Hebrews 6:13-20
When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line. He said, “I promise that I’ll bless you with everything I have—bless and bless and bless!” Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him. When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they’ll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable.
We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.
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.
Nearly 35 years ago, Greg and I were living north of Russellville, Arkansas, in a rural area known as Linker Mountain. I had taken up jogging, and I would go for my daily run in the evenings after work. My route was along the road in front of our house… a seldom-traveled stretch that climbed up the “mountain” and looped around. I scaled a couple of pretty steep stretches before turning around and descending. It was a really good workout!
One evening I got a somewhat late start, and darkness began to settle in as I neared my last peak. A car came along and passed me… then the driver stopped and began to back up toward me. I am sure that this person probably wanted to ask if I was okay, but it really spooked me…and I just froze. I wanted to yell… tried to yell…but nothing came out of my mouth. And then I began to run… no, SPRINT… toward home. In my mind, I was running for my very life toward the safety and sanctuary of our house… and Greg.
The people in the car didn’t know where I lived. They didn’t know that I had someone waiting for me inside one of the handful of homes scattered along that road. But I knew that I could run straight through the door of our house to the shelter of a husband who would protect me! As I ran away from the car, the driver changed course and headed on up the hill and away from me… and ultimately, all was well.
I should have been a little better prepared. Because I was so close to home, I was overly confident. This was before cell phones were popular. I should have had a whistle or some other security devise with me – at least a flashlight, maybe. I trusted the safety and security of my home and Greg… but at the exact instant this happened, neither were within reach!
I’m sure I overreacted, but I was truly shaken. And if you are honest, there have been at least a few times when you have experienced something that shook you… rattled your cage… knocked you off balance. Where did you turn? Who did you trust? Even today, do you have an unbreakable spiritual lifeline with God? Do you have His promised hope and the assurance that gives you every reason to run for your very life toward God, grab Him with both hands and never let go? Are you truly prepared for whatever life throws your way?
This is not just idle talk. A lot of people SAY they have this kind of relationship with God… an unbreakable hope in His promises. But talk is cheap and doesn’t get you very far in a faith walk. You have to have some meat and muscle behind it. You have to know that you know that you KNOW that God’s promises concerning your life… and His power and authority over it… are rock-solid and above reproach! Sadly, many won’t truly know this until they are tested in some way… and for some of us, this can be a painful and costly lesson.
I hope you are not one of those who has to “learn by example.” I pray that you can truly grasp the integrity and power of God’s promises… that you can sincerely and wholeheartedly put your hope and trust in Him NOW… once and for all… that you are already hanging on with both hands to God and will never let Him go… that you are truly prepared for whatever “life” and the devil try to toss in your direction. Otherwise, you are pretty well running uphill in the dark… and subject to whatever potential troubles may come along.
It doesn’t have to be this way. God cannot lie. He has vowed to protect us… and to bless us. Since God does not lie, He cannot break these vows. There is no other about whom you can truly say the same. So what are you waiting for? Grab hold of God with both hands and NEVER EVER let Him go. Cling to His spiritual lifeline and operate each and every day in the hope of His love and care.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label taking responsibility for your relationship with God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taking responsibility for your relationship with God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for November 4, 2013
John 3:23-30
At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. (This was before John was thrown into prison.) A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”
John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
All teachers know that Halloween is a turning point in the fall semester, particularly for little ones. Once the kids get their Halloween “sugar high,” it’s pretty much “Katy bar the door” until Christmas! So when my niece told me that Timothy’s teachers had declared him to be “rowdy” on November 1st, I can’t say I was surprised. I told her that my experience had proven that there would be lots of “rowdiness” between now and Christmas… and she said Timothy’s teachers had pretty much said the same thing.
This explanation doesn’t excuse “rowdy” behavior in young children… and they must accept responsibility for their actions. So when Timothy told us on Sunday, “I didn’t get to come to your house after Halloween,” I reminded him that it was because he had misbehaved… that in order to visit us overnight on Saturday, he must be good at school – and at home – during the week. That’s a tall order for a four-year-old. But he can do it. And at some point, we must hold him more accountable for his actions and intervene on his behalf less and less. Even now, as he learns in Sunday school that God created everything… that God wants us to do our very best…that God will help us with our challenges… we must allow Him to lean more on God and less on us for these things.
Learning to let go – even of your child’s spiritual journey - is a hard “parenting” lesson. It’s even harder for us sometimes as we become adults. We often have trouble recognizing Who is really in charge. We want to do things ourselves… our way…and to receive credit for our independence. So we find it hard to admit that God is in charge… that while we are allowed to handle things somewhat on our own at times, the end result came from Him – by His hand, not our own.
By the same token, we must accept responsibility for our actions and not try to blame God. Rather, we must learn to rely on Him. Just as young children must learn to develop a trust in God… to listen to Him and follow His lead… to acknowledge right from wrong and strive to do what He desires… we must do the same. And we must lead by example…not because we are wonderful, strong and mighty… but because we are made so by God’s great sacrifice – His love, grace and mercy over us.
It’s not about us… it’s about Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. It’s about God and the love He has for us that is so great that He was willing to sacrifice His only Son for our sins. It’s about the privilege of serving Him… of allowing God to use us to reach others in His name… and giving Him all of the glory and credit. We are very much still the rowdy child who has lessons to learn... but it’s high time we grew up a bit and started comprehending what we have been taught!
Where are you in this journey? Are you taking credit for the things that God has done in and through you? Are you showing the proper respect for your position in life… or do you think more highly of yourself than you ought? Are you trying to be the bridegroom instead of the best man? Do you need to acknowledge your “rowdiness” and make an effort to behave better? Isn’t it time you got started?
©2013 Debbie Robus
At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. (This was before John was thrown into prison.) A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”
John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
All teachers know that Halloween is a turning point in the fall semester, particularly for little ones. Once the kids get their Halloween “sugar high,” it’s pretty much “Katy bar the door” until Christmas! So when my niece told me that Timothy’s teachers had declared him to be “rowdy” on November 1st, I can’t say I was surprised. I told her that my experience had proven that there would be lots of “rowdiness” between now and Christmas… and she said Timothy’s teachers had pretty much said the same thing.
This explanation doesn’t excuse “rowdy” behavior in young children… and they must accept responsibility for their actions. So when Timothy told us on Sunday, “I didn’t get to come to your house after Halloween,” I reminded him that it was because he had misbehaved… that in order to visit us overnight on Saturday, he must be good at school – and at home – during the week. That’s a tall order for a four-year-old. But he can do it. And at some point, we must hold him more accountable for his actions and intervene on his behalf less and less. Even now, as he learns in Sunday school that God created everything… that God wants us to do our very best…that God will help us with our challenges… we must allow Him to lean more on God and less on us for these things.
Learning to let go – even of your child’s spiritual journey - is a hard “parenting” lesson. It’s even harder for us sometimes as we become adults. We often have trouble recognizing Who is really in charge. We want to do things ourselves… our way…and to receive credit for our independence. So we find it hard to admit that God is in charge… that while we are allowed to handle things somewhat on our own at times, the end result came from Him – by His hand, not our own.
By the same token, we must accept responsibility for our actions and not try to blame God. Rather, we must learn to rely on Him. Just as young children must learn to develop a trust in God… to listen to Him and follow His lead… to acknowledge right from wrong and strive to do what He desires… we must do the same. And we must lead by example…not because we are wonderful, strong and mighty… but because we are made so by God’s great sacrifice – His love, grace and mercy over us.
It’s not about us… it’s about Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. It’s about God and the love He has for us that is so great that He was willing to sacrifice His only Son for our sins. It’s about the privilege of serving Him… of allowing God to use us to reach others in His name… and giving Him all of the glory and credit. We are very much still the rowdy child who has lessons to learn... but it’s high time we grew up a bit and started comprehending what we have been taught!
Where are you in this journey? Are you taking credit for the things that God has done in and through you? Are you showing the proper respect for your position in life… or do you think more highly of yourself than you ought? Are you trying to be the bridegroom instead of the best man? Do you need to acknowledge your “rowdiness” and make an effort to behave better? Isn’t it time you got started?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 14, 2013
Ezekiel 18:20
Only those who sin will be put to death. Children won’t suffer for the sins of their parents, and parents won’t suffer for the sins of their children. Good people will be rewarded for what they do, and evil people will be punished for what they do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In her book The Glass Castle, author Jeannette Walls describes what life was like for her and her brother and sister as they grew up with parents who were “different” at best… and downright neglectful and shady in some regards. They didn’t pay bills… they “skedaddled” in the middle of the night a few steps ahead of landlords, collection agents and law enforcement. Walls’ mother, a well-educated teacher, chose to spend her days and nights painting while the children slept, quite literally, under an old boat that protected them from water dripping through a leaky roof… and rats hung out in the large bowl of sugar that sat atop the dining table. Food was scarce, and the children were forced to forage in the garbage cans at school and elsewhere in order to fill their stomachs. The children suffered abuse at the hands of a grandmother, and the parents looked the other way. The book is fascinating and heartbreaking on every page, and I encourage you to read it if you haven’t already.
What is truly amazing is that the children survived. Walls and her brother fared better than their sister, but all of the children made their own way and were able to carve something of a life separate from their parents. Their story gives hope to countless families in which either the children feel destined to repeat the “sins of the father and mother,” or the parents feel responsible for how their kids “turned out”. While there is a distinct and often traceable connection…you can’t account for the power of choice. And that is what this scripture passage clearly indicates.
Just because your parents were not the greatest doesn’t mean you have to turn out to be like them. You don’t have to be a poor manager just because your parents were. You can break the “curse” of alcoholism, drug addiction, physical abuse, and more. You can be the first person in your household to finish school and go to college. You can have a marriage that is strong and steady and doesn’t fall apart within the first few years. You can choose to serve God and act as His disciple…even if your parents never darkened the door of a church or picked up a Bible.
By the same token, parents are not ultimately responsible for their children’s choices. You can serve as the model example of Godly, loving, responsible parents… do everything “right”… and still produce children who choose to behave in a completely different manner. You can live in the same house with brothers and sisters who are downright scoundrels… but that doesn’t make you one. You can have grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who have poor reputations… who are disobedient and disrespectful to God and to others…but you can choose NOT to be like them.
At the end of the day, there comes a time when we all make choices. We choose whether to throw our hands up and say, “Look at me and my family – this is just who we are”… or we can say, “I am only responsible for MYSELF… God will judge ME on my own merits. I am choosing to follow Him and behave in a way that honors this commitment.” I truly dislike it when someone makes a comment about another person that references his/her family… as if it is accepted as fact that we cannot be our own person and must operate in a manner similar to those in our bloodline. Nothing could be farther from the truth. You do have a choice. And yours is the only one that will matter to God.
How will you decide? Who will you follow? When God looks at the sum of your life, what will you have to show Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Only those who sin will be put to death. Children won’t suffer for the sins of their parents, and parents won’t suffer for the sins of their children. Good people will be rewarded for what they do, and evil people will be punished for what they do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In her book The Glass Castle, author Jeannette Walls describes what life was like for her and her brother and sister as they grew up with parents who were “different” at best… and downright neglectful and shady in some regards. They didn’t pay bills… they “skedaddled” in the middle of the night a few steps ahead of landlords, collection agents and law enforcement. Walls’ mother, a well-educated teacher, chose to spend her days and nights painting while the children slept, quite literally, under an old boat that protected them from water dripping through a leaky roof… and rats hung out in the large bowl of sugar that sat atop the dining table. Food was scarce, and the children were forced to forage in the garbage cans at school and elsewhere in order to fill their stomachs. The children suffered abuse at the hands of a grandmother, and the parents looked the other way. The book is fascinating and heartbreaking on every page, and I encourage you to read it if you haven’t already.
What is truly amazing is that the children survived. Walls and her brother fared better than their sister, but all of the children made their own way and were able to carve something of a life separate from their parents. Their story gives hope to countless families in which either the children feel destined to repeat the “sins of the father and mother,” or the parents feel responsible for how their kids “turned out”. While there is a distinct and often traceable connection…you can’t account for the power of choice. And that is what this scripture passage clearly indicates.
Just because your parents were not the greatest doesn’t mean you have to turn out to be like them. You don’t have to be a poor manager just because your parents were. You can break the “curse” of alcoholism, drug addiction, physical abuse, and more. You can be the first person in your household to finish school and go to college. You can have a marriage that is strong and steady and doesn’t fall apart within the first few years. You can choose to serve God and act as His disciple…even if your parents never darkened the door of a church or picked up a Bible.
By the same token, parents are not ultimately responsible for their children’s choices. You can serve as the model example of Godly, loving, responsible parents… do everything “right”… and still produce children who choose to behave in a completely different manner. You can live in the same house with brothers and sisters who are downright scoundrels… but that doesn’t make you one. You can have grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who have poor reputations… who are disobedient and disrespectful to God and to others…but you can choose NOT to be like them.
At the end of the day, there comes a time when we all make choices. We choose whether to throw our hands up and say, “Look at me and my family – this is just who we are”… or we can say, “I am only responsible for MYSELF… God will judge ME on my own merits. I am choosing to follow Him and behave in a way that honors this commitment.” I truly dislike it when someone makes a comment about another person that references his/her family… as if it is accepted as fact that we cannot be our own person and must operate in a manner similar to those in our bloodline. Nothing could be farther from the truth. You do have a choice. And yours is the only one that will matter to God.
How will you decide? Who will you follow? When God looks at the sum of your life, what will you have to show Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 27, 2013
Nahum 1:2-3
God is serious business.
He won’t be trifled with.
He avenges his foes.
He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging.
But God doesn’t lose his temper.
He’s powerful, but it’s a patient power.
Still, no one gets by with anything.
Sooner or later, everyone pays.
Tornadoes and hurricanes
are the wake of his passage,
Storm clouds are the dust
he shakes off his feet.
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.
From our living room windows, we can see boaters and skiers on Greers Ferry Lake. The larger boats create powerful wakes as they barrel across the water. If you have ever water skied, you know about a boat’s wake…how the motor churns up the water and causes it to ripple like a ribbon that trails behind. If you stay in the middle of that trail – centered on the wake – you have fairly smooth skiing. But if you venture out over the edges where the water curls in mini-waves, you’d better know what you are doing!
I like the analogy of this translation from Nahum… the thought that when God becomes angry, upset or disappointed with us, His power is evident - but patient. He doesn’t bring tornadoes, hurricanes and storms to punish us… but their strength and power are a solid comparison to how intensely – and seriously – He takes our disobedience and disrespect. If you think about storm debris as the dust from God stomping His feet, you get a pretty good idea of how deeply He cares… how passionate He is about our relationship.
I wonder… are we as passionate about our relationship with God? Do we take our covenant seriously? Do we extend to others the same love and care that is offered to us? Are we patient with them? Are we firm in our insistence that relationships be respectful and fair to all parties… but long-suffering when others disappoint – just as God is toward us? Are we quick to operate in “tornadoes, hurricanes and storm clouds”… or do we show grace, mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness?
I have no desire to experience the “storm cloud power” of God in my own life. In fact, I am doing all I can to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and does not try His patience – although I know I fall short of this many times each day. My goal is not to avoid God’s wrath… but rather to enjoy His pleasure – and His companionship. And in much the same way, there may be people in your life whom you tiptoe around…spending your time avoiding their anger, frustration and general unpleasantness instead of relishing a joyful, loving connection.
None of this is God’s desire for us. Ask Him today to show you where and how to take positive steps toward operating in fellowship with Him… and with others. Let God show you how to create an atmosphere in which sweet communion is the order of the day… where you ride the middle of the wake and avoid the pitfalls and perils of the edges. Develop a bond with God where His power is both present and patient – in your relationship with Him and with others.
©2013 Debbie Robus
God is serious business.
He won’t be trifled with.
He avenges his foes.
He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging.
But God doesn’t lose his temper.
He’s powerful, but it’s a patient power.
Still, no one gets by with anything.
Sooner or later, everyone pays.
Tornadoes and hurricanes
are the wake of his passage,
Storm clouds are the dust
he shakes off his feet.
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.
From our living room windows, we can see boaters and skiers on Greers Ferry Lake. The larger boats create powerful wakes as they barrel across the water. If you have ever water skied, you know about a boat’s wake…how the motor churns up the water and causes it to ripple like a ribbon that trails behind. If you stay in the middle of that trail – centered on the wake – you have fairly smooth skiing. But if you venture out over the edges where the water curls in mini-waves, you’d better know what you are doing!
I like the analogy of this translation from Nahum… the thought that when God becomes angry, upset or disappointed with us, His power is evident - but patient. He doesn’t bring tornadoes, hurricanes and storms to punish us… but their strength and power are a solid comparison to how intensely – and seriously – He takes our disobedience and disrespect. If you think about storm debris as the dust from God stomping His feet, you get a pretty good idea of how deeply He cares… how passionate He is about our relationship.
I wonder… are we as passionate about our relationship with God? Do we take our covenant seriously? Do we extend to others the same love and care that is offered to us? Are we patient with them? Are we firm in our insistence that relationships be respectful and fair to all parties… but long-suffering when others disappoint – just as God is toward us? Are we quick to operate in “tornadoes, hurricanes and storm clouds”… or do we show grace, mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness?
I have no desire to experience the “storm cloud power” of God in my own life. In fact, I am doing all I can to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and does not try His patience – although I know I fall short of this many times each day. My goal is not to avoid God’s wrath… but rather to enjoy His pleasure – and His companionship. And in much the same way, there may be people in your life whom you tiptoe around…spending your time avoiding their anger, frustration and general unpleasantness instead of relishing a joyful, loving connection.
None of this is God’s desire for us. Ask Him today to show you where and how to take positive steps toward operating in fellowship with Him… and with others. Let God show you how to create an atmosphere in which sweet communion is the order of the day… where you ride the middle of the wake and avoid the pitfalls and perils of the edges. Develop a bond with God where His power is both present and patient – in your relationship with Him and with others.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 24, 2012
Romans 12:4-5
A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. That’s how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever stubbed your toe, smashed your finger, or gotten a paper cut? Doesn’t it seem that all you can think about for the next day or so is how your toe or finger throbs in pain? Or maybe you have gotten a tender spot on your gums, and all you can focus on is how much your mouth hurts! One seemingly tiny, insignificant part of your body is elevated in importance when it causes you pain!
Like many people, I have had my appendix surgically removed. I’m sure God had a perfect purpose for the appendix, but in my case and that of many others, it posed a potential health risk and had to be removed. Thankfully, we can still function without our appendix… just as countless people learn to function without limbs, sight, hearing, and the ability to speak or move parts of their body. Even in our “brokenness,” we can find ways to live happy, healthy, productive lives.
In the body of Christ, every part is significant… and every part is broken. We all come with sinful pasts – and the potential for sin to creep into our futures. Yet God uses us for His purposes… and together, we create a whole “body” that can function in ways we never could individually. Where one is broken, another is whole. Where one is weak… a brother or sister is strong. Where one is lacking in skills and abilities, others are gifted. And together, we bring our unique attributes before God to create the very vehicle He needs to achieve His plans.
I don’t know what your unique qualities are… I don’t know what significant role you are called to play in accomplishing the missions and ministries of God. But I know that we all have a part to play – and each is incredibly important. The question is… are you seeking your unique role? Are you communicating with God and asking Him to reveal your purposes… to show you how to serve others – and contribute to the body of Christ?
As you consider your importance to the body of Christ, ask yourself these questions… What will you bring to the table? What will be missing if you don’t?
©2012 Debbie Robus
A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. That’s how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever stubbed your toe, smashed your finger, or gotten a paper cut? Doesn’t it seem that all you can think about for the next day or so is how your toe or finger throbs in pain? Or maybe you have gotten a tender spot on your gums, and all you can focus on is how much your mouth hurts! One seemingly tiny, insignificant part of your body is elevated in importance when it causes you pain!
Like many people, I have had my appendix surgically removed. I’m sure God had a perfect purpose for the appendix, but in my case and that of many others, it posed a potential health risk and had to be removed. Thankfully, we can still function without our appendix… just as countless people learn to function without limbs, sight, hearing, and the ability to speak or move parts of their body. Even in our “brokenness,” we can find ways to live happy, healthy, productive lives.
In the body of Christ, every part is significant… and every part is broken. We all come with sinful pasts – and the potential for sin to creep into our futures. Yet God uses us for His purposes… and together, we create a whole “body” that can function in ways we never could individually. Where one is broken, another is whole. Where one is weak… a brother or sister is strong. Where one is lacking in skills and abilities, others are gifted. And together, we bring our unique attributes before God to create the very vehicle He needs to achieve His plans.
I don’t know what your unique qualities are… I don’t know what significant role you are called to play in accomplishing the missions and ministries of God. But I know that we all have a part to play – and each is incredibly important. The question is… are you seeking your unique role? Are you communicating with God and asking Him to reveal your purposes… to show you how to serve others – and contribute to the body of Christ?
As you consider your importance to the body of Christ, ask yourself these questions… What will you bring to the table? What will be missing if you don’t?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 1, 2012
Luke 16:10-12
Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters. If you cannot be trusted with this wicked wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? And if you cannot be trusted with what belongs to someone else, who will give you something that will be your own?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When Timothy was staying with us, I tried to be very careful to always keep my promises. Some would argue that a two-year-old cannot remember that I said last week I would pick him up on Saturday… or that I told him I would take him to a birthday party, but someone else ended up taking him. But I believe that it’s more about us keeping our word – even to little children who might not remember – than whether what we promised is truly important. This scripture gets it so right… if we can’t be trusted in the little things, how can we ever be trusted with really important stuff?!
A story was recently shared with me about a pastor who had a church member who was hospitalized in another town – but the pastor had been told she was not seriously ill. He had made several trips already that week to the hospital to visit other patients, so he told himself, “I’m tired…she’s not seriously ill, and it’s such a long trip… I’ll catch her next time.” In truth, the woman was very ill. When the pastor finally visited her, he asked forgiveness and apologized. The woman told him, “I will forgive you… but I’ll never forget.” And subsequently, she and her family stopped coming to that particular church.
Now this is a drastic illustration… and you might argue that the woman was at fault for being too sensitive. But this does clearly indicate that little things matter… a visit, hug, or handshake… a kind word (written or spoken)… a kept promise… personal attention to small details… respect for others and their property… acting responsibly and being accountable. If we cannot be faithful in the little things, why on earth should God or anybody else ever trust us with more?
In my notes, I have written that “Judgment day will be a day to judge how well you did your assignment. The only thing that matters is, ‘Am I doing the thing that God called me to do?’” What is God calling you to do today… large and small? What little things has He asked of you? Have you been faithful in these? Are you ready to accept larger assignments? Are you worthy of the responsibility that these carry? Do you keep your promises?
The key to getting closer to God lies in faithfulness - in accomplishing the bigger things…and more importantly, the littlest matters. How close are you to God these days? Can He trust you with any assignment… regardless of the size?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters. If you cannot be trusted with this wicked wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? And if you cannot be trusted with what belongs to someone else, who will give you something that will be your own?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When Timothy was staying with us, I tried to be very careful to always keep my promises. Some would argue that a two-year-old cannot remember that I said last week I would pick him up on Saturday… or that I told him I would take him to a birthday party, but someone else ended up taking him. But I believe that it’s more about us keeping our word – even to little children who might not remember – than whether what we promised is truly important. This scripture gets it so right… if we can’t be trusted in the little things, how can we ever be trusted with really important stuff?!
A story was recently shared with me about a pastor who had a church member who was hospitalized in another town – but the pastor had been told she was not seriously ill. He had made several trips already that week to the hospital to visit other patients, so he told himself, “I’m tired…she’s not seriously ill, and it’s such a long trip… I’ll catch her next time.” In truth, the woman was very ill. When the pastor finally visited her, he asked forgiveness and apologized. The woman told him, “I will forgive you… but I’ll never forget.” And subsequently, she and her family stopped coming to that particular church.
Now this is a drastic illustration… and you might argue that the woman was at fault for being too sensitive. But this does clearly indicate that little things matter… a visit, hug, or handshake… a kind word (written or spoken)… a kept promise… personal attention to small details… respect for others and their property… acting responsibly and being accountable. If we cannot be faithful in the little things, why on earth should God or anybody else ever trust us with more?
In my notes, I have written that “Judgment day will be a day to judge how well you did your assignment. The only thing that matters is, ‘Am I doing the thing that God called me to do?’” What is God calling you to do today… large and small? What little things has He asked of you? Have you been faithful in these? Are you ready to accept larger assignments? Are you worthy of the responsibility that these carry? Do you keep your promises?
The key to getting closer to God lies in faithfulness - in accomplishing the bigger things…and more importantly, the littlest matters. How close are you to God these days? Can He trust you with any assignment… regardless of the size?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 23, 2011
1 Chronicles 9:28-33
Some of the Levites were responsible for the equipment used in worship at the temple, and they had to count everything before and after it was used. Others were responsible for the temple furnishings and its sacred objects, as well as the flour, wine, olive oil, incense, and spices. But only the priests could mix the spices. Mattithiah, Shallum's oldest son, was a member of the Levite clan of Korah, and he was in charge of baking the bread used for offerings. The Levites from the Kohath clan were in charge of baking the sacred loaves of bread for each Sabbath. The Levite family leaders who were the musicians also lived at the temple. They had no other responsibilities, because they were on duty day and night.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Each holiday season, I am reminded of family traditions. A lot of those in our family centered around food and big holiday dinners! When I was growing up, my Mam-ma Polly always made the hot rolls for our big potluck feasts and cooked green beans in her cast iron Dutch oven. My Aunt Altha made giblet gravy and the cornbread dressing as long as she could – then her daughter Betty Rhea took over. When Betty had a stroke and could no longer make the dressing, her grand-daughter, Natalie, took up the torch!
My mom always made an assortment of cookies to be eaten throughout the holidays - especially on Christmas morning. These included rolled cookies cut into the shape of Christmas trees, bells, and Santa Claus himself. Some were iced and decorated with “red hot” candies. Others were left plain. This year, I made holiday cookies – not the rolled and iced kind, but a family favorite nonetheless.
My Mam-ma Polly was somewhat known as the “peanut brittle lady” – making as much as 50 pounds of the candy to give to family and friends at Christmas time. Like clockwork, the tins would go out in December with an admonition that “I’ll need those back for next year!” When she moved into an assisted living facility last winter, I found peanuts and corn syrup stashed all over her house!
Men had traditions, too. My cousin Eddie always supplied my mother with fresh greenery from the woods for her planters… fragrant pine boughs that made everything smell fresh and woodsy! My dad was in charge of setting up card tables and chairs to accommodate our large family for the main meal, as well as other “manly” duties assigned by my mother - like carving the turkey and ham, and getting the Christmas tree on the stand and in the house!
Things have changed in my family. Now I make the green beans in the cast iron pot… the rolls are Sister Schubert’s, and my husband built a large wooden top that he assembles over our dining table to “stretch” it to accommodate all who gather there. He also assembles our tallest artificial Christmas tree in our great room each year. My mother decided a few years ago to enjoy our Christmas decorations instead of getting out hers, and her husband does most of their holiday baking. My mother-in-law made peanut brittle this year – in the microwave oven instead of an open sauce pan atop the stove!
But what has not changed is our love for each other. We still get together and sit down to share a meal, although our number has dwindled by more than half. As I visited cousins recently to deliver Christmas gifts, I noticed that we each had some of the same ornaments on our Christmas trees… a “tie that binds” us together in a small, yet significant, way. We may do things a little differently these days, but the spirit of tradition is still there. I believe that God gives us traditions and the “keepers of certain duties” in order to create continuity, trust, and love among us.
There was something very comforting in knowing my Aunt Altha would always have the dressing and gravy. There was a love that flowed from my Mam-ma Polly through each buttery bite of peanut brittle. And as I look at my boxes of Christmas decorations each early December and consider whether to drag them all out again or not… I realize that creating a warm and cozy holiday home for my family is another way to share God’s love. Suddenly, I am rejuvenated for another season.
God has given each of us specific talents and abilities… designated responsibilities and “assignments” that are uniquely ours. He has put us directly in line to handle certain traditions… to carry them through to the next generation. And in doing so, He reminds us that His love is never-ending. He has called us to share these traditions with others to demonstrate our obedience and willingness to serve. Whether you are destined to be the family historian, the candy maker, the keeper of the cast iron Dutch oven, or the man in charge of turkeys, tables and chairs, and Christmas trees, God has set you in place for something. Ask Him to show you how and where He wants you to serve. It’s your job to find your spot and do your part. Will you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Some of the Levites were responsible for the equipment used in worship at the temple, and they had to count everything before and after it was used. Others were responsible for the temple furnishings and its sacred objects, as well as the flour, wine, olive oil, incense, and spices. But only the priests could mix the spices. Mattithiah, Shallum's oldest son, was a member of the Levite clan of Korah, and he was in charge of baking the bread used for offerings. The Levites from the Kohath clan were in charge of baking the sacred loaves of bread for each Sabbath. The Levite family leaders who were the musicians also lived at the temple. They had no other responsibilities, because they were on duty day and night.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mom always made an assortment of cookies to be eaten throughout the holidays - especially on Christmas morning. These included rolled cookies cut into the shape of Christmas trees, bells, and Santa Claus himself. Some were iced and decorated with “red hot” candies. Others were left plain. This year, I made holiday cookies – not the rolled and iced kind, but a family favorite nonetheless.
My Mam-ma Polly was somewhat known as the “peanut brittle lady” – making as much as 50 pounds of the candy to give to family and friends at Christmas time. Like clockwork, the tins would go out in December with an admonition that “I’ll need those back for next year!” When she moved into an assisted living facility last winter, I found peanuts and corn syrup stashed all over her house!
Men had traditions, too. My cousin Eddie always supplied my mother with fresh greenery from the woods for her planters… fragrant pine boughs that made everything smell fresh and woodsy! My dad was in charge of setting up card tables and chairs to accommodate our large family for the main meal, as well as other “manly” duties assigned by my mother - like carving the turkey and ham, and getting the Christmas tree on the stand and in the house!
Things have changed in my family. Now I make the green beans in the cast iron pot… the rolls are Sister Schubert’s, and my husband built a large wooden top that he assembles over our dining table to “stretch” it to accommodate all who gather there. He also assembles our tallest artificial Christmas tree in our great room each year. My mother decided a few years ago to enjoy our Christmas decorations instead of getting out hers, and her husband does most of their holiday baking. My mother-in-law made peanut brittle this year – in the microwave oven instead of an open sauce pan atop the stove!
Traditions are tricky things. Some are easily carried from one generation to the next for eons, while others rock along very nicely for a while before ending abruptly. I failed my grandmother’s peanut brittle making lessons miserably, so that “tradition” will not be carried on in my kitchen. I can make the delicious yeast rolls… but the heat-and-serve variety is so much easier. If you have not found your roles in life changing at least a little… you will at some point.
There was something very comforting in knowing my Aunt Altha would always have the dressing and gravy. There was a love that flowed from my Mam-ma Polly through each buttery bite of peanut brittle. And as I look at my boxes of Christmas decorations each early December and consider whether to drag them all out again or not… I realize that creating a warm and cozy holiday home for my family is another way to share God’s love. Suddenly, I am rejuvenated for another season.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 15, 2011
John 3:6
Humans give life to their children. Yet only God's Spirit can change you into a child of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you belong to a particular church denomination, most likely this is the denomination of your parents and/or grandparents… or your spouse or another family member. We tend to be “born into” a particular church and stay there… or at least in that denomination. Maybe you have heard the joke, “I had a drug problem… I was drug to church all my life.” Plenty of parents, like my own, took their children to church from the time they were just a few weeks old.
It would be great if parents could guarantee the salvation of their children just by taking them to church. I’m sure many parents would gladly accept this responsibility. Lots of grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, moms and dads and other adults would be happy to drag kids to church every Sunday if they were even 25% hopeful that this really could ensure them a place in heaven.
But this is the one thing that parents and other adults cannot do for children – or any other person. Each person is solely responsible for giving his/her heart to Jesus. Every one of us make this commitment for ourselves. And going to church does not change us into Spirit-filled children of God. Yes… we are all God’s children, meaning God created all of us. But to truly be HIS forever and into Eternity, we have to accept His gift of Jesus Christ and invite His Holy Spirit to dwell within our heart.
Your parents can provide lots of things for you – a home, a loving family environment, food, clothing, transportation, an education, payment of your debts, and more. They can pray for you, drag you to church, and provide a Spirit-filled home and atmosphere in which to rear you. But when it comes to choosing to become a Christian, you have to make this choice – and change – for yourself.
There is one thing we others can do… we can encourage you to make this choice and change TODAY. Give your heart to God… accept His gift of Jesus Christ for your sins, and begin to serve Him now. Becoming a Spirit-filled child of God will be the best “grown-up” decision you ever make.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Humans give life to their children. Yet only God's Spirit can change you into a child of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you belong to a particular church denomination, most likely this is the denomination of your parents and/or grandparents… or your spouse or another family member. We tend to be “born into” a particular church and stay there… or at least in that denomination. Maybe you have heard the joke, “I had a drug problem… I was drug to church all my life.” Plenty of parents, like my own, took their children to church from the time they were just a few weeks old.
It would be great if parents could guarantee the salvation of their children just by taking them to church. I’m sure many parents would gladly accept this responsibility. Lots of grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, moms and dads and other adults would be happy to drag kids to church every Sunday if they were even 25% hopeful that this really could ensure them a place in heaven.
But this is the one thing that parents and other adults cannot do for children – or any other person. Each person is solely responsible for giving his/her heart to Jesus. Every one of us make this commitment for ourselves. And going to church does not change us into Spirit-filled children of God. Yes… we are all God’s children, meaning God created all of us. But to truly be HIS forever and into Eternity, we have to accept His gift of Jesus Christ and invite His Holy Spirit to dwell within our heart.
Your parents can provide lots of things for you – a home, a loving family environment, food, clothing, transportation, an education, payment of your debts, and more. They can pray for you, drag you to church, and provide a Spirit-filled home and atmosphere in which to rear you. But when it comes to choosing to become a Christian, you have to make this choice – and change – for yourself.
There is one thing we others can do… we can encourage you to make this choice and change TODAY. Give your heart to God… accept His gift of Jesus Christ for your sins, and begin to serve Him now. Becoming a Spirit-filled child of God will be the best “grown-up” decision you ever make.
©2011 Debbie Robus
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