Daily Devotional for October 31, 2018 – Helping God’s people – it’s our job as Christ’s disciples!

Hebrews 4:12
God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won’t forget the love you have shown his people.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Greg and I come from a long legacy of people who helped others. I somehow think it must be in our DNA!  Our parents and grandparents were always at the ready to help someone…whether it was by a physical gesture of food, assistance or money – or a word of encouragement, an open door, and countless prayers.  We come from a long line of folks who constantly showed love and care to God’s people.

Here’s the thing…you don’t have to “inherit” this trait…you can cultivate it for yourself.  And as a disciple of Christ, this is exactly what you are called to do! The scriptures are clear…we are given explicit examples and guidance for helping God’s people. The directives are indisputable…

“Treat others as you want them to treat you.” (Matthew 7:12)

“Love others as much as you love yourself.” (Mark 12:31)

“Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you.” (Matthew 28:19)

“Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

“My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.” (Matthew 25:34-36)

These acts of love and generosity can’t be biased or selective in any way. You cannot choose to help only those you like…those who fit your “ideals”…those who are “like you”.  You must be ready and willing to help anyone God places in your path… ready to love each and every person – and treat him/her as God’s precious creation. Our help must be genderless…colorblind…apolitical…global…unaffected by economic levels, religious preferences and practices, physical appearance, ethnic background, sexual orientation…and oblivious to age or circumstance.

We have the perfect model for all of this in Jesus Christ. It is clear that helping others is a critical component of Christian discipleship – and something that greatly pleases God. I can personally attest that I “get” better than I “give”…and God always blesses my efforts. I will also admit that there are days that it is a challenge to help those God places in my path…for a variety of reasons. But we don’t get to pick and choose. You and I are “unloveable” to someone…and yet, God has provided for our help and care over and again.

Who is God putting in your path today?  Where can you lend a helping hand?  Are you ready to serve God with all your heart, mind and soul…and watch Him bless your efforts?  Will this be the day you get started?

©2018 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 30, 2018 – Precious children and broken tortoises…God loves and cares for us all!

Hebrews 4:12
What God has said isn’t only alive and active! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I have discovered a veterinary show on cable TV that I truly enjoy…”Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER”.  The lead veterinarian, Dr. Susan Kelleher, treats every kind of animal from domesticated cats and dogs to tropical birds, ball pythons, ferrets and hedgehogs!  On a recent episode, a retired physician brought in his tortoise, George.

The show is taped in the Miami, Florida, area.  During a hurricane (probably Harvey?) part of the doctor’s fence was blown down, and George apparently escaped from the yard and was hit by a car. The top of the tortoise’s shell was crushed…and some pieces were missing. His lungs and spinal cord were clearly visible. The doctor utilized his medical knowledge to pack the open wound with sterile dressings soaked in saline solution…and he covered the entire shell with a sterile dressing. Another veterinarian had advised the doctor to euthanize George – he felt there was no hope for the tortoise.

Dr. Kelleher (called Dr. K on the show), a tortoise owner herself, felt there was still hope.  She worked with her associates to carefully piece together the broken shell fragments and to secure them with screws and wire.  Of course, she was concerned about internal injuries, so she and her assistants did a thorough searching of the tortoise’s internal organs and body cavity.  And they did indeed discover a problem…a hole in/near one of the lungs.

The doctor worked skillfully with scalpel, sutures and other instruments, and she repaired the lung. As best she could, she “knit” the pieces of the shell back together. Did you know that a turtle’s shell is living tissue that even has a blood supply?  Over the next several weeks, the shell began to mend, and the places where there was no shell grew a leathery covering. Experts in 3-D printing scanned the tortoise shell and made George a hard plastic armor that perfectly matched and fit over his injured one, so that he can heal completely and safely. George the tortoise is doing amazingly well, and his prognosis is to live a long, healthy life. Tortoises can live as long as 80 years!

Here’s why I shared this story. The God who designed the shell of a tortoise with such intricacy and care is the same God who designed us and cares about every single cell in our body.  The God who gifted veterinary surgeons with the skills (and heart) to save a tortoise and enabled others to create such amazing devices as a 3-D printer is the same God who has equipped each of us to do amazing things according to His will and purpose for our lives.

Just as “Dr. K” restored the shell of George the tortoise with surgical skill and precision, God can restore every single corner of our heart and soul. And He wants to do this! God wants us to call on Him to be involved in every aspect of our lives…and to enable us to share the Good News of Jesus with others, according to His plan.

Some of us have pretty well decided that we’re not worth saving…but God will never agree to this! Like the veterinarian who saw beyond the gaping hole and daunting task of repair and restoration, God sees His precious child – and He wants to do amazing work in each of us, so that we can do incredible work for HIM!  Are you ready and willing to let Him?  Will this be the day that you re-establish a connection with Him through prayer and study of His word, so that the reparation can begin?  Don’t you think it should be?

©2018 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 29, 2018 – Do you have time for Jesus?

Hebrews 12:3
So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Full disclosure…I almost didn’t send out a devotional today. For most of the day, I assisted the elementary school nurse and her team with vision/hearing screenings.  My job was to “direct” children from one station to another as they performed exercises to determine the quality of their vision, hearing – and whether they were color blind. I loved seeing all of the sweet children – many of whom are “mine” from church activities, friendships or time I’ve spent volunteering at school.

I came home and spent some time in the kitchen, and truthfully, I just wanted to get on the couch and watch mindless television. But I kept getting this sense that I really needed to write a devotional.  I opened the entry in Jesus Calling* for this day, and one of the scripture references was Hebrews 12:3.  When I looked up the scripture, I knew why I kept feeling the nudge to write something.

Jesus is never too tired for us. He is never too busy…too worn out from our endless mistakes and petitions for His help and healing.  He never tires of our voice – or our “neediness”.  Jesus never runs out of patience with us, even when we get angry and discouraged and lash out at Him and ask, “Why, LORD…WHY?”  He’s been there, done that, heard and seen it all…and He still loves us and has all the time in the world for our every request. So how can we not have time for Him?

When you are too tired to pray…or to be kind to others, think of Jesus.  When you are out of patience…and everything – and everyone – is getting on your last nerve…think of Jesus.  When you are ready to throw your hands in the air and say, “I’m done!”…think of Jesus.  In short, there is nothing that we can experience that Jesus has not experienced…does not experience with us. He would never turn His back on us…so what makes us think it is okay for us to dismiss Him – even for a little bit?

When you are tired, Jesus will lift you. When you are weary and worried, He will comfort and encourage you. When you are frustrated and ready to throw in the towel, He will give you strength and hope – and enable you to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

So now Jesus has given me the energy and words to tell you that He is always with us…even when we are bone tired. Jesus is always worthy of our thoughts and focus – He always deserves to be on our mind. Are you thinking of Him – and calling on Him – throughout each and every day, no matter what is happening in your life? Can you imagine how much better things might be if you did?

©2018 Debbie Robus

*Jesus Calling ~ http://jesuscalling.com

Daily Devotional for October 28, 2018 – Working for the benefit of all…and starting at home

Galatians 6:9-10
So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

For the last month, the 2nd and 3rd graders and I have been learning about God’s grace, and the “freedom” He offers us from sin through the sacrificial blood of Jesus on the cross. I don’t think there is a person among us who would dispute the joy of knowing that someone has confessed his/her sins and asked forgiveness – and embraced a New Life in Christ Jesus. We stand together in churches across the world and welcome new members into our “body of believers”…and we celebrate these new additions.

It is right and good to witness to others…to share the Good News of Jesus and to encourage unbelievers to renounce their sins and claim Salvation for themselves. Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:19-20…”Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you.” But in today’s verses from Galatians, we are also reminded that “charity begins at home”.

I have long maintained that too often, we get caught up in a “numbers game”. We become focused on bringing new believers or members into the fold, and we fail to properly nurture those already in our “family”. This seems to be particularly true with regard to how we treat older members of the faith. Many of these folks were front and center to nurture and encourage you and me…but we’ve somewhat left them in the dust in our quest to acquire “new blood”. We can get tunnel vision about people of any age or group…and sadly, a lot of these folks often fall through the cracks.

Aside from the obvious reasons why it is important to take care of our “family” first…we must consider this. People are watching. They see how we treat those closest to us in the community of faith. They must surely wonder, “Will I soon be forgotten and/or ignored?  Will I become like the new, shiny bauble that quickly loses its luster?”

This morning, I left the children with a “Next Step” – to demonstrate God’s grace to others wherever they go this week. I told them to be kind to their friends and fellow students…to treat others as they wish to be treated…to speak nicely and act thoughtfully (and in a manner they know would please God).  I reminded them not to fall into the devil’s traps of sin…to be ever aware and careful with their words and actions. These are good “Next Steps” for you and me, as well.

The children and I talk often about how serving God begins with serving your own family…things such as being obedient to your parents,  getting along with siblings, and even treating pets kindly. And so it should be with adults, also. We should demonstrate God’s grace, love and care to others…and we should begin at “home”.  As this scripture points out, the “harvest will come”…and in many cases, it will be a direct result of how we served as Christ’s disciples among our own family of faith. They will want what we have for themselves. They will want to receive forgiveness of their sins from our Jesus…and to serve as His disciples.

So look around and see who needs your attention. Where is God directing you to share His gifts of grace with others? You may not have to look very far at all to find your mission and ministry!  God is showing you where and how He wants you to serve. Are you paying attention?

©2018 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 27, 2018 – Exercising our “freedom” as Christ’s disciple…and guarding our reputation (and His) in the process

Galatians 5:13-15
It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?

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.

Last night, I heard Dr. Phil tell a talk show host that we used to be able to disagree with someone – and still be their friend. People used to discuss opposing views on a subject amicably then go out to dinner together…but no longer. Today, people talk openly about hating one another…sometimes simply because they prefer different political party platforms. Jewish friends and family members celebrating a circumcision ceremony for a newborn baby are gunned down in a synagogue, because of their faith and ethnic background.

Explosive devices are sent to people who use their freedom of speech to voice their opinions about social, moral, and political issues. People are detained – and sometimes shot and killed – because of the color of their skin or other differences…and these events carry life-changing consequences for many on both sides of the gun.

I’ll be honest, I have “unfriended” more than a handful of people on social media who have spewed vitriol and hateful opinions that I cannot abide. I thought some of these folks were my friends…and I have had to ask myself some hard questions about our acquaintance. Could I go to lunch with one of them and pretend that everything was okay, knowing how they really feel?  Would they want to spend time with me in casual conversation, knowing that my views differ so radically from theirs?

I have been careful to refrain from sharing many of my political and social views publicly, for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, I don’t believe they have any place in my efforts to share God’s word with others on a daily basis. Additionally, it is not my intent to say to anyone, “I am right and you are wrong.”  These would be merely MY opinions and viewpoints.  But what I have spoken out about is how we must love each other – because this comes directly from scripture. The words of this command are those of Jesus, not me…and therefore indisputable.

We have been given the most incredible, amazing, and awe-inspiring gift imaginable…salvation and freedom from our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus, we are free to live, love and serve without the threat of eternal damnation to hell.  We are free to live with the knowledge that the omnipotent, incomparable, indefatigable love and care of Almighty God engulfs us. We are free to be who God has called us to be…to do the work that He has ordained…and to make this choice of our own volition! Salvation has not been forced on any of us…nor has the commission to serve Jesus and share His Good News. This is our right and privilege as His redeemed believers.

When we begin to fully grasp the enormity of this Gift, we should want to honor it with everything we say and do. We should wish to surround ourselves with people who share our views and our love of Christ…but we should be filled with enough love, compassion, grace and mercy to spend time with those who feel differently. Jesus never turned away anyone…and neither should we.

Does this mean that we shouldn’t “unfriend” people on social media?  I don’t think so. If our association with such a person would give others the impression that we condone these hateful ideas, then certainly, this is not the “format” for our acquaintance.  It doesn’t mean we couldn’t share a cup of coffee with this person – or be civil to him/her in public.

My suggestion to all of us today is that we be incredibly thoughtful – and careful – about what we say and do…and how we treat others. Sometimes, expressing our opinions can seem perfectly innocent to us…but greatly tarnish our reputation as a Christian with others in “earshot”.  Stop and think before you post a meme or share a joke at the expense of another person. Consider what you are saying – and how you say it. Are you telling someone why you prefer “your” candidate…or are you condemning theirs? Are you citing facts or half-truths?  Are you sharing information that you got from an indisputably factual source – or your friend at the coffee shop or beauty salon?

When it comes to representing Jesus, our “reputation” is all we really have to give others a glimpse of who He is. If they see ugliness, untruths, and hatred or bias…they won’t see Him.  Use your “freedom” wisely…and serve the LORD well.  He paid too much for us to do otherwise.

©2018 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 26, 2018 – Living your best life…is Christ living in you?

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ: and I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the real life I now have within this body is a result of my trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Sean Dietrich is a writer, author, and story-teller who lives in Florida.  He posts a daily missive on his blog – and on Facebook – and I have become a “follower”.  Sean writes about everyday, ordinary things…in short – LIFE!  He writes about his father, who committed suicide when Sean was a child – and how that impacted his life.  He writes about the numerous jobs he has had, how he was a stocky, overweight kid who dropped out of school in eighth grade.  He talks about his Christian faith, his wife and his dogs…and he speaks with positivity, faith and hope in the life he has today.

Sean Dietrich will tell you that he is a simple man who lives in a run-down trailer and drives a truck that is on its last leg.  He will also tell you that his life is now better than ever.  In a recent post titled “Little Pieces”*, Sean wrote about working jigsaw puzzles with his mother. In one part of his article, he says, “But I think I see things more clearly now. Our lives have been one giant puzzle. And maybe that’s how everyone’s life is. The pieces don’t make sense when they aren’t together, but you don’t give up looking. Not ever. My mother helped me find the corners first. My wife, my family, and my friends helped me find the edges. And so, the twenty-five-hundred-piece puzzle gets put together by an Unseen Hand. And even though it resembles a big cardboard mess before it’s done, it’s no mess. It’s perfect.”

You and I have been put together by that same “Unseen Hand”.  We have the opportunity to experience New Life in Christ – and maybe you already do!  But are you truly living in that experience?  Do you see your life as full, rich and ripe with opportunities to love others and serve Jesus – even if you “live in a trailer and drive a truck on its last leg”? In short, does Christ truly live in you?  Don’t you think it’s time He did?

©2018 Debbie Robus

*https://seandietrich.com/little-pieces/

Daily Devotional for October 25, 2018 – Are you trying to do someone else’s ministry?

Exodus 18:21
You will need to appoint some competent leaders who respect God and are trustworthy and honest. Then put them over groups of ten, fifty, a hundred, and a thousand.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

For years, my family gathered on holidays and shared a potluck meal. The “host” usually provided the meat, drinks, and a few side dishes…and other families filled in with salads, sides, bread and desserts.  It was a feast, for sure…but with everyone bringing their specialties and pitching in, there was no undue burden on just one person to feed nearly 30 people!  Generally, we knew what we would bring…each person had areas of expertise or a favorite dish. But it was entirely up to the host/hostess to designate who brought what and how we contributed, what time we ate, and more

In life, there are many situations and circumstances where some of us try to do more than we should – even with the best of intentions.  This scripture verse clearly shows us that God never intended for one person to carry the entire load of service, missions and ministries.  I bet you know a few people who feel like they have to serve on every committee, attend every meeting and event, and have a say in all that pertains to their church or all things “Spiritual”.

HERE IS YOUR SIGN that you don’t have to be everything to everybody. God used Jethro to tell his son-in-law Moses, of all people, to find some capable people to help him.  If God felt MOSES needed help, He surely expects us to share the responsibilities with fellow believers.  In other words, we need to “find our lane” – and stay in it!

Prayerfully consider what your missions and ministries are.  Spend some time in study and reflection, and ask God sincerely, “Is this my circus and my monkeys?”  If you hear Him telling you that you are on the wrong path, move!  In everything you do, make sure this is where God placed you…what He desires that you do to serve as Christ’s disciple and glorify His name.

Some of us are wearing ourselves out trying to be all things to all people.  God is telling us to stop, breathe, and collect ourselves.  Find where you are truly supposed to serve, and give God all you’ve got.  Bring your best dish…and serve it up with humility and confidence.  Every believer has a job to do to further God’s Kingdom. Are you sure you are doing yours?

©2018 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 24, 2018 – Without Christ’s truths, we’re all sunk!

Ephesians 4:11-16
Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, so that his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him.

We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place. Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

The entry for today on my “365 Days of Humor for Women” calendar says…”A little boy ended a lengthy prayer that had included everyone he could think of by saying, ‘And dear God, take care of Yourself. If anything happens to You, we’re all sunk.’”

Truly, God pulls everything together perfectly…and without Him, we are sunk! We must consider whatever “role” He has assigned us as Christ’s disciples to be serious business. While we trust those who have been designated as leaders, we must always sift and sort what they tell us against the truths and teachings of Jesus. We must be very careful with our Christian discipleship…and how we represent and serve our Lord and Savior.

We must never serve our own personal agenda. We must never hide behind the name of Jesus as we promote our own interests or viewpoints. And we must be careful not to perpetuate the agendas of others who might speak with seeming authority while promoting their own viewpoints. In short, we must do all we can to “take care of Jesus”…to represent Him truthfully – and as He has demonstrated. We must remember WHO is in charge and “holding it all together”…and we must ensure that our discipleship honors and glorifies Him at every turn.

A lot of people seem to be claiming to love and serve Jesus these days – then operating in anything but His love and teachings. This is a good day for every single one of us to check our thoughts, words and actions – to dig deeply into the scriptures – and to double-check how we are representing our Master to the world. Let’s be honest…without Him at the forefront, we are indeed all sunk.

©2018 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 23, 2018 – Making the most of God’s perfect gifts

Ephesians 2:8
You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

This is an absolutely stellar day in the Arkansas Ozarks.  The sun is shining, the leaves are turning, the temperature is in the upper 60s to low 70s with a gentle breeze. The sky is a bright blue with a few thin clouds.  Birds are chirping, butterflies are flitting from flower to flower. It’s the kind of day where you want to sit outside and just drink in all that you can!

Here’s the thing…you and I had nothing to do with creating this day…absolutely nothing. Pure and simple, the fact that we woke up breathing this morning…or that we can see and hear and enjoy this gorgeous day – or any other – is completely, undeniably, a gift from God.

Sometimes, I give the children paper and markers or paints and say, “Create anything you want!” Often, they are so proud with the end result that they want me to hang it on the refrigerator or display it on an easel somewhere…their gift to us.  It seems that today, God has created a masterpiece and said, “Here…enjoy…this is MY gift to YOU!”

We often fail to recognize that God is continually in the business of “giving good gifts” that we do not deserve…and none is greater than the gift of Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. As scripture tells us, God loved us so much that He gave His ONLY SON to live and die for our sins.  We cannot outdo God in the “Giving Department”!

Does this mean we should not try?  The short answer is, “NO!” We should continually give to God.  But we cannot gift Him with a sunny fall day, or anything else in nature.  We cannot sacrifice our loved ones as He did with Jesus.  But we can give God our faith, our love, our devotion and our obedience.  We can serve Him in all things and continually seek to glorify His name.  We can recognize His hand in all situations and circumstances – even a sunny fall day – and we can bring this to the attention of others.  “See what great things my Heavenly Father has done!”

We can be good stewards of God’s perfect gifts…and believe it or not, that is more than enough for Him. God may give us better than we deserve…and far greater than we could ever hope to repay. But this is not the point, anyway. We are not expected to try to pay God for His gifts…but rather to honor and glorify Him as the Perfect Giver!

When you get a “Chamber of Commerce day”…are you a good “ambassador” for its Creator?  Are you exalting God in your daily activities?  Are you living with faith, hope, and promise…and demonstrating your gratitude to God with every thought, word and action?  Are God’s gifts and handiwork in our life on full display for others to see?  Don’t you think it’s time they were?

©2018 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 22, 2018 – Finding Jesus by getting out of the way

Ephesians 1:3
How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every blessing in heaven because we belong to Christ.

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 saw a meme this morning that showed a beautiful A-frame cabin in the woods.  The caption said, “You stay here one month…no phone, no Internet, no TV.  At the end of the month, you walk away with $100,000.  Would you do it?”

This morning, I caught up on several days of readings from Jesus Calling*.  I highlighted a few sentences that resonated with me. Afterward, I copied them into a document on my computer, so that I can keep them handy to remind myself of the message.  In short, the “theme” was that we should focus more on Jesus, and less on ourselves and the outside world.

One section that stood out to me in the context of Ephesians 1:3 was a reminder that everything – our family, friends, health, physical objects, and even our time – is a gift from Jesus. These are all possible in our life because of His sacrifice on the cross.  The admonishment followed that we should be prepared to give up any and all of these things – but we must never give up on Him. Let this soak in for a few minutes.

Think about your life as a whole…what you have, who is in your “circle” of interaction, how you spend your time – everything that makes you YOU! Now think about Jesus. Think about how different your life would be without Him. What if Jesus had not suffered and died for us?  What if He had not given us the life that we enjoy? What if we had to go through hard times and challenges without Him?

Another comment that really struck me was this…Jesus calls on us to look past the situations and circumstances in our lives – which are constantly changing – and to see Him. We should focus on the loving gaze of our Savior, Who never leaves us, knows us better than anyone, and loves us anyway!

Over and over, scripture reminds us that Jesus wants us to look to Him as more than enough – in every aspect of our lives – because He is! In Psalm 84:10, the writer says of Jesus…“A single day spent in your Temple is better than a thousand anywhere else!”

I’m willing to bet that more than a few of us could give up our phones, the Internet and television for a month for $100,000. Can we give up our selfish desires, our worries and our fears for peace, joy, and all of the infinite gifts that Jesus Christ has for us – especially Eternal Life in Heaven in His presence? Are we ready to look past our narrow-minded interests and selfish desires – and see Jesus standing before us with open arms?  Isn’t it time we were?

©2018 Debbie Robus

*Jesus Calling ~ http://jesuscalling.com