Daily Devotional for April 30, 2022 – “Show me the money!” Feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit – and sharing His word and will with others.

Acts 1:3
For 40 days after Jesus had suffered and died, he proved in many ways that he had been raised from death. He appeared to his apostles and spoke to them about God’s kingdom.

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

In the 1996 romantic comedy, “Jerry Maguire,” athlete Rod Tidwell (played by Cuba Gooding, Jr.) is unhappy with the performance of his agent, Jerry Maguire (played by Tom Cruise). As Tidwell talks with Maguire on the phone, he begins to shout, “Show me the money!” This has become an oft-quoted movie scene…and people often use this phrase to admonish others to prove what they are saying.

You and I are always asking God to “Show me the money!” We are by nature a skeptical lot. Our faith is weak. We need concrete evidence that God is who He says He is…and that He will do what He promised. I think this is why some people put so much stock in personal experience. A person can tell you that “This will be okay,” or “God will get you through this.” But if he/she has no personal basis for such claims, they may seem hollow.

Yesterday, I watched a video of a friend who has been battling Stage IV colon cancer for the last 8 months talk with another woman in our community who has fought the disease for several months longer. Both women are responding to treatment, thankfully – and my friend had just received a positive report that her cancer is shrinking. As the first woman spoke to my friend, she held out a little counter-top “call bell” (like you would tap for service at a retail store). She told my friend, “Every time we have an accomplishment on this journey, we deserve to ring the bell. I don’t feel like it has to have a number [based] on how many treatments we’ve had. I just feel like this is the moment that we celebrate, and I want you to ring the bell.”

Man…did my friend ever ring that bell! Would this have had the same impact coming from someone who had never experienced cancer? Probably not. The prayers and encouragement from those of us who, thankfully, are cancer-free still matter and have importance. But there is something about the “proof” of a person who has walked in our shoes that builds our faith. YOU are that person for someone. Something you have gone through in your life makes you the perfect witness for another person who needs to see the hope and promise of Jesus. Your job is to recognize these moments – and act on them.

This doesn’t have to be limited to illness – or experiencing the death of a friend or loved one. Perhaps you have gone through a breakup, lost a job, or suffered an embarrassment or insult – and now you can encourage another person in the same boat. I was absolutely devastated when I was not selected for a teaching position I really thought was to be mine more than 35 years ago. I cannot tell you how many times I have been able to encourage another person going through that same heartache – and assure them that God has other plans for them that are most likely bigger and better!

If you read on in Acts 1, you will see that Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit coming to the Apostles to dwell within them and guide their ministries. Jesus knew that He was not going to physically remain on this earth forever. To my knowledge, Jesus has not made a physical, personal appearance in our lifetimes. But His Holy Spirit is available to all of us. His Spiritual presence is constant, and we can be assured that He will always guide and guard us. Our job is to listen…and to follow His lead.

So look around today. Where are the experiences of your life being called into play as you minister and witness to others in the name of Jesus? Where is He calling on you to “show the money” to others and strengthen them in their faith and assurance? Where is the Holy Spirit showing up in your life and guiding you to spread the Good News…and are you truly paying attention? Make this the day that you “see” Jesus…in whatever form He takes…and share His hope and promise with others. To God be the Glory! Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 29, 2022 – Even on the hardest days, find a way to serve Jesus!

2 Timothy 3:1-5
You may as well know this too, Timothy, that in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian. For people will love only themselves and their money; they will be proud and boastful, sneering at God, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful to them, and thoroughly bad. They will be hardheaded and never give in to others; they will be constant liars and troublemakers and will think nothing of immorality. They will be rough and cruel, and sneer at those who try to be good. They will betray their friends; they will be hotheaded, puffed up with pride, and prefer good times to worshiping God. They will go to church, yes, but they won’t really believe anything they hear. Don’t be taken in by people like that.

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

A  few days ago, a childhood friend and I were talking. She said, “I hardly go anywhere now, because people are just so mean and hateful. They look at you with such anger and hatred! I just want to stay home with my family and the dogs…they always have a smile and a wagging tail!” The crazy thing is that I am pretty sure my friend and I are on opposite sides on many issues…yet we both recognize the change in demeanor among our fellow citizens.

I want to venture back into the world at large – but on my own terms and under the prayerful guidance that God will give me. I know that things are vastly different…that much has changed in the last several years. I also know that many are claiming the name of Jesus while judging and ridiculing others…discriminating, demonstrating bias and bigotry, and quite literally choosing who to love and accept – and who to ostracize and belittle.

I have to tell you…my devotional about our nephew Nathan posing as Spider-Man at the park to delight others garnered the biggest response I have had to a devotional in a long time! People are hungry for a “feel-good story.” But more than that, I believe we want to feel like somebody gets it…that there are still people in this world who love making another person smile and feel joy and acceptance. “Spider-Man” doesn’t entertain certain people and run from others. I don’t mean to make a big deal about these park visits…but in a small way, they do illustrate how we should be approaching our discipleship and interactions with others.

Every word and action you and I present can either further Christ’s mission and ministries…or detract from them. While this is nothing new, there are indeed days when it is tough to be a Christian…to ignore the unkind words and actions of others…to stand up to hatred, bigotry, and selfishness…to look past greed and ego and love one another. When someone is leering at you in a grocery store because of how you are dressed or the color of your skin, it’s tough to offer a smile in the name of Jesus in return. There are times when it is hard to set aside what we know (or think we know) about someone else and let God decide whether his/her behaviors are genuine…or an act designed to impress others.

If you continue reading 2 Timothy 3, you will see that the Apostle Paul encourages us to “keep on believing the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know that you can trust those of us who have taught you.” He reminds us that the Bible “straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.”

Take heart…be encouraged…keep on “keepin’ on,” and seek God’s will and word for your life. Find God’s plan for your mission and ministry – and embrace it. Ask Him to show you how and where to worship and disciple…then get busy sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Even on the hardest days, thank God for the opportunity to serve and offer witness to the One who gave so much for each of us. And count it all joy to be given this privilege. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 28, 2022 – Serving as Christ’s disciples until He returns…it’s time to quit worrying and get to work!

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5
Now, friends, read these next words carefully. Slow down and don’t go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome him. Don’t let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master’s arrival has come and gone. Don’t fall for any line like that.

Before that day comes, a couple of things have to happen. First, the Apostasy. Second, the debut of the Anarchist, a partner in crime with Satan. He’ll defy and then take over every so-called god or altar. Having cleared away the opposition, he’ll then set himself up in God’s Temple as “God Almighty.” Don’t you remember me going over all this in detail when I was with you? Are your memories that short?

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.

Almost 25 years ago, I read the “Left Behind” series of books, a set of fictional novels based on The Book of Revelation. It was my understanding that the authors were trying to put this scripture into a form that “regular folk” would understand – and actually read! I learned a lot from this series, but I still spend little to no time thinking about all the events that are prophesied to happen, because I don’t plan to be here for any of them! At the same time, I hear people say often, “We are living in ‘End Times’” – and they cite current events as their justification. To this, I note that there is really nothing new under the sun. We’ve “been there, done that” over and again since before Christ came to earth. Truly none of us knows “the hour”…and we’re not supposed to.
 
When this passage talks of the “Apostasy,” The Living Bible* describes this as “a time of great rebellion against God.” I would say this is the case for many today. I would also say that more than a few believe they have seen the “Anarchist” – or “Anti-Christ.” I will leave that for you to imagine or decide. For all we know, these things may be happening right in front of us, and we are too blind or self-absorbed to see them. I would rather think that we are too busy serving Jesus to worry about them.
 
For all who have rebelled against God and are spreading hate and divisiveness – and/or worshipping someone who claims to be all-powerful, wise and omnipotent – there are still plenty who follow Jesus and do all they can to obey His commands. Plenty of people still love one another – regardless of who or what they are. Countless people are busy sacrificing their time, energy, talents and assets to serve others in the name of Jesus. Just look at all who dropped everything to go to Ukraine to feed and nurture the people there.
 
In my own “backyard,” we have a strong group who support our local foster care program – and others who work tirelessly through the Humane Society to care for stray animals in our county. Our school’s Parent-Teacher organizations work to ensure that teachers are acknowledged and appreciated…while twice a year, a group from my church puts new shoes on every elementary-school-aged child who needs a pair. Yes, more could be done. Yes, there are lonely people who have unmet needs – especially among our senior population. Yes, if you read social media posts, there are plenty of hateful, divisive, selfish individuals and groups that want to spew venom and tear others apart. But all is not lost…and more can make the turn and become genuine disciples of Christ – even today!
 
Last night, a teacher at the elementary school made a post on Facebook about her rough day – and how weary she and her students are in these last weeks of the school year. She said as she drove home, she passed the city park, and perched atop the jungle gym was Spider-Man!  She said, “Made my whole day. It’s the little things! Pure joy!” That “Spider-Man” was our nephew, Nathan. He goes to the park about once a week, dressed head to toe in his costume. He loves to delight the little boys and girls who gleefully chase him – and believe he is the real deal! Obviously, he makes a difference to “children” of all ages. Indeed, this 9-year-old boy has a “ministry” all his own and didn’t even know it! And yes, it IS the little things that make such a difference – and often share the pure joy of Jesus Christ.
 
You and I need to stop worrying about “End Times” and looking for the bogeyman – and start sharing the love and pure joy of living for Jesus and serving Him. We need to find our mission and ministry – and start operating in it for the glory of God Almighty! In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Slow down, take a breath, and stop falling for every suggestion and rumor.” Remember the words of Jesus in Scripture. He has gone to prepare a place for us, and when everything is right, He will return. Quit worrying and start working! Be ready by being obedient and faithful. And if you happen to see Spider-Man at the park, give him a wave and a thumbs up! Alleluia!
 
©2022 Debbie Robus
 
* The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Daily Devotional for April 27, 2022 – Serving Christ with faithful obedience…we will eat cookies in Heaven!

2 Peter 1:10-11
My friends, you must do all you can to show God has really chosen and selected you. If you keep on doing this, you won’t stumble and fall. Then our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will give you a glorious welcome into his kingdom that will last forever.

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

A young friend in our community has started a cookie baking business. People rave about her delectable baked goods. This morning, a customer posted a picture of three boxes of her offerings. Someone commented and said, “I am ordering a box as soon as I lose this next 10 pounds.” Haven’t we all been there? We work hard, “suffer and sacrifice” to lose weight – and the minute the scale shows a number we like, we “reward” ourselves with something that helped get us into this mess in the first place!

I’m not saying that my friend shouldn’t have a cookie – or three. But I am looking at these verses in 2 Peter 1 and trying to “square” all of this. If we keep on doing all we can to demonstrate that we belong to Jesus, we won’t stumble and fall. When we step out and try to have things our way, things can go awry. When we say, “It won’t hurt just this once,” we are setting ourselves up for potential failure – and avoidable sin.

I cannot tell you how many times I have caught myself and stopped short of sharing a juicy tidbit of “news” with someone else – or writing something I shouldn’t in an e-mail. More times than I can count, I have heard that “Still Small Voice” in my head whispering, “Don’t do this!” I cannot tell you how many times I have made the mistake of forging right ahead – and regretted my choice later!

Followers of Jesus don’t get a “day off” from faithful obedience and service. We cannot let down our guard – or give ourselves an occasional “pass.” Think of what it cost Jesus to pay for our sins. Is a momentary “indiscretion” really worth your earthly “cookie?” Keep your eyes on the “prize” of a life that pleases Jesus…and the promise of eternal life in His presence in Paradise. I’ve long said I plan to have all the cold Cokes and chocolate chip cookies I can eat when I get to Heaven. I know this “reward” and others even greater will be worth the wait and the effort! Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 26, 2022 – Showing others what we mean…it’s time to demonstrate the brightness of Christ’s message

2 Corinthians 3:3-4
If our Message is obscure to anyone, it’s not because we’re holding back in any way. No, it’s because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention. All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won’t have to bother believing a Truth they can’t see. They’re stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who gives us the best picture of God we’ll ever get.

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.

My daily calendar quote for today comes from Robert McCloskey… “I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” I thought about this in light of the scripture passage from 2 Corinthians 3…in particular, the verse that says of those who listen to the devil…“They think he can give them what they want, and that they won’t have to bother believing a Truth they can’t see.”

You and I can talk until we are blue in the face. We can tell others over and over about Jesus. We can share scripture, rebuke the devil, and discuss how Christ calls us to love one another. We can claim again and again that the love of Jesus is available and designed for everyone, not just a select few…that all who humbly confess their sins and follow Him are welcome. But as my mother used to say, “Talk is cheap.” And quite honestly, the devil’s agents can talk and spin faster – and make things look more enticing and exciting – than you and I will ever be able to do.

What are we to do as followers and disciples of Christ Jesus? How are we to change hearts and minds – and convince them that the Truth of an unseen God is what they should be following? How are we to assure others that Jesus loves us and wants the very best for us, when at every turn, the world seems to be falling apart – and “bad things happen to good people?”

The short answer is that you and I cannot change anything of our own volition. But we can live in the Truth. We can demonstrate love and acceptance in our daily living. We can operate in the “fruits of the Spirit” – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – and give others a “visual” of what it means to live as Christ’s disciples and serve others in His name.

A lot of people are living in the chaos and the relative “ease” of living in the lies of a fashionable god of darkness. We humans want everything to be easy…readily explained…and comfortable. Some of us have declared, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” And serving Jesus often seems like the complete opposite of all of this. Jesus didn’t call us to “easy!” We cannot make others follow Jesus…but we can show them how He guides and guards our lives. Then we must trust God to do the rest.

You and I are not responsible for the choices of others. If you continue reading in 2 Corinthians 3, verses 5-6 tell us… “Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, ‘Light up the darkness!’ and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.” This is the day to “Light up the darkness!” People are watching, and it is time for us to show them the Truth of Christ Jesus.” Often, what people hear is not what we really meant. It’s time to show them our Jesus. And this is the perfect day to get started!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 25, 2022 – It’s time to listen to God…and follow HIS instructions!

1 Peter 5:21-23
In the presence of God and Christ Jesus and their chosen angels, I order you to follow my instructions! Be fair with everyone, and don’t have any favorites.

Don’t be too quick to accept people into the service of the Lord by placing your hands on them.

Don’t sin because others do, but stay close to God.

Stop drinking only water. Take a little wine to help your stomach trouble and the other illnesses you often have.

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

As I read this passage today, I had to laugh. I was reminded of my maternal Grand-dad, Arlie Ramsey, who left for Heaven in 1988, at the age of 81. Grand-dad was a “good” man who loved God and did a wonderful job of serving others in the name of Jesus. He was always ready to help whoever had a need. And as a local insurance agent, my grandfather often helped others cover the cost of their insurance premiums – to his own financial detriment. Because my Grand-dad had a hard time telling his customers, “No,” my parents found thousands of dollars in outstanding debt that others had never bothered to repay – and Grand-dad had somehow let slide.

There are two “church-related” memories of my grandfather that stand out to me. My grandfather was a faithful, dedicated member of the First Baptist Church, but he never served as a deacon or other church officer, to my knowledge. He also never participated in Holy Communion. In Grand-dad’s opinion, he was not worthy to serve as a deacon – or to partake of the “Body and the Blood” of Christ Jesus. The other memory is that my grandfather was by all accounts a tee-totaler. My mother and grandmother took great pride in stating that “Grand-dad does not drink.”

BUT… when pain and illness overtook my grandfather’s body in his last years and he entered a local nursing home, a nurse suggested that a glass of red wine in the evenings might be good for Grand-dad. To my mother’s surprise, Grand-dad approved this suggestion…and Mother relented and saw to it that wine was on hand for a nightly drink. The premise was that the wine settled Grand-dad’s stomach and helped with his anxiety.

I know my Grand-dad was not perfect. None of us are. But I also know that a nightly glass of red wine did not hurt his Christian witness. Grand-dad loved God and did all he could to serve Him honorably and faithfully…and to follow His commands. It saddens me to think that he didn’t understand that none of us are truly worthy to serve God…to partake in Holy Communion or to represent Him as deacons and officers in our churches. I do believe my grandfather was always honest and fair – and that he did his dead-level best to be kind to others, regardless of who they were.

The Apostle Paul is making the point that we are to do all we can to serve God and follow His commands. He is also pointing out that we must not take ourselves too seriously – or get caught up in this law or that one, to our own detriment – or that of the Kingdom of Heaven. If a small glass of wine nightly made my grandfather rest better, so be it. Too many people are tying themselves in knots to be something or someone they aren’t because some say that the Bible condemns their behavior and commands them to change.

Too many “Christians” are living in the land of “We’ve-Always-Done-Things-This-Way” – and they refuse to hear what God is showing and telling them. The Bible tells us that God’s word is new and fresh for us every day…so why are we clinging to messages that are, at best, irrelevant today – or worse…downright misinterpretation of scripture by others?

We must stay awake and alert. We must listen to God and seek His word and will every day – and act on it. We must not rush to judgment of others…or be too quick to accept their ideas and opinions as our own. We must know what God is saying to us…and speak and act accordingly. God will help you with every decision…from where and how to serve…to the words and actions of your daily living…to what “medications” are right for your needs. Seek Him in all things…and trust His word for your life. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 24, 2022 – Christ is the living Cornerstone…how firm is your “building-stone”?

1 Peter 2:1-9
So get rid of your feelings of hatred. Don’t just pretend to be good! Be done with dishonesty and jealousy and talking about others behind their backs. Now that you realize how kind the Lord has been to you, put away all evil, deception, envy, and fraud. Long to grow up into the fullness of your salvation; cry for this as a baby cries for his milk.

Come to Christ, who is the living Foundation of Rock upon which God builds; though men have spurned him, he is very precious to God who has chosen him above all others.

And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house. What’s more, you are his holy priests; so come to him—you who are acceptable to him because of Jesus Christ — and offer to God those things that please him. As the Scriptures express it, “See, I am sending Christ to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone of my church, and I will never disappoint those who trust in him.”

Yes, he is very precious to you who believe; and to those who reject him, well—“The same Stone that was rejected by the builders has become the Cornerstone, the most honored and important part of the building.” And the Scriptures also say, “He is the Stone that some will stumble over, and the Rock that will make them fall.” They will stumble because they will not listen to God’s Word nor obey it, and so this punishment must follow—that they will fall.

But you are not like that, for you have been chosen by God himself—you are priests of the King, you are holy and pure, you are God’s very own—all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

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 have thought a lot about rocks in the last several months. Greg and I have hiked to some amazing rock formations. We hiked down a trail to a massive sheer bluff line of Loonbeam Pouroff that bordered the Ozark National Forest and Buffalo River National Park. We stood as close to the edge as we felt comfortable on Hawksbill Crag, which seems to defy gravity as it juts out over the Buffalo River Valley. We walked along the banks of Steel Creek Campground and marveled at Roark Bluffs and Bee Bluffs towering hundreds of feet above us. We hiked to caves and waterfalls that have been carved and shaped by rushing streams. And just lately, we stood in awe of Stem Rock, which seems to balance on the ground like a fat pencil someone pushed into the soil – lead point end first!

Back at home, Greg has been busy clearing the area next to our house that contains a wet-weather creek and waterfall. He has uncovered large slabs of rock that have slipped and slid together over time with help from the flowing water to create a pathway and foundation for this sometimes fast-rushing stream. Some of these slabs are massive…strong and sturdy on which to stand…and constant reminders of endurance and tenacity.

As I read in 1 Peter about the “living Foundation of Rock” that is Christ Jesus…and how you and I have become “living building-stones,” I think of the strength and endurance of these rock formations. I consider how they have stood for years against wind and rain and other forces of nature – and man. And I am reminded that our foundation in the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ is no cliché…it is real, true, and 100% certain and reliable. And you and I are called to be “rock-solid,” as well.

I love how Peter starts this chapter with a reminder to “…get rid of your feelings of hatred. Don’t just pretend to be good! Be done with dishonesty and jealousy and talking about others behind their backs…put away all evil, deception, envy, and fraud…long to grow up into the fullness of your salvation.” All of these are completely within the reach of those who are “living building-stones” for Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.

So the question becomes, “Just how solid and firm is your building-stone life?” The rock formations I described have stood for thousands of years – maybe longer. Jesus is calling on us to build a lasting, rock-solid Kingdom of disciples and believers. He has shown us the way…now it is our turn to carry on the work. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 23, 2022 – Stop asking “When, LORD?” It’s time to travel with a deep consciousness of God!

1 Peter 1:18-21
Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in 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.

Greg and I got a “save the date” card in the mail today announcing the wedding date of a young man we have known since he was in pre-K. The card said, “You can stop asking when we’re going to get married!” We knew that Austin and his high-school sweetheart, Ashley, were engaged. And we vaguely knew they were planning a fall wedding. Now we know the exact date, and eventually, I’m sure we will know the precise time and location. I also know from social media posts that a lot of work and planning has been taking place in the background for a long time now – and soon, everything will come together for the Big Day and a beautiful celebration of these two and their commitment to each other.

Stop and think about this…God has been planning your life for a long, long time! Not only that, God has known every single detail of our lives all along…the good, bad and ugly. I have to tell you – I’m astounded that God had even the slightest desire to rescue me – or any of us. On our best day, we fall short of His glory and the sacrifices that Jesus made for us in countless ways – from random unkind thoughts to sinful words and actions. Still, God planned for us…He sent Jesus to live and die for us…and He is still preparing a future for us! All of this humbles me and makes me want to do better…to try harder…to truly “travel with a deep consciousness of God” in my minute-to-minute living.

We will never earn God’s favor. We will never be “good enough” to deserve Jesus Christ and all that He sacrificed for us. There is not one of us who will ever truly merit the glories of Heaven. And yet, all of this is ours for the taking. Isn’t that reason enough to do all we can to serve God every single day? Isn’t this enough motivation to honor Jesus’ command to “Love on another”?  I don’t know about you, but when I talk with God – now, and most assuredly when I meet Him in Heaven – I want to be able to say, “Lord, I did my best. I tried my hardest. I hope I brought you glory and honor most of the time.”

I truly cannot fathom all the behind-the-scenes planning and care that God offers on my behalf. But I know that He continually works to give me exactly what He designs and desires for my life. It is up to me to accept these gifts – and do all I can to show my appreciation for them. I know Who holds my future, and I know that God’s plans for me are perfect. I can stop asking, “When, Lord?” and rest in the assurance that He is working everything out for my good – and His glory. And you can do this, as well. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 22, 2022 – Don’t let anyone divert you from the Truth!

1 John 3:7-8
So, my dear children, don’t let anyone divert you from the truth. It’s the person who acts right who is right, just as we see it lived out in our righteous Messiah. Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil’s ways.

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.

Yesterday in my devotional, I referenced a video shared on Facebook by a friend that was supposed to depict a thin slice of hotdog viewed under a microscope. While the gross images I observed helped to illustrate my point that we should be repulsed enough by what happened to Jesus on the cross to turn away from sin for good, the video itself was apparently a fake. According to information someone shared with me from Snopes.com, the creator has admitted that this particular video was altered and inaccurate.

I apologize for perpetuating a falsehood. I usually am more skeptical – and double-check my sources. I dropped my guard on this one. There is no one to blame but myself…and I make no excuses. My diversion from the truth has potentially led others to a wrong conclusion, as well. Internet research indicates that while there may not be crawling worms and other creepy things in hotdogs, there are certainly plenty of additives that may/may not be good for us. All this aside, I diverted you from the truth on this one, and I am truly sorry.

Do you see how easily this happens? Do you understand how quickly the devil can divert us from the truth and cause us to believe things that are false? Are you aware that in the blink of an eye, you and I can change someone’s mind about a person or group just by what we say or how we act and react? We know that people are watching. We also know (or we should) that just because someone says, “It’s in the Bible,” or “Jesus told me,” – or even “God spoke to me and said such-and-such” – this doesn’t make these things accurate or truthful.

I have said many times that people hide behind the name of Jesus. They quote scriptures out of context to justify their position on certain issues. People declare with all manner of certainty that their “take” on things is right – and either directly or indirectly declare that yours is wrong. And the devil sits back on his haunches and watches them do his dirty work!

We cannot be too careful. We must always be on alert…do our homework…search and research claims – especially those that seem a little questionable or too good to be true. We must read the Bible for ourselves – and not just this verse or that one. I cannot tell you how many times I expand my outline suggestion to read the verses before and after what is listed. I ask myself, “What is truly being said here?” We need to do more of this. We need to steep ourselves in prayer, so that when “that still, small Voice” speaks to us, we recognize God guiding and guarding our thoughts and actions. And yes, we need to be more careful about our sources. I know I certainly do…and I bet there are times that you should do some checking, as well.

Those who make a practice of playing fast and loose with the truth – or assuming that all they see and hear is God-ordained – are destined to perpetuate falsehoods and divert others from the facts and certainty of God’s word and will. Pay close attention and know WHO is really speaking to you. Because we are human, there will be times when we still miss the mark. But I give you my word that I will be paying closer attention…and I pray that you will join me, to the glory of God Almighty! Amen!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 21, 2022 – Living deeply in Christ – it’s time to kick sin to the curb, once and for all!

1 John 3:4-6
All who indulge in a sinful life are dangerously lawless, for sin is a major disruption of God’s order. Surely you know that Christ showed up in order to get rid of sin. There is no sin in him, and sin is not part of his program. No one who lives deeply in Christ makes a practice of sin. None of those who do practice sin have taken a good look at Christ. They’ve got him all backward.

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 good friend shared a video on Facebook yesterday of someone slicing a thin piece of a hotdog and putting it on a slide to view under a microscope. What appeared to be thin worms were crawling…and there was just a lot of what looked like hair, bone fragments, and gelatinous material. I know…it was super gross! (UPDATE: A friend messaged me with a link to a Snopes.com page that says this video is fake – fabricated to make a point. Indeed, the point made to me is that this was GROSS! Apologies for sharing misinformation!)  My friend said, “I’m done!” I will tell you…because of food allergies, I have not had a hotdog in almost 25 years. There are times I think, “I would LOVE a good ballpark hotdog with lots of mustard!” After seeing this video, I think I am done, too.

If only it were this easy when it comes to sin. If only we could see a disgusting video and say, “I’m done with sin forever and ever.” When you think about it, isn’t the imagery and scriptural description of Christ’s crucifixion reason enough to never sin again? It should be! Yet, we humans cannot seem to get this one right. But we must keep trying! And we are told in this passage that the place to begin is with living deeply in Christ Jesus.

What does this mean? For me, living deeply in Jesus means keeping Him at the forefront of my thoughts each day and living intentionally. I now start each morning by inviting the Joy of Jesus to fill me. The practice of writing these devotionals each day ensures that I get a steady dose of God’s word in my life…and every single time, He has spoken directly to me in some manner. Yes, I write these devotionals to share Christ’s message with you and others…but this is also how I make sure I stay steeped in His word on a consistent basis. And by reading them, you are hopefully doing this, also!

Additionally, I pray. As I scroll through Facebook and other social media platforms and see names and faces of people I know and love, I stop and pray for them – especially when they are facing a specific challenge or voice a particular need. In this way, social media serves a useful purpose for me…and I thank God for the opportunities to utilize it in this manner. When someone’s name comes to mind throughout the day, I try to stop and at least whisper a quick prayer on his/her behalf. I figure God brought this person to mind for a reason!

Finally, I will say that it is not our place to judge others. Clearly, some have Jesus all backward. They apparently believe they can hide behind His name and speak and act with hatred, bigotry, discrimination and other behaviors that belie our Savior’s unconditional and unending love. Still, our job is to do our dead-level best to live deeply in Christ each day and give others an example of steadfast dedication and obedience.

This is quite the challenge for most of us…but the more we practice, the easier it will come. We may never lose the temptation. Because the devil never sleeps, the “ballpark hotdog” will always call our name on some level. But we can resist…we can call on Jesus to help us…and we can always do better. And this is the perfect day to begin! Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus