April 30 ~ Proverbs 30:7-9
There are two things, Lord, I want you to do for me before I die: Make me absolutely honest and don't let me be too poor or too rich. Give me just what I need. If I have too much to eat, I might forget about you; if I don't have enough, I might steal and disgrace your name.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life is like a carpenter’s level. Some days the bubble is “plumb,” and we are standing upright Other days it veers a little one way or the other. When do you think about God the most? When life is rocking along really well, we tend to get caught up in the moment and forget about Him, don’t we? We seem to operate more in the “Lord, help me!” mode than the “Thank you for my blessings,” moments. On the other hand, when life starts to unravel a bit at the seams, and we decide that God has forgotten about us, we try to handle things on our own – and often end up in a royal mess.
We need to learn to operate in the middle… somewhere between too much and not enough. This passage is not about either having a lot of money and physical wealth or being dirt poor. These verses speak more to our level of contentment – and where God fits into our lives. This is a reminder to avoid distractions – both “good” and “bad” – and stay centered in Christ. Remember to always be grateful and thankful – filled with praise. Remember that we are always in need of God – His wisdom, guidance, love, grace and mercy. Remember that God is always with us – even when the “chips are down.”
Examine your situation today. See where your “level” is “off plumb” and needs an adjustment. Strive to stay centered – both in your daily living AND in your relationship with God. Let this be your prayer – that you would neither be too rich or too poor by His standards – but perfectly centered in Christ Jesus. If you make this your goal, everything else in life will fall into place. Circumstances in your life may occasionally veer “off plumb,” but with God’s help, you will be able to handle them.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 29, 2010
April 29 ~ Proverbs 3:27-32
Do all you can for everyone who deserves your help. Don't tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow, if you can help today. Don't try to be mean to neighbors who trust you. Don't argue just to be arguing, when you haven't been hurt. Don't be jealous of cruel people or follow their example. The LORD doesn't like anyone who is dishonest, but he lets good people be his friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, we were hosting a party during the Christmas holidays. As we sent out invitations, we learned that another couple who lived in our town was hosting a party the same evening – and many of our mutual friends were invited to both. We had invited this couple to the party we were hosting, but we had not received an RSVP. The day before our party, I got a phone call, and the host of the other party said, “We’d love to come to your party, but some relatives have come to visit, and we are going to be busy with them. So maybe we can make it another time.” I thanked him for letting me know – but all the while, I knew the real reason they weren’t coming was because of their own party. I don’t know why this person didn’t want to tell me that they were hosting a party. I wasn’t seeking an invitation to join them. And many of our friends came to our party and left early to attend the other party…and that was fine with us.
The problem I had with this whole scenario is that it colored how I thought of these friends. If this person would create such a detailed lie about something so insignificant as a party invitation, what else would he lie about? If this was considered acceptable behavior, how did he treat others – both socially and in his profession? In the end, I decided to “take the high road” and try to let it go… and you can see how well I’ve done! The point is… even though I have let it go for the most part, deep down it still impacts how I view this person. I try to think that he was either having a bad day and not thinking clearly, or he felt the lie would be less hurtful than saying, “We’re having our own party and can’t come to yours.” Still, I wonder on some levels… is he trustworthy?
If we are going to be disciples of Christ and represent Him to the world, we have to be honest and real at all times and in all things. This is not a license to be cruel or overly blunt with people. But we do need to consider how we treat others and why we say the things we do. We need to analyze our behavior to see where we need to be more loving, considerate, and honest. There is a good way and a bad way to deliver the truth… and with God’s help, we can operate in the former. If we are cruel, dishonest, or uncaring toward others, we risk permanent damage to the image they have of us… and very possibly we nullify our Christian witness with that person. Remember the “Golden Rule” – treat others as you wish to be treated – and rest in the knowledge that God is pleased and wants you for His friend.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Do all you can for everyone who deserves your help. Don't tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow, if you can help today. Don't try to be mean to neighbors who trust you. Don't argue just to be arguing, when you haven't been hurt. Don't be jealous of cruel people or follow their example. The LORD doesn't like anyone who is dishonest, but he lets good people be his friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, we were hosting a party during the Christmas holidays. As we sent out invitations, we learned that another couple who lived in our town was hosting a party the same evening – and many of our mutual friends were invited to both. We had invited this couple to the party we were hosting, but we had not received an RSVP. The day before our party, I got a phone call, and the host of the other party said, “We’d love to come to your party, but some relatives have come to visit, and we are going to be busy with them. So maybe we can make it another time.” I thanked him for letting me know – but all the while, I knew the real reason they weren’t coming was because of their own party. I don’t know why this person didn’t want to tell me that they were hosting a party. I wasn’t seeking an invitation to join them. And many of our friends came to our party and left early to attend the other party…and that was fine with us.
The problem I had with this whole scenario is that it colored how I thought of these friends. If this person would create such a detailed lie about something so insignificant as a party invitation, what else would he lie about? If this was considered acceptable behavior, how did he treat others – both socially and in his profession? In the end, I decided to “take the high road” and try to let it go… and you can see how well I’ve done! The point is… even though I have let it go for the most part, deep down it still impacts how I view this person. I try to think that he was either having a bad day and not thinking clearly, or he felt the lie would be less hurtful than saying, “We’re having our own party and can’t come to yours.” Still, I wonder on some levels… is he trustworthy?
If we are going to be disciples of Christ and represent Him to the world, we have to be honest and real at all times and in all things. This is not a license to be cruel or overly blunt with people. But we do need to consider how we treat others and why we say the things we do. We need to analyze our behavior to see where we need to be more loving, considerate, and honest. There is a good way and a bad way to deliver the truth… and with God’s help, we can operate in the former. If we are cruel, dishonest, or uncaring toward others, we risk permanent damage to the image they have of us… and very possibly we nullify our Christian witness with that person. Remember the “Golden Rule” – treat others as you wish to be treated – and rest in the knowledge that God is pleased and wants you for His friend.
©2010 Debbie Robus
April 28 ~ Proverbs 17:1
A dry crust of bread eaten in peace and quiet is better than a feast eaten where everyone argues.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few months ago, my husband and I were shopping in North Little Rock, and we decided to have a nice lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. We were seated in a booth that was tucked into one of the back corners of the establishment, and it appeared we would have a wonderful, quiet lunch. However, there were two women seated in the booth next to us who were having a loud and energetic conversation, and we couldn’t help but be distracted by them… especially when we heard them mention our home town! They took phone calls, they talked and laughed, and clearly they were having a good time and enjoying their meal.
Our meal was delicious, but I have to tell you… I’ve enjoyed a tuna sandwich eaten on our back porch on a warm spring or fall day more than I did dining next to those two women. Somehow the “noise” of birds and squirrels chirping trumps the enthusiastic conversation of complete strangers in my book!
This scripture passage is about so much more than eating a meal in solitude. It is about turning down the “noise” in our lives and creating “balance.” So many of us are caught up in always being busy – always going places and doing things – and we don’t know how to sit and simply “be.” We don’t know how to enjoy the quiet solitude of an hour spent sitting and listening to the sounds of nature. We surely don’t have the capacity to spend quiet time alone with God! We want action, adventure, people – and lots of “noise!” But this verse is telling us that “less is more!”
We need to “turn down the volume.” We need to realize that constant stimulation in the form of activity and action and noise does not always spell contentment! Try turning off the television, cancelling an activity or two, and sitting quietly for a while. Whether you eat a sandwich on your back step or just sit on your couch and meditate on your blessings, I’m betting you will find yourself refreshed and more contented when you rise. Less really can be more… try it… you might just be surprised at the results!
©2010 Debbie Robus
A dry crust of bread eaten in peace and quiet is better than a feast eaten where everyone argues.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few months ago, my husband and I were shopping in North Little Rock, and we decided to have a nice lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. We were seated in a booth that was tucked into one of the back corners of the establishment, and it appeared we would have a wonderful, quiet lunch. However, there were two women seated in the booth next to us who were having a loud and energetic conversation, and we couldn’t help but be distracted by them… especially when we heard them mention our home town! They took phone calls, they talked and laughed, and clearly they were having a good time and enjoying their meal.
Our meal was delicious, but I have to tell you… I’ve enjoyed a tuna sandwich eaten on our back porch on a warm spring or fall day more than I did dining next to those two women. Somehow the “noise” of birds and squirrels chirping trumps the enthusiastic conversation of complete strangers in my book!
This scripture passage is about so much more than eating a meal in solitude. It is about turning down the “noise” in our lives and creating “balance.” So many of us are caught up in always being busy – always going places and doing things – and we don’t know how to sit and simply “be.” We don’t know how to enjoy the quiet solitude of an hour spent sitting and listening to the sounds of nature. We surely don’t have the capacity to spend quiet time alone with God! We want action, adventure, people – and lots of “noise!” But this verse is telling us that “less is more!”
We need to “turn down the volume.” We need to realize that constant stimulation in the form of activity and action and noise does not always spell contentment! Try turning off the television, cancelling an activity or two, and sitting quietly for a while. Whether you eat a sandwich on your back step or just sit on your couch and meditate on your blessings, I’m betting you will find yourself refreshed and more contented when you rise. Less really can be more… try it… you might just be surprised at the results!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 27, 2010
April 27 ~ Proverbs 16:8
It's better to be honest and poor than to be dishonest and rich.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve always told my husband that “I’d live with you in a pup tent.” He laughs at that… knowing I like the comfort of a warm bed and a good hot shower… but he also understands what I am saying. As long as we are together, it really doesn’t matter where we live or how much “stuff” we have. Many people assume that the “rich” are happier – or that becoming wealthy will equal lifelong contentment. We toss around phrases like “When I win the lottery…” or “When my ship comes in…” or “When I marry a rich man/woman…” The truth is… chasing wealth has been the downfall of many people. This doesn’t mean it’s wrong to have ambition or to desire to be financially secure. If you work hard, with honesty and integrity, and treat people well – and you make a lot of money as a result - good for you! But if you “kick and claw your way to the top” and are willing to do things that are dishonest or illegal – or you mistreat others along the way – your “victory” will be rather hollow. You may not go to jail like Bernie Madoff and others, but Judgment Day will surely come.
God wants us to be happy. And while some think that Jesus’ call for the disciples to leave everything and follow Him means that we are supposed to live meager lives in very simple houses, drive clunkers and wear cheap, plain clothing, they are mistaken. God doesn’t begrudge us having nice homes, clothes, cars and more… as long as we earn them honestly and honor Him in the bargain.
Please hear me… you do not have to apologize for what you have… or what you don’t have… as long as you are serving God according to His will for your life. If God wants you to sell all of your belongings and move to a Third World country to serve him, do it! But God may want you to use your fancy house and car to witness to others in your neighborhood… or to host meals and get-togethers for a group in your church. He may have helped you afford a Suburban so that you can haul the youth group to weekly activities. Or He may have chosen you to work with the less fortunate – and to relate well to them because they readily accept you as “one of them.”
The point is… God isn’t doling out favors and punishments in the form of monetary wealth and possessions. He is calling us to be rich in HIM… not in things. This is not a license to be a slacker and decide that God wants you to goof off and just barely get by in life. Truly find out where God wants you to be… then serve Him honestly and faithfully in that station. Be the best employee, boss, teacher, student, parent, son/daughter, servant that you can become. Always do your “job” honestly and make sure your behavior is beyond question or reproach. Measure your wealth in terms of God’s favor… not man’s. You’ll find your value is far higher in HIS sight than on this earth… and that’s where it really counts!
©2010 Debbie Robus
It's better to be honest and poor than to be dishonest and rich.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve always told my husband that “I’d live with you in a pup tent.” He laughs at that… knowing I like the comfort of a warm bed and a good hot shower… but he also understands what I am saying. As long as we are together, it really doesn’t matter where we live or how much “stuff” we have. Many people assume that the “rich” are happier – or that becoming wealthy will equal lifelong contentment. We toss around phrases like “When I win the lottery…” or “When my ship comes in…” or “When I marry a rich man/woman…” The truth is… chasing wealth has been the downfall of many people. This doesn’t mean it’s wrong to have ambition or to desire to be financially secure. If you work hard, with honesty and integrity, and treat people well – and you make a lot of money as a result - good for you! But if you “kick and claw your way to the top” and are willing to do things that are dishonest or illegal – or you mistreat others along the way – your “victory” will be rather hollow. You may not go to jail like Bernie Madoff and others, but Judgment Day will surely come.
God wants us to be happy. And while some think that Jesus’ call for the disciples to leave everything and follow Him means that we are supposed to live meager lives in very simple houses, drive clunkers and wear cheap, plain clothing, they are mistaken. God doesn’t begrudge us having nice homes, clothes, cars and more… as long as we earn them honestly and honor Him in the bargain.
Please hear me… you do not have to apologize for what you have… or what you don’t have… as long as you are serving God according to His will for your life. If God wants you to sell all of your belongings and move to a Third World country to serve him, do it! But God may want you to use your fancy house and car to witness to others in your neighborhood… or to host meals and get-togethers for a group in your church. He may have helped you afford a Suburban so that you can haul the youth group to weekly activities. Or He may have chosen you to work with the less fortunate – and to relate well to them because they readily accept you as “one of them.”
The point is… God isn’t doling out favors and punishments in the form of monetary wealth and possessions. He is calling us to be rich in HIM… not in things. This is not a license to be a slacker and decide that God wants you to goof off and just barely get by in life. Truly find out where God wants you to be… then serve Him honestly and faithfully in that station. Be the best employee, boss, teacher, student, parent, son/daughter, servant that you can become. Always do your “job” honestly and make sure your behavior is beyond question or reproach. Measure your wealth in terms of God’s favor… not man’s. You’ll find your value is far higher in HIS sight than on this earth… and that’s where it really counts!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 26, 2010
April 26 ~ Proverbs 15:30-33
A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong. Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise. You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it. Showing respect to the LORD will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Some of you have heard my story about the time my sister, my cousin and I went to my Mam-ma’s house before Christmas to get a lesson in making peanut brittle. For the record, my Mam-ma Polly is the undisputed Queen of Peanut Brittle Making. Hers is thick and filled with peanuts, but it’s as light and crisp as any of that thin stuff people sell in the buckets… and much tastier. She can still wield a heavy cooking pot of the molten candy, although at 97+ and getting a little shaky, we’d rather she didn’t!
Anyway, several years ago we went for “the lesson,” and she carefully instructed us to stir the sugar and water mixture over heat until it made what she called a “hair” (a very thin ribbon of candy syrup that resembles a curly hair) when you dipped a spoon in it and held it up to let the liquid flow back into the pot. We watched carefully and tried to do it just right. The candy made thin stream of syrup that did indeed look like a little curly “hair,” and we added the peanuts and let them cook. Then we added baking soda and let the mixture foam. We were supposed to stir vigorously at this point, and we took turns doing the various steps. When it came time to pour the hot candy onto a buttered cookie sheet, I was holding the pan, and I took my spoon and started to “help” the candy out of the pan and onto the sheet. BIG MISTAKE! My grandmother went nothing short of ballistic and started screaming, “NO! DON’T EVER SCRAPE IT OUT OF THE PAN! YOU’LL RUIN IT!”
To this day, I have never made a decent batch of peanut brittle. I guess my idea of a good “hair” and my grandmother’s are not the same, because my candy is always chewy, and she says it’s because I don’t cook it long enough. Mine certainly never pours smoothly from the pan, although I have never used a spoon to help it along again! I have decided that I will not be the one carrying on the family legacy of peanut brittle making to future generations. Thankfully my grandmother was more successful at teaching me to make yeast rolls and sweet potato pie. I’ll carry the torch on those and leave the candy to someone else!
We’ve had dozens of good laughs over that day and my “mistake” of pulling the candy from the pot… and my grandmother’s reaction. And it IS good to laugh and smile. But sometimes, we receive instruction from others that we fail to accept, and the results are not funny at all. We sometimes fail to recognize when someone is lovingly offering advice or help, and we interpret their efforts as a judgment on us that we are not doing a good enough job. Or we resent the fact that someone thought we needed help or advice in the first place. OR… we feel our way is better, and we are insulted by the offer.
Sadly, we often reject the instruction of our Heavenly Father… and this is serious business. How many times have you clearly heard or felt God telling you to do something – or to proceed in a certain way – and you did something else? Tell me… how did that work for you? If ever someone was trying to offer help and advice – or instruction – that we truly need, it was God! And He will continue to guide our path. The question is… will we listen? Unlike carrying on a legacy of making delicious peanut brittle, we don’t have the luxury of saying, “I think I’ll pass on God’s guidance.” Oh… many will try… but the results will be far more disastrous than a ruined pan filled with cooked-on candy. Humbly consider this scripture passage today… see where you need to accept good counsel from God – and from mere humans. Grow in wisdom by learning from others – and have the good sense to take a little advice along the way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong. Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise. You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it. Showing respect to the LORD will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Some of you have heard my story about the time my sister, my cousin and I went to my Mam-ma’s house before Christmas to get a lesson in making peanut brittle. For the record, my Mam-ma Polly is the undisputed Queen of Peanut Brittle Making. Hers is thick and filled with peanuts, but it’s as light and crisp as any of that thin stuff people sell in the buckets… and much tastier. She can still wield a heavy cooking pot of the molten candy, although at 97+ and getting a little shaky, we’d rather she didn’t!
Anyway, several years ago we went for “the lesson,” and she carefully instructed us to stir the sugar and water mixture over heat until it made what she called a “hair” (a very thin ribbon of candy syrup that resembles a curly hair) when you dipped a spoon in it and held it up to let the liquid flow back into the pot. We watched carefully and tried to do it just right. The candy made thin stream of syrup that did indeed look like a little curly “hair,” and we added the peanuts and let them cook. Then we added baking soda and let the mixture foam. We were supposed to stir vigorously at this point, and we took turns doing the various steps. When it came time to pour the hot candy onto a buttered cookie sheet, I was holding the pan, and I took my spoon and started to “help” the candy out of the pan and onto the sheet. BIG MISTAKE! My grandmother went nothing short of ballistic and started screaming, “NO! DON’T EVER SCRAPE IT OUT OF THE PAN! YOU’LL RUIN IT!”
To this day, I have never made a decent batch of peanut brittle. I guess my idea of a good “hair” and my grandmother’s are not the same, because my candy is always chewy, and she says it’s because I don’t cook it long enough. Mine certainly never pours smoothly from the pan, although I have never used a spoon to help it along again! I have decided that I will not be the one carrying on the family legacy of peanut brittle making to future generations. Thankfully my grandmother was more successful at teaching me to make yeast rolls and sweet potato pie. I’ll carry the torch on those and leave the candy to someone else!
We’ve had dozens of good laughs over that day and my “mistake” of pulling the candy from the pot… and my grandmother’s reaction. And it IS good to laugh and smile. But sometimes, we receive instruction from others that we fail to accept, and the results are not funny at all. We sometimes fail to recognize when someone is lovingly offering advice or help, and we interpret their efforts as a judgment on us that we are not doing a good enough job. Or we resent the fact that someone thought we needed help or advice in the first place. OR… we feel our way is better, and we are insulted by the offer.
Sadly, we often reject the instruction of our Heavenly Father… and this is serious business. How many times have you clearly heard or felt God telling you to do something – or to proceed in a certain way – and you did something else? Tell me… how did that work for you? If ever someone was trying to offer help and advice – or instruction – that we truly need, it was God! And He will continue to guide our path. The question is… will we listen? Unlike carrying on a legacy of making delicious peanut brittle, we don’t have the luxury of saying, “I think I’ll pass on God’s guidance.” Oh… many will try… but the results will be far more disastrous than a ruined pan filled with cooked-on candy. Humbly consider this scripture passage today… see where you need to accept good counsel from God – and from mere humans. Grow in wisdom by learning from others – and have the good sense to take a little advice along the way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 25, 2010
April 25 ~ Proverbs 15:13-15
Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you. Anyone with good sense is eager to learn more, but fools are hungry for foolishness. The poor have a hard life, but being content is as good as an endless feast.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life is a series of doors and windows. One closes – another opens. As a high school freshman, I planned on majoring in music in college (concert pianist, perhaps?). In the summer after my sophomore year, I worked with preschool children at Vacation Bible School. I loved the children, the art projects, the music – the “whole ball of wax,” and I realized… I needed to incorporate all of that into a profession – teaching! I knew I would never make a huge salary as a teacher, but that didn’t matter. Other teachers managed, and so would I.
Teaching made me happy, but the “red tape” did not. After nine years in the classroom, the door closed. I turned a needlework hobby into a business. The skills I developed creating a newsletter and needlework patterns prepared me with experience in printing, which lent a solid base to our publishing business. My husband closed the door on his profession in Park Administration, and his “people skills” and expertise in the areas of parks and recreation were put into play as we developed a business that was focused on RVers. For the next eighteen years, we were magazine publishers, and then the door closed on that chapter of our lives.
Several years ago, I began writing daily devotionals. I also wrote articles for our magazine, and soon I realized that I really liked to write! Today, the door has opened for me to utilize pieces of all of my “careers” to knit together articles and information for several publications and “PR” projects. I am blessed to be able to pursue something that brings me such happiness. And while our business ventures were successful, there have been times when life wasn’t all that hard, but we were counting our pennies and budgeting carefully. And those may have been our happiest years of all.
The point is… money doesn’t buy happiness. People can’t make you happy. Things won’t last – or satisfy. But doing what you love – being with people you love – appreciating the simplest things and places – truly experiencing a daily walk with God – these things make you genuinely happy! If you are traveling down any other road – if you are chasing dreams and ideas that aren’t your own or you know are bad for you – turn around! There is a saying that “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” Find your “doors and windows” and don’t be afraid to ask God to help you go through them. If He guides your steps, you’ll make the right choices – and you will always find joy on the other side.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you. Anyone with good sense is eager to learn more, but fools are hungry for foolishness. The poor have a hard life, but being content is as good as an endless feast.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life is a series of doors and windows. One closes – another opens. As a high school freshman, I planned on majoring in music in college (concert pianist, perhaps?). In the summer after my sophomore year, I worked with preschool children at Vacation Bible School. I loved the children, the art projects, the music – the “whole ball of wax,” and I realized… I needed to incorporate all of that into a profession – teaching! I knew I would never make a huge salary as a teacher, but that didn’t matter. Other teachers managed, and so would I.
Teaching made me happy, but the “red tape” did not. After nine years in the classroom, the door closed. I turned a needlework hobby into a business. The skills I developed creating a newsletter and needlework patterns prepared me with experience in printing, which lent a solid base to our publishing business. My husband closed the door on his profession in Park Administration, and his “people skills” and expertise in the areas of parks and recreation were put into play as we developed a business that was focused on RVers. For the next eighteen years, we were magazine publishers, and then the door closed on that chapter of our lives.
Several years ago, I began writing daily devotionals. I also wrote articles for our magazine, and soon I realized that I really liked to write! Today, the door has opened for me to utilize pieces of all of my “careers” to knit together articles and information for several publications and “PR” projects. I am blessed to be able to pursue something that brings me such happiness. And while our business ventures were successful, there have been times when life wasn’t all that hard, but we were counting our pennies and budgeting carefully. And those may have been our happiest years of all.
The point is… money doesn’t buy happiness. People can’t make you happy. Things won’t last – or satisfy. But doing what you love – being with people you love – appreciating the simplest things and places – truly experiencing a daily walk with God – these things make you genuinely happy! If you are traveling down any other road – if you are chasing dreams and ideas that aren’t your own or you know are bad for you – turn around! There is a saying that “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” Find your “doors and windows” and don’t be afraid to ask God to help you go through them. If He guides your steps, you’ll make the right choices – and you will always find joy on the other side.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 24, 2010
April 24 ~ Proverbs 14:14
You harvest what you plant, whether good or bad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us understand the concept that:
• If you overeat – you will probably gain weight.
• If you smoke cigarettes – you are a candidate for lung cancer.
• If you expose your skin to the sun or a tanning bed – you will age your skin and possibly get skin cancer.
• If you have unprotected sex – you could make a baby or get an STD.
• If you don’t go to class – you probably won’t pass.
• If you break the law – you may go to jail.
I could go on, but you get the picture. When things are “black and white,” we have no trouble grasping them. Where we sometimes fail to understand this is in the “grey areas” of life.
• If you cheat – on your taxes, on a significant other, at school, at work, by speeding or drinking and driving… or even in a sport… you might seem to “get by” with it. But somewhere down the road, this type of behavior will catch up with you. You may never get caught actually cheating at something, but your behavior may lead to other dishonesty that is discovered or an activity that harms your relationships with others. And over time, cheating and dishonesty eat away at your character.
• If you are kind and generous with what you have, even if it seems like very little – time, talents, and money – you will benefit in ways you can’t even imagine. You may never be “rich” in money or material things, but you will be wealthy beyond measure in other ways. Blessings will come your way when you least expect them – and from sources you would never have expected.
• If you are faithful and trusting of God – and trustworthy – He will answer your prayers, solve your problems, heal you of diseases, protect you, promote you, and bless you incredibly. And you will operate in confidence that Someone else is helping you handle every situation.
• If you are a “hit-and-miss” Christian who worships, prays and studies when it is convenient – or when there is a crisis – expect “hit-and-miss” results and blessings. It’s not that God is ignoring you – or even punishing you – but God does pour out His abundance on those who are most faithful, and we need to understand and appreciate how this exchange with Him works.
This is the familiar “you reap what you sow” passage. It may be hard for you to see how what you are doing today is going to affect you down the road. But it will. Make sure that everything you do this day lines up with the will and the word of God. Make sure that every choice you make, every word from your mouth, every gesture, facial expression and step you take is approved by God. If you do this, you will sow blessings so abundant you can’t even count them. Don’t worry about what happens if you make poor choices – don’t even go there! Don’t risk missing a single one of the blessings God has in store for you. Sow good things, positive words, faithful service and continual trust. Sow LOVE and the light of Christ… and be amazed by what you reap!
©2010 Debbie Robus
You harvest what you plant, whether good or bad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us understand the concept that:
• If you overeat – you will probably gain weight.
• If you smoke cigarettes – you are a candidate for lung cancer.
• If you expose your skin to the sun or a tanning bed – you will age your skin and possibly get skin cancer.
• If you have unprotected sex – you could make a baby or get an STD.
• If you don’t go to class – you probably won’t pass.
• If you break the law – you may go to jail.
I could go on, but you get the picture. When things are “black and white,” we have no trouble grasping them. Where we sometimes fail to understand this is in the “grey areas” of life.
• If you cheat – on your taxes, on a significant other, at school, at work, by speeding or drinking and driving… or even in a sport… you might seem to “get by” with it. But somewhere down the road, this type of behavior will catch up with you. You may never get caught actually cheating at something, but your behavior may lead to other dishonesty that is discovered or an activity that harms your relationships with others. And over time, cheating and dishonesty eat away at your character.
• If you are kind and generous with what you have, even if it seems like very little – time, talents, and money – you will benefit in ways you can’t even imagine. You may never be “rich” in money or material things, but you will be wealthy beyond measure in other ways. Blessings will come your way when you least expect them – and from sources you would never have expected.
• If you are faithful and trusting of God – and trustworthy – He will answer your prayers, solve your problems, heal you of diseases, protect you, promote you, and bless you incredibly. And you will operate in confidence that Someone else is helping you handle every situation.
• If you are a “hit-and-miss” Christian who worships, prays and studies when it is convenient – or when there is a crisis – expect “hit-and-miss” results and blessings. It’s not that God is ignoring you – or even punishing you – but God does pour out His abundance on those who are most faithful, and we need to understand and appreciate how this exchange with Him works.
This is the familiar “you reap what you sow” passage. It may be hard for you to see how what you are doing today is going to affect you down the road. But it will. Make sure that everything you do this day lines up with the will and the word of God. Make sure that every choice you make, every word from your mouth, every gesture, facial expression and step you take is approved by God. If you do this, you will sow blessings so abundant you can’t even count them. Don’t worry about what happens if you make poor choices – don’t even go there! Don’t risk missing a single one of the blessings God has in store for you. Sow good things, positive words, faithful service and continual trust. Sow LOVE and the light of Christ… and be amazed by what you reap!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 23, 2010
April 23 ~ Philippians 4:11-13
I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
December 20, 1980, my grandparents’ house burned to the ground. My grandmother was preparing breakfast, and my grandfather was checking on his cows. They were headed to church later. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, their house was gone, and they were left with a few drawers of clothing they had rescued, their vehicles, a chair, the family mantel clock and Bible, and one photo album. Gone were all of the “things” of my childhood memories… this was the only home I had known for my grandparents in 23 years. I still remember when I arrived and hugged my dad, and he said, “It’s okay… they (meaning my grandparents) are both okay, and that’s all that matters.”
It could have been so much worse. The heat from the fire was so strong that it melted cast-iron skillets and my grandparents’ cast-iron claw-footed bath tub. Literally nothing was left except a few foundation stones. The beautiful quilts my grandmother hand-pieced and quilted were gone, along with some amazing antique furniture and the china my grandmother saved her pennies to buy at the local “Five and Dime.” My grandparents worked very hard for everything they had acquired. But they were not defined by their belongings. People knew that my grandmother made beautiful quilts, but she was – and still is – known more for her large personality and her generous spirit. People associated my grandparents with their service to their church and others… and how they loved their family… not with their possessions.
I go to a lot of estate auctions and sales, and I can tell you with absolute certainty, your belongings are all just “stuff.” When you see “prized possessions” laid out on a flatbed trailer and auctioned for a few dollars, you realize that these things belonged to a real person with real thoughts, feelings and problems. Hopefully, these “things” did not define that person… and hopefully you are not defined by what you own, what you drive, where you live, or even your pedigree!
Hopefully, you would be just fine if – Heaven forbid – you were stripped clean of all of your belongings.
My grandparents rebuilt, thanks to the kindness and generosity of a lot of people who loved and cared for them. Others have done the same. But GOD rebuilt their spirit… and we were all reminded that HE is what matters, not “stuff!” What is important to you? Where do you place your value? How content are you in all circumstances? Are you counting on Christ to give you strength? Shouldn’t you be?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
December 20, 1980, my grandparents’ house burned to the ground. My grandmother was preparing breakfast, and my grandfather was checking on his cows. They were headed to church later. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, their house was gone, and they were left with a few drawers of clothing they had rescued, their vehicles, a chair, the family mantel clock and Bible, and one photo album. Gone were all of the “things” of my childhood memories… this was the only home I had known for my grandparents in 23 years. I still remember when I arrived and hugged my dad, and he said, “It’s okay… they (meaning my grandparents) are both okay, and that’s all that matters.”
It could have been so much worse. The heat from the fire was so strong that it melted cast-iron skillets and my grandparents’ cast-iron claw-footed bath tub. Literally nothing was left except a few foundation stones. The beautiful quilts my grandmother hand-pieced and quilted were gone, along with some amazing antique furniture and the china my grandmother saved her pennies to buy at the local “Five and Dime.” My grandparents worked very hard for everything they had acquired. But they were not defined by their belongings. People knew that my grandmother made beautiful quilts, but she was – and still is – known more for her large personality and her generous spirit. People associated my grandparents with their service to their church and others… and how they loved their family… not with their possessions.
I go to a lot of estate auctions and sales, and I can tell you with absolute certainty, your belongings are all just “stuff.” When you see “prized possessions” laid out on a flatbed trailer and auctioned for a few dollars, you realize that these things belonged to a real person with real thoughts, feelings and problems. Hopefully, these “things” did not define that person… and hopefully you are not defined by what you own, what you drive, where you live, or even your pedigree!
Hopefully, you would be just fine if – Heaven forbid – you were stripped clean of all of your belongings.
My grandparents rebuilt, thanks to the kindness and generosity of a lot of people who loved and cared for them. Others have done the same. But GOD rebuilt their spirit… and we were all reminded that HE is what matters, not “stuff!” What is important to you? Where do you place your value? How content are you in all circumstances? Are you counting on Christ to give you strength? Shouldn’t you be?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 22, 2010
April 22 ~ Matthew 18:10-14
Don't be cruel to any of these little ones! I promise you that their angels are always with my Father in heaven. Let me ask you this. What would you do if you had a hundred sheep and one of them wandered off? Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go look for the one that had wandered away? I am sure that finding it would make you happier than having the ninety-nine that never wandered off. That's how it is with your Father in heaven. He doesn't want any of these little ones to be lost.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
During the Christmas holidays, I always make Italian cream cake. This rich dessert has become a family tradition for our holiday dinners, and I rarely make it any other time. This year, I set it on a beautiful antique cake plate that I purchased at the estate sale of a dear friend named Eloise. The pattern was called “Stars and Bars,” and every time I used that platter, I thought of Eloise. When the cake was finished, I slid the platter into my sink to wash it… and somehow it became wedged along the sides of the sink.
I could not budge that platter. I tried more dish soap. I tried gently pulling on the sides… being careful not to crack the plate and cut myself. Then I did a dumb thing. My dish water was very warm, so I got a cup of ice from our freezer and poured it in. CRACK! The plate immediately split into two pieces. Had I been a little more patient and thoughtful, the dish might have come loose as the water cooled. I learned a hard lesson.
The thing is… I have dozens of cake plates and beautiful antique trays that I have purchased at estate auctions. I even have another “Stars and Bars” tray. But almost all of the trays and dishes I keep have a story for me. They belonged to a friend… or the contemporary of my grandmothers. I have two trays that belonged to my grandmother and great-aunt, and I can still imagine them serving delicious little tidbits to their coffee klatch or canasta club. Each one is precious, and I am sad when I break or chip even one.
That was Jesus’ point with His analogy. Every single one of us is important to Him. Even the person you see as insignificant or “hard to love,” Jesus loves and adores every bit as much as He cares for you. I should have been more careful with Eloise’s cake plate. I will learn to live without it. But human souls are not as expendable. We cannot afford to ignore or mistreat a single one! What “sheep” have wandered off in your own life? To whom do you need to reach out today and encourage them back “into the fold?”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Don't be cruel to any of these little ones! I promise you that their angels are always with my Father in heaven. Let me ask you this. What would you do if you had a hundred sheep and one of them wandered off? Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go look for the one that had wandered away? I am sure that finding it would make you happier than having the ninety-nine that never wandered off. That's how it is with your Father in heaven. He doesn't want any of these little ones to be lost.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
During the Christmas holidays, I always make Italian cream cake. This rich dessert has become a family tradition for our holiday dinners, and I rarely make it any other time. This year, I set it on a beautiful antique cake plate that I purchased at the estate sale of a dear friend named Eloise. The pattern was called “Stars and Bars,” and every time I used that platter, I thought of Eloise. When the cake was finished, I slid the platter into my sink to wash it… and somehow it became wedged along the sides of the sink.
I could not budge that platter. I tried more dish soap. I tried gently pulling on the sides… being careful not to crack the plate and cut myself. Then I did a dumb thing. My dish water was very warm, so I got a cup of ice from our freezer and poured it in. CRACK! The plate immediately split into two pieces. Had I been a little more patient and thoughtful, the dish might have come loose as the water cooled. I learned a hard lesson.
The thing is… I have dozens of cake plates and beautiful antique trays that I have purchased at estate auctions. I even have another “Stars and Bars” tray. But almost all of the trays and dishes I keep have a story for me. They belonged to a friend… or the contemporary of my grandmothers. I have two trays that belonged to my grandmother and great-aunt, and I can still imagine them serving delicious little tidbits to their coffee klatch or canasta club. Each one is precious, and I am sad when I break or chip even one.
That was Jesus’ point with His analogy. Every single one of us is important to Him. Even the person you see as insignificant or “hard to love,” Jesus loves and adores every bit as much as He cares for you. I should have been more careful with Eloise’s cake plate. I will learn to live without it. But human souls are not as expendable. We cannot afford to ignore or mistreat a single one! What “sheep” have wandered off in your own life? To whom do you need to reach out today and encourage them back “into the fold?”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 21, 2010
April 21 ~ Luke 6:27-36
This is what I say to all who will listen to me:
Love your enemies, and be good to everyone who hates you. Ask God to bless anyone who curses you, and pray for everyone who is cruel to you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, don't stop that person from slapping you on the other cheek. If someone wants to take your coat, don't try to keep back your shirt. Give to everyone who asks and don't ask people to return what they have taken from you. Treat others just as you want to be treated.
If you love only someone who loves you, will God praise you for that? Even sinners love people who love them. If you are kind only to someone who is kind to you, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners are kind to people who are kind to them. If you lend money only to someone you think will pay you back, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners lend to sinners because they think they will get it all back.
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Probably one of the hardest things we can ever do is to love our enemies… because this totally runs counter to human nature. But Scripture tells us that true Christians love their enemies and are good to them. The first question you have to ask is, “Who are your enemies?” Is your enemy the guy or girl who broke up with you – or the “friend” who is now spreading lies and vicious rumors about you throughout the school? Is your enemy an ex-wife or husband who seems to challenge you at every turn about everything from alimony to child custody? Is your enemy a boss, co-worker, teacher, coach or neighbor who makes life miserable for you every day with unreasonable demands and unkind or unfair treatment? Are your parents your enemies? Are your government officials your “enemies” because they do not legislate as you would prefer? Are your church leaders or certain members of the congregation your “enemies” because they pressure you to believe a certain doctrine or judge you in some way? Is the world your “enemy” because you feel like you haven’t gotten a fair shake in some way?
The second question to ask is, “How can you love these people?” How can you turn down the volume on the gossip someone spreads about you? How can you get along with your ex, your parents, your mean boss or teacher, or even someone who is abusive? How can you love the elected official with whom you vehemently disagree about everything – or the church leaders or members who continually rub you the wrong way?
I can’t answer question #1 for you, but I can help you find the answer to the second part… and it begins with attitude. See, every person you see as an enemy, God sees as valuable and special – just like He sees you. For every “enemy” you have, it’s quite possible someone views you as their enemy. None of us wants to be considered an enemy – and the way to combat that is to begin to love our own. Does this make sense? Notice I didn’t say it would be easy… but a whole lot of being a Christian is hard work! It is also well worth the effort.
Don’t misunderstand… I’m not saying you have to become a doormat or compromise your values. You just have to adjust how these people and situations affect you and your witness. Many have pointed out that it’s hard to be bitter and upset – or to feel persecuted or sorry for yourself – when you are busy doing things for others. So this is a call for us to get busy! Start looking for ways to love and serve… and see how little time you have to nurture grudges and harbor enemies! Focus on loving God and treating others as you wish to be treated – and see how quickly things change. Remember…God has mercy on you – show the same to others in His name!
©2010 Debbie Robus
This is what I say to all who will listen to me:
Love your enemies, and be good to everyone who hates you. Ask God to bless anyone who curses you, and pray for everyone who is cruel to you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, don't stop that person from slapping you on the other cheek. If someone wants to take your coat, don't try to keep back your shirt. Give to everyone who asks and don't ask people to return what they have taken from you. Treat others just as you want to be treated.
If you love only someone who loves you, will God praise you for that? Even sinners love people who love them. If you are kind only to someone who is kind to you, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners are kind to people who are kind to them. If you lend money only to someone you think will pay you back, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners lend to sinners because they think they will get it all back.
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel. Have pity on others, just as your Father has pity on you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Probably one of the hardest things we can ever do is to love our enemies… because this totally runs counter to human nature. But Scripture tells us that true Christians love their enemies and are good to them. The first question you have to ask is, “Who are your enemies?” Is your enemy the guy or girl who broke up with you – or the “friend” who is now spreading lies and vicious rumors about you throughout the school? Is your enemy an ex-wife or husband who seems to challenge you at every turn about everything from alimony to child custody? Is your enemy a boss, co-worker, teacher, coach or neighbor who makes life miserable for you every day with unreasonable demands and unkind or unfair treatment? Are your parents your enemies? Are your government officials your “enemies” because they do not legislate as you would prefer? Are your church leaders or certain members of the congregation your “enemies” because they pressure you to believe a certain doctrine or judge you in some way? Is the world your “enemy” because you feel like you haven’t gotten a fair shake in some way?
The second question to ask is, “How can you love these people?” How can you turn down the volume on the gossip someone spreads about you? How can you get along with your ex, your parents, your mean boss or teacher, or even someone who is abusive? How can you love the elected official with whom you vehemently disagree about everything – or the church leaders or members who continually rub you the wrong way?
I can’t answer question #1 for you, but I can help you find the answer to the second part… and it begins with attitude. See, every person you see as an enemy, God sees as valuable and special – just like He sees you. For every “enemy” you have, it’s quite possible someone views you as their enemy. None of us wants to be considered an enemy – and the way to combat that is to begin to love our own. Does this make sense? Notice I didn’t say it would be easy… but a whole lot of being a Christian is hard work! It is also well worth the effort.
Don’t misunderstand… I’m not saying you have to become a doormat or compromise your values. You just have to adjust how these people and situations affect you and your witness. Many have pointed out that it’s hard to be bitter and upset – or to feel persecuted or sorry for yourself – when you are busy doing things for others. So this is a call for us to get busy! Start looking for ways to love and serve… and see how little time you have to nurture grudges and harbor enemies! Focus on loving God and treating others as you wish to be treated – and see how quickly things change. Remember…God has mercy on you – show the same to others in His name!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 20, 2010
April 20 ~ Luke 14:8-11
When you are invited to a wedding feast, don't sit in the best place. Someone more important may have been invited. Then the one who invited you will come and say, "Give your place to this other guest!" You will be embarrassed and will have to sit in the worst place.
When you are invited to be a guest, go and sit in the worst place. Then the one who invited you may come and say, "My friend, take a better seat!" You will then be honored in front of all the other guests. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For three years in the late 80’s/early 90’s, I handled publicity for a locally-based company that sold its products internationally. My job was to get the products mentioned in magazines, newspapers, and other media. I also wrote press releases and traveled with company executives and employees to promote their products at markets, parties, and special events. I jetted around the country, dined in fancy restaurants and stayed in posh hotels. In my job, I often functioned in a world completely the opposite of my quiet home life with my husband and two cats on a little farm outside of Heber Springs.
This was before the Internet really came into everyday use, so I spent countless hours on the phone with magazine editors, designers, and other PR people. I became well acquainted with magazine editors from VOGUE, HOME, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, and dozens more. I met many famous people and even dined with a few.
Are you impressed? Don’t be! These were all ordinary people who happened to be in extraordinary positions. One of the best lessons I learned from this three-year experience was not to be affected by celebrity. It’s not that I became numb to the fame and fortune. I simply realized that when you strip away the fancy clothes, the jets, the money, the cameras and media recognition, each is an ordinary person who probably grew up very much like you and I did. They may still have “regular” home towns and families… and probably plenty of “regular” problems and challenges. We want to define them by their surroundings and “things,” but we are mistaken to do so.
I came to appreciate some of these people as genuine folks who happened to have interesting jobs or lifestyles. Some of them recognized me as a person and not just the means to a good story or photo for their magazine spread. Some I realized were really lonely human beings hiding behind a façade of fame and fortune. Still others were caught up in the hoopla and wanted others to think they were really “special!” Looking back, I see all of these people I met very differently. I wonder, “How did they see me? Did I reflect Jesus to them? Did they think I saw them as real people, or just a means to a mention for my company’s products?”
I pray that we would all take a good hard look at ourselves and see what sort of image we are projecting. Are we the “real deal” – a true, humble servant of Christ who reflects His love and light to others? Or are we hangers-on… wannabes… blinded by the lure of recognition and celebrity? Do we teeter on the brink of embarrassment, should others find out who we really are? Or have we stripped away any layers of phoniness, blind ambition, greed, and self-service, and let Jesus use us for His purposes? The question of the day is, “Where does God see you sitting… and how did you get there?”
©2010 Debbie Robus
When you are invited to a wedding feast, don't sit in the best place. Someone more important may have been invited. Then the one who invited you will come and say, "Give your place to this other guest!" You will be embarrassed and will have to sit in the worst place.
When you are invited to be a guest, go and sit in the worst place. Then the one who invited you may come and say, "My friend, take a better seat!" You will then be honored in front of all the other guests. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For three years in the late 80’s/early 90’s, I handled publicity for a locally-based company that sold its products internationally. My job was to get the products mentioned in magazines, newspapers, and other media. I also wrote press releases and traveled with company executives and employees to promote their products at markets, parties, and special events. I jetted around the country, dined in fancy restaurants and stayed in posh hotels. In my job, I often functioned in a world completely the opposite of my quiet home life with my husband and two cats on a little farm outside of Heber Springs.
This was before the Internet really came into everyday use, so I spent countless hours on the phone with magazine editors, designers, and other PR people. I became well acquainted with magazine editors from VOGUE, HOME, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, and dozens more. I met many famous people and even dined with a few.
Are you impressed? Don’t be! These were all ordinary people who happened to be in extraordinary positions. One of the best lessons I learned from this three-year experience was not to be affected by celebrity. It’s not that I became numb to the fame and fortune. I simply realized that when you strip away the fancy clothes, the jets, the money, the cameras and media recognition, each is an ordinary person who probably grew up very much like you and I did. They may still have “regular” home towns and families… and probably plenty of “regular” problems and challenges. We want to define them by their surroundings and “things,” but we are mistaken to do so.
I came to appreciate some of these people as genuine folks who happened to have interesting jobs or lifestyles. Some of them recognized me as a person and not just the means to a good story or photo for their magazine spread. Some I realized were really lonely human beings hiding behind a façade of fame and fortune. Still others were caught up in the hoopla and wanted others to think they were really “special!” Looking back, I see all of these people I met very differently. I wonder, “How did they see me? Did I reflect Jesus to them? Did they think I saw them as real people, or just a means to a mention for my company’s products?”
I pray that we would all take a good hard look at ourselves and see what sort of image we are projecting. Are we the “real deal” – a true, humble servant of Christ who reflects His love and light to others? Or are we hangers-on… wannabes… blinded by the lure of recognition and celebrity? Do we teeter on the brink of embarrassment, should others find out who we really are? Or have we stripped away any layers of phoniness, blind ambition, greed, and self-service, and let Jesus use us for His purposes? The question of the day is, “Where does God see you sitting… and how did you get there?”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 19, 2010
April 19 ~ Jude 1:20-25
Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life.
Be helpful to all who may have doubts. Rescue any who need to be saved, as you would rescue someone from a fire. Then with fear in your own hearts, have mercy on everyone who needs it. But hate even the clothes of those who have been made dirty by their filthy deeds.
Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent months the “climate” in our country has taken on a disappointing – and at times nasty – tone. I am sad to see people who publicly proclaim their Christian faith, then cover their car in bumper stickers that express unloving or disrespectful sentiments. It bothers me to see posts on Facebook from fellow believers that express intolerance for others. The message may be subtle and a bit cryptic, but the meaning is clear. I am discouraged when I read the posts that ask me to join a group to “get rid of” a specific politician or organization…or say “I hate my life”…or are so filled with four-letter words that I have to “hide” them. We shouldn’t be joking about the deaths of Al-Qaeda military leaders and administrators or the latest celebrity sex scandal or trip to rehab. Remember, God loves them just as much as He loves you!
Those of you who know me know that one of my mantras is, “People are always watching.” We need to be aware of where we are and with whom we are associating. Additionally, we need to be careful that our attitudes and behaviors do not discredit our Christian faith. People are indeed watching, and they notice when we judge others and invoke the name of Jesus in practically the same sentence. They recognize those of us who claim to be “Christians” as we stand at protest rallies, and they hear us shouting unkind – or even hateful – things. They hear our off-color jokes about the latest celebrity scandal. They see the posts on Facebook and read our editorial comments in the newspaper. They hear our conversations over lunch at the local diner. And we are judged accordingly. While we have every right to voice our opinions, we need to think about what our thoughts and actions convey to others before we do so.
When you publicly express your displeasure with everything from public welfare programs to abortion and a person’s sexual orientation or unhappiness with your government officials, you are certainly within your constitutional rights to do so. But before you speak, consider who will hear your remarks. It doesn’t matter whether others agree with you or not. If they hear you expound on a certain issue in an unkind or even hateful manner – and then they take a seat in the pew next to you on Sunday - how do you think they will view you and your faith? Will they see you as a disciple of Christ who has mercy on those who need it? Or will they see a judgmental, hard-nosed, “my-way-or-the-highway” person who serves God in a rather critical, selective manner? Will they want to serve your Jesus?
I’m not saying you can’t have opinions – or even that you have to keep them to yourself. I am asking you to stop and think before you react and speak. The very person or group you are publicly condemning may be looking to you for an example of Christian faith and mercy. They may be gauging Christianity by your level of grace and love – and how you emulate Jesus in your daily living. It’s the “love the sinner, hate the sin” concept. You don’t have to approve of sinful behavior or any lifestyle or choice you feel doesn’t line up with God’s will. But if you alienate the people to whom you wish to minister, you may never get a second chance to share Jesus’ love with them. Many will never darken the door of the church, much less return for another visit! Don’t be “guilty by association” – in any form. Before you act or speak, ask God if He approves of the message, as our politicians like to say in their campaign ads. Make sure you show love and mercy to those who need it, and keep in step with God throughout each day.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life.
Be helpful to all who may have doubts. Rescue any who need to be saved, as you would rescue someone from a fire. Then with fear in your own hearts, have mercy on everyone who needs it. But hate even the clothes of those who have been made dirty by their filthy deeds.
Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent months the “climate” in our country has taken on a disappointing – and at times nasty – tone. I am sad to see people who publicly proclaim their Christian faith, then cover their car in bumper stickers that express unloving or disrespectful sentiments. It bothers me to see posts on Facebook from fellow believers that express intolerance for others. The message may be subtle and a bit cryptic, but the meaning is clear. I am discouraged when I read the posts that ask me to join a group to “get rid of” a specific politician or organization…or say “I hate my life”…or are so filled with four-letter words that I have to “hide” them. We shouldn’t be joking about the deaths of Al-Qaeda military leaders and administrators or the latest celebrity sex scandal or trip to rehab. Remember, God loves them just as much as He loves you!
Those of you who know me know that one of my mantras is, “People are always watching.” We need to be aware of where we are and with whom we are associating. Additionally, we need to be careful that our attitudes and behaviors do not discredit our Christian faith. People are indeed watching, and they notice when we judge others and invoke the name of Jesus in practically the same sentence. They recognize those of us who claim to be “Christians” as we stand at protest rallies, and they hear us shouting unkind – or even hateful – things. They hear our off-color jokes about the latest celebrity scandal. They see the posts on Facebook and read our editorial comments in the newspaper. They hear our conversations over lunch at the local diner. And we are judged accordingly. While we have every right to voice our opinions, we need to think about what our thoughts and actions convey to others before we do so.
When you publicly express your displeasure with everything from public welfare programs to abortion and a person’s sexual orientation or unhappiness with your government officials, you are certainly within your constitutional rights to do so. But before you speak, consider who will hear your remarks. It doesn’t matter whether others agree with you or not. If they hear you expound on a certain issue in an unkind or even hateful manner – and then they take a seat in the pew next to you on Sunday - how do you think they will view you and your faith? Will they see you as a disciple of Christ who has mercy on those who need it? Or will they see a judgmental, hard-nosed, “my-way-or-the-highway” person who serves God in a rather critical, selective manner? Will they want to serve your Jesus?
I’m not saying you can’t have opinions – or even that you have to keep them to yourself. I am asking you to stop and think before you react and speak. The very person or group you are publicly condemning may be looking to you for an example of Christian faith and mercy. They may be gauging Christianity by your level of grace and love – and how you emulate Jesus in your daily living. It’s the “love the sinner, hate the sin” concept. You don’t have to approve of sinful behavior or any lifestyle or choice you feel doesn’t line up with God’s will. But if you alienate the people to whom you wish to minister, you may never get a second chance to share Jesus’ love with them. Many will never darken the door of the church, much less return for another visit! Don’t be “guilty by association” – in any form. Before you act or speak, ask God if He approves of the message, as our politicians like to say in their campaign ads. Make sure you show love and mercy to those who need it, and keep in step with God throughout each day.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 18, 2010
April 18 ~ John 3:16
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was watching our great-nephew, Timmy, sleep one day. He looks like such an angel… smooth soft skin, delicate mouth and long, thick eyelashes. He curls up in a tight little ball sometimes, and often he makes little humming noises… and sometimes he even laughs in his sleep. Like many of you with your own children, he is an incredible creature in my book… and I am wildly in love with him! I would walk across hot coals or throw myself in front of a moving car to save him.
Even though I love Timmy incredibly – and unconditionally – it still does not compare to God’s love for us. Why is that? Didn’t I say I would throw myself in front of a moving car for him? Yes, I said that. I would do everything humanly possible for my little guy. But that’s just it… we are human. We do not have supernatural power. We might be able to save the mortal life of someone else, but there is nothing I can do to guarantee Timmy’s eternal life. I cannot save him from sin. I cannot make any sacrifices or give him any gifts that will matter for his soul and his Spiritual well-being.
Only GOD can do this. Only GOD can love like this. Only GOD can make such a sacrifice and give such a gift. And He did just that! He loved us more than anyone else ever can! How are we honoring him? We cannot repay Him. We cannot earn this love. But we can glorify Him, praise Him, live like the children He has called us to be… and we can share His love with others. It doesn’t seem like enough, but if we do our best, He will be pleased. How well are you glorifying your Heavenly Father these days? Are you living a rich, full, glorious life, basking in the unconditional love of God Almighty? Are you showing gratitude and honor for this privilege? God would move heaven and earth for us – and He has! What have we done for Him lately?
©2010 Debbie Robus
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was watching our great-nephew, Timmy, sleep one day. He looks like such an angel… smooth soft skin, delicate mouth and long, thick eyelashes. He curls up in a tight little ball sometimes, and often he makes little humming noises… and sometimes he even laughs in his sleep. Like many of you with your own children, he is an incredible creature in my book… and I am wildly in love with him! I would walk across hot coals or throw myself in front of a moving car to save him.
Even though I love Timmy incredibly – and unconditionally – it still does not compare to God’s love for us. Why is that? Didn’t I say I would throw myself in front of a moving car for him? Yes, I said that. I would do everything humanly possible for my little guy. But that’s just it… we are human. We do not have supernatural power. We might be able to save the mortal life of someone else, but there is nothing I can do to guarantee Timmy’s eternal life. I cannot save him from sin. I cannot make any sacrifices or give him any gifts that will matter for his soul and his Spiritual well-being.
Only GOD can do this. Only GOD can love like this. Only GOD can make such a sacrifice and give such a gift. And He did just that! He loved us more than anyone else ever can! How are we honoring him? We cannot repay Him. We cannot earn this love. But we can glorify Him, praise Him, live like the children He has called us to be… and we can share His love with others. It doesn’t seem like enough, but if we do our best, He will be pleased. How well are you glorifying your Heavenly Father these days? Are you living a rich, full, glorious life, basking in the unconditional love of God Almighty? Are you showing gratitude and honor for this privilege? God would move heaven and earth for us – and He has! What have we done for Him lately?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 17, 2010
April 17 ~ John 13:33-35
My children, I will be with you for a little while longer. Then you will look for me, but you won't find me. I tell you just as I told the people, "You cannot go where I am going." But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I think of J.B. Hunt, I think of a faithful Christian man who was also successful in business. A few years ago, I was attending a “class reunion” banquet called “Early Decades.” The banquet is a chance for people who graduated 30 years ago or longer to get together and see one another and reminisce about “the good ole days.” On this particular night, I recognized Mr. Hunt standing beside a nearby table, along with his wife and some family members I know quite well. I greeted him and shook his hand, and I told him who I was by referencing my parents and my grandfather. I told him that my grand-dad spoke of him often and was so proud of what he had accomplished.
I didn’t tell Mr. Hunt this, but my grand-dad always spoke more of his personal character and strong Christian faith than he did J.B.’s business success. In fact, the last conversation I ever had with my grand-dad was about J.B. Hunt. He was scheduled to speak at the Rotary Club in Heber Springs, and my grand-dad said, “Oh, I would love to hear him speak.” Ironically, the last conversation I had with Mr. Hunt was at that banquet. He died a few months later after falling on some ice.
Having grown up in Heber Springs, I know a lot of the “old-timers.” My husband likes to joke that people need to be careful what they say to me about folks around here – because they are probably my relatives! And while that is not as true today as a few years ago, it still bodes well to watch who you talk about when you are around me! I’m just kidding! But the point is… how do people know you? Are you the child or grand-child of someone that others recognize? Are you known for your reputation – good or poor? Are you known as the banker’s son or the cop’s daughter or the preacher’s kid? Are you known as Joe’s wife or Sue’s husband? Are you known as a Christian – a disciple of Christ?
See, that last one is really the only one that matters. It doesn’t matter whose son, daughter, wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, team mate, or friend you are… except for Jesus. If people can’t readily see that you are Jesus’ disciple, nothing else matters. When we get right down to it, everything else is a label applied by humans… but “disciple of Christ” was bought and paid for on the cross. That label matters! It’s the one we should want. Are you loving – and living – in a way that allows others to see your discipleship? Isn’t it time you did? How are you known these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
My children, I will be with you for a little while longer. Then you will look for me, but you won't find me. I tell you just as I told the people, "You cannot go where I am going." But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I think of J.B. Hunt, I think of a faithful Christian man who was also successful in business. A few years ago, I was attending a “class reunion” banquet called “Early Decades.” The banquet is a chance for people who graduated 30 years ago or longer to get together and see one another and reminisce about “the good ole days.” On this particular night, I recognized Mr. Hunt standing beside a nearby table, along with his wife and some family members I know quite well. I greeted him and shook his hand, and I told him who I was by referencing my parents and my grandfather. I told him that my grand-dad spoke of him often and was so proud of what he had accomplished.
I didn’t tell Mr. Hunt this, but my grand-dad always spoke more of his personal character and strong Christian faith than he did J.B.’s business success. In fact, the last conversation I ever had with my grand-dad was about J.B. Hunt. He was scheduled to speak at the Rotary Club in Heber Springs, and my grand-dad said, “Oh, I would love to hear him speak.” Ironically, the last conversation I had with Mr. Hunt was at that banquet. He died a few months later after falling on some ice.
Having grown up in Heber Springs, I know a lot of the “old-timers.” My husband likes to joke that people need to be careful what they say to me about folks around here – because they are probably my relatives! And while that is not as true today as a few years ago, it still bodes well to watch who you talk about when you are around me! I’m just kidding! But the point is… how do people know you? Are you the child or grand-child of someone that others recognize? Are you known for your reputation – good or poor? Are you known as the banker’s son or the cop’s daughter or the preacher’s kid? Are you known as Joe’s wife or Sue’s husband? Are you known as a Christian – a disciple of Christ?
See, that last one is really the only one that matters. It doesn’t matter whose son, daughter, wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, team mate, or friend you are… except for Jesus. If people can’t readily see that you are Jesus’ disciple, nothing else matters. When we get right down to it, everything else is a label applied by humans… but “disciple of Christ” was bought and paid for on the cross. That label matters! It’s the one we should want. Are you loving – and living – in a way that allows others to see your discipleship? Isn’t it time you did? How are you known these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 16, 2010
April 16 ~ Galatians 5:22-26
God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, I was shopping in the grocery store. I looked up as a very dirty, disheveled man came through the door. For a second, I thought to myself, “What is he doing in here?” When I got a closer look, he was a man I know very well… and he happens to be quite wealthy! Apparently he was doing yard work or heavy outside carpentry or something and happened to need an item from the store. I admit, I was ashamed of myself for my earlier thought!
Be honest… probably every single one of us has judged someone else on their appearance. We’ve deemed ourselves to be better than others based on this… or what kind of car they drive, whether they went to college, where they work, their neighborhood, or even how they smell. We quickly label people as smart or dumb, rich or poor, fat or skinny, and more. We lose our patience, our joy, our gentleness, and our self-control over the smallest of things. And often, our first thought about another person is, “What can he/she do for me?” We wonder how associating with them will affect our reputation – positively or negatively. Who does this person know and how can it help or hurt us? This is totally the opposite of what God desires and how operating in the Holy Spirit should affect us. Frankly, when we operate and behave any other way, we are pretty much denying Christ! We can’t have it both ways – either we serve ourselves or we serve God… and the reward for serving Him is love, happiness, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That sounds like traits I really want to have - don’t you?
Let’s look at our lives today and see where we need to toss out some old baggage and thought processes and fill ourselves more with the Holy Spirit. Let’s start to live like the children of the Most High God… saved and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ. Let’s operate under the power of the Holy Spirit and see how good life can be. I’m ready… are you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, I was shopping in the grocery store. I looked up as a very dirty, disheveled man came through the door. For a second, I thought to myself, “What is he doing in here?” When I got a closer look, he was a man I know very well… and he happens to be quite wealthy! Apparently he was doing yard work or heavy outside carpentry or something and happened to need an item from the store. I admit, I was ashamed of myself for my earlier thought!
Be honest… probably every single one of us has judged someone else on their appearance. We’ve deemed ourselves to be better than others based on this… or what kind of car they drive, whether they went to college, where they work, their neighborhood, or even how they smell. We quickly label people as smart or dumb, rich or poor, fat or skinny, and more. We lose our patience, our joy, our gentleness, and our self-control over the smallest of things. And often, our first thought about another person is, “What can he/she do for me?” We wonder how associating with them will affect our reputation – positively or negatively. Who does this person know and how can it help or hurt us? This is totally the opposite of what God desires and how operating in the Holy Spirit should affect us. Frankly, when we operate and behave any other way, we are pretty much denying Christ! We can’t have it both ways – either we serve ourselves or we serve God… and the reward for serving Him is love, happiness, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That sounds like traits I really want to have - don’t you?
Let’s look at our lives today and see where we need to toss out some old baggage and thought processes and fill ourselves more with the Holy Spirit. Let’s start to live like the children of the Most High God… saved and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ. Let’s operate under the power of the Holy Spirit and see how good life can be. I’m ready… are you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 15, 2010
April 15 ~ Ephesians 4:32
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who is always angry at someone or about something? This person is not very much fun person to be around. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of having to tiptoe lightly around certain people, because I know that the slightest thing can “set them off” and cause problems. And I would be willing to bet that nobody would want to hang around me if I were that way (gee, I hope I’m not!). It also amazes me that anyone who claims to be filled with the Holy Spirit and washed in the blood of Jesus could behave in this manner and be so miserable. And truly, people who are bitter, angry and mad are miserable, even if they won’t admit it!
So when someone gives you less than stellar service at a store or restaurant – or wherever you happen to be, don’t “let them have it,” and stomp out. Certainly do not curse at others… and don’t be rude, either. Just because someone makes a bonehead move doesn’t mean he/she should be called an “idiot.” Just because friends and family members don’t measure up to your standards doesn’t mean they deserve to be treated poorly… by you or anyone else.
Stop and think about this… every single person you encounter is just as much a child of God as you are – and they are every bit as important to Him. You wouldn’t want God to approve of others treating you unkindly. And how do you think God feels about the grudges you hold? Get over yourself! Ask God to refill your “love and tolerance tank,” and start living like the person Christ redeemed. You’ll feel better for it… and so will those around you!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who is always angry at someone or about something? This person is not very much fun person to be around. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of having to tiptoe lightly around certain people, because I know that the slightest thing can “set them off” and cause problems. And I would be willing to bet that nobody would want to hang around me if I were that way (gee, I hope I’m not!). It also amazes me that anyone who claims to be filled with the Holy Spirit and washed in the blood of Jesus could behave in this manner and be so miserable. And truly, people who are bitter, angry and mad are miserable, even if they won’t admit it!
So when someone gives you less than stellar service at a store or restaurant – or wherever you happen to be, don’t “let them have it,” and stomp out. Certainly do not curse at others… and don’t be rude, either. Just because someone makes a bonehead move doesn’t mean he/she should be called an “idiot.” Just because friends and family members don’t measure up to your standards doesn’t mean they deserve to be treated poorly… by you or anyone else.
Stop and think about this… every single person you encounter is just as much a child of God as you are – and they are every bit as important to Him. You wouldn’t want God to approve of others treating you unkindly. And how do you think God feels about the grudges you hold? Get over yourself! Ask God to refill your “love and tolerance tank,” and start living like the person Christ redeemed. You’ll feel better for it… and so will those around you!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 14, 2010
April 14 ~ Ephesians 2:8-10
You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine was telling recently about being in an airport restaurant early one morning. His flight was delayed three hours, and he was hungry, so he ducked into this restaurant as soon as it opened, just after 6:00 a.m., and ordered breakfast. He was watching the people around him, and one lady in particular seemed in a rush and rather frazzled. He noticed that she ordered a coffee, but before she could pay for it, someone from the baggage counter stepped in and said, “I’ve got a spot for you, but you have to come right now.” She asked the server to take her money for the coffee, but the server was busy. My friend said, “Go ahead… I’ll get your coffee.”
This lady did nothing to earn a cup of coffee from my friend. He freely offered to pay for it. She may or may not have been a nice person who deserved a break. We will never know. She might brag about the nice man who bought her coffee, but she cannot claim to have done anything significant to merit such a gesture. About the best she can do is to “pay it forward” and do something nice for another person down the line.
I’ve oversimplified this analogy just a bit, but I think you’ll see where I’m going. My friend didn’t know anything about this woman. He helped her because he is a kind, generous man. But GOD knows everything about us, and the amazing thing is… He gives abundantly to us anyway! Like the woman who can’t repay my friend, we can’t repay God. But like her, we can “pay it forward” – if only in small measure by comparison. God sent Christ to make us loving, caring, giving people who do for others out of a desire to serve and obedience to His commands. We can’t brag about anything we have done… not even giving a stranger a cup of coffee (and for the record, my friend was not bragging!)… but we can surely brag about what God does for us each and every day!
We can never earn God’s love and blessings… but the good news is, we don’t have to. All He asks is that we trust Him to care for us… and that we share His message with others. God has a spot for you, and you should claim it right now… He’ll make sure you get whatever you need for the journey… how will you respond?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine was telling recently about being in an airport restaurant early one morning. His flight was delayed three hours, and he was hungry, so he ducked into this restaurant as soon as it opened, just after 6:00 a.m., and ordered breakfast. He was watching the people around him, and one lady in particular seemed in a rush and rather frazzled. He noticed that she ordered a coffee, but before she could pay for it, someone from the baggage counter stepped in and said, “I’ve got a spot for you, but you have to come right now.” She asked the server to take her money for the coffee, but the server was busy. My friend said, “Go ahead… I’ll get your coffee.”
This lady did nothing to earn a cup of coffee from my friend. He freely offered to pay for it. She may or may not have been a nice person who deserved a break. We will never know. She might brag about the nice man who bought her coffee, but she cannot claim to have done anything significant to merit such a gesture. About the best she can do is to “pay it forward” and do something nice for another person down the line.
I’ve oversimplified this analogy just a bit, but I think you’ll see where I’m going. My friend didn’t know anything about this woman. He helped her because he is a kind, generous man. But GOD knows everything about us, and the amazing thing is… He gives abundantly to us anyway! Like the woman who can’t repay my friend, we can’t repay God. But like her, we can “pay it forward” – if only in small measure by comparison. God sent Christ to make us loving, caring, giving people who do for others out of a desire to serve and obedience to His commands. We can’t brag about anything we have done… not even giving a stranger a cup of coffee (and for the record, my friend was not bragging!)… but we can surely brag about what God does for us each and every day!
We can never earn God’s love and blessings… but the good news is, we don’t have to. All He asks is that we trust Him to care for us… and that we share His message with others. God has a spot for you, and you should claim it right now… He’ll make sure you get whatever you need for the journey… how will you respond?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 13, 2010
April 13 ~ Ecclesiastes 5:10-12
If you love money and wealth, you will never be satisfied with what you have. This doesn't make sense, either. The more you have, the more everyone expects from you. Your money won't do you any good - others will just spend it for you. If you have to work hard for a living, you can rest well at night, even if you don't have much to eat. But if you are rich, you can't even sleep.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the best new shows on television is CBS’s “Undercover Boss.” Chief Executive Officers of major corporations put on disguises and “go undercover” to see what really is happening in the workplace in their businesses. In every episode, the executives have lived what would be considered “wealthy” lifestyles… big homes, nice cars, fancy suits and more. For one week, they exchange all of this for more “common” clothing, stay in low-budget motels and eat TV dinners, and work alongside the ordinary workers. These CEO’s have done everything from clean port-a-potties and pick up trash to washing streets at a theme park to waiting tables, and cleaning out sewer lines for Roto Rooter.
Without exception, each CEO has encountered people who were doing difficult – and sometimes nasty – jobs… and doing them with a smile and a genuine desire to be the best they possibly could at doing their job. They encountered single parents who could barely make ends meet – and some who were behind on mortgages. They met students who could not afford to go to college and were happily working at a menial job for meager wages. They met fathers who were working long hours and nights and weekends to support their children. They met a lot of “unwealthy” people who were enthusiastically working in their companies – and often at jobs the CEO’s were totally incapable of performing…much less with a smile.
The CEO’s all came away with a realization that their concept of “wealth” was skewed at best. They realized that what makes one happy is not a lot of money or a top-level position. And that’s the point of this scripture passage.
Don’t misunderstand me. I am not saying you shouldn’t work hard – or that it is a wrong or sinful to be wealthy. Plenty of wealthy people have used their money to help others, support worthy causes, and further God’s kingdom. But wanting that new pair of Nikes for basketball and having to worry about leaving them in your locker during class may not be worth it. Do you really need a new phone when yours is perfectly good? Will another 1000 square feet of house and a couple of extra acres be worth the extra time and energy required for cleaning and maintenance? Why are you really getting a new car?
The bottom line is that having more “things” and more money may not make you happier – and it certainly won’t make you more of a Christian! Even if you give much of your wealth to charity, you need to be sure that your motives line up with God’s will. Does God want you to spend your time and energy gaining more money and “stuff?” Or does He want you to be happy where you are and spend more time serving Him and learning more about His will for your life?
On “Undercover Boss,” many of these employees whom the CEO’s encountered were given promotions, money to help pay their debts, raises in pay, and more. But this didn’t necessarily make them happier or more productive. They already seemed to have their priorities straight. What about you? Where are your priorities? What are you working to achieve… joy, contentment, and a Christ-centered life? Or are you chasing the wealth at the end of the rainbow? How well are you sleeping at night? What truly makes you rich these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 12, 2010
April 12 ~ Ecclesiastes 4:6
Yet a very little food eaten in peace is better than twice as much earned from overwork and chasing the wind.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Back in the 1980’s, when my grandparents, our dads, my brother, cousins and other relatives were still alive, we used to have fairly regular family dinners. Any day was a holiday somewhere, so from impromptu weiner roasts at one of the Corps parks on a Sunday afternoon to elaborate potlucks at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and more… we loved to get together and eat. We worked hard to prepare food. I think back to my childhood and my mom’s Christmas morning breakfasts – cookies for us kids and bacon and eggs with all the trimmings for the “menfolk” – followed a mere four hours later with the lavish turkey lunch and all the accompanying side dishes. I wonder, “What was she thinking, and how did she and my grandmothers and the other adult women in the family do this?” When I became an adult, it was all I could do to prepare my two or three potluck dishes and get to the lunch on time! Forget breakfast – we were lucky to get a piece of toast!
So one time, my mom had a rather spur-of-the-moment family get-together, and instead of a big hoopie-do dinner, she fixed tuna fish and pimiento cheese sandwiches. I think someone made some brownies or something, and another made baked beans, and we all got together and ate what was, for us, a simple meal. But the fellowship and the visiting was just as good… maybe even better. Instead of spending an hour dividing up leftovers and putting away food and washing dishes, we spent more time as a group having fun and reminiscing. We were not overworked and chasing the wind. As my cousin Eddie left Mom’s house he said, “You know… this was great! We don’t have to have a fancy meal, but it sure was good to get together.”
Now that much of my family is gone or scattered across multiple cities/states, we find it very hard to get together. I honestly couldn’t even tell you the last time either my extended family or my husband’s was together long enough to share a meal where everyone was there. For a lot of reasons, it seems it has become very hard for us to throw together some pimiento cheese or tuna fish and a loaf of bread, so to speak, and say, “Come on over!”
Let’s look at this from a Christian perspective… how hard would it be to toss on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and head to church to worship God on Sunday morning? I promise, He doesn’t care if you’re wearing designer clothing or thrift shop rejects. When was the last time you dropped everything to go see about a friend who was sick or in need? You might have to miss a TV show (although with DVR, that’s highly improbable these days) – or you might have to get out of your sweats and put on something a little nicer, but that wouldn’t be the end of the world, would it?! When was the last time you picked up the phone and called someone you’ve meant to talk to for a long time… or stopped in to see the shut-in whose house you drive past every day?
How long has it been since you slowed down and stopped chasing the wind, and enjoyed the peace of God that fellowship and sharing His love with others bring? Isn’t it about time we all did just that?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Yet a very little food eaten in peace is better than twice as much earned from overwork and chasing the wind.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Back in the 1980’s, when my grandparents, our dads, my brother, cousins and other relatives were still alive, we used to have fairly regular family dinners. Any day was a holiday somewhere, so from impromptu weiner roasts at one of the Corps parks on a Sunday afternoon to elaborate potlucks at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and more… we loved to get together and eat. We worked hard to prepare food. I think back to my childhood and my mom’s Christmas morning breakfasts – cookies for us kids and bacon and eggs with all the trimmings for the “menfolk” – followed a mere four hours later with the lavish turkey lunch and all the accompanying side dishes. I wonder, “What was she thinking, and how did she and my grandmothers and the other adult women in the family do this?” When I became an adult, it was all I could do to prepare my two or three potluck dishes and get to the lunch on time! Forget breakfast – we were lucky to get a piece of toast!
So one time, my mom had a rather spur-of-the-moment family get-together, and instead of a big hoopie-do dinner, she fixed tuna fish and pimiento cheese sandwiches. I think someone made some brownies or something, and another made baked beans, and we all got together and ate what was, for us, a simple meal. But the fellowship and the visiting was just as good… maybe even better. Instead of spending an hour dividing up leftovers and putting away food and washing dishes, we spent more time as a group having fun and reminiscing. We were not overworked and chasing the wind. As my cousin Eddie left Mom’s house he said, “You know… this was great! We don’t have to have a fancy meal, but it sure was good to get together.”
Now that much of my family is gone or scattered across multiple cities/states, we find it very hard to get together. I honestly couldn’t even tell you the last time either my extended family or my husband’s was together long enough to share a meal where everyone was there. For a lot of reasons, it seems it has become very hard for us to throw together some pimiento cheese or tuna fish and a loaf of bread, so to speak, and say, “Come on over!”
Let’s look at this from a Christian perspective… how hard would it be to toss on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and head to church to worship God on Sunday morning? I promise, He doesn’t care if you’re wearing designer clothing or thrift shop rejects. When was the last time you dropped everything to go see about a friend who was sick or in need? You might have to miss a TV show (although with DVR, that’s highly improbable these days) – or you might have to get out of your sweats and put on something a little nicer, but that wouldn’t be the end of the world, would it?! When was the last time you picked up the phone and called someone you’ve meant to talk to for a long time… or stopped in to see the shut-in whose house you drive past every day?
How long has it been since you slowed down and stopped chasing the wind, and enjoyed the peace of God that fellowship and sharing His love with others bring? Isn’t it about time we all did just that?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 11, 2010
April 11 ~ Ecclesiastes 3:12-14
I know the best thing we can do is to always enjoy life, because God's gift to us is the happiness we get from our food and drink and from the work we do. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know people who seem “high on life?” Every day seems like a good day to them, not matter what is happening. They are smiling and positive and upbeat – and they mean it! On the other hand, we all know someone who is so negative and depressing that you almost want to avoid them at all costs. And nothing you say or do seems to help. The whole world has spit on them and ruined their day, and you ain’t gonna change it! The confusing part of all of this is that you know both of these people consider themselves Christians!
What is the difference? You might argue that it’s attitude… and you would be partly right. We all need an “attitude adjustment” from time to time. But more than this, the happy Christian has learned to trust God in all circumstances… to see that He is more than enough and will give them everything necessary to live an abundant, productive life. The unhappy person operates out of fear and lack of faith. This person has yet to tap into the Holy Spirit’s power within… and His ability to work in and through us to accomplish far more than we could ever imagine.
The unhappy person blames others for all of his/her troubles instead of asking GOD to take control and lead the charge! The unhappy person doesn’t get it… doesn’t understand the incredible POWER of God to change any circumstance and make improvements. This may not happen overnight and/or without some hard work and personal sacrifice - and certainly some soul searching – but it can happen. The happy Christian already knows this… and more! His/her life may not be a bed of roses every minute of every day, but he/she knows WHO is in control and has left everything in His capable hands.
So the question of the day is… who are YOU? Are you a happy, faith-filled, trusting Christian who is enjoying the food, drink and work of your day? Or are you an unhappy Christian who has failed to recognize the knock of the Holy Spirit on your heart? Isn’t it time you opened that door? Isn’t it time you recognized God’s power in your life and started really enjoying His gifts? Make today the day you change. Your friends and family may not recognize the “new you,” but I assure you, they’ll come around… God can fix that, too… and so much more!
©2010 Debbie Robus
I know the best thing we can do is to always enjoy life, because God's gift to us is the happiness we get from our food and drink and from the work we do. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know people who seem “high on life?” Every day seems like a good day to them, not matter what is happening. They are smiling and positive and upbeat – and they mean it! On the other hand, we all know someone who is so negative and depressing that you almost want to avoid them at all costs. And nothing you say or do seems to help. The whole world has spit on them and ruined their day, and you ain’t gonna change it! The confusing part of all of this is that you know both of these people consider themselves Christians!
What is the difference? You might argue that it’s attitude… and you would be partly right. We all need an “attitude adjustment” from time to time. But more than this, the happy Christian has learned to trust God in all circumstances… to see that He is more than enough and will give them everything necessary to live an abundant, productive life. The unhappy person operates out of fear and lack of faith. This person has yet to tap into the Holy Spirit’s power within… and His ability to work in and through us to accomplish far more than we could ever imagine.
The unhappy person blames others for all of his/her troubles instead of asking GOD to take control and lead the charge! The unhappy person doesn’t get it… doesn’t understand the incredible POWER of God to change any circumstance and make improvements. This may not happen overnight and/or without some hard work and personal sacrifice - and certainly some soul searching – but it can happen. The happy Christian already knows this… and more! His/her life may not be a bed of roses every minute of every day, but he/she knows WHO is in control and has left everything in His capable hands.
So the question of the day is… who are YOU? Are you a happy, faith-filled, trusting Christian who is enjoying the food, drink and work of your day? Or are you an unhappy Christian who has failed to recognize the knock of the Holy Spirit on your heart? Isn’t it time you opened that door? Isn’t it time you recognized God’s power in your life and started really enjoying His gifts? Make today the day you change. Your friends and family may not recognize the “new you,” but I assure you, they’ll come around… God can fix that, too… and so much more!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 10, 2010
April 10 ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well. God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. Don't be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Facebook is such an interesting Internet resource. I am amazed at what people are ready and willing to post for the world to read. Some are eager to gripe and complain about every up and down of their day (and believe me, with some it’s minute-to-minute!), while others use this social network to share good news and the latest accomplishments of their children. Some use it for professional networking and reconnecting with long-lost friends. Still others use it for political commentary – both positive and venomous. Somehow, it is as if we feel a little “safe” in hiding behind the facade of Facebook. We are a little more bold than we would be face-to-face with someone. We will “name it and claim it” for John Q. Public to see – because he/she can’t actually see us!
I’m not sure this is always good. For one thing, a lot of inflection and intention gets lost in translation via the Internet, e-mail, instant messaging, and social network posts. But I do find it interesting that we are so ready to “air our dirty laundry,” take every poll known to man, and build a virtual farm… but we can’t post a message about how God is working in our life. We can talk about the weather, the Razorbacks, and the latest concert we’ve attended, but we can’t ask our hairdresser or barber, “Where do you go to church?” We send virtual smiles, hearts and gifts to everyone on our “friends list,” but we can’t smile at the checker at Wal-Mart who might be having a bad day… and we are snarky to the waitperson who is too busy to keep our water glass full. We can text our friends with lightning speed - and we wouldn’t be caught dead outside the house without our cell phone, but we seldom remember to carry our Bible with us to church – much less open it at home and read it!
I wonder what would happen if we truly unleashed the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? What if, for even one day, we all operated fully under God’s power, served as vehicles for His love, and maintained self-control? What if we threw caution to the wind and were full-out servants of the Most High God, filled with faith and trust that He could really, truly move mountains (literally and figuratively), and that we were going to share that news with the world?! I’m convinced that most of us don’t have a clue about the Holy Spirit and His work in and through us… and certainly we have not unleashed His power!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s operate in confidence and contentment for a change and see where it takes us. Let’s be bold and even a little bit daring and tell somebody, “I’m praying for you” – and then DO IT! Let’s live like the redeemed princes and princesses of the King of Kings – and invite others to join us! Make full use of the gift that God has given you… and use it well… even on social networking sites and across the Internet. Let’s see how we can use these God-given tools to spread the gospel and carry the Light of Christ to the world. May the real Power Surge begin today – and may it begin with us!
©2010 Debbie Robus
So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well. God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. Don't be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Facebook is such an interesting Internet resource. I am amazed at what people are ready and willing to post for the world to read. Some are eager to gripe and complain about every up and down of their day (and believe me, with some it’s minute-to-minute!), while others use this social network to share good news and the latest accomplishments of their children. Some use it for professional networking and reconnecting with long-lost friends. Still others use it for political commentary – both positive and venomous. Somehow, it is as if we feel a little “safe” in hiding behind the facade of Facebook. We are a little more bold than we would be face-to-face with someone. We will “name it and claim it” for John Q. Public to see – because he/she can’t actually see us!
I’m not sure this is always good. For one thing, a lot of inflection and intention gets lost in translation via the Internet, e-mail, instant messaging, and social network posts. But I do find it interesting that we are so ready to “air our dirty laundry,” take every poll known to man, and build a virtual farm… but we can’t post a message about how God is working in our life. We can talk about the weather, the Razorbacks, and the latest concert we’ve attended, but we can’t ask our hairdresser or barber, “Where do you go to church?” We send virtual smiles, hearts and gifts to everyone on our “friends list,” but we can’t smile at the checker at Wal-Mart who might be having a bad day… and we are snarky to the waitperson who is too busy to keep our water glass full. We can text our friends with lightning speed - and we wouldn’t be caught dead outside the house without our cell phone, but we seldom remember to carry our Bible with us to church – much less open it at home and read it!
I wonder what would happen if we truly unleashed the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? What if, for even one day, we all operated fully under God’s power, served as vehicles for His love, and maintained self-control? What if we threw caution to the wind and were full-out servants of the Most High God, filled with faith and trust that He could really, truly move mountains (literally and figuratively), and that we were going to share that news with the world?! I’m convinced that most of us don’t have a clue about the Holy Spirit and His work in and through us… and certainly we have not unleashed His power!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s operate in confidence and contentment for a change and see where it takes us. Let’s be bold and even a little bit daring and tell somebody, “I’m praying for you” – and then DO IT! Let’s live like the redeemed princes and princesses of the King of Kings – and invite others to join us! Make full use of the gift that God has given you… and use it well… even on social networking sites and across the Internet. Let’s see how we can use these God-given tools to spread the gospel and carry the Light of Christ to the world. May the real Power Surge begin today – and may it begin with us!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 9, 2010
April 9 ~ 2 Peter 1:3
We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God's own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my husband and I set out with Timmy to attend a high school baseball game. I packed a bag with everything I thought I would need – diapers, bottles, a blanket, a sweater, wet wipes, sunscreen, and a toy. You would be proud of me… I did not carry my purse! I stuck the few things I felt I might need for myself in the baby’s bag. We tossed the stroller in the back of the vehicle and headed to the ball field… and the game had been cancelled. As usual, I had over-packed… although this time, I might have actually needed everything I brought if the game had taken place.
How often do we over-pack our lives? God gave us everything we need when we invited Jesus into our hearts… salvation, Eternal Life, the Holy Spirit to guide us each day, Scripture, prayer for communicating with Him directly, comfort, joy, peace, protection, and more. We are continually trying to add to this… worry, concern, fear, loneliness, frustration, pain, sorrow, discord, strife, busyness, over-indulgence, gluttony, envy, jealousy - and sins on every side.
It’s time to “un-pack the bag” and get rid of the things we really don’t need. It’s time to de-clutter our lives and get back to the basics of our faith. It’s time to take a good hard look at the things God put in the bag and see their value… and to get rid of anything that isn’t necessary or put there by God! Going to that ballgame without my big purse full of “stuff” was a huge step for me. I have to admit, I was a little uneasy at first… but in the end, it was extremely freeing. Our baggage and “extras” drag us down. What baggage have you added lately? Isn’t it time you cleaned out the bag and got back to the basics God provides? This truly is everything we need… and more. The rest is total clutter - and needs to go. Are you ready?
©2010 Debbie Robus
We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God's own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my husband and I set out with Timmy to attend a high school baseball game. I packed a bag with everything I thought I would need – diapers, bottles, a blanket, a sweater, wet wipes, sunscreen, and a toy. You would be proud of me… I did not carry my purse! I stuck the few things I felt I might need for myself in the baby’s bag. We tossed the stroller in the back of the vehicle and headed to the ball field… and the game had been cancelled. As usual, I had over-packed… although this time, I might have actually needed everything I brought if the game had taken place.
How often do we over-pack our lives? God gave us everything we need when we invited Jesus into our hearts… salvation, Eternal Life, the Holy Spirit to guide us each day, Scripture, prayer for communicating with Him directly, comfort, joy, peace, protection, and more. We are continually trying to add to this… worry, concern, fear, loneliness, frustration, pain, sorrow, discord, strife, busyness, over-indulgence, gluttony, envy, jealousy - and sins on every side.
It’s time to “un-pack the bag” and get rid of the things we really don’t need. It’s time to de-clutter our lives and get back to the basics of our faith. It’s time to take a good hard look at the things God put in the bag and see their value… and to get rid of anything that isn’t necessary or put there by God! Going to that ballgame without my big purse full of “stuff” was a huge step for me. I have to admit, I was a little uneasy at first… but in the end, it was extremely freeing. Our baggage and “extras” drag us down. What baggage have you added lately? Isn’t it time you cleaned out the bag and got back to the basics God provides? This truly is everything we need… and more. The rest is total clutter - and needs to go. Are you ready?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 8, 2010
April 8 ~ 1 Timothy 6:6-8
And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have. We didn't bring anything into this world, and we won't take anything with us when we leave. So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently watched an episode of The History Channel’s “American Pickers,” about two men from Iowa who trek across the country in search of “one man’s junk” that can be recycled and restored and turned into another man’s “treasure.” On the episode I viewed, the men visited a gentleman who has an incredible collection that includes a turn-of-the-century wood rim bicycle and a high-wheeler from the 1880’s. At every turn, the two men asked the owner, “How much for this?” The man’s standard reply was, “Oh… a couple thousand.” In other words, he didn’t want to sell! He even remarked, “I am going to have to buy a really big casket to take all this with me!”
The truth is, we won’t take any of our “stuff” with us when we die, and a lot of it isn’t adding much to our lives in the present! I know, I know… I have closets full of things I don’t need, too. But sadly, for a lot of us, we fill our lives with things we don’t even want out of some deep-seated idea that we can gain satisfaction with “stuff!” The truth is that what we really need is more of JESUS!
Many people are trying to fill a void with things, people, trips and activities, drugs, alcohol and more… and there is never enough. If you just had one more car, video game or pair of shoes… that would be enough. If you could just go to Europe or take a cruise one more time, your life would be complete. Have you ever seen the Kohler bath commercial where the Italian grandma is dying, and she is saying that her life is complete… she accomplished and experienced everything she could possibly want – until the door opens to show a beautiful woman running her hands through the water that fills a bath tub in a spa-like setting. The grandma utters a curse word and dies, regretting that this was the one thing she missed.
What are you missing? If we truly search our hearts, I think most of us would find we are missing more of Jesus. We are missing a deeper sense of trust, a stronger faith, a more intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. I recently commented to my mom that if I spent adequate time praying over the people and concerns on my prayer list these days, I would be in prayer all day… and then we both laughed. We both realized the absurdity of what I had just said, because this obviously is not the priority in my life it should be. See, I’ve let “things” get in the way of spending time with God, and I suspect you may have, too. I could give up a couple of mindless television shows per day to pray. I could walk an extra loop on my exercise route and talk to God a little longer. Instead of surfing the Internet shopping for my next purchase, I could be covering someone in prayer who has deep needs… or finding out what God wants me to do with the next few hours/minutes/days of my life.
We need to realize what is really important. It’s okay to have nice things… to live full lives and go places and do things. But it is not okay to give these first place in our lives. Priorities matter… GOD matters. We can’t take it with us when we die… and we wouldn’t want to anyway. Where are your priorities? What are your treasures?
Leland's Cafe. (2010). The History Channel website. Retrieved 3:33, April 6, 2010, from http://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers/episodes/american-pickers-episodes#slide-2.
©2010 Debbie Robus
And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have. We didn't bring anything into this world, and we won't take anything with us when we leave. So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently watched an episode of The History Channel’s “American Pickers,” about two men from Iowa who trek across the country in search of “one man’s junk” that can be recycled and restored and turned into another man’s “treasure.” On the episode I viewed, the men visited a gentleman who has an incredible collection that includes a turn-of-the-century wood rim bicycle and a high-wheeler from the 1880’s. At every turn, the two men asked the owner, “How much for this?” The man’s standard reply was, “Oh… a couple thousand.” In other words, he didn’t want to sell! He even remarked, “I am going to have to buy a really big casket to take all this with me!”
The truth is, we won’t take any of our “stuff” with us when we die, and a lot of it isn’t adding much to our lives in the present! I know, I know… I have closets full of things I don’t need, too. But sadly, for a lot of us, we fill our lives with things we don’t even want out of some deep-seated idea that we can gain satisfaction with “stuff!” The truth is that what we really need is more of JESUS!
Many people are trying to fill a void with things, people, trips and activities, drugs, alcohol and more… and there is never enough. If you just had one more car, video game or pair of shoes… that would be enough. If you could just go to Europe or take a cruise one more time, your life would be complete. Have you ever seen the Kohler bath commercial where the Italian grandma is dying, and she is saying that her life is complete… she accomplished and experienced everything she could possibly want – until the door opens to show a beautiful woman running her hands through the water that fills a bath tub in a spa-like setting. The grandma utters a curse word and dies, regretting that this was the one thing she missed.
What are you missing? If we truly search our hearts, I think most of us would find we are missing more of Jesus. We are missing a deeper sense of trust, a stronger faith, a more intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. I recently commented to my mom that if I spent adequate time praying over the people and concerns on my prayer list these days, I would be in prayer all day… and then we both laughed. We both realized the absurdity of what I had just said, because this obviously is not the priority in my life it should be. See, I’ve let “things” get in the way of spending time with God, and I suspect you may have, too. I could give up a couple of mindless television shows per day to pray. I could walk an extra loop on my exercise route and talk to God a little longer. Instead of surfing the Internet shopping for my next purchase, I could be covering someone in prayer who has deep needs… or finding out what God wants me to do with the next few hours/minutes/days of my life.
We need to realize what is really important. It’s okay to have nice things… to live full lives and go places and do things. But it is not okay to give these first place in our lives. Priorities matter… GOD matters. We can’t take it with us when we die… and we wouldn’t want to anyway. Where are your priorities? What are your treasures?
Leland's Cafe. (2010). The History Channel website. Retrieved 3:33, April 6, 2010, from http://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers/episodes/american-pickers-episodes#slide-2.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 7, 2010
April 7 ~ 1 John 4:18
A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
When I was teaching kindergarten students, one of my guidelines for classroom discipline was “The consequences must fit the crime.” My students knew from Day One what would happen if they behaved in a certain manner – and what was expected of them. Consequences were clearly outlined from the start, and these were things that mattered to the children. Taking away a recess or removing them from a fun play activity made a far bigger impact than yelling, screaming, or even a paddling.
It seems that children often learn from a very early age to fear punishment of all sorts. If they touch something they shouldn’t as a toddler, their hands are spanked. They learn to fear the principal in school and the policeman on the street. And sadly, they often learn at an early age to “love Jesus… or else!” And that “else” means fear of eternal banishment to hell.
I grew up attending a church filled with good, loving people… but many of them operated in the “fear factor” realm of Christian faith. Love Jesus, or you would go to hell. I seriously envisioned God sitting in heaven with a chair in one hand and the whip and chains in the other, ready to deliver swift judgment and send anyone who disobeyed Him straight to hell. This is not a happy way to operate as a Christian! As an adult, I discovered the love of God. I came to understand how much He desires a relationship with me… and that God does not operate in “or else.” I serve a God of second, third and fourth chances… and more. He knows my heart. And while I will stumble daily – and sin – in my human nature, I will continue to Him and love Him with all I have.
Once I learned to operate like God does – in love, rather than fear – everything changed. I no longer operate in fear… and I have to tell you, not much frightens me – certainly not death! I serve God now because I want to… not because I feel I must. I know that He will take care of all of my needs, so I do not worry about health, finances, abandonment or loneliness, and more. I may still head for the cellar when a tornado is approaching… and I will always jump and run when someone yells “Snake!” But even those things are under God’s control… and I’m working on letting Him handle them for me.
What is your biggest fear? Is it loneliness? Abandonment? Poor health? Poverty? Death? Do you fear the consequences of certain actions? Do you live for Jesus because you fear being sent to hell if you don’t? Aren’t you ready to chase the worries away and learn to love in the Lord? Aren’t you ready to relax and truly enjoy your faith? Discover God’s love today… dig into the scripture and see what He has in store for you and how much He desires a loving relationship. Learn to live in love instead of fear… and how incredible life in Christ really is.
©2010 Debbie Robus
A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
When I was teaching kindergarten students, one of my guidelines for classroom discipline was “The consequences must fit the crime.” My students knew from Day One what would happen if they behaved in a certain manner – and what was expected of them. Consequences were clearly outlined from the start, and these were things that mattered to the children. Taking away a recess or removing them from a fun play activity made a far bigger impact than yelling, screaming, or even a paddling.
It seems that children often learn from a very early age to fear punishment of all sorts. If they touch something they shouldn’t as a toddler, their hands are spanked. They learn to fear the principal in school and the policeman on the street. And sadly, they often learn at an early age to “love Jesus… or else!” And that “else” means fear of eternal banishment to hell.
I grew up attending a church filled with good, loving people… but many of them operated in the “fear factor” realm of Christian faith. Love Jesus, or you would go to hell. I seriously envisioned God sitting in heaven with a chair in one hand and the whip and chains in the other, ready to deliver swift judgment and send anyone who disobeyed Him straight to hell. This is not a happy way to operate as a Christian! As an adult, I discovered the love of God. I came to understand how much He desires a relationship with me… and that God does not operate in “or else.” I serve a God of second, third and fourth chances… and more. He knows my heart. And while I will stumble daily – and sin – in my human nature, I will continue to Him and love Him with all I have.
Once I learned to operate like God does – in love, rather than fear – everything changed. I no longer operate in fear… and I have to tell you, not much frightens me – certainly not death! I serve God now because I want to… not because I feel I must. I know that He will take care of all of my needs, so I do not worry about health, finances, abandonment or loneliness, and more. I may still head for the cellar when a tornado is approaching… and I will always jump and run when someone yells “Snake!” But even those things are under God’s control… and I’m working on letting Him handle them for me.
What is your biggest fear? Is it loneliness? Abandonment? Poor health? Poverty? Death? Do you fear the consequences of certain actions? Do you live for Jesus because you fear being sent to hell if you don’t? Aren’t you ready to chase the worries away and learn to love in the Lord? Aren’t you ready to relax and truly enjoy your faith? Discover God’s love today… dig into the scripture and see what He has in store for you and how much He desires a loving relationship. Learn to live in love instead of fear… and how incredible life in Christ really is.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 6, 2010
April 6 ~ 1 Corinthians 7:21-24
Are you a slave? Don't let that bother you. But if you can win your freedom, you should. When the Lord chooses slaves, they become his free people. And when he chooses free people, they become slaves of Christ. God paid a great price for you. So don't become slaves of anyone else. Stay what you were when God chose you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Becky dropped out of college to marry and begin a family. She and her husband reared two wonderful boys who both graduated from college and are doing well. Becky was a wonderful, loving mother. More importantly, she was an amazingly faith-filled Christian. And when she was stricken with breast cancer that eventually took her life, she led by example. Many people testified at her funeral to her positive outlook… and every time we talked during her illness, she would say, “I’m going to be okay.”
See, Becky didn’t become a slave to cancer. She belonged to Jesus, and because of that, she despised pity and sadness and the emotions that often consume those who are terminally ill. They betrayed her faith and trust, and she would have none of it! Her own pastor said that when he would try to have a serious conversation with her about how she was really doing, she would touch his arm and say, “I’m doing just fine.” She let the light of Christ shine through her… she was a slave of Christ.
Often we become a slave of something other than Jesus. Some Christians even become “slaves” to the church, thinking that this pleases God. If you are more concerned with what you are doing for the church than how you are serving God, you have become a slave. When you get caught up in trappings such as dressing a certain way or making a big deal about how often you attend church services and activities, Bible studies and more and lose focus on Christ… when you are more interested in hanging crosses from your rear view mirror and sporting bumper stickers that espouse your favorite scripture than ministering to others… when you are more concerned about protesting certain practices in the name of Jesus than sharing the love of Jesus and letting His light shine through each day… you are a slave.
What enslaves you? Have you gotten bogged down and trapped by worry, fear, financial stress, poor health, relationship struggles, loneliness, insecurities, self-pity, “trappings of the church,” and more? Don’t you want to become a “slave of Christ,” and in doing so, gain your freedom? Look at the last verses of this passage again… “God paid a great price for you. So don’t become slaves of anyone else. Stay what you were when God chose you.” Be a slave of Christ. Live for Him… and be faithfully – and joyfully free.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Are you a slave? Don't let that bother you. But if you can win your freedom, you should. When the Lord chooses slaves, they become his free people. And when he chooses free people, they become slaves of Christ. God paid a great price for you. So don't become slaves of anyone else. Stay what you were when God chose you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Becky dropped out of college to marry and begin a family. She and her husband reared two wonderful boys who both graduated from college and are doing well. Becky was a wonderful, loving mother. More importantly, she was an amazingly faith-filled Christian. And when she was stricken with breast cancer that eventually took her life, she led by example. Many people testified at her funeral to her positive outlook… and every time we talked during her illness, she would say, “I’m going to be okay.”
See, Becky didn’t become a slave to cancer. She belonged to Jesus, and because of that, she despised pity and sadness and the emotions that often consume those who are terminally ill. They betrayed her faith and trust, and she would have none of it! Her own pastor said that when he would try to have a serious conversation with her about how she was really doing, she would touch his arm and say, “I’m doing just fine.” She let the light of Christ shine through her… she was a slave of Christ.
Often we become a slave of something other than Jesus. Some Christians even become “slaves” to the church, thinking that this pleases God. If you are more concerned with what you are doing for the church than how you are serving God, you have become a slave. When you get caught up in trappings such as dressing a certain way or making a big deal about how often you attend church services and activities, Bible studies and more and lose focus on Christ… when you are more interested in hanging crosses from your rear view mirror and sporting bumper stickers that espouse your favorite scripture than ministering to others… when you are more concerned about protesting certain practices in the name of Jesus than sharing the love of Jesus and letting His light shine through each day… you are a slave.
What enslaves you? Have you gotten bogged down and trapped by worry, fear, financial stress, poor health, relationship struggles, loneliness, insecurities, self-pity, “trappings of the church,” and more? Don’t you want to become a “slave of Christ,” and in doing so, gain your freedom? Look at the last verses of this passage again… “God paid a great price for you. So don’t become slaves of anyone else. Stay what you were when God chose you.” Be a slave of Christ. Live for Him… and be faithfully – and joyfully free.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)