Ephesians 1:7-10
Because of the sacrifice of the
Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free
people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds.
And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of
everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us
in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before
us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought
together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything
on planet earth.
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.
Recently, I did an online
search for some free sheet music for piano arrangements of hymns. The
search results included a site that sounded perfect. So when I visited
the actual website, I was disappointed to see that each piano
arrangement had a “click here to purchase” button. Where was the “free”
stuff? Then I noticed that there was a button to click for “free
information” about piano arrangements of hymns. Deceptive advertising?
Yes...but sadly, not all that uncommon. These days, you truly have to
read the fine print...on virtually everything!
But here’s the GOOD NEWS...there is no “fine print” when it comes to Jesus. His blood paid for our sins on the cross...ALL.OF.THEM.
Just like this scripture passage tells us, God thought of absolutely
everything and sent Jesus to handle it all for us. There is nothing
that was left undone...no plans are incomplete. God loves us so much
that He accounted for everything.
This does not give us license
to go on our merry way and do whatever we please, confident that Jesus
has us, quite literally...covered! This actually adds to our
responsibilities and duties. Such a Gift as our salvation and the
promise of eternal life begs for our devotion and discipleship in
return! But God knows us...He knows we are human – and therefore
imperfect. We will have days when things simply do not go well for
us...or anyone else in our line of fire! And on those days, God says,
“It’s paid for...I’ve got this! Jesus has already paid the price in
full. Now go...and do better tomorrow.”
Isn’t this wonderful
news? Aren’t you grateful to God for such an amazing sacrifice in the
form of His Son, Jesus Christ? Doesn’t the very thought of this make
you love Him even more...and desire to worship and serve Him with every
fiber of your being? Will you stop today and affirm your promise to
honor Jesus in everything you say and do...to give Him the glory and the
reverence that He is due...and to show your respect with every single
word and gesture?
Not all “free gifts” are truly free...but
Jesus’ gift of salvation most certainly is! Isn’t it time we held this
in the highest regard? Wouldn’t today be a perfect time to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 22, 2014
Daniel 9:9
Lord God, you are merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against you
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I sat at the table today with our nephew, Nathan, trying to coax him to eat. “Those are strawberries...Yum! Yum!” He would look away and hide his face. “Mmmmmm...chocolate milk! It’s goooooooooooood!” He would push away the sippy cup. I know Nathan is moody at times...and just shy of his 2nd birthday, he is still figuring us out! So I pretended not to notice him. I quietly ate my lunch...turned on a television show...even got my laptop and started to check e-mail. Of course, I was watching him intently...and at times I felt him watching ME! If he noticed that I noticed him, he would retreat...put his goldfish and strawberries back in the bowl, and hide his face. It was a game...and I caught on pretty fast!
Over the course of about 30 minutes, Nathan discovered that the food I had given him was really tasty...and it all disappeared into his tummy. No matter how many times I told him how delicious it was...it had to be HIS idea. So I quickly decided to be gracious and merciful and ignore him...to play HIS game and forgive his stubbornness.
This is not just the game of a toddler. We do it all the time with God. He shows us what to do...and what not to do...and we try to do things our way. We essentially say, “Don’t look at me right now!” and pretend that if God does not acknowledge what we are doing (or not doing), it doesn’t count. Then when things fall apart, where do we run? You’ve got it...we head straight for God - and want Him to forgive us and restore us. And usually He does just that!
If you read the next few verses of Daniel 9, you will see, however, that God has His limits! While He will never turn His back on us completely, God may “hang us out to dry” a little. There may come a day when He says, “That’s it...I’ve been patient with you long enough. I told you “not to touch the hot stove” and you kept inching closer and closer, so you will just have to get burned a little to learn your lesson!” Or we ask and ask for things that God doesn’t seem to deliver, and we wonder why He is silent...only to realize that we have failed to do something He asked of us – or we have disobeyed Him repeatedly in some area. God is loving, compassionate, merciful and gracious...but He is also just and fair.
So for today, I have allowed Nathan the leeway to eat at his pace and to decide whether he was hungry. When he is older, I may have to INSIST that he eat his veggies or drink his milk. But I will always love him, just the same. And God loves us. He wants to snuggle us in His arms like we would a 2-year-old who is learning the ropes. But He also wants us to grow up and mature in our faith and our discipleship.
How patient has God been with you lately? Are there areas where He has been more than lenient? Are there other situations where you are probably testing the limits of His mercy? Isn’t it time you grew up in your faith and started listening to God a little more closely? Will God have to lose His patience with you before you truly “get it”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Lord God, you are merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against you
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I sat at the table today with our nephew, Nathan, trying to coax him to eat. “Those are strawberries...Yum! Yum!” He would look away and hide his face. “Mmmmmm...chocolate milk! It’s goooooooooooood!” He would push away the sippy cup. I know Nathan is moody at times...and just shy of his 2nd birthday, he is still figuring us out! So I pretended not to notice him. I quietly ate my lunch...turned on a television show...even got my laptop and started to check e-mail. Of course, I was watching him intently...and at times I felt him watching ME! If he noticed that I noticed him, he would retreat...put his goldfish and strawberries back in the bowl, and hide his face. It was a game...and I caught on pretty fast!
Over the course of about 30 minutes, Nathan discovered that the food I had given him was really tasty...and it all disappeared into his tummy. No matter how many times I told him how delicious it was...it had to be HIS idea. So I quickly decided to be gracious and merciful and ignore him...to play HIS game and forgive his stubbornness.
This is not just the game of a toddler. We do it all the time with God. He shows us what to do...and what not to do...and we try to do things our way. We essentially say, “Don’t look at me right now!” and pretend that if God does not acknowledge what we are doing (or not doing), it doesn’t count. Then when things fall apart, where do we run? You’ve got it...we head straight for God - and want Him to forgive us and restore us. And usually He does just that!
If you read the next few verses of Daniel 9, you will see, however, that God has His limits! While He will never turn His back on us completely, God may “hang us out to dry” a little. There may come a day when He says, “That’s it...I’ve been patient with you long enough. I told you “not to touch the hot stove” and you kept inching closer and closer, so you will just have to get burned a little to learn your lesson!” Or we ask and ask for things that God doesn’t seem to deliver, and we wonder why He is silent...only to realize that we have failed to do something He asked of us – or we have disobeyed Him repeatedly in some area. God is loving, compassionate, merciful and gracious...but He is also just and fair.
So for today, I have allowed Nathan the leeway to eat at his pace and to decide whether he was hungry. When he is older, I may have to INSIST that he eat his veggies or drink his milk. But I will always love him, just the same. And God loves us. He wants to snuggle us in His arms like we would a 2-year-old who is learning the ropes. But He also wants us to grow up and mature in our faith and our discipleship.
How patient has God been with you lately? Are there areas where He has been more than lenient? Are there other situations where you are probably testing the limits of His mercy? Isn’t it time you grew up in your faith and started listening to God a little more closely? Will God have to lose His patience with you before you truly “get it”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 20, 2014
Colossians 3:12-14
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
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 used to watch a reality TV show about a professional stylist named Rachel Zoe. Fashion was her “thing”...and her job was to dress some of the world’s most famous people for events and appearances. She combed the world for just the right items of clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories to make her clients look their best...she tried to make them memorable! She wanted people to say, “Rachel Zoe” dressed me...and she ALWAYS makes me look good!
Now I will also have to say that there is often nothing humble about these celebrities...and their stylist is anything but even tempered and quick to forgive offenses! She takes her work personally, and every criticism is an affront to her sense of style - if not her personal self-worth!
I love how The Message translation depicts the fruits of the Spirit as our wardrobe...and how the Apostle Paul tells us that our basic, go-with-anything-never-leave-home-without-it garment is love. And while I may have appeared harshly critical of Rachel Zoe and how her work is ego-driven, I fully acknowledge that we are all exactly like her in many ways.
We are front and center to make the other guy look good or feel better about himself...as long as WE look good in the bargain! If we are honest, there are plenty of times when we reach out to others out of an effort to propel ourselves to the top of the heap and boost our own egos – more than a deep love and concern for anyone else. And heaven help the person who offends us or even attempts to one-up us in some way!
I can’t help but think about Jesus. The more I study Him and get to know Him, the more I see how effectively He operated in these very traits...compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline – and most certainly, LOVE! Yes, there were times when Jesus asserted His position... “Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” (Matthew 16:24) But His proclamation was in a factual context...not a show of arrogance. And let’s face it...Jesus could back up His claim with definitive actions and demonstrations.
I’ve been thinking for a long time that my “closet” needs a good cleaning...both literally, and spiritually. I need to take out the things that fit poorly or are worn and outdated. And maybe you need to do this, too. You may even have some “vanity items” in your closet that need to go...items that say, “Hey, look at me and how special I am!” Maybe you have some attitudes that need to go on the “discard” heap. Maybe you need to add a few things or upgrade your “basics”...especially love and humility.
To be completely truthful, many of the outfits Rachel Zoe assembles for her clients look pretty bad to me. I struggle to see where there is any “style” to them...or where they flatter the person who wears them. And when we do our own “styling” and leave God out of the mix, the results may not be all that attractive, either. There is no time like the present for cleaning up our wardrobes and making a fresh start. And the logical place to begin is with a simple prayer.
Ask God to be your “stylist”...to show you how to weed out the unnecessary garments and accessories... and to pare your “closet” down to His basic “love suit” and only the best accessories and enhancements. When we allow God to “dress” us, we are always in style...and others are blessed in the bargain. What are YOU wearing these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
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 used to watch a reality TV show about a professional stylist named Rachel Zoe. Fashion was her “thing”...and her job was to dress some of the world’s most famous people for events and appearances. She combed the world for just the right items of clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories to make her clients look their best...she tried to make them memorable! She wanted people to say, “Rachel Zoe” dressed me...and she ALWAYS makes me look good!
Now I will also have to say that there is often nothing humble about these celebrities...and their stylist is anything but even tempered and quick to forgive offenses! She takes her work personally, and every criticism is an affront to her sense of style - if not her personal self-worth!
I love how The Message translation depicts the fruits of the Spirit as our wardrobe...and how the Apostle Paul tells us that our basic, go-with-anything-never-leave-home-without-it garment is love. And while I may have appeared harshly critical of Rachel Zoe and how her work is ego-driven, I fully acknowledge that we are all exactly like her in many ways.
We are front and center to make the other guy look good or feel better about himself...as long as WE look good in the bargain! If we are honest, there are plenty of times when we reach out to others out of an effort to propel ourselves to the top of the heap and boost our own egos – more than a deep love and concern for anyone else. And heaven help the person who offends us or even attempts to one-up us in some way!
I can’t help but think about Jesus. The more I study Him and get to know Him, the more I see how effectively He operated in these very traits...compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline – and most certainly, LOVE! Yes, there were times when Jesus asserted His position... “Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” (Matthew 16:24) But His proclamation was in a factual context...not a show of arrogance. And let’s face it...Jesus could back up His claim with definitive actions and demonstrations.
I’ve been thinking for a long time that my “closet” needs a good cleaning...both literally, and spiritually. I need to take out the things that fit poorly or are worn and outdated. And maybe you need to do this, too. You may even have some “vanity items” in your closet that need to go...items that say, “Hey, look at me and how special I am!” Maybe you have some attitudes that need to go on the “discard” heap. Maybe you need to add a few things or upgrade your “basics”...especially love and humility.
To be completely truthful, many of the outfits Rachel Zoe assembles for her clients look pretty bad to me. I struggle to see where there is any “style” to them...or where they flatter the person who wears them. And when we do our own “styling” and leave God out of the mix, the results may not be all that attractive, either. There is no time like the present for cleaning up our wardrobes and making a fresh start. And the logical place to begin is with a simple prayer.
Ask God to be your “stylist”...to show you how to weed out the unnecessary garments and accessories... and to pare your “closet” down to His basic “love suit” and only the best accessories and enhancements. When we allow God to “dress” us, we are always in style...and others are blessed in the bargain. What are YOU wearing these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 20, 2014
Colossians 1:13-14
God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This afternoon, we took Timothy to see his first movie at a theater...Planes: Fire & Rescue. We had given the children a DVD of the original “Planes” movie for Christmas. So when this sequel came to our local theater, we decided it was time to take a certain 5-year-old for a “real” movie experience! And he loved this animated Disney production.
The star of the movies is “Dusty Crophopper,” a former crop-dusting plane. According to the synopsis provided by Disney for http://IMDb.com ...”When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.”
There are many twists and turns in this 84-minute feature, including a scene where Dusty takes on more than he can handle and crashes into the river rapids...and must be rescued by Blade Ranger. To say that Dusty finds himself in a pit is an understatement. The mercy and compassion of his fellow rescue vehicle are called into play more than once. Let’s just say that while Dusty Crophopper has a good heart and the best of intentions, he seems to have a penchant for bravado...and biting off more than he can chew!
Doesn’t this describe most of us? Aren’t we prone to think we know more than we really do...or that we can tackle things on our own without the assistance of others? How many of us jump into situations with both feet...and consider the ramifications later? More importantly, who among us really stops to spend time in consultation with God about countless choices and decisions each day – both those that seem rather insignificant, and the ones that matter greatly?
Is it any wonder that we often find ourselves in dead-end alleys, dark dungeons, and pits of desperation? Isn’t it also a wonder that God continues to extend HIS grace and mercy – and to rescue us?
Don’t you think it is time that we learned from some of our mistakes and shortcomings? Shouldn’t we turn to the One who loves us so much that He has prepared a whole Kingdom for us? Would you be willing to offer grace, mercy, and rescue to those in your midst, just as surely as God rescues you? When will we realize that God has our back...and we really, really need Him?
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that all turns out well for Dusty Crophopper and his “friends”. But our lives are not an animated Disney movie! All can work out well for us, if we will recognize how Jesus has paid the price for our sins and shortcomings. It’s time to stop repeating the same mistakes and acknowledge that we need a hefty dose of His daily wisdom as much as His grace and mercy. Jesus is the ultimate “Rescue Hero”...have you made Him yours? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
God rescued us from dead-end alleys and dark dungeons. He’s set us up in the kingdom of the Son he loves so much, the Son who got us out of the pit we were in, got rid of the sins we were doomed to keep repeating.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This afternoon, we took Timothy to see his first movie at a theater...Planes: Fire & Rescue. We had given the children a DVD of the original “Planes” movie for Christmas. So when this sequel came to our local theater, we decided it was time to take a certain 5-year-old for a “real” movie experience! And he loved this animated Disney production.
The star of the movies is “Dusty Crophopper,” a former crop-dusting plane. According to the synopsis provided by Disney for http://IMDb.com ...”When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero.”
There are many twists and turns in this 84-minute feature, including a scene where Dusty takes on more than he can handle and crashes into the river rapids...and must be rescued by Blade Ranger. To say that Dusty finds himself in a pit is an understatement. The mercy and compassion of his fellow rescue vehicle are called into play more than once. Let’s just say that while Dusty Crophopper has a good heart and the best of intentions, he seems to have a penchant for bravado...and biting off more than he can chew!
Doesn’t this describe most of us? Aren’t we prone to think we know more than we really do...or that we can tackle things on our own without the assistance of others? How many of us jump into situations with both feet...and consider the ramifications later? More importantly, who among us really stops to spend time in consultation with God about countless choices and decisions each day – both those that seem rather insignificant, and the ones that matter greatly?
Is it any wonder that we often find ourselves in dead-end alleys, dark dungeons, and pits of desperation? Isn’t it also a wonder that God continues to extend HIS grace and mercy – and to rescue us?
Don’t you think it is time that we learned from some of our mistakes and shortcomings? Shouldn’t we turn to the One who loves us so much that He has prepared a whole Kingdom for us? Would you be willing to offer grace, mercy, and rescue to those in your midst, just as surely as God rescues you? When will we realize that God has our back...and we really, really need Him?
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that all turns out well for Dusty Crophopper and his “friends”. But our lives are not an animated Disney movie! All can work out well for us, if we will recognize how Jesus has paid the price for our sins and shortcomings. It’s time to stop repeating the same mistakes and acknowledge that we need a hefty dose of His daily wisdom as much as His grace and mercy. Jesus is the ultimate “Rescue Hero”...have you made Him yours? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 19, 2014
Acts 4:8-12
With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I’ll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’ Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.”
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.
A few weeks ago, I signed up to receive e-mails from Christian
author/speaker Jen Hatmaker. Several days ago, I was notified of the
opportunity to be one of 250 bloggers to review an advanced copy of
Hatmaker’s newest book, Interrupted*. This is actually a
rewrite of a Bible study by the same name. I submitted my contact
information...and I was selected to become one of the reviewers. I
received a downloaded copy of the book, and I will be sent a hard copy
in the mail later. In exchange for reading this book, I must post at
least one review of it on my blog (http://auntdebsattic.blogspot.com). I
am more than halfway through the book now, and I have already begun
sharing information to alert readers of a formal book release in August.
Interrupted tells the story of how Jen and Brandon Hatmaker came to redefine their idea of church...how God spoke to them and revealed new (to them) insights into what He wanted the church to be. In other words, God “Interrupted” their cozy “as-we-know-it” Christian faith and challenged them to think differently.
In one particular chapter, the Hatmakers refer to their epiphany as a discovery of “barefoot church”. The Hatmakers were invited to attend an Easter Sunday night service at a small church in a rough area of Austin, Texas. They nervously left their car in a roughshod parking lot and hurried past a weird-looking homeless guy (who turned out to be their speaker in disguise). During one of the opening songs, Brandon Hatmaker had a vision of a homeless guy yelling from the sidewalk, “Hey, give me your boots!”
It so happened that this was an unusually chilly evening in Austin, Texas, and the Hatmakers were both wearing cowboy boots...nice, expensive ones they had given each other for Christmas. As the service ended, the speaker told the group that he had ministered that morning to homeless people in San Antonio. He had asked the homeless what their biggest need was, and they told him...shoes. It seems that homeless people are on their feet a lot, and the shoes they receive from Goodwill and shelters are used – and often worn down. They do not offer adequate support for people who are walking or standing on their feet a lot.
So the speaker said to his group, “...if you want to, you can leave your shoes at the altar when you take Communion. Oh! And leave your socks, too. We’ll wash them and deliver them to the homeless community in San Antonio tomorrow.” Now imagine...there stand this young minister and his author/speaker wife, desperately seeking a closer walk with Jesus...wanting to go “all in” for Him...yet being asked to surrender some expensive, and admittedly treasured possessions – not to mention they would be stepping out into the cold night completely barefoot. But as Jen Hatmaker explains it, she felt Jesus telling her, “I want you and Brandon to figure out what it means to be a barefooted church.” And Brandon Hatmaker says of his earlier vision, “God had spoken loudly and very personally. ‘Yes, Brandon, I’m in this.’”
What does this story have to do with the disciples healing a sick man on the Sabbath? Pretty much everything. Because the disciples who had mercy on a sick man and healed him without any consideration for what day it was served the same Jesus who would have us give up our shoes and go barefooted so that homeless people - who have literally NOTHING - can at least walk more comfortably. Until we start to operate in the grace and mercy of Jesus rather than the ritualistic rules that have governed us for so long...until we step out of our comfort zone when Jesus calls us to do something and listen for HIS voice instead of others’...we won’t truly get it. As Brandon Hatmaker explained it, we need to take the focus off of ourselves and place it on others, specifically “the least of these” as described in Matthew 25 (specifically, verse 45).
Are we “all in” for Jesus? Is He truly our cornerstone...the foundation on which we do everything? Do others really see Him in us? Do they experience His grace and mercy through our words and actions? Or are we so busy keeping up appearances – both personally and as a church – that we have neglected to truly operate in the teachings of Jesus...much less represent Him to others?
How far are you willing to go for Jesus? Would you be able to give up a valuable pair of shoes for Him – much less something more significant? Are you prepared to be judged and ridiculed for your faith in action? Are you ready to be a “barefooted disciple” for the one Who gave His very life for yours? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*Order your copy of Interrupted before July 31st and receive a 20% discount. Click here to order.
With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: “Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I’ll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is ‘the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.’ Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one.”
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.
A few weeks ago, I signed up to receive e-mails from Christian
author/speaker Jen Hatmaker. Several days ago, I was notified of the
opportunity to be one of 250 bloggers to review an advanced copy of
Hatmaker’s newest book, Interrupted*. This is actually a
rewrite of a Bible study by the same name. I submitted my contact
information...and I was selected to become one of the reviewers. I
received a downloaded copy of the book, and I will be sent a hard copy
in the mail later. In exchange for reading this book, I must post at
least one review of it on my blog (http://auntdebsattic.blogspot.com). I
am more than halfway through the book now, and I have already begun
sharing information to alert readers of a formal book release in August.Interrupted tells the story of how Jen and Brandon Hatmaker came to redefine their idea of church...how God spoke to them and revealed new (to them) insights into what He wanted the church to be. In other words, God “Interrupted” their cozy “as-we-know-it” Christian faith and challenged them to think differently.
In one particular chapter, the Hatmakers refer to their epiphany as a discovery of “barefoot church”. The Hatmakers were invited to attend an Easter Sunday night service at a small church in a rough area of Austin, Texas. They nervously left their car in a roughshod parking lot and hurried past a weird-looking homeless guy (who turned out to be their speaker in disguise). During one of the opening songs, Brandon Hatmaker had a vision of a homeless guy yelling from the sidewalk, “Hey, give me your boots!”
It so happened that this was an unusually chilly evening in Austin, Texas, and the Hatmakers were both wearing cowboy boots...nice, expensive ones they had given each other for Christmas. As the service ended, the speaker told the group that he had ministered that morning to homeless people in San Antonio. He had asked the homeless what their biggest need was, and they told him...shoes. It seems that homeless people are on their feet a lot, and the shoes they receive from Goodwill and shelters are used – and often worn down. They do not offer adequate support for people who are walking or standing on their feet a lot.
So the speaker said to his group, “...if you want to, you can leave your shoes at the altar when you take Communion. Oh! And leave your socks, too. We’ll wash them and deliver them to the homeless community in San Antonio tomorrow.” Now imagine...there stand this young minister and his author/speaker wife, desperately seeking a closer walk with Jesus...wanting to go “all in” for Him...yet being asked to surrender some expensive, and admittedly treasured possessions – not to mention they would be stepping out into the cold night completely barefoot. But as Jen Hatmaker explains it, she felt Jesus telling her, “I want you and Brandon to figure out what it means to be a barefooted church.” And Brandon Hatmaker says of his earlier vision, “God had spoken loudly and very personally. ‘Yes, Brandon, I’m in this.’”
What does this story have to do with the disciples healing a sick man on the Sabbath? Pretty much everything. Because the disciples who had mercy on a sick man and healed him without any consideration for what day it was served the same Jesus who would have us give up our shoes and go barefooted so that homeless people - who have literally NOTHING - can at least walk more comfortably. Until we start to operate in the grace and mercy of Jesus rather than the ritualistic rules that have governed us for so long...until we step out of our comfort zone when Jesus calls us to do something and listen for HIS voice instead of others’...we won’t truly get it. As Brandon Hatmaker explained it, we need to take the focus off of ourselves and place it on others, specifically “the least of these” as described in Matthew 25 (specifically, verse 45).
Are we “all in” for Jesus? Is He truly our cornerstone...the foundation on which we do everything? Do others really see Him in us? Do they experience His grace and mercy through our words and actions? Or are we so busy keeping up appearances – both personally and as a church – that we have neglected to truly operate in the teachings of Jesus...much less represent Him to others?
How far are you willing to go for Jesus? Would you be able to give up a valuable pair of shoes for Him – much less something more significant? Are you prepared to be judged and ridiculed for your faith in action? Are you ready to be a “barefooted disciple” for the one Who gave His very life for yours? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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Daily Devotional for July 18, 2014
Acts 3:17-20
“Dear brothers, I realize that what you did to Jesus was done in ignorance; and the same can be said of your leaders. But God was fulfilling the prophecies that the Messiah must suffer all these things. Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord and send Jesus your Messiah back to you again.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It happens every day...all over the world...in workplaces, among family members and friends, on social media, and yes – in even in our churches. People make snap judgments, say and do hurtful things, and mistreat others out of their own ignorance – or at best, a failure to collect all of the facts beforehand.
Here’s the thing...we would all do well to stop “shooting from the hip” so often. We would be better served to pause, look, listen...and PRAY before we pass judgment, open our mouths, or jump into action. We need to start at the top...and treat our relationship with Jesus more tenderly, reverently and respectfully...then ask Him to help us expand these mercies outwardly in our interactions and associations with others. We should remember that we are representatives of Jesus to the world at large...and when we fail to operate in grace and mercy, we project a false depiction of the love of Christ and the refreshing renewal that He offers to each of us through His blood on the Cross.
We have been given such an incredible gift in the form of salvation through Jesus. His mercies toward us are poured out new every single day – often many times! Now it is our time to share these mercies with others...to turn around and face His cleansing refreshment, receive His restoring love and care – and share it with the world.
Which direction are you facing today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“Dear brothers, I realize that what you did to Jesus was done in ignorance; and the same can be said of your leaders. But God was fulfilling the prophecies that the Messiah must suffer all these things. Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord and send Jesus your Messiah back to you again.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It happens every day...all over the world...in workplaces, among family members and friends, on social media, and yes – in even in our churches. People make snap judgments, say and do hurtful things, and mistreat others out of their own ignorance – or at best, a failure to collect all of the facts beforehand.
- “We wouldn’t need Food Stamps and other forms of public assistance if people would quit being so lazy and get a job.” There is no effort to understand how difficult some families and individuals find it to stretch a dollar while working at a minimum wage job.
- “He has such musical talent...if he really loved the LORD, he’d sing in the choir.” Perhaps this person has a “plate” already so full - and burdens so big - that there simply is not a spare minute to devote to such an activity, even if he wanted to do so!
- “She must not care about her aging mother...I never see her visit, and I’ve noticed that other people are always doing things for this dear woman that her daughter should be doing.” Maybe this person’s needs exceed what the daughter is medically qualified to handle...or maybe she visits at odd hours. Perhaps she has a spouse who is ill...or small children - and a job...and others have offered to step in and help her with these duties. Or perhaps her mother has told her that she does not want her care and “interference”.
- “I don’t understand why that child’s parents allow him/her to look/behave that way...they should try harder.” Perhaps this child has special needs that offer a challenge to everyone concerned with his/her care. Maybe the parents ARE trying...or maybe they need a loving, caring person to offer them gentle, concrete assistance and guidance.
- “Tell your mom that you all need to get to church on time...your family is always late!” Is this really the child’s fault? Does this help get the family to church sooner, or will it make the children feel badly – and irritate the parents that someone nagged them? Shouldn’t this person be glad the children actually came to church, rather than berate them for their tardiness?
- “That kid is just weird. He never does anything with other students. He isn’t all that friendly, and all he does is read or stare into space.” This kid lives with a single mom who has a drug addiction and an eating disorder. He never knows if she will be alive when he returns home. Or perhaps there is abuse and neglect in his home. His heart is heavy...and his mind is full. It’s all he can do to get back and forth to school each day.
Here’s the thing...we would all do well to stop “shooting from the hip” so often. We would be better served to pause, look, listen...and PRAY before we pass judgment, open our mouths, or jump into action. We need to start at the top...and treat our relationship with Jesus more tenderly, reverently and respectfully...then ask Him to help us expand these mercies outwardly in our interactions and associations with others. We should remember that we are representatives of Jesus to the world at large...and when we fail to operate in grace and mercy, we project a false depiction of the love of Christ and the refreshing renewal that He offers to each of us through His blood on the Cross.
We have been given such an incredible gift in the form of salvation through Jesus. His mercies toward us are poured out new every single day – often many times! Now it is our time to share these mercies with others...to turn around and face His cleansing refreshment, receive His restoring love and care – and share it with the world.
Which direction are you facing today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 17, 2014
Acts 10:42-43
God told us to announce clearly to the people that Jesus is the one he has chosen to judge the living and the dead. Every one of the prophets has said that all who have faith in Jesus will have their sins forgiven in his name.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were sitting at the VBS closing one night, and Timothy asked, “What does Jesus look like?” I explained that we really don’t know…because He lived a long, long time ago. But some people think Jesus had long hair and wore something called a robe…sort of like a man’s dress or a long shirt. His next question is, “But where IS Jesus?” I told him that Jesus lives in Heaven – with Mam-ma Polly – but His spirit lives in our heart…that He is always with us, sees everything we do and hears everything we say. “But we can’t SEE Him!” Timothy protested. No, I explained, He is with us like a spirit. I asked if he knew what a spirit was…sort of like a ghost. He nodded yes. “Well, this is how Jesus’ spirit lives in our heart with us.” “Okay!” Timothy said happily. He was more satisfied with my answers than I was!
Explaining Jesus to a small child is a challenge at best. You don’t want to say the wrong thing and make Jesus out to be some sort of cartoon character or magic fairy…but you have to describe Him in relatable terms that a child can understand. I’ll be honest…describing Jesus to grown-ups isn’t a whole lot easier!
What we can tell children of all ages is how much Jesus loves us. We can talk about His grace, mercy, compassion, and incredible sacrifice on our behalf. We can share His promises of being reunited in Heaven someday – of spending all eternity in His presence. And we can talk about how Jesus fills our heart and guides our steps each and every day.
Faith is an incredibly nebulous concept. People tell us to have faith that Jesus is with us…to trust that God will heal our bodies and those of our friends and loved ones…to have confidence that Jesus is coming back someday…to believe that Jesus died for our sins, and that all we have to do is invite Him to be our LORD and Savior, and we are guaranteed to spend Eternity in His presence. But all we have is the word of another…and the scriptures. We operate 100% on what we have been told by other people – and what we sense is true in our heart…our only visible example is that of believers and disciples among us who strive to emulate Jesus on a daily basis. It’s no wonder that we wonder…and sometimes doubt!
We must be merciful and tender toward those who question. We must demonstrate our own faithfulness to others. We must encourage them and give them reason to believe what they read and hear about Jesus as they observe how we demonstrate grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and compassion in His name. We must confidently declare that Jesus is real…and that His Holy Spirit is alive and well within us. And we must encourage child-like acceptance of these declarations and offerings.
Questions are normal…and necessary. But we Christians have to be ready with confident answers and a heavy dose of God’s grace and mercy. Are you prepared? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
God told us to announce clearly to the people that Jesus is the one he has chosen to judge the living and the dead. Every one of the prophets has said that all who have faith in Jesus will have their sins forgiven in his name.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were sitting at the VBS closing one night, and Timothy asked, “What does Jesus look like?” I explained that we really don’t know…because He lived a long, long time ago. But some people think Jesus had long hair and wore something called a robe…sort of like a man’s dress or a long shirt. His next question is, “But where IS Jesus?” I told him that Jesus lives in Heaven – with Mam-ma Polly – but His spirit lives in our heart…that He is always with us, sees everything we do and hears everything we say. “But we can’t SEE Him!” Timothy protested. No, I explained, He is with us like a spirit. I asked if he knew what a spirit was…sort of like a ghost. He nodded yes. “Well, this is how Jesus’ spirit lives in our heart with us.” “Okay!” Timothy said happily. He was more satisfied with my answers than I was!
Explaining Jesus to a small child is a challenge at best. You don’t want to say the wrong thing and make Jesus out to be some sort of cartoon character or magic fairy…but you have to describe Him in relatable terms that a child can understand. I’ll be honest…describing Jesus to grown-ups isn’t a whole lot easier!
What we can tell children of all ages is how much Jesus loves us. We can talk about His grace, mercy, compassion, and incredible sacrifice on our behalf. We can share His promises of being reunited in Heaven someday – of spending all eternity in His presence. And we can talk about how Jesus fills our heart and guides our steps each and every day.
Faith is an incredibly nebulous concept. People tell us to have faith that Jesus is with us…to trust that God will heal our bodies and those of our friends and loved ones…to have confidence that Jesus is coming back someday…to believe that Jesus died for our sins, and that all we have to do is invite Him to be our LORD and Savior, and we are guaranteed to spend Eternity in His presence. But all we have is the word of another…and the scriptures. We operate 100% on what we have been told by other people – and what we sense is true in our heart…our only visible example is that of believers and disciples among us who strive to emulate Jesus on a daily basis. It’s no wonder that we wonder…and sometimes doubt!
We must be merciful and tender toward those who question. We must demonstrate our own faithfulness to others. We must encourage them and give them reason to believe what they read and hear about Jesus as they observe how we demonstrate grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and compassion in His name. We must confidently declare that Jesus is real…and that His Holy Spirit is alive and well within us. And we must encourage child-like acceptance of these declarations and offerings.
Questions are normal…and necessary. But we Christians have to be ready with confident answers and a heavy dose of God’s grace and mercy. Are you prepared? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 16, 2014
2 Timothy 2:22-26
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
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.
Each night at Vacation Bible School (VBS), the leader talks to the children during the opening activities about our mission project. This year, we are collecting an offering to feed hungry families in Costa Rica. During the crafts class, we are coloring fabric tote bags that will hold food for distribution to these families. Our Costa Rica mission team will deliver these bags and distribute the food later this summer.
As leaders in countless VBS assemblies across the country probably do, ours has challenged the boys to out-give the girls in this mission fund raising. For the first two nights, the boys “out-gave” the girls by a margin of almost 2 to 1. Last night, the tables turned, and the girls donated almost twice as much as the boys. So our leader declared the girls the “winners”, and a shriek like only little girls can emit pierced the Family Life Center. Many of us - adults AND children - covered our ears in defense. And Timothy burst into tears.
“We’re LOSERS!” he cried. “She said the boys are LOSERS!” Big tears poured down his face as he buried his head in my lap. I tried to console him. I tried to explain that this was not what our leader meant. We are ALL winners because Jesus loves us, and we are doing a GOOD THING as we use our money to buy food for these hungry families. Timothy has been concerned for the Costa Rican children. Each night at VBS he has asked me about them…how will they manage without food (we’re going to feed them), aren’t they lonely and sad (no, they will be happy to get our bags filled with food, and they will know that someone loves them – that Jesus loves them). And now, he feels like a loser…a failure.
We’re working on this. I know that there will come a time when Timothy will understand that this is just a game. When he gets older, he will probably revel in this competition – and “beating” his sister at anything and everything! But for now, this little guy is truly disturbed to think that he and the other boys are “losers”. This breaks my heart…and opens my eyes.
As I read today’s scripture passage, I couldn’t help but replay this incident in my head. Where have we gotten involved in seemingly innocent conversations and activities that stir up trouble we didn’t ever imagine? Where have our thoughts and deeds been insensitive, sparked an argument, and truly been inane to begin with? In the case of our churches and money, it strikes me as rather curious that we tend to emphasize “giving” so much, while ministering to many people who barely have two nickels to rub together. We say we want the hungry, the homeless and the downtrodden to join us…to feel the love of Jesus in our midst. And then we tell them that they need them to “give until it hurts” - both figuratively and literally.
We “step on toes” in numerous ways…from promoting our own agendas to expounding on social and political views to gossip and discrimination of all kinds. Sometimes we don’t have a clue that we are doing this – or hurting someone else. Other times, I think we know it (at least a little bit)…and for some reason, we simply don’t seem to care. We go right ahead and do it anyway.
Last night when I took the children home, Timothy asked, “The boys will win tomorrow night…right?” I told him that honestly, I don’t know. But I reminded him that he is ALWAYS a winner…every single day…that in Jesus’ eyes, he can NEVER lose. I hope it was enough, should the little girls rally again tonight and pour on the pressure! But I know for sure that I will be more aware of the ways that I might be involved (even innocently) in controversies, judgments, words and actions that could be viewed as divisive or hurtful.
I will deliberately seek to operate in grace, mercy and compassion for others… to see things through their eyes…and to ask God to show me how to minister out of His abundance and mature righteousness. We can learn a lot from the tender heart of a 5-year-old. Maybe it’s time a lot of us returned to this perspective in our own lives and saw things a little more literally…with fewer gray areas. Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:14 that “God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.” Are you childlike in your faith and discipleship? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
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.
Each night at Vacation Bible School (VBS), the leader talks to the children during the opening activities about our mission project. This year, we are collecting an offering to feed hungry families in Costa Rica. During the crafts class, we are coloring fabric tote bags that will hold food for distribution to these families. Our Costa Rica mission team will deliver these bags and distribute the food later this summer.
As leaders in countless VBS assemblies across the country probably do, ours has challenged the boys to out-give the girls in this mission fund raising. For the first two nights, the boys “out-gave” the girls by a margin of almost 2 to 1. Last night, the tables turned, and the girls donated almost twice as much as the boys. So our leader declared the girls the “winners”, and a shriek like only little girls can emit pierced the Family Life Center. Many of us - adults AND children - covered our ears in defense. And Timothy burst into tears.
“We’re LOSERS!” he cried. “She said the boys are LOSERS!” Big tears poured down his face as he buried his head in my lap. I tried to console him. I tried to explain that this was not what our leader meant. We are ALL winners because Jesus loves us, and we are doing a GOOD THING as we use our money to buy food for these hungry families. Timothy has been concerned for the Costa Rican children. Each night at VBS he has asked me about them…how will they manage without food (we’re going to feed them), aren’t they lonely and sad (no, they will be happy to get our bags filled with food, and they will know that someone loves them – that Jesus loves them). And now, he feels like a loser…a failure.
We’re working on this. I know that there will come a time when Timothy will understand that this is just a game. When he gets older, he will probably revel in this competition – and “beating” his sister at anything and everything! But for now, this little guy is truly disturbed to think that he and the other boys are “losers”. This breaks my heart…and opens my eyes.
As I read today’s scripture passage, I couldn’t help but replay this incident in my head. Where have we gotten involved in seemingly innocent conversations and activities that stir up trouble we didn’t ever imagine? Where have our thoughts and deeds been insensitive, sparked an argument, and truly been inane to begin with? In the case of our churches and money, it strikes me as rather curious that we tend to emphasize “giving” so much, while ministering to many people who barely have two nickels to rub together. We say we want the hungry, the homeless and the downtrodden to join us…to feel the love of Jesus in our midst. And then we tell them that they need them to “give until it hurts” - both figuratively and literally.
We “step on toes” in numerous ways…from promoting our own agendas to expounding on social and political views to gossip and discrimination of all kinds. Sometimes we don’t have a clue that we are doing this – or hurting someone else. Other times, I think we know it (at least a little bit)…and for some reason, we simply don’t seem to care. We go right ahead and do it anyway.
Last night when I took the children home, Timothy asked, “The boys will win tomorrow night…right?” I told him that honestly, I don’t know. But I reminded him that he is ALWAYS a winner…every single day…that in Jesus’ eyes, he can NEVER lose. I hope it was enough, should the little girls rally again tonight and pour on the pressure! But I know for sure that I will be more aware of the ways that I might be involved (even innocently) in controversies, judgments, words and actions that could be viewed as divisive or hurtful.
I will deliberately seek to operate in grace, mercy and compassion for others… to see things through their eyes…and to ask God to show me how to minister out of His abundance and mature righteousness. We can learn a lot from the tender heart of a 5-year-old. Maybe it’s time a lot of us returned to this perspective in our own lives and saw things a little more literally…with fewer gray areas. Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:14 that “God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.” Are you childlike in your faith and discipleship? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 15, 2014
2 Samuel 24:14
“This is a hard decision,” David replied, “but it is better to fall into the hand of the Lord (for his mercy is great) than into the hands of men.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“I made a mistake.” “My bad.”
“I shouldn’t have said/done that.” “I messed up.”
“That was wrong of me.” “It was my fault.”
“I wish I could take that back.” “I was wrong.”
“May I have a second chance?” “I’m sorry.”
We’ve all uttered at least one (and probably ALL) of these phrases at one time or another. But that doesn’t mean we liked it! We often find it hard to admit that we were mistaken or made a mess of things. It’s embarrassing…sometimes shameful. And often, there are consequences.
In this chapter of 2 Samuel, we learn about a really poor choice that David made. He sent representatives to take a census…to number (count) the people of Israel. He specifically wanted to know how many men were of conscription age – old enough to join his army. God had not sanctioned any of this…He had not told David to do this. In fact, David knew that God was not in favor of such a show of human strength. Bottom line…David just wanted to brag about how many men he had available for war. And God was not the least bit pleased.
So God offered David three choices…7 years of famine, three months on the run from his enemies, or three days of plague. David chose the three days of plague, and 70,000 people lost their lives as a result. God could have allowed even a larger number of people to die, but He had mercy before the three days was up and ordered the death angel to retreat. The people of Jerusalem were spared.
I don’t know about you, but if God offered me those same three choices, I would be tempted to answer, “None of the above!” There was no good option for David. But notice that he responded that any punishment from a merciful God would be far better than the consequences of man. David had no clue that God would spare Jerusalem or lighten the punishment. But he trusted that God would be fair and just, no matter what.
I believe that the treatment David received from God in this instance made Him a better man and taught him priceless lessons about how to behave in the future…toward God AND toward his fellow man. We can take these lessons to heart, as well…
God could have just taken David out and washed His hands of him and his antics. But He didn’t…and He won’t do this with us, either. How will we respond to this much love, grace and mercy? How will you share these gifts with others?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“This is a hard decision,” David replied, “but it is better to fall into the hand of the Lord (for his mercy is great) than into the hands of men.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“I made a mistake.” “My bad.”
“I shouldn’t have said/done that.” “I messed up.”
“That was wrong of me.” “It was my fault.”
“I wish I could take that back.” “I was wrong.”
“May I have a second chance?” “I’m sorry.”
We’ve all uttered at least one (and probably ALL) of these phrases at one time or another. But that doesn’t mean we liked it! We often find it hard to admit that we were mistaken or made a mess of things. It’s embarrassing…sometimes shameful. And often, there are consequences.
In this chapter of 2 Samuel, we learn about a really poor choice that David made. He sent representatives to take a census…to number (count) the people of Israel. He specifically wanted to know how many men were of conscription age – old enough to join his army. God had not sanctioned any of this…He had not told David to do this. In fact, David knew that God was not in favor of such a show of human strength. Bottom line…David just wanted to brag about how many men he had available for war. And God was not the least bit pleased.
So God offered David three choices…7 years of famine, three months on the run from his enemies, or three days of plague. David chose the three days of plague, and 70,000 people lost their lives as a result. God could have allowed even a larger number of people to die, but He had mercy before the three days was up and ordered the death angel to retreat. The people of Jerusalem were spared.
I don’t know about you, but if God offered me those same three choices, I would be tempted to answer, “None of the above!” There was no good option for David. But notice that he responded that any punishment from a merciful God would be far better than the consequences of man. David had no clue that God would spare Jerusalem or lighten the punishment. But he trusted that God would be fair and just, no matter what.
I believe that the treatment David received from God in this instance made Him a better man and taught him priceless lessons about how to behave in the future…toward God AND toward his fellow man. We can take these lessons to heart, as well…
- We need to question our motives. Are we making a choice because this is what we want…or are we certain that God agrees and sanctions this decision?
- When we make a mistake, we need to own it…and do whatever is necessary to make things right as quickly as possible.
- Staying in tune with God will help to ensure that we don’t make mistakes…but when we do, we need to be prepared to accept the consequences. We must trust that God will never desert us - even while we suffer for our sins - and that He will help us through these times with grace and mercy.
- We must offer others that same grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. People will offend us…they will make mistakes that affect us in ways great and small. And when they own these wrongdoings and admit them, we must be prepared to offer them the same love and fair treatment that God offers us when we sin against Him.
God could have just taken David out and washed His hands of him and his antics. But He didn’t…and He won’t do this with us, either. How will we respond to this much love, grace and mercy? How will you share these gifts with others?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 14, 2014
1 Corinthians 5:17-20
Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other.
God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
As Greg and I waited with the children for our lunch to be served at a local restaurant after church on Sunday, I passed out some coloring sheets and opened a brand new box of 24 crayons. The children eagerly went to work on their “masterpieces”…thrilled to have fresh, bright new crayons to use. Only a couple of Sundays earlier, I had given the children coloring sheets and some old pieces of crayons from our crayon box at home, and they had used them…but with far less enthusiasm.
It’s a funny thing how something as seemingly ordinary as a fresh new box of crayons can make such a difference. The mechanics of said crayons is the same…they still transform the images on the paper with color and shading. But somehow, using new crayons makes a difference. There is something about the look, feel, and yes – even the smell – of a new box of crayons that just transports us to our childhood and makes us happy little kids again!
As born-again Christians, we are a lot like that box of new crayons. We’re still the same person…we still look much the same, physically. Our voice doesn’t change…we still walk with the same gait. But when the blood of Jesus transforms us, there is something tangibly different about our demeanor. We are altered spiritually…and that change affects everything else. We “color” better…or we should!
There is no grace, mercy and forgiveness in a box of new crayons…unless it is the affection of a great-aunt for her nephew and niece - mixed with a ploy to entice them to stay a little busier and happier while waiting for Sunday lunch! But the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of salvation through Jesus Christ changes us from our former sinful selves into His Disciples…representatives who love others and extend these gifts to them on His behalf.
So my question for you today is this…”How are you ‘coloring’?” Are you happily creating a “masterpiece” for God…using the brilliant colors of love, grace, mercy and forgiveness? Do you demonstrate these gifts as applied to your own life…and do you extend them to others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other.
God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
As Greg and I waited with the children for our lunch to be served at a local restaurant after church on Sunday, I passed out some coloring sheets and opened a brand new box of 24 crayons. The children eagerly went to work on their “masterpieces”…thrilled to have fresh, bright new crayons to use. Only a couple of Sundays earlier, I had given the children coloring sheets and some old pieces of crayons from our crayon box at home, and they had used them…but with far less enthusiasm.
It’s a funny thing how something as seemingly ordinary as a fresh new box of crayons can make such a difference. The mechanics of said crayons is the same…they still transform the images on the paper with color and shading. But somehow, using new crayons makes a difference. There is something about the look, feel, and yes – even the smell – of a new box of crayons that just transports us to our childhood and makes us happy little kids again!
As born-again Christians, we are a lot like that box of new crayons. We’re still the same person…we still look much the same, physically. Our voice doesn’t change…we still walk with the same gait. But when the blood of Jesus transforms us, there is something tangibly different about our demeanor. We are altered spiritually…and that change affects everything else. We “color” better…or we should!
There is no grace, mercy and forgiveness in a box of new crayons…unless it is the affection of a great-aunt for her nephew and niece - mixed with a ploy to entice them to stay a little busier and happier while waiting for Sunday lunch! But the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of salvation through Jesus Christ changes us from our former sinful selves into His Disciples…representatives who love others and extend these gifts to them on His behalf.
So my question for you today is this…”How are you ‘coloring’?” Are you happily creating a “masterpiece” for God…using the brilliant colors of love, grace, mercy and forgiveness? Do you demonstrate these gifts as applied to your own life…and do you extend them to others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 13, 2014
2 Corinthians 2:5-8
Remember that the man I wrote about, who caused all the trouble, has not caused sorrow to me as much as to all the rest of you—though I certainly have my share in it too. I don’t want to be harder on him than I should. He has been punished enough by your united disapproval. Now it is time to forgive him and comfort him. Otherwise he may become so bitter and discouraged that he won’t be able to recover. Please show him now that you still do love him very much.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Last night was “Movie in the Park” night at our local city park. The film presented was the Disney hit, Frozen…you know…the one that has the theme song, “Let it Go”! That pretty well sums up what the Apostle Paul is saying here…”Don’t hold a grudge…get over it…move ahead…LET.IT.GO.”
I know…I know! Someone did you wrong…REALLY did you wrong. You’re mad, upset, disappointed, hurt…or whatever. Not only are YOU upset, but your friends and family are unhappy, too. The person who wronged you has earned the wrath and fury of your whole team!
I get it! I know what it feels like to be troubled in some way by another person…to feel sorrow, betrayal, or mistreatment of some sort at their expense. I think most of us have had this experience, to some extent. But Paul makes the point that to continue to harbor these feelings…or to harp on them to the person who has wronged you and/or others…serves no purpose. The bitterness will eat you alive…and your resentment toward the other guy will not demonstrate the love of Christ to anyone.
See, we’ve all caused Jesus PLENTY of trouble and sorrow. We’ve mistreated Him in ways we cannot even articulate. Yet Jesus went to the cross for us, knowing every single thing we would ever say and do to Him…fully recognizing all that we would do to hurt others - and all of the countless ways that we would disappoint and wound Him in our lifetime. He gave His life for ours…knowing all of this. The grace, mercy, forgiveness and love that Jesus showed to each of us on the cross are beyond what I can comprehend.
If Jesus deems us worth all of this…worth His very life on the cross…surely we can show some semblance of grace, mercy, forgiveness and love to others. We’re not letting the other guy off the hook…we’re stepping up to the plate and honoring our relationship with Jesus Christ. There will be retribution and consequences for the bad behaviors of others…but meting these out is not our responsibility. Our job as Christians is to love others like Jesus loves us. And that means knowing when to forgive, forget, and get over whatever has been done to us.
Are you ready to show Jesus how much you love Him? Will this be the day that you “let it go” and offer His grace and mercy to the other guy? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Remember that the man I wrote about, who caused all the trouble, has not caused sorrow to me as much as to all the rest of you—though I certainly have my share in it too. I don’t want to be harder on him than I should. He has been punished enough by your united disapproval. Now it is time to forgive him and comfort him. Otherwise he may become so bitter and discouraged that he won’t be able to recover. Please show him now that you still do love him very much.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Last night was “Movie in the Park” night at our local city park. The film presented was the Disney hit, Frozen…you know…the one that has the theme song, “Let it Go”! That pretty well sums up what the Apostle Paul is saying here…”Don’t hold a grudge…get over it…move ahead…LET.IT.GO.”
I know…I know! Someone did you wrong…REALLY did you wrong. You’re mad, upset, disappointed, hurt…or whatever. Not only are YOU upset, but your friends and family are unhappy, too. The person who wronged you has earned the wrath and fury of your whole team!
I get it! I know what it feels like to be troubled in some way by another person…to feel sorrow, betrayal, or mistreatment of some sort at their expense. I think most of us have had this experience, to some extent. But Paul makes the point that to continue to harbor these feelings…or to harp on them to the person who has wronged you and/or others…serves no purpose. The bitterness will eat you alive…and your resentment toward the other guy will not demonstrate the love of Christ to anyone.
See, we’ve all caused Jesus PLENTY of trouble and sorrow. We’ve mistreated Him in ways we cannot even articulate. Yet Jesus went to the cross for us, knowing every single thing we would ever say and do to Him…fully recognizing all that we would do to hurt others - and all of the countless ways that we would disappoint and wound Him in our lifetime. He gave His life for ours…knowing all of this. The grace, mercy, forgiveness and love that Jesus showed to each of us on the cross are beyond what I can comprehend.
If Jesus deems us worth all of this…worth His very life on the cross…surely we can show some semblance of grace, mercy, forgiveness and love to others. We’re not letting the other guy off the hook…we’re stepping up to the plate and honoring our relationship with Jesus Christ. There will be retribution and consequences for the bad behaviors of others…but meting these out is not our responsibility. Our job as Christians is to love others like Jesus loves us. And that means knowing when to forgive, forget, and get over whatever has been done to us.
Are you ready to show Jesus how much you love Him? Will this be the day that you “let it go” and offer His grace and mercy to the other guy? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 12, 2014
1 Peter 1:3-5
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.
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.
We live in an age where virtually everything we say and do has at least the possibility of being caught on camera. There are “security cameras” on city streets and sidewalks…in parking lots and shopping centers…and in virtually every store one enters. For as little as $200, you can own a “GoPro” camera…which “makes it easy to document and share your life’s most interesting experiences,” according to information on found at http://gopro.com. The company’s slogan is “Wear it. Mount it. Love it.™” With the advent of Google Glass (http://google.com/Glass), a wearable computer with OHMD (Optical Head-mounted Display), anyone you encounter can be capturing your every move while walking, riding a bike, driving a car, and more. We are a world that is watched over by others. Some of us would do well to remember this!
The “watchful eye” of a “GoPro” camera, Google Glass, or a security camera is significantly different from the “careful watch” of God. Yes, all of these can potentially note every move we make. But only One offers genuine care and protection – both now and into the future. Only the life-giving nurture and shield of God’s love – and salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ – can sustain us…on this earth and into Eternity! And care for us, He does!
I can see how life often wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense for those who don’t know Jesus. I’ll be honest…Greg and I have both started giving the “news” little more than a passing glance. He skims the “Sports” section of the newspaper…I check the obituaries (don’t judge!) and sometimes the “regional” sections. We listen for the weather forecast and sort of “half-listen” to the local news reports. It’s all so bleak and disheartening. And yes, we know that bad things happen. But these days, we are choosing to focus more on good things…happy events…blessings - and the hand of God in any and all circumstances. We are not burying our heads in the sand…we are trusting the One who makes a way where none seems evident!
We know that our future is secure in heaven…and that God wants us to enjoy our time on this earth – and to be productive while we are here. In the midst of war, pain, suffering, sickness, disagreement, natural disaster and so much more possible sadness and sorrow, there is great grace, mercy, hope, and delight. God supplies all of this AND the promise of eternity with Him in heaven! It really doesn’t get any better than that! So let the world watch and record our every move…and let them find us joyfully serving God out of His abundance for us – and our confidence that He is not only watching, but in full control.
Let us live out our faith each and every day…let’s show the world how happy we are to be saved by the blood of Jesus…and destined for the glory of Heaven. Let’s give others a picture of THAT for a change…and see how God works because of it! Are you in?
©2014 Debbie Robus
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.
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.
We live in an age where virtually everything we say and do has at least the possibility of being caught on camera. There are “security cameras” on city streets and sidewalks…in parking lots and shopping centers…and in virtually every store one enters. For as little as $200, you can own a “GoPro” camera…which “makes it easy to document and share your life’s most interesting experiences,” according to information on found at http://gopro.com. The company’s slogan is “Wear it. Mount it. Love it.™” With the advent of Google Glass (http://google.com/Glass), a wearable computer with OHMD (Optical Head-mounted Display), anyone you encounter can be capturing your every move while walking, riding a bike, driving a car, and more. We are a world that is watched over by others. Some of us would do well to remember this!
The “watchful eye” of a “GoPro” camera, Google Glass, or a security camera is significantly different from the “careful watch” of God. Yes, all of these can potentially note every move we make. But only One offers genuine care and protection – both now and into the future. Only the life-giving nurture and shield of God’s love – and salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ – can sustain us…on this earth and into Eternity! And care for us, He does!
I can see how life often wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense for those who don’t know Jesus. I’ll be honest…Greg and I have both started giving the “news” little more than a passing glance. He skims the “Sports” section of the newspaper…I check the obituaries (don’t judge!) and sometimes the “regional” sections. We listen for the weather forecast and sort of “half-listen” to the local news reports. It’s all so bleak and disheartening. And yes, we know that bad things happen. But these days, we are choosing to focus more on good things…happy events…blessings - and the hand of God in any and all circumstances. We are not burying our heads in the sand…we are trusting the One who makes a way where none seems evident!
We know that our future is secure in heaven…and that God wants us to enjoy our time on this earth – and to be productive while we are here. In the midst of war, pain, suffering, sickness, disagreement, natural disaster and so much more possible sadness and sorrow, there is great grace, mercy, hope, and delight. God supplies all of this AND the promise of eternity with Him in heaven! It really doesn’t get any better than that! So let the world watch and record our every move…and let them find us joyfully serving God out of His abundance for us – and our confidence that He is not only watching, but in full control.
Let us live out our faith each and every day…let’s show the world how happy we are to be saved by the blood of Jesus…and destined for the glory of Heaven. Let’s give others a picture of THAT for a change…and see how God works because of it! Are you in?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 11, 2014
1 John 1:8-10
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Suppose you plan a little party at your house, and you invite several people. One of these people plans a party – for the same date. Rather than say, “I can’t come…it seems I have scheduled my own party for the same night,” you get a phone call from this person with a made-up excuse about why they cannot attend your soirée.
Now you know that this person is having his/her own party. Several people who are coming to your event have said, “I can’t stay long…I’ll have to make an appearance at the other event, as well.” That’s fine…you understood that completely. You’re not even insulted that you were not invited to the other person’s party! But this person has told you a bold-faced lie…and you can’t figure out why…and their dishonesty stings! This is the perfect example of a case where the truth would be so much better.
I get that we sometimes want to spare others’ feelings. We make up excuses, rather than say, “I don’t want to do that,” or “Yes, that skirt makes you look fat,” or “I’m just not interested in you (or your hobby, or what is happening in your life…and more). We “play nice” to people we really do not like – for lot of reasons. Some would even say that this is hypocritical behavior. I am not advocating that you start saying hurtful things…or that you become honest to the point of insulting others. If we will stay attuned to God’s teachings, He will show us how to offer compassion and grace in our treatment of those we encounter…and in what we say to them.
It hurts to think someone would deliberately deceive you…for whatever reason. And when we do this to God, it hurts Him, too. He is insulted…disappointed…and grieved when we lie to Him. Claiming that we have it all together…acting as if we are better than the next guy - and at least compared to him/her, pretty much sinless – breaks God’s heart. Let’s face it, God knows better!
God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. He paid the ultimate price for them. To say that we are blameless – or superior in any way – is like saying, “Thanks for sending Jesus to take my sins…but I don’t need You anymore. I’ve got this now!” It even suggests that we feel like we really didn’t need God in the first place…or that we used our salvation as a “ticket to heaven”…and now we’ll handle things ourselves the rest of the way.
Salvation is not a one-shot deal! Don’t misunderstand me. I believe that once you accept Jesus as your Savior, He takes your sins and writes your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life…assuring you a seat at His table in Heaven for all Eternity. But I also believe that we have to keep returning to the cross (figuratively) each and every day. We have to stay close to God…and call on His Holy Spirit to keep us in check…to guard our thoughts, words, and deeds…and to restore us when we falter.
Think of our life in Christ like a delicate china teacup that falls off of the shelf and breaks. The teacup can be glued back together, but it will be forever fragile. Tender care will have to be exercised in its use…and there may be some repeat or additional breakage along the way that must be repaired. So it is with Jesus. We are broken…sinful. He restores us through His death on the cross. But we are fragile, vulnerable…and subject to more sin and breakage that only He can repair. To claim that we are “as good as new” and able to manage on our own - or that we are better than the next guy - amounts to lying…and God sees right through this!
The truth would be so much better. Admitting that we are fragile, vulnerable human beings who need Jesus each and every day is anything but shameful. Claiming the blood of Jesus…and acknowledging that we must be covered in it daily…attests to our faithfulness and dependency on Him for continual care and maintenance…for grace, mercy and forgiveness.
While we might not always recognize when someone lies to us…God always knows! This passage tells us that to lie to God is to not really know Him…to not fully understand who He is and how He operates. Where have you lied when the truth would be better…to others – and to God? Isn’t this the perfect day to “come clean”…to ask God to forgive you and restore you? Isn’t this the time to seek God’s guidance in living honestly with others…showing them compassion, grace, and mercy as you do your best to be truthful with them – but in a loving way?
Where do you need to admit your sins and shortcomings…and ask God to forgive you for them? Are you ready to operate in truth and receive the favor of God upon your life? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Suppose you plan a little party at your house, and you invite several people. One of these people plans a party – for the same date. Rather than say, “I can’t come…it seems I have scheduled my own party for the same night,” you get a phone call from this person with a made-up excuse about why they cannot attend your soirée.
Now you know that this person is having his/her own party. Several people who are coming to your event have said, “I can’t stay long…I’ll have to make an appearance at the other event, as well.” That’s fine…you understood that completely. You’re not even insulted that you were not invited to the other person’s party! But this person has told you a bold-faced lie…and you can’t figure out why…and their dishonesty stings! This is the perfect example of a case where the truth would be so much better.
I get that we sometimes want to spare others’ feelings. We make up excuses, rather than say, “I don’t want to do that,” or “Yes, that skirt makes you look fat,” or “I’m just not interested in you (or your hobby, or what is happening in your life…and more). We “play nice” to people we really do not like – for lot of reasons. Some would even say that this is hypocritical behavior. I am not advocating that you start saying hurtful things…or that you become honest to the point of insulting others. If we will stay attuned to God’s teachings, He will show us how to offer compassion and grace in our treatment of those we encounter…and in what we say to them.
It hurts to think someone would deliberately deceive you…for whatever reason. And when we do this to God, it hurts Him, too. He is insulted…disappointed…and grieved when we lie to Him. Claiming that we have it all together…acting as if we are better than the next guy - and at least compared to him/her, pretty much sinless – breaks God’s heart. Let’s face it, God knows better!
God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. He paid the ultimate price for them. To say that we are blameless – or superior in any way – is like saying, “Thanks for sending Jesus to take my sins…but I don’t need You anymore. I’ve got this now!” It even suggests that we feel like we really didn’t need God in the first place…or that we used our salvation as a “ticket to heaven”…and now we’ll handle things ourselves the rest of the way.
Salvation is not a one-shot deal! Don’t misunderstand me. I believe that once you accept Jesus as your Savior, He takes your sins and writes your name in the Lamb’s Book of Life…assuring you a seat at His table in Heaven for all Eternity. But I also believe that we have to keep returning to the cross (figuratively) each and every day. We have to stay close to God…and call on His Holy Spirit to keep us in check…to guard our thoughts, words, and deeds…and to restore us when we falter.
Think of our life in Christ like a delicate china teacup that falls off of the shelf and breaks. The teacup can be glued back together, but it will be forever fragile. Tender care will have to be exercised in its use…and there may be some repeat or additional breakage along the way that must be repaired. So it is with Jesus. We are broken…sinful. He restores us through His death on the cross. But we are fragile, vulnerable…and subject to more sin and breakage that only He can repair. To claim that we are “as good as new” and able to manage on our own - or that we are better than the next guy - amounts to lying…and God sees right through this!
The truth would be so much better. Admitting that we are fragile, vulnerable human beings who need Jesus each and every day is anything but shameful. Claiming the blood of Jesus…and acknowledging that we must be covered in it daily…attests to our faithfulness and dependency on Him for continual care and maintenance…for grace, mercy and forgiveness.
While we might not always recognize when someone lies to us…God always knows! This passage tells us that to lie to God is to not really know Him…to not fully understand who He is and how He operates. Where have you lied when the truth would be better…to others – and to God? Isn’t this the perfect day to “come clean”…to ask God to forgive you and restore you? Isn’t this the time to seek God’s guidance in living honestly with others…showing them compassion, grace, and mercy as you do your best to be truthful with them – but in a loving way?
Where do you need to admit your sins and shortcomings…and ask God to forgive you for them? Are you ready to operate in truth and receive the favor of God upon your life? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 10, 2014
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is kind and patient,
never jealous, boastful,
proud, or rude.
Love isn’t selfish
or quick tempered.
It doesn’t keep a record
of wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth,
but not in evil.
Love is always supportive,
loyal, hopeful,
and trusting.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve heard this passage so many times. The pastor read it during our wedding ceremony when Greg and I married. Many people know at least some of the verses by heart.
“Love is kind and patient”…or is it? We say we love one another…but if love is patient and kind, how many of us can honestly claim these traits? Love is “never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude”…you still there? “Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered”…wanna jump off the bandwagon?
“Love “doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do.” How many of you did I just lose? How many of us aren’t just a little bit pleased when something bad happens to someone we’re not particularly fond of…who among us “is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting”?
And yet, what if Jesus failed to do any one of these things for us? Many of us would turn our backs on Him in a heartbeat! We expect Him to love us…always and in all ways. But when it’s time for us to do the same as His disciples, we simply cannot…or will not.
We really should stop giving lip service to this passage. We should quit framing copies of it to hang on our walls, posting beautiful photographs with portions of the verse superimposed across the bottom…and using it to express our affection toward our beloveds…until we can fully embrace and enact what it says. I can tell you that I, for one, have a lot of work to do in this area!
There are people who rub me the wrong way…those whom I find “hard to love”…some who irritate, anger or upset me with everything from their treatment of others to what I consider to be their ridiculous political and social ideas and opinions. I judge. I keep score. I am so disgusted with some that I can barely be in their presence…much less show them support or loyalty. And trust them? Forget it!
But here’s this passage in God’s word…clearly outlining what love is…and I’m not always all of these things toward all of God’s children. But I’m working on it…and with God’s help (and by His grace), I can do better. I am not foolish enough to think I will ever master this completely and love everyone unconditionally – or without judgments and hesitation. I most certainly will remain guarded toward certain people who have demonstrated a poor track record for trustworthiness. But I can do better…I must love better. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Love is kind and patient,
never jealous, boastful,
proud, or rude.
Love isn’t selfish
or quick tempered.
It doesn’t keep a record
of wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth,
but not in evil.
Love is always supportive,
loyal, hopeful,
and trusting.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve heard this passage so many times. The pastor read it during our wedding ceremony when Greg and I married. Many people know at least some of the verses by heart.
“Love is kind and patient”…or is it? We say we love one another…but if love is patient and kind, how many of us can honestly claim these traits? Love is “never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude”…you still there? “Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered”…wanna jump off the bandwagon?
“Love “doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do.” How many of you did I just lose? How many of us aren’t just a little bit pleased when something bad happens to someone we’re not particularly fond of…who among us “is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting”?
And yet, what if Jesus failed to do any one of these things for us? Many of us would turn our backs on Him in a heartbeat! We expect Him to love us…always and in all ways. But when it’s time for us to do the same as His disciples, we simply cannot…or will not.
We really should stop giving lip service to this passage. We should quit framing copies of it to hang on our walls, posting beautiful photographs with portions of the verse superimposed across the bottom…and using it to express our affection toward our beloveds…until we can fully embrace and enact what it says. I can tell you that I, for one, have a lot of work to do in this area!
There are people who rub me the wrong way…those whom I find “hard to love”…some who irritate, anger or upset me with everything from their treatment of others to what I consider to be their ridiculous political and social ideas and opinions. I judge. I keep score. I am so disgusted with some that I can barely be in their presence…much less show them support or loyalty. And trust them? Forget it!
But here’s this passage in God’s word…clearly outlining what love is…and I’m not always all of these things toward all of God’s children. But I’m working on it…and with God’s help (and by His grace), I can do better. I am not foolish enough to think I will ever master this completely and love everyone unconditionally – or without judgments and hesitation. I most certainly will remain guarded toward certain people who have demonstrated a poor track record for trustworthiness. But I can do better…I must love better. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 9, 2014
Romans 15:13
I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was reading some Beth Moore devotionals today, and she talked about living successfully versus living victoriously. Moore pointed out that many people manage to skate through life relatively unscathed…to be what most consider “successful”. They appear to have a great life…do well in business, live comfortably, and have and do all of the things we associate with “success”. Often, these folks have managed somehow to avoid very much conflict or struggle in their lives. But just because these people have glided along pretty smoothly does not mean that they have lived victoriously.
What’s the difference? A victorious person is one who has grabbed hold of the promises of God and held them tightly, even when “the chips were down”. This person trusts that God is in control, no matter what. He/she believes God when He says in His word that we are important to Him…precious treasures for whom He wants only the best. Regardless of what is happening in the lives of people who live victoriously, they are filled with complete happiness and peace through Jesus Christ.
Does this mean that victorious people are never sad…that they never have bills to pay – or get into debt…lose a job…get sick…grieve…or have struggles or tragedies in their lives? Absolutely not! But because they are filled with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, victorious people know that they can handle whatever comes their way. God understands grief and suffering. He knows that when we are sick or injured, we are not necessarily at our best. He knows that people lose jobs and struggle to pay bills. He feels our pain when relationships sour and people frustrate or dishearten us. But He also offers us the hope of a better day…and those who trust Him to deliver this are never disappointed.
Not all successful people are victorious…but those who are filled with hope in Jesus are both! Where are you in this picture? Where would you like to be? Anyone who puts his/her hope and trust in the LORD…and truly internalizes the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish all things in and through them…will enjoy the complete happiness, peace and rest of a victorious life. And this is the ultimate example of success…don’t you agree?
©2014 Debbie Robus
I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was reading some Beth Moore devotionals today, and she talked about living successfully versus living victoriously. Moore pointed out that many people manage to skate through life relatively unscathed…to be what most consider “successful”. They appear to have a great life…do well in business, live comfortably, and have and do all of the things we associate with “success”. Often, these folks have managed somehow to avoid very much conflict or struggle in their lives. But just because these people have glided along pretty smoothly does not mean that they have lived victoriously.
What’s the difference? A victorious person is one who has grabbed hold of the promises of God and held them tightly, even when “the chips were down”. This person trusts that God is in control, no matter what. He/she believes God when He says in His word that we are important to Him…precious treasures for whom He wants only the best. Regardless of what is happening in the lives of people who live victoriously, they are filled with complete happiness and peace through Jesus Christ.
Does this mean that victorious people are never sad…that they never have bills to pay – or get into debt…lose a job…get sick…grieve…or have struggles or tragedies in their lives? Absolutely not! But because they are filled with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, victorious people know that they can handle whatever comes their way. God understands grief and suffering. He knows that when we are sick or injured, we are not necessarily at our best. He knows that people lose jobs and struggle to pay bills. He feels our pain when relationships sour and people frustrate or dishearten us. But He also offers us the hope of a better day…and those who trust Him to deliver this are never disappointed.
Not all successful people are victorious…but those who are filled with hope in Jesus are both! Where are you in this picture? Where would you like to be? Anyone who puts his/her hope and trust in the LORD…and truly internalizes the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish all things in and through them…will enjoy the complete happiness, peace and rest of a victorious life. And this is the ultimate example of success…don’t you agree?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 8, 2014
Revelation 6:11
White robes were given to each of them, and they were told to rest a little longer until their other brothers, fellow servants of Jesus, had been martyred on the earth and joined them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When my sister, brother and I were little, I remember having to lie down to rest on summer afternoons while our “kiddie pool” filled with water…and said water warmed a bit. Sometimes we napped, but often, we tossed and turned and waited until our parents allowed us to get up and go outside to play in the water. If you have spent any time with a toddler or young child, you know how hard it can be to persuade him/her to rest for a while and/or wait on an upcoming event…like a swim at the pool, a play date, or maybe a treat of some sort. In the words of the evil magician in the movie, “Frosty the Snowman” - who wanted his “magic” hat back - “I want it [that hat]…and I want it NOW!”
We are impatient people. And the wonderful thing is that God understands that! Even the martyrs of the Bible who were killed for preaching the Good News about Jesus were told in John’s Revelation dream…”rest a little longer until more martyrs join you!” Hopefully whatever we are waiting for does not involve the peril of others. But often, God calls on us to wait for something. And in this waiting, He calls upon us to rest – to chill out, relax, be patient, and to be content where we are in this moment.
This is really a big order for a lot of us. We want everything to be resolved right away. We don’t want to feel better in a few days…we want to be well NOW! We can’t wait for “Mr. or Miss Right”…we have to have a companion this week! We have asked God to answer our prayers…and we meant TODAY…not some nebulous date in the future that He chooses! And all the while, God often gently listens to us and whispers, “There, there…rest just a little while longer!”
Where is God calling you to rest a little longer today? Where do you need to trust His timing more and demand less? Are there areas of your life in which you have failed to exercise patience? How content are you this day with how God is orchestrating your circumstances? How sure are you of God’s presence and timing?
If the martyrs who suffered and died to share the Gospel of Jesus can wait…don’t you think we can hang on a little longer, too? Let’s “put on a white robe” and rest in God’s love and care. His answers will come…the time of rest will end. You will have plenty of time to “dip in the pool” of God’s promises and the good things He holds in store for you!
©2014 Debbie Robus
White robes were given to each of them, and they were told to rest a little longer until their other brothers, fellow servants of Jesus, had been martyred on the earth and joined them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When my sister, brother and I were little, I remember having to lie down to rest on summer afternoons while our “kiddie pool” filled with water…and said water warmed a bit. Sometimes we napped, but often, we tossed and turned and waited until our parents allowed us to get up and go outside to play in the water. If you have spent any time with a toddler or young child, you know how hard it can be to persuade him/her to rest for a while and/or wait on an upcoming event…like a swim at the pool, a play date, or maybe a treat of some sort. In the words of the evil magician in the movie, “Frosty the Snowman” - who wanted his “magic” hat back - “I want it [that hat]…and I want it NOW!”
We are impatient people. And the wonderful thing is that God understands that! Even the martyrs of the Bible who were killed for preaching the Good News about Jesus were told in John’s Revelation dream…”rest a little longer until more martyrs join you!” Hopefully whatever we are waiting for does not involve the peril of others. But often, God calls on us to wait for something. And in this waiting, He calls upon us to rest – to chill out, relax, be patient, and to be content where we are in this moment.
This is really a big order for a lot of us. We want everything to be resolved right away. We don’t want to feel better in a few days…we want to be well NOW! We can’t wait for “Mr. or Miss Right”…we have to have a companion this week! We have asked God to answer our prayers…and we meant TODAY…not some nebulous date in the future that He chooses! And all the while, God often gently listens to us and whispers, “There, there…rest just a little while longer!”
Where is God calling you to rest a little longer today? Where do you need to trust His timing more and demand less? Are there areas of your life in which you have failed to exercise patience? How content are you this day with how God is orchestrating your circumstances? How sure are you of God’s presence and timing?
If the martyrs who suffered and died to share the Gospel of Jesus can wait…don’t you think we can hang on a little longer, too? Let’s “put on a white robe” and rest in God’s love and care. His answers will come…the time of rest will end. You will have plenty of time to “dip in the pool” of God’s promises and the good things He holds in store for you!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 7, 2014
Revelation 14:11-13
If you worship the beast and the idol and accept the mark of its name, you will be tortured day and night. The smoke from your torture will go up forever and ever, and you will never be able to rest.
God’s people must learn to endure. They must also obey his commands and have faith in Jesus.
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Put this in writing. From now on, the Lord will bless everyone who has faith in him when they die.”
The Spirit answered, “Yes, they will rest from their hard work, and they will be rewarded for what they have done.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our little great-niece Kelsey was sporting a “Hello Kitty” temporary tattoo on her tummy a few days ago. Her mom let her wear it underneath her blouse where it wasn’t readily visible…but Kelsey was happy to show it to anyone and everyone. Her dad teased her and said, “I think we need to do some scrubbing and get that off of there!” Kelsey giggled. In a few days, all traces of the harmless little cartoon kitty will be history.
My cousins Janette and Natalie never steer me wrong. When they recommend a book, I listen. So when Janette told me about One Thousand Gifts* by Ann Voskamp, I made a mental note to check it out…and now I can’t stop reading! I have posted a link to a website where you can read the first chapter. Please keep reading…this first chapter is a tough one! Voskamp talks about the death of her toddler sister, Aimee, when Ann was a little girl…and what it did to her family – especially her dad. She says that after her sister’s death, a church bus picked Voskamp up each Sunday for services…but her parents stopped going to church altogether.
Ann Voskamp says, “Really, when you bury a child — or when you just simply get up every day and live life raw — you murmur the question soundlessly. No one hears. Can there be a good God? A God who graces with good gifts when a crib lies empty through long nights, and bugs burrow through coffins? Where is God, really? How can He be good when babies die, and marriages implode, and dreams blow away, dust in the wind? Where is grace bestowed when cancer gnaws and loneliness aches and nameless places in us soundlessly die, break off without reason, erode away. Where hides this joy of the Lord, this God who fills the earth with good things, and how do I fully live when life is full of hurt? How do I wake up to joy and grace and beauty and all that is the fullest life when I must stay numb to losses and crushed dreams and all that empties me out?”
Thankfully, many of us have never witnessed a delivery truck running smack over our precious baby. But other life events have caused us to turn away from God, all the same.
Voskamp describes the reaction she observed in her own family…”No, God, we won’t take what You give. No, God, Your plans are a gutted, bleeding mess and I didn’t sign up for this and You really thought I’d go for this? No, God, this is ugly and this is a mess and can’t You get anything right and just haul all this pain out of here and I’ll take it from here, thanks. And God? Thanks for nothing.” She adds…”I wake and put the feet to the plank floors, and I believe the Serpent’s hissing lie, the repeating refrain of his campaign through the ages: God isn’t good. It’s the cornerstone of his movement. That God withholds good from His children, that God does not genuinely, fully, love us.”
In other words, life gets tough, and we “accept the mark” of the devil’s name…we tattoo His claim on our bellies or forehead and go on with our lives. In Voskamp’s words, “Our fall was, has always been, and always will be, that we aren’t satisfied in God and what He gives. We hunger for something more, something other. If I’m ruthlessly honest, I may have said yes to God, yes to Christianity, but really, I have lived the no.”
I can hear you now. “I would NEVER take the mark of the devil! I would never turn my back on God and follow him.” Really? Let’s be honest. There have been times when God seemed silent…distant…and our world seemed to be crumbling around us over SOMETHING…and we were at the very least tempted to say, “That’s it…I’m done! Trusting God is simply not working for me!” And that’s where these verses from Revelation hit home. Stick with God…have faith…hang in there. “He means to fill us with glory again. With glory and grace,” Voskamp writes.
She points out that “…maybe you don’t want to change the story, because you don’t know what a different ending holds. There’s a reason I am not writing the story and God is. He knows how it all works out, where it all leads, what it all means. I don’t.” The Bible tells us that the “end of the story” is beautiful…glorious…and worth the effort and faith to persevere.
It’s time to “remove the tattoo”…to scrub our skin and come clean with God…and to trust that His plans – and the yet-to-be-seen outcomes – are perfect. Perfect rest from all of our struggles and heartaches awaits…it really does…if only we will hold on and keep believing in the promises of God. Voskamp tells us…”To fully live — to live full of grace and joy and all that is beauty eternal. It is possible, wildly.” I honestly believe this…do you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://onethousandgifts.com/
To read the first chapter of One Thousand Gifts, go to http://www.scribd.com/doc/46474858/One-Thousand-Gifts-by-Ann-Voskamp-Excerpt
If you worship the beast and the idol and accept the mark of its name, you will be tortured day and night. The smoke from your torture will go up forever and ever, and you will never be able to rest.
God’s people must learn to endure. They must also obey his commands and have faith in Jesus.
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Put this in writing. From now on, the Lord will bless everyone who has faith in him when they die.”
The Spirit answered, “Yes, they will rest from their hard work, and they will be rewarded for what they have done.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our little great-niece Kelsey was sporting a “Hello Kitty” temporary tattoo on her tummy a few days ago. Her mom let her wear it underneath her blouse where it wasn’t readily visible…but Kelsey was happy to show it to anyone and everyone. Her dad teased her and said, “I think we need to do some scrubbing and get that off of there!” Kelsey giggled. In a few days, all traces of the harmless little cartoon kitty will be history.
My cousins Janette and Natalie never steer me wrong. When they recommend a book, I listen. So when Janette told me about One Thousand Gifts* by Ann Voskamp, I made a mental note to check it out…and now I can’t stop reading! I have posted a link to a website where you can read the first chapter. Please keep reading…this first chapter is a tough one! Voskamp talks about the death of her toddler sister, Aimee, when Ann was a little girl…and what it did to her family – especially her dad. She says that after her sister’s death, a church bus picked Voskamp up each Sunday for services…but her parents stopped going to church altogether.
Ann Voskamp says, “Really, when you bury a child — or when you just simply get up every day and live life raw — you murmur the question soundlessly. No one hears. Can there be a good God? A God who graces with good gifts when a crib lies empty through long nights, and bugs burrow through coffins? Where is God, really? How can He be good when babies die, and marriages implode, and dreams blow away, dust in the wind? Where is grace bestowed when cancer gnaws and loneliness aches and nameless places in us soundlessly die, break off without reason, erode away. Where hides this joy of the Lord, this God who fills the earth with good things, and how do I fully live when life is full of hurt? How do I wake up to joy and grace and beauty and all that is the fullest life when I must stay numb to losses and crushed dreams and all that empties me out?”
Thankfully, many of us have never witnessed a delivery truck running smack over our precious baby. But other life events have caused us to turn away from God, all the same.
Voskamp describes the reaction she observed in her own family…”No, God, we won’t take what You give. No, God, Your plans are a gutted, bleeding mess and I didn’t sign up for this and You really thought I’d go for this? No, God, this is ugly and this is a mess and can’t You get anything right and just haul all this pain out of here and I’ll take it from here, thanks. And God? Thanks for nothing.” She adds…”I wake and put the feet to the plank floors, and I believe the Serpent’s hissing lie, the repeating refrain of his campaign through the ages: God isn’t good. It’s the cornerstone of his movement. That God withholds good from His children, that God does not genuinely, fully, love us.”
In other words, life gets tough, and we “accept the mark” of the devil’s name…we tattoo His claim on our bellies or forehead and go on with our lives. In Voskamp’s words, “Our fall was, has always been, and always will be, that we aren’t satisfied in God and what He gives. We hunger for something more, something other. If I’m ruthlessly honest, I may have said yes to God, yes to Christianity, but really, I have lived the no.”
I can hear you now. “I would NEVER take the mark of the devil! I would never turn my back on God and follow him.” Really? Let’s be honest. There have been times when God seemed silent…distant…and our world seemed to be crumbling around us over SOMETHING…and we were at the very least tempted to say, “That’s it…I’m done! Trusting God is simply not working for me!” And that’s where these verses from Revelation hit home. Stick with God…have faith…hang in there. “He means to fill us with glory again. With glory and grace,” Voskamp writes.
She points out that “…maybe you don’t want to change the story, because you don’t know what a different ending holds. There’s a reason I am not writing the story and God is. He knows how it all works out, where it all leads, what it all means. I don’t.” The Bible tells us that the “end of the story” is beautiful…glorious…and worth the effort and faith to persevere.
It’s time to “remove the tattoo”…to scrub our skin and come clean with God…and to trust that His plans – and the yet-to-be-seen outcomes – are perfect. Perfect rest from all of our struggles and heartaches awaits…it really does…if only we will hold on and keep believing in the promises of God. Voskamp tells us…”To fully live — to live full of grace and joy and all that is beauty eternal. It is possible, wildly.” I honestly believe this…do you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://onethousandgifts.com/
To read the first chapter of One Thousand Gifts, go to http://www.scribd.com/doc/46474858/One-Thousand-Gifts-by-Ann-Voskamp-Excerpt
Daily Devotional for July 6, 2014
Psalm 55:6
I wish I had wings
like a dove,
so I could fly far away
and be at peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My pastor probably won’t like this devotional, because his sermon today was about how we all tend to say, “I’m doing enough already…I can’t/won’t do anything more,” and we neglect the ministries to which God has called us. But here’s the thing… some of us are worn smack out! We’ve let the burdens and weariness of “life” get to us – to the point that we really are no longer serving God out of a heart for His ministries, but rather out of a sense of duty or obligation. We are in essence giving God lip service…and sometimes poorly, at that!
In her Bible study guide Make Over*, women’s speaker and author Jen Hatmaker asks, “Where do you need to cut yourself some slack?” She explains…”If you are searching for verses about working and pleasing God…they exist. But God and His writers assumed we were already living in grace. It’s ludicrous that we’d prefer a merit-based relationship after Jesus redeemed us from that curse. Pleasing God comes after grace, not before. Not one solitary second before. If that’s you, stop working. You’re better off doing nothing than trying to earn your grace. Every dance performed to win God over is wasted.”
Furthermore, some of us are dealing with some pretty heavy burdens…and we’ve decided that the way to manage them is to stay busy in ministry and missions. To these people, Hatmaker says,”God wants wholeness for you first and foremost. If you are injured, bench yourself and rest in the care of the Healer. Playing church while wounded not only compromises the team but also delays healing, making the injury far worse. It is lunacy to think God would ignore your brokenness and prefer your sacrifices at the risk of your spiritual health.”
So my question to you today, is “What are you doing for God…and why?” Have you been dancing like a monkey trying to be all things to all people…including God Almighty? Are you so worn out and weary or burdened that you wish you had wings like a dove and could fly away somewhere? Remember the “Calgon, take me away…” commercials? Are you in need of a spiritual “Calgon moment?”
I’ve got a word for you...it may be time for many of us to take a little “spiritual vacation”. I’m not suggesting that we quit going to church…put our Bibles on the shelf…or stop talking to God. I didn’t say you should cancel all ministries and mission projects and sit home and watch reality TV. But it may be time for us to step back and spend some quiet, “alone time” with God…to almost literally do nothing and just listen for His voice…to spend a few hours combing the scriptures and discovering what God really wants from us…to ask Him how, when and where to serve Him – and then really wait on His answer!
Everywhere you turn this time of year, people are taking “summer vacations” and “getting away from it all” to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Could it be that you need a little “vacation” of sorts to get you back on track spiritually? You don’t need the wings of a dove…or even a faraway place in which to discover God’s peace. All you need is a quiet corner, a comfortable place to sit, your Bible, and an open heart and mind. Are you ready for your spiritual “Calgon moment”? What are you waiting for? This could be the most restful “vacation” you ever take!
©2014 Debbie Robus
*http://jenhatmaker.com/books.htm
I wish I had wings
like a dove,
so I could fly far away
and be at peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My pastor probably won’t like this devotional, because his sermon today was about how we all tend to say, “I’m doing enough already…I can’t/won’t do anything more,” and we neglect the ministries to which God has called us. But here’s the thing… some of us are worn smack out! We’ve let the burdens and weariness of “life” get to us – to the point that we really are no longer serving God out of a heart for His ministries, but rather out of a sense of duty or obligation. We are in essence giving God lip service…and sometimes poorly, at that!
In her Bible study guide Make Over*, women’s speaker and author Jen Hatmaker asks, “Where do you need to cut yourself some slack?” She explains…”If you are searching for verses about working and pleasing God…they exist. But God and His writers assumed we were already living in grace. It’s ludicrous that we’d prefer a merit-based relationship after Jesus redeemed us from that curse. Pleasing God comes after grace, not before. Not one solitary second before. If that’s you, stop working. You’re better off doing nothing than trying to earn your grace. Every dance performed to win God over is wasted.”
Furthermore, some of us are dealing with some pretty heavy burdens…and we’ve decided that the way to manage them is to stay busy in ministry and missions. To these people, Hatmaker says,”God wants wholeness for you first and foremost. If you are injured, bench yourself and rest in the care of the Healer. Playing church while wounded not only compromises the team but also delays healing, making the injury far worse. It is lunacy to think God would ignore your brokenness and prefer your sacrifices at the risk of your spiritual health.”
So my question to you today, is “What are you doing for God…and why?” Have you been dancing like a monkey trying to be all things to all people…including God Almighty? Are you so worn out and weary or burdened that you wish you had wings like a dove and could fly away somewhere? Remember the “Calgon, take me away…” commercials? Are you in need of a spiritual “Calgon moment?”
I’ve got a word for you...it may be time for many of us to take a little “spiritual vacation”. I’m not suggesting that we quit going to church…put our Bibles on the shelf…or stop talking to God. I didn’t say you should cancel all ministries and mission projects and sit home and watch reality TV. But it may be time for us to step back and spend some quiet, “alone time” with God…to almost literally do nothing and just listen for His voice…to spend a few hours combing the scriptures and discovering what God really wants from us…to ask Him how, when and where to serve Him – and then really wait on His answer!
Everywhere you turn this time of year, people are taking “summer vacations” and “getting away from it all” to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Could it be that you need a little “vacation” of sorts to get you back on track spiritually? You don’t need the wings of a dove…or even a faraway place in which to discover God’s peace. All you need is a quiet corner, a comfortable place to sit, your Bible, and an open heart and mind. Are you ready for your spiritual “Calgon moment”? What are you waiting for? This could be the most restful “vacation” you ever take!
©2014 Debbie Robus
*http://jenhatmaker.com/books.htm
Daily Devotional for July 5, 2014
Psalm 37:7
Be patient and trust the Lord.
Don’t let it bother you
when all goes well for those
who do sinful things.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Probably every single one of us knows someone who seems to “get by with murder”. We know people who slack off in their jobs – or treat coworkers, employees, students and friends terribly – and still seem to “always come out on top”. We could probably all name someone who cheats and never seems to get caught…or someone who has spread gossip all over the place about every “friend” he/she claims…and still, these persons are lauded as “a wonderful person”. We are familiar with situations where we feel like we work hard to work hard…and to do the right thing…and those who refuse to “play by the rules” seem to get ahead farther and faster than we ever can.
Here’s the thing…this is not our problem! These people are not our responsibility…it is not our job to compare our own lives to theirs. We don’t answer to them…we answer to God. And sometimes, that can seem like a tough row to hoe! Why does God allow things to be so difficult for those of us who are obedient and serve faithfully - while others seem to be having all the fun (and getting all of the glory and benefits)?
Truthfully, nothing gets by God. If you watch long enough and pay close attention, you will see that these people ultimately have some sort of “comeuppance” or failure of sorts. AND…all of your own needs are continually met! You may not be the richest, most prominent person in town. You may not have even the semblance of a huge following of friends and hangers-on. But you have something far more valuable…you have God’s favor!
If you continue reading in Psalm37:9-11, you will see that “All sinners will disappear, but if you trust the Lord, the land will be yours. Sinners will soon disappear, never to be found, but the poor will take the land and enjoy a big harvest.” And in verses 16-19, it says, “It is better to live right and be poor than to be sinful and rich. The wicked will lose all of their power, but the Lord gives strength to everyone who is good. Those who obey the Lord are daily in his care, and what he has given them will be theirs forever. They won’t be in trouble when times are bad, and they will have plenty when food is scarce.”
In other words, God will reward your faithfulness. He will meet your needs. You can rest and relax, because you will never lack anything of significance! Notice I didn’t say you will have EVERYTHING…but you will have everything you need, according to God’s will. So focus on doing what is right and true…what you have prayerfully heard God tell you to do. Make His will your priority…and quit worrying about what the other guy has – or what he/she is doing. God is more than able to provide for your needs…and handle those who disobey and disrespect him. Nobody truly “gets by with murder”…and focusing on those who try is a waste of our time and energy. Are you busy doing the right thing and trusting God? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Be patient and trust the Lord.
Don’t let it bother you
when all goes well for those
who do sinful things.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Probably every single one of us knows someone who seems to “get by with murder”. We know people who slack off in their jobs – or treat coworkers, employees, students and friends terribly – and still seem to “always come out on top”. We could probably all name someone who cheats and never seems to get caught…or someone who has spread gossip all over the place about every “friend” he/she claims…and still, these persons are lauded as “a wonderful person”. We are familiar with situations where we feel like we work hard to work hard…and to do the right thing…and those who refuse to “play by the rules” seem to get ahead farther and faster than we ever can.
Here’s the thing…this is not our problem! These people are not our responsibility…it is not our job to compare our own lives to theirs. We don’t answer to them…we answer to God. And sometimes, that can seem like a tough row to hoe! Why does God allow things to be so difficult for those of us who are obedient and serve faithfully - while others seem to be having all the fun (and getting all of the glory and benefits)?
Truthfully, nothing gets by God. If you watch long enough and pay close attention, you will see that these people ultimately have some sort of “comeuppance” or failure of sorts. AND…all of your own needs are continually met! You may not be the richest, most prominent person in town. You may not have even the semblance of a huge following of friends and hangers-on. But you have something far more valuable…you have God’s favor!
If you continue reading in Psalm37:9-11, you will see that “All sinners will disappear, but if you trust the Lord, the land will be yours. Sinners will soon disappear, never to be found, but the poor will take the land and enjoy a big harvest.” And in verses 16-19, it says, “It is better to live right and be poor than to be sinful and rich. The wicked will lose all of their power, but the Lord gives strength to everyone who is good. Those who obey the Lord are daily in his care, and what he has given them will be theirs forever. They won’t be in trouble when times are bad, and they will have plenty when food is scarce.”
In other words, God will reward your faithfulness. He will meet your needs. You can rest and relax, because you will never lack anything of significance! Notice I didn’t say you will have EVERYTHING…but you will have everything you need, according to God’s will. So focus on doing what is right and true…what you have prayerfully heard God tell you to do. Make His will your priority…and quit worrying about what the other guy has – or what he/she is doing. God is more than able to provide for your needs…and handle those who disobey and disrespect him. Nobody truly “gets by with murder”…and focusing on those who try is a waste of our time and energy. Are you busy doing the right thing and trusting God? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 4, 2014
Psalm 94:12-15
How blessed the man you train, God,
the woman you instruct in your Word,
Providing a circle of quiet within the clamor of evil,
while a jail is being built for the wicked.
God will never walk away from his people,
never desert his precious people.
Rest assured that justice is on its way
and every good heart put right.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For more than a decade, I served as my paternal grandmother’s primary caregiver/guardian. I handled her business affairs, paid her bills, balanced her checkbook, ran her errands, and more. As my late friend Mich (a gerontologist) often reminded me, there was a whole lot more that went into “caregiving” than paperwork and running errands. For some of her later years, Greg and I were also the frequent caregivers for my little great-nephew, Timothy. So we became members of the “Sandwich Generation”…those who balance the care of younger persons and older persons – and try to maintain some semblance of a “normal” life in between.
Today, I am 57 years old…and I feel like I have learned a lot in more than five decades…about life in general – but more importantly, about God’s love and care. There is no “manual” for a lot of what happens to us in life. We can seek the counsel of others who have “been there, done that”…but there are a lot of times when we have to seemingly “fly by the seat of our pants”.
I distinctly remember one day when I left my grandmother’s house feeling particularly frustrated, confused and overwhelmed. I pulled into a parking space at the grocery store and thought, “Who can I call or talk to about this? Who will understand and be able to help me figure out what to do next?” I drew a complete blank. So I sat in the car and asked God to show me what to do. And the next thought I had was, “What would *I* tell someone else who was going through this same thing?”
This was my answer. I asked God to show me how to sort things out…to calm my fears and frustrations and to clearly outline what I would indeed suggest to someone else. And He did all of this for me. This was not the last time I would have to have this sort of “conversation”…and I am sure there will be many to follow.
In the last few years, I have learned some incredibly valuable lessons. If you are a younger person reading this message, maybe I can spare you some time, confusion and frustration by sharing my “life lesson” here. The words of this scripture passage are incredibly profound. Think of the water circling a bath tub drain. It spirals downward – and sometimes even makes a loud sucking noise as the liquid is pulled from the tub and into the tiny pipe. That is just how we feel sometimes as the “clamor of evil” and the forces of troubles and challenges in our lives pull at us from every side. Our temptation is to panic…to throw up our hands and just let the noisy current haul us away. And if we aren’t careful, this is exactly what can happen!
But God stands ready to rescue us. He provides a “circle of quiet” that can keep us calm, even as our very lives seem to be “spiraling toward the drain”. He will never desert us…God will never allow us to face more than we can handle with His help. Notice I did not say that we would only be allowed what we can handle by ourselves. But with God to walk alongside us, our strength and capacity to manage things we thought were impossible increases exponentially. And God always has the right answers.
I honestly do not know how people get through life without a relationship with God and His Holy Spirit. I cannot imagine how lonely and frustrating life must be for those who are totally dependent on their own thoughts and abilities…and those of other mere mortals. Don’t misunderstand me. God has sent a lot of wonderful mentors and role models my way…friends to whom I frequently turn for advice and “vent”. God gave me an amazing, incredible husband who stands ever ready to help me with anything and everything. I rely on these people greatly. But they are God-ordained…Heaven sent…and this makes all the difference!
I passed the street on which my grandmother used to live today, and for a fleeting moment, I thought “I should go and visit Mam-ma Polly.” Then I remembered that Mam-ma lives with Jesus now. But God still uses her frequently to remind me of past lessons…and to show me which direction to take. I see His hand in my life every day – in situations large and small. And as I have grown in my faith and experiences, I have gotten better at recognizing Him!
My prayer for you today is that you would be in tune with God…that He would be your “go-to-Guy”…and that you would realize it! I pray that you rest in the LORD even when there is the noisy “clamor of evil” around you…that you trust Him to always be by your side – and to mete out justice according to His will…and that you would always recognize His voice. You are precious to God…He loves you and wants to give you rest in Him. Do you know Him well enough to let Him do exactly that?
©2014 Debbie Robus
How blessed the man you train, God,
the woman you instruct in your Word,
Providing a circle of quiet within the clamor of evil,
while a jail is being built for the wicked.
God will never walk away from his people,
never desert his precious people.
Rest assured that justice is on its way
and every good heart put right.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For more than a decade, I served as my paternal grandmother’s primary caregiver/guardian. I handled her business affairs, paid her bills, balanced her checkbook, ran her errands, and more. As my late friend Mich (a gerontologist) often reminded me, there was a whole lot more that went into “caregiving” than paperwork and running errands. For some of her later years, Greg and I were also the frequent caregivers for my little great-nephew, Timothy. So we became members of the “Sandwich Generation”…those who balance the care of younger persons and older persons – and try to maintain some semblance of a “normal” life in between.
Today, I am 57 years old…and I feel like I have learned a lot in more than five decades…about life in general – but more importantly, about God’s love and care. There is no “manual” for a lot of what happens to us in life. We can seek the counsel of others who have “been there, done that”…but there are a lot of times when we have to seemingly “fly by the seat of our pants”.
I distinctly remember one day when I left my grandmother’s house feeling particularly frustrated, confused and overwhelmed. I pulled into a parking space at the grocery store and thought, “Who can I call or talk to about this? Who will understand and be able to help me figure out what to do next?” I drew a complete blank. So I sat in the car and asked God to show me what to do. And the next thought I had was, “What would *I* tell someone else who was going through this same thing?”
This was my answer. I asked God to show me how to sort things out…to calm my fears and frustrations and to clearly outline what I would indeed suggest to someone else. And He did all of this for me. This was not the last time I would have to have this sort of “conversation”…and I am sure there will be many to follow.
In the last few years, I have learned some incredibly valuable lessons. If you are a younger person reading this message, maybe I can spare you some time, confusion and frustration by sharing my “life lesson” here. The words of this scripture passage are incredibly profound. Think of the water circling a bath tub drain. It spirals downward – and sometimes even makes a loud sucking noise as the liquid is pulled from the tub and into the tiny pipe. That is just how we feel sometimes as the “clamor of evil” and the forces of troubles and challenges in our lives pull at us from every side. Our temptation is to panic…to throw up our hands and just let the noisy current haul us away. And if we aren’t careful, this is exactly what can happen!
But God stands ready to rescue us. He provides a “circle of quiet” that can keep us calm, even as our very lives seem to be “spiraling toward the drain”. He will never desert us…God will never allow us to face more than we can handle with His help. Notice I did not say that we would only be allowed what we can handle by ourselves. But with God to walk alongside us, our strength and capacity to manage things we thought were impossible increases exponentially. And God always has the right answers.
I honestly do not know how people get through life without a relationship with God and His Holy Spirit. I cannot imagine how lonely and frustrating life must be for those who are totally dependent on their own thoughts and abilities…and those of other mere mortals. Don’t misunderstand me. God has sent a lot of wonderful mentors and role models my way…friends to whom I frequently turn for advice and “vent”. God gave me an amazing, incredible husband who stands ever ready to help me with anything and everything. I rely on these people greatly. But they are God-ordained…Heaven sent…and this makes all the difference!
I passed the street on which my grandmother used to live today, and for a fleeting moment, I thought “I should go and visit Mam-ma Polly.” Then I remembered that Mam-ma lives with Jesus now. But God still uses her frequently to remind me of past lessons…and to show me which direction to take. I see His hand in my life every day – in situations large and small. And as I have grown in my faith and experiences, I have gotten better at recognizing Him!
My prayer for you today is that you would be in tune with God…that He would be your “go-to-Guy”…and that you would realize it! I pray that you rest in the LORD even when there is the noisy “clamor of evil” around you…that you trust Him to always be by your side – and to mete out justice according to His will…and that you would always recognize His voice. You are precious to God…He loves you and wants to give you rest in Him. Do you know Him well enough to let Him do exactly that?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 3, 2014
Psalm 91:1
We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Many areas of Arkansas have experienced the wettest June on record. Even on days when the sun popped out through the clouds, it seems like at some point in the day, it rained. So it came as no surprise when we exited the church doors Sunday and discovered that rain was once again falling. Greg used our big floral umbrella to safely shuttle us (in groups of 2) into Pizza Hut for lunch.
A few years ago, our friend Olive died, and her daughter, Julie, put Olive’s house on the market and held an estate sale to clear out all of the belongings and “stuff” that Olive had collected over her 97 years of life. Hanging on one of the door knobs were two very large umbrellas, and I eagerly purchased both of them. These days, the trend in umbrellas seems to be toward small, compact gizmos that fold up and fit into your purse or a small bag. The trouble with these is that they don’t provide much coverage from the rain – or sun.
“Sun?” you may ask. Yes, SUN. When I was little, people carried umbrellas as “parasols” to protect themselves from the heat and harmful rays of the sun. In recent years, I’ve used one of Olive’s umbrellas as a “parasol”…especially at summer auctions. I know some people think I’m crazy…but hey, that was a given! These apparatuses really do work as “instant shade”!
But Sunday, our umbrella provided a little protection from the rain. Since there was wind, too, there was not a 100% shield from nature’s elements…but it was better than making a dash for it uncovered. Since Greg is six feet tall, he towered over us and carried the umbrella so that it encompassed Grandma E and Timothy…and then Zola and me.
Think of God’s love and care as a giant umbrella. He can shelter us from the rain and storms of life…and shield us from the sun and heat of things like insults and offenses, peer pressure, worries and concerns, indecisiveness, illness and injury, and so much more. Yes, there will be occasional “winds” that dampen us. There will be times when we feel like God’s “umbrella” blew inside out, as some models are wont to do in strong gusts. But for the most part, we are sheltered, shaded and protected perfectly.
We keep “Olive’s umbrellas” in our car. We have smaller umbrellas for individual use or times when we think we can manage with just a hint of protection…much like we tend to try to handle “life” on our own from time to time. But when we know we need “full coverage”, we bring out the “big guns”! And that is how it should be in our faith walk. We should always have God with us…His “big umbrella” should always be over us to shield us from life’s storms - both great and small. We should “rest well” in His care, knowing that God is always with us – ready to handle whatever comes our way.
Every time I use “Olive’s umbrella”, I think of her…and I am thankful for what she meant to me as a friend and role model. But I am even more grateful for the sheltering care of God and His “umbrella”. Are you resting in the shadow of God’s “umbrella protection” and care? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Many areas of Arkansas have experienced the wettest June on record. Even on days when the sun popped out through the clouds, it seems like at some point in the day, it rained. So it came as no surprise when we exited the church doors Sunday and discovered that rain was once again falling. Greg used our big floral umbrella to safely shuttle us (in groups of 2) into Pizza Hut for lunch.
A few years ago, our friend Olive died, and her daughter, Julie, put Olive’s house on the market and held an estate sale to clear out all of the belongings and “stuff” that Olive had collected over her 97 years of life. Hanging on one of the door knobs were two very large umbrellas, and I eagerly purchased both of them. These days, the trend in umbrellas seems to be toward small, compact gizmos that fold up and fit into your purse or a small bag. The trouble with these is that they don’t provide much coverage from the rain – or sun.
“Sun?” you may ask. Yes, SUN. When I was little, people carried umbrellas as “parasols” to protect themselves from the heat and harmful rays of the sun. In recent years, I’ve used one of Olive’s umbrellas as a “parasol”…especially at summer auctions. I know some people think I’m crazy…but hey, that was a given! These apparatuses really do work as “instant shade”!
But Sunday, our umbrella provided a little protection from the rain. Since there was wind, too, there was not a 100% shield from nature’s elements…but it was better than making a dash for it uncovered. Since Greg is six feet tall, he towered over us and carried the umbrella so that it encompassed Grandma E and Timothy…and then Zola and me.
Think of God’s love and care as a giant umbrella. He can shelter us from the rain and storms of life…and shield us from the sun and heat of things like insults and offenses, peer pressure, worries and concerns, indecisiveness, illness and injury, and so much more. Yes, there will be occasional “winds” that dampen us. There will be times when we feel like God’s “umbrella” blew inside out, as some models are wont to do in strong gusts. But for the most part, we are sheltered, shaded and protected perfectly.
We keep “Olive’s umbrellas” in our car. We have smaller umbrellas for individual use or times when we think we can manage with just a hint of protection…much like we tend to try to handle “life” on our own from time to time. But when we know we need “full coverage”, we bring out the “big guns”! And that is how it should be in our faith walk. We should always have God with us…His “big umbrella” should always be over us to shield us from life’s storms - both great and small. We should “rest well” in His care, knowing that God is always with us – ready to handle whatever comes our way.
Every time I use “Olive’s umbrella”, I think of her…and I am thankful for what she meant to me as a friend and role model. But I am even more grateful for the sheltering care of God and His “umbrella”. Are you resting in the shadow of God’s “umbrella protection” and care? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 2, 2014
Psalm 55:12-14, 16-22
My enemies are not the ones who sneer and make fun. I could put up with that or even hide from them. But it was my closest friend, the one I trusted most. We enjoyed being together, and we went with others to your house, our God.
I ask for your help, Lord God, and you will keep me safe. Morning, noon, and night you hear my concerns and my complaints. I am attacked from all sides, but you will rescue me unharmed by the battle. You have always ruled, and you will hear me. You will defeat my enemies because they won’t turn and worship you.
My friend turned against me and broke his promise. His words were smoother than butter, and softer than olive oil. But hatred filled his heart, and he was ready to attack with a sword.
Our Lord, we belong to you. We tell you what worries us, and you won’t let us fall.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I daresay all of us have been betrayed or hurt by a close friend or family member at one time or another…maybe more than once. And for many of us, it’s a game changer. We often become more guarded...less trusting...and sometimes more cynical after such an experience. Someone I considered “like family” once attempted to humiliate me via social media. She didn’t have all of the facts…and the information she had was distorted, at best. Yet she chose to lash out anyway. She didn’t name me specifically, but you didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out to whom she referred in her rant. And her words hurt…deeply…because they not only represented lies and unkindness (if not downright hatred or disdain)…they belied a deeper betrayal and even more lies from the persons who supplied her with the misinformation in the first place.
I don’t dwell on this…and I have been civil to this person since the incident and tried to be kind to her, because I believe that this is what God would have me do. I spent a lot of time talking to God about the hurt and asked Him to help me forgive all parties involved. See, we can’t rest if we have a spirit of unforgiveness – toward anyone, for anything.
As I read this passage, I was immediately transported to the New Testament. These were not just the words of David…they could easily be Jesus’ words about Judas. I know that Jesus loved Judas dearly…and I know that He held no long-term ill will in His heart for the heinous betrayal that Judas committed. But I also know that Jesus was deeply hurt by this…and I am sure He cried out to God for strength, courage, grace and mercy…and a heart of forgiveness toward His precious friend.
So what can we learn from this?
God does not wish that a single one of us suffer – or perish. He stands ready to offer rest in His promises for all who ask for it. Whether you are seeking forgiveness for another…or for yourself…this is the day to spend some time in pursuit of God’s help. What are you waiting for? God is ready to rescue you and give you rest. Are you ready to let Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
My enemies are not the ones who sneer and make fun. I could put up with that or even hide from them. But it was my closest friend, the one I trusted most. We enjoyed being together, and we went with others to your house, our God.
I ask for your help, Lord God, and you will keep me safe. Morning, noon, and night you hear my concerns and my complaints. I am attacked from all sides, but you will rescue me unharmed by the battle. You have always ruled, and you will hear me. You will defeat my enemies because they won’t turn and worship you.
My friend turned against me and broke his promise. His words were smoother than butter, and softer than olive oil. But hatred filled his heart, and he was ready to attack with a sword.
Our Lord, we belong to you. We tell you what worries us, and you won’t let us fall.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I daresay all of us have been betrayed or hurt by a close friend or family member at one time or another…maybe more than once. And for many of us, it’s a game changer. We often become more guarded...less trusting...and sometimes more cynical after such an experience. Someone I considered “like family” once attempted to humiliate me via social media. She didn’t have all of the facts…and the information she had was distorted, at best. Yet she chose to lash out anyway. She didn’t name me specifically, but you didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out to whom she referred in her rant. And her words hurt…deeply…because they not only represented lies and unkindness (if not downright hatred or disdain)…they belied a deeper betrayal and even more lies from the persons who supplied her with the misinformation in the first place.
I don’t dwell on this…and I have been civil to this person since the incident and tried to be kind to her, because I believe that this is what God would have me do. I spent a lot of time talking to God about the hurt and asked Him to help me forgive all parties involved. See, we can’t rest if we have a spirit of unforgiveness – toward anyone, for anything.
As I read this passage, I was immediately transported to the New Testament. These were not just the words of David…they could easily be Jesus’ words about Judas. I know that Jesus loved Judas dearly…and I know that He held no long-term ill will in His heart for the heinous betrayal that Judas committed. But I also know that Jesus was deeply hurt by this…and I am sure He cried out to God for strength, courage, grace and mercy…and a heart of forgiveness toward His precious friend.
So what can we learn from this?
- If you have been betrayed or hurt by a dear friend or loved one, you are not alone. Even Jesus experienced this…and He understands completely how you must feel.
- God stands ready to hear your cries…to share your heartaches, worries and disappointments…and to give you rest from them.
- God will “settle the score”…we need do nothing but give our burdens to Him. We can sit back, rest and relax in His blessings …and He will handle the rest.
God does not wish that a single one of us suffer – or perish. He stands ready to offer rest in His promises for all who ask for it. Whether you are seeking forgiveness for another…or for yourself…this is the day to spend some time in pursuit of God’s help. What are you waiting for? God is ready to rescue you and give you rest. Are you ready to let Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 1, 2014
Psalm 46:8-10
Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
breaks all the weapons across his knee.
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything.”
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 cannot begin to tell you how weary I am of political ads…and political and “personal opinion” comments and postings on social media. Occasionally I will agree with a post, if I feel strongly about it. I have tried to reserve any disagreement for private messaging and personal interaction with the other party. I know these sorts of comments and posts have caused me to “unfriend” a few people in order to disassociate with what I consider to be vile rants or opinions. And I know that some have “unfriended” me because they feel I am too liberal or disagree otherwise with my thoughts. Or maybe they just don’t like me!
The point is…none of this really important. Life is not about social media – or the opinions of others, for that matter. What truly is significant is our relationship with God…what He thinks of us – and what we feel for Him. The time has come for us to step back…take a deep breath, and “Be still and know”.
“Be still and know”…
Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at God and ask yourself whether you are giving Him your full attention…or listening to outside influences. “Be still and know” the One who truly matters!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
breaks all the weapons across his knee.
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything.”
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 cannot begin to tell you how weary I am of political ads…and political and “personal opinion” comments and postings on social media. Occasionally I will agree with a post, if I feel strongly about it. I have tried to reserve any disagreement for private messaging and personal interaction with the other party. I know these sorts of comments and posts have caused me to “unfriend” a few people in order to disassociate with what I consider to be vile rants or opinions. And I know that some have “unfriended” me because they feel I am too liberal or disagree otherwise with my thoughts. Or maybe they just don’t like me!
The point is…none of this really important. Life is not about social media – or the opinions of others, for that matter. What truly is significant is our relationship with God…what He thinks of us – and what we feel for Him. The time has come for us to step back…take a deep breath, and “Be still and know”.
“Be still and know”…
- who God really is
- what God expects of us
- what God thinks about situations vs man’s ideas and opinions
- the power of God to “make a way” where none seems possible
- the infinite, amazing, all-encompassing capacity of God to love us, no matter what
Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at God and ask yourself whether you are giving Him your full attention…or listening to outside influences. “Be still and know” the One who truly matters!
©2014 Debbie Robus
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