Daily Devotional for May 16, 2024 – Rest in the Lord and wait on Him – Sunday’s comin’!

Psalm 37:7-13
Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don’t be envious of evil men who prosper.

Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm. For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing. Only a little while and the wicked shall disappear. You will look for them in vain. But all who humble themselves before the Lord shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace.

The Lord is laughing at those who plot against the godly, for he knows their judgment day is coming.

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

Yesterday, a dear friend texted me after she received her Daily Devotional and showed me this part of our scripture passage from Psalm 35… “You protect the helpless from those in power; you save the poor and needy from those who hurt them.” She asked, “How can this be true when there are Putins and “presidents for life” and dictators in the world…and so many poor exploited?”
 
I replied that this was a good question for which I don’t have an answer. But I did tell her that I read a lot of historical novels – many about WWII and the horrible things that happened to people then. Each one has a “theme” of survival. I added that “I don’t know how God works this all out, but I just have to trust that there is nothing He will allow in my life that I cannot endure with His ‘protection’.”  As I read today’s passage, I was reminded that “those who humble themselves before the LORD shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace.”
 
Here’s what I know…we all observe people who say and do terrible things…hurtful things that make us do a double-take and ask, “What on earth?!” And often, it seems like these people skate by and “get away with murder.” At the very least, they don’t appear to suffer the same consequences as “regular Joe’s” like you and me. Think of how many times in the last few years you have heard it said of a certain someone…“If I said or did those things, I’d be under the jail already!” 
 
This Psalm is very clear that “The LORD is laughing at those who plot against the godly, for He knows their judgment day is coming.” We are also reminded not to be envious of evil men and women who appear to prosper in their hatred, abuse, and assumed “privilege.” We are to remember who we are – and WHOSE we are! God is going to sort everything out…and truthfully, He is working on this already! 
 
I don’t understand poverty and hungry/abused children, war, and bigotry/bias against certain people and groups. But I know that God has a plan. I couldn’t put one foot in front of the other each day if I didn’t believe this to the depths of my heart. There is a song by Zach Williams that I often listen to when I walk. It’s called “Sunday’s Comin’.”  The tag line is “It may feel like Friday, but Sunday’s comin’!”  The song uses the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus to remind us that as terrible as “Friday” was, “Sunday’s comin’!” – and Jesus is Alive.
 
This Psalm is reminding us to “Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act.” And remember that “Sunday’s Comin’” and we need to be ready! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 12, 2023 – “Hey, look me over!” Doing the hard work to flee the devil and draw near to God

James 4:7-10
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

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

When I was a little girl, the song, “Hey Look Me Over” was popular. Written and performed for a 1960 Broadway play, “Wildcat,” this song was first sung on stage by Lucille Ball. In part, the lyrics say, “But don’t pass the plate, folks. Don’t pass the cup. I figure whenever you’re down and out, the only way is up!”
 
It seems to me that these words in James suggest that some of us must hit rock bottom before we truly acknowledge and appreciate God’s love and care. Moreover, this scripture passage is all but saying, “Go on and get it over with, so that you can really begin to live for Jesus!”
 
We are reminded that when we resist the devil, he flees from us. I always think of our kiddos and how we told them when they were small to whisper the name of Jesus, and the devil would shrink away and leave. They still remember this today. This admonition is not just a nursery rhyme or something cute we shared…it is the truth!  The devil cannot stand to apportion the limelight. Satan wants our heart and soul, but he is not willing to share – not even a little.
 
I don’t know what your “rock bottom” is…or where you draw the line. But I do know that God wants us to truly wash our hands of sin…to commit to Him and do whatever it takes to purify our hearts and minds. If this means turning off cable news, walking away from certain friends and acquaintances, or totally altering your daily routine, so be it! Do whatever it takes to draw near to God and feel His presence. Humbly ask God to show you how and where to make necessary adjustments. Get in the practice of asking God what He thinks before you speak and act – and listening for His answer.
 
Now more than ever, we need to draw near to God. We need to feel Him pulling us to His chest and holding on tightly. We need to feel the assurance that God is in complete control – and to trust Him to lift us up and guide our steps.  Then we will be able to laugh again and find joy and peace. As we surrender to God, the sense of peace and assurance will come. “Don’t pass the plate, folks – don’t pass the cup!” Make this the day you begin to take steps to move from “down and out” to “up” with God – and stay there! Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 4, 2023 – Sharing the love and teachings of Christ Jesus…are you “poking the bear?”

2 Timothy 2:22-26
Run away from childish indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.

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

This morning, a columnist for the local newspaper wrote about an event that happened in our state last week. He noted that one side deliberately “poked the bear” so to speak – providing an opportunity to lash out at another group, call them names, and basically try to make them look like ungodly agents of the Devil. The columnist suggested that one person created this entire scene just to stir up trouble.

Some will choose to believe the instigation of this battle was “Christian” in nature. The columnist is not one of them…and I agree. Read Paul’s words to Timothy again. When we get involved in inane discussions, argue, and resort to name calling and worse, we are not behaving like Christ. Frankly, many people have sullied the moniker “Christian” with such hateful words and actions, to the point that I prefer to disassociate from it. I have begun describing myself as a “follower of Jesus” rather than use this label. I don’t want anyone to lump me into the group with those who stir up dissension and hatred – and hide behind the name of Jesus in the process.

Paul makes the point that people are watching and listening. And what we don’t say and do can often be an even more effective representation of the love and grace of Jesus. When we publicly berate others or speak and act in a way that demonstrates disdain or hatred toward them, we sully the name of Jesus – and our association with Him. When we deliberately bring attention to differences rather than similarities, or disavow this person or that group, people assume we believe we are better “Christians” than others. This is our distinction, not that of Christ! Jesus does not discriminate – or play favorites! And His point is never made with hatred or deceptive tactics!

I believe there is such a thing as “good trouble.”  Treating others kindly and including all others when those around us encourage us to do otherwise is an example. Stepping up to help someone in need when many others would cite dozens of reasons why we should let this person “wallow in his/her mistakes” is another. But when we intentionally speak or act in a way that demonstrates hatred, divisiveness, intolerance, or discrimination – and attempts to make us look superior or more “Christian” in the process – we have completely failed as Christ’s disciples.

I find myself struggling to be patient with those who want to argue and stir up strife, because I know that this is not what God desires – of those doing the stirring, and of me for getting annoyed! God wants us to refrain from causing quarrels and disputes…but He also wants us to be long-suffering with those who engage in such activity. So, this is a day for me to examine not only my own behaviors…but also my reactions toward those who I feel misbehave while claiming the name of Jesus.

It is so easy to overreact…to lash out and behave in a way that suits our own agenda. And we want to be “right” in the eyes of Jesus, so some of us have become experts at justifying our actions and citing scriptures that would tend to support our biases and personal preferences. Things seem to be getting worse by the minute in this regard. Prayerfully consider Paul’s words to Timothy today. Ask God to show you where you might be “poking the bear” while claiming the name of Jesus. Ask Him to free you from the Devil’s trap…and set you on a course to live by example…to love others with the grace, mercy, forgiveness, peace – and compassion of Jesus Christ – and to “win” them over to God’s Kingdom in the process. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 5, 2023 – No matter who you are or what you have been like, God will accept and acquit you. It’s time to “let go” and trust Him to work!

Romans 3:21-22
But now God has shown us a different way to heaven—not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us—declare us “not guilty”—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like.

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 friend shared a post on Facebook that came from a high school classmate who lives in a town where Greg and I used to reside. The classmate had posted a photo of a piece of notebook paper lying in sand with a rock atop it. I cannot repeat here what the note said, but it had been left for this young woman, who is white, and her black husband. They had taken their small child to a rural area creek to swim. A family swimming nearby immediately packed up and left, but apparently not before leaving this hateful and derogatory note. MY friend said of social media…” I’ve seen so much hate on here lately because of color, gender identity or preference in a partner. Most of them are posts by some of the ‘best’ Christians in town. It’s disturbing. It’s sickening the things they are saying.”

Not only is this disturbing and sickening, it runs totally counter to the teachings of Jesus. Paul makes it very clear in this message to the Romans…we can all be redeemed by the blood of Jesus in the same way – by trusting Him to take away our sins. No matter who we are or what we have been like, we can share in this redemption and belong to the Kingdom of Heaven. There are no exceptions for skin color, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, how much money we have in the bank, our political affiliation, and more. God loves all of us equally – and His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and blessings are available to each of us without qualification.

I once again was reminded of the documentary series I watched over the weekend about a religious cult with Arkansas ties that has created a hierarchy of authority – and demands submission, especially from the “lower tiers” of women and children. The series interviewed more than a half dozen adults who grew up in this indoctrination and lived in continual fear and shame…fear of God…fear of their fathers and pastors…fear of retribution from other church members…and continual shame because they were constantly made to feel sinful and disgusting to God.

We talk a lot about how people are being judged and excluded because of race or sexual orientation…but we must be aware that there are many in our world who are equally persecuted and denigrated “in the name of Jesus” because of the idiotic ideas of tyrannical and egotistical religious leaders. Hatred and arrogance are alive in every corner of the world…even our little neck of the woods!

What can you and I do? First and foremost, examine your heart and mind. See where you might have let any form of bias creep in that runs counter to the teachings of Jesus. Is there any area where you have failed to recognize that another person is just as precious and valuable to God as you are? Have you claimed the name of Jesus while treating someone as inferior in any manner? Have you spoken or acted in a way that would cause another person to say, “If that is how followers of Jesus (or ‘Christians’) behave, I don’t want any part of it!”?

We are commanded to love God and love one another, and we are to trust Him to work out the details of our lives according to His will. God has not appointed us as judge and jury of other believers. And when we try to arrogantly control a person or situation on His behalf, we have grieved God deeply and truly damaged our witness.

This morning, I prayed for the couple and small child who were treated so hatefully, trusting that God loves each of them and desires that they be afforded a life of peace and harmony like all others. I asked God to help me convey to every person I encounter just how precious he/she is to Him…and to always speak and act in a way that conveys love, hope, and faith. Hatred and ego are two of the devil’s favorite tools…and they have no place in the life of redeemed followers of Jesus. Examine your heart and mind today and make sure that you are fully rid of both. Trust God for everything…and share the love of Christ Jesus with all His precious children. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 3, 2023 – Soul empty arrogance vs. being really alive in Christ Jesus…it’s time to decide who we truly serve!

Habakkuk 2:4
“Look at that man, bloated by self-importance—
    full of himself but soul-empty.
But the person in right standing before God
    through loyal and steady believing
    is fully alive, really alive.

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.

• “An arrogant person considers himself perfect. This is the chief harm of arrogance. It interferes with a person’s main task in life – becoming a better person.” – Leo Tolstoy, Russian writer and author
• “We’re not arrogant, we just believe we’re the best band in the world.” – Noel Gallagher, co-lead of the band Oasis
• “People who are lazy, careless, doubtful-minded or arrogant need not expect God to reveal His secret or covenant to them.”   – Watchman Nee, Chinese church leader and Christian teacher
• “Only an arrogant man will claim to be independent of everybody else and be self-contained.” – Mahatma Gandhi, civil rights leader and political ethicist

It seems that arrogance runs rampant and has permeated every area of our lives in one way or another. We have arrogant leaders in all arenas. Arrogance has been fueled by the entertainment industry, the world of sports and athletics, politics…and yes, even our churches. Just turn on the television on Sunday morning to a “religious” cable channel and watch a worship service from one of many mega churches. Wealth, prosperity, and power are promised to all who will believe in the “leader” – and contribute to his/her ministries!

Every time we turn on the TV, we are bombarded with claims from this politician or that one that he/she alone knows best about how to handle every issue in our world. And sadly, this arrogance has trickled all the way down to local levels…from rogue leaders to private citizens who believe they know what is best for our children – and us – even in the privacy of our own homes, our schools, and our public libraries!

I shared a few quotes about arrogance from “famous” people to make us think about what happens when ego runs amok, and we allow the devil to have control of our thoughts, words and actions. But I also like this quote by American author, Dean Koonce, who said, “We are an arrogant species, full of terrible potential. But we also have a great capacity for love, friendship, generosity, kindness, faith, hope, and joy.”

This seems to sum up the words of Habakkuk, who said that “the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive.” In other words, the person who listens to God and follows His commands will demonstrate the teachings of Jesus…love, friendship, generosity, kindness, faith, hope, joy, and more.  The person who demonstrates humility and faithful obedience to Jesus over selfish desires and a quest to fit in with the crowd and please others will know true peace – and represent Jesus most genuinely. I don’t know about you, but I want to be in this number!

Like Tolstoy suggests, I want to become a better person – a more faithful, humble servant of Jesus Christ. Unlike Noel Gallagher, I never want anyone to think I consider myself “the best in the world” at anything…because there is always room for improvement. I agree with Watchman Nee that God reveals His secret and covenant to those who humbly submit to Him. And I completely agree with Mahatma Ghandi that I alone cannot fix anything – or anyone – and it would be presumptuous and arrogant of me to declare that I have such power and supremacy.

I know that without God, I am nothing. I know that any favor of God I enjoy is purely because of the love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me on the cross. I know that to set myself up as judge, jury, and the superior of any other person completely disavows and dishonors the power and supremacy of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – and indicates submission to the wiles of the devil. And I know that I do not want to ever be considered by a single other person to be in his camp!

This is the day to make sure we are in right standing with God. This is the day to humbly kneel before Him and genuinely commit…“Thy will be done, not mine!” This is the day to firmly decide Who we will serve – and start showing it with every word and action. To God be the glory and all acclaim! Alleluia, and Amen!

©2023 Debbie Robu

Daily Devotional for April 24, 2023 – No more “soul-poisoning!” It’s time to serve Christ and follow HIS laws!

Ephesians 2:11-15
But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about the way God works, hadn’t the faintest idea of Christ. You knew nothing of that rich history of God’s covenants and promises in Israel, hadn’t a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.

The Messiah has made things up between us so that we’re now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.

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.

Did you know that it is illegal in Arizona for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub? In Alabama, it is against the law to drive blindfolded. And in Arkansas, if you honk your horn near a sandwich shop after 9:00 p.m., you could be cited for disturbing the peace! These and more crazy laws on the books in America are enumerated in a 2020 article found at GoodHousekeeping.com Click through and give yourself a good laugh!

To put this in a “spiritual” context, go to Leviticus and read some of the “laws” presented there. My paternal grandparents apparently did not get the memo that they should not plant their corn in rows alongside their butter beans! How many of us would be in trouble with the command not to wear garments made of two kinds of fiber? That denim jacket with the leather trim you like so much is a huge “no-no” according to the laws of the Old Testament!  And in Deuteronomy, we are told that if we come across a bird’s nest on the road, it’s okay to take the babies…but not the mother!

Eating the meat of any animal that doesn’t chew cud or has a cloven hoof – or even touching the carcass – makes one unclean in the Old Testament. But in Romans 14:15-16, Jesus tells us…“If you confuse others by making a big issue over what they eat or don’t eat, you’re no longer a companion with them in love, are you? These, remember, are persons for whom Christ died. Would you risk sending them to hell over an item in their diet? Don’t you dare let a piece of God-blessed food become an occasion of soul-poisoning!”  

Let’s consider what Jesus said in the context of other things for which we judge others and separate from them. If we make a big issue over skin color, socio-economic status, education, sexual orientation, political party, religious denomination, and so many more biases, we are no longer “a companion with these people in love.” Anytime we draw lines in the sand and declare that we are on one “side” and someone else is on the other, we have dishonored Christ’s sacrifice and risked sending the wrong message to another of His precious children.

Today’s message is simple…don’t say or do anything that would cause the “soul-poisoning” of another precious child of God. Don’t set yourself up as superior…or live in the old laws of Moses. Jesus repealed the fine print and footnotes of old law that hindered more than it helped. He gave us a new “code” – love God, love all others, and treat each other as we wish to be treated. Then Jesus commanded us to share this Good News with everyone we encounter – in thought, word, and deed.

I am grateful I don’t have to worry about mixing fabrics or where and how I plant seeds. I am grateful that Jesus has given us such a simplified, yet all-encompassing “code” – and that He loves us enough to take the burden of every sacrifice that was ever required in the Old Law and atone for it with His own blood on the cross. We are free to live and love as Christ desires. Our allegiance is only to Him. We must not take this for granted…but we must make every effort to honor and glorify such a sacrifice. The Messiah stands in the gap so that we can be together! Oh, LORD, let it be so among us – today and always. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 18, 2023 – Choosing your “forever family” – and sharing the love and light of Christ with others

April 18 ~ Acts 26:17-18
“I’m sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I’m sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.”

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

A few weeks ago, I was in a meeting with a couple of folks, and one of them mentioned a person we all know. I laughed and gently chided, “Be careful now…you are talking about my cousin!” The person looked surprised, and I explained how we were related, adding, “Greg always warns people to watch what they say around me, because I am related to nearly everyone in our county!” This is an exaggeration, but my Ozark “roots” do run deep. We continued our meeting, and at least twice more, cousins of mine were mentioned, and I explained how we were related (which only served to reinforce my husband’s point)!

Let me be clear…I love my family and all my relatives as a faithful believer in Jesus should. But I do not always agree with all of them. I would go so far as to say that some of them share views so different than mine that I don’t wish to share their company – or to even have others know that we are related! If we are truly honest, I suspect this is the case in every human family.

At the same time, there are people who love Jesus and believe in His commands to love all others and treat them as precious equals that I love more than some of my blood kin. We are working toward the same goal…sharing with everyone we meet how Jesus loves us enough that He died for our sins. We are united like a family to create an atmosphere where all are welcome and feel loved – by Jesus and the humans that serve Him.

I do not say this to propose an “exclusive club” for faith-filled followers of Jesus – or with an ounce of arrogance about my “membership” in this body of believers. I present this scripture to say that Jesus has commissioned us to be about the “show and tell” of contrasting the darkness of Satan and his hateful, selfish, often indecent ideas and attitudes…and the love and light of Christ, which is extended to every single person who will “take up their cross and follow Him.”

My Grandmother Ramsey often said, “Blood is thicker than water.” She would say this whenever one family member got into a tiff with another to imply that someday, everything would blow over and all parties would be friendly again. I hear Jesus telling us that blood is indeed thicker than water, when we are washed in His blood of salvation, forgiveness, redemption, and inclusion. Followers of Jesus are bound to each other with a love that is often deeper and more profound than that of “blood kin,” because we see each other as Christ sees us…worthy of His love and sacrifices – and entitled to claim our place in His forever family.

Today, I feel Jesus is using this passage to issue a challenge…choose your “family” wisely. Love your blood kin…but love those you don’t even know, as well. Make it your aim to speak and act every day in a way that demonstrates the unconditional, inclusive love and light of Christ Jesus…and give others every reason to want to join this “family” of believers for themselves. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 13, 2023 – Resurrection, redemption, and the pursuit of a righteous life…it’s time for a little review and renewal!

1 Timothy 6:2-12
If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there’s an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.

A devout life does bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough.

But if it’s only money these leaders are after, they’ll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.

But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.

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.

Easter Sunday, my niece Jasmine asked me, “When I was little, did we hunt plastic eggs?” We agreed that the eggs were boiled and dyed. Plastic, candy-filled eggs are a newer development. We laughed about the annual Easter Sunday egg hunt the Young Businessmen’s Club held in our city park…thousands of boiled and dyed eggs to be hunted by children of all ages. My sister, brother, and I brought home our eggs (to add to the ones we had dyed), and we hunted them for a few more days until they were basically smelly mush!

i>At the risk of sounding like an “old geezer,” let me reminisce a bit. Yes, we had new Easter outfits. My mother made new dresses for my sister and me and saw to it that my brother had a new “suit.” We woke up Easter Sunday morning to colorful, candy-filled baskets wrapped in cellophane. Mother usually made cookies shaped like bunnies and eggs, decorated with buttercream icing. We always went to church. Family potlucks after worship services came later when we were teenagers. But as youngsters, we hurried home for a bite to eat and then dashed to the park to hunt eggs. A few photos were always snapped – sometimes before church when we were crisp and neat -and sometimes at the park when we hunted eggs with friends.

Today, Easter may or may not involve new clothing, but the egg hunts are more lavish in many cases. Helicopters drop hundreds of eggs onto a football field. Photo booths have popped up in churches, and professional photographers offer “Easter shoots.” Gifts and décor for Easter have begun to rival that of other major holidays, and I don’t even want to think about the dollar amount for sales of Easter candy. A lone chocolate bunny surrounded by a few speckled “bird eggs” no longer suffices. And I will admit…I have Easter décor. We stuffed plastic eggs for our kids and hid them in the yard. The children each got a little “Easter sack” with a gift and a few pieces of candy. But our “Easter lunch” was hot dogs roasted over a fire pit in the back yard. Our “dessert” was S’mores. We snapped some pictures…but the children have outgrown new “Easter frocks,” so we wore blue jeans!

My point in sharing this is this…at the end of our Sunday get-together, we all agreed it was one of our best. We were relaxed and engaged with one another. We “loved on” each other. One nephew received a cross necklace made from bent nails. Another who collects lapel pins got one fashioned from a nail and a purple ribbon. We talked about the cross and the nail…and what they meant – especially on Easter week. I don’t say all of this to criticize a single person for how he/she worships and celebrates. But I do wonder if the admonition of Paul to Timothy doesn’t hold true for us today – maybe even more so. Have we commercialized and “compartmentalized” our faith? Does everything need to be exclusive, expensive – and a production?

My friends and I reminisce often about the Vacation Bible School of our childhood…and one of the things always mentioned is the Kool-aid and cheap store-bought cookies that were served. But I also remember the worship services, the Bible lessons, and the hymns and scriptures we memorized and sang/recited every day. My childhood Bible school was held every weekday for TWO WEEKS…many now are reduced to two nights! I’m not saying this is wrong…I’m just asking, “What changed?”

I know we must grow and adjust with the times and current culture. I also see that children of all ages are eager today to be entertained. If it isn’t fun, flashy, and something of a party, we find something or some place that is. If there isn’t a coffee bar and a video, we’ll worship elsewhere. If we cannot afford to “hang” with the others and contribute financially, we feel unwelcome. If we are “different” in some way, we’d better look for another church to attend. Someone is perpetuating these myths. They are not scriptural, although many will cite specific Bible verses to promote and/or defend their stance.

Paul’s admonition to Timothy stands today. “Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.” Search your heart and ask where you have “commercialized” or “tribalized” your faith. Where are you seeking to fit in and be entertained rather than have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ?

Where have you chosen the world’s “norms” over Jesus’ commands to “love one another,” and “treat others as you wish to be treated?”  As you polish off the Easter candy this week, spend some time in prayer and contemplation. Ask God to show you how to remodel your relationship with Jesus to resemble more closely what He desires. Easter is a time when we focus on resurrection and renewal. Where do you need to make some changes? Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 3, 2023 – Stop shouting for Barabbas – and focus on the truths of Jesus

Luke 23:13-25
Then Pilate called in the high priests, rulers, and the others and said, “You brought this man to me as a disturber of the peace. I examined him in front of all of you and found there was nothing to your charge. And neither did Herod, for he has sent him back here with a clean bill of health. It’s clear that he’s done nothing wrong, let alone anything deserving death. I’m going to warn him to watch his step and let him go.”

At that, the crowd went wild: “Kill him! Give us Barabbas!” (Barabbas had been thrown in prison for starting a riot in the city and for murder.) Pilate still wanted to let Jesus go, and so spoke out again.

But they kept shouting back, “Crucify! Crucify him!”

He tried a third time. “But for what crime? I’ve found nothing in him deserving death. I’m going to warn him to watch his step and let him go.”

But they kept at it, a shouting mob, demanding that he be crucified. And finally they shouted him down. Pilate caved in and gave them what they wanted. He released the man thrown in prison for rioting and murder, and gave them Jesus to do whatever they wanted.

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

We’ve read this story all our lives. We’ve heard it repeated from pulpits and Sunday school classrooms, parents, mentors, and more. As I read this passage today, I couldn’t help but think, “This was truly a foreshadowing of coming events.” Granted, what makes this account so frightening is that the One at the center was our true Messiah, Jesus Christ! But aren’t “shouting mobs” still demanding heinous actions against people they fear or dislike for some reason?

Don’t we have people and groups in our current world that are hated, persecuted, and plotted against – even though they have done nothing wrong? Aren’t innocent victims targeted, legislated against, and exiled from certain situations and settings because of those who listen to the devil and operate in selfishness, fear, ignorance, and a false sense of entitlement?

Has it ever occurred to you that Jesus knew this would take place? What happened to Him should have served as a giant warning to all of us. If the Lamb of God could be falsely accused, wrongly convicted, beaten to a pulp and crucified, how hard it is to envision our current climate of bigotry, bias, sexism, elitism, unsubstantiated fears, and hatred? All you have to do is read your daily newspaper to see countless examples of a “shouting mob” demanding the prosecution (or persecution) of someone. And don’t even get me started on the instances where the vindication and release of a modern-day “Barabbas” is demanded!

I urge you to read this passage again. Consider how Satan persuaded so many people to turn on Jesus and treat Him with cruelty and unfathomable abuse that resulted in His horrific death. Jesus knew that such mistreatment would continue. And yet, He called on God to forgive us. He could have stepped aside at any moment and said, “I am not doing this. I will not be arrested, beaten, and crucified. You people are simply not worth the sacrifice!” But we all know this didn’t happen.

Instead of listening to the devil today, we should look to this account of Jesus’ arrest and say, “Never again!” We should seek Christ’s will and follow His teachings. We should make every effort to operate in truth, fairness – and above all things – love for every human being. Jesus paid too much for us to do otherwise. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 31, 2023 – Jesus KNOWS…and He loves us anyhow!

March 31 ~ Luke 22:21-34
“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”

Peter said, “Master, I’m ready for anything with you. I’d go to jail for you. I’d die for you!”

Jesus said, “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me.”

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.

Something in this passage jumped out at me today that I had never noticed before…and I’ve read this passage dozens of times. Jesus said to Simon/Peter, “I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out.”  I really don’t know how I missed this before…but it is truly profound. Jesus prayed for His disciples…and He especially prayed for Peter. He knew what was ahead. Jesus knew that Peter would be questioned and would lie about even knowing Him. And of course, we know this is exactly what happened. We also know that Peter was “the rock” on which Jesus built His church…the one human being He trusted most to serve in ministry and further His Kingdom.

Think about it…what Jesus did for Peter, He does for us. He intercedes on our behalf. He knows that we won’t always get everything right. In fact, Jesus knows that sometimes, we will mess things up terribly with our hatred, selfishness, greed, and desires to fit in, follow the crowd, or satisfy our own whims. And yet, Jesus is ready to not only set us upright again and take up for us…He wants us to serve as His agents on this earth! Christ is counting on us, in spite of our best efforts to disappoint and alienate Him so much of the time!

I don’t know about you, but I am truly humbled by this. My Jesus knows me – and loves me anyhow…and He feels the same way about you! Jesus knows our potential – and the pitfalls that could trip us up and cause us to sin. Jesus knows how persistent the devil can be…and He also knows that like Peter, when we feel our back is to the wall, we are vulnerable to any temptation to save ourselves. Jesus KNOWS! And He loves us and wants us to be His earthly representatives all the same. I don’t consider this a license to do as I please…but more of a reminder of what an incomparable Master I serve. And I am more determined than ever to represent Him to the best of my ability.

This is actually an encouraging scripture passage. The Jesus who was discounted and even denied by His beloved never gave up on them. And He isn’t giving up on us, either! Thank Him today for such “amazing grace,” mercy, and love…and commit yourself to serve Him with faith and obedience – always and in all ways.  Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus