Tag: following Christ’s commands

Daily Devotional for February 19, 2024 – Learning to live in peace…it’s time to love all others and be grateful

Colossians 3:12-17
God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.

Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.

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

We weren’t prepared nor expecting the segment that aired yesterday on CBS Sunday Morning. In the middle of a program that included segments related to Presidents’ Day, Black History Month, and an interesting story about an artist who has painted many of the images for postage stamps, we found ourselves transported to Mariupol, Ukraine, where a journalist spoke about an Academy Award-nominated documentary* covering twenty days of horror, death, dismemberment, and despair. We sat in stunned silence as this brave man shared his story with the interviewing CBS journalist. And then we looked at each other and agreed that we truly have no real problems. And we are so grateful.
 
How anyone could look at this segment and not want to help is beyond me. How any of us could look at the horrors unfolding in this video documentation and not be moved to tears disturbs me. The documenting journalist noted that it took 86 days for Mariupol to fall to Russia. He was only there for twenty of them – and he said it got much worse after he left. I don’t even want to envision such inhumanity.
 
What does this have to do with these words from Paul to the Colossians? Everything! You and I are terribly self-absorbed. We are!  We feel like our day is ruined by the least little things…the toast was burnt…our pants are too tight…the delivery was late…someone didn’t respond to our message, or a driver cut us off in traffic. Or maybe you do have legitimate worries and concerns…illness, financial or food insecurity, relationship conflicts, elder concerns, and the perpetual stress of rearing children. I do not mean to diminish the challenges of any person’s life. I merely want us to be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient – with all people.
 
I singled out Ukraine, but we could substitute the immigrants at the U.S. southern border, the war and oppression in Israel and Gaza, Africa, the Middle East, or Asia…or any number of issues. But for this day, I want you to focus on one situation and word…Ukraine. When you start to get frustrated or anxious about something in your “world,” whisper this word. When you start to speak harshly to someone – or to lash out in anger and exasperation – think “Ukraine.” 
 
When you want to judge another person for whatever reason, remember that he/she is just as precious to God as you are, with a life that is full of ups and downs just like yours. AND…remember that there are people who are in far worse situations…and God loves them, too. Pray for Ukraine and other war-torn areas. Pray for the people who have fled to our southern border, desperate for safety and a better life. Pray for the clerk who spoke rudely to you at the fast-food counter, the girl in the short-shorts with piercings and tattoos, and the man on the corner begging for food and money. Look at every person with the understanding that he/she is just as special to God as you are. Don’t see the labels others want to place on them…don’t buy into the peer pressure to pick and choose who to love and treat with dignity and respect. 
 
And one more thing…as you think about Ukraine and other areas of conflict, pray for those on both sides. The Russians are just as precious to God as the people of Ukraine – and we Americans. Mothers in Russia, Central and South America, Israel and Gaza – and around the world cry and pray over their sons and daughters just as fervently as we do for our loved ones – and God hears them! It is time for us to drop the barriers…the biases and selfishness – and truly start loving all others as Jesus commanded. And this is the perfect day to begin. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

*20 Days in Mariupol – learn more here

Daily Devotional for January 22, 2024 – Ready or not…God has sent Jesus! How will you respond?

Romans 5:6-8
Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him

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.

When my brother was in first grade, we lived in Oklahoma for several months – roughly from November to March. Mother drove us to a community college in a nearby city that had an indoor pool, so that we could take swim lessons. At the end of one lesson, the instructor let eager students climb the highest diving board and jump. My brother was one of these who made the climb. He walked out on the edge and gestured to the instructor to “move closer.” The instructor would shake his head and insist, “I’m close enough…just jump.” This banter between my six-year-old brother on the edge of the diving board and the instructor treading water below went on for several minutes, as other anxious (and increasingly chilly) students waited in line on the ladder for their turn. Ultimately, my brother turned, walked back across the diving board, and descended the ladder. He just wasn’t ready.
 
I thought about this as I read Paul’s words to the Romans…particularly the phrase, “Are you ready?”…or more to the point, “I’m not ready.” In recent weeks, I heard several people say, “I’m not ready for Christmas…but it’s coming anyhow.” I’ve heard parents declare that their child is not ready for this recital or that sporting event. I’ve heard adults ask a young person, “Are you sure you are ready for marriage?” and I’ve heard high school students say, “I’m not ready for college.” I have heard people my age say, “I’m not ready to die,” and beloved elders tell me, “I’m ready when God calls me Home.”
 
Paul is telling us that God knows there are some things for which you and I will never be ready…and living a sin-free life is one of them. So, God went ahead and sent Jesus anyhow. I honestly cannot remember whether my brother ever dived off a high board…but I know that his lifetime of sins were forgiven by the blood of Jesus. I know that Christmas Day comes and goes every December, whether we have wrapped every gift or decorated and celebrated to the max…and God loves us either way. I know that when we have not fully prepared mentally or physically…for a recital, a track meet, college, marriage, the birth of children and the death of loved ones – or our own passing – God is with us, and the redemptive love and Salvation in Jesus Christ are steadfast and certain for all who trust Him.
 
God knew that we are human beings…and often procrastinators by nature. Think about how many times have you heard someone say, “I’m just not ready.” Sometimes, this is because we are too content in our present circumstances…and sometimes, the “unknown” looms large (think first-time mother in the delivery room or a parent whose child is about to go away to college!). Knowing how we would react and respond…God still sacrificed His Only Son.
 
Imagine if my mother had climbed the ladder at the pool and pushed my little brother off the diving board. My brother would probably have popped to the surface…and everything might have been just fine. He might have ultimately gained confidence to do this on his own, but those in observance would have likely been mortified. They would probably have asked themselves how a mother could do such a thing to her little boy!
 
Now think about God sending Jesus to DIE a brutal death for our sins, so that we could rise as His servants and live – in every sense of the word. I don’t mean to diminish what God did – or to make light of Jesus in any way by comparing this to my brother on the diving board. My point is that 1) I cannot fathom the love of God that would cause Him to send and sacrifice Jesus for us; and 2) we will never be truly ready for Salvation in Jesus. There is nothing we can do to earn this gift. God knows this…and He sent Christ anyway. God understands there are times when we are “not ready to jump” – and times when we need a nudge. But God also offers us a “soft place to fall” – a “Safety Net” if you will in Christ Jesus.
 
I am not going to ask if you are ready. I am going to simply tell you that “Ready or not, Jesus has come! His redemption and Salvation are available to you, and the only thing you must do to claim this is to surrender and accept His offer.” Yes, it would be great if everyone who claims Jesus began to fully serve Him and follow all His commands. Yes, this is what we are called to do as believers in Jesus Christ. But Salvation is only conditional on one thing – your surrender and acceptance. How you act towards this gift afterward is between you and God.
 
I thank God for sending Jesus. I humbly accept His gift without question…and I hope that my words and actions are a daily indicator of my faith and gratitude. I also trust that in any circumstance where I say to God, “I’m not ready,” He will remind me that with Him all things are possible…and give me a gentle nudge “off the diving board” and into the “pool of possibilities” for all who surrender and commit their lives to Christ. Alleluia!

© 2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 5, 2023 – Serving as Christ commands – and honoring our true “citizenship”

Psalm 34:22
But as for those who serve the Lord, he will redeem them; everyone who takes refuge in him will be freely pardoned.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Last night on MSNBC’s “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle,” author and journalist Tim Alberta was interviewed. Alberta is the son of the late Rev. Richard Alberta, the pastor of an evangelical Presbyterian church in Brighton, Michigan, who died suddenly of a heart attack in the summer of 2019. Alberta told Stephanie Ruhle…“I’ve walked with Jesus since I was a little boy – and I still do. When my dad died, I went home for the funeral, and it just so happens that he died right after my first book came out, which was pretty harsh about the previous President.”
 
Alberta says that at the visitation, people were wanting to argue with him about politics – in the sanctuary. (As a side note, Alberta mentions that “sanctuary” means “set apart,” and that added to the irony of these verbal attacks.) He notes that people wanted to talk – and argue – politics, while his dad lay dead in a box nearby.
 
The next day when Alberta issued a public rebuke, things got worse. He was handed a note from a church elder telling him that he should be ashamed for being a member of the “deep state” and undermining God’s ordained leader of this country. Alberta expressed concern that many people are conflating their Christian faith with patriotism. One pastor told Alberta that more of his parishioners can recite the Second Amendment than the Second Commandment. He said many of them now worship America.
 
Alberta reminded viewers that many believe America is a nation in special covenant with God, which he calls “blatantly anti-Biblical.”  He says, “We as Christians are told that our Kingdom – our citizenship – is in Heaven.” Jesus talks about the Kingdom of Heaven as a very real, physical place to which we are ultimately called to belong. The idea that we can merge these two ‘Kingdoms’ [earth and Heaven] into one is not only wrong – it is dangerous.”
 
As I read this Psalm today, I thought of God’s promise to redeem all who serve Him…and to be their refuge. Nothing is said about one nation over another. Nowhere does the Psalmist declare that we Americans have a special covenant with God. We have plenty of examples in history where a person or group has declared superiority and made efforts to enact this idea – and we all know what happened. To say that you and I have a “corner” on Jesus is contrary to everything that we have been commanded and promised.
 
But when we keep our eyes on the Kingdom of Heaven and carefully pay attention to what Jesus teaches us, we are redeemed, guided, and guarded. And our ultimate Home and “citizenship” are promised and protected. We are called to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus on this earth…but we are not told to worship a nation – or any leaders or people who purport to be in charge. We are called to uphold our nation’s constitution…but we are not to idolize those in leadership. This goes for church governance, as well. Quite frankly, there is not a single person “of the church” who is any more “ordained” or “sanctified” than you or I. We all get to Heaven the same way – the only way – by surrender to our Heavenly Father through the blood of Jesus Christ and serving as He commands!
 
I needed the reminder from Tim Alberta that my true “citizenship” is in Heaven. And maybe you do, too. And I needed Psalm 34:22 to remind me that refuge and redemption comes from the LORD…my one and only true “Leader.” Perhaps you needed this, too. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 3, 2023 – Putting God’s love and care to the test…it’s time to quit testing and start serving!

Malachi 3:12-18
Everyone of every nation will talk about how I have blessed you and about your wonderful land. I, the Lord All-Powerful, have spoken!

You have said horrible things about me, and yet you ask, “What have we said?”

Here is what you have said: “It’s foolish to serve the Lord God All-Powerful. What do we get for obeying God and from going around looking sad? See how happy those arrogant people are. Everyone who does wrong is successful, and when they put God to the test, they always get away with it.”

All those who truly respected the Lord and honored his name started discussing these things, and when God saw what was happening, he had their names written as a reminder in his book.

Then the Lord All-Powerful said:

You people are precious to me, and when I come to bring justice, I will protect you, just as parents protect an obedient child.

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

Clearly, the theme of seeming to “get away with murder” is as old as time. We have probably all said at one time or another, “If I said/did what this person or that one has said/done, I’d be in jail!” I’ve made no secret of the fact that as I grew up, I envisioned God waiting for me with a chair and a whip if I disobeyed or disappointed Him in some fashion…as if I were a lion in need of taming! Meanwhile, I noticed plenty of people who seemed to do as they pleased without a second thought – and nothing “bad” appeared to happen to them! While I fully believe that we are to respect and revere God and His laws…I greatly regret that I lived so many years with such a sense of fear, guilt and shame.

Don’t misunderstand me. I am not saying we can live as the prophet notes…tempting “fate” and hoping to get away with things. As a result of my own experiences and upbringing, I have concluded that rather than live in the shadow of fear of God, it is far better to live in the shadow of His love and care. Rather than worry that everything we say and do will be judged harshly – or conversely, to throw caution to the wind and do as we please – why not live with a desire to please God, follow His commands, and bask in His assurance that He will bring justice and protect us?! And rather than worry about what the other guy is or is not doing, I suggest we start focusing on our own faithfulness and obedience…and let God handle the rest!

There is a lot of “meat” in the Book of Malachi…the prophetic author speaks directly to the Jewish leaders of the day – and now to us – about who God is and how to follow His commands. The author foreshadows the coming of Jesus and the salvation and blessings He offers to each of us. And it is made plain that nobody “gets away” with anything…but this is really not our concern. We are to love God, follow His commands, and (implied) emulate the teachings of Jesus.

I am not a Bible scholar, but I have heard all my life about the Lamb’s Book of Life. This is what I pictured when I read the verse about God writing notes in His book. It seems to me that the prophet is telling us that someday, that “Book” will be opened, God will check His notes, and He will note which names are written there. I surely want mine to be among them…don’t you?!  Isn’t it time we started living in a way that offers us this assurance?

It’s time to quit obsessing about how the other guy is speaking and acting – and focus on our own behavior and discipleship. It is time to “let go and let God” handle the details of who belongs to Him – and who doesn’t – and concentrate on our own faithful obedience. We’ve said we believe in God and trust Him…now it’s time to prove it! Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 21, 2022 – We gotta do a better job of looking out for each other!”

Psalm 119:49-57
Never forget your promises to me your servant, for they are my only hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me! Proud men hold me in contempt for obedience to God, but I stand unmoved. From my earliest youth I have tried to obey you; your Word has been my comfort.

I am very angry with those who spurn your commands. For these laws of yours have been my source of joy and singing through all these years of my earthly pilgrimage. I obey them even at night and keep my thoughts, O Lord, on you. What a blessing this has been to me—to constantly obey.

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 friend shared a post on Facebook that basically said we have grown lax in checking on our neighbors, friends and loved ones. We are so busy posting memes and griping about one thing or another that we don’t take time to pick up the phone and call or text someone – if only to say, “I love you and thought of you today.” The post challenges others to share this reminder to “do better”…and since I thought the message dovetailed nicely with my scripture lessons these last few days, I put it on my own Facebook page.

Many people “liked” my post. Several responded with an “I love you,” or “We love you and Greg.” One dear friend asked, “What happened?” – as if I had posted this because something was wrong. I told her nothing was wrong – but sometimes, I think about messaging her or another loved one for several days before I actually sit down and do it – and I am sorry for that! And as lovely as it was to read all the sweet, loving comments, I did not share the post to “fish” for compliments. I thought long and hard about this and decided if it spurred even one person to action, it was worthwhile.

You see…checking on others is a command from Jesus. Remember “Love one another?”  This is love in action…calling, texting, dropping a note or stopping in for a visit. Taking time to stick around and hear someone’s response when we ask, “How are you doing?” rather than waving and dashing ahead to our next task or person is love in action. “Love one another” means really seeing others as Jesus sees them. And Jesus doesn’t see our skin color, how much money we have in our wallet, where we live and what we drive.

Jesus doesn’t see us in terms of age, education, sexual orientation, political preference, or physical attractiveness. Jesus sees each of us as a precious creation of God…a soul worthy of saving…a flawed human being for whom He died on the cross…someone He loves with all His heart. Jesus sees a person worthy of being told and shown how much he/she is loved. And you and I are called to love others as Christ loves us. And as the Psalmist indicates, when we follow the “laws,” we will be blessed and filled with joy.

Revisit Jesus’ commands. Follow the “laws” and quit worrying what other people think. Make it your aim to “love one another” however and wherever Jesus leads you. The post I shared began…“We gotta do a better job of looking out for each other…” In other words, we gotta do a better job of following Jesus’ commands! Who do you need to check on today? Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 19, 2023 – Learning to follow God’s map – “Lord, don’t let me make a mess of things!”

Psalm 119:17-34
Bless me with life so that I can continue to obey you. Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell.

You rebuke those cursed proud ones who refuse your commands— don’t let them scorn me for obeying you. For even princes sit and talk against me, but I will continue in your plans. Your laws are both my light and my counselors.

I am completely discouraged—I lie in the dust. Revive me by your Word. I told you my plans and you replied. Now give me your instructions. Make me understand what you want; for then I shall see your miracles.

I weep with grief; my heart is heavy with sorrow; encourage and cheer me with your words. Keep me far from every wrong; help me, undeserving as I am, to obey your laws, for I have chosen to do right. I cling to your commands and follow them as closely as I can. Lord, don’t let me make a mess of things. If you will only help me to want your will, then I will follow your laws even more closely.

Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord. As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey. Make me walk along the right paths, for I know how delightful they really are.

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 we traveled to our great-niece’s wedding in Missouri last weekend, we used Google Maps to guide us. For the record, Greg had already studied the maps and did not need this assistance. But I am trying to learn to use such devices to aid me, should I need to travel somewhere alone – and my astute “guide” is not with me to tell me where and when to turn or which exit to take! Greg reads maps as easily as some people read the comics. I am “map challenged!” I have a hard time transferring what I see on paper to what is physically ahead of my car.

There was one point in our drive where Google Maps suggested a “shorter” route. The voice said, “If you don’t want to take this route, say ‘no thanks!’ or something to that effect.” Greg did not hear this command, and when he looked at his online route, Google had changed to the “shorter” – but curvier path. Greg knew this was not correct – or a path we wished to travel. So, at our next stop, he re-entered the original coordinates and changed back to the original route.

When it comes to reading God’s map, I believe a lot of us are challenged. For whatever reason, some of us don’t fully understand what God is telling us – or we don’t hear His voice. For too many, we do not like His “route” and want to go our own way. Sometimes, we listen to the suggestions of others and find ourselves on a path that is wrong six ways to Sunday! Still others have tried and failed so many times – or “life” has been so difficult and disheartening that they have fallen into despair and all but given up on God. And let’s be honest…there are plenty of “bad news” stories these days to send us spiraling downward if we don’t make every effort to remain positive and hopeful.

Wherever you find yourself on this spectrum, God is waiting to help you. He will show you how and where to make necessary adjustments to get back on course. God will guide you and guard you – and give you reasons every day to be hopeful and helpful to someone and/or further His Kingdom. You just have to follow His map, charts and guides by listening for His voice and following His word. There will be others who will tell you that God’s word says something else…or that their way is the right way. As this Psalmist notes, they may even scorn you or judge you for your stance. Do not be deterred. God will deal with those who do this…and He will honor your commitment to Him and His will for your life.

I love how this passage says, “Lord, don’t let me make a mess of things.” Just like correcting course on Google Maps, you and I can “re-set our coordinates” and get back in full communion with God and His will. We can follow His lead and find ways every day to be joyful and productive…to bless others and be a blessing…and to forge ahead toward our Heavenly destination with hope and peace. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 5, 2023 – Life, death, blessing or curse…what impact are you making on the Kingdom of Heaven?

Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth to witness against you that today I have set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Oh, that you would choose life; that you and your children might live!

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, someone posted a photo on Facebook of a dental exam room from the 1960s. Everything was some drab shade of green, and the equipment – and even the chair – looked quite daunting. People began to share stories of haunting childhood memories about “going to the dentist.” My experiences were quite different, because my grandmother was a chairside dental assistant, and the dentist, Dr. Joe N. Robbins, became our dear friend.

When I was five, Mother took me to another dentist in town for my first dental exam, because supposedly he was “good with children,” and Dr. Joe mostly saw older patients. When the “nurse” came to the lobby to get me, she promptly locked the door and refused to allow Mother to accompany me to the exam room. Mother was having none of it…she marched her then-23-year-old self to the back entrance to that dental office, rushed into the exam room, and whisked me away like Wonder Woman! We never returned. That dentist did not practice in our community for very many years afterward, and I think I know why!

My grandmother Polly and “Dr. Joe” made sure we were not afraid of the dental office – or dentists. My siblings and I were in awe of the equipment, but we were not frightened. We were taught the purposes and practices of many of the tools and machines. Dr. Joe Robbins was a “man’s man” with big hands that could tend to his cattle as easily as he pulled my first two baby teeth. Thanks to the tenderness and wisdom with which he and my grandmother addressed us and taught us about dental care and treatment, we were never intimidated. And I must also credit the quick thinking of my mother in saving me from what would likely have been an experience that traumatized me for life.

Here’s where this fits in with today’s scripture passage…even the smallest decisions we make can have a huge impact. The smile and kind words you offer a stranger today may be what quite literally saves them. The judgmental look you give someone in the checkout line may tell that person all he/she needs to know – about you as a “Christian,” and about how they view themselves. We often judge – and make others feel judged – simply by our words and actions…and by what we don’t say and demonstrate. As with the impact these people had on my life and that of my siblings, how we react and respond to the words and actions of others can impact many generations to come.

Choose wisely. Live intentionally. Be thoughtful and careful with your words, actions, and demonstrations to others. Scripture tells us that the tongue holds the power for life and death. What are you saying to others? Who are you truly representing, and Who do others see and hear? What impact are you making on others?

Understand that as Christ’s redeemed believers, we have been given a huge responsibility. We are His agents on this earth…and we can make a difference for His Kingdom – or we can mess things up royally. In the words of John Wesley, “Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.” These are the tenets of Methodism…but they are also wise guidance for all followers of Jesus, regardless of your denomination.

Indeed, God has set before us life, death, blessings, and curses…and the choice is ours. My challenge for each of us is to choose to do no harm…to live and love in a way that glorifies our New Life in Christ and sets the course for generations to come, so that they, too, want to have a relationship with Him. Operate in love, grace, mercy, kindness, and encouragement. People are watching…be sure you always show them the love of Christ Jesus. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 17, 2022 – Is there room at the inn – and in your heart – for Jesus and all His children?

Luke 2:4-7
So Joseph had to leave Nazareth in Galilee and go to Bethlehem in Judea. Long ago Bethlehem had been King David’s hometown, and Joseph went there because he was from David’s family.

Mary was engaged to Joseph and traveled with him to Bethlehem. She was soon going to have a baby, and while they were there, she gave birth to her first-born son. She dressed him in baby clothes and laid him on a bed of hay, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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

The first of November, Greg and I took a hiking trip to Petit Jean State Park and the surrounding area in the Arkansas River Valley. We hiked deep into a valley to the base of Cedar Falls, and we found ourselves in a magical (even somewhat romantic) world of water, colorful leaves, rock cliffs and sunbeams. Greg took a selfie of us kissing in front of the waterfall. A few weeks later, the kids found this photo on my phone while they were thumbing through pictures. “EWWWW!” one said. “ICK!” said another. “WHY???” was the third response as they groaned and giggled nervously!

I don’t really understand what the kids find so gross and upsetting about us sharing a kiss. We have been married 48 years, and we are more in love than ever. To us, this simple demonstration of love and commitment is harmless…even heartwarming and a good example for them of love and commitment in marriage! But as I read this passage from Luke today, I thought about the likely response Joseph, an unmarried man, entering his hometown with a very pregnant woman sitting atop a donkey – and she was not (yet) his wife! Imagine the comments, leers, “Ewws!” and “Icks!” that Joseph and Mary must have heard – not to mention the under-the-breath whispers and “tongue clucking” that must have occurred among the villagers both in Nazareth AND Galilee. And yet, Joseph and Mary made the trek.

Joseph obediently did what he was supposed to do, and he demonstrated respect for the law, as well as obedience to God. He took God’s message in a dream to heart and stood by Mary, even though nobody would have condemned him for quietly breaking their engagement. Joseph chose to demonstrate his love and obedience to God – and maybe his genuine love for Mary – with something much greater than a “selfie kiss.” And literally, the world was changed.

We know “the rest of the story” – how all the rooms in all the inns were supposedly full, so Mary and Joseph had to take refuge in a stable. THIS is where the Savior of the World was born! THIS is where you and I received the greatest Christmas gift ever, as God sent His Son to live and die for our sins. How will you respond? Will you embrace Jesus fully – including His commands to love one another? And in doing so, will you embrace all His children and welcome them into your communities, churches, and “circles?” Or will you judge some to be unworthy…even disgusting in some way?

Will you claim that Jesus died for the sins of all who will surrender to Him while looking at some people and saying “Ewww!” (if only with a whisper and a sneer)? Are you as committed to serving God as Joseph was…and are you willing to demonstrate this however Jesus commands? Or are you serving Him conditionally…with reservations, judgments, and selfish motives?

We cannot keep pretending to be followers of Jesus. We must choose to go “all in” and offer Him the best part of us…or we need to quit claiming to be His believers and servants. Now is the time to decide. Now is the time to fully embrace Jesus and His teachings and commands. The Baby born in a lowly manger to an unmarried mother and father died so that you and I can live – now and for all Eternity. Are you ready to fully embrace Him? Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 10, 2022 – Don’t go there! It’s time to give sin the boot – and live in the freedom of God!

December 10 ~ Romans 6:12-14
That means you must not give sin a vote in the way you conduct your lives. Don’t give it the time of day. Don’t even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life. Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time—remember, you’ve been raised from the dead!—into God’s way of doing things. Sin can’t tell you how to live. After all, you’re not living under that old tyranny any longer. You’re living in the freedom of God.

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

When I was about 10 or 12, I got a new bicycle…the first bike I had ever “owned” that was brand new and truly mine. I had learned to ride on the old clunky bicycle that was handed down from my mother’s sister, who is 9 years older than I am. It was really a relic. So I was incredibly proud of my new, sleek bike. A neighbor kid came along and admired the bicycle one day, and he asked if he could ride it. I generously said yes…and the boy hopped on – and took off down the street. He did not return. I could see him riding farther and farther away.

I yelled to my dad, and he hopped in his truck and took off after the boy. Daddy returned with the bike…and an admonition that I was not to let other kids (outside of my siblings) ride it. That boy was not a part of our play group after this incident. The lesson for me was to choose my associates carefully – and if you know something is wrong or bad for you, don’t give it space in your life. When it comes to making life choices, sometimes it pays to remind yourself, “Don’t go there!”

Paul tells us in this passage from Romans 6 that we have “gotten our bike back” and must be intentional about keeping it! Those who have surrendered to Jesus have released the burden of sin and the heartache that often accompanies it…and we must never “go there” again! A pastor once declared from the pulpit that “Sometimes sin is fun!” And he is right…the devil is not going to tempt us with something boring or unpleasant. But most of the time, sin is only “fun” in the short term. Over time, it weighs us down and makes us sad or uncomfortable. Often, sin is downright harmful – mentally, physically, and most certainly Spiritually.

I like how this translation admonishes us not to even “run little errands connected with that old way of life.” In other words, don’t put yourself in a situation to be tempted – or even reminded of your old, sinful life. You are free now…free to live as God desires and to experience His joy and peace in the process. I can’t promise that every day will be a bed of roses…or that you will always be surrounded by happy, loving, fun people. God will still challenge us and give us opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love, grace, mercy and compassion. He will also give us chances to show how faithful and obedient we have become as redeemed believers.

At the end of the day, we will have the satisfaction of knowing that we didn’t give Satan the victory…we gave God the glory – and He blessed us for our steadfastness. Whenever you are tempted to dabble in your old simple ways, hear the words of Paul to the Romans…and the gentle whisper of God Almighty, and “Don’t go there!” Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 1, 2022 – Jesus is speaking and blessing His children – are you paying attention?

Psalm 103:17-22
But the loving-kindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting to those who reverence him; his salvation is to children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant and remember to obey him!

The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything there is. Bless the Lord, you mighty angels of his who carry out his orders, listening for each of his commands. Yes, bless the Lord, you armies of his angels who serve him constantly.

Let everything everywhere bless the Lord. And how I bless him too!

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, while I was running some errands, Greg took a walk at one of our favorite local parks. He said the park was practically deserted, and it was incredibly quiet, save the squawk of some geese or the gurgling of water as the river flowed alongside him. Greg commented, “I felt like I went to church!” I know exactly what he means. I have experienced such “holy times,” as well. In fact, as I walked with the kids in Blanchard Caverns last week, there were many such moments. While we marveled at how majestic the formations were…stalagmites, stalactites, “curtains,” “popcorn,” and more…I said more than once…“God created all of this!” The children thanked us for bringing them to the cave, and in turn, we thanked God for this opportunity – and for His astounding artistry.

I’ve made no secret lately of the turmoil occurring in my denomination – and the “split” that has occurred in our church body and several others. I have settled this in my own heart – and events of late have reminded me that Greg and I will be okay. Our faith in Jesus Christ has never been stronger – our relationships with God are more profound and meaningful than ever. And God is providing endless opportunities for us to sow into our children and others…to nurture their faith and understanding of Jesus…and to demonstrate the love, grace, mercy, acceptance, healing, power, and compassion of Jesus Christ for all of God’s children.

Indeed, the LORD rules over everything from His throne. He can “show up and show out” anywhere, and at any time. Our job as followers of Jesus is to be awake, alert, ready, willing, and able to speak and act as Christ commands…to be constantly listening for His orders – and to carry them out as He instructs us. With every fiber of my being, I am committed to recognizing Jesus when He speaks to me…and to living for Him in a way that fosters this faithful obedience in others…even our children’s children! I have never been more confident that this will be the case.

The more we grow and learn to recognize the presence of Jesus – even in a cave or while walking alongside a river – the more we can be assured of opportunities to bless the LORD – and share His blessings with others. My prayer is that you are really listening for the voice of the LORD…and heeding His directives. Jesus is speaking to you…do you hear Him?

©2022 Debbie Robus