Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord God
has taken control of me!
The Lord has chosen and sent me
to tell the oppressed
the good news,
to heal the brokenhearted,
and to announce freedom
for prisoners and captives.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
BibleStudyTools.com
defines the word eucharisteo (pronounced yoo-khar-is-teh'-o) as a Greek
verb that means “to be grateful, feel thankful, give thanks”. Author
Ann Voskamp used “eucharisteo” as the theme of her book, One Thousand Gifts.
I am reading this book now and discovering how Voskamp found gratitude
and thanks – and praised God – in even the smallest of things...”clean
sheets smelling like wind...hot oatmeal tasting like home...bare toes in
early light*.”
In this context, we can also find
eucharisteo...we can learn to be grateful to God for His presence in the
seemingly inane moments of our day...as well as those we deem to be
“huge”! In light of this scripture passage from Isaiah, the
“eucharisteo” moment came for me when the prophet says, “The Lord has chosen and sent me...”
Commentaries maintain that Isaiah was talking about himself as a
prophet...OR that this foretells the words of Jesus in Luke 4:18, which
begins...” The Lord’s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen
me...”
I believe that this verse applies to those of us who are
Disciples of Christ, as well. I don’t mean to sound arrogant – or to
claim that I can literally perform the miracles of Jesus. But aren’t we
called to “tell the oppressed the good news?” Doesn’t God call on us
to minister to others and “heal the brokenhearted?” Aren’t we
commissioned to let others know that freedom is possible from whatever
binds them and holds them captive?
Opportunities for
eucharisteo abound for each of us...but do we recognize them? We say
that the Holy Spirit has taken control of us...but do we demonstrate His
love and care in our own lives? If we were more aware of God’s
presence in the small things of our day, wouldn’t we live with more
purpose and intention? Do you look for the opportunity to serve as
God’s agent as you attend classes, shop for groceries, prepare meals and
feed your children, do your job, care for a loved one, or interact with
family members and friends?
I’m not talking about literally
preaching the Gospel...reciting scriptures...praying aloud...or other
demonstrations we typically consider when we hear the words “witness” or
“ministry”. Your body language and overall attitude and
demeanor...whether you smile at others and appear pleasant and
approachable...your attention to small details...your level of
thoughtfulness - all of these things speak to your character as a
Christian. They represent your “eucharisteo” for all that God has done
for you.
When I reflect on my life, there are times when I wish
I had more fully realized my “mission” and demonstrated it to others. I
wish I had more fully recognized the “ministry” in my responsibilities
as a teacher of young children and “loved on them” even more in the name
of Jesus. I now realize how profoundly He was there with me, using me
to touch these little hearts and minds each day...but oh, how I wish I
had recognized my part in this more. I would have loved a little
deeper, held them a little closer, lingered a little longer over their
stories, pictures, songs, recitations, giggles and tears. In short, I
would have paid closer attention to the small moments and shared in
their savoring and nurture.
For me, this is today’s lesson. God has chosen
us to be His...with intention and purpose. We have a mission to
accomplish for Him...to use the power of the Holy Spirit within us to
share His good news...to heal the brokenhearted by demonstrating His
grace, love, mercy and forgiveness...and to express hope and freedom
from the things that bind and enslave us – through salvation in Jesus
Christ. It’s a tall order...but nothing less than what we should expect
from the One who honored and blessed us with His choosing.
Where
does God want to use you today? Are you living with intention and
purpose...and with “eucharisteo”? Do you recognize your mission and
your ministry? Are you so caught up in the big picture that you have
neglected the smaller things that truly matter? Will this be the day
you begin to change your focus? Are you ready to slow down, pay closer
attention...and give God your very best? Are you ready to get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
Showing posts with label serving God to the best of our ability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label serving God to the best of our ability. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for November 13, 2013
Colossians 3:22-25
Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.
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.
For eighteen years, Greg and I owned a publishing business. Much of that time, we were the sole employees, so we did everything… from answering the phone and taking orders to typesetting and proofreading our magazine every 2 months… to stuffing the magazines in envelopes, sealing, stamping and labeling them for mailing. We were meticulous about every detail, but even so…we sometimes found typos, put the wrong amount of postage on a piece of mail, or inadvertently upset a customer. None of us are perfect!
Over the years, we watched others try to emulate what we were doing. There is an old adage that says that “Imitation is the best form of flattery,” but we were not flattered by many of these projects. The work was often shoddy and riddled with mistakes… and in the end, these businesses didn’t last. We learned very quickly not to waste our energy on fretting about the competition, but rather to do the very best we possibly could…and let our efforts shine and (hopefully) rise to the top. And God blessed our efforts tremendously.
We could probably have worried less about the details and still had at least a mediocre business that paid the bills. But would our reputation have been as strong? Would we have served our clients to the best of our ability? Would a half-hearted effort have honored? In a nutshell, the answer to these questions is a resounding, “NO!”
There are a lot of people in this world who are skating by with minimal efforts. They don’t “cross the T’s and dot the I’s” – in everything from their appearance to the work they do (both at home and in their place of employment) to how they treat their friends, acquaintances and family members. More importantly, many of them are haphazard at best… and downright shoddy in many cases… when it comes to their Christian discipleship… if they even claim to serve God.
You may have an impeccable worth ethic – in all areas of your life. Or you may be lax in a place or two… or even a total slacker! I encourage you to search your heart…and your daily living…and see where you might need to “tighten the screws” a little. Where are you covering up bad work and disrespecting God with your less-than-faultless efforts? Are you doing the minimum… or are you always giving God your very best in all things? The difference matters… both now and for all eternity!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.
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.
For eighteen years, Greg and I owned a publishing business. Much of that time, we were the sole employees, so we did everything… from answering the phone and taking orders to typesetting and proofreading our magazine every 2 months… to stuffing the magazines in envelopes, sealing, stamping and labeling them for mailing. We were meticulous about every detail, but even so…we sometimes found typos, put the wrong amount of postage on a piece of mail, or inadvertently upset a customer. None of us are perfect!
Over the years, we watched others try to emulate what we were doing. There is an old adage that says that “Imitation is the best form of flattery,” but we were not flattered by many of these projects. The work was often shoddy and riddled with mistakes… and in the end, these businesses didn’t last. We learned very quickly not to waste our energy on fretting about the competition, but rather to do the very best we possibly could…and let our efforts shine and (hopefully) rise to the top. And God blessed our efforts tremendously.
We could probably have worried less about the details and still had at least a mediocre business that paid the bills. But would our reputation have been as strong? Would we have served our clients to the best of our ability? Would a half-hearted effort have honored? In a nutshell, the answer to these questions is a resounding, “NO!”
There are a lot of people in this world who are skating by with minimal efforts. They don’t “cross the T’s and dot the I’s” – in everything from their appearance to the work they do (both at home and in their place of employment) to how they treat their friends, acquaintances and family members. More importantly, many of them are haphazard at best… and downright shoddy in many cases… when it comes to their Christian discipleship… if they even claim to serve God.
You may have an impeccable worth ethic – in all areas of your life. Or you may be lax in a place or two… or even a total slacker! I encourage you to search your heart…and your daily living…and see where you might need to “tighten the screws” a little. Where are you covering up bad work and disrespecting God with your less-than-faultless efforts? Are you doing the minimum… or are you always giving God your very best in all things? The difference matters… both now and for all eternity!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 1, 2013
Romans 1:8-15
I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you.
Please don’t misinterpret my failure to visit you, friends. You have no idea how many times I’ve made plans for Rome. I’ve been determined to get some personal enjoyment out of God’s work among you, as I have in so many other non-Jewish towns and communities. But something has always come up and prevented it. Everyone I meet—it matters little whether they’re mannered or rude, smart or simple—deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation. And that’s why I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God.
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.
Have you ever really wanted to do something or go somewhere, but nothing worked out? It seemed like no matter how hard you tried - or how much you wanted to do this - things just never came together. You might have even said, “There’s just something holding me back!” On the other hand, there might have been something you felt you should do… but everyone else said, “That’s crazy!” Still, you strongly felt you were supposed to take a certain job, donate to a certain cause, or even go visit someone you might not know very well – or with whom your relationship had not been all that great.
I don’t know about you, but I am comforted to know that this even happened to the Apostle Paul! And yet, I’m not surprised, because clearly the timing was not right… this was not his “season” to visit the Romans! And the “something” that held him back was most likely Someone – God Almighty!
In this passage, Paul is somewhat making excuses. But in his case, the reasons are valid. There truly are times when we are not meant to participate in something… to volunteer for a particular ministry, join a Bible study group or civic club, take on another project or hobby, or even take a trip. The KEY is to know when we are merely making excuses because we don’t want to do something or it doesn’t fit our own personal agenda…and when God is whispering, “This is not your season for that project,” or “This doesn’t fit my plans for you.”
Our pastor was speaking to the membership a few weeks ago about areas of service within the church, and he plainly told those in attendance not to sign up for everything on the list! God doesn’t want warm bodies… He wants willing servants that He can equip for the task. If we take on anything and everything that comes down the pike, we will be something of a “jack-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none.” We cannot be effective if we spread our talents and energy too thinly. So sometimes, the “excuse” that “it’s just not working for me right now,” or “this is not my season” is totally appropriate.
Believe me, if God had wanted Paul to visit the Romans at the time of his letter, He would have cleared the way. And if you and I stay in close communication with Him, we will know that He is guiding our steps and opening doors. When something doesn’t feel right - or things just don’t seem to come together – stop and ask God, “What are you showing me? Am I on track? Is this where You want me to be?” If you do not get a clear indication that God is sending you, I strongly encourage you to re-evaluate your choices.
By the same token, I can name more than one time in my life that I have felt strongly convicted I was supposed to move in a certain direction or make a specific decision that my head told me was ridiculous… but God spoke to my heart and said, “Do it anyway.” I know people who paid for meals in restaurants for complete strangers, reached out to someone with whom they had a strained relationship, and stepped up to be foster parents, and more… all while “that little voice in their heads” said, “This is crazy!” But the Voice in their heart said, “I’m beside you all the way… do this for Me.” And the outcome blessed all concerned. When God calls you to step out and do something that is scary, unconventional, or unpleasant… trust Him to make the difference - and go for it!
There are plenty of times when we make excuses because of our own selfish desires. But sometimes, our “excuse” is that “God told me to do this… or NOT to do this.” And this justification is not only appropriate… it is extremely critical to the life of a Christian. Following God’s will is the only thing that truly matters. The next time He leads you in a specific direction…will you be ready and willing to follow? Make sure your “excuses” are always based on your “heart-talk” with God… and not on your own agenda.
©2013 Debbie Robus
I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you.
Please don’t misinterpret my failure to visit you, friends. You have no idea how many times I’ve made plans for Rome. I’ve been determined to get some personal enjoyment out of God’s work among you, as I have in so many other non-Jewish towns and communities. But something has always come up and prevented it. Everyone I meet—it matters little whether they’re mannered or rude, smart or simple—deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation. And that’s why I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God.
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.
Have you ever really wanted to do something or go somewhere, but nothing worked out? It seemed like no matter how hard you tried - or how much you wanted to do this - things just never came together. You might have even said, “There’s just something holding me back!” On the other hand, there might have been something you felt you should do… but everyone else said, “That’s crazy!” Still, you strongly felt you were supposed to take a certain job, donate to a certain cause, or even go visit someone you might not know very well – or with whom your relationship had not been all that great.
I don’t know about you, but I am comforted to know that this even happened to the Apostle Paul! And yet, I’m not surprised, because clearly the timing was not right… this was not his “season” to visit the Romans! And the “something” that held him back was most likely Someone – God Almighty!
In this passage, Paul is somewhat making excuses. But in his case, the reasons are valid. There truly are times when we are not meant to participate in something… to volunteer for a particular ministry, join a Bible study group or civic club, take on another project or hobby, or even take a trip. The KEY is to know when we are merely making excuses because we don’t want to do something or it doesn’t fit our own personal agenda…and when God is whispering, “This is not your season for that project,” or “This doesn’t fit my plans for you.”
Our pastor was speaking to the membership a few weeks ago about areas of service within the church, and he plainly told those in attendance not to sign up for everything on the list! God doesn’t want warm bodies… He wants willing servants that He can equip for the task. If we take on anything and everything that comes down the pike, we will be something of a “jack-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none.” We cannot be effective if we spread our talents and energy too thinly. So sometimes, the “excuse” that “it’s just not working for me right now,” or “this is not my season” is totally appropriate.
Believe me, if God had wanted Paul to visit the Romans at the time of his letter, He would have cleared the way. And if you and I stay in close communication with Him, we will know that He is guiding our steps and opening doors. When something doesn’t feel right - or things just don’t seem to come together – stop and ask God, “What are you showing me? Am I on track? Is this where You want me to be?” If you do not get a clear indication that God is sending you, I strongly encourage you to re-evaluate your choices.
By the same token, I can name more than one time in my life that I have felt strongly convicted I was supposed to move in a certain direction or make a specific decision that my head told me was ridiculous… but God spoke to my heart and said, “Do it anyway.” I know people who paid for meals in restaurants for complete strangers, reached out to someone with whom they had a strained relationship, and stepped up to be foster parents, and more… all while “that little voice in their heads” said, “This is crazy!” But the Voice in their heart said, “I’m beside you all the way… do this for Me.” And the outcome blessed all concerned. When God calls you to step out and do something that is scary, unconventional, or unpleasant… trust Him to make the difference - and go for it!
There are plenty of times when we make excuses because of our own selfish desires. But sometimes, our “excuse” is that “God told me to do this… or NOT to do this.” And this justification is not only appropriate… it is extremely critical to the life of a Christian. Following God’s will is the only thing that truly matters. The next time He leads you in a specific direction…will you be ready and willing to follow? Make sure your “excuses” are always based on your “heart-talk” with God… and not on your own agenda.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 20, 2013
April 20 ~ John 6:61-65
Many among his disciples heard this and said, “This is tough teaching, too tough to swallow.”
Jesus sensed that his disciples were having a hard time with this and said, “Does this throw you completely? What would happen if you saw the Son of Man ascending to where he came from? The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don’t make anything happen. Every word I’ve spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making. But some of you are resisting, refusing to have any part in this.” (Jesus knew from the start that some weren’t going to risk themselves with him. He knew also who would betray him.) He went on to say, “This is why I told you earlier that no one is capable of coming to me on his own. You get to me only as a gift from the Father.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My mother’s husband, Lee, agreed to watch Timothy during my grandmother’s funeral service last month – and to take him to another room to play if he grew restless. As everyone was seated for the service and the opening music began to play, Timothy and Pap-paw Lee entered the sanctuary, and we all heard Timothy say, “But I’m not tired… well, I’m a little tired.” And he actually did nap on Lee’s lap for a while during the funeral service.
Some of us have tried to be “a little Christian” for a long time now. We are willing to serve God when it is convenient. We will follow the teachings of Jesus – if they don’t contradict our own agenda… or if nothing better comes along. I have a book in my collection called The Hard Sayings of Jesus by F.F. Bruce. On the back cover of the book, the description says in part, “Like his original hearers, many people today find Jesus’ sayings hard. Some sayings are hard because they are difficult to understand… others because the demands they make on us are only too clear.”
Today’s scripture passage and surrounding verses from John 6 are examined in this book. In part, Bruce says that Jesus was not telling His disciples to practice cannibalism. Jesus did not literally mean that we are to eat His flesh and drink His blood. But Bruce cites a Twelfth Century French abbot, whom Pope Pius VII titled “Doctor of the Church” – Bernard of Clairvaux – who explains that… “If you suffer with me, you will also reign with me.” We all want to reign with Christ for all eternity, but many of us are unwilling to truly “suffer” with Him in this lifetime. So we have a hard time accepting that ALL who call on Jesus to forgive their sins will be granted salvation and Eternal Life. We can’t comprehend that we truly are to love our enemies and forgive them. Some of us don’t want to accept that Jesus loves believers of all races, creeds, colors, lifestyles and socio-economic levels – that they are equal partakers in His Kingdom with us.
When Jesus said, “Feed my sheep,” more than a few of us are pretty sure He didn’t mean for us to do this. When He said to “take up your cross and follow Me,” we're fairly certain that He didn’t mean that we had to sacrifice anything or give up any friendships or relationships of any kind – or to change our lifestyle in any way. When Jesus told us that those who have shown love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and kindness to “the least of my brethren” have done this to Him…we’re pretty sure He didn’t mean EVERYONE. Surely we are not to make these generous gestures toward the drunk driver who killed our loved one, a child molester, or even a 19-year-old terrorist in Boston. We Christians find a lot of the things Jesus calls us to do incredibly difficult to actually put into practice! But these very acts of faithful obedience are what define our discipleship and devotion to Christ.
So where does this leave us? Where are you “a little tired” – or acting like you are “a little Christian” …because there really is no such thing as the latter description. Jesus didn’t say, “Follow me whenever and however you feel like it.” He was very clear. He also knew that we could not do this under our own power… because we humans are weak. So God gave us the strength and inner resolve to do this… but we have to faithfully trust Him to help us accomplish this. We have to step up and out and say, “I’m willing to ‘suffer’ with Christ in order to reign with Him. Wherever He calls me to go… whatever I am commanded to do… I’m with Him all the way.” We must obediently and faithfully believe in even “the hard sayings of Jesus” and trust God to grant us wisdom and discernment for difficult situations and choices.
There will be plenty of days when we are all “a little tired” – and even a few when we are bone weary. But we must never tire of serving Jesus... nor fail to give Him less than our very best each and every day. Where have you grown “a little tired” in your faith? Jesus says that all who labor and are burdened can find rest in Him… but we are called to follow Him completely in return. What is your excuse these days? Are you ready to give Him all you’ve got?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Many among his disciples heard this and said, “This is tough teaching, too tough to swallow.”
Jesus sensed that his disciples were having a hard time with this and said, “Does this throw you completely? What would happen if you saw the Son of Man ascending to where he came from? The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don’t make anything happen. Every word I’ve spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making. But some of you are resisting, refusing to have any part in this.” (Jesus knew from the start that some weren’t going to risk themselves with him. He knew also who would betray him.) He went on to say, “This is why I told you earlier that no one is capable of coming to me on his own. You get to me only as a gift from the Father.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My mother’s husband, Lee, agreed to watch Timothy during my grandmother’s funeral service last month – and to take him to another room to play if he grew restless. As everyone was seated for the service and the opening music began to play, Timothy and Pap-paw Lee entered the sanctuary, and we all heard Timothy say, “But I’m not tired… well, I’m a little tired.” And he actually did nap on Lee’s lap for a while during the funeral service.
Some of us have tried to be “a little Christian” for a long time now. We are willing to serve God when it is convenient. We will follow the teachings of Jesus – if they don’t contradict our own agenda… or if nothing better comes along. I have a book in my collection called The Hard Sayings of Jesus by F.F. Bruce. On the back cover of the book, the description says in part, “Like his original hearers, many people today find Jesus’ sayings hard. Some sayings are hard because they are difficult to understand… others because the demands they make on us are only too clear.”
Today’s scripture passage and surrounding verses from John 6 are examined in this book. In part, Bruce says that Jesus was not telling His disciples to practice cannibalism. Jesus did not literally mean that we are to eat His flesh and drink His blood. But Bruce cites a Twelfth Century French abbot, whom Pope Pius VII titled “Doctor of the Church” – Bernard of Clairvaux – who explains that… “If you suffer with me, you will also reign with me.” We all want to reign with Christ for all eternity, but many of us are unwilling to truly “suffer” with Him in this lifetime. So we have a hard time accepting that ALL who call on Jesus to forgive their sins will be granted salvation and Eternal Life. We can’t comprehend that we truly are to love our enemies and forgive them. Some of us don’t want to accept that Jesus loves believers of all races, creeds, colors, lifestyles and socio-economic levels – that they are equal partakers in His Kingdom with us.
When Jesus said, “Feed my sheep,” more than a few of us are pretty sure He didn’t mean for us to do this. When He said to “take up your cross and follow Me,” we're fairly certain that He didn’t mean that we had to sacrifice anything or give up any friendships or relationships of any kind – or to change our lifestyle in any way. When Jesus told us that those who have shown love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and kindness to “the least of my brethren” have done this to Him…we’re pretty sure He didn’t mean EVERYONE. Surely we are not to make these generous gestures toward the drunk driver who killed our loved one, a child molester, or even a 19-year-old terrorist in Boston. We Christians find a lot of the things Jesus calls us to do incredibly difficult to actually put into practice! But these very acts of faithful obedience are what define our discipleship and devotion to Christ.
So where does this leave us? Where are you “a little tired” – or acting like you are “a little Christian” …because there really is no such thing as the latter description. Jesus didn’t say, “Follow me whenever and however you feel like it.” He was very clear. He also knew that we could not do this under our own power… because we humans are weak. So God gave us the strength and inner resolve to do this… but we have to faithfully trust Him to help us accomplish this. We have to step up and out and say, “I’m willing to ‘suffer’ with Christ in order to reign with Him. Wherever He calls me to go… whatever I am commanded to do… I’m with Him all the way.” We must obediently and faithfully believe in even “the hard sayings of Jesus” and trust God to grant us wisdom and discernment for difficult situations and choices.
There will be plenty of days when we are all “a little tired” – and even a few when we are bone weary. But we must never tire of serving Jesus... nor fail to give Him less than our very best each and every day. Where have you grown “a little tired” in your faith? Jesus says that all who labor and are burdened can find rest in Him… but we are called to follow Him completely in return. What is your excuse these days? Are you ready to give Him all you’ve got?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 3, 2013
1 Kings 19:20-21
Elisha deserted the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please! Let me kiss my father and mother good-bye—then I’ll follow you.”
“Go ahead,” said Elijah, “but, mind you, don’t forget what I’ve just done to you.”
So Elisha left; he took his yoke of oxen and butchered them. He made a fire with the plow and tackle and then boiled the meat—a true farewell meal for the family. Then he left and followed Elijah, becoming his right-hand man.
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.
Excuses! Excuses! We’ve all got ‘em! “When I finish watching this program, I’ll get up and do XYZ… if I get the job I want, I will move out and get my own place… when I lose a few pounds, get a haircut, or all the stars align, I’ll start coming to church.” We have built a lifetime of “not nows,” “maybe laters” and “somedays.” Sometimes the ramifications seem to be rather benign… other times, we realize that our excuses will have major ramifications. Still, we make choices – and excuses – and generally, we just hope for the best.
Let me ask you… are you making excuses with God? Is he knocking on the door to your heart, but you have a ready list of justifications for hiding in the shadows? Are you one of those who says, “I’m coming with you LORD… but let me do this or that first.”? Do you have a zillion reasons – most of which you feel are good ones – that you just can’t follow Him completely today?
We all have a stash of ready excuses…at home, at work, in our personal relationships – and yes, for God. The question is… are they justifiable - especially when it comes to our faith walk? Is there ever truly a good excuse when God calls? Examine your heart – and your explanations. Are any of them really reasonable? When God reaches out to you, and you hesitate… what will be your excuse? Do you remember what He has done for you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Elisha deserted the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please! Let me kiss my father and mother good-bye—then I’ll follow you.”
“Go ahead,” said Elijah, “but, mind you, don’t forget what I’ve just done to you.”
So Elisha left; he took his yoke of oxen and butchered them. He made a fire with the plow and tackle and then boiled the meat—a true farewell meal for the family. Then he left and followed Elijah, becoming his right-hand man.
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.
Excuses! Excuses! We’ve all got ‘em! “When I finish watching this program, I’ll get up and do XYZ… if I get the job I want, I will move out and get my own place… when I lose a few pounds, get a haircut, or all the stars align, I’ll start coming to church.” We have built a lifetime of “not nows,” “maybe laters” and “somedays.” Sometimes the ramifications seem to be rather benign… other times, we realize that our excuses will have major ramifications. Still, we make choices – and excuses – and generally, we just hope for the best.
Let me ask you… are you making excuses with God? Is he knocking on the door to your heart, but you have a ready list of justifications for hiding in the shadows? Are you one of those who says, “I’m coming with you LORD… but let me do this or that first.”? Do you have a zillion reasons – most of which you feel are good ones – that you just can’t follow Him completely today?
We all have a stash of ready excuses…at home, at work, in our personal relationships – and yes, for God. The question is… are they justifiable - especially when it comes to our faith walk? Is there ever truly a good excuse when God calls? Examine your heart – and your explanations. Are any of them really reasonable? When God reaches out to you, and you hesitate… what will be your excuse? Do you remember what He has done for you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 4, 2013
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13
May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you! And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers.
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.
For all of the cooking shows I watch each week, I ought to be Julia Child's twin! I’ve learned a lot of useful… and some not-so-helpful… information from these shows. (I don’t think I will be cooking fish heads for a rich broth any time soon!) I’ve discovered how to turn ordinary ingredients in my pantry into amazingly tasty and creative dishes… to “make something from nothing,” as it were. I’ve learned about flavors… how delicious food not only looks good but is filled with taste and aroma from the right blends of spices, stocks and sauces. I now know several tips, tricks and techniques that could not only help me be a better cook… but also a more efficient and confident one.
The thing is… I still gravitate toward the same handful of dishes I’ve brought to our table for nearly 40 years. I would rather grab a pizza from the freezer and give it less than 20 minutes in a hot oven… or open a can of chicken noodle soup and serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich than spend an hour creating something from scratch. And let’s not forget take-out! In other words…I have acquired all of this knowledge and ability… I know how to make the food “sing.” But on most days, I’m complacent and lazy in the kitchen!
Over and over on these shows, the judges and experts refer to the depth of flavor that chefs are able to create within their dishes. They talk a lot about how various ingredients are “infused” into the food by cooking in a rich stock… marinating in sauces, oils and rubs… and blending ingredients in a way that produces something marvelous, sometimes unexpected, and chock full of flavor! Still, many of us have become quite comfortable substituting a plateful of “fast and easy” for a beautiful portion of savory deliciousness!
Are we like this in our Spiritual life? Do you see that God has cleared the road for us… then poured out his love on each of us and everyone in our circle? Do you get that He offers to infuse us with His strength, purity and confidence… and to “pretty us up” to others – to make us appealing and delightful like a beautiful plate of food? The question is… are we “cooking creatively” with all of the ingredients God has given us? Or are we lazy and complacent… content to get by with a quick fix or the least effort that will get the job done and satisfy appetites?
Let’s be honest… a frozen pizza or take-out from our favorite restaurant will often fill our bellies quite heartily. And it may even taste pretty good in the bargain. But these “quick fixes” can’t hold a candle to a well-prepared and served gourmet meal that gratifies all of our senses and leaves us feeling loved and sated through and through. And it’s the same in our relationship with God. We may be able get by on minimal effort… and a few of us will skirt through life relatively unscathed. But this is not really a “gourmet life” in Christ.
I don’t know about you, but I want the “full course meal!” I want all that God stands ready to splash over me and every “flavor” He desires to infuse into my soul. I want to take all of the mismatched items in the “pantry” of my life and allow God to show me how to transform them into an incredible “dish!” I want to be a vehicle of the incredible “meal” God delights in serving to others… to be a reflection of the love, strength, purity, confidence, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion He offers to each of us. Now this sounds like a flavorful plate of “soul food!”
What have you done with God’s ingredients? Is your “dish” pleasing to Him, or could you use a little polish and finesse? God will help you become a better “cook.” If you will only ask, He will show you how to tweak your “recipes” for a life in Christ and come up with something delectable and incredible. It’s time to stretch beyond a life of frozen pizza and take-out discipleship. What are you serving today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you! And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers.
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.
For all of the cooking shows I watch each week, I ought to be Julia Child's twin! I’ve learned a lot of useful… and some not-so-helpful… information from these shows. (I don’t think I will be cooking fish heads for a rich broth any time soon!) I’ve discovered how to turn ordinary ingredients in my pantry into amazingly tasty and creative dishes… to “make something from nothing,” as it were. I’ve learned about flavors… how delicious food not only looks good but is filled with taste and aroma from the right blends of spices, stocks and sauces. I now know several tips, tricks and techniques that could not only help me be a better cook… but also a more efficient and confident one.
The thing is… I still gravitate toward the same handful of dishes I’ve brought to our table for nearly 40 years. I would rather grab a pizza from the freezer and give it less than 20 minutes in a hot oven… or open a can of chicken noodle soup and serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich than spend an hour creating something from scratch. And let’s not forget take-out! In other words…I have acquired all of this knowledge and ability… I know how to make the food “sing.” But on most days, I’m complacent and lazy in the kitchen!
Over and over on these shows, the judges and experts refer to the depth of flavor that chefs are able to create within their dishes. They talk a lot about how various ingredients are “infused” into the food by cooking in a rich stock… marinating in sauces, oils and rubs… and blending ingredients in a way that produces something marvelous, sometimes unexpected, and chock full of flavor! Still, many of us have become quite comfortable substituting a plateful of “fast and easy” for a beautiful portion of savory deliciousness!
Are we like this in our Spiritual life? Do you see that God has cleared the road for us… then poured out his love on each of us and everyone in our circle? Do you get that He offers to infuse us with His strength, purity and confidence… and to “pretty us up” to others – to make us appealing and delightful like a beautiful plate of food? The question is… are we “cooking creatively” with all of the ingredients God has given us? Or are we lazy and complacent… content to get by with a quick fix or the least effort that will get the job done and satisfy appetites?
Let’s be honest… a frozen pizza or take-out from our favorite restaurant will often fill our bellies quite heartily. And it may even taste pretty good in the bargain. But these “quick fixes” can’t hold a candle to a well-prepared and served gourmet meal that gratifies all of our senses and leaves us feeling loved and sated through and through. And it’s the same in our relationship with God. We may be able get by on minimal effort… and a few of us will skirt through life relatively unscathed. But this is not really a “gourmet life” in Christ.
I don’t know about you, but I want the “full course meal!” I want all that God stands ready to splash over me and every “flavor” He desires to infuse into my soul. I want to take all of the mismatched items in the “pantry” of my life and allow God to show me how to transform them into an incredible “dish!” I want to be a vehicle of the incredible “meal” God delights in serving to others… to be a reflection of the love, strength, purity, confidence, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion He offers to each of us. Now this sounds like a flavorful plate of “soul food!”
What have you done with God’s ingredients? Is your “dish” pleasing to Him, or could you use a little polish and finesse? God will help you become a better “cook.” If you will only ask, He will show you how to tweak your “recipes” for a life in Christ and come up with something delectable and incredible. It’s time to stretch beyond a life of frozen pizza and take-out discipleship. What are you serving today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 24, 2013
Ephesians 4:1-3
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
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.
In The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren talks about how knowing your purpose simplifies your life. He says there is no way we can do all everyone wants us to do. We have a big enough challenge finding time to do God’s will! Pastor Warren says that if you can’t seem to get it all done, you’re probably trying to do too much! This sounds like a direct contradiction to the scripture passage you just read… right? Maybe not!
See, a lot of us aren’t necessarily sitting on our hands… but quite a few of us are strolling off down paths that go nowhere. We fill our lives with people who don’t encourage us or help us to grow in our faith. We spend too much time on meaningless activities. We start way too many projects that we never finish.
God wants us to figure out where to best spend our time… then get busy doing what He has called us to do. So rather than sign up for every activity at school, pick and choose those you feel God wants you to pursue… and really work hard to do your best. Instead of volunteering for every ministry at your church and not being able to serve well in any of them, ask God to show you where you can make the biggest impact for Him. Then pour your heart and soul into that ministry. Give 110% and be someone who is reliable, dependable, and accountable.
Too many people bite off more than they can chew. I know… I’ve spread myself too thinly and tried to do too much. It’s not that I chose to participate in more than was physically possible… but I wasn’t very effective in many of the activities. When you are trying to do too much – even if it is God’s work – you can’t possibly be fully helpful in every ministry. Think of the phrase “jack-of-all-trades… master of none.” God wants us to pour ourselves out for each other in acts of love as He directs… but He wants us to be able to physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually have the stamina to give our very best.
Won’t God equip us for such things? Yes. But God also gave us a brain… and He expects us to use it. He wants us to operate faithfully… to do His will. He also wants us to use the common sense that He gave us to know when to say “when.” We all know people who seem to have their finger in every pie… who seem to sign up for every committee, church and community project, hold down a fulltime class schedule or job (or both)… and maybe run a household, as well. But just how effective are they? Are they cutting corners and letting certain obligations or aspects of their ministries slide?
I encourage you to spend some time talking to God. Ask Him, “LORD, what is my purpose? Where do you want me to serve? What activities and ministries do I need to let go in order to be more successful at serving in your name? Where should I be focusing my efforts… and where have I strolled off down a path that goes nowhere?” Allow God to work in and through you. There is no shame in limiting your ministries, if you are giving your very best to those you keep and operating within the will of God. Where do you need to “trim the fat” or alter your course? Are you ready to run on the road God called you to travel?
©2013 Debbie Robus
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
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.
In The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren talks about how knowing your purpose simplifies your life. He says there is no way we can do all everyone wants us to do. We have a big enough challenge finding time to do God’s will! Pastor Warren says that if you can’t seem to get it all done, you’re probably trying to do too much! This sounds like a direct contradiction to the scripture passage you just read… right? Maybe not!
See, a lot of us aren’t necessarily sitting on our hands… but quite a few of us are strolling off down paths that go nowhere. We fill our lives with people who don’t encourage us or help us to grow in our faith. We spend too much time on meaningless activities. We start way too many projects that we never finish.
God wants us to figure out where to best spend our time… then get busy doing what He has called us to do. So rather than sign up for every activity at school, pick and choose those you feel God wants you to pursue… and really work hard to do your best. Instead of volunteering for every ministry at your church and not being able to serve well in any of them, ask God to show you where you can make the biggest impact for Him. Then pour your heart and soul into that ministry. Give 110% and be someone who is reliable, dependable, and accountable.
Too many people bite off more than they can chew. I know… I’ve spread myself too thinly and tried to do too much. It’s not that I chose to participate in more than was physically possible… but I wasn’t very effective in many of the activities. When you are trying to do too much – even if it is God’s work – you can’t possibly be fully helpful in every ministry. Think of the phrase “jack-of-all-trades… master of none.” God wants us to pour ourselves out for each other in acts of love as He directs… but He wants us to be able to physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually have the stamina to give our very best.
Won’t God equip us for such things? Yes. But God also gave us a brain… and He expects us to use it. He wants us to operate faithfully… to do His will. He also wants us to use the common sense that He gave us to know when to say “when.” We all know people who seem to have their finger in every pie… who seem to sign up for every committee, church and community project, hold down a fulltime class schedule or job (or both)… and maybe run a household, as well. But just how effective are they? Are they cutting corners and letting certain obligations or aspects of their ministries slide?
I encourage you to spend some time talking to God. Ask Him, “LORD, what is my purpose? Where do you want me to serve? What activities and ministries do I need to let go in order to be more successful at serving in your name? Where should I be focusing my efforts… and where have I strolled off down a path that goes nowhere?” Allow God to work in and through you. There is no shame in limiting your ministries, if you are giving your very best to those you keep and operating within the will of God. Where do you need to “trim the fat” or alter your course? Are you ready to run on the road God called you to travel?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 7, 2012
Luke 12:25-28
“Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can’t even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
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.
For several years, a couple of my closest friends and I exchanged Christmas gifts. As circumstances changed in our lives, children came along, and we got busier, it became harder to get together… especially during the holidays. Before long, picking out gifts for each other was more of a chore than a blessing. The year I took a simple gift to one of these friends and her family… and she reciprocated with a lavish gift certificate to a local specialty store… I said, “No more!” We are not doing this out of love for each other as much as a made-up obligation to reciprocate.
This was the last year we exchanged Christmas gifts. And I can tell you, we both love each other as much as ever. The only thing that has changed is that we stopped worrying about appearances and started caring more about the heart and what makes us friends in the first place. Sure, we’ve exchanged some gifts over the years that we will both treasure. But our friendship is not defined by material objects. I am not her friend because of a Christmas Santa I gave her one Christmas… or the holiday decoration I bought for with her gift certificate. It’s far more important to me to know that I can pick up the phone and call her anytime, and she will be there for me in whatever way I need.
We worry so much about appearances… what will this person think… will we be under-dressed/over-dressed… will they like our gift… did we do enough… did we say the right thing (or the wrong thing)… whether people will think we are a good person – or a bad one! What we need to concentrate on is being the best that God created us to be… in all aspects of our life. We need to be the best disciple… the best friend… the best parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle/cousin/sibling… the best student/teacher/coach/mentor - or the best worker…the best community supporter… even the best patient when we are sick! Whatever God puts before us… whatever situation we find ourselves in at the moment… we should focus on being the most stellar example of a Godly creation that we can be.
I don’t know where you find yourself these days. I have no clue what challenges, frustrations, obstacles, joys, hopes and dreams you have. But I know that God wants you to concentrate on being YOU… to serve HIM… and to stand tall like the most beautiful wildflower in the field – because in His eyes, you are!
What sort of “flower” will you be today? Will you worry and fret about what others think and how you appear? Will you be a shabby “flower” in one of God’s fields… or will you be spectacular?
©2012 Debbie Robus
“Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can’t even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
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.
For several years, a couple of my closest friends and I exchanged Christmas gifts. As circumstances changed in our lives, children came along, and we got busier, it became harder to get together… especially during the holidays. Before long, picking out gifts for each other was more of a chore than a blessing. The year I took a simple gift to one of these friends and her family… and she reciprocated with a lavish gift certificate to a local specialty store… I said, “No more!” We are not doing this out of love for each other as much as a made-up obligation to reciprocate.
This was the last year we exchanged Christmas gifts. And I can tell you, we both love each other as much as ever. The only thing that has changed is that we stopped worrying about appearances and started caring more about the heart and what makes us friends in the first place. Sure, we’ve exchanged some gifts over the years that we will both treasure. But our friendship is not defined by material objects. I am not her friend because of a Christmas Santa I gave her one Christmas… or the holiday decoration I bought for with her gift certificate. It’s far more important to me to know that I can pick up the phone and call her anytime, and she will be there for me in whatever way I need.
We worry so much about appearances… what will this person think… will we be under-dressed/over-dressed… will they like our gift… did we do enough… did we say the right thing (or the wrong thing)… whether people will think we are a good person – or a bad one! What we need to concentrate on is being the best that God created us to be… in all aspects of our life. We need to be the best disciple… the best friend… the best parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle/cousin/sibling… the best student/teacher/coach/mentor - or the best worker…the best community supporter… even the best patient when we are sick! Whatever God puts before us… whatever situation we find ourselves in at the moment… we should focus on being the most stellar example of a Godly creation that we can be.
I don’t know where you find yourself these days. I have no clue what challenges, frustrations, obstacles, joys, hopes and dreams you have. But I know that God wants you to concentrate on being YOU… to serve HIM… and to stand tall like the most beautiful wildflower in the field – because in His eyes, you are!
What sort of “flower” will you be today? Will you worry and fret about what others think and how you appear? Will you be a shabby “flower” in one of God’s fields… or will you be spectacular?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 12, 2012
Judges 4:14
Deborah shouted, “Barak, it’s time to attack Sisera! Because today the Lord is going to help you defeat him. In fact, the Lord has already gone on ahead to fight for you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl learning to sew, my grandmother would often get a garment started for me, and then say, “Now, you finish it.” Perhaps you have had someone “make a few calls for you” in regard to a job search or getting into the college of your choice. Maybe you have a relative or friend who has “gone to bat” for you and defended your character, co-signed on a loan, or actually “sponsored” you in some way.
This person’s confidence in your ability to follow through and get the job done should never be taken lightly. When someone is willing to put their own money, time, or reputation on the line for us, we should honor this commitment with one of our own… a determination to do the very best we can to live up to the other person’s expectations or hype!
As Christians, we often fail to recognize that God “goes to bat” for us each and every day. He steps out ahead of us and “gets the garment started.” He vouches for us. He does more than co-sign our loan… He has already paid our debt! So when it is time to fight for Him… when we need to step up and serve with honor and gratitude… nothing less than our best is acceptable.
Our salvation was the biggest turning point we will ever experience, because in that single moment when we gave our hearts to Jesus, everything changed – forever! Our debts are paid… God walks ahead of us forevermore. He fights for us and paves the way for our success and blessings in all things. There will be other defining moments in our lives… other crossroads… but none will be more profound and impactful than this one.
Few among us would want to disappoint someone who vouched for us… to come up short or fail to honor this person’s commitment to us. So why do we do this to God? Why do we fail to step up and finish the fight He starts on our behalf? Why don’t we eagerly serve Him? Why don’t we ask, “What next?” instead of “Why now, LORD?” If we are earnest about our life as a Christian, we need to take a hard look at how we treat God and His tremendous gifts in our lives. We need to ask ourselves, “Was my salvation truly a turning point… or am I merely playing around at my Christian faith and witness like it’s some sort of game?”
The time has come to get serious… to say, “I’m in this all the way. I will fight for my God and serve Him as He wishes. He has paved the way for my redemption… He has paid ALL of my debts. Now it’s my turn to share His love, grace and mercy with others. I can’t work long, hard or fast enough to ever repay Him… but I can die trying!” Are you ready to step to the front of the line and fight for the God who fought – and won – for you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Deborah shouted, “Barak, it’s time to attack Sisera! Because today the Lord is going to help you defeat him. In fact, the Lord has already gone on ahead to fight for you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl learning to sew, my grandmother would often get a garment started for me, and then say, “Now, you finish it.” Perhaps you have had someone “make a few calls for you” in regard to a job search or getting into the college of your choice. Maybe you have a relative or friend who has “gone to bat” for you and defended your character, co-signed on a loan, or actually “sponsored” you in some way.
This person’s confidence in your ability to follow through and get the job done should never be taken lightly. When someone is willing to put their own money, time, or reputation on the line for us, we should honor this commitment with one of our own… a determination to do the very best we can to live up to the other person’s expectations or hype!
As Christians, we often fail to recognize that God “goes to bat” for us each and every day. He steps out ahead of us and “gets the garment started.” He vouches for us. He does more than co-sign our loan… He has already paid our debt! So when it is time to fight for Him… when we need to step up and serve with honor and gratitude… nothing less than our best is acceptable.
Our salvation was the biggest turning point we will ever experience, because in that single moment when we gave our hearts to Jesus, everything changed – forever! Our debts are paid… God walks ahead of us forevermore. He fights for us and paves the way for our success and blessings in all things. There will be other defining moments in our lives… other crossroads… but none will be more profound and impactful than this one.
Few among us would want to disappoint someone who vouched for us… to come up short or fail to honor this person’s commitment to us. So why do we do this to God? Why do we fail to step up and finish the fight He starts on our behalf? Why don’t we eagerly serve Him? Why don’t we ask, “What next?” instead of “Why now, LORD?” If we are earnest about our life as a Christian, we need to take a hard look at how we treat God and His tremendous gifts in our lives. We need to ask ourselves, “Was my salvation truly a turning point… or am I merely playing around at my Christian faith and witness like it’s some sort of game?”
The time has come to get serious… to say, “I’m in this all the way. I will fight for my God and serve Him as He wishes. He has paved the way for my redemption… He has paid ALL of my debts. Now it’s my turn to share His love, grace and mercy with others. I can’t work long, hard or fast enough to ever repay Him… but I can die trying!” Are you ready to step to the front of the line and fight for the God who fought – and won – for you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 7, 2012
Philippians 2:1-4
If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
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.
July 3, 2012, was not a good day in Pope County, Arkansas. Wildfires raged through the Ozark National Forest near Appleton, north of Atkins, and surrounding areas. Several area fire departments were called upon to help fight the fires, which raged for most of the day and into the night. In fact, there have been fires in this area of Arkansas virtually every day this week. My friend Missy Ellis and her husband, Randy, own a well-known family restaurant in nearby Russellville, Arkansas, called Whatta-Burger… located across the highway from the campus of Arkansas Tech University. Missy and Randy are still involved in the daily operation of this establishment… known for its made-to-order hamburgers and more-than-ample servings of everything!
Missy kept people updated on the fire locations, area evacuations and the firefighter’s progress via Facebook. At one point she noted that she had driven to one fire site to deliver 14 cases of water and 16 bundles of Gatorade to the firefighters… and she was waiting on 150 Whatta-Burgers to be prepared for delivery to the crew. Randy is a volunteer firefighter, and Missy posted photos of him manning a pumper truck. This is not an isolated incident. Missy and Randy do things like this all the time. I’ve known them over 30 years, and they’ve always stepped up and out whenever and wherever needed to help others.
You can’t mention the names of Missy and Randy - or their children - in the Pope County area without eliciting a smile – and probably a story or two. They are known far and wide for their generosity, moral character, and loving spirit. Because of part-time jobs at Whatta-Burger, thousands of kids have been able to attend college. Missy has taught a children’s Sunday School at her church for nearly 40 years. If I told you how much she prepares at Christmas time – cookies and candy – and delivers to area policemen, fire departments, doctor’s offices and more, you would probably faint just reading the list! I honestly believe they get up every morning and ask, “Okay, LORD… what’s on tap for today?”
I honestly have never known of these two friends to think of themselves first… in any situation. They truly are amazing. Most of us could not hold up to their level of commitment… nor do we have the energy to accomplish what they do in any given day. But we can all do our share. We can make an attempt to think less of ourselves and more of the other guy. We can make a concerted effort to get along… and we can look around for ways to make life a little easier or better for someone else rather than always asking, “When is it MY turn?” or “What’s in this for me?”
There is no greater joy or blessing than to be able to lighten another person’s load. To know that you operated in the love of Christ and did something for another person - with no thought of what you might gain in the process - is to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus. I didn’t mention that Missy had a total knee replacement a few months ago… and Randy had a surgery, as well. Yet they were both up and out this week, making life better for others and doing what they could… with no regard for the heat or the toll this would take on their own lives. I’m sure they are both exhausted. I’ve seen the comments on Facebook…the recipients of this kindness are regarding my friends as heroes of a sort… though they refuse to take any credit.
God is not calling us to be heroes… He is just asking us to do all we can without putting ourselves first – from being kind and agreeable to offering a hand up or a handout when needed. My question to you is… “Which end of this deal are you on most days?” Are you getting more than you are giving? Has the love of Christ made a difference in your life… and is this evident to others by how you are living? Shouldn’t it be?
©2012 Debbie Robus
If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
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.
July 3, 2012, was not a good day in Pope County, Arkansas. Wildfires raged through the Ozark National Forest near Appleton, north of Atkins, and surrounding areas. Several area fire departments were called upon to help fight the fires, which raged for most of the day and into the night. In fact, there have been fires in this area of Arkansas virtually every day this week. My friend Missy Ellis and her husband, Randy, own a well-known family restaurant in nearby Russellville, Arkansas, called Whatta-Burger… located across the highway from the campus of Arkansas Tech University. Missy and Randy are still involved in the daily operation of this establishment… known for its made-to-order hamburgers and more-than-ample servings of everything!
Missy kept people updated on the fire locations, area evacuations and the firefighter’s progress via Facebook. At one point she noted that she had driven to one fire site to deliver 14 cases of water and 16 bundles of Gatorade to the firefighters… and she was waiting on 150 Whatta-Burgers to be prepared for delivery to the crew. Randy is a volunteer firefighter, and Missy posted photos of him manning a pumper truck. This is not an isolated incident. Missy and Randy do things like this all the time. I’ve known them over 30 years, and they’ve always stepped up and out whenever and wherever needed to help others.
You can’t mention the names of Missy and Randy - or their children - in the Pope County area without eliciting a smile – and probably a story or two. They are known far and wide for their generosity, moral character, and loving spirit. Because of part-time jobs at Whatta-Burger, thousands of kids have been able to attend college. Missy has taught a children’s Sunday School at her church for nearly 40 years. If I told you how much she prepares at Christmas time – cookies and candy – and delivers to area policemen, fire departments, doctor’s offices and more, you would probably faint just reading the list! I honestly believe they get up every morning and ask, “Okay, LORD… what’s on tap for today?”
I honestly have never known of these two friends to think of themselves first… in any situation. They truly are amazing. Most of us could not hold up to their level of commitment… nor do we have the energy to accomplish what they do in any given day. But we can all do our share. We can make an attempt to think less of ourselves and more of the other guy. We can make a concerted effort to get along… and we can look around for ways to make life a little easier or better for someone else rather than always asking, “When is it MY turn?” or “What’s in this for me?”
There is no greater joy or blessing than to be able to lighten another person’s load. To know that you operated in the love of Christ and did something for another person - with no thought of what you might gain in the process - is to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus. I didn’t mention that Missy had a total knee replacement a few months ago… and Randy had a surgery, as well. Yet they were both up and out this week, making life better for others and doing what they could… with no regard for the heat or the toll this would take on their own lives. I’m sure they are both exhausted. I’ve seen the comments on Facebook…the recipients of this kindness are regarding my friends as heroes of a sort… though they refuse to take any credit.
God is not calling us to be heroes… He is just asking us to do all we can without putting ourselves first – from being kind and agreeable to offering a hand up or a handout when needed. My question to you is… “Which end of this deal are you on most days?” Are you getting more than you are giving? Has the love of Christ made a difference in your life… and is this evident to others by how you are living? Shouldn’t it be?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 13, 2012
Isaiah 45:18-21
God, Creator of the heavens - he is, remember, God. Maker of earth - he put it on its foundations, built it from scratch. He didn't go to all that trouble to just leave it empty, nothing in it. He made it to be lived in.
This God says: "I am God, the one and only. I don't just talk to myself or mumble under my breath. I never told Jacob, 'Seek me in emptiness, in dark nothingness.' I am God. I work out in the open, saying what's right, setting things right. So gather around, come on in, all you refugees and castoffs. They don't seem to know much, do they - those who carry around their no-god blocks of wood, praying for help to a dead stick?
So tell me what you think. Look at the evidence. Put your heads together. Make your case. Who told you, and a long time ago, what's going on here? Who made sense of things for you? Wasn't I the one? God? It had to be me. I'm the only God there is - The only God who does things right and knows how to help.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I packed my grandmother’s things last year to move her into an assisted living facility, I found more than one set of nice pajamas in a dresser drawer. They had never been worn. She was saving them “in case I have to go to the hospital.” In truth, the hospital staff prefers that patients wear the “gowns” they provide – for a variety of reasons. So these beautiful pajamas that had never been worn were in my grandmother’s dresser drawer, where time had taken a toll on the elastic in the pants. Before anyone could wear them, these “brand-spanking-new” pajamas would have to be repaired!
I made a point to sort through all of my grandmother’s clothes and only move her best things… and a handful of older items she simply refused to part with… and I told her she should wear her good things every day and not tuck anything in the back of her closet for a “rainy day.” She has not been entirely happy with this and claims that on some days she is “overdressed,” but she is making an effort to dress well.
Don’t we do this with our life as a Christian? Don’t we often tuck our best into a drawer or the back of our closet… to trot out only if and when we have a special occasion? Don’t we go through life pretty much taking God for granted… calling on Him only in a crisis… and “worshipping” other things – at least to some degree – much of the time? We can blame this on busyness, or admit to laziness, or even self-absorption. But the bottom line is that – for whatever reasons - many of us often neglect our relationship with our One True God and fail to fully live as good stewards of His blessings in the world He created.
I count myself among those who need to renew efforts to “wear the good stuff” every day – to truly give God my best in all things, at all times. Any less belies how important He is in my daily living… and WHO God truly is. Who – or what – have you placed ahead of God these days? What old habits and other “old stuff” have you pulled out of the closet? Isn’t it time for a good old-fashioned spring cleaning? Isn’t this a great time to bring God’s best to the forefront… to “wear” the blessings and His call to service for all to see – and to give Him the glory and recognition He deserves?
©2012 Debbie Robus
God, Creator of the heavens - he is, remember, God. Maker of earth - he put it on its foundations, built it from scratch. He didn't go to all that trouble to just leave it empty, nothing in it. He made it to be lived in.
This God says: "I am God, the one and only. I don't just talk to myself or mumble under my breath. I never told Jacob, 'Seek me in emptiness, in dark nothingness.' I am God. I work out in the open, saying what's right, setting things right. So gather around, come on in, all you refugees and castoffs. They don't seem to know much, do they - those who carry around their no-god blocks of wood, praying for help to a dead stick?
So tell me what you think. Look at the evidence. Put your heads together. Make your case. Who told you, and a long time ago, what's going on here? Who made sense of things for you? Wasn't I the one? God? It had to be me. I'm the only God there is - The only God who does things right and knows how to help.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I packed my grandmother’s things last year to move her into an assisted living facility, I found more than one set of nice pajamas in a dresser drawer. They had never been worn. She was saving them “in case I have to go to the hospital.” In truth, the hospital staff prefers that patients wear the “gowns” they provide – for a variety of reasons. So these beautiful pajamas that had never been worn were in my grandmother’s dresser drawer, where time had taken a toll on the elastic in the pants. Before anyone could wear them, these “brand-spanking-new” pajamas would have to be repaired!
I made a point to sort through all of my grandmother’s clothes and only move her best things… and a handful of older items she simply refused to part with… and I told her she should wear her good things every day and not tuck anything in the back of her closet for a “rainy day.” She has not been entirely happy with this and claims that on some days she is “overdressed,” but she is making an effort to dress well.
Don’t we do this with our life as a Christian? Don’t we often tuck our best into a drawer or the back of our closet… to trot out only if and when we have a special occasion? Don’t we go through life pretty much taking God for granted… calling on Him only in a crisis… and “worshipping” other things – at least to some degree – much of the time? We can blame this on busyness, or admit to laziness, or even self-absorption. But the bottom line is that – for whatever reasons - many of us often neglect our relationship with our One True God and fail to fully live as good stewards of His blessings in the world He created.
I count myself among those who need to renew efforts to “wear the good stuff” every day – to truly give God my best in all things, at all times. Any less belies how important He is in my daily living… and WHO God truly is. Who – or what – have you placed ahead of God these days? What old habits and other “old stuff” have you pulled out of the closet? Isn’t it time for a good old-fashioned spring cleaning? Isn’t this a great time to bring God’s best to the forefront… to “wear” the blessings and His call to service for all to see – and to give Him the glory and recognition He deserves?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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