John 14:15-16
It is because of this solemn fear of
the Lord, which is ever present in our minds, that we work so hard to
win others. God knows our hearts, that they are pure in this matter, and
I hope that, deep within, you really know it too.
Are we trying
to pat ourselves on the back again? No, I am giving you some good
ammunition! You can use this on those preachers of yours who brag about
how well they look and preach but don’t have true and honest hearts. You
can boast about us that we, at least, are well intentioned and honest.
Are
we insane to say such things about ourselves? If so, it is to bring
glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
If you saw something
happening that could potentially harm a person you know and love, you
would tell him/her…right? Let’s say your friend was out on the lake in a
boat, and you knew that a storm was headed toward them. Even if you
felt like this person might have access to weather radar, you would
probably phone or text him/her and say, “Heads up! A storm is
coming!”…just to be sure and safe! You would not be doing this to be a
“know-it-all”…you would be trying to keep your friend or loved one from
getting hurt in a storm!
Suppose you saw someone about to step in
a hole. You could keep quiet and vow not to meddle…or you could speak
up and prevent a potential disaster – or this person being injured.
Which would you choose?
This seems like a no-brainer. But
getting involved can sometimes be a slippery slope. We could easily be
labeled as one who meddles…or people could decide we are arrogant and/or
condescending – or that we don’t have all of the facts. We have to
prayerfully work at letting others know that we care…that we are not
acting out of a sense of superiority, but rather from our heart and a
desire for them to enjoy God’s best – and we have to sincerely mean what
we say!
How do we accomplish this? We must first remind
ourselves that people don’t care what we know until they know that we
care. Let’s say that a dear friend of mine who I trust tells me she
thinks I have misjudged a situation and have blown it totally out of
proportion. I would probably listen to her and interpret this comment
as one offered in love and kindness. But if someone I barely know said
this to me, I would most likely be insulted and consider it a criticism –
and meddling on his/her part!
Even with close, dear friends and
loved ones, we must temper our thoughts and actions – and always ask
God…”Am I saying/doing the right thing?” We want to be good Disciples
of Christ…we want to encourage others and stand up for God’s
commandments and the teachings of Jesus. But there is a right and wrong
way to do these things…and it only takes one act of arrogance or
criticism to ruin our witness with that person – possibly forever.
So
guard your heart – and your words and actions. Prayerfully ask God to
show you what to say and do…how to demonstrate the love of Jesus to
others - and when it is appropriate to speak up about something. Ask
Him to guide you and give you wisdom, tact, and the ability to convey
genuine concern and care to others. Ask God to help you develop a heart
for His children - all of them - and to always act and speak with
sincerity and Christian love.
There will be times when we will
still miss the mark – or someone will misinterpret our most sincere
comments and actions. But when we focus on making a difference, rather
than making a point – and seek God’s wisdom in all of these things – we
have a far better shot of getting it right. And shouldn’t that be our
goal?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label sincerity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sincerity. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 11, 2012
Psalm 51:7-17
Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. Don't look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home. Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways. Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with your praise.
Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice.
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 particular Psalm was written by King David, after the prophet Nathan told him that God was displeased about his indiscretions with Bathsheba - and the murder of her husband, Uriah. Because of this, God was not going to allow the baby they conceived to live. In 2 Samuel 12:13-14, we read… David said, “I have disobeyed the LORD.” “Yes, you have!” Nathan answered. “You showed you didn’t care what the LORD wanted. He has forgiven you, and you won’t die. But your newborn son will.”
Naturally, David was distressed. More importantly, he was truly broken… and repentant. The next verses tell us that David refused to eat or sleep, laid on the floor and begged God to spare the baby. When the baby died, David dressed, ate, and worshiped God. And because of his heartfelt repentance and broken spirit, God forgave David and blessed him. He even gave another son to David and Bathsheba… the future King Solomon.
Take away a couple of things from this. First, don’t be fooled into thinking you can do as you please, be sorry for what you’ve done, and expect God to forgive you and bless you as he did King David! This story and Psalm 51 are not license to do as we please and expect God to redeem us over and again. Going through the motions does not please God. Secondly, recognize that the only sacrifice that is truly acceptable to God is a broken spirit. This means we must recognize where we have fallen short or failed and genuinely come before God in a spirit of total humility and remorse. We have to have an “I-will-never-ever-ever-do-that-again!” attitude… and mean it!
Here’s the deal… God knows when we are sincere. He knows when we are approaching Him with a broken spirit – ready to receive His forgiveness and a fresh start… a “Genesis week,” or new beginning. He also knows when we are playing with Him! So examine your heart… approach God with a humble attitude and a sincere desire to change. Look at a broken spirit as a good thing… your first step toward truly living in Christ – and Christ living in you! Ask God to wash you as clean as snow-white laundry… and do whatever He requires to prove you are serious. Then praise Him over and again for His grace and mercy, a clean bill of health… and the opportunity to start over and live for Him.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. Don't look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home. Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways. Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with your praise.
Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice.
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 particular Psalm was written by King David, after the prophet Nathan told him that God was displeased about his indiscretions with Bathsheba - and the murder of her husband, Uriah. Because of this, God was not going to allow the baby they conceived to live. In 2 Samuel 12:13-14, we read… David said, “I have disobeyed the LORD.” “Yes, you have!” Nathan answered. “You showed you didn’t care what the LORD wanted. He has forgiven you, and you won’t die. But your newborn son will.”
Naturally, David was distressed. More importantly, he was truly broken… and repentant. The next verses tell us that David refused to eat or sleep, laid on the floor and begged God to spare the baby. When the baby died, David dressed, ate, and worshiped God. And because of his heartfelt repentance and broken spirit, God forgave David and blessed him. He even gave another son to David and Bathsheba… the future King Solomon.
Take away a couple of things from this. First, don’t be fooled into thinking you can do as you please, be sorry for what you’ve done, and expect God to forgive you and bless you as he did King David! This story and Psalm 51 are not license to do as we please and expect God to redeem us over and again. Going through the motions does not please God. Secondly, recognize that the only sacrifice that is truly acceptable to God is a broken spirit. This means we must recognize where we have fallen short or failed and genuinely come before God in a spirit of total humility and remorse. We have to have an “I-will-never-ever-ever-do-that-again!” attitude… and mean it!
Here’s the deal… God knows when we are sincere. He knows when we are approaching Him with a broken spirit – ready to receive His forgiveness and a fresh start… a “Genesis week,” or new beginning. He also knows when we are playing with Him! So examine your heart… approach God with a humble attitude and a sincere desire to change. Look at a broken spirit as a good thing… your first step toward truly living in Christ – and Christ living in you! Ask God to wash you as clean as snow-white laundry… and do whatever He requires to prove you are serious. Then praise Him over and again for His grace and mercy, a clean bill of health… and the opportunity to start over and live for Him.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 11, 2011
John 6:16-29
That evening, Jesus' disciples went down to the lake. They got into a boat and started across for Capernaum. Later that evening Jesus had still not come to them, and a strong wind was making the water rough.
When the disciples had rowed for three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He kept coming closer to the boat, and they were terrified. But he said, "I am Jesus! Don't be afraid!" The disciples wanted to take him into the boat, but suddenly the boat reached the shore where they were headed.
The people who had stayed on the east side of the lake knew that only one boat had been there. They also knew that Jesus had not left in it with his disciples. But the next day some boats from Tiberias sailed near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread for which the Lord had given thanks. They saw that Jesus and his disciples had left. Then they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus. They found him on the west side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you for certain that you are not looking for me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate all the food you wanted. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so." "What exactly does God want us to do?" the people asked.
Jesus answered, "God wants you to have faith in the one he sent."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all had someone be nice to us when they wanted something. There are some people who only come around or act interested in others when they are hoping to gain something from the interaction or relationship. I don’t mean to be cynical or skeptical, but often you can spot these people coming a mile away. And even if there is no ulterior motive, the history with this person makes it hard to believe that he/she is genuine.
It’s somewhat like when a teenager’s mom cooks his/her favorite dish, and the teen would do just about anything to get Mom to cook it again. The teenager really doesn’t notice all the wonderful, important things a mom does every day for him/her and the rest of the family (extended family, friends, community and more). It’s all about that favorite meal… personal gratification… and the teen will go to great lengths to schmooze Mom so that she will cook it again.
If we honestly look at our relationship to God, we are much the same. We pretty well always have our hand out in some manner. “LORD, please do this for me… Father, I need a miracle… God, heal me, my relationship, my family, my friends.” We’re not interested in God’s miracles and healing in the context of the world at large – much less giving back in service and dedication. We want God to feed us… to meet our needs at that very moment.
Let’s be clear… there is nothing wrong with asking God to meet our needs. He can… He will… He wants to do this for us. He wants to heal our bodies, minds, and relationships… and to do the same for those in our circle of family and friends. He wants to give us answers to our troubles and bless us each and every day. But He wants us to love and follow Him because of the Bread of Life… the gift of eternal salvation He provides to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t want us to believe in Him and serve Him because He cured our cancer, helped us pass a biology test, or we ran extra fast in the 5k or cross-country event. He doesn’t want us to follow Him because He gives us a roof over our head and a good job to pay the bills. He wants us to look beyond these material, “now” things and say, “I will follow you all the days of my life because you gave me Jesus.”
For me, this was a simple – but highly powerful – illustration. Some people are following Jesus for the “fish dinner” that He provides – that “favorite meal”. They are willing to love Jesus and serve Him – and basically butter Him up – for whatever is in it for them at the moment… the “quick fix.” But God wants us to be in it for the “Daily Bread” – the meal that satisfies our soul more than our bellies... and lasts! God wants us to follow Him and serve because we love Him and desire to be a part of His Kingdom forever.
What are your motives? Do you serve Jesus for the instant miracle… the “quick fix” to your present problem? Or do you see the bigger picture? Is your faith in God based on His tremendous love and sacrifice for us… His promise to meet our needs and bless us with the Bread of Life - now and forever? Or are you only looking to your next meal or miracle? There is a difference… can you see it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
That evening, Jesus' disciples went down to the lake. They got into a boat and started across for Capernaum. Later that evening Jesus had still not come to them, and a strong wind was making the water rough.
When the disciples had rowed for three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He kept coming closer to the boat, and they were terrified. But he said, "I am Jesus! Don't be afraid!" The disciples wanted to take him into the boat, but suddenly the boat reached the shore where they were headed.
The people who had stayed on the east side of the lake knew that only one boat had been there. They also knew that Jesus had not left in it with his disciples. But the next day some boats from Tiberias sailed near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread for which the Lord had given thanks. They saw that Jesus and his disciples had left. Then they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus. They found him on the west side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you for certain that you are not looking for me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate all the food you wanted. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so." "What exactly does God want us to do?" the people asked.
Jesus answered, "God wants you to have faith in the one he sent."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all had someone be nice to us when they wanted something. There are some people who only come around or act interested in others when they are hoping to gain something from the interaction or relationship. I don’t mean to be cynical or skeptical, but often you can spot these people coming a mile away. And even if there is no ulterior motive, the history with this person makes it hard to believe that he/she is genuine.
It’s somewhat like when a teenager’s mom cooks his/her favorite dish, and the teen would do just about anything to get Mom to cook it again. The teenager really doesn’t notice all the wonderful, important things a mom does every day for him/her and the rest of the family (extended family, friends, community and more). It’s all about that favorite meal… personal gratification… and the teen will go to great lengths to schmooze Mom so that she will cook it again.
If we honestly look at our relationship to God, we are much the same. We pretty well always have our hand out in some manner. “LORD, please do this for me… Father, I need a miracle… God, heal me, my relationship, my family, my friends.” We’re not interested in God’s miracles and healing in the context of the world at large – much less giving back in service and dedication. We want God to feed us… to meet our needs at that very moment.
Let’s be clear… there is nothing wrong with asking God to meet our needs. He can… He will… He wants to do this for us. He wants to heal our bodies, minds, and relationships… and to do the same for those in our circle of family and friends. He wants to give us answers to our troubles and bless us each and every day. But He wants us to love and follow Him because of the Bread of Life… the gift of eternal salvation He provides to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t want us to believe in Him and serve Him because He cured our cancer, helped us pass a biology test, or we ran extra fast in the 5k or cross-country event. He doesn’t want us to follow Him because He gives us a roof over our head and a good job to pay the bills. He wants us to look beyond these material, “now” things and say, “I will follow you all the days of my life because you gave me Jesus.”
For me, this was a simple – but highly powerful – illustration. Some people are following Jesus for the “fish dinner” that He provides – that “favorite meal”. They are willing to love Jesus and serve Him – and basically butter Him up – for whatever is in it for them at the moment… the “quick fix.” But God wants us to be in it for the “Daily Bread” – the meal that satisfies our soul more than our bellies... and lasts! God wants us to follow Him and serve because we love Him and desire to be a part of His Kingdom forever.
What are your motives? Do you serve Jesus for the instant miracle… the “quick fix” to your present problem? Or do you see the bigger picture? Is your faith in God based on His tremendous love and sacrifice for us… His promise to meet our needs and bless us with the Bread of Life - now and forever? Or are you only looking to your next meal or miracle? There is a difference… can you see it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 23, 2011
July 23 ~ John 4:1-3
Jesus realized that the Pharisees were keeping count of the baptisms that he and John performed (although his disciples, not Jesus, did the actual baptizing). They had posted the score that Jesus was ahead, turning him and John into rivals in the eyes of the people. So Jesus left the Judean countryside and went back to Galilee.
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 David Letterman opens his segment, “Stupid Pet Tricks,” he says, “Remember… this is not a competition – it is an exhibition. Please… no wagering.” We would do well to remember this in our Christian living. The life of a Christian is not a competition… we are not in a race to see who can witness to the most people or serve more in need. God is not counting how many people we mention in prayer each day… and He is certainly not comparing our life to that of the next guy!
Our Christian life is not an exhibition in the context of serving God “for show.” But our Christian life is an exhibition in the sense that we are to exhibit the characteristics that please God… love and service to others, worship and celebration of Him, grace and forgiveness, and an effort to grow in knowledge and wisdom.
We must begin to realize that God is more concerned with quality than quantity. In other words, instead of trying to mention three dozen names on a prayer list in your morning visit with God, earnestly pray over a dozen… then bring another dozen before Him later in the day. Instead of trying to add more names to your church’s membership roster… consider choosing a handful of people in your present congregation to nurture and encourage.
I’m not saying witnessing and bringing in new members isn’t important. What I am saying is that living for Jesus is not a “numbers game.” And for heaven’s sake, quit comparing your life to someone else’s. Just because Joe seems to be on every committee and visiting needy families three times a week while holding down two jobs doesn’t mean that God is calling you to do this!
Notice in this scripture passage that Jesus was so irritated by the competition factor and the troubles it created that he physically removed Himself. If this doesn’t send a signal to us that Jesus is displeased by this type of behavior, nothing will.
Ask God to show you how He wants you to serve… and where. Ask Him to give you wisdom with regard to your daily living. Seek Him earnestly as you pray – and pray with conviction… not the methodical actions of a robot. Consciously examine every action of your day and see where you are genuinely operating out of a love for Christ and a faith in Him… and where you are playing the “numbers game.” Make a concerted effort to remember… your life in Christ is not a competition… it is an exhibition of your love and gratitude for what He has done in your life. With Jesus, everybody is a winner… and that is a wager we can afford to make!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus realized that the Pharisees were keeping count of the baptisms that he and John performed (although his disciples, not Jesus, did the actual baptizing). They had posted the score that Jesus was ahead, turning him and John into rivals in the eyes of the people. So Jesus left the Judean countryside and went back to Galilee.
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 David Letterman opens his segment, “Stupid Pet Tricks,” he says, “Remember… this is not a competition – it is an exhibition. Please… no wagering.” We would do well to remember this in our Christian living. The life of a Christian is not a competition… we are not in a race to see who can witness to the most people or serve more in need. God is not counting how many people we mention in prayer each day… and He is certainly not comparing our life to that of the next guy!
Our Christian life is not an exhibition in the context of serving God “for show.” But our Christian life is an exhibition in the sense that we are to exhibit the characteristics that please God… love and service to others, worship and celebration of Him, grace and forgiveness, and an effort to grow in knowledge and wisdom.
We must begin to realize that God is more concerned with quality than quantity. In other words, instead of trying to mention three dozen names on a prayer list in your morning visit with God, earnestly pray over a dozen… then bring another dozen before Him later in the day. Instead of trying to add more names to your church’s membership roster… consider choosing a handful of people in your present congregation to nurture and encourage.
I’m not saying witnessing and bringing in new members isn’t important. What I am saying is that living for Jesus is not a “numbers game.” And for heaven’s sake, quit comparing your life to someone else’s. Just because Joe seems to be on every committee and visiting needy families three times a week while holding down two jobs doesn’t mean that God is calling you to do this!
Notice in this scripture passage that Jesus was so irritated by the competition factor and the troubles it created that he physically removed Himself. If this doesn’t send a signal to us that Jesus is displeased by this type of behavior, nothing will.
Ask God to show you how He wants you to serve… and where. Ask Him to give you wisdom with regard to your daily living. Seek Him earnestly as you pray – and pray with conviction… not the methodical actions of a robot. Consciously examine every action of your day and see where you are genuinely operating out of a love for Christ and a faith in Him… and where you are playing the “numbers game.” Make a concerted effort to remember… your life in Christ is not a competition… it is an exhibition of your love and gratitude for what He has done in your life. With Jesus, everybody is a winner… and that is a wager we can afford to make!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 25, 2010
Titus 2:7
Always set a good example for others. Be sincere and serious when you teach.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I have become quite familiar with a show on NickJr. called “The Wonder Pets.” Timothy loves it! The program features three animals in a pre-school … Linny the guinea pig, Tuck the turtle, and “Ming-Ming, too!” – a fuzzy yellow duckling. In each episode, the three animals are happily playing in their tanks or cages, until the “phone” (a recycled food can filled with pencils) begins to ring, signaling that “there’s an animal in trouble somewhere.” They hear the animal’s story and figure out how they can assist. Ming-Ming always says, “This is serious!” (Although her “serious” sounds like “sewious!”)
The Wonder Pets have figured out that there is a time to have fun … and a time to be serious. When it comes to the nuts and bolts of performing a rescue, they get very serious and work together to get the job done. Then they can have some fun with the animal and its family. And in much the same way, there are times for Christians to have fun … and times for us to be serious.
Yes, we want people to know that Christian living is fun. Retreats, float trips, get-aways and socials are wonderful. Having fun at Sunday School, laughing in worship, and celebrating special events are all part of God’s plan. But the saving of souls for all eternity is serious business, and there are times when we need to settle in and settle down … and really get into what God’s word tells us.
The happy, joy-filled Christian also needs to spend time with those who are sad and in need of a sympathetic ear … those who are sick … the poor and downtrodden. We have to show others that we can be sincere and serious and help them in times of need … that we can pray with them and for them, and that we can offer encouragement and support. We have to have time when we come together to study and worship in a spirit of humility and holiness … quiet reflection and a solemn attitude. We are not saying that Christian living is sad or somber … we are showing respect and honor for the teachings and ministries of Jesus … and meeting the needs of others His name.
Just like The Wonder Pets, there is a time for Christians to be playful and have fun … and there is a time to get serious. The Wonder Pets theme song says, “We’re not too big, and we’re not too tough, but when we work together, we’ve got the right stuff!” That should be the motto for us as Christians. We should “play” together and share the joy of our faith, but we should also roll up our sleeves and work together to accomplish the serious work for the Kingdom of Heaven.
What is our behavior saying to others these days? Do we, as Christians, have “the right stuff” – and are we showing this to others? Are we setting a good example for Christ … and are we keeping a good balance between “fun” and the serious work of His Kingdom? There’s “a person in trouble somewhere” – the “phone” is ringing … how will we answer?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Always set a good example for others. Be sincere and serious when you teach.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I have become quite familiar with a show on NickJr. called “The Wonder Pets.” Timothy loves it! The program features three animals in a pre-school … Linny the guinea pig, Tuck the turtle, and “Ming-Ming, too!” – a fuzzy yellow duckling. In each episode, the three animals are happily playing in their tanks or cages, until the “phone” (a recycled food can filled with pencils) begins to ring, signaling that “there’s an animal in trouble somewhere.” They hear the animal’s story and figure out how they can assist. Ming-Ming always says, “This is serious!” (Although her “serious” sounds like “sewious!”)
The Wonder Pets have figured out that there is a time to have fun … and a time to be serious. When it comes to the nuts and bolts of performing a rescue, they get very serious and work together to get the job done. Then they can have some fun with the animal and its family. And in much the same way, there are times for Christians to have fun … and times for us to be serious.
Yes, we want people to know that Christian living is fun. Retreats, float trips, get-aways and socials are wonderful. Having fun at Sunday School, laughing in worship, and celebrating special events are all part of God’s plan. But the saving of souls for all eternity is serious business, and there are times when we need to settle in and settle down … and really get into what God’s word tells us.
The happy, joy-filled Christian also needs to spend time with those who are sad and in need of a sympathetic ear … those who are sick … the poor and downtrodden. We have to show others that we can be sincere and serious and help them in times of need … that we can pray with them and for them, and that we can offer encouragement and support. We have to have time when we come together to study and worship in a spirit of humility and holiness … quiet reflection and a solemn attitude. We are not saying that Christian living is sad or somber … we are showing respect and honor for the teachings and ministries of Jesus … and meeting the needs of others His name.
Just like The Wonder Pets, there is a time for Christians to be playful and have fun … and there is a time to get serious. The Wonder Pets theme song says, “We’re not too big, and we’re not too tough, but when we work together, we’ve got the right stuff!” That should be the motto for us as Christians. We should “play” together and share the joy of our faith, but we should also roll up our sleeves and work together to accomplish the serious work for the Kingdom of Heaven.
What is our behavior saying to others these days? Do we, as Christians, have “the right stuff” – and are we showing this to others? Are we setting a good example for Christ … and are we keeping a good balance between “fun” and the serious work of His Kingdom? There’s “a person in trouble somewhere” – the “phone” is ringing … how will we answer?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 5, 2010
Acts 4:31
After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you asked most Christians, “Do you pray?” they would readily say, “Oh, yes!” If you asked them, “Does the earth shake when you pray?” most people would probably laugh at you – or look at you like you were crazy and walk away. Don’t miss my point. I’m not saying that we should expect the ground to shake every time we pray. But often we offer God “lip service,” and our prayers are more filled with ritual than the presence of the Holy Spirit! We are more concerned with “how” we pray than actual communion with God … and it shows!
During our prayer time, we need to be mindful of the Holy Spirit. We need to invite Him to fill us … and then we must recognize His presence. We need to pray with expectation! If you go back and read the verses leading up to Acts 4:31, you will see that Peter and John had been praying for courage. They were asking God to give them bravery as they shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ, healed the sick and lame, and ministered in Jesus’ name. And they didn’t say, “If you give us opportunities to minister and heal” – they asked for bravery when they did these things. You could easily argue that their “bravery” was the very essence of the Holy Spirit manifested in them!
So my challenge to you this day – and to myself – is to pray with sincerity and expectation. Let’s acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit to work in and through us to accomplish great things in the name of Jesus. Let’s be specific in our prayers, humble before God, grateful for His blessings, and confident that He is going to answer in mighty ways. Let’s expect the ground to shake (at least figuratively), and let’s step out in faith that God will fill us to overflowing with His Holy Spirit and use us to accomplish great things for His kingdom. No more “lip service” – it’s time for a whole lotta shakin’ to begin!
©2010 Debbie Robus
After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you asked most Christians, “Do you pray?” they would readily say, “Oh, yes!” If you asked them, “Does the earth shake when you pray?” most people would probably laugh at you – or look at you like you were crazy and walk away. Don’t miss my point. I’m not saying that we should expect the ground to shake every time we pray. But often we offer God “lip service,” and our prayers are more filled with ritual than the presence of the Holy Spirit! We are more concerned with “how” we pray than actual communion with God … and it shows!
During our prayer time, we need to be mindful of the Holy Spirit. We need to invite Him to fill us … and then we must recognize His presence. We need to pray with expectation! If you go back and read the verses leading up to Acts 4:31, you will see that Peter and John had been praying for courage. They were asking God to give them bravery as they shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ, healed the sick and lame, and ministered in Jesus’ name. And they didn’t say, “If you give us opportunities to minister and heal” – they asked for bravery when they did these things. You could easily argue that their “bravery” was the very essence of the Holy Spirit manifested in them!
So my challenge to you this day – and to myself – is to pray with sincerity and expectation. Let’s acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit to work in and through us to accomplish great things in the name of Jesus. Let’s be specific in our prayers, humble before God, grateful for His blessings, and confident that He is going to answer in mighty ways. Let’s expect the ground to shake (at least figuratively), and let’s step out in faith that God will fill us to overflowing with His Holy Spirit and use us to accomplish great things for His kingdom. No more “lip service” – it’s time for a whole lotta shakin’ to begin!
©2010 Debbie Robus
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