Matthew 7:21-23
“Knowing the correct
password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you
anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my
Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting
up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the
demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you
know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use
me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re
out of here.’
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 will never forget the
Sunday morning more than 30 years ago when I sat in a worship service
and heard our pastor say, “I am taking a sabbatical, because I am
fighting a serious battle with depression.” You could have bowled me
over with a feather. This man who seemed so “together” – who was so
positive, encouraging and supportive to his “flock” – was a basket case
on the inside. He covered this very well, and it was heartbreaking to
discover how he had struggled internally…and to think that while he had
ministered to all of us, he was in desperate need of help for himself.
We
moved shortly after this, and I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t keep up
with this family, so I really don’t know if this man was ever able to
return to the pulpit or not. But as I read this passage today, I
thought about how many people are not who we think they are…and maybe
you are one of them. Perhaps you are battling an inner struggle – and
no one is aware, because you pretend that everything is alright. Maybe
you are trying to be strong for your family and friends, so you never
let down your guard and allow others to help in some way.
Or
maybe you are like the persons described by Jesus in this passage…the
ones who pretend to have it all together as Christians. Maybe you can
spout scripture and pray out loud with the best of them…attend Sunday
worship and Bible studies…sing in the choir…serve at the local soup
kitchen and work in everything from clothing drives to work days for the
elderly/infirm. And all the while, maybe you are empty and disjointed
on the inside…because you have not truly heeded the word of God for
your life.
There is a difference between being busy and being obedient…between being “good” and being truly faithful and faith-filled. A lot of us talk the talk, but we don’t walk the walk. And God knows the truth – about each of us!
Whether
others know who you really are or not…God knows. He wants us to be
real and raw with Him…to serve from the depths of our heart…to listen
for His voice and follow Him wherever He leads. This is a TALL
order…but nothing is too big for God. What He calls us to do…He will
see us through - with grace, mercy and strength.
When you project
your “Christian persona,” do people see the real deal…or someone you
want them to see? More importantly, who are you showing God? Is this
the day that you will start to operate in full obedience to His word and
will? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label what others think of us. Show all posts
Showing posts with label what others think of us. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 28, 2015
Romans 12:17-21
Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible.
Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. Don’t take the law into your own hands. Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be “heaping coals of fire on his head.” In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you. Don’t let evil get the upper hand, but conquer evil by doing good.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Yesterday, Timothy’s Sunday school lesson was about Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel. Before he even left the door of his classroom, he was already telling us all about them…and sharing the lesson that he had been given - to stop and consider the consequences before acting or speaking. As we drove to Burger King, he said, “The other day, I socked my mom in the arm. I tried to apologize…but it was too late.”(his voice sadly trailed off here!) Timothy apparently lost his prized stuff animals for the rest of the day as a punishment. I told him…”It sounds like you learned a good lesson.” He replied, “Yes…I need to think about the consequences before I do things.”
Someone shared an unkind post about our President this morning that I will not repeat here. However, right after that, this same person shared something that I had just posted… "We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it. - Madeleine L'Engle".
I’ve shared this quote before, but I found it ironic that this person could not see the “disconnect” between the ugly thing that was shared and these thoughts. And I’ll admit…I was tempted to point out the skewed thinking! Thankfully, I am beginning to take the message of this scripture passage to heart, so I stopped to think about the consequences of my response and checked myself!
Madeleine L’Engle was right…sometimes our words and actions completely discredit our faith in God and our overall Christian witness. Who in their right mind would want to worship a God that ordained snide criticism, ugly name calling and unloving words and actions? How can we expect unbelievers – and those who are doubtful – to accept that God loves ALL of us, when we are so unkind and disparaging toward any among us?
I’ll be honest…I have to really work to check my thoughts, words and actions toward many these days. But I MUST…and so must you! Timothy was totally blown away that Cain would kill “his only BROTHER!” He said, “Debbie…that was just not good!” He went into great detail about how Cain wore a red mark to set him apart…but also to indicate to others not to harm him. I told Timothy that I needed to get out my Bible and read that part of the story again, and he said…”You should read the WHOLE story!”
So I did! And we all should spend more time reading these stories and reminding ourselves that “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” (Matthew 25:40) Likewise, when we do something TO another “brother” or “sister,” we do it TO Jesus. We must check our thoughts, words, and actions...think about the consequences…and consider how our “Christian witness” lines up with His teachings.
Timothy’s class created a little stoplight doorknob hanger to remind them to “stop, think about the consequences, and then go.” Consider this message to be your own “sign”…and take to heart the thoughts shared here. Conquer evil by doing good, and let God handle the rest. Draw people to Christ as much by what you DON’T say and do as what is expressed…and see what amazing things God can do with your efforts.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible.
Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it. Don’t take the law into your own hands. Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be “heaping coals of fire on his head.” In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you. Don’t let evil get the upper hand, but conquer evil by doing good.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Yesterday, Timothy’s Sunday school lesson was about Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel. Before he even left the door of his classroom, he was already telling us all about them…and sharing the lesson that he had been given - to stop and consider the consequences before acting or speaking. As we drove to Burger King, he said, “The other day, I socked my mom in the arm. I tried to apologize…but it was too late.”(his voice sadly trailed off here!) Timothy apparently lost his prized stuff animals for the rest of the day as a punishment. I told him…”It sounds like you learned a good lesson.” He replied, “Yes…I need to think about the consequences before I do things.”
Someone shared an unkind post about our President this morning that I will not repeat here. However, right after that, this same person shared something that I had just posted… "We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it. - Madeleine L'Engle".
I’ve shared this quote before, but I found it ironic that this person could not see the “disconnect” between the ugly thing that was shared and these thoughts. And I’ll admit…I was tempted to point out the skewed thinking! Thankfully, I am beginning to take the message of this scripture passage to heart, so I stopped to think about the consequences of my response and checked myself!
Madeleine L’Engle was right…sometimes our words and actions completely discredit our faith in God and our overall Christian witness. Who in their right mind would want to worship a God that ordained snide criticism, ugly name calling and unloving words and actions? How can we expect unbelievers – and those who are doubtful – to accept that God loves ALL of us, when we are so unkind and disparaging toward any among us?
I’ll be honest…I have to really work to check my thoughts, words and actions toward many these days. But I MUST…and so must you! Timothy was totally blown away that Cain would kill “his only BROTHER!” He said, “Debbie…that was just not good!” He went into great detail about how Cain wore a red mark to set him apart…but also to indicate to others not to harm him. I told Timothy that I needed to get out my Bible and read that part of the story again, and he said…”You should read the WHOLE story!”
So I did! And we all should spend more time reading these stories and reminding ourselves that “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” (Matthew 25:40) Likewise, when we do something TO another “brother” or “sister,” we do it TO Jesus. We must check our thoughts, words, and actions...think about the consequences…and consider how our “Christian witness” lines up with His teachings.
Timothy’s class created a little stoplight doorknob hanger to remind them to “stop, think about the consequences, and then go.” Consider this message to be your own “sign”…and take to heart the thoughts shared here. Conquer evil by doing good, and let God handle the rest. Draw people to Christ as much by what you DON’T say and do as what is expressed…and see what amazing things God can do with your efforts.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 12, 2015
Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the suffering and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted, to announce liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Unless you have been under a rock lately, you know that there are almost two dozen "contenders" to be the next President of the United States…and to hear many of them tell it, the Spirit of the Lord God is upon them, and they have been anointed to save the world! Were it not so sad and serious, it might almost be laughable, as each of these men and women rushes to outdo the others in their efforts to convince “we the people” how lofty and noble they are…and how qualified they are to lead us!
It will probably take the better part of this next year to sift through all of the noise and figure out who truly might be at least partly suited to be our next President. I know that it will take a lot of prayer and careful consideration as we formulate our opinions and come to what hopefully will be a wise conclusion.
Meanwhile, let there be NO question about who has been anointed by God to bring the Good News to each of us - the “suffering and afflicted” referenced by the prophet Isaiah. Let us be assured that Jesus Christ has indeed come “to comfort the brokenhearted, to announce liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind.”
My prayer is that we never get confused about this…that we never doubt…and that we live in such a way that others are certain of where we stand – and with WHOM we stand! It doesn’t matter whether you and I agree about who should lead our nation…but it matters profoundly that we agree about Who leads our hearts and souls…and controls the destiny of our every breath - and our Eternity.
Do you live in a way that demonstrates your faith and confidence in the Good News of Jesus Christ? Have you received His anointing upon your life…and are you busy acting on His behalf in a way that brings glory and honor to Jesus? When others look at you, do they want what (and Who) you have in their life? Or are you one more arrogant and confusing “voice” in the mix?
The time has come for us to figure out who we are as Christ’s disciples…and to pare down, in many instances, to what He has anointed…and discard anything that we have added. Are you really ready to do this? Are you prepared to deliver the unadulterated, pure and true Good News to others in every aspect of your daily living? Will you stand out from the crowd for Jesus in a good way? Or are you just one more in a line of noisy distractions?
©2015 Debbie Robus
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the suffering and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted, to announce liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Unless you have been under a rock lately, you know that there are almost two dozen "contenders" to be the next President of the United States…and to hear many of them tell it, the Spirit of the Lord God is upon them, and they have been anointed to save the world! Were it not so sad and serious, it might almost be laughable, as each of these men and women rushes to outdo the others in their efforts to convince “we the people” how lofty and noble they are…and how qualified they are to lead us!
It will probably take the better part of this next year to sift through all of the noise and figure out who truly might be at least partly suited to be our next President. I know that it will take a lot of prayer and careful consideration as we formulate our opinions and come to what hopefully will be a wise conclusion.
Meanwhile, let there be NO question about who has been anointed by God to bring the Good News to each of us - the “suffering and afflicted” referenced by the prophet Isaiah. Let us be assured that Jesus Christ has indeed come “to comfort the brokenhearted, to announce liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind.”
My prayer is that we never get confused about this…that we never doubt…and that we live in such a way that others are certain of where we stand – and with WHOM we stand! It doesn’t matter whether you and I agree about who should lead our nation…but it matters profoundly that we agree about Who leads our hearts and souls…and controls the destiny of our every breath - and our Eternity.
Do you live in a way that demonstrates your faith and confidence in the Good News of Jesus Christ? Have you received His anointing upon your life…and are you busy acting on His behalf in a way that brings glory and honor to Jesus? When others look at you, do they want what (and Who) you have in their life? Or are you one more arrogant and confusing “voice” in the mix?
The time has come for us to figure out who we are as Christ’s disciples…and to pare down, in many instances, to what He has anointed…and discard anything that we have added. Are you really ready to do this? Are you prepared to deliver the unadulterated, pure and true Good News to others in every aspect of your daily living? Will you stand out from the crowd for Jesus in a good way? Or are you just one more in a line of noisy distractions?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 12, 2014
Luke 9:1-2
One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them authority over all demons—power to cast them out—and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them away to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
“Don’t even take along a walking stick,” he instructed them, “nor a beggar’s bag, nor food, nor money. Not even an extra coat. Be a guest in only one home at each village.
“If the people of a town won’t listen to you when you enter it, turn around and leave, demonstrating God’s anger against it by shaking its dust from your feet as you go.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Suppose a well-known televangelist came to visit your town for a week. He entered the city on his private jet...a chauffeur picked him up at the airport in a very expensive car. This evangelist was wearing expensive, designer clothing, and he was taken to the home of some of the community’s wealthiest citizens, where a private chef prepared a meal for him before he spoke to a group at one of the area churches. Throughout the week, this person moved from one expensive home to another, dined on extravagant meals – many of which were brought in from other cities or prepared by some of our state’s best chefs, as hosts tried to "one-up" each other. He played golf during the day with the city’s elite...toured area landmarks with an entourage of press and public officials ...and was treated to V.I.P. treatment at every turn.
Each night, this person “preached” in one of the local churches – and even once in a community-wide gathering at the school’s gymnasium. He admonished people to “come to Jesus,” and he concluded the services with lengthy “invitations” and “altar calls” in which he practically insisted that those in attendance should come forward and make some sort of public profession...or face the wrath of God and the possibility of eternity in Hell. Before leaving town, he disgustedly told many that this community was filled with sin – and sinners! This person’s week-long stay in the community was the “talk of the town” for a long, long time...and not necessarily in a good way.
Contrast this visit with one from a friend who drove into town in his old Ford pickup with 150,000 miles or more on it. He came straight to your house and asked if he could hang out there for about a week. He insisted that he didn’t want to be a bother...that he would be “in and out” as he visited with other friends and family members in town...and that he would be treating you and others to a few meals – that you would not be expected to feed him three times a day or entertain him for an entire week.
Over the course of a week, this person walked or drove himself around your community and visited with people; checked on friends and family members who were elderly, infirm, or under the weather; helped out a couple of folks with projects around their house or yard; and never missed an opportunity to tell everyone he met how blessed he was because of Jesus. He even spent extra time with a couple of friends who needed an encouraging word and some spiritual direction and prayer – and he led a couple of informal Bible studies in your living room. When the week ended, people were genuinely sad to see him go...but they felt a renewed sense of blessing and joy...and some were even moved to seek a deeper relationship with God because of the things they had experienced and witnessed in this person.
Now who do you think was the more effective witness...the person who blazed in with fancy cars and more and touted “his way or the highway”...or the friend who came for a visit and met people right where they were, recognized their needs of all kinds, and did what he could to address them in Jesus’ name?
Do you see where you and I might fit into this scenario? Most of us probably fall somewhere in the middle...certainly not the high-and-mighty televangelist - but maybe not the humble servant, either. Are we all about appearances...and “numbers”? How have we interpreted our directive from Jesus to “heal all diseases” in His name? Do we meet people at whatever level they find themselves? Do we offer unadulterated grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love... or do we give others the impression that they are inferior and have to “step up their game” in order to receive the healing power of Jesus Christ? Do we leave people wanting more of Jesus out of a deep love and desire to be like Him...or a fear that they have to accept what He is offering – or else?
Do we approach others with arrogance and a “look-what-God-has-called-ME-to” attitude? Or do we come without even a walking stick or a second coat and say, “Jesus is all you need” to anyone who will listen? Do we try to beat down and berate others into submission – or worse, to our way of thinking – or do we say, “I’d like you to meet my Jesus,” and let Him to do the rest. Are we willing to do what Jesus has called us to do...then walk away and give Him room to work? Or do we feel we have to put on a show and gather as many followers as possible?
If we have given our heart to Jesus and believe that He is our Savior, He has called us to share His Good News with others...to “heal all diseases” in His name. But Jesus has been very clear about how we are to accomplish this...and it doesn’t involve a flashy show, coercion, or throwing a hissy fit when others are not receptive. We probably all have work to do in this area. I know I do...what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them authority over all demons—power to cast them out—and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them away to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
“Don’t even take along a walking stick,” he instructed them, “nor a beggar’s bag, nor food, nor money. Not even an extra coat. Be a guest in only one home at each village.
“If the people of a town won’t listen to you when you enter it, turn around and leave, demonstrating God’s anger against it by shaking its dust from your feet as you go.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Suppose a well-known televangelist came to visit your town for a week. He entered the city on his private jet...a chauffeur picked him up at the airport in a very expensive car. This evangelist was wearing expensive, designer clothing, and he was taken to the home of some of the community’s wealthiest citizens, where a private chef prepared a meal for him before he spoke to a group at one of the area churches. Throughout the week, this person moved from one expensive home to another, dined on extravagant meals – many of which were brought in from other cities or prepared by some of our state’s best chefs, as hosts tried to "one-up" each other. He played golf during the day with the city’s elite...toured area landmarks with an entourage of press and public officials ...and was treated to V.I.P. treatment at every turn.
Each night, this person “preached” in one of the local churches – and even once in a community-wide gathering at the school’s gymnasium. He admonished people to “come to Jesus,” and he concluded the services with lengthy “invitations” and “altar calls” in which he practically insisted that those in attendance should come forward and make some sort of public profession...or face the wrath of God and the possibility of eternity in Hell. Before leaving town, he disgustedly told many that this community was filled with sin – and sinners! This person’s week-long stay in the community was the “talk of the town” for a long, long time...and not necessarily in a good way.
Contrast this visit with one from a friend who drove into town in his old Ford pickup with 150,000 miles or more on it. He came straight to your house and asked if he could hang out there for about a week. He insisted that he didn’t want to be a bother...that he would be “in and out” as he visited with other friends and family members in town...and that he would be treating you and others to a few meals – that you would not be expected to feed him three times a day or entertain him for an entire week.
Over the course of a week, this person walked or drove himself around your community and visited with people; checked on friends and family members who were elderly, infirm, or under the weather; helped out a couple of folks with projects around their house or yard; and never missed an opportunity to tell everyone he met how blessed he was because of Jesus. He even spent extra time with a couple of friends who needed an encouraging word and some spiritual direction and prayer – and he led a couple of informal Bible studies in your living room. When the week ended, people were genuinely sad to see him go...but they felt a renewed sense of blessing and joy...and some were even moved to seek a deeper relationship with God because of the things they had experienced and witnessed in this person.
Now who do you think was the more effective witness...the person who blazed in with fancy cars and more and touted “his way or the highway”...or the friend who came for a visit and met people right where they were, recognized their needs of all kinds, and did what he could to address them in Jesus’ name?
Do you see where you and I might fit into this scenario? Most of us probably fall somewhere in the middle...certainly not the high-and-mighty televangelist - but maybe not the humble servant, either. Are we all about appearances...and “numbers”? How have we interpreted our directive from Jesus to “heal all diseases” in His name? Do we meet people at whatever level they find themselves? Do we offer unadulterated grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love... or do we give others the impression that they are inferior and have to “step up their game” in order to receive the healing power of Jesus Christ? Do we leave people wanting more of Jesus out of a deep love and desire to be like Him...or a fear that they have to accept what He is offering – or else?
Do we approach others with arrogance and a “look-what-God-has-called-ME-to” attitude? Or do we come without even a walking stick or a second coat and say, “Jesus is all you need” to anyone who will listen? Do we try to beat down and berate others into submission – or worse, to our way of thinking – or do we say, “I’d like you to meet my Jesus,” and let Him to do the rest. Are we willing to do what Jesus has called us to do...then walk away and give Him room to work? Or do we feel we have to put on a show and gather as many followers as possible?
If we have given our heart to Jesus and believe that He is our Savior, He has called us to share His Good News with others...to “heal all diseases” in His name. But Jesus has been very clear about how we are to accomplish this...and it doesn’t involve a flashy show, coercion, or throwing a hissy fit when others are not receptive. We probably all have work to do in this area. I know I do...what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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