Daily Devotional for March 31, 2024 – Sound the bugle and wake up – Christ is Risen…and we have work to do!

John 20:16-23 
Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!”

She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.”

Jesus told her, “Don’t hold on to me! I have not yet gone to the Father. But tell my disciples I am going to the one who is my Father and my God, as well as your Father and your God.” Mary Magdalene then went and told the disciples she had seen the Lord. She also told them what he had said to her.

The disciples were afraid of the Jewish leaders, and on the evening of that same Sunday they locked themselves in a room. Suddenly, Jesus appeared in the middle of the group. He greeted them and showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they became very happy.

After Jesus had greeted them again, he said, “I am sending you, just as the Father has sent me.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they will be forgiven. But if you don’t forgive their sins, they will not be forgiven.”

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

Christ is Risen! Happy Easter! If you are like many believers, you are spending a good portion of today reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross – and the hope and promise of His resurrection from the tomb three days later! You are also probably hiding Easter eggs, eating a big feast, and gathering with friends and family to revel in this day that holds both Spiritual significance – and commercial celebration.
 
Tomorrow will begin a new month – and a shift in focus for many. Holy Week and Easter Sunday will be in the rearview mirror…now on to the Solar Eclipse, school graduations, spring dance recitals and other springtime festivities! But here’s the thing…if you read these verses in John 20 carefully, you see that the significance of “Easter” is not over. In fact, it’s just beginning. The Easter Sunday Sermon I listened to this morning included a brief playing of “Taps” to signify that “day is done”…followed by the playing of “Reveille” – a call to “Wake up!”
 
Indeed, Jesus tells His disciples to “get up and get going!” He appears before them and breathes the Holy Spirit into their hearts and lungs. Jesus tells these followers to go and share the Good News with all others…to serve as His hands and feet as they minister and encourage more to believe and follow the Risen Savior. Jesus authorizes His disciples to forgive others in His name. And as forgiven, redeemed Believers, you and I must do the same. 
 
This doesn’t mean we are to be “high and mighty” and declare ourselves Holy and authorized to literally forgive the sins of others. But we can share the redemptive story of Jesus Christ – and guide others to seek forgiveness and Salvation from Jesus for themselves. More importantly, we can live and love all people in a way that causes them to want to seek a relationship with Jesus and His Holy Spirit for themselves.
 
Christ is Risen indeed…and His Holy Spirit lives in all who will accept His great gift of Salvation. Easter Sunday is not the end of the story – it is the beginning! “Reveille” has been played…the call has gone forth! Go…love…teach…serve. With every word and action, offer the Good News of Jesus Christ to as many people as you can! Jesus is ALIVE! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 30, 2024 – Aligning our heart with our words and actions to truly reflect the love of Jesus…it may be time for an “adjustment!”

Luke 6:45 
Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts, but bad people do bad things because of the evil in their hearts. Your words show what is in your heart.

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

Greg and I had a conversation recently in which we agreed that someone we know “has no filter” and often says things that are offensive. But we also agreed that this person has a huge heart and is truly a good person who truly loves Jesus. The mouth just doesn’t consistently match the heart! And let’s be honest…this could often be said of all of us!  On the other hand, I can think of several people who are similar to this person, with one exception. Their mouth and heart are both saying and demonstrating the same thing – and it is truly evil and unGodly!
 
You know who I mean…those who demonstrate at every turn that everything is about them…the ones who have zero tolerance for someone who is “different” in any way…those who surround themselves with like-minded folk that speak and act in a manner that clearly indicates their arrogance, selfishness, bias, and downright hatred for anyone who isn’t in their camp!  I am talking about those who hide behind the Bible and boldly declare that God is on their side – and the rest are headed straight for Hell.
 
I know I talk a lot in this space about how we must not judge others. You may think what I am about to say is hypocritical, but here goes. There are people in my community that I have respected – even revered – for years as faithful servants of God…dedicated believers in Jesus Christ who steadfastly followed His every command. And in recent years, I have seen and heard some of them align with people who represent evil of every kind…and defend this stance with scripture. I have witnessed language and actions that indicate these sentiments are heartfelt. And considering Luke’s words from Jesus, I believe that I am shown what is truly in their hearts…and it crushes me.
 
A dear elderly friend reminded me yesterday that “You can’t fix some things” – and this is one of them. Thankfully, God doesn’t call you and me to fix others – He just commands us to let Him fix us! And this is my prayer today. As we sit in the silence between “Good Friday” and Easter Sunday, let’s focus on Jesus – His sacrifices, His commands and teachings, and His heartfelt love and desire that you and I would model His behavior to others. Let’s guard our words and actions…but more importantly, let’s guard our hearts! The more we align our heart with God’s, the more our words and actions will reflect that He is there.
 
Pray for those with hard, evil hearts. Pray that God would cleanse our hearts and root out any evil tendencies that reside there. We don’t have time or energy to waste on the devil…and this is a great day to get rid of him and his influences for good. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 29, 2024 – Choose here and now who you will serve – and how!

Joshua 24:14-15  
Then Joshua told the people:

Worship the Lord, obey him, and always be faithful. Get rid of the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived on the other side of the Euphrates River and in Egypt. But if you don’t want to worship the Lord, then choose here and now! Will you worship the same idols your ancestors did? Or since you’re living on land that once belonged to the Amorites, maybe you’ll worship their gods. I won’t. My family and I are going to worship and obey the Lord!

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

“It’s America and you are free to believe what you will.” 
 
This comment was posted on social media recently by a friend of mine. I will add that she also posts plenty of comments that make her own viewpoint on a variety of subjects abundantly clear. She is a follower of Jesus who believes in separation of church and state – but also in religious freedom and the U.S. Constitution . She is brave enough to stand up and speak truth to those who wish to hide behind their interpretation of the Bible and/or “idol worship” as they make all sorts of ridiculous or inflammatory claims and judgments. And she does so with tact and aplomb. My friend is a modern-day “Joshua,” if you will…and I want to be more like her!
 
I am so grateful to live in a country where I can express my thoughts and feelings somewhat unreservedly. I am thankful that we are free to worship as God leads us…that we can make choices about everything from where we will live to how we will spend our money to how we dress, what we do with our bodies, and who we choose for friends, acquaintances, and spouses. I am grateful that we live in a country where we don’t have to all think, speak, act, and look the same. I thank God every day for the many blessings and privileges I enjoy…and it is truly my desire that every other person could experience the same.
 
None of us has control over our gender, race, ethnic background, or upbringing. We won’t all become millionaires or celebrities. But God will meet each of us right where we are. He will guide and guard us – and if we will listen and follow His commands, God will bless us and meet our needs. Some are looking for a shortcut to God’s riches, while others simply have twisted scripture to suit their own personal, selfish agenda…and they will stop at nothing to get what they want! 
 
The words of Joshua still are true today… “If you don’t want to worship the LORD, then choose here and now.” The words of my friend are equally true…“You are free to believe what you will.” And Joshua’s final declaration is also mine… “I choose to worship and obey the LORD!” I will seek His will…and give Him complete control. I will not twist His words to fit my personal bias or selfish preferences. I will trust that God’s commands and plans are perfect…and I will rest in these.
 
On this Good Friday, we read in John 17 that Jesus spoke to God from the cross and said…“Holy Father, I am no longer in the world. I am coming to you, but my followers are still in the world. So keep them safe by the power of the name you have given me. Then they will be one with each other, just as you and I are one.” [John 17:11]  And in John 17:24, Jesus said, “Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me, wherever I am. Then they will see the glory you have given me, because you loved me before the world was created.” 
 
The choice is ours to make. I know what – and WHO – I have decided to follow. Do you?  Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 28, 2024 – Love is a feeling 𝒂𝒏𝒅 an action – it’s time to feed some sheep!

John 21:15-19
After breakfast Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these others?”

“Yes,” Peter replied, “you know I am your friend.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

Jesus repeated the question: “Simon, son of John, do you really love me?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I am your friend.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

Once more he asked him, “Simon, son of John, are you even my friend?”

Peter was grieved at the way Jesus asked the question this third time. “Lord, you know my heart; you know I am,” he said.

Jesus said, “Then feed my little sheep. When you were young, you were able to do as you liked and go wherever you wanted to; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and others will direct you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know what kind of death he would die to glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow 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.

I did not grow up in a “touchy-feely” family. We rarely said “I love you” to each other. My mother declared repeatedly, “Love is an action, not a feeling.” And while later in life, she did become more of a “hugger” and verbally expressed her love more often, she would defend the position that “I show my love every day in countless gestures.” (She would also have probably said, “I don’t have time to stop and give hugs…I have things to do!”) My dad was a shade more affectionate than my mother, but it almost as if the words “I love you” stuck in his throat and could not be released. 
 
We knew our parents and grandparents loved us because they showed us in countless ways. But I have to say, as they aged and became more verbal in their expressions of affection, I was not mad about it! I believe that it is important for us to both show and speak of our love for others. But this must always be genuine – and generally done in tandem. You can tell your spouse you love him/her, but if you consistently put your own needs ahead of his/hers, the actions tell the tale. You can tell your children every day that you “love them to the moon and back,” but if you never have time to so much as sit and share a conversation and a candy bar with them, they probably won’t believe you.
 
You can declare until you are blue in the face that you love “all people,” but if you laugh at racist jokes, share gossip, glare at the person in the checkout line with purple hair and multiple piercings, or indicate in any way that members of the LGBTQ community – or members of another ethnic group or religious faith – are not fully equal and welcome in your homes, churches and communities, your words are just that – hollow speech that is virtually meaningless. 
 
Just this week, I read about government officials who showed up to a homeless camp in Little Rock, Arkansas, wearing dress clothes. The person posting this account noted…“When you show up in cufflinks trying to spend hours and days means-testing the destitute, of course they won’t respond to you in the weird kiss-your-feet manner you desire.” If you claim to love Jesus, but then you speak and act in a manner that belies His commands, you just as well save your breath.
 
Jesus was incredibly clear…“Feed my sheep.” This is why He asked this question, “Do you love me?” of Peter so many times. Jesus didn’t want to simply hear Peter say he loved Him – Jesus wanted to see this love in action. (And Jesus knew that Peter had publicly denied even knowing Him three times to save his own hide!) A lot of people know who we truly are because of what we have shown them already. So, when we say, “I love you,” or “I love XYZ,” they are not convinced. Our words and actions must match! Jesus calls us to love one another. He also calls us to “Feed My sheep!”  It’s time for us to do both! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 27, 2024 – “It is the LORD!” You don’t need a $60 Bible to get to know Him!

John 21:1-14
Later Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Lake of Galilee. This is how it happened:

A group of us were there—Simon Peter, Thomas, “The Twin,” Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, my brother James and I and two other disciples.

Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”

“We’ll come too,” we all said. We did, but caught nothing all night. At dawn we saw a man standing on the beach but couldn’t see who he was.

He called, “Any fish, boys?”

“No,” we replied.

Then he said, “Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get plenty of them!” So we did, and couldn’t draw in the net because of the weight of the fish, there were so many!

Then I said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” At that, Simon Peter put on his tunic (for he was stripped to the waist) and jumped into the water and swam ashore. The rest of us stayed in the boat and pulled the loaded net to the beach, about 300 feet away. When we got there, we saw that a fire was kindled and fish were frying over it, and there was bread.

“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went out and dragged the net ashore. By his count there were 153 large fish; and yet the net hadn’t torn.

“Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said; and none of us dared ask him if he really was the Lord, for we were quite sure of it. Then Jesus went around serving us the bread and fish.

This was the third time Jesus had appeared to us since his return from the dead.

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

As I formatted this scripture passage today, I highlighted three phrases/sentences, and each brought to mind specific issues.

1. “We’ll come, too,” we all said. We are joiners and “gatherers” by nature. We like to be part of the group…to feel a sense of belonging – if only to one other person. Everyone wants to have friends and be liked by others, and the disciples were no exception. Additionally, there is “safety in numbers.” If everybody is saying it or doing it, surely this is okay behavior…right?
2. Then I said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” This was the “aha moment!” when John recognized the presence of his Master. Such awareness doesn’t just happen. John had cultivated an intimate relationship with Jesus…a familiarity that enabled him to recognize the “Being” on the beach as His beloved Lord and Savior.
3. …none of us dared ask Him if He was really the LORD, for we were quite sure of it.Then Jesus went around serving us the bread and fish. Again, the men exercised absolute faith in Jesus. And Jesus did what He always did…He turned the tables and served His disciples. In a demonstration of complete love and humility, our Savior who had just been crucified and placed in a tomb – all to spare each of us from the depths of hell because of our sins – cooked a meal and fed His beloved. If this doesn’t demonstrate how we are to behave, I don’t know what does!

Last night, I could not believe my eyes and ears when our former President appeared on television hawking a Bible that he is selling to raise funds for his campaign and his legal fees. My stomach turned as he talked about his “favorite book” and how every home should have one. Two thoughts immediately came to mind. First, if every home has a Bible that is never opened, read, studied, and internalized, the pages might as well be blank. You can’t know Jesus just by having a Bible in your home – or holding it in your hands.
 
The second thought was that Jesus would feed this man just as surely as He fed His faithful disciples. The Jesus I know, love, and serve died for the sins of every one of us – if we will accept His gift of salvation. He loves each of us and wants to be so familiar to us that we would recognize His spirit on a beach as He tended fish on a grill…and His commands in the Holy Bible would be so precious to us that they would guide and guard our every word and action.
 
I am not here to judge. But I will leave you with this. A wonderful Christian man I know is a local auctioneer, and I attended his auctions nearly every week for years. He never, ever sold a Bible. In fact, he made a point to refuse to do so. He would give Bibles away – or donate them to a charity or a church, but he would not take a dime of profit for them. I own dozens of Bibles. I have purchased many because of the commentaries in the margins – or the translation itself. The study of these Bibles serves to guide and build my relationship with Jesus as I consider various remarks regarding background, history, etymology, and personal experience – particularly from followers of Christ who I believe have cultivated an intimate relationship with Him.
 
For me, this particular offering does not fit these criteria. I immediately pictured Jesus in the temple with the moneychangers and how He angrily declared that these men had changed His house of prayer into a “den of thieves.” I wondered if Jesus feels the same way about this hawking of His Holy Word. I am sure there will be plenty who will buy one because others are doing so. But will the message contained inside speak to them? Will they recognize the voice of Jesus…and heed His commands? Will this copy of the Bible help them cultivate a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior…or will its sale simply line the pockets of a single man as the “Best Book” is tossed on a shelf?
 
If you never read a word I have written again, so be it. But I cannot stand by and ignore what I consider to be blasphemy. My relationship with Jesus is too precious to look away and pretend this is either okay – or not happening. Considering all Christ has done for me, the least I can do is speak out on this – and say, “It is the LORD! I see You – and I am doing my dead-level best to follow Your commands!” We must each decide for ourselves who and how we will serve. If you simply must part with $60, consider making a donation to any one of several local charities that strive to serve as Christ commands…and to love others as He would surely do. Pick up a Bible you probably have at home already and spend some time in prayer and study and really get to know the LORD! He is waiting to visit with you – I am sure of it! Alleluia!
 
©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 24, 2024 – Stand up and step out for Jesus Christ…it’s time to be bold and courageous as we demonstrate our faith!

John 19:38-42
After all this, Joseph of Arimathea (he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he was intimidated by the Jews) petitioned Pilate to take the body of Jesus. Pilate gave permission. So Joseph came and took the body.

Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, came now in broad daylight carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. They took Jesus’ body and, following the Jewish burial custom, wrapped it in linen with the spices. There was a garden near the place he was crucified, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been placed. So, because it was Sabbath preparation for the Jews and the tomb was convenient, they placed Jesus in 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.

Let me start by saying that I really do not follow England’s “Royal family.” I know plenty of people who are fascinated with these folks. And yes, I videotaped the “Royal wedding” of Diana to Charles in the 1980s. But the daily lives and “backstories” of these folks truly do not concern me. I was far more interested in the life and history of my own mother-in-law, who was four years younger than Queen Elizabeth II. Her experiences as a child, teen, and young wife during WWII were far more enthralling and “regal” to me than those of a woman who lived  “across the Pond” in a castle with dozens of servants at the ready for her every need.
 
Still, in recent weeks as speculation centered on Princess Katherine, many all but lost their minds as “the plot thickened” about her secretive actions. I won’t offer some of the suggestions made about this poor woman, but they were sinister and despicable. Whoopi Goldberg warned the other ladies of The View to be careful about making judgments. She knows firsthand how it feels to be slandered and misrepresented…and she assured these women that what they were suggesting was unfair at best – and downright harmful at worst. Then “Kate” announced that she is battling a form of cancer…and a lot of people had to sit down to a hefty dish of “crow” as they apologized and backpedaled over their own suppositions.

Princess Katherine offered some reasons for initially keeping silent – as if it were any of our business, really. But I will say, I am glad she finally divulged her illness and treatment protocol. I believe she is in a public position to help a lot of people who might be battling cancer or some other illness…especially young wives and mothers. For whatever reason, Kate found her voice and spoke out about her experiences, thoughts, and feelings. And I believe others will benefit greatly from this.
 
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus found their voices, too. We know that they were intimidated and fearful of retribution by the Jews for believing in Jesus. So for a long time, they worshipped and served in silence from afar. Scripture doesn’t tell us what sort of “epiphany” these men might have had when Jesus was crucified. But both men stepped up and out in faith and asked for Jesus’ body – and properly embalmed the LORD and prepared Him for entombment. This was their act of defiance, devotion, and declaration that they believed Jesus Christ was truly the King of the Jews – and the King of Kings – and worthy of regal treatment, even in death.
 
You and I often walk a fine line between speaking out and standing up for the love and teachings of Jesus…and sitting on our hands with our lips zipped. I get it! I don’t want to be judged, ridiculed, or mistreated in some way because of my beliefs. I don’t want to risk harm to myself or family members. As I told a friend the other day, I don’t want my car “keyed” at Walmart because of a bumper sticker – or my home vandalized because I put a political sign in my front yard. And I can tell you…both of these are real and present “dangers” in our world today!
 
As faithful witnesses to the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, we must walk a fine line between demonstrating genuine obedience and allegiance to Him…and staying safe. Sometimes, that line really gets blurry! As we consider the daring acts of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, let’s ask God to show us how, when, and where to stand up for Jesus. Let’s ask Him to guide and guard our words and actions…to give us courage to hold steady in our convictions…and to never compromise or conform just to “play it safe.” 
 
Jesus risked everything for us…we should be willing to do whatever He asks in return. We have no idea who may need to witness our courage…who may need to hear our “story” or be assured that they are loved and accepted. We don’t know who may need to see us serving unconditionally…doing the “unpleasant” tasks with great love and care like Joseph and Nicodemus…or sharing our story like Princess Kate. Christ is counting on us to represent Him…to demonstrate His teachings of love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, encouragement, compassion, empathy, hope, faith, kindness, and more. It’s time to be like Joseph, Nicodemus, Kate, and others. It’s time to stand up for Jesus and boldly share Him with all we encounter. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 25, 2024 – Fulfilling Christ’s commands and serving on His behalf…it’s time to “take care of Momma!”

John 19:23-27
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they put his garments into four piles, one for each of them. But they said, “Let’s not tear up his robe,” for it was seamless. “Let’s throw dice to see who gets it.” This fulfilled the Scripture that says,

“They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my robe.”

So that is what they did.

Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, Mary, his aunt, the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside me, his close friend, he said to her, “He is your son.”

And to me he said, “She is your mother!” And from then on I took her into my home.

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

This is a serious passage, but I must admit that I chuckled as I read the last sentences. You see, as my dad lay dying, he said to me, “Take care of Momma.” Later, when I would mention this to my mother, she would say, “Well, that’s ridiculous! He shouldn’t have said that to you! I don’t need anyone to take care of me!” But she did…and so did my dad’s mother…and I did all I could in the next 16+ years to fulfill my promise to my father to quite literally “take care of Momma.”
 
In my case, this was “blood kin.” But when Jesus spoke these words to John about Mary, He was saying, “Treat this woman as if she were your own mother.” And I believe John took this commission to heart. More importantly, I believe that Jesus was saying to all of us… “I have fulfilled My role on this earth. I have cared for you and nurtured you…now it is your turn. Be My hands and feet on this earth…love others as I have loved you…and treat them like beloved members of your own family.” Notice that even as Jesus introduced John to his new “momma” – He told Mary that John was now her “son.”
 
Yesterday, our almost-15-year-old nephew Timothy was talking about how people have become so hateful and selfish. To him, this has gotten much worse in recent years. This is probably because he is becoming more intellectually and socially aware. Greg and I also pointed out that these attitudes have always existed…we just know more about them – largely because of social media. Still, the point is taken…we are not taking care of each other like we should…certainly, we are not always loving others as Christ commanded. 
 
In many cases, the sense of “community” that I believe once existed in our towns, schools, churches, and other groups has diminished. There are several reasons for this, but none of them are valid when we consider our commitment to Christ. In many instances, we have simply rearranged our priorities to suit our own agendas…and/or filled our days with things that sap our time and energy for attending to the needs of others. We would rather sit and play a game on our phone for an hour than visit an elderly friend – or even play with our children! We would rather punch a button on the computer to electronically deliver funds to a cause than to get up and get out in the community and do some actual work to make a difference. 
 
We would rather agree with radical, hateful ideas and rhetoric than risk being called out – ostracized – or even physically threatened because we took a stand. And even as I write this, the image of these things happening to Jesus came to mind, and I felt ashamed that this is even an issue. Nobody ever said loving and serving Jesus would be easy. Nobody ever said “life” wouldn’t be messy and challenging…and most certainly, Jesus proved that following Him would not necessarily be a cakewalk! Yes, He guides and guards us…but evil still exists, and troubles still come. How we handle all of this as we represent Jesus and “take care of Momma” tells the tale of our witness and discipleship.
 
Jesus’ death on the cross is not the end of the story…nor is His resurrection. In the aftermath of these events, we are called to step up and step out – and serve as He taught us…to take care of our mommas, children, siblings, cousins, friends, and neighbors. We are called to be His hands and feet – and to demonstrate His teachings to others. This week, my prayer is that we would recommit to doing this…that we would spend some time in prayer and humble contemplation of where we are in our Spiritual journey – and how we are doing as agents of Christ’s love and teachings. 
 
It’s time to do the hard work that Jesus left for us…it’s time to take care of those in our midst and treat them like “family” – because they are! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 24, 2022 – Counting for Christ…which “Pilate” will you be?

John 19:20-22
The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and the signboard was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people read it.

Then the chief priests said to Pilate, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am King of the Jews.’”

Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written. It stays exactly as it is.”

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

If you read the devotional I wrote yesterday, you know that I spoke of Pontius Pilate and how he handed Jesus over to the Jews for crucifixion. I noted that scripture indicates that Pilate did this reluctantly. But in the end, he bowed to pressure from the crowd. And now, we see where Pilate apparently had a “moment of clarity” – even bravery. As the chief priests insisted that Pilate designate that Jesus said He was King of the Jews – indicating this was His self-appointed title and not one readily agreed upon and endorsed – Pilate stood steadfast and said, “What I have written…stays exactly as it is.”
 
Poor Pilate…his “faith” was surely a mixed bag! And yet, this could be readily said of many of us. We are brave and steady in our convictions when it is convenient or popular…but at the first sign of trouble, we cower – or go silent. Better not to say anything than to risk ridicule, exile – or worse!
 
I have shared a glimpse at two “Pilates” – the one who was ready to do what was prudent and “safe” as he literally washed his hands of Jesus – and the one who boldly said, “I stand by my declaration that Jesus is the King of the Jews.” You and I often find ourselves facing similar decisions in life. We can stand up for what we know God is telling us and showing us and live with confidence as witnesses to the love and teachings of Jesus. Or we can decide to quietly blend into the crowd and go about our lives in the relative “safety in numbers.” The choice is totally ours alone. 
 
Every believer must decide who to serve and how to speak and act as a redeemed follower of Jesus Christ. The ripple effect of our witness in every aspect of life is immeasurable. So choose wisely. Pray fervently, and ask God to guide and guard your every word and action. Your witness matters…it’s time to count for Christ! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 23, 2024 – When you listen to others instead of God…it’s time to remember Pilate!

John 19:7-19
The Jews answered, “We have a law, and by that law he must die because he claimed to be the Son of God.”

When Pilate heard this, he became even more scared. He went back into the palace and said to Jesus, “Where did you come from?”

Jesus gave no answer.

Pilate said, “You won’t talk? Don’t you know that I have the authority to pardon you, and the authority to—crucify you?”

Jesus said, “You haven’t a shred of authority over me except what has been given you from heaven. That’s why the one who betrayed me to you has committed a far greater fault.”

At this, Pilate tried his best to pardon him, but the Jews shouted him down: “If you pardon this man, you’re no friend of Caesar’s. Anyone setting himself up as ‘king’ defies Caesar.”

When Pilate heard those words, he led Jesus outside. He sat down at the judgment seat in the area designated Stone Court (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was the preparation day for Passover. The hour was noon. Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your king.”

They shouted back, “Kill him! Kill him! Crucify him!”

Pilate said, “I am to crucify your king?”

The high priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.”

Pilate caved in to their demand. He turned him over to be crucified.

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.

Call me crazy, but when I read this familiar passage of scripture, one of my first thoughts was, “What happened to Pilate?” I went in search of information and learned that many believe Pilate ultimately committed suicide…but not necessarily because of guilt over handing Jesus to the Jews for crucifixion. According to information on Wikipedia.com, Pilate supposedly was removed as governor of Judaea after “he violently suppressed an armed Samaritan movement at Mount Gerizim.” 
 
It seems widely accepted that Pontius Pilate did not want to order the crucifixion of Jesus. Many even believe that Pilate became a Christian, and some religious groups claim he is a martyr or a saint. We’ve probably all seen motion picture depictions of Pilate washing his hands of all responsibility for what happened to Jesus. Still, he bowed to the persuasion of the crowd. The reasons really are not as significant as the result…Pilate knew better, and yet he chose to “go along to get along.”
 
When you are tempted to “go with the flow/crowd,” I want you to think of Pontius Pilate. When you know in your heart that what you say, do, endorse, or promote goes against what God is telling you, remember Pilate. When you are persuaded to throw up your hands and say, “Whatever!” – and agree to words and actions you know are not ordained by God, think of Pilate! We all know the adage, “When you see something…say something.” When you choose to remain silent in these situations, remember Pilate!
 
I hear the naysayers now…those who will contend that Jesus could have stopped Pilate…or Judas…or the soldiers who nailed Him to the cross. There are plenty who will contend that “this was God’s plan.” And many will also maintain that their evil, hatred, bias, selfishness and more are mandated or sanctified by God – a “means to an end” if you will. Don’t be fooled…or persuaded. Get to know God so intimately that you always know when you are hearing from Him…and when you are being affected by outside influences. 
 
As we approach Holy Week and focus on the events surrounding the conviction, crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, let’s look at what happened when an angry mob and selfish “leaders” got their way. This is still happening today – all over the world. How will you respond? Will you join in and lend your voice to theirs? Or will you be part of those who truly seek God’s will and say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” Now is the time to decide. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 22, 2024 – Operating in wisdom and understanding of the LORD…or looking for a desert

Job 28:28
And this is what he says to all mankind: ‘Look, to fear the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’”

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

There is a woman who posts videos on social media that feature her “talking” on the telephone with Jesus. In a recent one, she says:
 
“Hey, Jesus!  Listen…I was reading that Bible verse ‘Better a husband live in the desert than with a nagging wife.’ Oh…hit me like a ton of bricks! Hit me hard. Now, here’s my question – do I just take him to any desert?”
 
Now that I have made you laugh…pay attention to how this relates directly to the scripture verse from Job 28:28. Just because we claim to know and love Jesus doesn’t mean we have real understanding of Him! And frankly, there are a lot of people these days who have wrapped themselves in the royal robes of the King of Kings and declared themselves holy – while looking for the proverbial “desert” to dump all who differ with them in some manner or aren’t conforming to the “norms” of their particular “tribe.”
 
Let’s get real…faith in Jesus is complicated – and often messy. But genuine, humble faith is never dishonest, deceitful, or conditional on the whims of mere mortals. In the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13…“Love does not demand its own way.” So why do so many of us think this is okay and encourage others to believe and behave the same way? 
 
This verse reminds us that wisdom without understanding is only half-baked faith. As the late poet and author Maya Angelou put it [paraphrased] “When you know better, you do better.” We can be “wise” in the LORD, but until we do better and cultivate a genuine, humble understanding of His words and ways, our faith and witness are incomplete. And in our selfishness and arrogance, we may do more harm than good to God’s Kingdom.
 
We need more people to be the real deal for Jesus – and fewer who are looking for a tribe – or a “desert!” Let’s focus on getting to truly know God – and learning what He wants of us…then do this! Faith in God is two-fold…it includes wisdom and understanding. Make sure you do the work to fully function in both. Alleluia!

© 2024 Debbie Robus