Proverbs 20
16 Take his garment that is surety for a stranger: and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.
22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.
23 Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good. (Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
What if you inherited $10,000? What would you do? Would it be a good thing? One would think so. But things are not always as they seem. My grandmother had a wealthy aunt by marriage who passed away and left her $10,000. My grandmother was elderly, in poor health, and living in a nursing home. Her financial situation was such that each month the nursing home garnished her Social Security check and used it to pay her bill. She had no other assets – in other words, she didn’t have any income or money beyond her monthly Social Security check. So, you must be thinking, this $10,000 was a good thing, right? Wrong!
Now that my grandmother had assets ($10,000), the nursing home would no longer accept her monthly Social Security check (which was somewhere around $1000), as payment for her room and services. They wanted the full amount of $3000 per month. So, until the $10,000 was gone, she had to pay the “regular” fees each month to the nursing home.
You may be thinking, “this is only fair. Many others pay the full amount each month." And you would be right. And in that regard, the inheritance made no difference. Where it DID make a difference was in paperwork! Unless you have admitted a relative or friend to a nursing home, you have no idea how much paperwork is involved. They want proof of all of your assets – or that you have none. They want to see checkbooks, savings accounts, notarized statements from funeral homes about your burial plan (if you have one), copies of life insurance policies, and much more. And all of that had been provided. Of course, once the inheritance was received, all of that had to be redone, and again when the money ran out!
My mom even tried to refuse the inheritance. But legally, she had to accept it on my grandmother’s behalf. And in the end, the paperwork all got done and life moved ahead. The irony of the situation is that my grandmother had two sisters, and one of them also received $10,000 – the other did not. So here was a woman who got money she really didn’t want or need, another who got it and enjoyed treating herself and her family to a few luxuries, and yet another who could have used the money and got nothing, and she was deeply hurt. None of these three ladies really DID anything to earn this money, and I guess you could consider an inheritance a “gift” – and not all gifts are bad. But banking on them to get you through is not a good idea, and when you do receive a gift, consider carefully how it will affect your life and what it will mean. Don’t count on gifts or the generosity of others to get you through life. And should you receive them, ask God to guide your steps and show you how to proceed.
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 30, 2007
Proverbs 20
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Have you ever watched one of those news shows where the host has guests with opposing opinions on a topic, and the people just “go at it!” Or sometimes this will happen when one of the early morning news anchors has “experts” on to discuss a hot topic and you see them on a split screen, all vying for the spotlight and a chance to give THEIR opinion, which of course each feels is the right one! Those conflicts frustrate me to no end, and the really heated ones make me want to cover my ears and shake my head (or change the channel!), especially when the host cannot seem to rein everyone in and control the debate.
These people may think they are intelligent and that their opinions are correct. But more times than not, they end up looking like fools – and rude, belligerent, unkind people you wouldn’t want to know and most certainly would not trust! It seems like yelling and screaming your opinion at others has become more acceptable in our society lately, along with openly voicing our criticisms of others about subjects once considered impolite. I’m all for freedom of speech, but I think in many ways, the yelling and screaming is actually a form of laziness. It’s easier, sometimes, to just yell and scream at each other until somebody caves rather than go to the trouble and effort to work things out quietly and politely. Nobody wants to take the time to hear the other person out and weigh their thoughts, consider the facts, and draw reasonable conclusions.
The Bible is clear about laziness of any kind. Verse 13 says “love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty.” And Verse 11 says “even a child is known by his doings." So let’s ask ourselves – are we lazy and preferring to behave like a child, with selfish motives and impatience that leads us to kick and scream and demand our own way? Or are we wise, listening to the teachings of God’s word and carefully choosing our words and actions and weighing the consequences of each?
©2007 Debbie Robus
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
6 Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?
7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
8 A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?
10 Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the LORD.
11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.
13 Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty; open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
14 It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.
15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Have you ever watched one of those news shows where the host has guests with opposing opinions on a topic, and the people just “go at it!” Or sometimes this will happen when one of the early morning news anchors has “experts” on to discuss a hot topic and you see them on a split screen, all vying for the spotlight and a chance to give THEIR opinion, which of course each feels is the right one! Those conflicts frustrate me to no end, and the really heated ones make me want to cover my ears and shake my head (or change the channel!), especially when the host cannot seem to rein everyone in and control the debate.
These people may think they are intelligent and that their opinions are correct. But more times than not, they end up looking like fools – and rude, belligerent, unkind people you wouldn’t want to know and most certainly would not trust! It seems like yelling and screaming your opinion at others has become more acceptable in our society lately, along with openly voicing our criticisms of others about subjects once considered impolite. I’m all for freedom of speech, but I think in many ways, the yelling and screaming is actually a form of laziness. It’s easier, sometimes, to just yell and scream at each other until somebody caves rather than go to the trouble and effort to work things out quietly and politely. Nobody wants to take the time to hear the other person out and weigh their thoughts, consider the facts, and draw reasonable conclusions.
The Bible is clear about laziness of any kind. Verse 13 says “love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty.” And Verse 11 says “even a child is known by his doings." So let’s ask ourselves – are we lazy and preferring to behave like a child, with selfish motives and impatience that leads us to kick and scream and demand our own way? Or are we wise, listening to the teachings of God’s word and carefully choosing our words and actions and weighing the consequences of each?
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 29, 2007
Proverbs 19
11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Contemporary English Version, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
I encourage you to go to BibleGateway.com and read this passage in the Contemporary English Version. Particularly, I was struck by Verse 29, which says: “Every stupid fool is just waiting to be punished.” Some of us should have that tattooed on our foreheads, don’t you think?! If you will go to this passage online and read it in contemporary language, you will see that foolish behavior is outlined… laziness, disrespect, gossip, flaunting your own opinions, lying, disloyalty, worldliness and looking down on others, and more. And, if you examine your own life, I bet you will find areas where you, like all of us, are operating in foolishness – at least some of the time.
Knowing that “every stupid fool is just waiting to be punished,” why on earth would we continue to operate in foolishness? Who among us wants to be punished? The way OUT of foolishness is clear. We’ve been reading about it for months now, so it’s not like we don’t know how to get out of this mess! So what are you going to do? Are you going to be a stupid fool waiting to be punished, or are you going to listen to the lessons of the Scripture and ask God to lead you in wisdom and His ways? The options are clear… the rest is up to you!
©2007 Debbie Robus
11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
12 The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.
17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.
19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.
20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
22 The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
24 A slothful man hideth his hand in his bosom, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.
27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Contemporary English Version, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
I encourage you to go to BibleGateway.com and read this passage in the Contemporary English Version. Particularly, I was struck by Verse 29, which says: “Every stupid fool is just waiting to be punished.” Some of us should have that tattooed on our foreheads, don’t you think?! If you will go to this passage online and read it in contemporary language, you will see that foolish behavior is outlined… laziness, disrespect, gossip, flaunting your own opinions, lying, disloyalty, worldliness and looking down on others, and more. And, if you examine your own life, I bet you will find areas where you, like all of us, are operating in foolishness – at least some of the time.
Knowing that “every stupid fool is just waiting to be punished,” why on earth would we continue to operate in foolishness? Who among us wants to be punished? The way OUT of foolishness is clear. We’ve been reading about it for months now, so it’s not like we don’t know how to get out of this mess! So what are you going to do? Are you going to be a stupid fool waiting to be punished, or are you going to listen to the lessons of the Scripture and ask God to lead you in wisdom and His ways? The options are clear… the rest is up to you!
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 28, 2007
Proverbs 19
1 Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD.
4 Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour.
5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.
7 All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him.
8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.
9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
10 Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
When I first started singing with our Praise and Worship band at my church, there was a gentleman who came to our services and sat near the front of the sanctuary each Sunday. He was older, with a balding head and a soft grey-white mustache, and he radiated total joy. He was always smiling, and during the songs, he would lift his hands upward and sing in praise to the Lord. And you could tell he meant it! Often, he would stop our band leader after the service to tell her how much he loved the music and how it meant the world to him to share in it. We were always blessed by this man most of us knew only as “Dr. Swingle.”
To me, Dr. Glenn Swingle was simply this humble man who attended our worship services. We live in a resort/retirement community filled with former physicians, lawyers, bankers, and other persons of means. Some of them are quite outgoing and visible in the community and you realize their history, while others, like Dr. Swingle, are more in the background, for whatever reason. I knew that Dr. Swingle was instrumental in helping our former pastor and another physician establish a Christian Health Center in our community, but you didn’t see his photo in the newspaper, and I bet many people never knew who he was or what he accomplished. I also knew that somewhere along the line, I stopped seeing Dr. Swingle in our Praise and Worship services on Sunday mornings.
One night at band practice, another member asked for prayer for Dr. Swingle. It seems he had developed some form of cancer and he was on Hospice care and in the final stages of life. When he passed away, I read his obituary with interest, learning that this quiet, joy-filled man and several of his family members had come to know the Lord in the 1970’s at a Lay Ministry conference held at one of the churches in his community. I learned that he had served as president of his local chapter of the American Medical Society, as well as the regional chapter of that society, which encompassed several states. I learned that he and his family had helped establish a non-denominational church in another rural community in Arkansas – a church which is thriving today!
I am sure that Dr. Swingle had money – maybe a LOT of money. But he never flaunted it, as far as I can tell. He made SERVICE his currency rather than his monetary wealth. I am sad to say I didn’t get to know Dr. Swingle better, but from what I can see, he operated in the lessons he learned from his Master… serving others, healing the sick, helping to secure medical help for the poor and downtrodden, building up the Kingdom by spreading Christ’s message and even starting new churches. He quietly raised his hands in our church services and praised God, and he loudly encouraged us with his kind comments and positive words.
The Proverbs say that rich men have friends… but how are these men rich? Money may appear to buy friendship, but I would say that Dr. Swingle showed us how much more riches of the heart can buy. What about you? Where are your riches? Who are your friends? What – and Whom – are you serving?
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 27, 2007
Proverbs 18
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
23 The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
My cell phone service provider has a plan that allows me to talk to others with the same provider at no charge. My mother has a phone service that allows her to choose “friends” who are using another provider, and she can talk to them any time at no charge. We do not share the same phone service provider, so she chose my phone number to be one of those listed in her “circle of friends.”
I was reading this passage and thinking about what to say about it, and it struck me as odd that Verse 22 was stuck in the middle of these verses about controlling your tongue and thoughts, how to treat others, and how to choose your friends.Then I realized that this verse might be the theme for all of the other surrounding verses. You may have noticed that the Proverbs talk a lot about the virtue of a good woman and/or wife, how to control our thoughts and what we say, and friendship. It seems to me that God is telling us in this passage that a good companion can help us to live this kind of life - a life that pleases Him.
It’s not the word “wife” that is important, necessarily. But we have read in previous passages about what constitutes a “good wife,” and I believe that God is showing us that choosing our friends and companions wisely will help us to live the kind of life that pleases him – a life in which we treat others fairly and guard our mouth and don’t flaunt our opinions and our possessions.
You may be in a situation where you are surrounded by family members who do not live a Godly life. But God is showing us that we can choose friends (and even spouses) who do live for Him… and they can become closer and more valuable in our daily living than any family member. So who is in your “friends and family circle?” Have you chosen wisely?
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 26, 2007
Proverbs 18
10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
18 The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
”The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Isn’t that a beautiful verse? Doesn’t that make you feel good to know that God is our “strong tower” – a “safe place” we can run to and be welcomed?
In the first part of Psalm 32:7, we read “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble…”. Do you remember having a hiding place when you were a child - a place you could go and be still and quiet and away from the world and feel safe? For me, that was a spot across the road from my grandparents’ house. They lived “out in the country” on a dirt road, and across it from their house was a pretty substantial creek. On the bank above that creek was an embankment covered in soft, deep green moss and surrounded by pine trees. I would dash across the road and jump over the creek to climb this embankment and sit in the moss.
To this day, I can still feel the safety and sanctitude of that place when I hear wind whisper through pine trees. It takes me back every time. I am seven years old, sitting in the moss, looking at my grandparents’ house, knowing that “home” is only a few yards away, yet feeling like I am hidden from the rest of the world. I am in my own little “hiding place” and it is peaceful, calm, secure, and even holy.
The GOOD NEWS is that, in Jesus Christ, we each have a “hiding place.” He is waiting to give us peace, security, calmness, and holiness. He is available at any time to be our soft place to rest and to preserve us from trouble. Verse 16 speaks of the power of a gift to open doors for us with others. But with Christ, no gift is necessary. HE is the giver, not us. He does not need our bribe or flattery in order to love us and provide for us.
So what about you? Is the Lord your tower of safety and refuge? Does He provide you with a hiding place of mossy banks and whispering pines? He can, you know… all you have to do is ask. He is waiting for you… what are YOU waiting for?
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 25, 2007
Proverbs 18
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Have you ever known someone who has an opinion on everything – and they think their opinion is the only one that matters! There are a couple of cable news commentators who instantly come to mind for me, along with a couple of political leaders who are always giving their opinion to anyone who will listen. When I flip the channels and see these people, I want to move on as fast as I can, don’t you?!
There is one woman, in particular, who has an evening show on cable TV in which she interviews the principles in controversial stories, like high-profile murder trials and kidnappings and the like. It doesn’t take long to see that she has declared herself judge and jury. She has decided the outcome of the situation, and she is clamoring to get her viewers to see it her way! The more I get into God’s word and learn about His desires for our lives and His ways, I see that this is nothing short of evil. Foolish people, as the Proverbs describe them, have separated themselves. Verse 3 calls them “wicked,” and quite honestly, they are! They flaunt their own ideas and opinions and encourage others to jump on the bandwagon. Wisdom goes right out the window.
It is tempting to “run like the wind” when you encounter someone like this. But that is not practical. If the person is your teacher, or your boss, or one of your community leaders, or even your parent, you will have to put up with them. BUT… there are things you can do: 1) pray for them - ask God to change their heart; 2) live by example. Avoid being “puffed up” yourself and expounding your opinion or creating an argument with the person; and 3) stay close to God in prayer and Bible study, and surround yourself with wise people who seek God’s will and counsel and know when to speak and when to be quiet. Look for people who don’t gossip or try to dominate others, and establish relationships with them that will benefit and nurture both of you.
©2007 Debbie Robus
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
3 When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Have you ever known someone who has an opinion on everything – and they think their opinion is the only one that matters! There are a couple of cable news commentators who instantly come to mind for me, along with a couple of political leaders who are always giving their opinion to anyone who will listen. When I flip the channels and see these people, I want to move on as fast as I can, don’t you?!
There is one woman, in particular, who has an evening show on cable TV in which she interviews the principles in controversial stories, like high-profile murder trials and kidnappings and the like. It doesn’t take long to see that she has declared herself judge and jury. She has decided the outcome of the situation, and she is clamoring to get her viewers to see it her way! The more I get into God’s word and learn about His desires for our lives and His ways, I see that this is nothing short of evil. Foolish people, as the Proverbs describe them, have separated themselves. Verse 3 calls them “wicked,” and quite honestly, they are! They flaunt their own ideas and opinions and encourage others to jump on the bandwagon. Wisdom goes right out the window.
It is tempting to “run like the wind” when you encounter someone like this. But that is not practical. If the person is your teacher, or your boss, or one of your community leaders, or even your parent, you will have to put up with them. BUT… there are things you can do: 1) pray for them - ask God to change their heart; 2) live by example. Avoid being “puffed up” yourself and expounding your opinion or creating an argument with the person; and 3) stay close to God in prayer and Bible study, and surround yourself with wise people who seek God’s will and counsel and know when to speak and when to be quiet. Look for people who don’t gossip or try to dominate others, and establish relationships with them that will benefit and nurture both of you.
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 24, 2007
Proverbs 17
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
When I was growing up, my mother and my grandmother made almost everything my sister and I wore. They sewed for hours and days to keep us clothed. We didn’t have a closet full of clothes, but we had enough. For the longest time, it seemed like my mother had only ONE dress that she wore over and over so that she could spend her time sewing for us instead. I know she sacrificed her own clothing needs to see that ours were met. And we had very nice clothes.
My grandmother could make anything she saw, so when the new Sears and Penney’s catalogs came, we showed her pictures of dresses we liked, and she and my mom made them! Oh, maybe our dress was blue instead of red like the one in the picture, or more often the fabric was a little different from the one the stores sold, but the style and pattern were the same as the picture. I remember one year in particular, when I must have been in 7th or 8th grade, and I had two really cool dresses (for the day). One was a rusty orange polo-style dress with a pocket near the hem, and that pocket held a black/white polka-dotted scarf for decoration. It looked JUST like one that JCPenney was selling in their fall catalog. I also had a white knit dress with black velvet ribbon laced through the neckline and the sleeve hems - again, exactly like one in the catalog. And my friends LOVED those dresses. They wished THEIR mothers and grandmothers could sew like that!
“Store-bought” clothing cost more than my parents could afford. And yet, we so wanted a “store-bought” dress like our friends. Our town had a few nice dress shops – this was well before we had Wal-Mart or Target – and my sister and I would thumb through the racks and dream of what we would buy if we could afford them. When I was in junior high, a very nice dress shop held an end-of-season sale, and my mother bought a couple of dresses for me. They were actually on sale for less than it would cost her to make them, so it was a good investment of her time and money. I was THRILLED with my dresses, and when I wore the first one to school, my friends applauded!
But you know what? More than one of my friends told me how much they preferred my home-made dresses. One friend in particular so wanted my white dress with the black velvet ribbon trim. She loved that dress! But more than that, I think she loved the fact that my mom and grandmother had given their time and talents to make it for me – a gesture of love and caring on a level she didn’t get from her own mother and grandmother.
See, there was a lot more going on at my house than just sewing clothes and saving money. My mom and grandmother taught us, without saying anything, quite a few lessons. We learned how to live within our means. We learned how to save our money for the things we could NOT make, like a versatile pair of shoes to go with our dresses. We saw a woman working side by side with her mother-in-law to create pretty things for two girls – clothing them and making them happy all at the same time. We saw sacrifice in the things these women did for themselves in order to have time for us.
In my adult life, I’ve acquired closets full of clothes and over-indulged in purchases. But I have never forgotten the lessons I learned as a child. I know that in the wisdom of these two women, I gained an understanding of more than one of life’s lessons – living within your means, being happy with less, not trying to always keep up with others, and more. “Wisdom is before him that hath understanding…” Do you understand the efforts your parents or others around you are making on your behalf? Do you appreciate what is being done for you on this earth – and more importantly, by your Heavenly Father? Are you making the most of these gifts, or are you an “unhappy fool with a spirit like dry bones”? Search your heart and your life today, and examine what is taking place -- and where you might need an attitude adjustment.
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 23, 2007
Proverbs 17
8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Once my cousin was telling me of a mutual acquaintance, and he said, “When you get on Joe’s ‘list’ there is no eraser!” In other words, once you made this person mad or unhappy, he never forgot it! Along the same line, I knew someone who was always doing things for others. But they came with a price. She seriously expected people to do things for her in return, and when they didn’t, she didn’t hesitate to complain. And you know what? She was a very unhappy person, and she was really quite lonely.
It’s hard to be friends with someone who reminds you of your mistakes and shortcomings. God wants us to love each other and overlook the other’s faults. He wants us to stop quarrels before they start. He wants families and friends to stick together and encourage each other, not tear one another down. He wants us to gently let others know when we are displeased with them – and then get over it.
The Message talks about a gentle correction to someone with good sense more effective than a “whack on the head of a fool.” So what about you? Do you have a “list” with no eraser? Or is your list filled with friends and blessings and Godly joys? Are you surrounded with sensible friends and acquaintances with whom you can be generous without expecting reciprocation – with whom you can be yourself without fear of criticism or mistreatment? Or do you need a “whack-on-the-head” wake-up call? If so, consider yourself lovingly and gently “whacked” and ask God to help you start over with a clean slate.
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 22, 2007
Proverbs 17
1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
We have become a society ruled by the news media. We are bombarded with news, from the major networks and their local affiliates to the cable news channels to the “tabloid” news, such as Entertainment Tonight, Extra, E!, and more. And I won’t even talk about the tabloids you can buy at any check-out stand and their idea of “news.” The airwaves have been saturated with “news” of Paris Hilton and her incarceration, Lindsay Lohan and her trip to rehab, Tori Spelling’s “ordination” as a minister. Remember Mel Gibson and his troubles? What about Michael Richards and Don Imus? Depending on your age, you may or may not have been old enough to pay any attention to the O.J. Simpson trial, but many of us were glued to our televisions, afraid to miss any gory details.”
So what?” you may be asking. This is all harmless “entertainment” – something to talk about with friends. It would seem that way, wouldn’t it? But as I have said before, you never know who is listening and watching. And even talk about the mundane – or sensational – events of celebrities’ lives is disheartening to God. Some will try to justify the talk… “Celebrities should expect to be talked about – it goes with the territory.” What if young children hear this? They are not mature enough to filter it and understand what they are hearing. They may draw the wrong conclusions. They may have a hard time making the distinction between “celebrity gossip” and reality. And child or not, pretty soon we are all criticizing and discussing the person down the street right along with the celebrity we do not know.
From time to time, we all see the rich and famous doing and saying things that we know are wrong. But it is easy for Satan to use this to weave these thoughts, words, and feelings into the fabric of OUR daily lives. Soon we are snubbing those less fortunate. We are calling people names or peppering our language with four-letter words (and wondering where on earth our kids heard them!), and we are accepting less than decent behavior as the “social norm.” It’s a slippery slope, isn’t it?!
We have to be careful about what we watch, read, hear and discuss. We have to be selective in our music, our friends, and what we do with our time, talents and money. Have you noticed how often gossip and lying are discussed in Proverbs? We must stay on our toes to make sure that these are not a part of our daily living!
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 21, 2007
Proverbs 16
27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Do you know what a hoary head is? That is a head full of gray hair! And this passage says it is “a crown of glory… found in the way of righteousness.” Does this mean that all people who have gray hair are righteous? Absolutely not! If you go back and read the scriptures before and after verse 31, you will see that we are being told not to be gossips, mean spirited, or people who stir up trouble. The righteous person is slow to anger and in control of his/her emotions. And the Bible tells us that people who control their emotions quite often live well into old age!
I know it’s hard. I know we all have moments when we snap at our friends and family members, and most certainly our spouses and our parents. I can tell you from my own experience that controlling your emotions can greatly reduce your stress level and probably extend your life! I am my grandmother’s primary caregiver. As anyone who spends a lot of time with elderly people can tell you, they have their own ideas and opinions about how things should be! And as I’ve shared with you already, my grandmother has certainly grown in wisdom and experiences in her nearly 95 years of living. But she also knows how to push my buttons!
I hear this all the time from others who are assisting an elderly family member or friend. “No matter how much you visit, they want you to come more often,” they will tell me, or “I never do anything the way they want it done, and boy do I hear about it!” Or, “I had to tell Dad he can’t drive any more, and he hit the roof!” or “Grandma has had to go to a nursing home, and man, is she ever mad at me for it – as if it were MY fault!” I wrestled with trying to please my grandmother and satisfy her every request for quite some time. I found myself frequently frustrated, if not angry, and very tempted to say things I would regret. It wasn’t that I was mad at my grandmother, but I was frustrated with our situation. And increasingly, it was difficult to hold my tongue.
Finally, in total desperation, I e-mailed my pastor. “I don’t know what to do,” I told him. “I am struggling to overcome bitterness and anger.” His reply was that I needed to set limits. Decide what I would and would not be responsible for, and learn to say “No” to the rest. He reminded me that “No!” is a complete sentence! I took my pastor’s advice to heart, knowing he is a trusted friend who would not advise lightly. And it has served me well. Setting limits has allowed me to get a handle on my emotions… and to hold my tongue! It was as if a cloud has lifted from me and I have felt the anger and bitterness dissolve. Oh, sure, I still get upset once in awhile, but I see things more clearly now that I have taken a step back. And you know what? The gray hair just keeps sprouting on my head! Maybe there really IS something to this? I certainly don’t consider myself righteous, but I am working every day to improve… and as verse 33 tells us, God will decide how well I’m doing!
©2007 Debbie Robus
27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.
30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.
32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Do you know what a hoary head is? That is a head full of gray hair! And this passage says it is “a crown of glory… found in the way of righteousness.” Does this mean that all people who have gray hair are righteous? Absolutely not! If you go back and read the scriptures before and after verse 31, you will see that we are being told not to be gossips, mean spirited, or people who stir up trouble. The righteous person is slow to anger and in control of his/her emotions. And the Bible tells us that people who control their emotions quite often live well into old age!
I know it’s hard. I know we all have moments when we snap at our friends and family members, and most certainly our spouses and our parents. I can tell you from my own experience that controlling your emotions can greatly reduce your stress level and probably extend your life! I am my grandmother’s primary caregiver. As anyone who spends a lot of time with elderly people can tell you, they have their own ideas and opinions about how things should be! And as I’ve shared with you already, my grandmother has certainly grown in wisdom and experiences in her nearly 95 years of living. But she also knows how to push my buttons!
I hear this all the time from others who are assisting an elderly family member or friend. “No matter how much you visit, they want you to come more often,” they will tell me, or “I never do anything the way they want it done, and boy do I hear about it!” Or, “I had to tell Dad he can’t drive any more, and he hit the roof!” or “Grandma has had to go to a nursing home, and man, is she ever mad at me for it – as if it were MY fault!” I wrestled with trying to please my grandmother and satisfy her every request for quite some time. I found myself frequently frustrated, if not angry, and very tempted to say things I would regret. It wasn’t that I was mad at my grandmother, but I was frustrated with our situation. And increasingly, it was difficult to hold my tongue.
Finally, in total desperation, I e-mailed my pastor. “I don’t know what to do,” I told him. “I am struggling to overcome bitterness and anger.” His reply was that I needed to set limits. Decide what I would and would not be responsible for, and learn to say “No” to the rest. He reminded me that “No!” is a complete sentence! I took my pastor’s advice to heart, knowing he is a trusted friend who would not advise lightly. And it has served me well. Setting limits has allowed me to get a handle on my emotions… and to hold my tongue! It was as if a cloud has lifted from me and I have felt the anger and bitterness dissolve. Oh, sure, I still get upset once in awhile, but I see things more clearly now that I have taken a step back. And you know what? The gray hair just keeps sprouting on my head! Maybe there really IS something to this? I certainly don’t consider myself righteous, but I am working every day to improve… and as verse 33 tells us, God will decide how well I’m doing!
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 20, 2007
Proverbs 16
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
My husband and I both graduated from college. We both got good jobs… he became a Park Ranger for the US Army Corps of Engineers. I became a kindergarten teacher in the pubic school system. We worked hard and, thanks to my husband’s management abilities, we saved enough to “climb the housing ladder,” from our first 3-bedroom, 1-bath fixer-upper home to a beautiful, brand new 3-bedroom, 2-bath beauty. We gradually made it our own, with furnishings and landscaping, and we even added a swimming pool.
We thought we were living the life! We had a beautiful home in a well-respected neighborhood. We had good jobs, two cars, and all of the trappings of middle-class suburbia. And we had an empty spot in our hearts. We had all of the “things,” and we liked what we did for a living, but we felt disconnected. It wasn’t about working too hard… we’ve never been afraid of hard work. It was about what we were doing with our energy – mentally AND physically. It was about being closer to our families and slowing down and appreciating people rather than things. We thought about this and talked about our dreams for months – even years – and we formulated a plan. In the end, we decided to take a GIANT leap of faith and start our own business.
In order to make this happen, we would have to sell our house with the pool – and many of our possessions – and get something much smaller and simpler. We developed a budget and vowed to stick to it – living on our retirement savings until the business could get on solid ground. And we did. We went from a large house with pool to very small house with a much smaller yard. We kept a ledger and wrote down every penny we spent each month… even if it was a soft drink from the vending machine. AND… if we had enough money left over in our grocery budget at the end of the month, we treated ourselves to Sonic® burgers!
We also got more involved in church activities. We delivered Meals on Wheels to elderly people one day a week. We rode our bicycles and visited with family members. And even with the pressures of sticking to a budget and starting a new business – and venturing into unknown territory - we were relaxed and happy. We didn’t have JCPenney, the mall, a hundred restaurant options, a multi-plex movie theater, and more… and we didn’t miss it! If you aren’t faced with these options every day, you truly do forget about them!
I wish I could say that materialism has not crept back into our lives from time to time. We have been up and down the “housing ladder” – both expanding AND downsizing through the years as our life situations changed. BUT… we have never forgotten the lesson of our first major leap. We realize that “it’s just stuff” and doesn’t make you who you are. We realize that true wealth is measured in “intangibles”… your relationship with God, family, friends, your health, your heart, and more. God is okay with us having material things… if we are good stewards of the gifts He gives us and don’t flaunt them. But He is more concerned with the gifts of the heart … and if we stay close to Him, this is where His rewards are the greatest!
©2007 Debbie Robus
18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
26 He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
My husband and I both graduated from college. We both got good jobs… he became a Park Ranger for the US Army Corps of Engineers. I became a kindergarten teacher in the pubic school system. We worked hard and, thanks to my husband’s management abilities, we saved enough to “climb the housing ladder,” from our first 3-bedroom, 1-bath fixer-upper home to a beautiful, brand new 3-bedroom, 2-bath beauty. We gradually made it our own, with furnishings and landscaping, and we even added a swimming pool.
We thought we were living the life! We had a beautiful home in a well-respected neighborhood. We had good jobs, two cars, and all of the trappings of middle-class suburbia. And we had an empty spot in our hearts. We had all of the “things,” and we liked what we did for a living, but we felt disconnected. It wasn’t about working too hard… we’ve never been afraid of hard work. It was about what we were doing with our energy – mentally AND physically. It was about being closer to our families and slowing down and appreciating people rather than things. We thought about this and talked about our dreams for months – even years – and we formulated a plan. In the end, we decided to take a GIANT leap of faith and start our own business.
In order to make this happen, we would have to sell our house with the pool – and many of our possessions – and get something much smaller and simpler. We developed a budget and vowed to stick to it – living on our retirement savings until the business could get on solid ground. And we did. We went from a large house with pool to very small house with a much smaller yard. We kept a ledger and wrote down every penny we spent each month… even if it was a soft drink from the vending machine. AND… if we had enough money left over in our grocery budget at the end of the month, we treated ourselves to Sonic® burgers!
We also got more involved in church activities. We delivered Meals on Wheels to elderly people one day a week. We rode our bicycles and visited with family members. And even with the pressures of sticking to a budget and starting a new business – and venturing into unknown territory - we were relaxed and happy. We didn’t have JCPenney, the mall, a hundred restaurant options, a multi-plex movie theater, and more… and we didn’t miss it! If you aren’t faced with these options every day, you truly do forget about them!
I wish I could say that materialism has not crept back into our lives from time to time. We have been up and down the “housing ladder” – both expanding AND downsizing through the years as our life situations changed. BUT… we have never forgotten the lesson of our first major leap. We realize that “it’s just stuff” and doesn’t make you who you are. We realize that true wealth is measured in “intangibles”… your relationship with God, family, friends, your health, your heart, and more. God is okay with us having material things… if we are good stewards of the gifts He gives us and don’t flaunt them. But He is more concerned with the gifts of the heart … and if we stay close to Him, this is where His rewards are the greatest!
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 19, 2007
Proverbs 16
1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Can I be real with you for a minute? For several weeks, I have had an unsettled spirit. I have been bothered and upset by petty things that I knew shouldn’t matter. I have acknowledged this as the work of the devil to try to throw me off course. And still, I have struggled with these issues. I have prayed about them and asked for guidance – and relief! I guess you could say I have felt as if I were in a “Spiritual drought!” Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever wondered where your deepest joy went and how to get it back again?
I have good news! This passage speaks directly to those of us “wandering in the desert” so to speak. “Commit thy works unto the Lord…” “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” In other words, I need to be looking harder for ways to please the Lord. I need to be focusing more on HIS work and HIS goals, and HE will take care of the devil and any forces at work to pull me away from the joy He brings to my life.
I’m sure you are thinking, “yeah, sure… that sounds too easy!” We need to realize that being a Christian doesn’t guarantee us a life of joy and warm fuzzy feelings. We must stay constantly alert and pay attention to our Spiritual health, feeding and nurturing it with the tools God provides. I’m not going to tell you that it will be easy – the devil is a strong force who doesn’t give up! But, GOD is far more powerful. “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” (John 10:29 KJV) So be encouraged. “Spiritual droughts” can end, and the flood of God’s joy can come again. Recommit yourself to prayer and Bible study and spending time in His presence. Ask God to show you how to best serve Him in your daily living, and see where He leads you! It is my prayer that God’s blessings rain down on you and fill you in ways you can’t even imagine!
©2007 Debbie Robus
1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.
3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.
4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Can I be real with you for a minute? For several weeks, I have had an unsettled spirit. I have been bothered and upset by petty things that I knew shouldn’t matter. I have acknowledged this as the work of the devil to try to throw me off course. And still, I have struggled with these issues. I have prayed about them and asked for guidance – and relief! I guess you could say I have felt as if I were in a “Spiritual drought!” Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever wondered where your deepest joy went and how to get it back again?
I have good news! This passage speaks directly to those of us “wandering in the desert” so to speak. “Commit thy works unto the Lord…” “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” In other words, I need to be looking harder for ways to please the Lord. I need to be focusing more on HIS work and HIS goals, and HE will take care of the devil and any forces at work to pull me away from the joy He brings to my life.
I’m sure you are thinking, “yeah, sure… that sounds too easy!” We need to realize that being a Christian doesn’t guarantee us a life of joy and warm fuzzy feelings. We must stay constantly alert and pay attention to our Spiritual health, feeding and nurturing it with the tools God provides. I’m not going to tell you that it will be easy – the devil is a strong force who doesn’t give up! But, GOD is far more powerful. “My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” (John 10:29 KJV) So be encouraged. “Spiritual droughts” can end, and the flood of God’s joy can come again. Recommit yourself to prayer and Bible study and spending time in His presence. Ask God to show you how to best serve Him in your daily living, and see where He leads you! It is my prayer that God’s blessings rain down on you and fill you in ways you can’t even imagine!
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 18, 2007
Proverbs 15
30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Probably one of the hardest lessons we must learn is to respect the advice of our elders. There is not a teenager alive who wants to be told what to do by adults. And can I let you in on a little secret? We adults don’t like being told what to do very much either! We don’t want to listen to those who advise us to wait to get married when that is all we can think about. We don’t want to hear that our high school and college years are the best, most carefree years of our lives. We don’t want to be told, as senior citizens, that it’s time for us to hang up our car keys or move into a retirement home. We don’t like hearing that we need to walk for our health or leave off the fast food and ice cream with our dinner! We don’t want the “come to Jesus” lecture, as one of my friends calls it!
Quite often, we know what to do, but we just don’t want to hear it from someone else! We want so badly for it to be 100% our idea, as if nobody else has ever had a good one! But this passage points out that refusing instruction shows a hatred of your own soul! If you really love yourself, you will want to get all of the wisdom and understanding you can… especially from Godly sources like Christian friends and family members!
Surround yourself with Godly people, and the next time one of them tries to give you advice, consider this… the message may not be one you want to hear, but can you afford to risk not listening? Think of their advice as a gift from God, and ask Him to show you how to use it.
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 17, 2007
Proverbs 15
19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20 A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
24 The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Arrogance is a powerful tool that Satan uses to destroy many. Consider the person who rises to a position of importance and begins to lord it over others. He/she continually demands the spotlight, takes credit for work others do, and refuses to listen to criticism and constructive suggestions for improvement. Suggestions that this person “rein in” a little fall on deaf ears – listening to others’ advice is not in his/her vocabulary. And ultimately, a huge fall is often the result. Think of politicians who rise quickly in prominence and don’t keep their egos in check. Think of people in ministry or those who rise in the workplace to a position of great wealth or authority – pro athletes, military officers, business executives, and entertainers – and it is simply more than they can handle. Often, the “rise” is followed by a serious and perpetual fall from “glory” – and many times lives are ruined forever.
There IS a way to avoid this. It is as plain as day in this scripture passage. Stay filled with God’s word, active in prayer and conversation with Him, attentive to the wisdom and advice of your Christian friends and advisors. Keep assessing yourself continually for even the tiniest crevice where Satan could start to wedge his way into your life and thinking. Stay focused on living a Godly life and behaving in a manner that pleases Him. Ask God to keep you on the right path, and He will be more than happy to give you the tools for success.
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 16, 2007
Proverbs 15
12 A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.
13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
How many joy-filled Christians do you know? How many can you name? Can you think of people who claim to be Christians who are always upset about something – always complaining – always worried or mad or down in the dumps? Are you one of these people? Sure, we all have days when things aren’t going so well. We all have bills to pay, bouts with poor health or illness, things that have to get done, and more. But to react negatively to life in general is to betray our faith!
Consider this… if you are inviting someone to your church, and your attitude and tone of voice are less than enthusiastic, do you really think that person will want to visit? If you are always worried or upset about something or someone, do you think others will see you as a faith-filled Christian? If you are always gossiping and stirring up trouble, will people believe your Christian witness?
We need to strive to be joy-filled, enthusiastic, positive, faith-filled believers. We need to conduct ourselves in such a way that others look at us and say, “I want what he/she has!” We need to be serving God and TRUSTING Him to meet all of our needs each day. We need to put our hand in His and let Him lead us each day. WE need to smile and be happy… and MEAN IT!
It’s time for a reality check! It’s time for us to check our joy/faith meter and see how we are doing. It’s time for us to step up to the plate and represent! “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Do you get it? Will you choose to operate in evil, or is your life a continual feast? The message is clear… the choice is yours. I pray that you will choose to operate in a spirit of joy and abundance.
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 15, 2007
Proverbs 6
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
For most of my adult life, I’ve had brittle fingernails. They break and chip easily. I can polish my nails one morning, and by nightfall, I’ve got chips in the polish. I am always trying to file a rough edge, and on a couple of fingers, the fingernail is usually broken off as short as possible. For most females, the appearance of their hands is something of great importance. We feel that you can tell a lot about us by looking at our hands. And while there is nothing wrong with neat short fingernails, chips and cracks and rough edges can speak volumes. Right or wrong, we women feel this indicates a lack of attention to detail on our part and portrays us as unkempt – even unattractive! This may or may not be the case, and we know the truth in our hearts. Maybe we just work hard and don’t have time to worry about our hands and nails. Maybe, like me, all efforts to keep pretty, neat hands is futile. But quite often, we are judged on our outward appearance, and right or wrong, this includes our hands.
For me, the solution has come in the form of acrylic nails… yes, fakes! I glue them on in about 5 minutes, and my hands are transformed by the addition of perfectly shaped nails with shiny white tips that look like I just stepped out of the nail salon. I know they are temporary. In fact, I know that, if not carefully glued, one could pop off at the most inopportune moment and cause me much embarrassment! And, there are certain things I cannot do while I am wearing the fake nails. I can’t play a guitar. I have to be careful not to flex my fingertips when picking up items. And when I have really serious work to do with my hands, like housework or gardening, the nails have to come off! My nails look nice and give me a sense of confidence, but I know they aren’t real… and I know what lies underneath – and honestly, these fakes cause the “real” nails to grow even weaker!
Now why am I talking to you about my fingernails? I am using this as a somewhat silly analogy of how we behave with God. There are times we must wear a mask in public – times when we must be polite when we feel grumpy or endure a party we didn’t want to attend. We may not love our job every day, or we may not enjoy the company of every person we encounter. And yet we must smile and pretend everything is wonderful. We all have thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are less than attractive. We try to cover them with witty remarks, behaviors that conform to society’s dictates, and even lies and deceits. But God knows us. He knows our hearts and what lies there. He knows if we are lazy in spirit. He knows when we curse someone under our breath. He knows when we act one way on Sunday and another the rest of the week. He knows our weaknesses. And in many situations He is not amused by what we are covering.
Look, acrylic nails don’t hurt anything. People wear wigs, hairpieces, false eyelashes, lifts in their shoes, and all sorts of “enhancements” to make themselves appear more attractive to others and to boost their confidence. But like the fake fingernails, when you have serious work to do - serving God and living for Him - the phoniness and lies have to go. The fake “you” may work in polite society, but it does not work in the Heavenly realm, and that’s the one that matters. So choose carefully how you behave. Search your heart and see where you may be deceitful and not even realize it. Then ask God to show you how to correct this. Be careful what you “glue over” and make sure what is underneath is pleasing to God and strong in His sight!
©2007 Debbie Robus
1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.
5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.
10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.
11 Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
For most of my adult life, I’ve had brittle fingernails. They break and chip easily. I can polish my nails one morning, and by nightfall, I’ve got chips in the polish. I am always trying to file a rough edge, and on a couple of fingers, the fingernail is usually broken off as short as possible. For most females, the appearance of their hands is something of great importance. We feel that you can tell a lot about us by looking at our hands. And while there is nothing wrong with neat short fingernails, chips and cracks and rough edges can speak volumes. Right or wrong, we women feel this indicates a lack of attention to detail on our part and portrays us as unkempt – even unattractive! This may or may not be the case, and we know the truth in our hearts. Maybe we just work hard and don’t have time to worry about our hands and nails. Maybe, like me, all efforts to keep pretty, neat hands is futile. But quite often, we are judged on our outward appearance, and right or wrong, this includes our hands.
For me, the solution has come in the form of acrylic nails… yes, fakes! I glue them on in about 5 minutes, and my hands are transformed by the addition of perfectly shaped nails with shiny white tips that look like I just stepped out of the nail salon. I know they are temporary. In fact, I know that, if not carefully glued, one could pop off at the most inopportune moment and cause me much embarrassment! And, there are certain things I cannot do while I am wearing the fake nails. I can’t play a guitar. I have to be careful not to flex my fingertips when picking up items. And when I have really serious work to do with my hands, like housework or gardening, the nails have to come off! My nails look nice and give me a sense of confidence, but I know they aren’t real… and I know what lies underneath – and honestly, these fakes cause the “real” nails to grow even weaker!
Now why am I talking to you about my fingernails? I am using this as a somewhat silly analogy of how we behave with God. There are times we must wear a mask in public – times when we must be polite when we feel grumpy or endure a party we didn’t want to attend. We may not love our job every day, or we may not enjoy the company of every person we encounter. And yet we must smile and pretend everything is wonderful. We all have thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are less than attractive. We try to cover them with witty remarks, behaviors that conform to society’s dictates, and even lies and deceits. But God knows us. He knows our hearts and what lies there. He knows if we are lazy in spirit. He knows when we curse someone under our breath. He knows when we act one way on Sunday and another the rest of the week. He knows our weaknesses. And in many situations He is not amused by what we are covering.
Look, acrylic nails don’t hurt anything. People wear wigs, hairpieces, false eyelashes, lifts in their shoes, and all sorts of “enhancements” to make themselves appear more attractive to others and to boost their confidence. But like the fake fingernails, when you have serious work to do - serving God and living for Him - the phoniness and lies have to go. The fake “you” may work in polite society, but it does not work in the Heavenly realm, and that’s the one that matters. So choose carefully how you behave. Search your heart and see where you may be deceitful and not even realize it. Then ask God to show you how to correct this. Be careful what you “glue over” and make sure what is underneath is pleasing to God and strong in His sight!
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 14, 2007
Proverbs 14
26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
I know a man who is self-employed and does odd jobs for a lot of people in his community. This man does wonderful work, but he is almost never clean. I don’t know why, because he is intelligent, and soap is cheap. Part of it is his upbringing… he did not grow up in a family where cleanliness was valued. On the other hand, hard work was another subject … in his family everyone worked hard. Physical labor – an “honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay” – was highly prized.
It would be very easy to hire someone else who looked – and smelled – a whole lot nicer. But if you spent any time at all with this person and got to know a little about him, you would find that he really is a very nice, honest man. He has hopes and dreams and thoughts and feelings just like you and I do… and he is every bit as much God’s child as we are! He has had hard knocks. He has had ups and downs in his life. He has even had people who gently suggest he do better, take a shower, put on clean clothes, get a haircut, and try to be more presentable. And for awhile at times, he has done this, and you almost forgot that he was ever any other way. But old habits die hard, and more often than not, you’ll see him in a shirt with buttons missing, an old ball cap covering his too-long hair and a scruffy, several-days’ growth beard, dirty hands, and more.
This person appears to be poor… but he probably could afford to live better than many of those for whom he works! In talking with him, I would say he is pretty content with most of his life… more content that many who appear to live more comfortably. But the point is that we should not be judging anyone by their appearance or our perception of them as rich or poor. Remember, we are all God’s children. He loves each and every one of us – whether rich, poor, clean or dirty. If you are unkind or judgmental of another, you are doing the same to God. This passage reminds us that treating others with kindness honors God. Can this be said of you? How are you treating others these days?
©2007 Debbie Robus
26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
28 In the multitude of people is the king's honour: but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.
29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.
32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.
33 Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known. 34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
I know a man who is self-employed and does odd jobs for a lot of people in his community. This man does wonderful work, but he is almost never clean. I don’t know why, because he is intelligent, and soap is cheap. Part of it is his upbringing… he did not grow up in a family where cleanliness was valued. On the other hand, hard work was another subject … in his family everyone worked hard. Physical labor – an “honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay” – was highly prized.
It would be very easy to hire someone else who looked – and smelled – a whole lot nicer. But if you spent any time at all with this person and got to know a little about him, you would find that he really is a very nice, honest man. He has hopes and dreams and thoughts and feelings just like you and I do… and he is every bit as much God’s child as we are! He has had hard knocks. He has had ups and downs in his life. He has even had people who gently suggest he do better, take a shower, put on clean clothes, get a haircut, and try to be more presentable. And for awhile at times, he has done this, and you almost forgot that he was ever any other way. But old habits die hard, and more often than not, you’ll see him in a shirt with buttons missing, an old ball cap covering his too-long hair and a scruffy, several-days’ growth beard, dirty hands, and more.
This person appears to be poor… but he probably could afford to live better than many of those for whom he works! In talking with him, I would say he is pretty content with most of his life… more content that many who appear to live more comfortably. But the point is that we should not be judging anyone by their appearance or our perception of them as rich or poor. Remember, we are all God’s children. He loves each and every one of us – whether rich, poor, clean or dirty. If you are unkind or judgmental of another, you are doing the same to God. This passage reminds us that treating others with kindness honors God. Can this be said of you? How are you treating others these days?
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 13, 2007
Proverbs 14:14
14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Somewhere along the line, you will probably encounter someone who will try to convince you that he/she has a great “opportunity” for you to make a lot of money with very little effort. This person will tell you about someone they know, or a person who is a “friend of a friend” who has made a lot of money in a short time with this business venture, or as I heard once, “has made more in one month with this business than they did in a year with So-and-so business”!
I am not going to tell you that this can never happen. If you get involved and make a boat load of money, good for you! And if you are involved in one of these ventures, I am not trying to hurt your feelings or be critical of you. But I have seen so many people hang all of their hopes on one of these ventures and sink a lot of time and energy – and often hard-earned money – into it, only to be disappointed. And these types of businesses have ruined more than one relationship and/or friendship. Most folks would have been far better off to get a conventional job of some sort… or even two jobs. At least the work would be steady and the pay would be assured. It might not make them rich, but it would probably pay the bills if they were wise and managed carefully.
The bottom line is this. God wants us to spend our time and energy on things that glorify Him. He wants us to love our neighbor, be kind to ALL people, and to be honest and fair. He wants us to work to provide for ourselves and our families. He wants us to be happy, but scheming about how to cut corners and get by on the backs of others is a disappointment to Him. So, whatever business ventures you choose, be sure that you are always involved in things that are honest and aboveboard. Be sure that whatever you do is totally reputable and something you would not be ashamed to discuss with your family, your friends… and God. Don’t waste time talking and plotting about get-rich-quick schemes. Get busy and get to work. Remember… talk is often just that… and very cheap and easy… but in all labor there is profit!
©2007 Debbie Robus
14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.
16 A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
19 The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor is hated even of his own neighbour: but the rich hath many friends.
21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
22 Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
23 In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.
25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Somewhere along the line, you will probably encounter someone who will try to convince you that he/she has a great “opportunity” for you to make a lot of money with very little effort. This person will tell you about someone they know, or a person who is a “friend of a friend” who has made a lot of money in a short time with this business venture, or as I heard once, “has made more in one month with this business than they did in a year with So-and-so business”!
I am not going to tell you that this can never happen. If you get involved and make a boat load of money, good for you! And if you are involved in one of these ventures, I am not trying to hurt your feelings or be critical of you. But I have seen so many people hang all of their hopes on one of these ventures and sink a lot of time and energy – and often hard-earned money – into it, only to be disappointed. And these types of businesses have ruined more than one relationship and/or friendship. Most folks would have been far better off to get a conventional job of some sort… or even two jobs. At least the work would be steady and the pay would be assured. It might not make them rich, but it would probably pay the bills if they were wise and managed carefully.
The bottom line is this. God wants us to spend our time and energy on things that glorify Him. He wants us to love our neighbor, be kind to ALL people, and to be honest and fair. He wants us to work to provide for ourselves and our families. He wants us to be happy, but scheming about how to cut corners and get by on the backs of others is a disappointment to Him. So, whatever business ventures you choose, be sure that you are always involved in things that are honest and aboveboard. Be sure that whatever you do is totally reputable and something you would not be ashamed to discuss with your family, your friends… and God. Don’t waste time talking and plotting about get-rich-quick schemes. Get busy and get to work. Remember… talk is often just that… and very cheap and easy… but in all labor there is profit!
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 12, 2007
Proverbs 14
1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
6 A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.
7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.
10 The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.
11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
A pair of cardinals has built a nest in a bush outside our sun porch window. I watched as this pair spent weeks hopping in and out of the bushes that flanked our back steps, trying to decide what would be the perfect spot for hatching their eggs. I thought they had settled into the bush closest to our house and somewhat sheltered under an eave… and next to a window we never open. But one day I ventured outside and investigated, and there was no nest in that bush!
After several weeks of watching this pair, I realized the female was indeed building a nest… in the bush just outside a window we leave open so that our cats can sit on the window sill and get fresh air through the screened opening. This little mother-to-be worked for days adding straw and materials to her nest and shaping it into a loose, sloppy little container for her grey-green eggs. There are at least 2 eggs there. She sits and sits… instinctively knowing what my internet research has taught me… that it will take about 13 days for the eggs to hatch, and then she and her mate (who is always nearby) will share feeding and nurturing duties for another 40+ days.
I am amazed at how wise this little bird and her mate are… how they know just what to do with the nest, the eggs, and their baby chicks. They know to distract other birds who come into our back yard by flying this way and that and chirping, making sure they stay far away from this nest. When a thunderstorm developed suddenly, I watched the female hover on the nest, carefully shielding the eggs with her own body as she rocked and swayed in the fragile limbs of this bush.
But I am also amazed at how foolish this bird was to choose a spot within inches of the ledge where my cats sun themselves… with a thin sheet of wire screen separating these two natural foes. Of course, there is no way the cats can get to the bird or her nest, but I don’t think she knows this. Usually, when one of the cats jumps on the window sill, the bird flies away to a nearby tree and chirps frantically until she deems it “safe” to return or the cat loses interest and jumps down.
I wonder how often we are like this mother bird. In so many ways, we are wise and use good judgment, but in some ways, we are very foolish. We make stupid choices that could have serious consequences. I’m watching my cats to make sure they don’t decide to eliminate the screen that separates them from the temptation of baby cardinals. But I don’t think the mother cardinal knows this… and in that way, choosing this particular spot for her nest was very foolish! Or maybe you aren’t making foolish choices, but you are hanging out with people who do. The Bible tells us to move away from fools… and foolish choices. So how are you doing? Where are you building your nests these days?
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 11, 2007
Proverbs 13
13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Have you ever heard someone say that “you are known by the company you keep?” There is a lot of truth in this statement. Consider the person at school who runs with a certain crowd, so everyone assumes that he/she is into whatever that group is doing. If someone plays basketball, you assume he/she is athletic, right? And we all have a tendency to lump people into categories… “jocks,” “Goths,” “preps,” “nerds.” Or if you are an adult, maybe your categories are “yuppies,” “retirees,” “homeless,” “new money,” “old money.” And how about “Jesus freaks” or “unchurched?” Regardless of the label, we anticipate that the people we have grouped will behave in a certain way that relates to that label.
This is not right thinking… it is wrong of us to judge and categorize people. It is also human nature. And the bigger problem seems to be where you may fit in these groups. You truly are known by the company you keep. So who is your company? Are you spending your time serving God, attending church activities and Bible study? Do you volunteer your spare time to help others? Or will others see you hanging out at the lake with your buddies, smoking and drinking? Will people see you spending time engaged in activities with your family? Or will they see you dancing at a bar with a group of women on a Friday night while your husbands or baby sitters are at home with your children? Will they see you attending a ballgame with your dad and brothers? Or will they see you driving to a casino with a group of your buddies?
Will others see you bashing people of other races, cheating on tests at school, driving too fast, wearing suggestive clothing, or disrespecting your elders, then coming to church on Sunday and raising your hands in prayer to God Almighty? Verse 20 tells us to walk with wise men and be wise, or walk with fools and be destroyed. So I ask you today… when people look at you and the company you keep, are you in the company of fools, or are you obeying God’s word and choosing wisely?
©2007 Debbie Robus
13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.
14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
25 The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Have you ever heard someone say that “you are known by the company you keep?” There is a lot of truth in this statement. Consider the person at school who runs with a certain crowd, so everyone assumes that he/she is into whatever that group is doing. If someone plays basketball, you assume he/she is athletic, right? And we all have a tendency to lump people into categories… “jocks,” “Goths,” “preps,” “nerds.” Or if you are an adult, maybe your categories are “yuppies,” “retirees,” “homeless,” “new money,” “old money.” And how about “Jesus freaks” or “unchurched?” Regardless of the label, we anticipate that the people we have grouped will behave in a certain way that relates to that label.
This is not right thinking… it is wrong of us to judge and categorize people. It is also human nature. And the bigger problem seems to be where you may fit in these groups. You truly are known by the company you keep. So who is your company? Are you spending your time serving God, attending church activities and Bible study? Do you volunteer your spare time to help others? Or will others see you hanging out at the lake with your buddies, smoking and drinking? Will people see you spending time engaged in activities with your family? Or will they see you dancing at a bar with a group of women on a Friday night while your husbands or baby sitters are at home with your children? Will they see you attending a ballgame with your dad and brothers? Or will they see you driving to a casino with a group of your buddies?
Will others see you bashing people of other races, cheating on tests at school, driving too fast, wearing suggestive clothing, or disrespecting your elders, then coming to church on Sunday and raising your hands in prayer to God Almighty? Verse 20 tells us to walk with wise men and be wise, or walk with fools and be destroyed. So I ask you today… when people look at you and the company you keep, are you in the company of fools, or are you obeying God’s word and choosing wisely?
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 10, 2007
Proverbs 13
1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
I must have been really bored, but for some reason, I was flipping through the television channels, and I stopped on MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16 Party Reunion.” I could not believe what I was seeing. Over and over again, these soon-to-be-16-year-old girls were planning birthday parties that would rival anything Hollywood has ever produced. There were several key ingredients… 1) a big-name guest entertainer; 2) special clothing… usually more than one outfit; 3) an elaborate arrival for the honoree; and 4) selected party guests.
Most of the girls featured were from wealthy families, with parents who worked in industries such as entertainment, oil and gas, car sales, or real estate. Over and over the party planners would ask what the budget should be, only to be told, “Money is no object.” One girl flew to New York with her parents and two girlfriends to spend a single day picking out a couple of dresses that cost $3000. Another delivered her invitations to friends in a horse-drawn carriage, and each individual invitation was frozen in a block of ice. Yet another landed at her party in her dad’s helicopter and was escorted to a tent fashioned like a castle in a horse-drawn vintage “Cinderella” carriage. Still another had Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia, blocked for a parade in her honor, complete with marching bands, horses, dancers, and acrobats. Over and over the girls would say, “They are all looking at ME! It’s all about ME!” And more than once, guests were told what to wear, who to bring as a date, and how to dance. One girl screened her girlfriends’ dates, calling some on the phone to tell them their attendance was not necessary! Another rudely told “party crashers” to go home.
By the time I had seen this play out for three or four girls, I was thoroughly amazed and disgusted. What were these people thinking? Thousands of dollars were spent on these few hours of celebration by teenagers who should have been thrilled with a backyard cookout and some burgers and hotdogs! And almost every party culminated with a “gift” for the honoree… a Jaguar for one, a Lexus or Mercedes for another. Some had received diamond bracelets earlier in the day. One father suggested to his daughter… “If you get all of this now, what will you have to look forward to when you are 25?” The girl rolled her eyes, hugged her daddy and gave him “the look,” and he smiled and laughed, then took her to buy a $1250 bracelet!
I heard someone who had married into a wealthy family once say, “I was happier when I had absolutely nothing.” And this is what Proverbs 13 is telling us. Money doesn’t buy happiness. Having the biggest, most lavish party for your 16th birthday doesn’t mean anybody loves you any more. (Having a hotdog cookout doesn’t mean you are loved any less!) Having money is not a bad thing. But using your money to manipulate people IS despicable. Love God and serve Him. If He has given you great wealth, ask Him what you should do with it, and then be sure that is exactly what you do. If you use whatever level of wealth you have to honor God, He will greatly bless your efforts.
©2007 Debbie Robus
1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
5 A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame.
6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.
7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.
8 The ransom of a man's life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke.
9 The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
I must have been really bored, but for some reason, I was flipping through the television channels, and I stopped on MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16 Party Reunion.” I could not believe what I was seeing. Over and over again, these soon-to-be-16-year-old girls were planning birthday parties that would rival anything Hollywood has ever produced. There were several key ingredients… 1) a big-name guest entertainer; 2) special clothing… usually more than one outfit; 3) an elaborate arrival for the honoree; and 4) selected party guests.
Most of the girls featured were from wealthy families, with parents who worked in industries such as entertainment, oil and gas, car sales, or real estate. Over and over the party planners would ask what the budget should be, only to be told, “Money is no object.” One girl flew to New York with her parents and two girlfriends to spend a single day picking out a couple of dresses that cost $3000. Another delivered her invitations to friends in a horse-drawn carriage, and each individual invitation was frozen in a block of ice. Yet another landed at her party in her dad’s helicopter and was escorted to a tent fashioned like a castle in a horse-drawn vintage “Cinderella” carriage. Still another had Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia, blocked for a parade in her honor, complete with marching bands, horses, dancers, and acrobats. Over and over the girls would say, “They are all looking at ME! It’s all about ME!” And more than once, guests were told what to wear, who to bring as a date, and how to dance. One girl screened her girlfriends’ dates, calling some on the phone to tell them their attendance was not necessary! Another rudely told “party crashers” to go home.
By the time I had seen this play out for three or four girls, I was thoroughly amazed and disgusted. What were these people thinking? Thousands of dollars were spent on these few hours of celebration by teenagers who should have been thrilled with a backyard cookout and some burgers and hotdogs! And almost every party culminated with a “gift” for the honoree… a Jaguar for one, a Lexus or Mercedes for another. Some had received diamond bracelets earlier in the day. One father suggested to his daughter… “If you get all of this now, what will you have to look forward to when you are 25?” The girl rolled her eyes, hugged her daddy and gave him “the look,” and he smiled and laughed, then took her to buy a $1250 bracelet!
I heard someone who had married into a wealthy family once say, “I was happier when I had absolutely nothing.” And this is what Proverbs 13 is telling us. Money doesn’t buy happiness. Having the biggest, most lavish party for your 16th birthday doesn’t mean anybody loves you any more. (Having a hotdog cookout doesn’t mean you are loved any less!) Having money is not a bad thing. But using your money to manipulate people IS despicable. Love God and serve Him. If He has given you great wealth, ask Him what you should do with it, and then be sure that is exactly what you do. If you use whatever level of wealth you have to honor God, He will greatly bless your efforts.
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 9, 2007
Proverbs 12
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
I watched with interest the latest sensational news story about a young pregnant woman who went missing, only to be “found” some 9 or 10 days later by her boyfriend, who also happened to be a policeman. Supposedly he went to visit this woman and their 2-year-old son, and the woman collapsed and died, and he panicked and felt he should hide her body. Since he is a policeman, he probably knew that decomposition of the body in the summer heat would destroy a lot of forensic evidence if he could just keep up some sort of story/alibi for a week or so.
After the “discovery” of the body, people came forward claiming this man has a history of violence and aggressive behavior. The mother of a 9-year-old child claimed this man is the father and that she is so thankful she saw the light early on and was able to get away from him before he did anything harmful to her or the child. Others attested to this man’s character, or lack thereof. The police are investigating, and as more and more information comes to light, we hopefully get a little close to the truth.
Hopefully you will never personally encounter evil on this level… or lies that lead such horrific actions. But even lies that do not result in criminal activity are harmful and destructive. Deceit is an abomination to God, whether it is sneaking out of the house or telling your parents you are staying with a friend while you are really somewhere else, or cheating on your taxes. God is interested in the truth… He knows if you take home pens and paper from work for your own use. He knows when you tell someone you will work 4 hours, and you show up late, sit around and drink coffee for a half hour, then leave a half hour early. He knows when you ask someone to cover for you… and when you say one thing and feel another in your heart. It is absolutely absurd for us to think we can lie and get by with it in God’s eyes. And He’s the One who matters. So be honest and live a life that satisfies both you AND God.
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 8, 2007
Proverbs 12
1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
Have you ever heard someone say of another person, “They just never learn!”? It seems that some people truly do not seem to learn. They make the same mistakes over and over. And if you dig a little deeper, you will usually see that at the root of their problem, they are trying to get something for nothing, or they have given in to the poison of alcohol or drugs. Or, they have been brought up in an atmosphere where they are allowed too much freedom or given the impression that their behavior is above reproach – in other words, they are just plain spoiled rotten! Look at the antics of child celebrities who get into trouble, or the wealthy heirs/heiresses like Princes William and Harry and Paris Hilton. Do they really seem to have such wonderful, happy lives? I wonder how truly happy and satisfying life is for many of them.
In Proverbs we see that the secret to success and true happiness is living a life that God ordains… full of hard work, honest living, and treating others fairly – including plants and animals and our environment. Dishonest living, trying to get something for nothing, laziness and a sense of entitlement are all paths to ruin. So pay attention! Learn well and stay close to God’s word and be aware at all times of your behavior. Live wisely, kindly, with mercy and loving regard for every one of God’s creatures and creations, and enjoy the fruits and abundance of His blessings.
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 7, 2007
Proverbs 11
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
For several years I operated a graphic design business. I produced business cards, brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, press releases and more for a handful of clients in my community. While my charges were probably lower than many, I felt I usually got a fair compensation for my products and services. I tried to treat every client as fairly and kindly as I would want to be treated. I also tried to conduct myself ethically at all times.
My goal to please my clients, but this was not always an easy task. Some of my clients were very wealthy and surrounded by other wealthy people. I was exposed to a segment of society that was new to me and afforded me the opportunity to travel in some fairly high circles of society at times. And many of the people I met were generous, fair and humble. Unfortunately, some were not. They considered their wealth a license to misbehave… to treat those with less as second class citizens, to demand special services and treatment, to excuse indiscretions and lewd behavior. Because they had money, they felt a sense of entitlement … as if they were “above the law,” so to speak.
As somewhat of a sideline observer (and employee), I occasionally had to decide whether to go along with the client’s wishes, or to stand for my own ethics and refuse. Sometimes the price was a heated discussion of what I would and would not do for the client. Occasionally, it cost me my job with a particular client. But I have never gone hungry. I have never been unable to pay my rent or put gas in my car. I have never had trouble sleeping at night because I chose money over honesty. And I will have to say, on more than one occasion, someone has come to me and said, “I was watching, and I saw how you conducted yourself, and I was impressed or inspired.”
People ARE watching. And I have to believe that even those who choose money and mischief over honesty are watching, too. And hopefully a few of them will be moved to change their attitudes and behavior. If your conduct inspires/impresses even one of them, it will have been worth it. And if not, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that God was pleased, and He is the One Who matters! So choose wisely how you conduct yourself. Don’t be greedy or overcharge for goods and services. Treat people fairly and with kindness… from your employees to the person who waits on your party at a restaurant to your mom or your wife when she puts your dinner on the table. You may have a pile of money on earth, but you heavenly treasures will be more than you can ever use.
©2007 Debbie Robus
23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
26 He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it.
27 He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him.
28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
31 Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
For several years I operated a graphic design business. I produced business cards, brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, press releases and more for a handful of clients in my community. While my charges were probably lower than many, I felt I usually got a fair compensation for my products and services. I tried to treat every client as fairly and kindly as I would want to be treated. I also tried to conduct myself ethically at all times.
My goal to please my clients, but this was not always an easy task. Some of my clients were very wealthy and surrounded by other wealthy people. I was exposed to a segment of society that was new to me and afforded me the opportunity to travel in some fairly high circles of society at times. And many of the people I met were generous, fair and humble. Unfortunately, some were not. They considered their wealth a license to misbehave… to treat those with less as second class citizens, to demand special services and treatment, to excuse indiscretions and lewd behavior. Because they had money, they felt a sense of entitlement … as if they were “above the law,” so to speak.
As somewhat of a sideline observer (and employee), I occasionally had to decide whether to go along with the client’s wishes, or to stand for my own ethics and refuse. Sometimes the price was a heated discussion of what I would and would not do for the client. Occasionally, it cost me my job with a particular client. But I have never gone hungry. I have never been unable to pay my rent or put gas in my car. I have never had trouble sleeping at night because I chose money over honesty. And I will have to say, on more than one occasion, someone has come to me and said, “I was watching, and I saw how you conducted yourself, and I was impressed or inspired.”
People ARE watching. And I have to believe that even those who choose money and mischief over honesty are watching, too. And hopefully a few of them will be moved to change their attitudes and behavior. If your conduct inspires/impresses even one of them, it will have been worth it. And if not, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that God was pleased, and He is the One Who matters! So choose wisely how you conduct yourself. Don’t be greedy or overcharge for goods and services. Treat people fairly and with kindness… from your employees to the person who waits on your party at a restaurant to your mom or your wife when she puts your dinner on the table. You may have a pile of money on earth, but you heavenly treasures will be more than you can ever use.
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 6, 2007
Proverbs 11
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
When I was young, there was a girl who went to my church who was a bully. She was fairly popular, it seemed, but in retrospect I see that it was more a case of others being afraid NOT to be nice to her and appear to like her and be her friend. She would do really mean things, like belittle people in front of others, lie to make herself look better to others, and spread vicious untruths if it served her purpose. I felt like she made it her personal mission to make my life particularly miserable.
But the interesting thing about this story is that as an adult, I mentioned to some of my fellow school mates how miserable this person had tried to make my life as a teenager… and they all said the same thing! I never knew that she bullied everyone – and that others shared my feelings of fear, frustration, and inadequacy. Just the mention of her name made others groan at their own memories of her wickedness.
You may know someone just like this girl. You may even be bullied by someone. And it doesn’t have to be a schoolmate… it could be a sibling, a relative, a parent, or a spouse. You may be tempted to retaliate. I know I was. But my mother and others encouraged me to “turn the other cheek” and to ignore as much of her mistreatment as I could. Mother always said, “she is wanting you to respond… that is her reward. The best thing you can do is act like it doesn’t bother you.” And that was great advice.
The best thing you can do is live your life in a way that honors God and your faith… showing love and compassion to everyone – even bullies. Avoid situations that give them opportunity to react and be unkind. The Message translates verses 17-19 this way: “Kindness is rewarded-- but if you are cruel, you hurt yourself. Meanness gets you nowhere, but goodness is rewarded. Always do the right thing, and you will live; keep on doing wrong, and you will die.” (Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.)
One last thing… pray for these persons, and ask God to help them to change their wickedness. I wish I had prayed more for the bully in my life… it might have made a difference for me AND for my friends. My prayer for you today is that God would give you strength and courage to face the bullies in your life, and that you would always choose to do the right thing and live.
©2007 Debbie Robus
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.
21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
(Scripture taken from the King James Version, 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To read this passage from The Message, go to www.biblegateway.com and do a passage lookup.)
When I was young, there was a girl who went to my church who was a bully. She was fairly popular, it seemed, but in retrospect I see that it was more a case of others being afraid NOT to be nice to her and appear to like her and be her friend. She would do really mean things, like belittle people in front of others, lie to make herself look better to others, and spread vicious untruths if it served her purpose. I felt like she made it her personal mission to make my life particularly miserable.
But the interesting thing about this story is that as an adult, I mentioned to some of my fellow school mates how miserable this person had tried to make my life as a teenager… and they all said the same thing! I never knew that she bullied everyone – and that others shared my feelings of fear, frustration, and inadequacy. Just the mention of her name made others groan at their own memories of her wickedness.
You may know someone just like this girl. You may even be bullied by someone. And it doesn’t have to be a schoolmate… it could be a sibling, a relative, a parent, or a spouse. You may be tempted to retaliate. I know I was. But my mother and others encouraged me to “turn the other cheek” and to ignore as much of her mistreatment as I could. Mother always said, “she is wanting you to respond… that is her reward. The best thing you can do is act like it doesn’t bother you.” And that was great advice.
The best thing you can do is live your life in a way that honors God and your faith… showing love and compassion to everyone – even bullies. Avoid situations that give them opportunity to react and be unkind. The Message translates verses 17-19 this way: “Kindness is rewarded-- but if you are cruel, you hurt yourself. Meanness gets you nowhere, but goodness is rewarded. Always do the right thing, and you will live; keep on doing wrong, and you will die.” (Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.)
One last thing… pray for these persons, and ask God to help them to change their wickedness. I wish I had prayed more for the bully in my life… it might have made a difference for me AND for my friends. My prayer for you today is that God would give you strength and courage to face the bullies in your life, and that you would always choose to do the right thing and live.
©2007 Debbie Robus
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