Acts 5:1-11
But a man named Ananias—his wife,
Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, secretly kept
part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the
apostles and made an offering of it.
Peter said, “Ananias, how
did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part
of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and
after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what
got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn’t lie to men but to
God.”
Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That
put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went
right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him.
Not
more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had
happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for
your field?”
“Yes,” she said, “that price.”
Peter
responded, “What’s going on here that you connived to conspire against
the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the
door, and you’re next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than
she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her
body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
By
this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these
things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be
trifled with.
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.
This story reminds me of a
television commercial that aired in the 1970s for Chiffon margarine. A
woman dressed in white and dubbed “Mother Nature” was given Chiffon
margarine for her porridge, and she argued that she was eating butter.
When the off-camera announcer insisted that she had been tricked – that
she was eating Chiffon margarine instead, lightning flashed, thunder
crashed, and she announced, “It’s not NICE to fool Mother Nature!”™
This
ad became iconic…probably anyone alive in the seventies remembers - and
thinks of it often in certain contexts. But as bad as it is to fool
“Mother Nature,” it is far more serious to play fast and loose with
God. I’m not saying that God will strike you dead if you lie to
Him…although He could! But I do believe that when we are deceitful and
dishonest – with ANYONE – we are treading on dangerous territory.
Remember
the story from the Gospels where Jesus says that when we do something
to – or for – the least among us, we have done this to/for Him. So when
we lie, cheat, steal, undercut or mistreat ANYONE, we have as good as
done this to Jesus – and our Heavenly Father.
I don’t believe that God causes bad things to happen to us…but I do think that sometimes He allows
us to go through a few things – particularly when we have sinned and
disobeyed Him. But let’s be honest…God is plenty capable of taking us
out of this world if/when He wants. There have been a few times that I
felt like maybe God called someone to Heaven to interrupt their sinful
behavior(s) on this earth and the impact these had on others. God will
not allow us to wreak havoc with His perfect plans, as the deaths of
Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 so clearly illustrate!
Search your
heart today and see where you are harboring even the tiniest smidgeon
of deception or ill will. Ask God to show you how you might be
operating in dishonesty, trickery, rumors, hatred, fear mongering, and
other sinful activities and behaviors. Humbly beg His forgiveness and
vow to do better. The “Mother Nature” commercial was funny…and the tag
line is STILL a good one. It’s not nice to fool “Mother Nature”™…but trying to deceive God is truly no laughing matter.
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label selfishness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label selfishness. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 26, 2015
Mark 12:28-31
One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, “What is the most important commandment?”
Jesus answered, “The most important one says: ‘People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is more important than these.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched national news at all in recent months (or any time, for that matter), you have heard reporters ask someone – especially politicians – a direct question…and the person replies with an answer that is totally about something else. Sometimes, the reporters will even ask…”Why won’t you answer my question?” And the short answer is that the politician or other person doesn’t want to address that particular issue. They want to divert attention and make the discussion about something else entirely.
So when the religious scholar asked Jesus to list the most important commandment, it’s likely he thought that Jesus would change the subject…or redirect the conversation to something else. But Jesus boldly and clearly answered. He made no bones about telling everyone within earshot that we only have one Lord and God…that the most important commandment is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He added that the second most important commandment is to love others as much as we love ourselves.
I’d say Jesus knows us pretty well, doesn’t He? Jesus knows that 99.9% of us operate in the “What’s-in-it-for-me?” realm…and He clearly told us that the Number One question is supposed to be “What’s-in-it-for-God?”…followed closely by “What can I do for the other guy?” So we have some work to do! It’s not exactly easy to shift the focus from ourselves sometimes. And the devil will do everything he can to see that we stay bogged down in selfish thinking.
But I have learned that the more I focus on God…the more I focus on myself. The more I love Him and seek ways to hear from Him and to serve Him…the less I care about whether I get anything out of it or not. I’m not totally “there” yet…but I’m working hard to get closer. When our focus is on loving God…loving others is easier - and there is no need to change the subject. Who is on your heart and mind today…and what is the Number One commandment for YOU?
©2015 Debbie Robus
One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, “What is the most important commandment?”
Jesus answered, “The most important one says: ‘People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is more important than these.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched national news at all in recent months (or any time, for that matter), you have heard reporters ask someone – especially politicians – a direct question…and the person replies with an answer that is totally about something else. Sometimes, the reporters will even ask…”Why won’t you answer my question?” And the short answer is that the politician or other person doesn’t want to address that particular issue. They want to divert attention and make the discussion about something else entirely.
So when the religious scholar asked Jesus to list the most important commandment, it’s likely he thought that Jesus would change the subject…or redirect the conversation to something else. But Jesus boldly and clearly answered. He made no bones about telling everyone within earshot that we only have one Lord and God…that the most important commandment is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He added that the second most important commandment is to love others as much as we love ourselves.
I’d say Jesus knows us pretty well, doesn’t He? Jesus knows that 99.9% of us operate in the “What’s-in-it-for-me?” realm…and He clearly told us that the Number One question is supposed to be “What’s-in-it-for-God?”…followed closely by “What can I do for the other guy?” So we have some work to do! It’s not exactly easy to shift the focus from ourselves sometimes. And the devil will do everything he can to see that we stay bogged down in selfish thinking.
But I have learned that the more I focus on God…the more I focus on myself. The more I love Him and seek ways to hear from Him and to serve Him…the less I care about whether I get anything out of it or not. I’m not totally “there” yet…but I’m working hard to get closer. When our focus is on loving God…loving others is easier - and there is no need to change the subject. Who is on your heart and mind today…and what is the Number One commandment for YOU?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 24, 2013
Romans 13:2
So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The quote on my calendar for today said:
As we grow and develop, we become more independent – in both thoughts and actions. And this is a good thing, for the most part. But we also seem to grow more rebellious. Many of us decide that we want to completely control our own destiny… often with disastrous results.
I saw a recent news report about motorcyclists who have made a game out of driving recklessly on public streets and highways. They call themselves “stunters”. One 33-year-old husband and father of three, who calls himself “Krash” said, “This is my rush.” When asked about the fact that riding down the highway on one wheel is illegal, he said he didn’t feel like a lawbreaker… that “I believe it can be controlled.” The reporter asked him what could be done to make him stop, and he said, “… really, nothing.” Obviously “Krash” has decided that the rules do not apply to him. He does not respect the laws - or those who enforce them – even at risk of arrest, serious personal injury, or possible death!
Where in our daily living are we behaving like “stunters”? Where have we forgotten that we are sunk without God and His authority and all-powerfulness? How have we failed to recognize that when we rebel against earthly authority, we are doing the same thing to God?
It is time for us to examine our thoughts and actions toward others and determine where we lack respect for them. We must ask God to show us how change…to develop a new mindset about the influence and mandates of everyone from our parents and teachers to our bosses…our spouses…and our leaders in everything from the community to our nation. We need to review how we are treating people and property at every “level”. If we are rebelling against authority – or showing disrespect – we have done the same to God. Timothy is right… God is in charge of everything. And as the little boy told Him in prayer… if we lose His blessing, we truly are sunk! Is this a risk you are willing to take?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The quote on my calendar for today said:
A little boy ended a lengthy prayer that had included everyone he could think of by saying: “And dear God, take care of Yourself. If anything happens to You, we’re all sunk!”Whoever this little boy was… he totally “got it!” I’m reminded of the last time I said night-time prayers with our Timothy, and he said, “God, thank You… for EVERYTHING!” How is it that little kids understand the omnipotence and authority of God better than we adults? “Terrible Twos” and an occasional attempt to “test the waters” aside…most children respect authority in general far better than any other age group!
As we grow and develop, we become more independent – in both thoughts and actions. And this is a good thing, for the most part. But we also seem to grow more rebellious. Many of us decide that we want to completely control our own destiny… often with disastrous results.
I saw a recent news report about motorcyclists who have made a game out of driving recklessly on public streets and highways. They call themselves “stunters”. One 33-year-old husband and father of three, who calls himself “Krash” said, “This is my rush.” When asked about the fact that riding down the highway on one wheel is illegal, he said he didn’t feel like a lawbreaker… that “I believe it can be controlled.” The reporter asked him what could be done to make him stop, and he said, “… really, nothing.” Obviously “Krash” has decided that the rules do not apply to him. He does not respect the laws - or those who enforce them – even at risk of arrest, serious personal injury, or possible death!
Where in our daily living are we behaving like “stunters”? Where have we forgotten that we are sunk without God and His authority and all-powerfulness? How have we failed to recognize that when we rebel against earthly authority, we are doing the same thing to God?
It is time for us to examine our thoughts and actions toward others and determine where we lack respect for them. We must ask God to show us how change…to develop a new mindset about the influence and mandates of everyone from our parents and teachers to our bosses…our spouses…and our leaders in everything from the community to our nation. We need to review how we are treating people and property at every “level”. If we are rebelling against authority – or showing disrespect – we have done the same to God. Timothy is right… God is in charge of everything. And as the little boy told Him in prayer… if we lose His blessing, we truly are sunk! Is this a risk you are willing to take?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 18, 2013
Romans 3:23-26
But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.
God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured. This is not only clear, but it’s now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.
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 my all-time favorite television shows is “I Love Lucy”. Every episode, Lucy gets herself into some kind of mess… and she usually recruits Ethel to help her figure out how to get out of it! She tries very hard to cover up her mistakes… she especially tries to keep her husband Ricky from finding out what has happened. But in the end, she usually needs rescuing… and often it is at the hands and mercy of Ricky Ricardo!
Many of us are a lot like Lucy and Ethel. We have these grand schemes of how we think everything ought to work out… or we see something we want – or want to happen – and we start plotting and planning how we can make it so. We may involve others in our shenanigans… or we may try to do things completely on our own. But in the end, we have one royal mess on our hands… and then we need someone to mercifully save us.
Lest you think this doesn’t apply to you, let me ask you a question or two. Have you ever wondered how on earth you were going to pass a test for which you had not adequately studied and prepared? Do you ever make big promises to someone that, going in, you know you will not be able to deliver…but you hope you can figure it all out later on and no one will be the wiser? Do you ever lie… even a little or about seemingly small things… so that people will see you in a particular light – or things will go your way? Have you ever cheated (or as Lucy might describe it “fibbed a little”) in order to achieve a desired outcome? Have you ever tried to make yourself look good at another’s expense?
These are just some of the thousands of ways that we make messes of our lives each and every day…and then wonder how we will work our way out of them. Sometimes, we have a “go-to” person who helps us make amends and mop up the trouble. Other times, we have to muddle through on our own. And more times than we care to admit, we just pretend it never happened and move on…never realizing that our disorder and disobedience accumulates into a cluttered jumble of a life.
And that’s where God comes into the picture. He stands ready and able to help us fix things, once and for all. God knows us and the sorry state of affairs we are capable of creating on our own. Yet He loves us and desires to rescue us from a life that is so messy and chaotic. He can equip us to right all of the wrongs… to ask forgiveness where necessary… and to set things right wherever possible. More importantly, with God’s help – and because of His incredible love, grace, mercy and forgiveness – we don’t have to keep on repeating the same old mistakes.
Our lives are not perpetual episodes of “I Love Lucy”! Without her continual escapades, the show would cease to exist. But the end of our “antics” can be the beginning of our life in Christ… and it can be far better than anything we ever could imagine or create on our own. We know what God offers… we know what He sacrificed through Jesus Christ in order for us to attain it. The choice is ours whether to accept Him and allow Him to operate in and through us… or not. How will you decide?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we’ve compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.
God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured. This is not only clear, but it’s now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.
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 my all-time favorite television shows is “I Love Lucy”. Every episode, Lucy gets herself into some kind of mess… and she usually recruits Ethel to help her figure out how to get out of it! She tries very hard to cover up her mistakes… she especially tries to keep her husband Ricky from finding out what has happened. But in the end, she usually needs rescuing… and often it is at the hands and mercy of Ricky Ricardo!
Many of us are a lot like Lucy and Ethel. We have these grand schemes of how we think everything ought to work out… or we see something we want – or want to happen – and we start plotting and planning how we can make it so. We may involve others in our shenanigans… or we may try to do things completely on our own. But in the end, we have one royal mess on our hands… and then we need someone to mercifully save us.
Lest you think this doesn’t apply to you, let me ask you a question or two. Have you ever wondered how on earth you were going to pass a test for which you had not adequately studied and prepared? Do you ever make big promises to someone that, going in, you know you will not be able to deliver…but you hope you can figure it all out later on and no one will be the wiser? Do you ever lie… even a little or about seemingly small things… so that people will see you in a particular light – or things will go your way? Have you ever cheated (or as Lucy might describe it “fibbed a little”) in order to achieve a desired outcome? Have you ever tried to make yourself look good at another’s expense?
These are just some of the thousands of ways that we make messes of our lives each and every day…and then wonder how we will work our way out of them. Sometimes, we have a “go-to” person who helps us make amends and mop up the trouble. Other times, we have to muddle through on our own. And more times than we care to admit, we just pretend it never happened and move on…never realizing that our disorder and disobedience accumulates into a cluttered jumble of a life.
And that’s where God comes into the picture. He stands ready and able to help us fix things, once and for all. God knows us and the sorry state of affairs we are capable of creating on our own. Yet He loves us and desires to rescue us from a life that is so messy and chaotic. He can equip us to right all of the wrongs… to ask forgiveness where necessary… and to set things right wherever possible. More importantly, with God’s help – and because of His incredible love, grace, mercy and forgiveness – we don’t have to keep on repeating the same old mistakes.
Our lives are not perpetual episodes of “I Love Lucy”! Without her continual escapades, the show would cease to exist. But the end of our “antics” can be the beginning of our life in Christ… and it can be far better than anything we ever could imagine or create on our own. We know what God offers… we know what He sacrificed through Jesus Christ in order for us to attain it. The choice is ours whether to accept Him and allow Him to operate in and through us… or not. How will you decide?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 30, 2013
Matthew 5:21-26
You know that our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” But I promise you that if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.
So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.
Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don’t, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. I promise you that you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend shared a story about a woman who was standing in line at the grocery store, talking on her cell phone… in a foreign language. When she finished, the man in front of her turned and said, “If you want to speak Spanish, go back to Mexico. This is America…you should speak English – not Spanish.” She replied, “I was speaking Navajo… if you want to speak English, go back to England.” Okay, so it’s a silly joke… but it does make the point that we often choose to say things we shouldn’t – and frequently there are consequences for said comments.
Are we really so naïve as to think that we can harbor ill feelings toward someone else and still ask God to cut us some slack? Do we truly believe that we can treat others unkindly and expect God to welcome us with open arms? What is wrong with us, people?! Have we really sunk so lowly that we honestly believe we have some sort of “Golden Pass” when it comes to God’s favor? I’ve got a news flash… Jesus says it just ain’t so! And it would serve us well to listen to what He is telling us!
Before you start asking God for anything, make sure you “have your ducks in a row.” Apologized to your kids for being short and ill-tempered with them? Check! Told your roommate you’re sorry you have been such a slob and promised to do better? Check! Forgiven your neighbor for playing his/her music too loudly or mowing the yard before dawn and disrupting your sleep? Check! Prayed for those who say and do things to ruffle your feathers on a daily basis? Check! Held your tongue in the checkout line when you wanted to say something unkind or derogatory? CHECK!
We all sin… we all fall short. People will offend us and wrong us – and some will treat us unkindly or unfairly. But until we ask forgiveness of others, we cannot ask God for the same. Until we forgive in our hearts those who wrong or offend us and make things right, we have no entitlement to ask God to forgive us and restore us to an authentic relationship with Him. Remember… whatever we do to the least of His creatures, we do to Him. (Matthew 25:40)
Who do you have to forgive today – either personally or in your heart? Where do you need to ask for forgiveness and a second chance? Are you coming before God with a “clean slate” and a pure heart? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
You know that our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” But I promise you that if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.
So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.
Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don’t, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. I promise you that you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend shared a story about a woman who was standing in line at the grocery store, talking on her cell phone… in a foreign language. When she finished, the man in front of her turned and said, “If you want to speak Spanish, go back to Mexico. This is America…you should speak English – not Spanish.” She replied, “I was speaking Navajo… if you want to speak English, go back to England.” Okay, so it’s a silly joke… but it does make the point that we often choose to say things we shouldn’t – and frequently there are consequences for said comments.
Are we really so naïve as to think that we can harbor ill feelings toward someone else and still ask God to cut us some slack? Do we truly believe that we can treat others unkindly and expect God to welcome us with open arms? What is wrong with us, people?! Have we really sunk so lowly that we honestly believe we have some sort of “Golden Pass” when it comes to God’s favor? I’ve got a news flash… Jesus says it just ain’t so! And it would serve us well to listen to what He is telling us!
Before you start asking God for anything, make sure you “have your ducks in a row.” Apologized to your kids for being short and ill-tempered with them? Check! Told your roommate you’re sorry you have been such a slob and promised to do better? Check! Forgiven your neighbor for playing his/her music too loudly or mowing the yard before dawn and disrupting your sleep? Check! Prayed for those who say and do things to ruffle your feathers on a daily basis? Check! Held your tongue in the checkout line when you wanted to say something unkind or derogatory? CHECK!
We all sin… we all fall short. People will offend us and wrong us – and some will treat us unkindly or unfairly. But until we ask forgiveness of others, we cannot ask God for the same. Until we forgive in our hearts those who wrong or offend us and make things right, we have no entitlement to ask God to forgive us and restore us to an authentic relationship with Him. Remember… whatever we do to the least of His creatures, we do to Him. (Matthew 25:40)
Who do you have to forgive today – either personally or in your heart? Where do you need to ask for forgiveness and a second chance? Are you coming before God with a “clean slate” and a pure heart? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 30, 2013
Revelation 22:18-19
I give fair warning to all who hear the words of the prophecy of this book: If you add to the words of this prophecy, God will add to your life the disasters written in this book; if you subtract from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will subtract your part from the Tree of Life and the Holy City that are written in this book.
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 have written several times about how I take adult clothing in good shape and refashion it into something for children. My cousin Owen LOVES the color orange, so I bought an orange knit polo shirt at the thrift store and used the fabric to create a pair of shorts. There were pockets on the chest, and these I put on the side of the legs like cargo pockets. When I was done, you would never know that these little boy shorts had once been a man’s polo shirt!
I am constantly taking something old and repurposing it into something fresh and new… something that my little ones or I will enjoy. And there is nothing wrong with this. In fact… it’s a good thing! Waste not, want not, you know! I try to utilize virtually every scrap of the fabric in one way or another to create something that will have “life” and meaning for someone else.
Here’s the deal… too many of us are doing this with the word of God… and this is not okay! Our “excuse” is often that… “This is not really what God meant! When Jesus commanded us to love one another, He meant love them in your heart. He surely didn’t mean that we should reach out to the dirty, homeless drug addict and offer to feed him/her. He wasn’t saying to share a pew at church with someone who is openly gay or from another race, much less welcome those who practice other religions into our homes and our communities! And I know that He most definitely was not telling us to be kind and loving toward those who have treated us unkindly and/or gossiped about us and tried to damage our reputation! God certainly doesn’t mean for us to spend our hard-earned money on orphans, the elderly, or that person who we assume must be too lazy to work! This is not how God meant for us to love others!”
We create a “new garment,” so to speak… one that is fresh, enjoyable and comfortable. But it doesn’t look one bit like God’s original “garment”. We twist and turn our interpretations of God’s word so much that it bears little to no resemblance to what God intended and/or actually said. We pick and choose… take parts of the Old Testament so literally that we essentially ignore the New Testament. In her book, Just Give Me Jesus, Anne Graham Lotz says talks about how in Old Testament times, people were required to bring their very best lamb to the priest as compensation for their sins. The “sinner” would stand before the priest and confess his sins while holding this beautiful, pure, soft lamb. Then the priest would hand him a knife and call for the lamb’s neck to be sliced. This was how the “sinner” was held responsible for his own sins…he had to actually sacrifice the lamb and feel the blood wash over his hands.
When Jesus quite literally became the Lamb of God on the cross, all of this changed. He sacrificed His blood for us, once and for all. Does scripture still tell about the sacrifice of lambs? Absolutely! Is this how we atone for our sins today? Absolutely NOT! If you pick and choose, twist and turn, or take one scripture passage out of context in relation to the big picture, you will have something that even God often doesn’t recognize… and He will not be pleased.
We have to be very careful that our own desires and agendas do not color our interpretation of God’s word. It’s very easy to find a verse or two that may seem to justify our thoughts and actions… if we take them out of context or do not consider the bigger picture of what is written in the Bible as a whole. Every word has meaning and importance…and we must carefully consider how these words weave together to present the message that God is sending us. God may use the same scripture passage to speak to us in different ways on any given day… but at the heart of His message, His intent and commands never change. His plan for our lives is constant… His outline for how we as Christians are supposed to speak and act is clear – and it never goes out of style.
My challenge for each of us is to look at our own lives and see where we may have twisted things – even a little – to suit our own needs and desires. Where might we have misinterpreted God’s word… even if unintentionally? Let’s ask God to reveal Himself to us through fresh new eyes… let’s open our hearts and minds and really get what He is telling us through His word. And let’s leave the repurposing and refashioning for thrift-store finds and crafty seamstresses. Are you in?
©2013 Debbie Robus
I give fair warning to all who hear the words of the prophecy of this book: If you add to the words of this prophecy, God will add to your life the disasters written in this book; if you subtract from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will subtract your part from the Tree of Life and the Holy City that are written in this book.
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 have written several times about how I take adult clothing in good shape and refashion it into something for children. My cousin Owen LOVES the color orange, so I bought an orange knit polo shirt at the thrift store and used the fabric to create a pair of shorts. There were pockets on the chest, and these I put on the side of the legs like cargo pockets. When I was done, you would never know that these little boy shorts had once been a man’s polo shirt!
I am constantly taking something old and repurposing it into something fresh and new… something that my little ones or I will enjoy. And there is nothing wrong with this. In fact… it’s a good thing! Waste not, want not, you know! I try to utilize virtually every scrap of the fabric in one way or another to create something that will have “life” and meaning for someone else.
Here’s the deal… too many of us are doing this with the word of God… and this is not okay! Our “excuse” is often that… “This is not really what God meant! When Jesus commanded us to love one another, He meant love them in your heart. He surely didn’t mean that we should reach out to the dirty, homeless drug addict and offer to feed him/her. He wasn’t saying to share a pew at church with someone who is openly gay or from another race, much less welcome those who practice other religions into our homes and our communities! And I know that He most definitely was not telling us to be kind and loving toward those who have treated us unkindly and/or gossiped about us and tried to damage our reputation! God certainly doesn’t mean for us to spend our hard-earned money on orphans, the elderly, or that person who we assume must be too lazy to work! This is not how God meant for us to love others!”
We create a “new garment,” so to speak… one that is fresh, enjoyable and comfortable. But it doesn’t look one bit like God’s original “garment”. We twist and turn our interpretations of God’s word so much that it bears little to no resemblance to what God intended and/or actually said. We pick and choose… take parts of the Old Testament so literally that we essentially ignore the New Testament. In her book, Just Give Me Jesus, Anne Graham Lotz says talks about how in Old Testament times, people were required to bring their very best lamb to the priest as compensation for their sins. The “sinner” would stand before the priest and confess his sins while holding this beautiful, pure, soft lamb. Then the priest would hand him a knife and call for the lamb’s neck to be sliced. This was how the “sinner” was held responsible for his own sins…he had to actually sacrifice the lamb and feel the blood wash over his hands.
When Jesus quite literally became the Lamb of God on the cross, all of this changed. He sacrificed His blood for us, once and for all. Does scripture still tell about the sacrifice of lambs? Absolutely! Is this how we atone for our sins today? Absolutely NOT! If you pick and choose, twist and turn, or take one scripture passage out of context in relation to the big picture, you will have something that even God often doesn’t recognize… and He will not be pleased.
We have to be very careful that our own desires and agendas do not color our interpretation of God’s word. It’s very easy to find a verse or two that may seem to justify our thoughts and actions… if we take them out of context or do not consider the bigger picture of what is written in the Bible as a whole. Every word has meaning and importance…and we must carefully consider how these words weave together to present the message that God is sending us. God may use the same scripture passage to speak to us in different ways on any given day… but at the heart of His message, His intent and commands never change. His plan for our lives is constant… His outline for how we as Christians are supposed to speak and act is clear – and it never goes out of style.
My challenge for each of us is to look at our own lives and see where we may have twisted things – even a little – to suit our own needs and desires. Where might we have misinterpreted God’s word… even if unintentionally? Let’s ask God to reveal Himself to us through fresh new eyes… let’s open our hearts and minds and really get what He is telling us through His word. And let’s leave the repurposing and refashioning for thrift-store finds and crafty seamstresses. Are you in?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 15, 2013
Haggai 1:2-10
You say this isn’t the right time to build a temple for me. But is it right for you to live in expensive houses, while my temple is a pile of ruins? Just look at what’s happening. You harvest less than you plant, you never have enough to eat or drink, your clothes don’t keep you warm, and your wages are stored in bags full of holes.
Think about what I have said! But first, go to the hills and get wood for my temple, so I can take pride in it and be worshiped there. You expected much, but received only a little. And when you brought it home, I made that little disappear. Why have I done this? It’s because you hurry off to build your own houses, while my temple is still in ruins. That’s also why the dew doesn’t fall and your harvest fails. And so, at my command everything will become barren—your farmland and pastures, your vineyards and olive trees, your animals and you yourselves. All your hard work will be for nothing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a story in our state newspaper today about a husband and wife whose 31-year-old daughter suffered from PTSD and drug addiction after serving our country for a year in Iraq, where she was wounded. Substance abuse had plagued Jennie Burrow in high school, but she seemed to get her life on track when she enlisted in the US Army in 2007. While deployed to Iraq, Jennie was shot during a rocket attack and firefight that occurred while she was on guard duty. She returned stateside for treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she was given opiates for the pain. This led to a heroin addiction… an “other than honorable” discharge from the Army, and no Veteran’s benefits.
Jennie returned to Arkansas, where her parents did their best to help her… no doubt dropping everything on many occasions to rescue her from a bad situation. Such was the case on April 6th, when Jennie phoned her parents and asked them to come and get her in North Little Rock, where she found herself in an unsavory – and unsafe – neighborhood. The parents collected Jennie, helped her sober up, and then a friend came and got her. When she called the next day and asked for help, her dad told her that he was busy – headed to the hardware store – and that he would call her later. Jennie walked underneath a bridge on Cantrell Road in Little Rock, doused herself in gasoline, and set herself on fire. She suffered burns over 95% of her body and was airlifted to Springfield, Missouri, where she died a few hours later.
Jennie’s parents must now live forever with the thought that they did not stop what they were doing to see about her that day. The “what ifs” will haunt them for the rest of their lives. And in their defense, they had apparently gone to her rescue time after time… and Jennie had “cried wolf” more than once. Most likely, this is a sad case where drug addiction was more powerful than any and all efforts of two loving parents to help their daughter… and they truly did all they could do – and still it wasn’t enough.
On the other hand, many of us have “gone to the hardware store,” because that was simply what we had on our agenda. The needs of others could wait. Most certainly, God’s needs could go on the back burner. It’s like the “to-do list” that many of us make each day/week/month. We prioritize what absolutely has to be done… and if there is a moment to spare – and we feel like it – we might do something for someone else. So the notes to those who are sick, grieving and lonely never get written. The kind word spoken to a neighbor never happens because we hurriedly dash to and from our car with barely a wave of acknowledgment. The shut-ins don’t get visited, because let’s face it… that can be a real downer! You can’t attend an event to support your friend or family member - much less see after their pet while they take an important overnight trip. And heaven forbid if they ask you to watch their small children for a few hours! If no other excuse seems plausible … it’s simply not your problem. Let someone else do it!
This works pretty well… until something happens to shake us to our core… or we find that no one is coming to our rescue! Unlike Jennie Burrow’s parents, many of us cannot truly say that we did all we could do … that we had simply exhausted our avenues for help – and were exhausted in the process. We are in many ways a “good enough” people… as this scripture demonstrates… we “harvest” just enough (in every sense of the word). We put our discipleship on the back burner in favor of the things we want to accomplish. We work hard for our money… then squander a good portion of it on things that truly are unimportant. Many of us barely get buy in many areas of life. But since we don’t have to expend a lot of time and energy in the process, we figure we are doing okay. All the while, we short-change God and the purpose to which He has called us… and He is not pleased.
I am deeply saddened for the parents of this young mother who could not rid herself of the demons that plagued her. Hopefully she is at peace now. But I can use this sadness to energize my own efforts to get up and get going… to look around for those who need an encouraging word…a smiling face… a phone call… a helping hand or a little assistance of some sort. I can make an effort to reach out to people of all ages and all walks of life, because the love and Good News of Jesus Christ is for everyone. I can stop making excuses and thinking more about my own needs than those of others… and get busy building God’s temple. What about you… whose temple do you have time to build today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
You say this isn’t the right time to build a temple for me. But is it right for you to live in expensive houses, while my temple is a pile of ruins? Just look at what’s happening. You harvest less than you plant, you never have enough to eat or drink, your clothes don’t keep you warm, and your wages are stored in bags full of holes.
Think about what I have said! But first, go to the hills and get wood for my temple, so I can take pride in it and be worshiped there. You expected much, but received only a little. And when you brought it home, I made that little disappear. Why have I done this? It’s because you hurry off to build your own houses, while my temple is still in ruins. That’s also why the dew doesn’t fall and your harvest fails. And so, at my command everything will become barren—your farmland and pastures, your vineyards and olive trees, your animals and you yourselves. All your hard work will be for nothing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a story in our state newspaper today about a husband and wife whose 31-year-old daughter suffered from PTSD and drug addiction after serving our country for a year in Iraq, where she was wounded. Substance abuse had plagued Jennie Burrow in high school, but she seemed to get her life on track when she enlisted in the US Army in 2007. While deployed to Iraq, Jennie was shot during a rocket attack and firefight that occurred while she was on guard duty. She returned stateside for treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where she was given opiates for the pain. This led to a heroin addiction… an “other than honorable” discharge from the Army, and no Veteran’s benefits.
Jennie returned to Arkansas, where her parents did their best to help her… no doubt dropping everything on many occasions to rescue her from a bad situation. Such was the case on April 6th, when Jennie phoned her parents and asked them to come and get her in North Little Rock, where she found herself in an unsavory – and unsafe – neighborhood. The parents collected Jennie, helped her sober up, and then a friend came and got her. When she called the next day and asked for help, her dad told her that he was busy – headed to the hardware store – and that he would call her later. Jennie walked underneath a bridge on Cantrell Road in Little Rock, doused herself in gasoline, and set herself on fire. She suffered burns over 95% of her body and was airlifted to Springfield, Missouri, where she died a few hours later.
Jennie’s parents must now live forever with the thought that they did not stop what they were doing to see about her that day. The “what ifs” will haunt them for the rest of their lives. And in their defense, they had apparently gone to her rescue time after time… and Jennie had “cried wolf” more than once. Most likely, this is a sad case where drug addiction was more powerful than any and all efforts of two loving parents to help their daughter… and they truly did all they could do – and still it wasn’t enough.
On the other hand, many of us have “gone to the hardware store,” because that was simply what we had on our agenda. The needs of others could wait. Most certainly, God’s needs could go on the back burner. It’s like the “to-do list” that many of us make each day/week/month. We prioritize what absolutely has to be done… and if there is a moment to spare – and we feel like it – we might do something for someone else. So the notes to those who are sick, grieving and lonely never get written. The kind word spoken to a neighbor never happens because we hurriedly dash to and from our car with barely a wave of acknowledgment. The shut-ins don’t get visited, because let’s face it… that can be a real downer! You can’t attend an event to support your friend or family member - much less see after their pet while they take an important overnight trip. And heaven forbid if they ask you to watch their small children for a few hours! If no other excuse seems plausible … it’s simply not your problem. Let someone else do it!
This works pretty well… until something happens to shake us to our core… or we find that no one is coming to our rescue! Unlike Jennie Burrow’s parents, many of us cannot truly say that we did all we could do … that we had simply exhausted our avenues for help – and were exhausted in the process. We are in many ways a “good enough” people… as this scripture demonstrates… we “harvest” just enough (in every sense of the word). We put our discipleship on the back burner in favor of the things we want to accomplish. We work hard for our money… then squander a good portion of it on things that truly are unimportant. Many of us barely get buy in many areas of life. But since we don’t have to expend a lot of time and energy in the process, we figure we are doing okay. All the while, we short-change God and the purpose to which He has called us… and He is not pleased.
I am deeply saddened for the parents of this young mother who could not rid herself of the demons that plagued her. Hopefully she is at peace now. But I can use this sadness to energize my own efforts to get up and get going… to look around for those who need an encouraging word…a smiling face… a phone call… a helping hand or a little assistance of some sort. I can make an effort to reach out to people of all ages and all walks of life, because the love and Good News of Jesus Christ is for everyone. I can stop making excuses and thinking more about my own needs than those of others… and get busy building God’s temple. What about you… whose temple do you have time to build today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 11, 2012
James 4:1-3
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn't think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
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.
Apparently everyone has an agenda! In our present political climate, we have people on all sides who claim to make decisions in the name of God. For a nation who believes in separation of church and state, we surely do hide behind religion a lot in order to make our point or have things go our way. So we have political candidates who run for office based on a platform of “family values” and their particular stance on abortion, gay marriage, the right to bear arms, and much more – yet I wonder if many of them can truly explain their position and the meaning they place behind it.
Some will declare themselves pro-war and pro-life in the same breath! In the end, people who claim to hear from God - again, on every side of every issue – cannot seem to get along with each other for five minutes! We would all do well to ask the question asked in James 4:1 – “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen?”
We know this isn’t right. We know that many of our troubles boil down to selfishness. And hopefully, we realize that it would be beyond ridiculous to ask God to support us in many of our desires and endeavors… because clearly we are not entitled to the things for which we are asking. If we ask God to do things for us at the expense of someone or something else, we have to realize this is selfish and wrong.
Asking God to choose our team over another at a sporting event makes no sense. Calling on God to look the other way when we cheat on a test or our taxes… to “give us a pass” this one time… doesn’t benefit us – and it surely doesn’t glorify God! We can’t ask God to help us make it to class and do well in school – or continue to hold down a job – while we are drinking and partying and/or doing drugs every night and weekend. Claiming the name of God and cloaking ourselves in Christian faith so that we can “win friends and influence people” – in any life situation – does not please God. Asking God to bless us and help us to prosper while cheating and backstabbing our friends and neighbors seems preposterous! And while the scripture says we would never think of asking God for things to which we have no right… sadly, many of us are doing exactly this. Yet, we wonder why our prayers are not answered as we expect!
The time has come for us to “come clean.” We must humbly come before God and seek His wisdom… and expect answers according to HIS will – not ours. We must take our emotions out of the equation and rely solely on the Word of God… because often, what we want and what God wants are two very different things. When we start to operate in what God wants… to desire His will and expect His answers accordingly, everything changes.
When we begin to ask God to give us the desires of His heart… the things that bless and benefit all of His children (not just us or a select few), amazing things begin to happen. Results and blessings flow in abundance. We operate in harmony, because we have checked our selfish desires at the door. There is no room in our hearts for ego, deceit, manipulation, argument, gossip, pettiness, and a whole host of other negative attitude builders, because we are filled with the word and wisdom of God. We are confident in God’s decisions and His ability to work in and through us.
Lately, God has shown me in several ways that what many of us need is a big ole dose of humility... followed by an attitude adjustment. If we could only begin to be still and listen for His voice… to develop an attitude of humble, unselfish, expectant, confident prayer for HIS will instead of our own… a lot of positive change could start to occur. But we have to take the first step. We have to examine our own hearts and motives… and start the ball rolling by surrendering to God. We must follow the protocol of prayer – pray the Word of God, enter into covenant with Him, and expect His perfect answers. Will this be the week where the “faith rules” of prayer begin to change things for you? Shouldn’t it?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn't think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
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.
Apparently everyone has an agenda! In our present political climate, we have people on all sides who claim to make decisions in the name of God. For a nation who believes in separation of church and state, we surely do hide behind religion a lot in order to make our point or have things go our way. So we have political candidates who run for office based on a platform of “family values” and their particular stance on abortion, gay marriage, the right to bear arms, and much more – yet I wonder if many of them can truly explain their position and the meaning they place behind it.
Some will declare themselves pro-war and pro-life in the same breath! In the end, people who claim to hear from God - again, on every side of every issue – cannot seem to get along with each other for five minutes! We would all do well to ask the question asked in James 4:1 – “Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen?”
We know this isn’t right. We know that many of our troubles boil down to selfishness. And hopefully, we realize that it would be beyond ridiculous to ask God to support us in many of our desires and endeavors… because clearly we are not entitled to the things for which we are asking. If we ask God to do things for us at the expense of someone or something else, we have to realize this is selfish and wrong.
Asking God to choose our team over another at a sporting event makes no sense. Calling on God to look the other way when we cheat on a test or our taxes… to “give us a pass” this one time… doesn’t benefit us – and it surely doesn’t glorify God! We can’t ask God to help us make it to class and do well in school – or continue to hold down a job – while we are drinking and partying and/or doing drugs every night and weekend. Claiming the name of God and cloaking ourselves in Christian faith so that we can “win friends and influence people” – in any life situation – does not please God. Asking God to bless us and help us to prosper while cheating and backstabbing our friends and neighbors seems preposterous! And while the scripture says we would never think of asking God for things to which we have no right… sadly, many of us are doing exactly this. Yet, we wonder why our prayers are not answered as we expect!
The time has come for us to “come clean.” We must humbly come before God and seek His wisdom… and expect answers according to HIS will – not ours. We must take our emotions out of the equation and rely solely on the Word of God… because often, what we want and what God wants are two very different things. When we start to operate in what God wants… to desire His will and expect His answers accordingly, everything changes.
When we begin to ask God to give us the desires of His heart… the things that bless and benefit all of His children (not just us or a select few), amazing things begin to happen. Results and blessings flow in abundance. We operate in harmony, because we have checked our selfish desires at the door. There is no room in our hearts for ego, deceit, manipulation, argument, gossip, pettiness, and a whole host of other negative attitude builders, because we are filled with the word and wisdom of God. We are confident in God’s decisions and His ability to work in and through us.
Lately, God has shown me in several ways that what many of us need is a big ole dose of humility... followed by an attitude adjustment. If we could only begin to be still and listen for His voice… to develop an attitude of humble, unselfish, expectant, confident prayer for HIS will instead of our own… a lot of positive change could start to occur. But we have to take the first step. We have to examine our own hearts and motives… and start the ball rolling by surrendering to God. We must follow the protocol of prayer – pray the Word of God, enter into covenant with Him, and expect His perfect answers. Will this be the week where the “faith rules” of prayer begin to change things for you? Shouldn’t it?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 5, 2012
Romans 8:22-25
We know that all creation is still groaning and is in pain, like a woman about to give birth. The Spirit makes us sure about what we will be in the future. But now we groan silently, while we wait for God to show that we are his children. This means that our bodies will also be set free. And this hope is what saves us. But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping. However, we hope for something we have not yet seen, and we patiently wait for it.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I begin to wonder why it is taking God so long to answer many of my prayers. I mentioned a few weeks ago that some of the names and concerns in my prayer journal are the same ones that have been on “the list” for decades! I keep hoping that things will change… that I will see evidence of God’s hand in these lives and circumstances. But I admit… sometimes it is hard to remain patient.
This passage reminds me that God’s answers sometimes involve pain and struggle. If God answered all of my prayers immediately, according to my desires, would I keep asking? If I saw His big picture clearly all at once and everything was easy as pie, would I be able to handle it? If I no longer had the promise of blessings and abundance yet to come, would I lose interest and focus? Without goals and hopes in the LORD, would I drift away from Him and become too comfortable in my own abilities?
I am no longer so much surprised by God as I am impressed! He continues to amaze and bless me in abundance every day. And the more I hope for in Him, the bigger my faith grows. Ultimately, God will answer many of my prayers, according to His will - not mine. And in the end, my hope in Him will be fulfilled when He calls me to heaven for all eternity.
Are you patiently anticipating God’s next move in your life? Do you hope for things not seen… and trust that God is always at work, even when we cannot see direct results? The waiting is hard… but it’s not killing me. In fact, waiting on God… staying hopeful and faithful… is making me stronger. I am growing and expanding in my faith every day, and someday God will give birth to great things as a result. How big are your hopes and dreams in the LORD these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
We know that all creation is still groaning and is in pain, like a woman about to give birth. The Spirit makes us sure about what we will be in the future. But now we groan silently, while we wait for God to show that we are his children. This means that our bodies will also be set free. And this hope is what saves us. But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping. However, we hope for something we have not yet seen, and we patiently wait for it.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I begin to wonder why it is taking God so long to answer many of my prayers. I mentioned a few weeks ago that some of the names and concerns in my prayer journal are the same ones that have been on “the list” for decades! I keep hoping that things will change… that I will see evidence of God’s hand in these lives and circumstances. But I admit… sometimes it is hard to remain patient.
This passage reminds me that God’s answers sometimes involve pain and struggle. If God answered all of my prayers immediately, according to my desires, would I keep asking? If I saw His big picture clearly all at once and everything was easy as pie, would I be able to handle it? If I no longer had the promise of blessings and abundance yet to come, would I lose interest and focus? Without goals and hopes in the LORD, would I drift away from Him and become too comfortable in my own abilities?
I am no longer so much surprised by God as I am impressed! He continues to amaze and bless me in abundance every day. And the more I hope for in Him, the bigger my faith grows. Ultimately, God will answer many of my prayers, according to His will - not mine. And in the end, my hope in Him will be fulfilled when He calls me to heaven for all eternity.
Are you patiently anticipating God’s next move in your life? Do you hope for things not seen… and trust that God is always at work, even when we cannot see direct results? The waiting is hard… but it’s not killing me. In fact, waiting on God… staying hopeful and faithful… is making me stronger. I am growing and expanding in my faith every day, and someday God will give birth to great things as a result. How big are your hopes and dreams in the LORD these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 3, 2012
Proverbs 25:19
A friend you can't trust in times of trouble is like having a toothache or a sore foot.
Galatians 5:16
If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The incredible devastation of tornadoes that have ravaged our nation this week is truly mind boggling. My heart is broken for the victims of these storms, and I am praying that God will care for each of them and offer comfort and hope in the days ahead. But you may have seen the news video of the incredible tornado that was barreling down on one city, and a woman can be heard clearly praying for the storm to miss her. Miraculously, the storm turns, and her home is spared… but her town is wiped away.
I will be the first to tell you that I would have prayed exactly as that woman did… and I am not saying she was selfish or wrong to do so. But when fear sets in, we often call things into our life that we don’t need. If we could get into a mindset of calling on God to provide us with what we need, according to His will, rather than what we think is best, we might be astounded by the results. Does this mean that praying for God to stop the storm completely or to protect all in its path might have had a different outcome for this woman and her community? Not necessarily. But we often pray selfishly, giving little regard to the ultimate outcome and its ramifications for anyone but ourselves.
Our goal should be to grow closer to God… to become more like Jesus… and that means letting go of any and all selfish motives. I heard the question posed recently, “If you were in a sinking boat with two other people, and only two of you could be saved… whom would you choose?” What was your first thought – does it depend on who the other two people are and what they mean to you? Or did you think of your own faith in God… your promise of Eternity in heaven with Him… and say, “I would gladly go”? Did you base your answer on your relationship with God… and possibly the relationship you believe the other two had with Him, as well?
When we begin to operate in faith rather than fear, everything changes… our opinions, our outlooks, our prayers, our choices. I repeat, if I saw a massive tornado approaching my house, I might very well ask God to save me. But hopefully I would also ask Him to protect all in its path, according to His will… and accept whatever outcome He chose as sovereign and absolute.
Where are you operating in fear these days? Where are you living selfishly, and possibly calling into your life things that you really don’t need? Where are you asking God for blessings and care at the potential expense of others? Where are you failing to trust in His complete perfection? Is this the day you begin to change? Will you ask God to meet your needs completely, according to His will… and rest in His choices? Are you the friend that others can trust… or are you like a selfish “toothache?” Isn’t it time we reversed our fear and started living in unwavering faith?
©2012 Debbie Robus
A friend you can't trust in times of trouble is like having a toothache or a sore foot.
Galatians 5:16
If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The incredible devastation of tornadoes that have ravaged our nation this week is truly mind boggling. My heart is broken for the victims of these storms, and I am praying that God will care for each of them and offer comfort and hope in the days ahead. But you may have seen the news video of the incredible tornado that was barreling down on one city, and a woman can be heard clearly praying for the storm to miss her. Miraculously, the storm turns, and her home is spared… but her town is wiped away.
I will be the first to tell you that I would have prayed exactly as that woman did… and I am not saying she was selfish or wrong to do so. But when fear sets in, we often call things into our life that we don’t need. If we could get into a mindset of calling on God to provide us with what we need, according to His will, rather than what we think is best, we might be astounded by the results. Does this mean that praying for God to stop the storm completely or to protect all in its path might have had a different outcome for this woman and her community? Not necessarily. But we often pray selfishly, giving little regard to the ultimate outcome and its ramifications for anyone but ourselves.
Our goal should be to grow closer to God… to become more like Jesus… and that means letting go of any and all selfish motives. I heard the question posed recently, “If you were in a sinking boat with two other people, and only two of you could be saved… whom would you choose?” What was your first thought – does it depend on who the other two people are and what they mean to you? Or did you think of your own faith in God… your promise of Eternity in heaven with Him… and say, “I would gladly go”? Did you base your answer on your relationship with God… and possibly the relationship you believe the other two had with Him, as well?
When we begin to operate in faith rather than fear, everything changes… our opinions, our outlooks, our prayers, our choices. I repeat, if I saw a massive tornado approaching my house, I might very well ask God to save me. But hopefully I would also ask Him to protect all in its path, according to His will… and accept whatever outcome He chose as sovereign and absolute.
Where are you operating in fear these days? Where are you living selfishly, and possibly calling into your life things that you really don’t need? Where are you asking God for blessings and care at the potential expense of others? Where are you failing to trust in His complete perfection? Is this the day you begin to change? Will you ask God to meet your needs completely, according to His will… and rest in His choices? Are you the friend that others can trust… or are you like a selfish “toothache?” Isn’t it time we reversed our fear and started living in unwavering faith?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 9, 2012
Galatians 5:16
If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Dictionary.com defines the word “selfish” as… “devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.” My “daily humor” calendar quote for today was… “What do you get from a pampered cow? Spoiled milk!” Selfish people are often spoiled… and rotten in more ways than one!
Let’s be perfectly frank here… true Disciples of Christ do not have time to be selfish. At the same time, Satan has all the time in the world to try to con us into doing exactly this! He will tell us that it’s okay to think about ourselves for once. He will remind us that we deserve to be happy, pampered, at the top of the heap, given special treatment… or to do as we please, regardless of how it affects others. He will make whatever is tempting us so alluring and enticing that we will feel like we simply have to have it!
If you think for one minute that the devil doesn’t have a lot of power, you are sadly mistaken! And if you think that digging into the Word of God, cloaking yourself in prayer and growing closer to the Holy Spirit will make him go away, you are in for a rude awakening. As long as you are selfish and spoiled, the devil doesn’t really care… he’s got you right where he wants you. But start listening for God’s voice… start letting the Holy Spirit guide your heart… and your real challenges have just begun?
So why bother? Why not just be selfish and get what we want (or what we think we want), and forget about having to deal with all the mess that Satan will try to make of our lives if we stand up to him? Because Satan is no match for the power of the Holy Spirit. As we grow in faith and learn to live by the Holy Spirit… to walk the path that He shows us… we grow stronger in our ability to stand up to Satan’s challenges. We learn to lean more on God and less on ourselves… and we actually find that our desires become more like His and less selfish. And that… as they say… is where the magic happens!
One of the biggest and most selfish desires we have is to say whatever is on our mind as soon as we think it. In many ways, death and life are in the power of the tongue. We have the power to speak great joy into the lives of others… or great pain. And which do you think the devil prefers? By learning to listen to the Holy Spirit… by operating in His desires instead of ours… we learn to control our mouth… and all other actions and behaviors begin to change, as well.
Controlling our tongue is a very hard thing. Checking our words… stopping to think about what we say before we say it…does not come naturally for most of us. The only way we have any chance of accomplishing this is by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us… by giving our selfish desires over to Him and working to fulfill His desires instead. The first step is to want to walk in the Holy Spirit… to choose to surrender selfish desires. Once we determine to do this, we are in the right mindset to ask God to help us accomplish it.
If we could begin to operate in the desires of the Holy Spirit… if we could begin to control the words we speak and make sure they are pleasing to Him… we could see great changes in our own lives and the lives of others. We could start to surrender our selfish desires in all areas of life for good. We would still be pampered… but when God does the pampering, the results are never spoiled. Isn’t it time we changed directions and began seeking the desires of the King of Kings… the One who can truly give us the deepest desires of His heart… and ours? Are you ready to go from “spoiled rotten” to “royally blessed”?
©2012 Debbie Robus
If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Dictionary.com defines the word “selfish” as… “devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.” My “daily humor” calendar quote for today was… “What do you get from a pampered cow? Spoiled milk!” Selfish people are often spoiled… and rotten in more ways than one!
Let’s be perfectly frank here… true Disciples of Christ do not have time to be selfish. At the same time, Satan has all the time in the world to try to con us into doing exactly this! He will tell us that it’s okay to think about ourselves for once. He will remind us that we deserve to be happy, pampered, at the top of the heap, given special treatment… or to do as we please, regardless of how it affects others. He will make whatever is tempting us so alluring and enticing that we will feel like we simply have to have it!
If you think for one minute that the devil doesn’t have a lot of power, you are sadly mistaken! And if you think that digging into the Word of God, cloaking yourself in prayer and growing closer to the Holy Spirit will make him go away, you are in for a rude awakening. As long as you are selfish and spoiled, the devil doesn’t really care… he’s got you right where he wants you. But start listening for God’s voice… start letting the Holy Spirit guide your heart… and your real challenges have just begun?
So why bother? Why not just be selfish and get what we want (or what we think we want), and forget about having to deal with all the mess that Satan will try to make of our lives if we stand up to him? Because Satan is no match for the power of the Holy Spirit. As we grow in faith and learn to live by the Holy Spirit… to walk the path that He shows us… we grow stronger in our ability to stand up to Satan’s challenges. We learn to lean more on God and less on ourselves… and we actually find that our desires become more like His and less selfish. And that… as they say… is where the magic happens!
One of the biggest and most selfish desires we have is to say whatever is on our mind as soon as we think it. In many ways, death and life are in the power of the tongue. We have the power to speak great joy into the lives of others… or great pain. And which do you think the devil prefers? By learning to listen to the Holy Spirit… by operating in His desires instead of ours… we learn to control our mouth… and all other actions and behaviors begin to change, as well.
Controlling our tongue is a very hard thing. Checking our words… stopping to think about what we say before we say it…does not come naturally for most of us. The only way we have any chance of accomplishing this is by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us… by giving our selfish desires over to Him and working to fulfill His desires instead. The first step is to want to walk in the Holy Spirit… to choose to surrender selfish desires. Once we determine to do this, we are in the right mindset to ask God to help us accomplish it.
If we could begin to operate in the desires of the Holy Spirit… if we could begin to control the words we speak and make sure they are pleasing to Him… we could see great changes in our own lives and the lives of others. We could start to surrender our selfish desires in all areas of life for good. We would still be pampered… but when God does the pampering, the results are never spoiled. Isn’t it time we changed directions and began seeking the desires of the King of Kings… the One who can truly give us the deepest desires of His heart… and ours? Are you ready to go from “spoiled rotten” to “royally blessed”?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 21, 2011
1 Kings 11:9-13
The LORD God of Israel had appeared to Solomon two times and warned him not to worship foreign gods. But Solomon disobeyed and did it anyway. This made the LORD very angry, and he said to Solomon:
You did what you wanted and not what I told you to do. Now I'm going to take your kingdom from you and give it to one of your officials. But because David was your father, you will remain king as long as you live. I will wait until your son becomes king, then I will take the kingdom from him. When I do, I will still let him rule one tribe, because I have not forgotten that David was my servant and Jerusalem is my city.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A young friend of ours recently injured his ankle in a football game. The injury does not appear to be as bad as everyone thought initially, but there is still injury and stress on the ankle that has to heal. The young man is anxious to get back on the football field as conference play begins. Like many other adults, we have cautioned him to be patient and make sure he is fully healed. I have especially tried to share my own experience with a broken ankle and torn ligaments… encouraging him to do all of the recommended therapies and take the needed time to repair this damage. I’ve told him, “When you are my age, you will be glad you listened!”
In my twenties, a doctor told me, “Today’s runners are tomorrow’s arthritics!” I laughed as I looked at this overweight physician who was counseling a slender, healthy woman who ran as much as six miles a day. Now, when I walk up and down our stairs on a rainy day, my knees remind me of this doctor’s words! I am not saying that running is bad for you, but I should have paced myself more and paid attention. I have found other ways to exercise and stay in shape, but I listen to my body now and treat my joints with respect and care!
When I read this scripture passage, I was immediately struck by two things… 1) God loves us, no matter what… and He will never go back on His promises; and 2) sometimes our consequences are not immediate… but that doesn’t mean we got a free pass! God loved David passionately – and the feeling was mutual. David was not perfect, but he never loved anyone but God. David’s son, Solomon, on the other hand, was dazzled by wealth and fame… women and power… and he made them the focus of his devotion. While God did not blast Solomon with great and immediate punishment for this, He did promise to strip him of everything by taking the kingdom from Solomon’s heirs. Solomon’s legacy was everything to him… so losing it to another lineage was huge! This reminds me of the adage, “Pay now, or pay later.”
Know this… God will never turn His back on you completely, if you have confessed your sins and asked Him to save you. He will never change His mind about loving you. But He will have consequences if you disobey and turn your back on Him. You may not see it for years to come. You may play fast and loose with alcohol and drugs, overeating, gambling, flitting from one job to another and getting in and out of all kinds of relationships with seemingly minor consequences or adjustments in your daily living. You may treat others poorly and live by the philosophy, “What’s in it for me?” But some day, this will all change. God will remind you of your indiscretions and poor choices, and He will mete out His justice for your disobedience and disloyal actions.
So how do you stop this? How do you turn things around now before “the shoe falls?” Turn back to God. Stop what you are doing and humbly confess that you have not been obedient and loyal. You have worshipped other things… people, money, alcohol, drugs and more. You have allowed Satan to present you with false idols, and you have worshipped them. You think more of yourself than you should and have elevated yourself to a status that you do not deserve… one that God did not give you. Tell God you are sorry, and that you are making significant changes. Kick your false idols to the curb, and ask God to help you make a fresh start. He will gladly do this!
If I had listened to the doctor in my twenties, I might have still been able to run a few miles without pain in my thirties and forties. My knees might not be a better barometer than the local weatherman. If Solomon had just taken a step back and looked at what he was doing, he could have returned to God’s favor. Don’t be stubborn. Don’t be blinded by the glitz and lure of sins and vices. Recognize these tools of the devil… turn around and walk the other way- toward God - and enjoy His blessings and protection... now and always.
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD God of Israel had appeared to Solomon two times and warned him not to worship foreign gods. But Solomon disobeyed and did it anyway. This made the LORD very angry, and he said to Solomon:
You did what you wanted and not what I told you to do. Now I'm going to take your kingdom from you and give it to one of your officials. But because David was your father, you will remain king as long as you live. I will wait until your son becomes king, then I will take the kingdom from him. When I do, I will still let him rule one tribe, because I have not forgotten that David was my servant and Jerusalem is my city.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A young friend of ours recently injured his ankle in a football game. The injury does not appear to be as bad as everyone thought initially, but there is still injury and stress on the ankle that has to heal. The young man is anxious to get back on the football field as conference play begins. Like many other adults, we have cautioned him to be patient and make sure he is fully healed. I have especially tried to share my own experience with a broken ankle and torn ligaments… encouraging him to do all of the recommended therapies and take the needed time to repair this damage. I’ve told him, “When you are my age, you will be glad you listened!”
In my twenties, a doctor told me, “Today’s runners are tomorrow’s arthritics!” I laughed as I looked at this overweight physician who was counseling a slender, healthy woman who ran as much as six miles a day. Now, when I walk up and down our stairs on a rainy day, my knees remind me of this doctor’s words! I am not saying that running is bad for you, but I should have paced myself more and paid attention. I have found other ways to exercise and stay in shape, but I listen to my body now and treat my joints with respect and care!
When I read this scripture passage, I was immediately struck by two things… 1) God loves us, no matter what… and He will never go back on His promises; and 2) sometimes our consequences are not immediate… but that doesn’t mean we got a free pass! God loved David passionately – and the feeling was mutual. David was not perfect, but he never loved anyone but God. David’s son, Solomon, on the other hand, was dazzled by wealth and fame… women and power… and he made them the focus of his devotion. While God did not blast Solomon with great and immediate punishment for this, He did promise to strip him of everything by taking the kingdom from Solomon’s heirs. Solomon’s legacy was everything to him… so losing it to another lineage was huge! This reminds me of the adage, “Pay now, or pay later.”
Know this… God will never turn His back on you completely, if you have confessed your sins and asked Him to save you. He will never change His mind about loving you. But He will have consequences if you disobey and turn your back on Him. You may not see it for years to come. You may play fast and loose with alcohol and drugs, overeating, gambling, flitting from one job to another and getting in and out of all kinds of relationships with seemingly minor consequences or adjustments in your daily living. You may treat others poorly and live by the philosophy, “What’s in it for me?” But some day, this will all change. God will remind you of your indiscretions and poor choices, and He will mete out His justice for your disobedience and disloyal actions.
So how do you stop this? How do you turn things around now before “the shoe falls?” Turn back to God. Stop what you are doing and humbly confess that you have not been obedient and loyal. You have worshipped other things… people, money, alcohol, drugs and more. You have allowed Satan to present you with false idols, and you have worshipped them. You think more of yourself than you should and have elevated yourself to a status that you do not deserve… one that God did not give you. Tell God you are sorry, and that you are making significant changes. Kick your false idols to the curb, and ask God to help you make a fresh start. He will gladly do this!
If I had listened to the doctor in my twenties, I might have still been able to run a few miles without pain in my thirties and forties. My knees might not be a better barometer than the local weatherman. If Solomon had just taken a step back and looked at what he was doing, he could have returned to God’s favor. Don’t be stubborn. Don’t be blinded by the glitz and lure of sins and vices. Recognize these tools of the devil… turn around and walk the other way- toward God - and enjoy His blessings and protection... now and always.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 5, 2011
1 Samuel 15:16-23
"Enough!" interrupted Samuel. "Let me tell you what GOD told me last night."
Saul said, "Go ahead. Tell me." And Samuel told him. "When you started out in this, you were nothing— and you knew it. Then GOD put you at the head of Israel—made you king over Israel. Then GOD sent you off to do a job for him, ordering you, 'Go and put those sinners, the Amalekites, under a holy ban. Go to war against them until you have totally wiped them out.' So why did you not obey GOD? Why did you grab all this loot? Why, with GOD's eyes on you all the time, did you brazenly carry out this evil?"
Saul defended himself. "What are you talking about? I did obey GOD. I did the job GOD set for me. I brought in King Agag and destroyed the Amalekites under the terms of the holy ban. So the soldiers saved back a few choice sheep and cattle from the holy ban for sacrifice to GOD at Gilgal—what's wrong with that?"
Then Samuel said, “Do you think all GOD wants are sacrifices— empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what GOD tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around GOD is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to GOD's command, he says No to your kingship.”
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 have to laugh at some of the people in the public eye these days who claim that they are “not in it for the publicity.” Clearly some of the stories we are hearing over and over again in our news are nothing more than publicity stunts… attempts to get people to “look at me!” Many of the “candidates” for public office who made us think they were going to run have already withdrawn… but they left us talking about them! Others are still at it… milking the media for every last ounce of attention.
A lot of these people grabbing the headlines are multi-millionaires. They could afford to send thousands of dollars – if not a million or more – to devastated areas like Joplin, Missouri, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They could build orphanages and create clean water supplies in Third World countries. And some of them do this. But many of them spend their money on lavish homes and cars, mega-parties, and gargantuan empires of “toys” and “stuff” – and more media buzz!
At the same time, I know people who barely get buy each month on a fixed income… yet they find a way to visit the sick and the needy… to cook food for those who are hungry… to rescue a stray dog or cat that doesn’t have a home… and much more. They spend their time and energy lifting others in the name of Jesus… and yes, they probably sent drinking water, toothpaste, soap and more in the truckload of goods that our church or another local group delivered to one of the tornado-ravaged areas.
A lot of the media seekers will stand at the microphone and thank God for blessing them and guiding their steps and decisions. But talk is cheap. God would rather they do something with the blessings He has given them and listen to Him when He says, “Use what I have given you to bless and care for others in my name.” He would rather they be obedient servants than celebrity seekers who are filled with hot air.
What about you? Do you “talk a good game?” Do you tell others how much God has done for you, show up on Sunday at church… and maybe even during the week for a youth service, prayer meeting or Bible study… and then return to your cushy life of focusing on yourself? Or do you ask God, “Where do you want me to serve today? How do You want me to use the blessings You have given me? What is YOUR plan for me this day?”
Selfishness and failure to listen to God cost Saul the kingship… what might it be costing you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
"Enough!" interrupted Samuel. "Let me tell you what GOD told me last night."
Saul said, "Go ahead. Tell me." And Samuel told him. "When you started out in this, you were nothing— and you knew it. Then GOD put you at the head of Israel—made you king over Israel. Then GOD sent you off to do a job for him, ordering you, 'Go and put those sinners, the Amalekites, under a holy ban. Go to war against them until you have totally wiped them out.' So why did you not obey GOD? Why did you grab all this loot? Why, with GOD's eyes on you all the time, did you brazenly carry out this evil?"
Saul defended himself. "What are you talking about? I did obey GOD. I did the job GOD set for me. I brought in King Agag and destroyed the Amalekites under the terms of the holy ban. So the soldiers saved back a few choice sheep and cattle from the holy ban for sacrifice to GOD at Gilgal—what's wrong with that?"
Then Samuel said, “Do you think all GOD wants are sacrifices— empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what GOD tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around GOD is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to GOD's command, he says No to your kingship.”
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 have to laugh at some of the people in the public eye these days who claim that they are “not in it for the publicity.” Clearly some of the stories we are hearing over and over again in our news are nothing more than publicity stunts… attempts to get people to “look at me!” Many of the “candidates” for public office who made us think they were going to run have already withdrawn… but they left us talking about them! Others are still at it… milking the media for every last ounce of attention.
A lot of these people grabbing the headlines are multi-millionaires. They could afford to send thousands of dollars – if not a million or more – to devastated areas like Joplin, Missouri, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They could build orphanages and create clean water supplies in Third World countries. And some of them do this. But many of them spend their money on lavish homes and cars, mega-parties, and gargantuan empires of “toys” and “stuff” – and more media buzz!
At the same time, I know people who barely get buy each month on a fixed income… yet they find a way to visit the sick and the needy… to cook food for those who are hungry… to rescue a stray dog or cat that doesn’t have a home… and much more. They spend their time and energy lifting others in the name of Jesus… and yes, they probably sent drinking water, toothpaste, soap and more in the truckload of goods that our church or another local group delivered to one of the tornado-ravaged areas.
A lot of the media seekers will stand at the microphone and thank God for blessing them and guiding their steps and decisions. But talk is cheap. God would rather they do something with the blessings He has given them and listen to Him when He says, “Use what I have given you to bless and care for others in my name.” He would rather they be obedient servants than celebrity seekers who are filled with hot air.
What about you? Do you “talk a good game?” Do you tell others how much God has done for you, show up on Sunday at church… and maybe even during the week for a youth service, prayer meeting or Bible study… and then return to your cushy life of focusing on yourself? Or do you ask God, “Where do you want me to serve today? How do You want me to use the blessings You have given me? What is YOUR plan for me this day?”
Selfishness and failure to listen to God cost Saul the kingship… what might it be costing you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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