Luke 23:34-35
Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people! They don’t know what they’re doing.”
While
the crowd stood there watching Jesus, the soldiers gambled for his
clothes. The leaders insulted him by saying, “He saved others. Now he
should save himself, if he really is God’s chosen Messiah.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When
I was a little girl, I always wanted to take dance lessons like my
classmates. My mother said we could not afford them. I will admit…I
resented that. As a child, I failed to recognize that she and my dad
were already scrimping and scraping to pay for piano lessons, braces for
our teeth, and much more – times three! I distinctly remember my mother
saying that if she didn’t make braces happen to alleviate the huge gap
between my front teeth and give me a nice smile, she would regret it the
rest of her life.
My mother was like many parents – she wanted
to afford me every opportunity for a lifetime of success. Even thought
she taught piano lessons, when my siblings and I were in junior high,
Mother paid for us to study under another teacher with
“conservatory-level” experience. For a girl growing up in our little
community, piano lessons were sure to carry one further in life than
learning to do a little tap and ballet. And Mother was right. Still, I
did not understand…and I am sure that I didn’t appreciate many of my
parents’ sacrifices - or why they made the decisions on my behalf that
they did.
I’ll be honest…there are many instances where I don’t
understand what Jesus does…even today. Why did He allow three
elementary school children to lose their dad to cancer? Why does He
allow the existence of orphans and foster children? Why are there
terrorists and murderers…child molesters and people who abuse animals?
Why doesn’t Jesus “come down from the cross” and fix all of this?
The
answer that I keep getting is…”You wouldn’t really need Me if I fixed
everything.” I also hear Jesus saying, “You don’t know what you are
asking…and I forgive you for it.” In terms of how I relate this to my
everyday living, I offer this…there are things that have happened to me
in my lifetime that I do not understand. Not only have life-changing
events occurred…accidents, illnesses, personal losses and
disappointments…but I have also made some mistakes along the way. And
each time, God has used these to teach me not only how much I need
Him…but also great lessons in humility, compassion, grace and mercy.
I
feel like I am more understanding about those around me because of the
forgiveness I have been granted. I know that Jesus stayed on the cross
for me – and for you. I know that because of His sacrifice, I am able
to look at others with His heart and the desire that they come to know
Him as I do...as the Savior who makes all things possible.
I
seriously doubt that I would still be tap dancing or performing ballet
at almost 60, but I still play the piano every week! And while I still
question events and circumstances from time to time, I learn to trust
Jesus more every day. What He allows can be used for His glory – and
make us better disciples, if we will only pay attention and trust Him to
know best. How well are you doing these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label trusting Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trusting Jesus. Show all posts
Luke 10:21-24
Then he was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the intellectuals and worldly wise and for revealing them to those who are as trusting as little children. Yes, thank you, Father, for that is the way you wanted it. I am the Agent of my Father in everything; and no one really knows the Son except the Father, and no one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
Then, turning to the twelve disciples, he said quietly, “How privileged you are to see what you have seen. Many a prophet and king of old has longed for these days, to see and hear what you have seen and heard!”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
From the time Timothy was a baby, I have prayed that he would know Jesus at an early age and develop a strong, intimate relationship with Him. When Zola and Nathan came along, my prayers expanded to include them. I also pray this for the other “little ones” in our circle of family and friends – and all children really – but especially those with whom I have contact. I consider it not only my obligation as a Christian disciple – but also my privilege – to share the love and teachings of Jesus with these children and offer them the opportunity to embrace Him for themselves.
What is gratifying – and somewhat amazing – is how readily most children accept the existence of God…and Jesus. They sometimes question…”Where is God?” or “What does Jesus really look like?” But when we talk about God and share stories of the Bible…when I tell them about Jesus and how “mean men” nailed Him to a cross, where He died because of our sins…they nod, agree and seem to readily accept and internalize this information. They seem to grasp the concept of a “Forever Friend” (the Holy Spirit) who will live in their hearts and guide them each day - and help them make good choices. And my heart bursts with joy that they trust so eagerly.
Somewhere along the line, we become skeptical. I don’t know if the pressures of “the world at large” get to us or exactly what causes the shift…but we lose some of this innocent faith and start to crumble a bit. Some of us all but disintegrate! We begin to question God…and His motives and methods. We let go of Jesus’ hand and close our hearts to the Holy Spirit…and we start to trust mere mortals instead.
We listen to the opinions of others, rather than the teachings of Jesus. Like Timothy, Zola and Nathan, some of us have heard the Word of God since we were tiny babies. We have seen Christian faith in action through the role models and mentors in our lives. But when ungodly influences show up – and they always do – we are drawn to them as if they were irresistible shiny objects. Remember, all the devil needs is the tiniest of openings, and he will sneak into our lives like the slimy creature that he is – and wreak havoc in our lives and the lives of those around us!
Jesus acts as God’s “Special Agent” and provides us with all of the information and tools that we need to live in accordance with His will – and to accomplish His missions for us on this earth. For all of this to work as God ordained, we have to trust like little children. Is this a leap of faith? To some degree - yes. But don’t you know in your heart that this is how you should be living? Don’t you realize how privileged we are to have Jesus as our Savior…and God as our Heavenly Father?
Isn’t it time we stopped acting like we are such high-brow intellectuals who know it all…and surrendered our hearts completely to Jesus? Will this be the day that you “reconnect with your inner child” - and that level of innocence and faith - and let God have complete control in your life? Aren’t you ready to be His kid again?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Then he was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the intellectuals and worldly wise and for revealing them to those who are as trusting as little children. Yes, thank you, Father, for that is the way you wanted it. I am the Agent of my Father in everything; and no one really knows the Son except the Father, and no one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
Then, turning to the twelve disciples, he said quietly, “How privileged you are to see what you have seen. Many a prophet and king of old has longed for these days, to see and hear what you have seen and heard!”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
From the time Timothy was a baby, I have prayed that he would know Jesus at an early age and develop a strong, intimate relationship with Him. When Zola and Nathan came along, my prayers expanded to include them. I also pray this for the other “little ones” in our circle of family and friends – and all children really – but especially those with whom I have contact. I consider it not only my obligation as a Christian disciple – but also my privilege – to share the love and teachings of Jesus with these children and offer them the opportunity to embrace Him for themselves.
What is gratifying – and somewhat amazing – is how readily most children accept the existence of God…and Jesus. They sometimes question…”Where is God?” or “What does Jesus really look like?” But when we talk about God and share stories of the Bible…when I tell them about Jesus and how “mean men” nailed Him to a cross, where He died because of our sins…they nod, agree and seem to readily accept and internalize this information. They seem to grasp the concept of a “Forever Friend” (the Holy Spirit) who will live in their hearts and guide them each day - and help them make good choices. And my heart bursts with joy that they trust so eagerly.
Somewhere along the line, we become skeptical. I don’t know if the pressures of “the world at large” get to us or exactly what causes the shift…but we lose some of this innocent faith and start to crumble a bit. Some of us all but disintegrate! We begin to question God…and His motives and methods. We let go of Jesus’ hand and close our hearts to the Holy Spirit…and we start to trust mere mortals instead.
We listen to the opinions of others, rather than the teachings of Jesus. Like Timothy, Zola and Nathan, some of us have heard the Word of God since we were tiny babies. We have seen Christian faith in action through the role models and mentors in our lives. But when ungodly influences show up – and they always do – we are drawn to them as if they were irresistible shiny objects. Remember, all the devil needs is the tiniest of openings, and he will sneak into our lives like the slimy creature that he is – and wreak havoc in our lives and the lives of those around us!
Jesus acts as God’s “Special Agent” and provides us with all of the information and tools that we need to live in accordance with His will – and to accomplish His missions for us on this earth. For all of this to work as God ordained, we have to trust like little children. Is this a leap of faith? To some degree - yes. But don’t you know in your heart that this is how you should be living? Don’t you realize how privileged we are to have Jesus as our Savior…and God as our Heavenly Father?
Isn’t it time we stopped acting like we are such high-brow intellectuals who know it all…and surrendered our hearts completely to Jesus? Will this be the day that you “reconnect with your inner child” - and that level of innocence and faith - and let God have complete control in your life? Aren’t you ready to be His kid again?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 14, 2016
John 4:46-50
While Jesus was in Galilee, he returned to the village of Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was an official in Capernaum whose son was sick. And when the man heard that Jesus had come from Judea, he went and begged him to keep his son from dying.
Jesus told the official, “You won’t have faith unless you see miracles and wonders!”
The man replied, “Lord, please come before my son dies!”
Jesus then said, “Your son will live. Go on home to him.” The man believed Jesus and started back home.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“I’ll believe it when I see it!”
“Show me the money!”
“Prove it!”
We humans are a skeptical lot! We need reassurance…proof…a “visual” confirmation before we will commit – to pretty much anything! I keep a little basket of toys and puzzles in the cabinet, and when the children have been especially good or worked to “earn” a prize, they are allowed to choose something from the basket. Nathan, in particular, will say, “I need to look in the basket and see what’s in there.” In part, he is deciding whether it is worth his effort…but he also needs reassurance that I really do have some goodies there!
Sometimes, I will say, “You kids don’t need to see the basket…you know what is there!” And other times, I do let them have a look. But more often now, they trust that there ARE good surprises that are worth their effort. They have faith that I would not steer them down a wrong path, and they “work” in hope of a reward.
I have to believe that Jesus knew that the man’s faith was genuine, even when He chided him and the crowd by saying, “You won’t believe without proof!” Jesus might have even been a little irritated or frustrated, because so many really did NOT believe what they were told about Him. But clearly, this father of the sick child was not derailed by the comment. And if you read the verses surrounding this passage, you will see that indeed, Jesus healed his son.
Jesus is probably pretty frustrated and irritated with us many times, as we wring our hands and worry about what will happen. It’s a safe bet that most of us have weak faith on any given day – and for some, this is a way of life. We need proof…we have to have “signs”…until we actually see the hand of Jesus in our daily lives, we will reserve our acceptance – and sometimes, our best efforts.
Start watching and actually searching for Jesus as He shows up in your life and the lives of others. Don’t miss an opportunity to acknowledge His presence…or your faith that He is with you – even when you cannot readily see or feel Him. Point out to others when you see Jesus at work in their lives…not in an “I told you so” way – but as a gentle reminder that He is with them, as well!
Get in the habit of living with faith without the physical presence of signs and wonders. Trust that the “prize basket” of God’s blessings is abundantly full and available to you…that healing has already taken place…that Jesus is with you each and every minute of the day. Continually demonstrate your trust in Jesus with your words, actions – and your very demeanor. Jesus may not let us “see in the basket,” but we know what is there for us – and the time has come to start living like it!
©2016 Debbie Robus
While Jesus was in Galilee, he returned to the village of Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was an official in Capernaum whose son was sick. And when the man heard that Jesus had come from Judea, he went and begged him to keep his son from dying.
Jesus told the official, “You won’t have faith unless you see miracles and wonders!”
The man replied, “Lord, please come before my son dies!”
Jesus then said, “Your son will live. Go on home to him.” The man believed Jesus and started back home.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“I’ll believe it when I see it!”
“Show me the money!”
“Prove it!”
We humans are a skeptical lot! We need reassurance…proof…a “visual” confirmation before we will commit – to pretty much anything! I keep a little basket of toys and puzzles in the cabinet, and when the children have been especially good or worked to “earn” a prize, they are allowed to choose something from the basket. Nathan, in particular, will say, “I need to look in the basket and see what’s in there.” In part, he is deciding whether it is worth his effort…but he also needs reassurance that I really do have some goodies there!
Sometimes, I will say, “You kids don’t need to see the basket…you know what is there!” And other times, I do let them have a look. But more often now, they trust that there ARE good surprises that are worth their effort. They have faith that I would not steer them down a wrong path, and they “work” in hope of a reward.
I have to believe that Jesus knew that the man’s faith was genuine, even when He chided him and the crowd by saying, “You won’t believe without proof!” Jesus might have even been a little irritated or frustrated, because so many really did NOT believe what they were told about Him. But clearly, this father of the sick child was not derailed by the comment. And if you read the verses surrounding this passage, you will see that indeed, Jesus healed his son.
Jesus is probably pretty frustrated and irritated with us many times, as we wring our hands and worry about what will happen. It’s a safe bet that most of us have weak faith on any given day – and for some, this is a way of life. We need proof…we have to have “signs”…until we actually see the hand of Jesus in our daily lives, we will reserve our acceptance – and sometimes, our best efforts.
Start watching and actually searching for Jesus as He shows up in your life and the lives of others. Don’t miss an opportunity to acknowledge His presence…or your faith that He is with you – even when you cannot readily see or feel Him. Point out to others when you see Jesus at work in their lives…not in an “I told you so” way – but as a gentle reminder that He is with them, as well!
Get in the habit of living with faith without the physical presence of signs and wonders. Trust that the “prize basket” of God’s blessings is abundantly full and available to you…that healing has already taken place…that Jesus is with you each and every minute of the day. Continually demonstrate your trust in Jesus with your words, actions – and your very demeanor. Jesus may not let us “see in the basket,” but we know what is there for us – and the time has come to start living like it!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 3, 2016
John 20:24-29
But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.”
But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.”
Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”
Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”
Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”
Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”
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 a recent television interview, Arkansas Razorbacks head football coach, Bret Bielema, shared the story of his 27-year-old sister Betsy’s death in 1990. Betsy Bielema was in Seattle, Washington, working with underprivileged children. She broke her neck when she landed on her head after a horse she was riding encountered a snake and threw her. Bret Bielema was understandably devastated by this shocking loss. But he shared that after her passing, his pastor asked him, “What is something you will always remember about Betsy?” Bielema noted that his sister LOVED donuts.
The pastor told Bret Bielema that from now on, whenever he sees donuts, he should stop and tell SOMEONE about his sister…that this will keep her memory alive. Bielema asked the reporter [paraphrased]…”Do you know how many airports I’m in and how many Cinnabon® shops I pass?” He added that he always stops and tells someone about Betsy - sometimes even complete strangers! But Bielema admitted that talking about his sister and remembering keeps her “alive” in his heart and memories.
Even our little children understand that when someone dies, we cannot see them any longer – but they are still “with us.” Just yesterday, four-year-old Nathan was telling me (more to reassure himself) that “God is in our hearts…just like Granny. Granny died, but she is still in our hearts!” And he is so right. We talk about my mother, look at pictures, and carry on some of her “traditions” in an effort to keep her memory strong - and recognize her “presence.”
Quite often, my mother hosted a birthday dinner for my niece, Jasmine. She did this as recently as last year. So this year…Greg and I hosted the dinner. A cousin applauded our efforts to “keep the family strong” and noted that…”It would be way easier to let it all go.” I thought about Coach Bielema…how busy he is and how it must be incredibly inconvenient at times to stop in an airport - or wherever he happens to encounter donuts – and tell someone about his sister.
But what if we just let go of these people? More importantly, what if we just “let Jesus go?” What if we didn’t carry on His work and “believe without seeing?” I still remember the first time I heard this scripture passage taught and realized that people who have never “seen” Jesus (like you and I) – yet believe in Him with our whole hearts – are extra precious to God. It’s easy to love someone, talk about them, and share in their experiences when they are physically with us. But to keep them “alive” after they have passed takes effort…faith…hope…strength…and perseverance.
So this is our mission for today…to “Keep Jesus Alive!” We must go the extra mile to do His work and share His message with others. We must be willing to “stop people in an airport” and tell them about this amazing Prince of Peace that none of us can physically “see”…but Who is completely present with us at all times - in ways great and small. We must honor the importance that God has given to each of us in His Kingdom. We must trust in an unseen Savior…and “make Him real” to others.
It would be way easier to let it all go…but then we would be left with absolutely nothing. And I want no part of a life without Jesus…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.”
But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.”
Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”
Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”
Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”
Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”
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 a recent television interview, Arkansas Razorbacks head football coach, Bret Bielema, shared the story of his 27-year-old sister Betsy’s death in 1990. Betsy Bielema was in Seattle, Washington, working with underprivileged children. She broke her neck when she landed on her head after a horse she was riding encountered a snake and threw her. Bret Bielema was understandably devastated by this shocking loss. But he shared that after her passing, his pastor asked him, “What is something you will always remember about Betsy?” Bielema noted that his sister LOVED donuts.
The pastor told Bret Bielema that from now on, whenever he sees donuts, he should stop and tell SOMEONE about his sister…that this will keep her memory alive. Bielema asked the reporter [paraphrased]…”Do you know how many airports I’m in and how many Cinnabon® shops I pass?” He added that he always stops and tells someone about Betsy - sometimes even complete strangers! But Bielema admitted that talking about his sister and remembering keeps her “alive” in his heart and memories.
Even our little children understand that when someone dies, we cannot see them any longer – but they are still “with us.” Just yesterday, four-year-old Nathan was telling me (more to reassure himself) that “God is in our hearts…just like Granny. Granny died, but she is still in our hearts!” And he is so right. We talk about my mother, look at pictures, and carry on some of her “traditions” in an effort to keep her memory strong - and recognize her “presence.”
Quite often, my mother hosted a birthday dinner for my niece, Jasmine. She did this as recently as last year. So this year…Greg and I hosted the dinner. A cousin applauded our efforts to “keep the family strong” and noted that…”It would be way easier to let it all go.” I thought about Coach Bielema…how busy he is and how it must be incredibly inconvenient at times to stop in an airport - or wherever he happens to encounter donuts – and tell someone about his sister.
But what if we just let go of these people? More importantly, what if we just “let Jesus go?” What if we didn’t carry on His work and “believe without seeing?” I still remember the first time I heard this scripture passage taught and realized that people who have never “seen” Jesus (like you and I) – yet believe in Him with our whole hearts – are extra precious to God. It’s easy to love someone, talk about them, and share in their experiences when they are physically with us. But to keep them “alive” after they have passed takes effort…faith…hope…strength…and perseverance.
So this is our mission for today…to “Keep Jesus Alive!” We must go the extra mile to do His work and share His message with others. We must be willing to “stop people in an airport” and tell them about this amazing Prince of Peace that none of us can physically “see”…but Who is completely present with us at all times - in ways great and small. We must honor the importance that God has given to each of us in His Kingdom. We must trust in an unseen Savior…and “make Him real” to others.
It would be way easier to let it all go…but then we would be left with absolutely nothing. And I want no part of a life without Jesus…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 26, 2016
John 14:1-4
“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”
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.
There have been a lot of posts recently from parents who helped their college-aged students move into a new space…cute room décor…bittersweet “good-byes”…excited kids greeting old friends and making new ones. It is a daunting experience to send your child away to college and trust that he/she will be healthy and happy…make good choices…study hard and have a good time – all without the “guidance and nurture” of his/her parental figures and the comforts of home!
When my then-98-year-old grandmother made the difficult decision to move to an Assisted Living Facility, she trusted Greg and me to handle the details. And we did our best to ensure that she would be happy and given the best care. We furnished her apartment with HER things - down to the last plant and knick-knack. We made it look as much like “home” as we possibly could.
I will never forget how hard it was to pull out of her driveway and deliver her to this new apartment…knowing that she would never live with total independence again. But I also realized that we had done everything we knew to do – and then some – to get her room ready. And while she rarely told us that all was well, I heard from many others that she often said, “This was the best decision I ever made.”
My grandmother was no dummy. She knew that this apartment would be her final earthly residence. But she also knew that Jesus was preparing a far nicer place for her in heaven…the likes of which she had never seen before. She had to endure her share of challenges on this earth. I guess you could say she “lived in a dump or two.” But she never let this squelch her hope and faith that better days were ahead…that her room in THE Mansion was in the works! A friend joked that Jesus took His time repainting my grandmother’s space to get the color just right – she lived for 100 years 123 days. But I know that the end result is perfect – and so worth the wait!
A lot of us spend a good deal of time and energy on worry about things that really don’t matter. We spin our wheels as we stay stuck in the ruts of worry, frustration, anger, disappointment, and fear. We SAY we trust Jesus…but we don’t live in a way that demonstrates this. We sometimes live in a few “dumps” as “life” happens to us. We let the devil steal our joy…and what we present to others is an example of someone who SAYS they trust Jesus and want to serve Him, then lives like there isn’t an ounce of hope and faith in Christ’s teachings and promises.
John 14:1-4 should frame every single aspect of our daily living. The hope and promise that is offered in these brief sentences should be the fuel that drives us each minute of the day. Our room is being prepared…and it will be the best room we could ever imagine, in the mansion of the KING of KINGS! Jesus is busy getting the paint colors and everything else exactly right! And in the meantime, the One who is creating this Masterful abode for us gives equal time and attention to the details of our everyday existence.
So what have we to fear? How can we worry? Why would we waste a minute being angry or disappointed? The best is yet to come…we know what lies ahead, and it will be glorious! The time has come to live with the excitement and enthusiasm of a college freshman off to inhabit his/her first dorm room…or the graduate decorating a new apartment. We know that what Jesus has in store for us is superior to any of these earthly dwellings…so why aren’t we living with anticipation and gratitude?
Are you ready to demonstrate to the world how much you trust Jesus? Do you honor the work and preparation that He is doing for you by living every minute of this earthly existence to the fullest – and with glory and gratitude for the Designer of it all? Do you live with hope and joy in your salvation through Jesus Christ…and does it show? Isn’t it time you did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“Don’t let this throw you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live. And you already know the road I’m taking.”
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.
There have been a lot of posts recently from parents who helped their college-aged students move into a new space…cute room décor…bittersweet “good-byes”…excited kids greeting old friends and making new ones. It is a daunting experience to send your child away to college and trust that he/she will be healthy and happy…make good choices…study hard and have a good time – all without the “guidance and nurture” of his/her parental figures and the comforts of home!
When my then-98-year-old grandmother made the difficult decision to move to an Assisted Living Facility, she trusted Greg and me to handle the details. And we did our best to ensure that she would be happy and given the best care. We furnished her apartment with HER things - down to the last plant and knick-knack. We made it look as much like “home” as we possibly could.
I will never forget how hard it was to pull out of her driveway and deliver her to this new apartment…knowing that she would never live with total independence again. But I also realized that we had done everything we knew to do – and then some – to get her room ready. And while she rarely told us that all was well, I heard from many others that she often said, “This was the best decision I ever made.”
My grandmother was no dummy. She knew that this apartment would be her final earthly residence. But she also knew that Jesus was preparing a far nicer place for her in heaven…the likes of which she had never seen before. She had to endure her share of challenges on this earth. I guess you could say she “lived in a dump or two.” But she never let this squelch her hope and faith that better days were ahead…that her room in THE Mansion was in the works! A friend joked that Jesus took His time repainting my grandmother’s space to get the color just right – she lived for 100 years 123 days. But I know that the end result is perfect – and so worth the wait!
A lot of us spend a good deal of time and energy on worry about things that really don’t matter. We spin our wheels as we stay stuck in the ruts of worry, frustration, anger, disappointment, and fear. We SAY we trust Jesus…but we don’t live in a way that demonstrates this. We sometimes live in a few “dumps” as “life” happens to us. We let the devil steal our joy…and what we present to others is an example of someone who SAYS they trust Jesus and want to serve Him, then lives like there isn’t an ounce of hope and faith in Christ’s teachings and promises.
John 14:1-4 should frame every single aspect of our daily living. The hope and promise that is offered in these brief sentences should be the fuel that drives us each minute of the day. Our room is being prepared…and it will be the best room we could ever imagine, in the mansion of the KING of KINGS! Jesus is busy getting the paint colors and everything else exactly right! And in the meantime, the One who is creating this Masterful abode for us gives equal time and attention to the details of our everyday existence.
So what have we to fear? How can we worry? Why would we waste a minute being angry or disappointed? The best is yet to come…we know what lies ahead, and it will be glorious! The time has come to live with the excitement and enthusiasm of a college freshman off to inhabit his/her first dorm room…or the graduate decorating a new apartment. We know that what Jesus has in store for us is superior to any of these earthly dwellings…so why aren’t we living with anticipation and gratitude?
Are you ready to demonstrate to the world how much you trust Jesus? Do you honor the work and preparation that He is doing for you by living every minute of this earthly existence to the fullest – and with glory and gratitude for the Designer of it all? Do you live with hope and joy in your salvation through Jesus Christ…and does it show? Isn’t it time you did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 5, 2016
Ephesians 4:14-16
We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place. Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, Timothy made a Lego® creation he dubbed “Trash Can Monster.” The “body” of this guy was the “trash can” from his Lego® set. As the creature took shape Timothy looked at Greg and me and said, “This guy needs a head! Every creature needs a head!” I thought of this as we looked at this scripture passage together this afternoon.
Jesus is the “head” of our body. I read this scripture passage from Ephesians 4 to Timothy and asked him what he thought it meant. First he said, “We need to stop acting like babies and act like teenagers. We need to quit crying when we have to clean up our room…and we need to not argue with our ‘loves and dears’ (he means adults!).” I asked him about the head and body verses, and he said, “Well, without a head, you can’t see where you are going!”
Sometimes, it pays to talk to seven-year-olds and get their perspective. See, Timothy gets it! Without Jesus to be our “eyes, ears, and brain…our head,” our body cannot function properly. His love fuels us and sustains us. Christ’s truth leads us and steers us in the right direction.
There are plenty of influences that want to fill us with lies and trick us into believing things we shouldn’t. I’ve seen some pretty slick and convincing talkers in my day…haven’t you? But this is where we have to listen to our “loves and dears” and learn to discern who is telling us the truth – and Who really has our back!
Read this passage again…because it’s really rich! It’s time for us to grow up…to recognize that our “creature” needs a “Head” – Jesus Christ. We need to operate in His love and truth – always…to grow more like Him every day. Jesus holds our lives together and makes each of us work perfectly as individuals – and as a collective “body.” His love strengthens us and helps us to stand up for truth – and to stand against the lies and deceit of those who deal in falsehoods.
How close are you to Jesus today? As you build your “body” and grow in His love and knowledge, are you fully surrendered to His truth? Is Jesus really the “head” of your body? Isn’t it time He became your ultimate “Love and Dear?” Will this be the day that you move in that direction, once and for all?
©2016 Debbie Robus
We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place. Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, Timothy made a Lego® creation he dubbed “Trash Can Monster.” The “body” of this guy was the “trash can” from his Lego® set. As the creature took shape Timothy looked at Greg and me and said, “This guy needs a head! Every creature needs a head!” I thought of this as we looked at this scripture passage together this afternoon.
Jesus is the “head” of our body. I read this scripture passage from Ephesians 4 to Timothy and asked him what he thought it meant. First he said, “We need to stop acting like babies and act like teenagers. We need to quit crying when we have to clean up our room…and we need to not argue with our ‘loves and dears’ (he means adults!).” I asked him about the head and body verses, and he said, “Well, without a head, you can’t see where you are going!”
Sometimes, it pays to talk to seven-year-olds and get their perspective. See, Timothy gets it! Without Jesus to be our “eyes, ears, and brain…our head,” our body cannot function properly. His love fuels us and sustains us. Christ’s truth leads us and steers us in the right direction.
There are plenty of influences that want to fill us with lies and trick us into believing things we shouldn’t. I’ve seen some pretty slick and convincing talkers in my day…haven’t you? But this is where we have to listen to our “loves and dears” and learn to discern who is telling us the truth – and Who really has our back!
Read this passage again…because it’s really rich! It’s time for us to grow up…to recognize that our “creature” needs a “Head” – Jesus Christ. We need to operate in His love and truth – always…to grow more like Him every day. Jesus holds our lives together and makes each of us work perfectly as individuals – and as a collective “body.” His love strengthens us and helps us to stand up for truth – and to stand against the lies and deceit of those who deal in falsehoods.
How close are you to Jesus today? As you build your “body” and grow in His love and knowledge, are you fully surrendered to His truth? Is Jesus really the “head” of your body? Isn’t it time He became your ultimate “Love and Dear?” Will this be the day that you move in that direction, once and for all?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 16, 2016
Matthew 5:17-18
“Don’t suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures—either God’s Law or the Prophets. I’m not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working.
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 was teaching kindergarten, our school district put every single teacher and administrator through an extensive (and expensive!) training program called PET…the Program for Effective Teaching. I won’t go into a lot of details about this program other than to say that we learned how to consistently present a lesson to students in a way that they could understand and retain. Some felt this program insulted their existing teaching abilities, but I felt it enhanced our skills and gave us common ground.
One of the basic principles of PET is that people remember what you tell them at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. So in my kindergarten classroom, I developed three simple “rules” that five-and-six-year-olds could understand and remember, and we reviewed and practiced them over and again.
1) Be kind to others.
2) Work and play quietly.
3) Respect other people’s property.
Everything we did had to fit into these parameters. Hit a classmate? That broke rules #1 and #2. Tear up a toy or even your school supplies? This violated Rule #3. There were tons of “sub-rules and guidelines,” but as long as the children followed the 3 simple rules of our classroom, all was well.
Here’s how this relates to Jesus. In the Old Testament, we are bombarded with laws and rules. You can’t do this…you must do that…if you break this law you must make XYZ sacrifice. And Jesus didn’t necessarily change these laws. He just drilled them down to something very basic and simple, as found in Luke 10:27…"That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.”
This is SO EASY to remember. And yet, when we stop and examine our thoughts, words and actions, everything you could think of is covered. All you have to do is ask yourself, “Does this demonstrate love of God? Is this how I would want to be treated? Will this exemplify love of my neighbor?” If the answer is in any way negative, you know that you are not following the commands of Jesus. And maybe this isn’t your goal in life…but don’t you think it should be?
Trust Jesus to know what is best for you. Believe that His commands are true and perfect - and fully complete God’s word…today, tomorrow, and forever. Know that you are in His will beyond the shadow of a doubt. And live with peace and confidence as you fully surrender to Christ and serve at His pleasure. Love God…love others…trust Jesus…three “grown-up rules” for effective discipleship. Are you ready to put them into practice?
© Debbie Robus
“Don’t suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures—either God’s Law or the Prophets. I’m not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working.
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 was teaching kindergarten, our school district put every single teacher and administrator through an extensive (and expensive!) training program called PET…the Program for Effective Teaching. I won’t go into a lot of details about this program other than to say that we learned how to consistently present a lesson to students in a way that they could understand and retain. Some felt this program insulted their existing teaching abilities, but I felt it enhanced our skills and gave us common ground.
One of the basic principles of PET is that people remember what you tell them at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. So in my kindergarten classroom, I developed three simple “rules” that five-and-six-year-olds could understand and remember, and we reviewed and practiced them over and again.
1) Be kind to others.
2) Work and play quietly.
3) Respect other people’s property.
Everything we did had to fit into these parameters. Hit a classmate? That broke rules #1 and #2. Tear up a toy or even your school supplies? This violated Rule #3. There were tons of “sub-rules and guidelines,” but as long as the children followed the 3 simple rules of our classroom, all was well.
Here’s how this relates to Jesus. In the Old Testament, we are bombarded with laws and rules. You can’t do this…you must do that…if you break this law you must make XYZ sacrifice. And Jesus didn’t necessarily change these laws. He just drilled them down to something very basic and simple, as found in Luke 10:27…"That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.”
This is SO EASY to remember. And yet, when we stop and examine our thoughts, words and actions, everything you could think of is covered. All you have to do is ask yourself, “Does this demonstrate love of God? Is this how I would want to be treated? Will this exemplify love of my neighbor?” If the answer is in any way negative, you know that you are not following the commands of Jesus. And maybe this isn’t your goal in life…but don’t you think it should be?
Trust Jesus to know what is best for you. Believe that His commands are true and perfect - and fully complete God’s word…today, tomorrow, and forever. Know that you are in His will beyond the shadow of a doubt. And live with peace and confidence as you fully surrender to Christ and serve at His pleasure. Love God…love others…trust Jesus…three “grown-up rules” for effective discipleship. Are you ready to put them into practice?
© Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 15, 2016
Matthew 4:18-20
Walking along the beach of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers: Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew. They were fishing, throwing their nets into the lake. It was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed.
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.
Many years ago, I was shopping in Walmart just before Thanksgiving, and I saw my friend, Frances Evans. We talked about preparing the Thanksgiving meal and how much work was involved, and I mentioned making homemade rolls. Frances, who was one of the best cooks in the county, said, “Don’t do that! Go to the freezer case and find the Sister Schubert’s® Parker House Style Rolls. They are so good that you will never make homemade rolls again!” I knew if Frances said these rolls were good, they were GOOD! And she was exactly right!
My dear friend Frances is gone now, but every time I buy Sister Schubert’s rolls®, I think of her. And while I have made homemade rolls from my Mam-ma Polly’s recipe, these were good enough that even she commented on how delicious the rolls tasted!
I share this to say that sometimes, there is nothing necessarily wrong with what we are doing or how we are doing it…but Jesus has something so much better in mind for us to accomplish. There was nothing wrong with Peter and Andrew fishing for a living…but Jesus wanted them to work for Him…to “fish” for the souls of men and women and to share the Good News with them as His disciples. And the amazing part of this story for me is that they dropped their nets and followed Jesus.
You see, it was one thing for me to mark homemade rolls off my “to-do” list for Thanksgiving dinner and buy frozen rolls. France had told me they would be delicious, and I knew that she would not steer me wrong. I had eaten countless meals that she prepared. I had years of “history” with her. But these two men really didn’t know Jesus that well…at least not well enough to drop their very livelihood and leave their homes and families to follow Him. And yet, they did it!
Peter and Andrew had not grown up with Jesus. They had met Him…they had been told that He was the Messiah. But they didn’t have years of “history” with Him. And still they gave Him their complete faith and hope…they stepped up and out and followed Jesus with complete confidence that He knew best – that their work for Him would matter.
Here’s the thing…in some ways, we really don’t know Jesus all that well, either. We’ve never even met Him in the flesh. All we know is what we have been told…what we have read in the Bible…what we have seen demonstrated in the faithful words and actions of others. And yet, we are called to “come and follow” Him and “fish” for the hearts and souls of others on His behalf. Honestly, your life may be pretty good already. Your “old ways” are working fairly well, and there might not seem to be much need for any changes in how you worship and serve.
But often, Jesus calls us to make a few adjustments that add up to so much more…to cast off our “old ways” and take up the His new ones…to step out of our comfort zone and serve a Messiah that we have never physically seen. Jesus calls us to live for Him and do all that we can to convince others to surrender their hearts serve Him as well. These are all expressions of incredible faith and hope. And this is what Jesus asks of us.
So I guess my question today is this…”Are you content to keep ‘fishing’ like you’ve always done it…or are you ready to trust Jesus and try something new?” Will this be the day/week/year that you step out of your comfort zone and trust Jesus to show you a new – and better – way of doing things? Are you ready to drop your nets and follow Him…completely and faithfully? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Walking along the beach of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers: Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew. They were fishing, throwing their nets into the lake. It was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions, but simply dropped their nets and followed.
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.
Many years ago, I was shopping in Walmart just before Thanksgiving, and I saw my friend, Frances Evans. We talked about preparing the Thanksgiving meal and how much work was involved, and I mentioned making homemade rolls. Frances, who was one of the best cooks in the county, said, “Don’t do that! Go to the freezer case and find the Sister Schubert’s® Parker House Style Rolls. They are so good that you will never make homemade rolls again!” I knew if Frances said these rolls were good, they were GOOD! And she was exactly right!
My dear friend Frances is gone now, but every time I buy Sister Schubert’s rolls®, I think of her. And while I have made homemade rolls from my Mam-ma Polly’s recipe, these were good enough that even she commented on how delicious the rolls tasted!
I share this to say that sometimes, there is nothing necessarily wrong with what we are doing or how we are doing it…but Jesus has something so much better in mind for us to accomplish. There was nothing wrong with Peter and Andrew fishing for a living…but Jesus wanted them to work for Him…to “fish” for the souls of men and women and to share the Good News with them as His disciples. And the amazing part of this story for me is that they dropped their nets and followed Jesus.
You see, it was one thing for me to mark homemade rolls off my “to-do” list for Thanksgiving dinner and buy frozen rolls. France had told me they would be delicious, and I knew that she would not steer me wrong. I had eaten countless meals that she prepared. I had years of “history” with her. But these two men really didn’t know Jesus that well…at least not well enough to drop their very livelihood and leave their homes and families to follow Him. And yet, they did it!
Peter and Andrew had not grown up with Jesus. They had met Him…they had been told that He was the Messiah. But they didn’t have years of “history” with Him. And still they gave Him their complete faith and hope…they stepped up and out and followed Jesus with complete confidence that He knew best – that their work for Him would matter.
Here’s the thing…in some ways, we really don’t know Jesus all that well, either. We’ve never even met Him in the flesh. All we know is what we have been told…what we have read in the Bible…what we have seen demonstrated in the faithful words and actions of others. And yet, we are called to “come and follow” Him and “fish” for the hearts and souls of others on His behalf. Honestly, your life may be pretty good already. Your “old ways” are working fairly well, and there might not seem to be much need for any changes in how you worship and serve.
But often, Jesus calls us to make a few adjustments that add up to so much more…to cast off our “old ways” and take up the His new ones…to step out of our comfort zone and serve a Messiah that we have never physically seen. Jesus calls us to live for Him and do all that we can to convince others to surrender their hearts serve Him as well. These are all expressions of incredible faith and hope. And this is what Jesus asks of us.
So I guess my question today is this…”Are you content to keep ‘fishing’ like you’ve always done it…or are you ready to trust Jesus and try something new?” Will this be the day/week/year that you step out of your comfort zone and trust Jesus to show you a new – and better – way of doing things? Are you ready to drop your nets and follow Him…completely and faithfully? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 10, 2016
Matthew 24:25
The sky and the earth won’t last forever, but my words will.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read a column written by a comedienne about being a grandparent “then vs. now.” She compared how things were when WE were children to present day with humorous observations like how our baby food was whatever the adults were eating – only mashed…and today, a lot of parents want only “organic and gluten-free.” Or how we used to live by the “5-second rule” about food dropped on the floor and then eaten…and today, we’re all about baby wipes and hand sanitizer.
The point was that things change. The pendulum swings from one generation to the next. Every few years, an “expert” declares that we’ve been doing things all wrong, and there is some newfangled method that is foolproof. When I was a child, there were certain topics we would never have considered discussing “in polite company,” and now, pretty much anything is deemed “fair game” by many. Words I never thought I would hear uttered in public are now in the mainstream on prime time and daytime television…and nobody even looks up from their electronic device!
I do not necessarily endorse these changes. I merely make note of them to point out that we humans are fickle. What we wholeheartedly believe one year changes the next. We are easily swayed and persuaded…and as a result, we often find it hard to trust anything or anyone.
But JESUS is the real deal. He never changes. When everything has totally dissolved into nothingness, His word will still stand. The promise that He will always love us…that He will cleanse us of all sin if we ask Him to…that His peace is given to us and will never leave…that He is preparing a home for us in Heaven and will return for us someday…all of these are everlasting, steadfast, and unfailing. We can “take them to the bank!” His command to us to love others as He loves us will never change. There will never be “exceptions to the rule” or qualifiers of any kind.
I don’t know about you, but in a sea of continual changes, this is a great comfort to me. I serve a God whose message is timeless. I surrendered my heart to a Savior who will NEVER alter His mission…never renege on a promise…never withhold His love. We can’t ask for more than this!
As recipients of such amazing promises and their inherent benefits, we should be more than eager to glorify Jesus with our thoughts, words and actions. We should strive to stand strong in our resolve to love Him and serve Him. We should make every effort to carry out Jesus’ teachings…to demonstrate love and kindness to every person we encounter – and to recognize his/her worth in God’s eyes. We should continually check our behavior and conversation and see where we speak negativity and disparity – or downright hatred – toward others.
We are human. Our words will never hold the same promise and authority as those of Jesus. But as we strive to be more like Him, our level of integrity should increase exponentially. We should walk in truth and confidence that what Jesus taught us is infallible and endures forever…and we should do our best to emulate these truths in our own daily living.
Do you believe that Jesus’ word endures forever? Are you demonstrating this to others in your own words and actions? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
The sky and the earth won’t last forever, but my words will.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read a column written by a comedienne about being a grandparent “then vs. now.” She compared how things were when WE were children to present day with humorous observations like how our baby food was whatever the adults were eating – only mashed…and today, a lot of parents want only “organic and gluten-free.” Or how we used to live by the “5-second rule” about food dropped on the floor and then eaten…and today, we’re all about baby wipes and hand sanitizer.
The point was that things change. The pendulum swings from one generation to the next. Every few years, an “expert” declares that we’ve been doing things all wrong, and there is some newfangled method that is foolproof. When I was a child, there were certain topics we would never have considered discussing “in polite company,” and now, pretty much anything is deemed “fair game” by many. Words I never thought I would hear uttered in public are now in the mainstream on prime time and daytime television…and nobody even looks up from their electronic device!
I do not necessarily endorse these changes. I merely make note of them to point out that we humans are fickle. What we wholeheartedly believe one year changes the next. We are easily swayed and persuaded…and as a result, we often find it hard to trust anything or anyone.
But JESUS is the real deal. He never changes. When everything has totally dissolved into nothingness, His word will still stand. The promise that He will always love us…that He will cleanse us of all sin if we ask Him to…that His peace is given to us and will never leave…that He is preparing a home for us in Heaven and will return for us someday…all of these are everlasting, steadfast, and unfailing. We can “take them to the bank!” His command to us to love others as He loves us will never change. There will never be “exceptions to the rule” or qualifiers of any kind.
I don’t know about you, but in a sea of continual changes, this is a great comfort to me. I serve a God whose message is timeless. I surrendered my heart to a Savior who will NEVER alter His mission…never renege on a promise…never withhold His love. We can’t ask for more than this!
As recipients of such amazing promises and their inherent benefits, we should be more than eager to glorify Jesus with our thoughts, words and actions. We should strive to stand strong in our resolve to love Him and serve Him. We should make every effort to carry out Jesus’ teachings…to demonstrate love and kindness to every person we encounter – and to recognize his/her worth in God’s eyes. We should continually check our behavior and conversation and see where we speak negativity and disparity – or downright hatred – toward others.
We are human. Our words will never hold the same promise and authority as those of Jesus. But as we strive to be more like Him, our level of integrity should increase exponentially. We should walk in truth and confidence that what Jesus taught us is infallible and endures forever…and we should do our best to emulate these truths in our own daily living.
Do you believe that Jesus’ word endures forever? Are you demonstrating this to others in your own words and actions? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 30, 2016
Matthew 6:38-40
I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.
“This, in a nutshell, is that will: that everything handed over to me by the Father be completed—not a single detail missed—and at the wrap-up of time I have everything and everyone put together, upright and whole. This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole at the completion of time.”
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 decades, a women’s circle at my church has hosted a breakfast for the graduating high school seniors shortly before their last day of school. This year, I offered to help with the preparation and serving of this breakfast. As the students finished their meal, the class sponsor went over some important information with them…dates and times for baccalaureate…when and where to be for graduation rehearsal…the rescheduling of a group photo… and more. She covered many details, making sure that everything was neatly prepared and tied together so that everyone will be ready for these events - and the final ceremony will hopefully go off without a hitch.
The sponsor also read a little devotional to the students and talked to them about what happens after high school…how college is different – and continual study is required. She reminded them that even those who are joining the workforce will need to learn to discipline themselves to get up and get going every day…that whatever happens in this next chapter of life for these almost-adults, effort will be required to be successful and productive.
Several times, this teacher told the group…”This is not my rule…it came from the administration.” Or she would say, “I did not decide this…I’m telling you what I was told to share.” As for the “life lesson,” she cited comments from several college students and graduates who had told her how challenging life can be after high school. In this passage, Jesus tells His disciples that “I came to do God’s will…and I am giving you EVERYTHING you need, so that when I return for those who believe in Me, you will all be ready.”
The students at the breakfast trust that the information the teacher/sponsor gave them is accurate and vital. We who have given our hearts to Jesus are expected to trust His word for us - and to follow His instructions. What does this include? Jesus has told us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul…and to love others as we love Him. He has commanded us to share His Good News with everyone we encounter…to trust Him in all things…and to have hope and faith that He is preparing a place for us with Him for all Eternity.
Jesus performed miracles to demonstrate that He is all-powerful…that anything is possible with Him. He demonstrated incomparable sacrifice by dying on the cross for our sins. He rose from the grave three days later and instructed His disciples concerning how to minister to others in His absence. And He gave us the Holy Spirit to be our Forever Friend in the interim.
Jesus “covered all the bases.” He left nothing to chance or assumption. He was clear and distinct in His directives to us…and in His demonstrations of why we should trust Him and believe in Him. And if we follow through on these instructions, everything should go exactly as it is supposed to on the day when we are called to Heaven…whether this happens before Christ returns for His church – or during.
I hope all of the students were listening carefully yesterday to the words from the sponsor. More importantly, I hope that WE are listening to Jesus’ words for each of us. He has accomplished the will of the One who sent Him…now it is time to do OUR part to honor His commitment and commandments. How do you think you are doing so far?
©2016 Debbie Robus
I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.
“This, in a nutshell, is that will: that everything handed over to me by the Father be completed—not a single detail missed—and at the wrap-up of time I have everything and everyone put together, upright and whole. This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole at the completion of time.”
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 decades, a women’s circle at my church has hosted a breakfast for the graduating high school seniors shortly before their last day of school. This year, I offered to help with the preparation and serving of this breakfast. As the students finished their meal, the class sponsor went over some important information with them…dates and times for baccalaureate…when and where to be for graduation rehearsal…the rescheduling of a group photo… and more. She covered many details, making sure that everything was neatly prepared and tied together so that everyone will be ready for these events - and the final ceremony will hopefully go off without a hitch.
The sponsor also read a little devotional to the students and talked to them about what happens after high school…how college is different – and continual study is required. She reminded them that even those who are joining the workforce will need to learn to discipline themselves to get up and get going every day…that whatever happens in this next chapter of life for these almost-adults, effort will be required to be successful and productive.
Several times, this teacher told the group…”This is not my rule…it came from the administration.” Or she would say, “I did not decide this…I’m telling you what I was told to share.” As for the “life lesson,” she cited comments from several college students and graduates who had told her how challenging life can be after high school. In this passage, Jesus tells His disciples that “I came to do God’s will…and I am giving you EVERYTHING you need, so that when I return for those who believe in Me, you will all be ready.”
The students at the breakfast trust that the information the teacher/sponsor gave them is accurate and vital. We who have given our hearts to Jesus are expected to trust His word for us - and to follow His instructions. What does this include? Jesus has told us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul…and to love others as we love Him. He has commanded us to share His Good News with everyone we encounter…to trust Him in all things…and to have hope and faith that He is preparing a place for us with Him for all Eternity.
Jesus performed miracles to demonstrate that He is all-powerful…that anything is possible with Him. He demonstrated incomparable sacrifice by dying on the cross for our sins. He rose from the grave three days later and instructed His disciples concerning how to minister to others in His absence. And He gave us the Holy Spirit to be our Forever Friend in the interim.
Jesus “covered all the bases.” He left nothing to chance or assumption. He was clear and distinct in His directives to us…and in His demonstrations of why we should trust Him and believe in Him. And if we follow through on these instructions, everything should go exactly as it is supposed to on the day when we are called to Heaven…whether this happens before Christ returns for His church – or during.
I hope all of the students were listening carefully yesterday to the words from the sponsor. More importantly, I hope that WE are listening to Jesus’ words for each of us. He has accomplished the will of the One who sent Him…now it is time to do OUR part to honor His commitment and commandments. How do you think you are doing so far?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 28, 2016
John 5:24
“It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living."
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 signed onto a new website, and you were asked to register, supply a login, and create a password? Sometimes, you are “in” right away. Other sites respond with a message that further instructions have been delivered to your e-mail account, and if you follow the links, you can set up your account and visit the website.
I know that these are “security measures.” I understand that this is for our protection. But in a world where things are often so complicated, isn’t it great to know that obtaining salvation and forgiveness of our sins – and the guarantee of Eternal Life in the presence of Jesus – are simple and instantaneous? Aren’t we glad that when we say, “Lord Jesus, forgive me for my sins and come into my heart,” the response is not a list of steps we must take to complete the process? Even better... isn’t it great that this guarantee is “fully secure?”
What if we gave our hearts to Jesus and heard, “Okay, now you have to memorize XYZ scriptures, give a certain amount to this charity or that one, stand on a street corner in rags and confess your sinfulness, and attend church every time the doors are open…and THEN you will be assured of a seat at My Heavenly Table.” How many people would sign on for this?
We want to make our relationship with Jesus so difficult…and Jesus wants to make it ever-so-simple. Confess your sins…accept Jesus’ offer of complete salvation and redemption…and go in peace. Serve Him with a faithful, glad, and confident heart…because you want to – not because you have to! It really is that simple to be “in” with God for all Eternity. So why are we trying to make it so hard?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living."
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 signed onto a new website, and you were asked to register, supply a login, and create a password? Sometimes, you are “in” right away. Other sites respond with a message that further instructions have been delivered to your e-mail account, and if you follow the links, you can set up your account and visit the website.
I know that these are “security measures.” I understand that this is for our protection. But in a world where things are often so complicated, isn’t it great to know that obtaining salvation and forgiveness of our sins – and the guarantee of Eternal Life in the presence of Jesus – are simple and instantaneous? Aren’t we glad that when we say, “Lord Jesus, forgive me for my sins and come into my heart,” the response is not a list of steps we must take to complete the process? Even better... isn’t it great that this guarantee is “fully secure?”
What if we gave our hearts to Jesus and heard, “Okay, now you have to memorize XYZ scriptures, give a certain amount to this charity or that one, stand on a street corner in rags and confess your sinfulness, and attend church every time the doors are open…and THEN you will be assured of a seat at My Heavenly Table.” How many people would sign on for this?
We want to make our relationship with Jesus so difficult…and Jesus wants to make it ever-so-simple. Confess your sins…accept Jesus’ offer of complete salvation and redemption…and go in peace. Serve Him with a faithful, glad, and confident heart…because you want to – not because you have to! It really is that simple to be “in” with God for all Eternity. So why are we trying to make it so hard?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 25, 2016
John 21:1-14
Jesus later appeared to his disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias. Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John, were there, together with two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing!”
The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn’t catch a thing that night.
Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?”
“No!” they answered.
So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.”
They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
Jesus' favorite disciple told Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon heard that it was the Lord, he put on the clothes that he had taken off while he was working. Then he jumped into the water. The boat was only about a hundred yards from shore. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and dragged in the net full of fish.
When the disciples got out of the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. Jesus told his disciples, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” Simon Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were one hundred fifty-three large fish, but still the net did not rip.
Jesus said, “Come and eat!” But none of the disciples dared ask who he was. They knew he was the Lord. Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave some of it to his disciples. He did the same with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I got an e-mail from a dear friend who has always been something of a “big sister” influence. She wanted to let me know that she was thinking of me. Having lost her own mother a few years ago, she said she knew that this was probably about the time that reality was beginning to set in that Mother is truly gone…and I might need a little note from someone who understood. I responded to her that God always knows what – and WHO – I need at just the right time…and today, she was that person!
Now I don’t mean to imply that this “sister” is God. But I do believe that Jesus sometimes comes to us through various people and situations. Do we recognize Him? Are we attuned enough to know that He sent this person – or that word for us? I don’t believe there are coincidences. I believe that everything is orchestrated by God…which is why fisherman could fish for a whole night and catch nothing – and then set their nets on the other side of the boat and drag 153 large fish to shore, where Someone was waiting to cook a few of them for breakfast.
How deep is our faith? Do we trust God – and know Him well enough – to believe that He is involved in every aspect of our lives…even to the point of prompting a friend to send an e-mail message of encouragement on a specific day? Do we really “see” Jesus and live with confidence that He is in complete control…that He can – and will – meet our every need when we call on Him? Will this be the day that you “step out of the boat and wade to shore to share a meal with the Lord?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus later appeared to his disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias. Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John, were there, together with two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing!”
The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn’t catch a thing that night.
Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?”
“No!” they answered.
So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.”
They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
Jesus' favorite disciple told Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon heard that it was the Lord, he put on the clothes that he had taken off while he was working. Then he jumped into the water. The boat was only about a hundred yards from shore. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and dragged in the net full of fish.
When the disciples got out of the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. Jesus told his disciples, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” Simon Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were one hundred fifty-three large fish, but still the net did not rip.
Jesus said, “Come and eat!” But none of the disciples dared ask who he was. They knew he was the Lord. Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave some of it to his disciples. He did the same with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I got an e-mail from a dear friend who has always been something of a “big sister” influence. She wanted to let me know that she was thinking of me. Having lost her own mother a few years ago, she said she knew that this was probably about the time that reality was beginning to set in that Mother is truly gone…and I might need a little note from someone who understood. I responded to her that God always knows what – and WHO – I need at just the right time…and today, she was that person!
Now I don’t mean to imply that this “sister” is God. But I do believe that Jesus sometimes comes to us through various people and situations. Do we recognize Him? Are we attuned enough to know that He sent this person – or that word for us? I don’t believe there are coincidences. I believe that everything is orchestrated by God…which is why fisherman could fish for a whole night and catch nothing – and then set their nets on the other side of the boat and drag 153 large fish to shore, where Someone was waiting to cook a few of them for breakfast.
How deep is our faith? Do we trust God – and know Him well enough – to believe that He is involved in every aspect of our lives…even to the point of prompting a friend to send an e-mail message of encouragement on a specific day? Do we really “see” Jesus and live with confidence that He is in complete control…that He can – and will – meet our every need when we call on Him? Will this be the day that you “step out of the boat and wade to shore to share a meal with the Lord?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 19, 2016
John 14:8-11
Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today would be my mother’s 77th birthday. She is celebrating in heaven with my dad, who would have been 80 yesterday. We always celebrated their birthdays as one…and now they are having one amazing “Heavenly party!” When mother died, her pastor and dear friend, J.R. asked, “Did your mother have any favorite scripture passages?” Man, did she ever! I rattled them off to him…Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:7, Psalm 30:5. These became the foundation of J.R.’s funeral sermon…which perfectly glorified God and honored my mother and her Christian faith.
For 58 years, my mother talked to me about Jesus. She quoted these scriptures often, so I was fully confident that they were some of her favorites. Through my mother’s demonstration of faith in Jesus – even in the midst of some pretty substantial challenges and struggles – I knew Him, too. And I knew God. I saw His authority and wisdom in action…and I felt His all-encompassing love and protection.
As I went through Mother’s Bible study journals lately, I found this note…”During the deaths of Tim [my brother] and James Paul [my dad], I’d often wonder, ‘Why am I not falling apart?’ Then I’d remember all the people across the country who were praying for us.” In this one statement, we see how she trusted God…how she KNEW that He was working in her life…and in the lives of her family members.
Our three little ones often ask us, “Where is God? Why can’t we see Him?” It is hard to give young children an answer that makes sense. But through steadfast demonstration of faith in this “unseen God,” they will come to understand what my mother and others taught me. They will learn what Jesus was telling His disciples…that God is evident all around us. He doesn’t necessarily appear to us in flesh and blood, as Jesus did for a while…but He is real and alive, all the same.
Two things are required of us as Christians…to believe in Jesus – and God the Father…and to show Christ (and our Heavenly Father) to others through our words and actions. In a nutshell, my mother’s favorite scriptures tell us that God knows the plans He has for us - and they are good plans designed to prosper us…that we may have weeping for a time, but God will restore our joy…and that we will be surrounded by a peace that passes all understanding and comprehension. If we demonstrate these three scripture passages to others in our own lives, people will know Jesus through us – and they will see God in action, as well.
When others look at you these days, who do they see?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today would be my mother’s 77th birthday. She is celebrating in heaven with my dad, who would have been 80 yesterday. We always celebrated their birthdays as one…and now they are having one amazing “Heavenly party!” When mother died, her pastor and dear friend, J.R. asked, “Did your mother have any favorite scripture passages?” Man, did she ever! I rattled them off to him…Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:7, Psalm 30:5. These became the foundation of J.R.’s funeral sermon…which perfectly glorified God and honored my mother and her Christian faith.
For 58 years, my mother talked to me about Jesus. She quoted these scriptures often, so I was fully confident that they were some of her favorites. Through my mother’s demonstration of faith in Jesus – even in the midst of some pretty substantial challenges and struggles – I knew Him, too. And I knew God. I saw His authority and wisdom in action…and I felt His all-encompassing love and protection.
As I went through Mother’s Bible study journals lately, I found this note…”During the deaths of Tim [my brother] and James Paul [my dad], I’d often wonder, ‘Why am I not falling apart?’ Then I’d remember all the people across the country who were praying for us.” In this one statement, we see how she trusted God…how she KNEW that He was working in her life…and in the lives of her family members.
Our three little ones often ask us, “Where is God? Why can’t we see Him?” It is hard to give young children an answer that makes sense. But through steadfast demonstration of faith in this “unseen God,” they will come to understand what my mother and others taught me. They will learn what Jesus was telling His disciples…that God is evident all around us. He doesn’t necessarily appear to us in flesh and blood, as Jesus did for a while…but He is real and alive, all the same.
Two things are required of us as Christians…to believe in Jesus – and God the Father…and to show Christ (and our Heavenly Father) to others through our words and actions. In a nutshell, my mother’s favorite scriptures tell us that God knows the plans He has for us - and they are good plans designed to prosper us…that we may have weeping for a time, but God will restore our joy…and that we will be surrounded by a peace that passes all understanding and comprehension. If we demonstrate these three scripture passages to others in our own lives, people will know Jesus through us – and they will see God in action, as well.
When others look at you these days, who do they see?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 16, 2016
John 10:7-13
…so he explained it to them.
“I am the Gate for the sheep,” he said. “All others who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the Gate. Those who come in by way of the Gate will be saved and will go in and out and find green pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man will run when he sees a wolf coming and will leave the sheep, for they aren’t his and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf leaps on them and scatters the flock. The hired man runs because he is hired and has no real concern for the sheep.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few years ago, my mother-in-law came over for dinner one spring evening. As she left, Greg and I walked her out onto our porch and toward her car, which was parked just a few feet away on our driveway. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of something. I looked over and saw what turned out to be a more-than-five-foot-long rat snake wound around the base of our wrought iron lantern. I promptly screamed and ran back inside the house – leaving Greg and his mother standing on the driveway! I was the “hired man” who deserted his flock!
Yes, I am that afraid of snakes! Hopefully, had I been with the little children rather than two grown adults, I would have remained a bit more calm and ushered them to safety. And thankfully, this big guy was relatively harmless and slithered on his way about a half hour later…hopefully to protect our yard from the poisonous reptiles that could actually do us some harm!
In life, we are so often like the “hired man.” At the first sign of trouble or controversy, we tuck tail and run. And I get that there are times when it is appropriate to say, “Not my circus – not my monkeys.” But there are lots of times when Jesus is calling us to trust Him…to stay in step with Him and trust that He’s got our back. There are moments when we must stand up and demonstrate Christian faith, love, grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness – even when many would turn and run.
We hear Jesus calling us to stand up for what He has taught us…to remain calm and stand still in the presence of the snake. And we have a choice…to remain faithful that He’s got our back and do what He asks…or turn away – and essentially deny His sovereignty in our lives. It’s often a tough call…I get that! But how deep IS your faith? How much do you really trust Jesus to know better than you?
It is time for us to stand our ground with Jesus…to take what may often be an unpopular position as we declare Him the final authority in our lives – and our every thought and action. The end results will be amazing…of that I am certain. And I’m all in…what about you?
Will this be the day that you stand firmly behind Jesus…or scream and run away from the “snakes” of this world? Who is your good Shepherd…and do you really know Him? Isn’t it time you did?
© Debbie Robus
…so he explained it to them.
“I am the Gate for the sheep,” he said. “All others who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the Gate. Those who come in by way of the Gate will be saved and will go in and out and find green pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man will run when he sees a wolf coming and will leave the sheep, for they aren’t his and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf leaps on them and scatters the flock. The hired man runs because he is hired and has no real concern for the sheep.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few years ago, my mother-in-law came over for dinner one spring evening. As she left, Greg and I walked her out onto our porch and toward her car, which was parked just a few feet away on our driveway. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of something. I looked over and saw what turned out to be a more-than-five-foot-long rat snake wound around the base of our wrought iron lantern. I promptly screamed and ran back inside the house – leaving Greg and his mother standing on the driveway! I was the “hired man” who deserted his flock!
Yes, I am that afraid of snakes! Hopefully, had I been with the little children rather than two grown adults, I would have remained a bit more calm and ushered them to safety. And thankfully, this big guy was relatively harmless and slithered on his way about a half hour later…hopefully to protect our yard from the poisonous reptiles that could actually do us some harm!
In life, we are so often like the “hired man.” At the first sign of trouble or controversy, we tuck tail and run. And I get that there are times when it is appropriate to say, “Not my circus – not my monkeys.” But there are lots of times when Jesus is calling us to trust Him…to stay in step with Him and trust that He’s got our back. There are moments when we must stand up and demonstrate Christian faith, love, grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness – even when many would turn and run.
We hear Jesus calling us to stand up for what He has taught us…to remain calm and stand still in the presence of the snake. And we have a choice…to remain faithful that He’s got our back and do what He asks…or turn away – and essentially deny His sovereignty in our lives. It’s often a tough call…I get that! But how deep IS your faith? How much do you really trust Jesus to know better than you?
It is time for us to stand our ground with Jesus…to take what may often be an unpopular position as we declare Him the final authority in our lives – and our every thought and action. The end results will be amazing…of that I am certain. And I’m all in…what about you?
Will this be the day that you stand firmly behind Jesus…or scream and run away from the “snakes” of this world? Who is your good Shepherd…and do you really know Him? Isn’t it time you did?
© Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 23, 2016
Acts 1:6-8
When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?”
He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”
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.
“Now can we have a prize?” This is the question our children asked me after they had played together nicely for a few minutes earlier this week. I explained that we had the whole day to spend together…and if they continued to behave well, I would indeed bring out the prize basket at some point. The kids didn’t know when this would happen…but they knew what they had to do to earn a treat or toy! And for the most part, they waited patiently and got along. When they least expected it, I brought out the prize basket and let them choose a reward.
Okay, so this is a really simplified illustration to unpack the return of Jesus. But there ARE some parallels. 1) We don’t know the hour or day for Christ’s return. It could happen before you finish reading this devotional, or it could happen centuries from now. We simply do not know. 2) We have been given a purpose…the “Great Commission” to witness for Jesus to all people throughout the world. This is not a command for you to hop on a plane and travel to Africa to become a missionary. It is a call for us to serve wherever and whenever God provides us with opportunities…to “be the hands and feet of Jesus” on this earth until He returns or calls us Home.
I’ve thought a lot about timing lately. None of us knows how long we will be on this earth…or what the day will bring. If you had told me three months ago what all would happen in our family alone, I’m pretty sure I would not have believed you. Life is filled with surprises…and none of us is promised tomorrow…or even the next hour!
But what we ARE promised is that Jesus has sent His Holy Spirit to be with us every step of the way! We are promised Eternity in His presence, if we surrender our heart and our sins to Him. We are offered the ultimate “prize”…and in the scheme of things, very little is required in return. The question becomes, “Why wouldn’t we want to share this Good News with others?” I don’t serve Jesus because I have to…but because I want to do this! It seems like a no-brainer to me in light of Who He is in my life and the way that He cares for me every single minute!
My prayer this week is that you would take a hard look at what Jesus did…and what He DOES for you every single day. Think about all that He has sacrificed just so we can be with Him forever…free of guilt and shame, sin and sickness. How can we not share His message with others? How can we not strive to live as He designed each and every day – and serve Him with our whole heart?
How can we “celebrate” Holy Week and not understand what it means to truly be Christ’s disciple…and demonstrate this to the world – or our little corner of it? Are YOU “all in” this week before Easter? Will you continue to serve after the eggs and bunnies are packed away? The question the Disciples asked Jesus about His return could be asked of us in regard to our Christian service. So I ask you today…”Is this the time?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?”
He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”
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.
“Now can we have a prize?” This is the question our children asked me after they had played together nicely for a few minutes earlier this week. I explained that we had the whole day to spend together…and if they continued to behave well, I would indeed bring out the prize basket at some point. The kids didn’t know when this would happen…but they knew what they had to do to earn a treat or toy! And for the most part, they waited patiently and got along. When they least expected it, I brought out the prize basket and let them choose a reward.
Okay, so this is a really simplified illustration to unpack the return of Jesus. But there ARE some parallels. 1) We don’t know the hour or day for Christ’s return. It could happen before you finish reading this devotional, or it could happen centuries from now. We simply do not know. 2) We have been given a purpose…the “Great Commission” to witness for Jesus to all people throughout the world. This is not a command for you to hop on a plane and travel to Africa to become a missionary. It is a call for us to serve wherever and whenever God provides us with opportunities…to “be the hands and feet of Jesus” on this earth until He returns or calls us Home.
I’ve thought a lot about timing lately. None of us knows how long we will be on this earth…or what the day will bring. If you had told me three months ago what all would happen in our family alone, I’m pretty sure I would not have believed you. Life is filled with surprises…and none of us is promised tomorrow…or even the next hour!
But what we ARE promised is that Jesus has sent His Holy Spirit to be with us every step of the way! We are promised Eternity in His presence, if we surrender our heart and our sins to Him. We are offered the ultimate “prize”…and in the scheme of things, very little is required in return. The question becomes, “Why wouldn’t we want to share this Good News with others?” I don’t serve Jesus because I have to…but because I want to do this! It seems like a no-brainer to me in light of Who He is in my life and the way that He cares for me every single minute!
My prayer this week is that you would take a hard look at what Jesus did…and what He DOES for you every single day. Think about all that He has sacrificed just so we can be with Him forever…free of guilt and shame, sin and sickness. How can we not share His message with others? How can we not strive to live as He designed each and every day – and serve Him with our whole heart?
How can we “celebrate” Holy Week and not understand what it means to truly be Christ’s disciple…and demonstrate this to the world – or our little corner of it? Are YOU “all in” this week before Easter? Will you continue to serve after the eggs and bunnies are packed away? The question the Disciples asked Jesus about His return could be asked of us in regard to our Christian service. So I ask you today…”Is this the time?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 17, 2016
John 14:11-14
“Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I’ve created something of a “monster.” Ever since Timothy was little, I’ve drawn things for him – and “sculpted” objects out of Play-doh®…animals, superheroes (well, in HIS mind they were superheroes!)…and more. Timothy has finally gotten to the point where he will draw and sculpt his own creations…but his two siblings still insist that “YOU make it!”
The trouble with this is twofold…1) I can’t get them to do things for themselves; and 2) they will not let their Uncle Greg or anyone else help them…it has to be their Debbie! They do not trust their own abilities…or what they have learned from observing me draw and “sculpt” dozens, if not hundreds, of animals, characters, landscapes and more.
In our relationship with Jesus, we are often like these little kids. Countless times, we have “seen” Him model what we should do. But when push comes to shove, we want “My Jesus” to do it for us. He tells us, “YOU can do this…I have shown you how.” But we whine and complain and say, “I can’t!” No matter how much Jesus says, “It’s okay…I am with you, and you CAN do this!”…we kick and scream and say, “NO, I CAN’T!”…or even, “I WON’T!”
You may not think you behave this way. You may insist that you would never refuse Jesus…that you are ready, willing and able to go wherever He sends you and do whatever He calls on you to do. But are you? Are you really ready to give up your time and energy to help someone else? Are you willing to turn off the TV and phone someone who needs to hear from you…especially if that person is not a close friend? Will you step up and out for Jesus – and trust Him to equip you for whatever task He sends you to complete? Are you truly committed to feeding the sheep of Jesus…and are you ready to begin today?
I am fairly confident that in time, Nathan and Zola will follow in Timothy’s footsteps and happily create their own “masterpieces” with art supplies and Play-doh®. I keep showing them the steps and encouraging them to try on their own. And this is what Jesus is doing with us. He is far more patient with us than we deserve. But it is time for us to take responsibility…to step up and out… and to feed the sheep in Jesus’ name. As long as Jesus is totally behind what you are doing, you will be able to accomplish it. What is He calling you to do today? Who do you need to “feed?”
©2016 Debbie Robus
“Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I’ve created something of a “monster.” Ever since Timothy was little, I’ve drawn things for him – and “sculpted” objects out of Play-doh®…animals, superheroes (well, in HIS mind they were superheroes!)…and more. Timothy has finally gotten to the point where he will draw and sculpt his own creations…but his two siblings still insist that “YOU make it!”
The trouble with this is twofold…1) I can’t get them to do things for themselves; and 2) they will not let their Uncle Greg or anyone else help them…it has to be their Debbie! They do not trust their own abilities…or what they have learned from observing me draw and “sculpt” dozens, if not hundreds, of animals, characters, landscapes and more.
In our relationship with Jesus, we are often like these little kids. Countless times, we have “seen” Him model what we should do. But when push comes to shove, we want “My Jesus” to do it for us. He tells us, “YOU can do this…I have shown you how.” But we whine and complain and say, “I can’t!” No matter how much Jesus says, “It’s okay…I am with you, and you CAN do this!”…we kick and scream and say, “NO, I CAN’T!”…or even, “I WON’T!”
You may not think you behave this way. You may insist that you would never refuse Jesus…that you are ready, willing and able to go wherever He sends you and do whatever He calls on you to do. But are you? Are you really ready to give up your time and energy to help someone else? Are you willing to turn off the TV and phone someone who needs to hear from you…especially if that person is not a close friend? Will you step up and out for Jesus – and trust Him to equip you for whatever task He sends you to complete? Are you truly committed to feeding the sheep of Jesus…and are you ready to begin today?
I am fairly confident that in time, Nathan and Zola will follow in Timothy’s footsteps and happily create their own “masterpieces” with art supplies and Play-doh®. I keep showing them the steps and encouraging them to try on their own. And this is what Jesus is doing with us. He is far more patient with us than we deserve. But it is time for us to take responsibility…to step up and out… and to feed the sheep in Jesus’ name. As long as Jesus is totally behind what you are doing, you will be able to accomplish it. What is He calling you to do today? Who do you need to “feed?”
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 6, 2016
Revelation 14:12
Let this encourage God’s people to endure patiently every trial and persecution, for they are his saints who remain firm to the end in obedience to his commands and trust in Jesus.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Timothy is spending a long-overdue Saturday with “My Debbie” and “My Greg,” as he calls us. He came to our house after school on Friday and spent the night. We are pretty well doing whatever he pleases – within reason (he did want to go shopping for more toys, and that didn’t happen!) – and we are enjoying a break from “regular life” and the sadness that has filled our hearts and minds lately. Greg and I have both commented that the children have been a great diversion and source of joy for us in the last several weeks, and we have thanked God for His blessings.
Seven-year-old boys are not the most patient lot (and three-year-old little brothers are even less so, as Nathan reminds us on his weekly visits!) So this morning as I prepared the chocolate chip pancakes and bacon that Timothy and his Greg requested for breakfast, Timothy reminded me several times that “I’m hungry! I can’t wait!” I would tell him, “I’m working on it…the wait will be worth it!” But he was not convinced. “Oh! Oh! I’m STARVING!” he complained dramatically. I even gave him a cup of hot cocoa and some chocolate chips to tide him over (yes, we spoil him rotten on these visits!)…but he was still adamant that he needed his breakfast – NOW!
Trust me…this kid was in no distress – much less, any danger of starvation! But we grown-ups are often so much like him in the situations and circumstances of our own lives. We think we cannot bear what is happening to us…and we often whine and complain and cry out to God, “When will this be over? When will you rescue me?” God gives us more blessings and joys than we deserve – like “chocolate chips and hot cocoa to tide us over” – but still, we are impatient.
Sometimes, in our restlessness and mistrust, we misbehave and disobey… or even turn our backs on God. After all, He took too long to answer us…right? At the very least, we question His timing and plans…we gripe and complain…and we lose heart. Some of this is normal…human nature…our sinful side in action. None of us is perfect, after all.
But we do need to listen to the words of this passage…to learn to operate in patience – even in the midst of trials - and yes, “persecution”…to remain firm to the end in obedience to God’s commands…to always trust in Jesus. I can tell you from personal experience that this is often hard…that some days are better than others. But every day that we stay close to God and operate in His will and trust Him for perfect outcomes is better than our “best” day without Him.
Not all days will be “chocolate chip pancake and bacon” days with God. But when we make our best effort to spend each day with “My God”, He will supply our every need – and then some. We.Can.Do.This! No matter how hard “life” seems, God will equip us for it if we will let Him. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Let this encourage God’s people to endure patiently every trial and persecution, for they are his saints who remain firm to the end in obedience to his commands and trust in Jesus.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Timothy is spending a long-overdue Saturday with “My Debbie” and “My Greg,” as he calls us. He came to our house after school on Friday and spent the night. We are pretty well doing whatever he pleases – within reason (he did want to go shopping for more toys, and that didn’t happen!) – and we are enjoying a break from “regular life” and the sadness that has filled our hearts and minds lately. Greg and I have both commented that the children have been a great diversion and source of joy for us in the last several weeks, and we have thanked God for His blessings.
Seven-year-old boys are not the most patient lot (and three-year-old little brothers are even less so, as Nathan reminds us on his weekly visits!) So this morning as I prepared the chocolate chip pancakes and bacon that Timothy and his Greg requested for breakfast, Timothy reminded me several times that “I’m hungry! I can’t wait!” I would tell him, “I’m working on it…the wait will be worth it!” But he was not convinced. “Oh! Oh! I’m STARVING!” he complained dramatically. I even gave him a cup of hot cocoa and some chocolate chips to tide him over (yes, we spoil him rotten on these visits!)…but he was still adamant that he needed his breakfast – NOW!
Trust me…this kid was in no distress – much less, any danger of starvation! But we grown-ups are often so much like him in the situations and circumstances of our own lives. We think we cannot bear what is happening to us…and we often whine and complain and cry out to God, “When will this be over? When will you rescue me?” God gives us more blessings and joys than we deserve – like “chocolate chips and hot cocoa to tide us over” – but still, we are impatient.
Sometimes, in our restlessness and mistrust, we misbehave and disobey… or even turn our backs on God. After all, He took too long to answer us…right? At the very least, we question His timing and plans…we gripe and complain…and we lose heart. Some of this is normal…human nature…our sinful side in action. None of us is perfect, after all.
But we do need to listen to the words of this passage…to learn to operate in patience – even in the midst of trials - and yes, “persecution”…to remain firm to the end in obedience to God’s commands…to always trust in Jesus. I can tell you from personal experience that this is often hard…that some days are better than others. But every day that we stay close to God and operate in His will and trust Him for perfect outcomes is better than our “best” day without Him.
Not all days will be “chocolate chip pancake and bacon” days with God. But when we make our best effort to spend each day with “My God”, He will supply our every need – and then some. We.Can.Do.This! No matter how hard “life” seems, God will equip us for it if we will let Him. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 28, 2015
John 16:33
I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I will tell you, I have almost stopped watching the news. Everywhere you turn, there are heartbreaks and heartaches…wars, mistreatment of others, and injustice and indignities that at least ought to curl our hair! Just in the last few days, I have learned of the death of two 15-year-old football players in a nearby town – the result of a car accident that left four others injured (some critically). I’ve heard about several people who have cancer or serious illnesses and injuries, the incredible mistreatment of a misbehaving teenage girl in a South Carolina classroom, and the ravages of war in the Middle East.
It’s enough to make us nauseous…to cause us to throw up our hands and ask, “LORD…where have You gone?” And the short answer is, “Nowhere! I’m still right here.” So this begs the question…”Why?” And John 16:33 provides the answer. Jesus has overcome the world. The things that rattle our cages and upset us…the words and actions that dare to rip out our hearts and cause us to doubt and become discouraged…are all part and parcel of this earthly – and often evil – world. And Jesus overcame them all. He died on the cross and took sin upon Himself, so that we have the chance to leave all of this behind someday…and bask in His glory in Paradise.
I don’t mean to sound the “Gloom and Doom Alarm!” There ARE good things happening in this earthly life. We just have to dig a little deeper sometimes to find them. Just today, I attended the adoption hearing for a toddler placed in foster care with a family who is “like family” to Greg and me. In his closing statements, the judge noted that he and his co-workers see and hear terrible things in the courtroom…stories of abuse, neglect and horrific injustices. And he stated that days like these are a joy to them. To see a child who is so obviously loved and well-attended…who is thriving in her new environment and has every prospect of a wonderful and happy life…gives them hope and renews their efforts to serve all children.
And so it is with us. This verse in John 16 should serve to bolster our courage and our hope. Our faith should be renewed, and we should be reminded to worry less and pray more - to allow the Savior who has conquered this world to handle it and the challenges that are offered…because He truly can!
I cannot say that I am not affected by the trials and sorrows of this earthly life, because as a human being, I simply am. But I can give them to God to handle and trust Him to do so. I can live in faith and joy that my future – the one that really matters – is secure, peaceful and perfect. I can cheer up…and spread the Good News. And so can you!
©2015 Debbie Robus
I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I will tell you, I have almost stopped watching the news. Everywhere you turn, there are heartbreaks and heartaches…wars, mistreatment of others, and injustice and indignities that at least ought to curl our hair! Just in the last few days, I have learned of the death of two 15-year-old football players in a nearby town – the result of a car accident that left four others injured (some critically). I’ve heard about several people who have cancer or serious illnesses and injuries, the incredible mistreatment of a misbehaving teenage girl in a South Carolina classroom, and the ravages of war in the Middle East.
It’s enough to make us nauseous…to cause us to throw up our hands and ask, “LORD…where have You gone?” And the short answer is, “Nowhere! I’m still right here.” So this begs the question…”Why?” And John 16:33 provides the answer. Jesus has overcome the world. The things that rattle our cages and upset us…the words and actions that dare to rip out our hearts and cause us to doubt and become discouraged…are all part and parcel of this earthly – and often evil – world. And Jesus overcame them all. He died on the cross and took sin upon Himself, so that we have the chance to leave all of this behind someday…and bask in His glory in Paradise.
I don’t mean to sound the “Gloom and Doom Alarm!” There ARE good things happening in this earthly life. We just have to dig a little deeper sometimes to find them. Just today, I attended the adoption hearing for a toddler placed in foster care with a family who is “like family” to Greg and me. In his closing statements, the judge noted that he and his co-workers see and hear terrible things in the courtroom…stories of abuse, neglect and horrific injustices. And he stated that days like these are a joy to them. To see a child who is so obviously loved and well-attended…who is thriving in her new environment and has every prospect of a wonderful and happy life…gives them hope and renews their efforts to serve all children.
And so it is with us. This verse in John 16 should serve to bolster our courage and our hope. Our faith should be renewed, and we should be reminded to worry less and pray more - to allow the Savior who has conquered this world to handle it and the challenges that are offered…because He truly can!
I cannot say that I am not affected by the trials and sorrows of this earthly life, because as a human being, I simply am. But I can give them to God to handle and trust Him to do so. I can live in faith and joy that my future – the one that really matters – is secure, peaceful and perfect. I can cheer up…and spread the Good News. And so can you!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 21, 2015
John 6:47-51
“I’m telling you the most solemn and sober truth now: Whoever believes in me has real life, eternal life. I am the Bread of Life. Your ancestors ate the manna bread in the desert and died. But now here is Bread that truly comes down out of heaven. Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever. I am the Bread—living Bread!—who came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will live—and forever! The Bread that I present to the world so that it can eat and live is myself, this flesh-and-blood self.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am a “GRITS”…a Girl Raised In The South, and we “GRITS” love our cornbread! I have a little plaque that says, “Lord, thank you for letting me be born in the South – and for the cornbread and turnip greens in my mouth!” But here’s the thing…I have developed an allergy to corn…so the very “bread” I love could potentially kill me! Some of you may be gluten intolerant…or you’re diabetic…and bread is somewhat your “enemy.” I get it. We think of bread as life-sustaining…but that is not always the case – at least not in a physical sense!
But Bread – the Bread of Life that represents Jesus’ body given on the cross for you and me – is EVERYTHING! I love how this passage explains that when we believe in Jesus and commit our hearts to Him, we receive Bread that will sustain us FOREVER. I particularly like the sentence that says, “Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever.”
I don’t know about you, but these words really encourage me. Because of Jesus and the Bread of Life that I have in Him, nothing can ever truly harm me. Because of Jesus’ Bread of Life, I am “safe and secure from all alarms,” as it says in the old hymn.* The Bread of Life fills me, nurtures me, sustains me…and never ends!
Because of the Bread of Life, I am leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus in all things. I am not only a “GRITS”…I am also a “BOLCOG” (Bread of Life Child of God)! I get to enjoy this “Bread” every single day - as much as I want/need! But when I get to heaven, I’ll take mine with a slice of cornbread, please…and a big ole mess of turnip greens with a tall glass of sweet tea on the side! Will I see you there?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (public domain)
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
“I’m telling you the most solemn and sober truth now: Whoever believes in me has real life, eternal life. I am the Bread of Life. Your ancestors ate the manna bread in the desert and died. But now here is Bread that truly comes down out of heaven. Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever. I am the Bread—living Bread!—who came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will live—and forever! The Bread that I present to the world so that it can eat and live is myself, this flesh-and-blood self.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am a “GRITS”…a Girl Raised In The South, and we “GRITS” love our cornbread! I have a little plaque that says, “Lord, thank you for letting me be born in the South – and for the cornbread and turnip greens in my mouth!” But here’s the thing…I have developed an allergy to corn…so the very “bread” I love could potentially kill me! Some of you may be gluten intolerant…or you’re diabetic…and bread is somewhat your “enemy.” I get it. We think of bread as life-sustaining…but that is not always the case – at least not in a physical sense!
But Bread – the Bread of Life that represents Jesus’ body given on the cross for you and me – is EVERYTHING! I love how this passage explains that when we believe in Jesus and commit our hearts to Him, we receive Bread that will sustain us FOREVER. I particularly like the sentence that says, “Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever.”
I don’t know about you, but these words really encourage me. Because of Jesus and the Bread of Life that I have in Him, nothing can ever truly harm me. Because of Jesus’ Bread of Life, I am “safe and secure from all alarms,” as it says in the old hymn.* The Bread of Life fills me, nurtures me, sustains me…and never ends!
Because of the Bread of Life, I am leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus in all things. I am not only a “GRITS”…I am also a “BOLCOG” (Bread of Life Child of God)! I get to enjoy this “Bread” every single day - as much as I want/need! But when I get to heaven, I’ll take mine with a slice of cornbread, please…and a big ole mess of turnip greens with a tall glass of sweet tea on the side! Will I see you there?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (public domain)
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Daily Devotional for December 29, 2014
1 Peter 3:10-11
“Do you really love life?
Do you want to be happy?
Then stop saying cruel things
and quit telling lies.
Give up your evil ways
and do right,
as you find and follow
the road that leads
to peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our 3-year-old niece, Zola, is a “runner”. She loves to break free from holding the hand of an adult and run…into parking lots, out into the street, or across the yard. It’s a problem that could have serious consequences, and we are all trying to impress upon her that she must not do this! When she ran from me after church, I told her, “You cannot come to our house this week to spend the night if you are not going to mind us!” She began to wail…”But I want to come!” I reminded her that she must start doing right! She is definitely a “work in progress”!
As we get older, the specifics of our “evil ways” may change…but the basic principle is the same. There are temptations on all sides, and we succumb to them for a variety of reasons…ranging from a desire to fit in to the yearning to “be our own person” and exercise our independence! It’s something of a “grown-up” version of running into the street! Regardless of the reason, the results are often the same…hurt feelings, emotional and physical danger, disappointment, and unhappiness, to name a few.
In order to be truly happy and “free”, we must trust Jesus to help us release the “hold” of Satan…to help us rid our lives of evil – lying, cheating, gossip, criticism and insults, cruelty of any kind, and more. We must strive to live more like Jesus each and every minute of the day. As we begin to cling to Him and HIS ways…we will find that our lives are actually more carefree and joyful.
Do you really love life? Do you truly want to be joyful and happy? Jesus is waiting to show you how. Are you ready to take His hand and let Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“Do you really love life?
Do you want to be happy?
Then stop saying cruel things
and quit telling lies.
Give up your evil ways
and do right,
as you find and follow
the road that leads
to peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our 3-year-old niece, Zola, is a “runner”. She loves to break free from holding the hand of an adult and run…into parking lots, out into the street, or across the yard. It’s a problem that could have serious consequences, and we are all trying to impress upon her that she must not do this! When she ran from me after church, I told her, “You cannot come to our house this week to spend the night if you are not going to mind us!” She began to wail…”But I want to come!” I reminded her that she must start doing right! She is definitely a “work in progress”!
As we get older, the specifics of our “evil ways” may change…but the basic principle is the same. There are temptations on all sides, and we succumb to them for a variety of reasons…ranging from a desire to fit in to the yearning to “be our own person” and exercise our independence! It’s something of a “grown-up” version of running into the street! Regardless of the reason, the results are often the same…hurt feelings, emotional and physical danger, disappointment, and unhappiness, to name a few.
In order to be truly happy and “free”, we must trust Jesus to help us release the “hold” of Satan…to help us rid our lives of evil – lying, cheating, gossip, criticism and insults, cruelty of any kind, and more. We must strive to live more like Jesus each and every minute of the day. As we begin to cling to Him and HIS ways…we will find that our lives are actually more carefree and joyful.
Do you really love life? Do you truly want to be joyful and happy? Jesus is waiting to show you how. Are you ready to take His hand and let Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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