1 Peter 1:19
You were rescued by the precious blood of Christ, that spotless and innocent lamb.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my mother-in-law found a very dirty baby bib in a box of linens she bought at an estate sale. She tried to clean it with the detergents and bleaching agents she had at home. Since the bib was really cute, she asked my husband to bring it home to me, saying, “There is probably nothing she can do with it, but it’s worth a try.” I soaked it in Oxi-clean, then bleached it, and – voila! – all of the stains came out of the bib, and we have a picture of Timothy wearing it as proof!
My mother-in-law was amazed and pleased. She said, “How did you do that?” When I told her what I had used, she said, “I tried that, but it didn’t work.” We decided she had not used a strong enough concentration of the cleaning agent … a heavy-duty soaking had done the trick. I often have to do this to our white shirts, because I inevitably spill something on mine or rub against something dirty. I love to wear a white shirt, but I’m not very good at keeping them neat and clean. I don’t know how some people manage to wear a white shirt all day and keep it looking crisp, clean, and unwrinkled.
But I do know about Jesus! I know that His blood is better than the big containers of powdered Oxi-clean that sit in my laundry room aside a jug of bleach. I know that Jesus’ blood is more powerful than the best laundry detergent. I know that, Spiritually, I can wear a white shirt every day of the year if I want, because Jesus has washed it, starched and ironed it, and made it spotless! Occasionally, I still spill something on my “Spiritual white shirt,” but I never have to worry about it coming clean again. I have Jesus watching over me, and He sets me back on my feet and gives me another chance.
I think sometimes we are like the bib … we try to remove our sin, but we are using the wrong detergent – or the wrong strength. We are often trying to do things our way, by ourselves, when what we really need is Jesus! We have been rescued by the most powerful “Cleaning Agent” in the universe. Why would we ever use anything else? With Jesus, we can wear white every single day, boldly and with confidence! What is in your “Spiritual closet?” How clean are you “clothes” these days? When you get a stain, do you know where to turn to remove it? Have you been rescued by the precious blood of Christ … the spotless and innocent lamb?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You were rescued by the precious blood of Christ, that spotless and innocent lamb.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my mother-in-law found a very dirty baby bib in a box of linens she bought at an estate sale. She tried to clean it with the detergents and bleaching agents she had at home. Since the bib was really cute, she asked my husband to bring it home to me, saying, “There is probably nothing she can do with it, but it’s worth a try.” I soaked it in Oxi-clean, then bleached it, and – voila! – all of the stains came out of the bib, and we have a picture of Timothy wearing it as proof!
My mother-in-law was amazed and pleased. She said, “How did you do that?” When I told her what I had used, she said, “I tried that, but it didn’t work.” We decided she had not used a strong enough concentration of the cleaning agent … a heavy-duty soaking had done the trick. I often have to do this to our white shirts, because I inevitably spill something on mine or rub against something dirty. I love to wear a white shirt, but I’m not very good at keeping them neat and clean. I don’t know how some people manage to wear a white shirt all day and keep it looking crisp, clean, and unwrinkled.
But I do know about Jesus! I know that His blood is better than the big containers of powdered Oxi-clean that sit in my laundry room aside a jug of bleach. I know that Jesus’ blood is more powerful than the best laundry detergent. I know that, Spiritually, I can wear a white shirt every day of the year if I want, because Jesus has washed it, starched and ironed it, and made it spotless! Occasionally, I still spill something on my “Spiritual white shirt,” but I never have to worry about it coming clean again. I have Jesus watching over me, and He sets me back on my feet and gives me another chance.
I think sometimes we are like the bib … we try to remove our sin, but we are using the wrong detergent – or the wrong strength. We are often trying to do things our way, by ourselves, when what we really need is Jesus! We have been rescued by the most powerful “Cleaning Agent” in the universe. Why would we ever use anything else? With Jesus, we can wear white every single day, boldly and with confidence! What is in your “Spiritual closet?” How clean are you “clothes” these days? When you get a stain, do you know where to turn to remove it? Have you been rescued by the precious blood of Christ … the spotless and innocent lamb?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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