Daily Devotional for January 17, 2023 – Who do you trust? It’s time to take refuge in the King of Kings!

Psalm 118:8-9
It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in men. It is better to take refuge in him than in the mightiest king!

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

Sometimes, it’s so hard to know who to believe. I am reading a fictional novel, The Last Green Valley, about a family of German descent that lived in Ukraine in the 1940s, as Hitler and Stalin began to battle over control of this land. Those who could prove German lineage were “aided” (and I use this term loosely) in fleeing Ukraine and returning to German-occupied territory. However, this “assistance” did not come without a cost. Many were required to perform tasks associated with the Holocaust. To be frank, they were often forced to kill Jews. And of course, they were required to raise their hand and offer their allegiance to Hitler with the phrase, “Sieg Heil!”

This is a compelling book…but also a hard read. We don’t like to think about what others have been forced to do to survive. We also don’t like to think that we would ever wind up in a position to compromise our values. Call it a heightened state of “go along to get along,” if you will. And some actually buy into the hype and believe that these so-called “leaders” can truly be trusted and should be given allegiance. In this novel, the husband of the family has experienced so much personal trauma and horror that he has all but lost faith in God. His wife, who has had her own share of trauma – if in different ways – still clings to her God and believes that He will rescue them.

Of course, I have not finished the book, so I don’t know how the author concludes this saga. But I have thought a lot about the story in comparison to the events of our world today – how we get caught up in the hype and yearn for things to be “better” – and often, we put our trust in mere mortals who claim they have all the answers. You and I must make sure that God is at the forefront of our lives every day. Take refuge in Him, and trust that He will always lead you in the right direction.

This doesn’t mean that we will never endure hardship or challenge – or that everything will go our way. God is not in the business of making our lives a bed of roses. God wants us to demonstrate our unwavering faith through every trial and tribulation…confident that He will always guard and guide us. I am thankful that I have never experienced anything even remotely as horrific as the atrocities of war. I don’t know why God has seen fit to design my life as He has, but I will take it. And I will never take Him for granted. It is truly better to trust in the LORD than in men.

I end this message as I began it. Sometimes, it is indeed hard to know who to believe. But we can always trust God. When we seek His word and will above all other, God will keep us upright and on course. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 16, 2023 – Serve God as He commands – and celebrate His kindness and care on this national day of service

Psalm 118:1-7
Oh, thank the Lord, for he’s so good! His loving-kindness is forever.

Let the congregation of Israel praise him with these same words: “His loving-kindness is forever.” And let the priests of Aaron chant, “His loving-kindness is forever.” Let the Gentile converts chant, “His loving-kindness is forever.”

In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me. He is for me! How can I be afraid? What can mere man do to me? The Lord is on my side; he will help me. Let those who hate me beware.

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

According to information found at DoDea – Department of Defense Education Activity…“On January 16, 2023, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday will mark the 28th anniversary of the national day of service. This day was established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, and to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Americans celebrated the first official Martin Luther King Day, which is the only federal holiday commemorating an African-American, on Monday, January 20, 1986. In 1994, Congress designated the holiday as a national day of service, and marking the third Monday in January every year as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service – a ‘Day On, Not a Day Off.’”

I am  part of the board of directors for The Community School of Cleburne County (CSOCC), which serves preschoolers and post-high-school-aged adults with developmental delays and disabilities. Photos appeared in my Facebook feed this morning of preschoolers at CSOCC looking at white eggs and brown eggs…and coloring little printed sheets that show two whole eggs…and a broken egg. The children also colored a picture of two hands that were intertwined – one white and one “brown.” The point of the lesson was that “we all look differently on the outside but inside we are the same!”

Not only is this one of the points that Dr. King was trying to make…it is GOD’s point, as well. God loves ALL of us…He sent Jesus to live and die for ALL of us. When we call on God, He hears our cries and rescues us. And when you and I start to fully trust God and live to please Him rather than “mere man,” we live in His assurance and blessings. We are no longer slaves to pleasing those who often cannot be satisfied.

Understand this…God cannot begin to really use us until we surrender fully to Him. As long as we are trying to speak and act in a way that we think pleases those around us – even when we know God is calling us to something else – there will never be progress, and God will not truly be glorified. When you stand in a group and laugh or agree with racial slurs or hateful comments and jokes, you are indicating that you value man’s opinion and approval over God’s. Yes, God calls us to be kind and gracious. But when we “go along to get along” and compromise what we know God has commanded, we have crossed the line.

Today, I challenge you to do two things…1) figure out a way to serve someone else – if only to make a phone call and genuinely ask another person, “How are you doing today?” and 2) spend some time in prayer and communication (that means you have to listen for God’s answer!) and ask God to show you how and where to surrender to Him more – and quit paying attention to what human beings think of you. God is calling us to be bold and brave in our Christian discipleship…and He will be with us every step of the way.

On this “day off,” remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and his faithfulness…and determine to make every day a “day on” for the Kingdom of Heaven as you move forward. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 15, 2023 – Lessons from a wedding…loving others with one Spirit – married or not!

Ephesians 4:2-6
Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit and so be at peace with one another.

We are all parts of one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. For us there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and we all have the same God and Father who is over us all and in us all, and living through every part of us.

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 weekend, we traveled to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to attend the wedding of Greg’s great-niece, Caitlyn. At the ceremony, the minister noted that Caitlyn and her groom, Andrew, had chosen some scriptures to be read, and he wanted to offer his insights. The officiant noted that while our first aim should be to serve and please God, this newly married couple should strive to be patient with each other, allow for faults, and always try to be at peace.

The minister suggested the couple continue all of the things they enjoyed while dating – especially communicating and having fun together. With regard to their marriage, the pastor reminded Caitlyn and Andrew that they are now part of one body…that they are called to share in life and love…but also in a glorious future as guided and guarded by God. And as parts of the same body, he encouraged them to be open and honest with each other and share their thoughts and feelings.

As members of the body of Christ, you and I are called to follow these same tenets in our daily interactions with others that Paul has outlined in this passage. We are to be humble, gentle, and patient. We are to allow for the faults and “humanness” of others – and love them as Christ loves them, even when we shake our heads while doing so! We are to try to get along – even with the “stinkers” – and to remember that we aren’t everyone else’s “cup of tea,” either!

Weddings are an interesting microcosm of life in some ways. There are moments of great tension and stress – and moments where everyone is having a “mountaintop high.” There are tender, somber moments…and instances where everyone is laughing, dancing, and having the time of their lives. There are people in the crowd we love dearly – and some we’ve likely never met before. There may be people we adore – and people we do not wish to be around for even an evening. But we must remember that Jesus loves each and every person in attendance. He knows their successes and their failures…their greatest achievements and their biggest faults – and He loves them anyhow – so much that He died for them.

So, when Paul tells us to love others and find ways to get along, he may be somewhat suggesting that we treat life like a wedding. He may be saying, “Put your best foot forward and ‘play nice’ for a few hours.” Or like the pastor said to the bride and groom, “Take the words of these scripture verses and apply them to your marriage – and interactions with others.”

Greg and I had to laugh…the minister admonished the bride and groom to be open and honest with each other, saying, “He/she is not going to know what you are thinking.” After more than 48 years of marriage, we complete each other’s sentences and often say to the other, “I was just about to tell YOU the same thing!” or, “I had that same thought!” We are still a work in progress, but there is something to be said for practice! So, practice loving others with the love of Christ and following these tenets in your relationship with others…married or not. God will be glorified, and He will bless and strengthen your efforts. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 12, 2023 – It’s not where we worship that counts, but how we worship!

John 4:21-24
Jesus replied, “The time is coming, ma’am, when we will no longer be concerned about whether to worship the Father here or in Jerusalem. For it’s not where we worship that counts, but how we worship—is our worship spiritual and real? Do we have the Holy Spirit’s help? For God is Spirit, and we must have his help to worship as we should. The Father wants this kind of worship from us. But you Samaritans know so little about him, worshiping blindly, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes to the world through the Jews.”

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 will never forget a Sunday morning when Zola was about six. She begged to go to “big church” instead of Sunday school. If I remember right, Timothy wanted to go, as well, so we all headed upstairs to the sanctuary where congregants were gathering for the service. To set the scene…this was our 11:00 a.m. traditional worship service in the sanctuary. The attendees were mostly older adults. The attire was a mix of suits and jeans, but for the most part, this was a more stoic, “dressed-up” worship service. Our kids were scrubbed and neat…and I think Zola was “fixed up” in one of her cute little dresses.

My plan was for us to sit on the very last pew, in case the children got restless and we had to leave. But my cousins were already seated there, and rather than ask them to move or step over them, we chose the next row, which was virtually empty. There was an older lady sitting on this row – more than midway in from the aisle. I did not know her, but I had seen her at this worship service before. Zola eagerly marched all the way to that lady and plopped down beside her with excitement and fanfare! I am not kidding when I tell you that the lady all but jumped as if she had just been shot! And then she cut our children a look of disapproval (and I am being nice!). I think she scooched over a bit after that in obvious disgust.

Meanwhile, my cousins had witnessed the whole incident and were trying their best to stifle hysterical laughing! I gestured for the children to move away from the lady and closer to the aisle, and we settled in for the worship service. And as I read this passage today, this phrase stuck out to me…“It’s not where we worship that counts, but how we worship.” Six-year-old children can teach us a lot about worship. Zola didn’t know the “protocol”…she was just glad to be there. And aren’t we supposed to be “glad to be there” when we worship God? Isn’t it more important to be eager to be in His presence than to be worried about who is sitting next to us, what we are wearing, or “the rules” of a particular service?

If the COVID-19 pandemic taught me anything, it is that I don’t have to be seen and heard to worship God. I can worship Him anywhere, anytime. I understand that many feel they need to gather to worship. I also believe that a lot of people gather because that’s what they think they are supposed to do…or to “network” with others. Some gather because of peer pressure, while some truly are encouraged in their faith and guided to a truly holy experience. I have been on both sides. There have been times where I sat in a worship service and felt the Holy Spirit profoundly as I sang songs of praise, prayed, read scripture, and heard an expository on the Word of God.

There have also been times when I left feeling like something was missing…was my outfit inappropriate? Did I not put enough in the offering plate? Was my mind somewhere else? Did my six-year-old plop down next to an older lady and scare her half to death? Was the message presented in song, scripture and prayer more of a production and less a worship of God? Did the speaker offer Biblical interpretation that was more about condemnation and less focused on the love of Christ? Was my worship experience spiritual and real?

The point I am trying to make is that worship is a deeply personal experience between you and God. Even if you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit profoundly each Sunday for an hour or two, don’t limit your worship to these moments. Find times all throughout your day and week to worship God and call on the Holy Spirit to bring you into a deeper communion with Him. Don’t make “worship” all about a church service. If you find that your worship is hampered by convention, don’t hesitate to find a quiet place to experience God on your own. As Jesus has told us, “It’s not where we worship that counts, but how we worship.” Call on the Holy Spirit to guide you as you seek to truly worship Him consistently and genuinely.

Additionally, think about how you react and respond to the worship of others. Do you bristle when someone sits beside you on Sunday? Do you judge others based on everything from their appearance to your perceptions to the gossip you may have heard about him/her? Do you feel that children have no place in worship services? Are you distracted by the ceremony and “production” of a conventional worship service?

It is time for us to “get our heads on straight” about worship…to enter sanctuaries with the mindset that all are welcome there – and to focus on our personal interaction with God while there. It is time for us to realize that not everyone worships in the same manner…and to be loving and accepting of all God’s children as we encourage one another in our faith. And if a six-year-old child plops down beside you on a pew, it is time to smile and thank God that he/she is there – and to do all we can to set the tone for real worship. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 31, 2022 – New Year’s Resolutions…put LOVE at the top of the list!

1 Corinthians 13:4-8  
Love is patient and kind,
never jealous, boastful,
proud, or rude.
Love isn’t selfish
or quick tempered.
It doesn’t keep a record
of wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth,
but not in evil.
Love is always supportive,
loyal, hopeful,
and trusting.
Love never fails!

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

New Year’s Eve is the day when we start to reflect on what our “resolutions” for the coming year will be. Some will decide to lose weight or get healthy. Others will vow to start a new exercise regimen – and stick with it this time! Even others will vow to read a certain number of books in the coming year, save more money, spend less time on electronic devices, and focus on family and friends. Whatever your goal for the coming year, I would like to suggest that you add just one more…love one another.

Now, you may think you already love others…but let’s examine. Is our “love” always patient and kind? Aren’t we sometimes jealous, boastful, proud, or rude? Are we ever selfish or quick-tempered? Aren’t more than a few of us keeping a record of the wrongs of others?

Do we really rejoice in the truth – even when it’s not what we want to hear? Have some of us let evil creep into our lives in one way or another…if only by our lack of response when we see and hear racism, bias, and bigotry being expressed?

Are we always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting…or do we pick and choose where, when, and who gets our “endorsements” and kindness? Have we all but given up on love…at least the kind of love that Paul describes in these verses? Have we made “love” look like we want – rather than what Jesus demonstrated and commanded?

As you make your resolutions today, put love at the top of the list. Make this the year that you truly seek to love as Jesus loves…to exude love with every word and action…to be unmistakably an agent of the love of Christ Jesus to all others. (And yes, I know I am saying the word “love” a LOT!) Let’s check back this time next year and see what a difference love made! To God be the glory forever and ever!  Happy New Year’s Eve! Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 30, 2022 – Unless I love others…

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
What if I could speak
all languages of humans
and even of angels?
If I did not love others,
I would be nothing more
than a noisy gong
or a clanging cymbal.
What if I could prophesy
and understand all mysteries
and all knowledge?
And what if I had faith
that moved mountains?
I would be nothing,
unless I loved others.
What if I gave away all
that I owned
and let myself
be burned alive?
I would gain nothing,
unless I loved others.

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

I’m cutting right to the chase today. A lot of people say, “I love everybody.” But too often, what they really mean is, “I love everybody in my tribe.” They love those who think, speak and act as they do. They love people who share the same skin color, ethnic background, spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, age, education and economic level, and fashion sense! They love those who live in similar homes and drive comparable vehicles…those whose kids are athletic or popular and “pretty”…those who go along to get along – even when this means sharing an off-color joke or laughing at a disparaging comment.

Many claim to love others and pretend to “play nice” in the presence of those they deem to be “different” or “less than” in some way. They may even be polite to those they have decided are “sinners” in some way. A lot of “Christians” declare they “love the sinner and hate the sin.” We probably all know someone who seems to be “all that and a bag of chips”…people who “tick all the boxes” in Paul’s list of virtues and demonstrations of faith and kindness as outlined in these three verses. And we also know that many of these same “Christians” would not walk across the street to spit on certain persons or groups. Their “love” is qualified, to say the least.

What about you? How honest and real is your love – for Jesus and for others? How well are you following His greatest command?  Are you “tribal” – or fully inclusive, like Jesus? I can assure you there is nothing conditional about the love of Christ. So, if we want to be like Him and serve Him wholeheartedly, we cannot place “conditions” on our love, either.

Unless we love others – all of them – Paul tells us that we are nothing. Our “faith” is empty and ineffective, and Christ is certainly not glorified. I can’t imagine that being part of a “tribe” is worth dishonoring the love of Jesus. Can you?

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 26, 2022 – Love your neighbors AND your enemies…and treat others like you want them to treat you.

November 26 ~ Matthew 5:43-47
You have heard people say, “Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.” But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you. Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong. If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for this? Even tax collectors love their friends. If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about this? Don’t even unbelievers do that?

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

There are two op-ed columnists for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that share their thoughts a few times a week. John Brummett shares my “politics” most of the time – and I read his column consistently. Mike Masterson frustrated me so much with some of his ideas that a few years ago, I all but quit reading his words. Then I noticed one day that he was writing about squamous cell cancer in his neck. His story caught my eye, and I began to follow the accounts of his treatments and the side effects he was enduring…particularly a bad fall he experienced when he tried to stand and was too weak to do so.

Mike Masterson has been quite transparent about his journey – and what he is still enduring. A feeding tube provides his nourishment since swallowing is still difficult. He has lost 40 pounds, still has physical weakness, and radiation treatments claimed his hair. He said his neck, once covered in a thick beard, now reveals what his wife calls a “goozle.” I hate to tell you this…but following Mike’s journey with cancer has changed how I view him. We probably still don’t agree on politics (although I never really considered him an “enemy”), but I have come to see this human being as a child of God who is loved just as much as anyone else. And as he described similar journeys with squamous cell cancer that others have walked almost simultaneously with him, I’ve been reminded how similar we all are.

Once when I was hospitalized for surgery, I realized that underneath that thin cotton gown every patient is given, we are all human beings in need of healing. Yes, surgeons can see skin color, relative age, and gender. They might have some idea of our ethnic origin. But they can’t discern political preferences, sexual orientation, financial and social status, or religious beliefs based on examining our bodies. This is a stark reminder of how God sees us…naked and bare before Him…and all loved equally.

So as I have read the columns written by the man I like…and the man I have grown to like…I am reminded of the verse in this passage that asks, “If you love only those who love you, will God reward you for this?” It is quite possible that at some point in your life, someone has treated you poorly – maybe even terribly. They have disrespected you, taken advantage of you, offended you, or otherwise made it quite difficult to at least like them. And in certain situations, you may have been forced to interact with this person and “bite your tongue.” Maybe you have had to offer kindness to this person that went above and beyond what you felt he/she deserved. And maybe…just maybe…this gesture brought about a positive impact. Regardless of whether the other person was “softened” in some manner, God saw your effort. God knows when we speak and act in a way that demonstrates love for our “enemies.” And pleasing God is the goal!

I can’t help but notice that cancer has changed Mike Masterson, the op-ed columnist. The tone of his writing is markedly different to me. I have discovered that I like him a lot…despite our differences. I find it sad to think of the circumstances that led to this, but I am reminded that God never wastes an opportunity. Masterson now ends every column with this admonition…and it is good advice for all of us that seems to sum up our scripture passage for today…“Now go out into the world and treat everyone you meet exactly like you want them to treat you.” I would add the words Matthew records that Jesus gave us… “love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you.” Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 19, 2022 – Guarding our hearts and minds – and listening to Jesus…it’s time to fully operate in His grace, not the world’s desires

Jude 4:3-4
Dear friends, I’ve dropped everything to write you about this life of salvation that we have in common. I have to write insisting—begging!—that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish. What has happened is that some people have infiltrated our ranks (our Scriptures warned us this would happen), who beneath their pious skin are shameless scoundrels. Their design is to replace the sheer grace of our God with sheer license—which means doing away with Jesus Christ, our one and only Master.

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 are going to be spending a lot of time with our family this week, as are many of you. I have been thinking about our children. Never did I dream that in my lifetime, the concept of Christians treating each other with love and respect – even within church bodies – would even be an issue. As I grew up, my church and community were also my extended “family.” People looked out for one another. Our parents trusted that when we rode our bicycles to the other end of town, folks along the way recognized us and would report anything amiss…from injury to perceived danger – to misbehavior! In our church family, we were loved and nurtured. We had allies, mentors, and confidantes of all ages. And we fully believed that these Believers had our best interests at heart.

Yes, there have always been “bad apples.” Even as a child, I remember pastors being all but “ridden out of town on a rail” because of something they said or did that was not in line with the teachings of Jesus. Because we are all sinners, I know that there were times when not every member of the body – or our community – behaved in a manner that honored Christ Jesus. I am realistic enough to know that “Mayberry” is a fictitious community. But I will have to say that I always felt like my hometown came pretty darn close to that ideal.

Whether this was truly a good thing or not is questionable. But suffice it to say, for most of my life, I have felt like many of the people around me knew me and genuinely cared about my well-being – mentally, physically, and spiritually. We may not have agreed on everything, but we set aside differences and loved each other with the love of Christ. We treated others as we wished to be treated. While some practiced “selective love,” many loved unconditionally and without judgment about who you were or what you had.

Things have changed…and I liken it to a little snowball that has quickly rolled downhill and turned into a snow boulder. Looking back, I see that this was gradual…just as predicted in scripture. Over time, “scoundrels” with agendas have slipped into our circles, won over our trust, and then totally duped us – or tried. The result is that there are now numerous “cliques” and groups in which people are either “in” or “out.” Whether you are male or female…young or old…on the “left” or the “right”…rich or poor…white, black, Asian, Middle Eastern or from some other ethnic group…straight, gay or binary…affiliated with this denomination or that one and more, the lines are being clearly marked. The love and care that is extended is more frequently based on whether you are “in” or “out,” it seems.

As for our children, I pray that things change…that someday, they experience what I did as a child…a “community” that loves others as Christ commanded. I pray that people truly seek the will and directives of our Lord and Savior and listen to Him, rather than mere mortals with agendas. I pray that all feel loved and accepted for who they are as precious children of the Most High God…that the sheer grace of Christ Jesus will prevail over the “license” to satisfy selfish ideals and desires.

I also pray that no matter what happens in the world at large, our children and others in our circle of influence always see Jesus in our words and actions. I pray that there is no question where I stand – or WHO I serve. This is my prayer for you, as well. Lord, make it so! Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 18, 2022 – It’s time to be free…surrendering to Jesus and living in His sovereignty

John 8:34-36
Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.

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 years ago, I made some toffee crackers for a Christmas gathering we were hosting. Basically, the recipe called for melted butter and sugar cooked to a “caramel stage” and poured over saltines that were then sprinkled with nuts and baked until crispy. To say these crackers were a hit would be an understatement – we could not stop eating them. Several at the party said they could never have these crackers at their house – they would eat the whole batch in one sitting! Honestly, I have not made them again for that reason!

We’ve all seen children who cannot stop eating candy, cookies, or something else – sometimes to the point that they became ill! Maybe you’ve done this yourself! Some people become slaves to one addiction or another. Even when a person knows that what he/she is doing is harmful – or even illegal – the control this activity holds is akin to slavery. In fact, I have heard people say – particularly of smoking – “I’m not sure I could quit if I wanted to!” These folks are so enslaved to the compelling sensations that result that they don’t feel they could ever live without them. And let’s be honest, some people do not want to be “free!”

Even in our relationship with Jesus, a lot of people are so enticed, enthralled, and deluded by sin that 1) they either think there is no other option; 2) they have decided that “I’ll work on that later,” or 3) they think that Jesus has already forgiven them, and they have a “pass.”  None of these ideas are true. With Christ, all things are possible. None of us is promised another minute! There may not be time down the road to turn to Jesus after we have “had our fun.” And Salvation by the blood of Jesus does not come with a “get-out-of-hell-free” pass to live as we please and expect Christ’s blessing.

In this translation, Jesus says, “I tell you solemnly…” but other translations say, “Very truly I tell you,” or “I tell you for certain.” I have read Bible commentaries that note that there are a handful of times where Jesus basically began with, “I tell you the truth,” or “I’m not kidding!” The opinion is that Jesus is calling for special notice to what He is about to say – and we are to pay even closer attention!

At first glance, John 8:34-36 seemed confusing. I read several translations and still had to do some digging to get my head around what Jesus is telling us. And the bottom line is that we are all sinners. Sometimes, we become so enslaved in sin that one thing leads to another, and we begin to feel helpless and hopeless to ever get free. But Jesus, who never sinned, has paid the price and set us free. Once we embrace His forgiveness and redemption, we are free forever. We never have to feel trapped again. We are emancipated forever and ever – and destined for Eternal Life in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

This is not a license to sin. If we feel that we can claim the name of Jesus and do as we please because He has redeemed us, we are still enslaved. Real freedom involves a full surrender to Jesus – and a constant effort to live as He has commanded. We must love others as Christ loves us…all of them. With every word and action, people must be able to see Jesus. I know this is a high bar…but this is what Jesus has commanded. And let’s be honest, it is “small potatoes” in comparison to what He has done for us…and what He continues to do every single day.

Every single one of us can be free in Jesus – today! We can leave our old sinful life (no matter how compelling it may have been) behind us for good. We won’t get it right every day…but we will stand up, straighten our shoulders, and move forward to do better. With the Holy Spirit to guard and guide us, we can do this!

Make this the day that you “let go and let God” have control. Surrender fully to Jesus. Walk away from the slavery of sin for good. Ask Jesus to show you where and how to truly serve others in His name – and further His Kingdom. It’s time to be free! Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 15, 2022 – Making yourself at home in the Vine, and serving as He commands…have you “pruned” too closely?

John 15:5-8
“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

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.

Each year I taught kindergarten, my class celebrated Thanksgiving by creating our own “feast” in the classroom. Every child was assigned something to bring…canned or fresh vegetables for the stew, marshmallows or pudding mix for the “cold salad,” cranberries, and ingredients to make a dessert. We created hats and headdresses, placemats, and decorations. We invited a few parents and special guests (like the principal – and one year, a local television news celebrity, Chuck Dovish) to come and eat with us.

Everyone had a part to play. If all the ingredients were not supplied, the meal wouldn’t come together. Yes, I had “backup” plans, but the point was for each student to do his/her part to bring about this delicious and momentous meal. And I will say, most years the feast came together well (although there was that one time when the potatoes in the stew did not want to cook for some reason, but we persevered!).

Unlike today, when students are out of school the entire week of Thanksgiving, we held classes on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. For several years, I scheduled my classroom feast on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I always let the cafeteria ladies know that my students and I would not be coming for lunch that day, and we ate in our room. If memory serves me correctly, these ladies graciously even baked our pumpkin pies for us.

But one year, the cafeteria manager approached me and said, “You are being disrespectful!” I was perplexed, and she continued… “Your class always skips our special Thanksgiving meal. We work really hard on that, and you just dismiss it.” In my defense, I did not believe 5-year-olds were especially fond of turkey and dressing. But I saw that I had clearly hurt the feelings of these lovely cafeteria ladies by stepping away and doing things differently. I promptly rescheduled my classroom feast to a different day – and it remained so for the rest of the years I taught.

My point is this…sometimes even when we think we are doing things right and working together, we get it at least a little bit wrong. When we strike out on our own and fail to consider the much bigger picture, we often cause unnecessary hurt and heartache toward others – and in the Kingdom of Heaven.

You may think that everyone in your church interprets scripture as you do, so it’s okay to embrace certain rituals or tenets and trust they are “God-ordained.” Meanwhile, you may be excluding others and making it abundantly clear to them that “their kind” is not welcome or included. This is NOT God-ordained…it does not represent the teachings of Jesus. Not only is such behavior unproductive – it can do great damage to the missions and ministries of Jesus Christ. Sometimes, this can even sully the name we claim as “Christians” – or members of a certain religious belief or denomination.

Thanksgiving Day is a time to be thankful…but it is also a time to celebrate unity. Sadly, a lot of folks have separated from the Vine these days and decided to have things their own way in some manner. This will surely affect the “harvest.” Jesus reminds us in this passage to stay attached to the Vine…to make ourselves at home in Him and listen for His voice. When we keep the words of Jesus in our heart…and demonstrate His commands in every utterance and action, there is plentiful bounty and more than enough for all.

Ask Jesus to show you where you have started to “prune your branches” a bit too closely – and where you need to draw closer to Him and pay attention to serving all others in His name. Do the necessary work to let this be the year that your Thanksgiving Feast is a celebration of Christ’s blessings and abundance for all of us. And let your words and actions bring glory and honor to His Kingdom, forever and ever. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus