James 5:19-20
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One day last week, I made tuna salad. As I opened the cans of tuna fish, my cat, Lucy, came into the kitchen and began to cry and rub my legs. I have never given Lucy and Mabel tuna fish. They get a small spoonful of canned cat food each night, but never “human” food! I was tempted to give Lucy a small bite of the tuna, but I knew from experience with our first two cats that this would start something that I could never reverse!
We could apply this same principle to how we treat others… we cannot get this started! When someone wanders off track… engages in behavior that is irresponsible at best… or even downright immoral or ungodly… we must not dismiss them. We must never say, “Well, I tried… I gave it my best… but I’m done.” We most certainly cannot become disgusted and give up on them. If we give up on others, this will have a cumulative effect. We will find it easier and easier to throw up our hands, concede defeat and walk away. And the devil will dance.
Jesus never gives up on us. If we want to be like Him, we can never give up on others, either. We must continue to pray and trust God for His will to be manifested. We have to stay positive and faithful. We don’t need to preach and lecture. But we must maintain contact and offer love and kindness… let the other person know we still care - no matter what.
I can’t tell you how or when things will turn around… or if you will ever physically see the results of your efforts. I can assure you that if/when someone who has wandered away does make a change, you will be blessed… and so glad you didn’t give up on him/her. Either way, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you did what God asked of you… that you persisted in showing love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. Never let it be said of you that these attributes have limits in your life. Love as Jesus did… without conditions or constraints.
Be ready to go the distance for others, just as Jesus does for us. And if/when the person does come back to God’s truth, be grateful… not for what you have done, but for how generous and dependable our Heavenly Father is toward each of us. Humble yourself and thank God for allowing you to play even the smallest part in showing unconditional love – and persistent faith – to others. This is not only our duty… it’s our privilege as Christians and Disciples of Christ. Are you doing your part to be the hands and feet of Jesus to others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 29, 2012
1 Peter 2:13-17
Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Oh, how we need these scripture verses nowadays! From every side, our government has become fair game for human target practice. Somehow, we tend to gloss over the Bible’s admonition to respect our leaders. We are not told to agree with them… but we are commanded to respect them. Yet all you have to do is scroll down the “Home” page on any social media outlet to see people disrespecting leaders on both sides of the political aisle. I’m not talking about statements of disagreement or disapproval… I’m talking about venomous, bigoted, spiteful comments that reek of disdain – if not outright hatred – for those who have been elected to office.
I will be the first to tell you that there are unscrupulous legislators, public officials, judges and government leaders at every level. But God calls us to treat them – and all people – with respect and decorum. To treat anyone with less than the utmost dignity belies the grace and mercy that was given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus died for those in public office, too! He died for your fellow church members and the other citizens in your city, state, country…and around the globe. If you think for one minute your salvation is exclusive in any way, you have totally missed Jesus’ message!
Today, I am thinking of several people in the public eye – and some “ordinary folk” as well – who claim to be Christians yet never miss an opportunity to say something unkind and distasteful about our government leaders. I have to wonder if they ever stop to consider what God thinks about this behavior. Do they ever read their Bible… and more importantly, do they truly hear what God is saying through passages like this one?
The time has come for us to wake up and realize that hiding behind God’s name and bashing others – for any reason – is disrespectful… and un-Christian! If you want to please God (and we all should want this!), you have to listen to what He is saying and do what He tells you – even if that means showing respect for elected officials and others you do not like. The only way to truly be free is to follow God’s rules and let Him have complete control. Are you fully exercising your freedoms today? Are you showing respect for God… and for others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Oh, how we need these scripture verses nowadays! From every side, our government has become fair game for human target practice. Somehow, we tend to gloss over the Bible’s admonition to respect our leaders. We are not told to agree with them… but we are commanded to respect them. Yet all you have to do is scroll down the “Home” page on any social media outlet to see people disrespecting leaders on both sides of the political aisle. I’m not talking about statements of disagreement or disapproval… I’m talking about venomous, bigoted, spiteful comments that reek of disdain – if not outright hatred – for those who have been elected to office.
I will be the first to tell you that there are unscrupulous legislators, public officials, judges and government leaders at every level. But God calls us to treat them – and all people – with respect and decorum. To treat anyone with less than the utmost dignity belies the grace and mercy that was given to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus died for those in public office, too! He died for your fellow church members and the other citizens in your city, state, country…and around the globe. If you think for one minute your salvation is exclusive in any way, you have totally missed Jesus’ message!
Today, I am thinking of several people in the public eye – and some “ordinary folk” as well – who claim to be Christians yet never miss an opportunity to say something unkind and distasteful about our government leaders. I have to wonder if they ever stop to consider what God thinks about this behavior. Do they ever read their Bible… and more importantly, do they truly hear what God is saying through passages like this one?
The time has come for us to wake up and realize that hiding behind God’s name and bashing others – for any reason – is disrespectful… and un-Christian! If you want to please God (and we all should want this!), you have to listen to what He is saying and do what He tells you – even if that means showing respect for elected officials and others you do not like. The only way to truly be free is to follow God’s rules and let Him have complete control. Are you fully exercising your freedoms today? Are you showing respect for God… and for others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 28, 2012
1 Peter 2:22-23
Christ did not sin or ever tell a lie. Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
NBC’s Today Show co-host, Ann Curry, said a tearful “Good-bye” to her faithful early-morning followers this morning. Apparently, the “powers that be” have decided that Curry’s co-hosting style is not conducive to high ratings. So she has been “re-assigned” to other projects for the “Today Show family” with a “new title and a new role.” As Curry spoke, she said, “This is not as I expected… to leave this couch after 15 years.” You could hear the pain in her voice and see the sadness on her face. Yet she did not lash out in any way. Instead, she said, “I am so grateful… especially to all of you who watch me…”
Curry thanked a lot of people who work behind the scenes, and then she said, “For all of you who saw me as a ground breaker, I’m sorry I couldn’t carry the ball over the Finish line… but man, I did try!” Curry did not lay blame on anyone… she was gracious and humble. I have no doubt there is a lot more to this story, but Ann Curry did not air any “dirty laundry” in public nor make any pointed jabs at her bosses.
In a similar manner, we watched late night comedian Conan O’Brien get the boot from NBC (is there a pattern here?) a few years ago, when Jay Leno decided he did not like “retirement” and wanted his old job back. In a recent interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan, O’Brien talked about the devastation of losing his job as a late-night host, saying… “Not that I'm a great figure, whatever that would be. But there should be -- in a good career, there should be a lot of challenges. And so I wouldn't -- I would honestly not really change anything that happened. It's been fascinating. It brought me to where I am now, which I love.”
Again, I’m not saying there wasn’t huge disappointment for Curry and O’Brien, because clearly they were both hurt and upset by their dismissals. And we don’t know what went on behind the scenes… nor how they behaved in private. But publicly, at least, they took the high road and appeared to act honorably… knowing that much of the world was watching.
Like O’Brien, most of us are not “great figures” – and we may feel that few are watching or give a hoot about how we behave or react to circumstances in our lives. But I assure you, people are watching! We would do well to take a page from the books of these two celebrities and apply it to our daily living. We should listen to the words of these verses in 1 Peter and avoid attempts to get even – or make threats. God will judge fairly… He will protect us. For every “bad” outcome, God will give us a better one. As O’Brien said, there will be lots of challenges, and like Curry, we may not always “carry the ball over the Finish line.” But these challenges will all lead to positive outcomes for those who trust God to handle the bumps in the road.
Conan O’Brien has found a new late night home on TBS, a cable network. He says he is having the time of his life there. I have no doubt that Ann Curry will land on her feet and do great things in the future. I am equally confident that we can also have wonderful lives filled with blessings… if we keep our focus on God and trust Him to number our steps.
When others look at your reactions to the challenges of life, what sort of “faith walk” will they see? Are you ready to move over and let God have control in your life?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Christ did not sin or ever tell a lie. Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
NBC’s Today Show co-host, Ann Curry, said a tearful “Good-bye” to her faithful early-morning followers this morning. Apparently, the “powers that be” have decided that Curry’s co-hosting style is not conducive to high ratings. So she has been “re-assigned” to other projects for the “Today Show family” with a “new title and a new role.” As Curry spoke, she said, “This is not as I expected… to leave this couch after 15 years.” You could hear the pain in her voice and see the sadness on her face. Yet she did not lash out in any way. Instead, she said, “I am so grateful… especially to all of you who watch me…”
Curry thanked a lot of people who work behind the scenes, and then she said, “For all of you who saw me as a ground breaker, I’m sorry I couldn’t carry the ball over the Finish line… but man, I did try!” Curry did not lay blame on anyone… she was gracious and humble. I have no doubt there is a lot more to this story, but Ann Curry did not air any “dirty laundry” in public nor make any pointed jabs at her bosses.
In a similar manner, we watched late night comedian Conan O’Brien get the boot from NBC (is there a pattern here?) a few years ago, when Jay Leno decided he did not like “retirement” and wanted his old job back. In a recent interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan, O’Brien talked about the devastation of losing his job as a late-night host, saying… “Not that I'm a great figure, whatever that would be. But there should be -- in a good career, there should be a lot of challenges. And so I wouldn't -- I would honestly not really change anything that happened. It's been fascinating. It brought me to where I am now, which I love.”
Again, I’m not saying there wasn’t huge disappointment for Curry and O’Brien, because clearly they were both hurt and upset by their dismissals. And we don’t know what went on behind the scenes… nor how they behaved in private. But publicly, at least, they took the high road and appeared to act honorably… knowing that much of the world was watching.
Like O’Brien, most of us are not “great figures” – and we may feel that few are watching or give a hoot about how we behave or react to circumstances in our lives. But I assure you, people are watching! We would do well to take a page from the books of these two celebrities and apply it to our daily living. We should listen to the words of these verses in 1 Peter and avoid attempts to get even – or make threats. God will judge fairly… He will protect us. For every “bad” outcome, God will give us a better one. As O’Brien said, there will be lots of challenges, and like Curry, we may not always “carry the ball over the Finish line.” But these challenges will all lead to positive outcomes for those who trust God to handle the bumps in the road.
Conan O’Brien has found a new late night home on TBS, a cable network. He says he is having the time of his life there. I have no doubt that Ann Curry will land on her feet and do great things in the future. I am equally confident that we can also have wonderful lives filled with blessings… if we keep our focus on God and trust Him to number our steps.
When others look at your reactions to the challenges of life, what sort of “faith walk” will they see? Are you ready to move over and let God have control in your life?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 27, 2012
1 Peter 3:8-9
Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’m betting that somewhere along the line, someone has insulted you… or been rude or hateful. If you are a young adult, you have had classmates and acquaintances say something unkind that really stung. If you are a parent of grown children, you have likely survived the slings and arrows of teenagers… and many of you may now be dodging the jabs thrown by aging parents or loved ones. Others may have had to put up with a boss or co-worker who was hurtful or unkind… or maybe even a spouse, significant other - or even a family member.
Regardless of the “who or how,” one of the hardest lessons for us to learn as Christians is how to love those who insult us and treat us badly… and to continue to treat them with kindness. It would be so easy to lash out… to give as good (or is it as badly?) as we get. And the devil would love every second of it! But God calls us to always take the high road… to be kind and humble and continue to love others, even when they do not reciprocate.
Believe me when I say I have sometimes done this through gritted teeth! I am the first person to admit that this is not always easy. But I am also the first to tell you that God will bless your efforts – in ways you can’t begin to imagine. If you remain obedient and love even those who don’t seem to deserve it – or maybe especially those who are unlovable at any given moment – God will see to it that you are blessed. Better still - you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the devil didn’t win… you did! Isn’t that reason enough to give this a shot?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’m betting that somewhere along the line, someone has insulted you… or been rude or hateful. If you are a young adult, you have had classmates and acquaintances say something unkind that really stung. If you are a parent of grown children, you have likely survived the slings and arrows of teenagers… and many of you may now be dodging the jabs thrown by aging parents or loved ones. Others may have had to put up with a boss or co-worker who was hurtful or unkind… or maybe even a spouse, significant other - or even a family member.
Regardless of the “who or how,” one of the hardest lessons for us to learn as Christians is how to love those who insult us and treat us badly… and to continue to treat them with kindness. It would be so easy to lash out… to give as good (or is it as badly?) as we get. And the devil would love every second of it! But God calls us to always take the high road… to be kind and humble and continue to love others, even when they do not reciprocate.
Believe me when I say I have sometimes done this through gritted teeth! I am the first person to admit that this is not always easy. But I am also the first to tell you that God will bless your efforts – in ways you can’t begin to imagine. If you remain obedient and love even those who don’t seem to deserve it – or maybe especially those who are unlovable at any given moment – God will see to it that you are blessed. Better still - you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the devil didn’t win… you did! Isn’t that reason enough to give this a shot?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 26, 2012
1 John 3:18
Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“The Bucket List” is a movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. According to information found at http://imdb.com/ ...“Corporate billionaire Edward Cole [played by Nicholson] and working class mechanic Carter Chambers [played by Freeman] have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die, according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find joy in life.” Since this movie was released in 2007, the catch-phrase “bucket list” has become synonymous with actually doing things rather than just talking or dreaming about them. And many are on a mission to mark off things on their own personal inventories.
Perhaps we need a “bucket list” of sorts as Christians. Many of us talk a good game about doing things for God… but we are just that – all talk. When it comes to actually putting our words into action, we often fail miserably. So we talk about how we should call someone and see how they are doing… but we never pick up the phone. We say, “I need to make an effort to be more understanding of others”… and then we continue to treat people as we always have. We touch on how inspired we are by others who share the love of Christ in a myriad of ways… but we never seem to figure out our “niche” - how and where God wants US to serve!
The time has come for us to start working on our Christian “bucket list” – to stop talking and start showing love for others by truly helping them. It is time to ask God to show us where and how He wants us to serve… and then DO IT! Are you up for the challenge? Are you ready to start marking things off your list?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“The Bucket List” is a movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. According to information found at http://imdb.com/ ...“Corporate billionaire Edward Cole [played by Nicholson] and working class mechanic Carter Chambers [played by Freeman] have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die, according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find joy in life.” Since this movie was released in 2007, the catch-phrase “bucket list” has become synonymous with actually doing things rather than just talking or dreaming about them. And many are on a mission to mark off things on their own personal inventories.
Perhaps we need a “bucket list” of sorts as Christians. Many of us talk a good game about doing things for God… but we are just that – all talk. When it comes to actually putting our words into action, we often fail miserably. So we talk about how we should call someone and see how they are doing… but we never pick up the phone. We say, “I need to make an effort to be more understanding of others”… and then we continue to treat people as we always have. We touch on how inspired we are by others who share the love of Christ in a myriad of ways… but we never seem to figure out our “niche” - how and where God wants US to serve!
The time has come for us to start working on our Christian “bucket list” – to stop talking and start showing love for others by truly helping them. It is time to ask God to show us where and how He wants us to serve… and then DO IT! Are you up for the challenge? Are you ready to start marking things off your list?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 25, 2012
June 25 ~ Ephesians 4:32
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.
I’ve been thinking about the resident at my grandmother’s Assisted Living Facility who lashed out at me and another resident over Holy Communion. Honestly, his reaction about a Christian ritual did not seem all that kind – nor “Christian!” And just as honestly, my first thought was, “Ha! If we hold a Holy Communion service here, maybe you shouldn’t be included!” But then I started to think about the offering of Holy Communion and its meaning… and I was struck that this man not only deserves to participate as much as the next guy – maybe He needs to be offered the body and blood of Christ even more!
We don’t get to pick and choose. This is not our business… nor does such behavior reflect our faith in Jesus and our service to Him. Jesus has every right to judge us… but He freely offers grace and mercy to any who ask. He gave His very life for us to have the right to God's forgiveness. If we want to be like Jesus, we have to show His unconditional love to everyone – even those we deem to be “unlovely” and/or those who lash out and behave in a manner in which we don’t approve.
On any given day, each of us commits more sins than we would care to count. And to God, these all hold the same weight… unless we are committing blasphemy (cursing God and denying Him). So this means when we point a finger at the other guy, four are pointing back at us! Makes it a little harder to judge the other guy, doesn’t it?!
Instead of trying to “play God,” wouldn’t we be better off spending our time seeking His will for our lives… and offering the same grace, mercy and forgiveness He offers us to the other guy? Isn’t it time we modeled true Christian behavior for the whole world to see and let God be in charge? Who do you need to truly forgive today? Where have you judged inappropriately? Are you operating fully in God’s grace and mercy – and extending it to others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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.
I’ve been thinking about the resident at my grandmother’s Assisted Living Facility who lashed out at me and another resident over Holy Communion. Honestly, his reaction about a Christian ritual did not seem all that kind – nor “Christian!” And just as honestly, my first thought was, “Ha! If we hold a Holy Communion service here, maybe you shouldn’t be included!” But then I started to think about the offering of Holy Communion and its meaning… and I was struck that this man not only deserves to participate as much as the next guy – maybe He needs to be offered the body and blood of Christ even more!
We don’t get to pick and choose. This is not our business… nor does such behavior reflect our faith in Jesus and our service to Him. Jesus has every right to judge us… but He freely offers grace and mercy to any who ask. He gave His very life for us to have the right to God's forgiveness. If we want to be like Jesus, we have to show His unconditional love to everyone – even those we deem to be “unlovely” and/or those who lash out and behave in a manner in which we don’t approve.
On any given day, each of us commits more sins than we would care to count. And to God, these all hold the same weight… unless we are committing blasphemy (cursing God and denying Him). So this means when we point a finger at the other guy, four are pointing back at us! Makes it a little harder to judge the other guy, doesn’t it?!
Instead of trying to “play God,” wouldn’t we be better off spending our time seeking His will for our lives… and offering the same grace, mercy and forgiveness He offers us to the other guy? Isn’t it time we modeled true Christian behavior for the whole world to see and let God be in charge? Who do you need to truly forgive today? Where have you judged inappropriately? Are you operating fully in God’s grace and mercy – and extending it to others? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 24, 2012
June 24 ~ Acts 2:7
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
Scripture taken from the The King James Version present on BibleGateway.com, which matches the 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States.
This morning I visited my grandmother at her Assisted Living Facility. She wanted to go outside and sit on the porch, but it was already 93 degrees in the shade, so I suggested we go to the dining room. “Would you like to hear me play some hymns?” I asked. “YES!” she said enthusiastically. I positioned her beside the piano in the dining room and began to play some of her favorites. Soon, several residents had joined us, and one lady sang virtually every hymn I played. She sang strongly and knew all the words. I tried to play each hymn through at least twice to give her time to really recognize it and sing along.
As I played the hymns, I considered how some of them remind me of Holy Communion, as they are often played during this service. “Nearer My God to Thee,” “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds,” and “Faith of Our Fathers” come to mind as some of the “Communion hymns” I recall. So I asked my grandmother, “Would you be interested in taking Communion again?” The answer was “Yes!” and I talked with her and a table-mate, who belongs to my church, about receiving Holy Communion.
When I rose to leave, a man at a nearby table motioned for me to come to him. He asked, “If you are going to have Communion, are you going to serve it once a week, like the Bible says?” Another man at his table looked at him, perplexed, and said, “Where does it say that in the Bible?” The first man said he didn’t know the exact verse, but the Bible says that they gathered once a week at the church to “break bread.” “What else could that mean?” he asked. Man #2 and I almost simultaneously replied, “… to share a meal!” I can’t repeat what Man #1 said to that, but it was not nice… and he was not happy! I wished them a good day and left, feeling like I might have started a religious World War III!
After I got home, I did some Google searches for Bible translations of the phrase “break bread” – and the Greek meaning of these words. I discovered several websites that address this very question, but I particularly liked this one… http://www.zianet.com/maxey/reflx168.htm ... check it out if you like. I don’t know the author, Al Maxey - a Church of Christ pastor in New Mexico - but he addresses several verses in Acts that refer to the breaking of bread. He notes that many newer translations have decided that this means “Holy Communion.”
But Maxey concludes: "Thus, are we reading back into the text what we want it to say, or need it to say, in order to fit our practice?!" Sadly, I think that is very often exactly what is taking place…we impose our theology upon the text, rather than drawing our theology from the text.
The blunt reality is -- and many seem very reluctant to face this -- we simply have insufficient data with regard to the phrase "breaking bread" to insist upon any one interpretation or practice over another. Yes, we all have our personal convictions, and that is good. We have also embraced certain traditional practices based upon those shared convictions, and that also is fine. What we must never do, however, is assume that all those who differ with us are godless wretches with dishonest motives and darkened hearts who are bound straight for the torments of hell. This is the perspective of militant factionists and sectarians, and does not reflect the spirit of Christ Jesus. We need to rise above such ignorance and ignominy.
We are children of God ... we can do better than that! Love demands it; Unity demands it; our Witness to the world demands it. May God help us all to live and love outside the guarded gates of our dogma, for when we do so we enjoy the blessings of the expanded parameters of God's household of faith. ‘Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread’ (1 Cor. 10:17).”
I could not say this any better. We twist and turn the words of the Bible to suit our needs and our circumstances… and “breaking bread” is the tip of the iceberg! And as Rev. Maxey says, we are not serving as the hands and feet of Jesus by doing this! I honestly don’t believe that God is keeping a count of how frequently we take Holy Communion… particularly in comparison to how we behave the rest of the time! This experience reminded me to check my own thoughts and actions and see where I might be putting my desires and influences on God’s word for my life, rather than truly hearing what He is saying to me. I probably should do this more frequently… and I would invite you to do the same.
©2012 Debbie Robus
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
Scripture taken from the The King James Version present on BibleGateway.com, which matches the 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States.
This morning I visited my grandmother at her Assisted Living Facility. She wanted to go outside and sit on the porch, but it was already 93 degrees in the shade, so I suggested we go to the dining room. “Would you like to hear me play some hymns?” I asked. “YES!” she said enthusiastically. I positioned her beside the piano in the dining room and began to play some of her favorites. Soon, several residents had joined us, and one lady sang virtually every hymn I played. She sang strongly and knew all the words. I tried to play each hymn through at least twice to give her time to really recognize it and sing along.
As I played the hymns, I considered how some of them remind me of Holy Communion, as they are often played during this service. “Nearer My God to Thee,” “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds,” and “Faith of Our Fathers” come to mind as some of the “Communion hymns” I recall. So I asked my grandmother, “Would you be interested in taking Communion again?” The answer was “Yes!” and I talked with her and a table-mate, who belongs to my church, about receiving Holy Communion.
When I rose to leave, a man at a nearby table motioned for me to come to him. He asked, “If you are going to have Communion, are you going to serve it once a week, like the Bible says?” Another man at his table looked at him, perplexed, and said, “Where does it say that in the Bible?” The first man said he didn’t know the exact verse, but the Bible says that they gathered once a week at the church to “break bread.” “What else could that mean?” he asked. Man #2 and I almost simultaneously replied, “… to share a meal!” I can’t repeat what Man #1 said to that, but it was not nice… and he was not happy! I wished them a good day and left, feeling like I might have started a religious World War III!
After I got home, I did some Google searches for Bible translations of the phrase “break bread” – and the Greek meaning of these words. I discovered several websites that address this very question, but I particularly liked this one… http://www.zianet.com/maxey/reflx168.htm ... check it out if you like. I don’t know the author, Al Maxey - a Church of Christ pastor in New Mexico - but he addresses several verses in Acts that refer to the breaking of bread. He notes that many newer translations have decided that this means “Holy Communion.”
But Maxey concludes: "Thus, are we reading back into the text what we want it to say, or need it to say, in order to fit our practice?!" Sadly, I think that is very often exactly what is taking place…we impose our theology upon the text, rather than drawing our theology from the text.
The blunt reality is -- and many seem very reluctant to face this -- we simply have insufficient data with regard to the phrase "breaking bread" to insist upon any one interpretation or practice over another. Yes, we all have our personal convictions, and that is good. We have also embraced certain traditional practices based upon those shared convictions, and that also is fine. What we must never do, however, is assume that all those who differ with us are godless wretches with dishonest motives and darkened hearts who are bound straight for the torments of hell. This is the perspective of militant factionists and sectarians, and does not reflect the spirit of Christ Jesus. We need to rise above such ignorance and ignominy.
We are children of God ... we can do better than that! Love demands it; Unity demands it; our Witness to the world demands it. May God help us all to live and love outside the guarded gates of our dogma, for when we do so we enjoy the blessings of the expanded parameters of God's household of faith. ‘Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread’ (1 Cor. 10:17).”
I could not say this any better. We twist and turn the words of the Bible to suit our needs and our circumstances… and “breaking bread” is the tip of the iceberg! And as Rev. Maxey says, we are not serving as the hands and feet of Jesus by doing this! I honestly don’t believe that God is keeping a count of how frequently we take Holy Communion… particularly in comparison to how we behave the rest of the time! This experience reminded me to check my own thoughts and actions and see where I might be putting my desires and influences on God’s word for my life, rather than truly hearing what He is saying to me. I probably should do this more frequently… and I would invite you to do the same.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 23, 2012
Hebrews 11:11
Even when Sarah was too old to have children, she had faith that God would do what he had promised, and she had a son.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was reading a story in Good Housekeeping magazine about a woman named Angie Hernandez, whose young adult son, Ryan, was in the end stages of kidney failure as a result of Goodpasture’s syndrome - a rare disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the lungs and kidneys. With hopes of receiving a kidney transplant dwindling, 23-year-old Ryan told his mother that he didn’t know how much longer he could hold out. He was tired and unsure he could live long enough to get the transplant.
If you know anything about kidney disease and dialysis, you understand the toll it takes on the patient – and family members and friends. The daily struggle just to stay alive can be physically and emotionally draining. It’s not hard to see how someone in this position would long for the peace and healing of heaven and an end to this earthly suffering… especially if that person is a believer in Christ and anticipates eternity in His presence.
Like any mother, Angie Hernandez was not ready to lose her son. A cousin had created a three-minute video montage of Ryan’s life, set it to music, and posted it on YouTube. Angie asked her Facebook friends to share the video on their Walls… and to solicit potential kidney donors in doing so. Amazingly, Angie’s half-sister, whom she had not seen in more than a decade, contacted the family and offered to help. Her kidney was a match! Today, Ryan has recovered, and the splintered family has reconnected… blessings have multiplied!
The slant of this article is how social media is helping in many arenas, like the solicitation of medical information and organ donors. The article does not discuss Christian faith… and I am left to assume that this mother surely must have prayed and believed for a miracle. I can’t imagine enduring something like this without a constant conversation with God… and faith in Him to keep His promises to handle all of our worries and cares.
My point in sharing this story is that this mother did not give up. Abraham’s elderly wife, Sarah, did not give up… and neither should we! When everything seems impossible… when we do not understand the “whys and wherefores” of a situation, God does… and He has promised to handle everything for us. Our job is to trust Him… to believe in Him… and to never give up!
Healing may not come on this earth, but it will come. Our answers may not be evident in this lifetime… but someday, we will have them. Even when we cannot see, hear, or feel God at work… He is still on the clock, meeting our every need. Don’t give up! Don’t stop believing in God’s promises… never underestimate His power in your life and the lives of others.
In The Message*, Hebrews 11:11-12 says, “By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. That's how it happened that from one man's dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions.” God may not give you millions of children, but He will meet your needs and fulfill His promises for your life. What do you believe God for today? Are you holding on and expecting Him to fulfill His promises? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
*Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Even when Sarah was too old to have children, she had faith that God would do what he had promised, and she had a son.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was reading a story in Good Housekeeping magazine about a woman named Angie Hernandez, whose young adult son, Ryan, was in the end stages of kidney failure as a result of Goodpasture’s syndrome - a rare disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the lungs and kidneys. With hopes of receiving a kidney transplant dwindling, 23-year-old Ryan told his mother that he didn’t know how much longer he could hold out. He was tired and unsure he could live long enough to get the transplant.
If you know anything about kidney disease and dialysis, you understand the toll it takes on the patient – and family members and friends. The daily struggle just to stay alive can be physically and emotionally draining. It’s not hard to see how someone in this position would long for the peace and healing of heaven and an end to this earthly suffering… especially if that person is a believer in Christ and anticipates eternity in His presence.
Like any mother, Angie Hernandez was not ready to lose her son. A cousin had created a three-minute video montage of Ryan’s life, set it to music, and posted it on YouTube. Angie asked her Facebook friends to share the video on their Walls… and to solicit potential kidney donors in doing so. Amazingly, Angie’s half-sister, whom she had not seen in more than a decade, contacted the family and offered to help. Her kidney was a match! Today, Ryan has recovered, and the splintered family has reconnected… blessings have multiplied!
The slant of this article is how social media is helping in many arenas, like the solicitation of medical information and organ donors. The article does not discuss Christian faith… and I am left to assume that this mother surely must have prayed and believed for a miracle. I can’t imagine enduring something like this without a constant conversation with God… and faith in Him to keep His promises to handle all of our worries and cares.
My point in sharing this story is that this mother did not give up. Abraham’s elderly wife, Sarah, did not give up… and neither should we! When everything seems impossible… when we do not understand the “whys and wherefores” of a situation, God does… and He has promised to handle everything for us. Our job is to trust Him… to believe in Him… and to never give up!
Healing may not come on this earth, but it will come. Our answers may not be evident in this lifetime… but someday, we will have them. Even when we cannot see, hear, or feel God at work… He is still on the clock, meeting our every need. Don’t give up! Don’t stop believing in God’s promises… never underestimate His power in your life and the lives of others.
In The Message*, Hebrews 11:11-12 says, “By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. That's how it happened that from one man's dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions.” God may not give you millions of children, but He will meet your needs and fulfill His promises for your life. What do you believe God for today? Are you holding on and expecting Him to fulfill His promises? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
*Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Daily Devotional for June 22, 2012
Psalm 121:27-28
God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Imagine life in our nation’s White House, surrounded by Secret Service officials. Everywhere you go, someone is watching you – even if you don’t realize it. You are guarded when you go to school, to church, to a movie, or out for dinner. Your car is followed everywhere. You are protected as you sleep. Someone knows your whereabouts every minute of the night and day. Honestly, I’m not sure I would enjoy such scrutiny!
But in the case of my Heavenly Father, I welcome such close and comprehensive care. To think that I am continually guarded from evil…that God cares about me so much that I am always protected…is amazing, comforting, and almost beyond description. And the best part of all is that this same care and protection is extended to my family and friends… and my brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as all of those for whom I pray.
It takes a whole team of Secret Service agents to guard the First Family and others who are entitled to this level of protection. But all you and I need is Almighty God. He is more than enough to defend and protect us. And He is on the clock twenty-four/seven on our behalf! When was the last time you stopped and thought about how soundly you sleep at night – how blessed your days are – because God is guarding you? When was the last time you thanked Him for this? Isn’t this a perfect time to stop and do so? Aren’t you glad that God’s “Secret Service” detail is on duty in your life?
©2012 Debbie Robus
God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Imagine life in our nation’s White House, surrounded by Secret Service officials. Everywhere you go, someone is watching you – even if you don’t realize it. You are guarded when you go to school, to church, to a movie, or out for dinner. Your car is followed everywhere. You are protected as you sleep. Someone knows your whereabouts every minute of the night and day. Honestly, I’m not sure I would enjoy such scrutiny!
But in the case of my Heavenly Father, I welcome such close and comprehensive care. To think that I am continually guarded from evil…that God cares about me so much that I am always protected…is amazing, comforting, and almost beyond description. And the best part of all is that this same care and protection is extended to my family and friends… and my brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as all of those for whom I pray.
It takes a whole team of Secret Service agents to guard the First Family and others who are entitled to this level of protection. But all you and I need is Almighty God. He is more than enough to defend and protect us. And He is on the clock twenty-four/seven on our behalf! When was the last time you stopped and thought about how soundly you sleep at night – how blessed your days are – because God is guarding you? When was the last time you thanked Him for this? Isn’t this a perfect time to stop and do so? Aren’t you glad that God’s “Secret Service” detail is on duty in your life?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 21, 2012
John 20:29
Jesus said, “Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few nights ago, my husband and I spoke by phone with our three-year-old nephew, Timothy, who lives in another state. At one point, he said, “Debbie, I want to see you!” I replied, “I want to see you, too, Timothy.” He did not understand the concept of talking to someone on the phone and being unable to see them… and he kept trying to show us things – toys, movies, and more.
As we talked, Timothy’s mother got out a picture album and showed him photographs of us. He would say, “That’s probably you, Debbie. That’s probably you, Uncle Greg!” It seemed to help him to visualize us as we spoke… to remember what we looked like, based on our photos.
Doesn’t it seem like it would often be easier to communicate with God if we had a photograph of Him? Don’t we long to see Him? Yet Jesus tells us in this passage that the very fact that we accept Him on faith – even though we have never physically seen Him – is what makes our relationship so special and powerful. We trust in God solely on faith that He exists… and the evidence of His love, care, grace and mercy on our behalf. We trust completely that a man we’ve never seen died on a cross for our sins, was buried and rose again. We hold onto a promise that we will join Him in heaven someday for all eternity.
Timothy trusts that we are the same Aunt Debbie and Uncle Greg who loved him unconditionally and lavished attention, food, clothes, shelter and time on him when he stayed with us. Conversely, Timothy’s little sister Zola does not know us. We have not seen her since she was three months old, so she has no recollection of us except for photos… no real basis for a connection. Yet somehow, I believe she will come to know us and love us, based solely on the words of her parents and brother – and our actions toward her. In a childlike manner, we Christians walk and live by faith… completely trusting God without ever having seen Him. Just like our little Zola, we operate purely on the word of others… and the actions and blessings of God on our behalf.
We humans tend to be such literal creatures. I find it truly amazing that we have the capacity to so deeply love and adore a God we have never seen, based on faith that He really exists. I find it even more incredible that God can love us with such a power and compulsion that we find this completely plausible - real and genuine. How can we deny His existence? How can we fail to trust and serve Him? After all, evidence of God is all around us… in nature, daily miracles and blessings, and answered prayers. With the confidence of a three-year-old looking at photographs, we can say, “That’s probably God’s handiwork!” – and know without question that we are correct.
Do you have “unseen” faith? Do you believe in God, even though you have never physically seen His picture? Do you require more proof that He exists, or are you ready to take a look around you and acknowledge that what you see is more than probably God at work in your life? He truly IS here… ready to meet your every need! What more do you require? What is holding you back from truly believing in Him? If a toddler can accept that the voices on the other end of a phone are those of people he loves (who love him, also) - yet he only sees them in photographs - can’t we accept that the God who is evident all around us truly exists? Are you ready to exercise the faith of a child… and be blessed accordingly?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus said, “Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few nights ago, my husband and I spoke by phone with our three-year-old nephew, Timothy, who lives in another state. At one point, he said, “Debbie, I want to see you!” I replied, “I want to see you, too, Timothy.” He did not understand the concept of talking to someone on the phone and being unable to see them… and he kept trying to show us things – toys, movies, and more.
As we talked, Timothy’s mother got out a picture album and showed him photographs of us. He would say, “That’s probably you, Debbie. That’s probably you, Uncle Greg!” It seemed to help him to visualize us as we spoke… to remember what we looked like, based on our photos.
Doesn’t it seem like it would often be easier to communicate with God if we had a photograph of Him? Don’t we long to see Him? Yet Jesus tells us in this passage that the very fact that we accept Him on faith – even though we have never physically seen Him – is what makes our relationship so special and powerful. We trust in God solely on faith that He exists… and the evidence of His love, care, grace and mercy on our behalf. We trust completely that a man we’ve never seen died on a cross for our sins, was buried and rose again. We hold onto a promise that we will join Him in heaven someday for all eternity.
Timothy trusts that we are the same Aunt Debbie and Uncle Greg who loved him unconditionally and lavished attention, food, clothes, shelter and time on him when he stayed with us. Conversely, Timothy’s little sister Zola does not know us. We have not seen her since she was three months old, so she has no recollection of us except for photos… no real basis for a connection. Yet somehow, I believe she will come to know us and love us, based solely on the words of her parents and brother – and our actions toward her. In a childlike manner, we Christians walk and live by faith… completely trusting God without ever having seen Him. Just like our little Zola, we operate purely on the word of others… and the actions and blessings of God on our behalf.
We humans tend to be such literal creatures. I find it truly amazing that we have the capacity to so deeply love and adore a God we have never seen, based on faith that He really exists. I find it even more incredible that God can love us with such a power and compulsion that we find this completely plausible - real and genuine. How can we deny His existence? How can we fail to trust and serve Him? After all, evidence of God is all around us… in nature, daily miracles and blessings, and answered prayers. With the confidence of a three-year-old looking at photographs, we can say, “That’s probably God’s handiwork!” – and know without question that we are correct.
Do you have “unseen” faith? Do you believe in God, even though you have never physically seen His picture? Do you require more proof that He exists, or are you ready to take a look around you and acknowledge that what you see is more than probably God at work in your life? He truly IS here… ready to meet your every need! What more do you require? What is holding you back from truly believing in Him? If a toddler can accept that the voices on the other end of a phone are those of people he loves (who love him, also) - yet he only sees them in photographs - can’t we accept that the God who is evident all around us truly exists? Are you ready to exercise the faith of a child… and be blessed accordingly?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 20, 2012
Ephesians 4:26-28
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry - but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My daily calendar quote for yesterday was, “The man who can’t dance thinks the band is no good.” I think this probably describes a good number of people who are not taking ownership for their problems or responsibilities. It’s someone else’s fault… or another person’s problem… but certainly no fault of their own. In a way, this is the same thing as stealing. If we allow others to accept responsibility for our problems… debts… mistakes… or even unhappiness, we are making ends meet at their expense.
So when you “borrow” from your friends – a place to stay, food, clothing, money – with no agreement or plan for restitution… you are stealing from them. If the friends allow this, you are letting them to own your problems instead of taking responsibility for them yourself. When you say or do something you shouldn’t and try to pawn it off on another person – or make excuses – you have pretty much stolen that person’s integrity, as in the case of the man who can’t dance. It’s really not the band’s fault… but he doesn’t want to be honest and admit that he has shortcomings. He would rather allow the band to own the deficiencies.
The daily quote for today was, “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt!” I think this is timely advice. When you are doing what God has called you to do… acting responsibly – even if it means admitting mistakes and making an effort to correct them… keep going. Don’t stop! Don’t get bogged down by anger, frustration, embarrassment, disappointment, or discouragement. Trust God to help you come out on top!
Pastor Joel Osteen paraphrases Philippians 4:13 in this manner… “It's not how you start that counts, it's how you finish. Shake off the past and keep running toward the prize!” Today is the day to stand up and accept responsibility for where we are in life… to do an honest day’s work in all arenas… and to move forward. There is no time for getting angry about the past… no room for the devil to get any pleasure in this! Let’s push on – with God’s help. Let’s ask God to show us how to quit focusing on the band and improve our “dancing!”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry - but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My daily calendar quote for yesterday was, “The man who can’t dance thinks the band is no good.” I think this probably describes a good number of people who are not taking ownership for their problems or responsibilities. It’s someone else’s fault… or another person’s problem… but certainly no fault of their own. In a way, this is the same thing as stealing. If we allow others to accept responsibility for our problems… debts… mistakes… or even unhappiness, we are making ends meet at their expense.
So when you “borrow” from your friends – a place to stay, food, clothing, money – with no agreement or plan for restitution… you are stealing from them. If the friends allow this, you are letting them to own your problems instead of taking responsibility for them yourself. When you say or do something you shouldn’t and try to pawn it off on another person – or make excuses – you have pretty much stolen that person’s integrity, as in the case of the man who can’t dance. It’s really not the band’s fault… but he doesn’t want to be honest and admit that he has shortcomings. He would rather allow the band to own the deficiencies.
The daily quote for today was, “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt!” I think this is timely advice. When you are doing what God has called you to do… acting responsibly – even if it means admitting mistakes and making an effort to correct them… keep going. Don’t stop! Don’t get bogged down by anger, frustration, embarrassment, disappointment, or discouragement. Trust God to help you come out on top!
Pastor Joel Osteen paraphrases Philippians 4:13 in this manner… “It's not how you start that counts, it's how you finish. Shake off the past and keep running toward the prize!” Today is the day to stand up and accept responsibility for where we are in life… to do an honest day’s work in all arenas… and to move forward. There is no time for getting angry about the past… no room for the devil to get any pleasure in this! Let’s push on – with God’s help. Let’s ask God to show us how to quit focusing on the band and improve our “dancing!”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 19, 2012
Ephesians 4:1-5
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people. We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I watched an interview that Oprah Winfrey conducted with rap artist 50 Cent… a.k.a. Curtis Jackson. I found it interesting to learn that the cold, harsh, often-profane “50 Cent” is a public persona. The real Curtis Jackson appears to be a tender, intelligent, loving man who was reared by his grandparents after his mother was murdered when Curtis was only eight. While I do not condone the violence and profane message - or the delivery - of 50 Cent’s “music” in general, I may have misjudged him overall. At the very least, I should learn to patiently put up with him.
Stop laughing… I realize that 50 Cent is not often – if ever – on my radar screen. But we do have a number of people who rub us the wrong way all the time, for one reason or another… people we may have judged unfairly… people who are “hard to love.” And the truth is… this may be exactly how quite a few people view us!
“Me?” you may be asking. “What’s not to love about me?” For some, there may be plenty… from attitude to personality and more. “But I’m a Christian!” you may shout. And those who don’t particularly care for you may be, too! The point is, we are not called to LIKE everyone else… but we are called to show Christian love and patience - and to make every effort to get along.
Oprah asked 50 Cent, “Who really loves you?” She admitted that this is a daunting question, if you really think about it. For Curtis Jackson, the first person who came to mind was his grandmother. And then he had trouble thinking of others. Who really loves you? Who accepts you unconditionally, treats you gently and respectfully, and always puts up with you? We can probably all name dozens of “acquaintances” who appear to like us well enough… but who do you know for certain loves you, warts and all? Sadly, the lists are probably pretty short for all of us. I believe the devil dances on his head with joy at the thought that we have so much trouble getting along and genuinely loving others.
What if Jesus loved us like this? What if His list of people He truly loved rose and fell with His mood - and our behavior? Thankfully, this is not the case. And the same Jesus who died for you, died for me - and that neighbor you can’t stand, and the woman in your church who drives you crazy, or the classmate or co-worker who gets on your last nerve!
We need to do a better job of getting along – of at least tolerating others and not judging them so quickly. We need to take a long, hard look at each person we meet and remind ourselves that he/she is equally a child of God – and truly loved by Him every bit as much as we are. We need to “give peace a chance,” as the John Lennon song says... and live and love in a way that honors God’s love for us. As the Apostle Paul admonishes us in this passage, we must “live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own.” How are you doing so far?
©2012 Debbie Robus
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people. We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I watched an interview that Oprah Winfrey conducted with rap artist 50 Cent… a.k.a. Curtis Jackson. I found it interesting to learn that the cold, harsh, often-profane “50 Cent” is a public persona. The real Curtis Jackson appears to be a tender, intelligent, loving man who was reared by his grandparents after his mother was murdered when Curtis was only eight. While I do not condone the violence and profane message - or the delivery - of 50 Cent’s “music” in general, I may have misjudged him overall. At the very least, I should learn to patiently put up with him.
Stop laughing… I realize that 50 Cent is not often – if ever – on my radar screen. But we do have a number of people who rub us the wrong way all the time, for one reason or another… people we may have judged unfairly… people who are “hard to love.” And the truth is… this may be exactly how quite a few people view us!
“Me?” you may be asking. “What’s not to love about me?” For some, there may be plenty… from attitude to personality and more. “But I’m a Christian!” you may shout. And those who don’t particularly care for you may be, too! The point is, we are not called to LIKE everyone else… but we are called to show Christian love and patience - and to make every effort to get along.
Oprah asked 50 Cent, “Who really loves you?” She admitted that this is a daunting question, if you really think about it. For Curtis Jackson, the first person who came to mind was his grandmother. And then he had trouble thinking of others. Who really loves you? Who accepts you unconditionally, treats you gently and respectfully, and always puts up with you? We can probably all name dozens of “acquaintances” who appear to like us well enough… but who do you know for certain loves you, warts and all? Sadly, the lists are probably pretty short for all of us. I believe the devil dances on his head with joy at the thought that we have so much trouble getting along and genuinely loving others.
What if Jesus loved us like this? What if His list of people He truly loved rose and fell with His mood - and our behavior? Thankfully, this is not the case. And the same Jesus who died for you, died for me - and that neighbor you can’t stand, and the woman in your church who drives you crazy, or the classmate or co-worker who gets on your last nerve!
We need to do a better job of getting along – of at least tolerating others and not judging them so quickly. We need to take a long, hard look at each person we meet and remind ourselves that he/she is equally a child of God – and truly loved by Him every bit as much as we are. We need to “give peace a chance,” as the John Lennon song says... and live and love in a way that honors God’s love for us. As the Apostle Paul admonishes us in this passage, we must “live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own.” How are you doing so far?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 18, 2012
Ephesians 2:8-9
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.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you get a job and make enough money to buy a new car, you have every right to say… “I deserve this… I worked hard for it. I earned it!” If someone gives you a new car as a gift, you have nothing to brag about, except possibly to say, “Look what So-and-So gave me!” You did nothing to earn this car. It was all the doing of the person who gave it to you.
The same can be said of our salvation… our promise of Eternal Life in Heaven… or for that matter, any blessings we receive on this earth. They are gifts from God, and we didn’t do a single thing to earn them. We can’t… it’s impossible! Moreover, we don’t deserve any of these gifts… yet they are freely given.
We can earn enough money to buy a car, but we can never “earn” the gifts of God. This is the difference… what makes our Christian faith unique. We can’t be good enough, serve sufficiently, love amply, light an adequate number of candles, say abundant prayers, or atone in any way for our salvation. God gave this gift to us completely – without merit or any expectation of repayment. We cannot brag about this, but we can tell everyone else how generous and loving, gracious and merciful our God is… and we should do this at every turn.
From time to time, we need to be reminded of God’s incredible gifts… and humbled with regard to receiving them. We need to remember that we cannot out-give God… nor can we earn our salvation and His blessings. The only thing we can do is accept Jesus… receive God’s gifts… and respect His favor by living in a way that honors and glorifies Him.
In the 1960s, there was a television show called “The Guns of Will Sonnet.” The lead character was played by Walter Brennan, who liked to brag about his prowess with guns. In the first episode, he told someone that his grandson was a better shot than his son… and that he was better than both of them, adding, “no brag, just fact.” Our salvation is a glorious blessing… and something of which we should be proud and grateful. We should tell everyone we know how to get in on this amazing, incredible gift! But we should also tell them that a new life in Christ cannot be bought… nor will it ever be deserved. Our promise of Eternal Life truly is “no brag, just fact.” Have you thanked God lately for such a generous gift? Isn’t this a good day to start?
©2012 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.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you get a job and make enough money to buy a new car, you have every right to say… “I deserve this… I worked hard for it. I earned it!” If someone gives you a new car as a gift, you have nothing to brag about, except possibly to say, “Look what So-and-So gave me!” You did nothing to earn this car. It was all the doing of the person who gave it to you.
The same can be said of our salvation… our promise of Eternal Life in Heaven… or for that matter, any blessings we receive on this earth. They are gifts from God, and we didn’t do a single thing to earn them. We can’t… it’s impossible! Moreover, we don’t deserve any of these gifts… yet they are freely given.
We can earn enough money to buy a car, but we can never “earn” the gifts of God. This is the difference… what makes our Christian faith unique. We can’t be good enough, serve sufficiently, love amply, light an adequate number of candles, say abundant prayers, or atone in any way for our salvation. God gave this gift to us completely – without merit or any expectation of repayment. We cannot brag about this, but we can tell everyone else how generous and loving, gracious and merciful our God is… and we should do this at every turn.
From time to time, we need to be reminded of God’s incredible gifts… and humbled with regard to receiving them. We need to remember that we cannot out-give God… nor can we earn our salvation and His blessings. The only thing we can do is accept Jesus… receive God’s gifts… and respect His favor by living in a way that honors and glorifies Him.
In the 1960s, there was a television show called “The Guns of Will Sonnet.” The lead character was played by Walter Brennan, who liked to brag about his prowess with guns. In the first episode, he told someone that his grandson was a better shot than his son… and that he was better than both of them, adding, “no brag, just fact.” Our salvation is a glorious blessing… and something of which we should be proud and grateful. We should tell everyone we know how to get in on this amazing, incredible gift! But we should also tell them that a new life in Christ cannot be bought… nor will it ever be deserved. Our promise of Eternal Life truly is “no brag, just fact.” Have you thanked God lately for such a generous gift? Isn’t this a good day to start?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 17, 2012
1 Chronicles 17:16-18
David went into the tent he had set up for the sacred chest. He sat there and prayed: Lord God, my family and I don’t deserve what you have already done for us, and yet you have promised to do even more for my descendants. You are treating me as if I am a very important person. I am your servant, and you know my thoughts. What else can I say, except that you have honored me?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our great-nephew, Chase, is eight years old. He is totally mesmerized by all things “Titanic”. He knows facts and figures about the R.M.S. Titanic, the names of many passengers and whether they lived or perished, and much more. A couple of months ago, the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri, had a Centennial Tribute to commemorate 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic. My mother learned of Chase’s fascination with this vessel… as well as that of a teenage boy who lives in our town. She knows people on the staff at the Titanic Museum Attraction, and she told them about these two boys.
The staff invited Chase and the other young man to be V.I.P. guests for the day on April 14th, when the Centennial Tribute festivities were held. Chase and his dad drove across southern Missouri to be there. He was given a V.I.P. badge – and the “royal treatment.” On a recent visit to our house, Chase recanted how he was a “very important person” that day… and told us what all he had seen and done. Needless to say, he felt honored to have received such special care and attention.
Everyone likes to feel important. I seriously doubt any of us would turn down V.I.P. treatment. Most of us would be honored to be given such status – and all that accompanies it - in any given circumstance. What we do not realize is that God offers us V.I.P. status every day… and we don’t even recognize it – much less feel a sense of honor and humility. Sadly, we take much of what God grants us for granted. And still, He continues to bless us with His grace, mercy, love and forgiveness.
Don’t you think it’s time we stopped and paid a little attention to what God is doing in our lives? Isn’t it time to recognize how “royally” God treats us… and to thank Him for this? Doesn’t God deserve our respect and humility – our gratitude and behavior that at least begins to reflect someone worthy of such blessings?
Think about everything that God does for you. Now consider that He has promised to do even more for your descendants! Pretty amazing, isn’t it?! Don’t you feel honored? Don’t you feel humbled… and desire to show your gratitude in any and every way you can? Isn’t today a good day to get started on this?
©2012 Debbie Robus
David went into the tent he had set up for the sacred chest. He sat there and prayed: Lord God, my family and I don’t deserve what you have already done for us, and yet you have promised to do even more for my descendants. You are treating me as if I am a very important person. I am your servant, and you know my thoughts. What else can I say, except that you have honored me?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our great-nephew, Chase, is eight years old. He is totally mesmerized by all things “Titanic”. He knows facts and figures about the R.M.S. Titanic, the names of many passengers and whether they lived or perished, and much more. A couple of months ago, the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri, had a Centennial Tribute to commemorate 100 years since the sinking of the Titanic. My mother learned of Chase’s fascination with this vessel… as well as that of a teenage boy who lives in our town. She knows people on the staff at the Titanic Museum Attraction, and she told them about these two boys.
The staff invited Chase and the other young man to be V.I.P. guests for the day on April 14th, when the Centennial Tribute festivities were held. Chase and his dad drove across southern Missouri to be there. He was given a V.I.P. badge – and the “royal treatment.” On a recent visit to our house, Chase recanted how he was a “very important person” that day… and told us what all he had seen and done. Needless to say, he felt honored to have received such special care and attention.
Everyone likes to feel important. I seriously doubt any of us would turn down V.I.P. treatment. Most of us would be honored to be given such status – and all that accompanies it - in any given circumstance. What we do not realize is that God offers us V.I.P. status every day… and we don’t even recognize it – much less feel a sense of honor and humility. Sadly, we take much of what God grants us for granted. And still, He continues to bless us with His grace, mercy, love and forgiveness.
Don’t you think it’s time we stopped and paid a little attention to what God is doing in our lives? Isn’t it time to recognize how “royally” God treats us… and to thank Him for this? Doesn’t God deserve our respect and humility – our gratitude and behavior that at least begins to reflect someone worthy of such blessings?
Think about everything that God does for you. Now consider that He has promised to do even more for your descendants! Pretty amazing, isn’t it?! Don’t you feel honored? Don’t you feel humbled… and desire to show your gratitude in any and every way you can? Isn’t today a good day to get started on this?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 16, 2012
Genesis 50:16-21
So they sent Joseph a message, "Before his death, your father gave this command: Tell Joseph, 'Forgive your brothers' sin—all that wrongdoing. They did treat you very badly.' Will you do it? Will you forgive the sins of the servants of your father's God?”
When Joseph received their message, he wept.
Then the brothers went in person to him, threw themselves on the ground before him and said, "We'll be your slaves."
Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I'll take care of you and your children." He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
19th-Century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” And truly, some of our most powerful – and effective – lessons are learned through adversity. The ability to see the positive side of a tough situation is a talent many of us could use!
The cool thing is that God can show each of us how to find the blessings in the “bad stuff”…to say, “That guy actually did me a favor” or “This really worked out pretty well.” I know in my own life that there have been times when I wanted to be so angry with someone over how they treated me – or I wanted to be mad and upset about unplanned circumstances and how they “ruined my day.” But when I stopped and took a hard look at what I gained from the experience, my negative feelings began to fade. I won’t say they always disappeared, but let’s just say they were not so near the surface!
A lot of this is nothing more than a resentment we harbor against someone or something. I can tell you that nobody suffers more from a grudge than the person who holds it. If you really want to live in joy and abundance, let it go. Take a page from Joseph’s book… recognize that what others plan against you for evil, God can use for good. Realize that “life happens.” The key is to stay faithful to God… close to Him in every way – at all times – and to be fully attuned to His will and desires for your life, rather than those of others.
Joseph had it right. We are not God… but we are not to be a doormat for others, either. We are to operate fully in the will of God and trust Him to show us –and others - positive aspects and outcomes for every situation. It may be hard at times. We may feel like we are going to die in the process – or possibly suffer a broken heart or public embarrassment beyond repair. And yes, we may get a little frustrated when things don’t go as we planned. But God will take care of this, too. He will meet our needs at all times - if only we will let Him. GOD will handle any “revenge” necessary. He will bless us even in adversity… and that will make all the difference.
©2012 Debbie Robus
So they sent Joseph a message, "Before his death, your father gave this command: Tell Joseph, 'Forgive your brothers' sin—all that wrongdoing. They did treat you very badly.' Will you do it? Will you forgive the sins of the servants of your father's God?”
When Joseph received their message, he wept.
Then the brothers went in person to him, threw themselves on the ground before him and said, "We'll be your slaves."
Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I'll take care of you and your children." He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
19th-Century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” And truly, some of our most powerful – and effective – lessons are learned through adversity. The ability to see the positive side of a tough situation is a talent many of us could use!
The cool thing is that God can show each of us how to find the blessings in the “bad stuff”…to say, “That guy actually did me a favor” or “This really worked out pretty well.” I know in my own life that there have been times when I wanted to be so angry with someone over how they treated me – or I wanted to be mad and upset about unplanned circumstances and how they “ruined my day.” But when I stopped and took a hard look at what I gained from the experience, my negative feelings began to fade. I won’t say they always disappeared, but let’s just say they were not so near the surface!
A lot of this is nothing more than a resentment we harbor against someone or something. I can tell you that nobody suffers more from a grudge than the person who holds it. If you really want to live in joy and abundance, let it go. Take a page from Joseph’s book… recognize that what others plan against you for evil, God can use for good. Realize that “life happens.” The key is to stay faithful to God… close to Him in every way – at all times – and to be fully attuned to His will and desires for your life, rather than those of others.
Joseph had it right. We are not God… but we are not to be a doormat for others, either. We are to operate fully in the will of God and trust Him to show us –and others - positive aspects and outcomes for every situation. It may be hard at times. We may feel like we are going to die in the process – or possibly suffer a broken heart or public embarrassment beyond repair. And yes, we may get a little frustrated when things don’t go as we planned. But God will take care of this, too. He will meet our needs at all times - if only we will let Him. GOD will handle any “revenge” necessary. He will bless us even in adversity… and that will make all the difference.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 15, 2012
Matthew 6:25-34
"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.
"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My mom took her mother to the doctor once, and my grandmother announced that she would never return to that particular physician. When Mom questioned her, my grandmother said, “He wasn’t a real doctor… he didn’t wear a white coat or a tie.” Years later, my dad’s mother complained to me about another doctor… “He didn’t even touch me.” Do you see the difference? In reference to one of her caregivers, I recently told my grandmother, “I don’t care if she wears a clown wig and a red nose… if she takes good care of you, nothing else matters!”
We are so obsessed with appearances and STUFF. We care about the wrong things. We rush from one thing to the next and never notice the intricacies of how God knit together the feathers on a bird… how He gave spiders the ability to create the most spectacular woven creations… how the body of a tiny baby is perfectly formed – a miniature of our own larger selves. Worry is one of the devil’s biggest tools… and he surely knows how to use it!
But God is the King of “worry-busters.” If we trust Him in everything, He will handle it all, starting with the small stuff. Even those of us who trust Him for big things often forget this and begin to stress out over things like how we look, what we drive, how much money we make, and more. We focus more on what we don’t have than how much God has blessed us.
This is not a license to stop caring… to let yourself go and become a slob or a bum. God wants us to use what He has given us to the best of our ability - and represent Him well. But that doesn’t mean we will all look like cover models or superstars. Can I tell you something? The most attractively dressed person is the one who exudes faith, confidence, grace, joy, and love. We all know someone who is universally loved and respected – and looks less than perfect… and it doesn’t matter one whit! In fact, we really don’t even think about his/her looks. We’re too busy enjoying this person’s company and admiring him/her for making the most of God’s gifts.
Let’s face it… worry is excess baggage that we need to remove. Can we set it down, once and for all, and make this the day we start to fully operate in faith that God will meet our needs? Can we truly “let go and let God?” Can we recognize that our God, Who cares about the least wildflower in the field - or the tiniest bird in the air - cares deeply for each of us, as well? It is time to step away from the mirror and trust God to “cloak you in beauty.”
Let’s stop worrying about the “white coat and tie” and focus on the “touch.” The time has come for us to step up and be who God called us to be – and to trust Him to meet ALL of our needs. Are you ready to take this leap of faith?
©2012 Debbie Robus
"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.
"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My mom took her mother to the doctor once, and my grandmother announced that she would never return to that particular physician. When Mom questioned her, my grandmother said, “He wasn’t a real doctor… he didn’t wear a white coat or a tie.” Years later, my dad’s mother complained to me about another doctor… “He didn’t even touch me.” Do you see the difference? In reference to one of her caregivers, I recently told my grandmother, “I don’t care if she wears a clown wig and a red nose… if she takes good care of you, nothing else matters!”
We are so obsessed with appearances and STUFF. We care about the wrong things. We rush from one thing to the next and never notice the intricacies of how God knit together the feathers on a bird… how He gave spiders the ability to create the most spectacular woven creations… how the body of a tiny baby is perfectly formed – a miniature of our own larger selves. Worry is one of the devil’s biggest tools… and he surely knows how to use it!
But God is the King of “worry-busters.” If we trust Him in everything, He will handle it all, starting with the small stuff. Even those of us who trust Him for big things often forget this and begin to stress out over things like how we look, what we drive, how much money we make, and more. We focus more on what we don’t have than how much God has blessed us.
This is not a license to stop caring… to let yourself go and become a slob or a bum. God wants us to use what He has given us to the best of our ability - and represent Him well. But that doesn’t mean we will all look like cover models or superstars. Can I tell you something? The most attractively dressed person is the one who exudes faith, confidence, grace, joy, and love. We all know someone who is universally loved and respected – and looks less than perfect… and it doesn’t matter one whit! In fact, we really don’t even think about his/her looks. We’re too busy enjoying this person’s company and admiring him/her for making the most of God’s gifts.
Let’s face it… worry is excess baggage that we need to remove. Can we set it down, once and for all, and make this the day we start to fully operate in faith that God will meet our needs? Can we truly “let go and let God?” Can we recognize that our God, Who cares about the least wildflower in the field - or the tiniest bird in the air - cares deeply for each of us, as well? It is time to step away from the mirror and trust God to “cloak you in beauty.”
Let’s stop worrying about the “white coat and tie” and focus on the “touch.” The time has come for us to step up and be who God called us to be – and to trust Him to meet ALL of our needs. Are you ready to take this leap of faith?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 14, 2012
Matthew 6:19-21
Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will always be where your treasure is.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
After my husband and I both graduated from college, we moved back to Heber Springs and worked for one year. The following year, we got an opportunity to return to Russellville, Arkansas, where we had attended college. I applied for a teaching job and received a call for an interview. I wore the only decent dress I had… made by my mother from green polka dot jersey knit. About two weeks later, I was called back for a second interview. I didn’t have another dress to wear… or time to shop for one. Clothing stores were not exactly on every corner of Heber Springs in 1977 – and there were no malls in nearby towns. So I had no choice but to wear the same dress to the second interview.
After all of the questions had been asked and I stood to leave, the school superintendent asked, “Isn’t that is the same dress you wore to the first interview?” Embarrassed that he remembered, I replied, “Yes, sir, it is.” “It looks very nice,” he replied with a smile. Pleasantly surprised – and relieved – I thanked him and hurried from the building. I got the job… and the superintendent, became a friend and mentor over the next eight years.
I don’t know if my superintendent realized that I could only afford one decent dress… or wearing the same dress to both interviews made me more memorable to him and the rest of the interview panel. But I like to think that I was judged on my merits and my resume… and not on whether or not I had a closet full of beautiful clothes. I learned two things from this experience: 1) I probably needed at least one more dress in my wardrobe, and 2) substance trumps surplus.
One school year, I conducted an experiment. I created enough “uniforms” for two consecutive weeks. One week, I mixed and matched a pair of pants, a skirt, a sweater and a blouse to create five outfits for work. The next week, I did the same thing with about a half dozen clothing items in a different color scheme. Nobody ever mentioned that I was wearing the same clothes over and again. Nobody complained about my teaching ability. I had less laundry and more time. I didn’t have to spend as much time thinking about what I was going to wear. I had confidence that I was neatly clothed, and I was free to concentrate on my students, my work, and my personal life.
I will admit… after several weeks, I got tired of wearing the same things over and over… I’m not a big fan of uniforms for the long haul! But how many of us have closets filled with clothes - and we open the doors and say, “I have nothing to wear.” By and large, we have become mass consumers who are largely insatiable. We constantly need more STUFF!
There is nothing wrong with having nice clothes – or the latest gadget or gizmo. Living in abundance is neither a sin nor a crime. But when STUFF becomes our focus… this is a whole other matter! For many of us, the focus of our worship has become our things… homes, cars, clothing, and gadgets. We would rather shop for new shoes than spend time helping the hungry and homeless. We are willing to buy clothing for someone in need… but only if we can buy something for ourselves, too. We will give what we can of our time, talents and money… but only after we have taken care of Numero Uno!
All you have to do is go to a couple or three estate sales and see what “moths and rust” do to STUFF! The things of this world do not make us better friends, teachers, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, ministers, or disciples. What matters is our relationship – with God first, and then with others. If you really want to live in abundance, you have to trim the fat – in every area of your life. You have to focus on the treasures of heaven – living for Jesus and serving as His hands and feet in this lifetime – and care little for the things of this world.
This is not a call to toss all of your clothes and wear the same thing every day. I’m not suggesting you sell your car, home and all of your belongings and live in a pup tent. The key is balance… and single-mindedness – on Jesus Christ. When you store up “treasures of heaven” and help to build the Kingdom of God, earthly blessings and provisions will follow. You will always have plenty. Your closets and shelves may not be full… but your heart will be overflowing. Where is your focus... where are you storing up treasures?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will always be where your treasure is.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
After my husband and I both graduated from college, we moved back to Heber Springs and worked for one year. The following year, we got an opportunity to return to Russellville, Arkansas, where we had attended college. I applied for a teaching job and received a call for an interview. I wore the only decent dress I had… made by my mother from green polka dot jersey knit. About two weeks later, I was called back for a second interview. I didn’t have another dress to wear… or time to shop for one. Clothing stores were not exactly on every corner of Heber Springs in 1977 – and there were no malls in nearby towns. So I had no choice but to wear the same dress to the second interview.
After all of the questions had been asked and I stood to leave, the school superintendent asked, “Isn’t that is the same dress you wore to the first interview?” Embarrassed that he remembered, I replied, “Yes, sir, it is.” “It looks very nice,” he replied with a smile. Pleasantly surprised – and relieved – I thanked him and hurried from the building. I got the job… and the superintendent, became a friend and mentor over the next eight years.
I don’t know if my superintendent realized that I could only afford one decent dress… or wearing the same dress to both interviews made me more memorable to him and the rest of the interview panel. But I like to think that I was judged on my merits and my resume… and not on whether or not I had a closet full of beautiful clothes. I learned two things from this experience: 1) I probably needed at least one more dress in my wardrobe, and 2) substance trumps surplus.
One school year, I conducted an experiment. I created enough “uniforms” for two consecutive weeks. One week, I mixed and matched a pair of pants, a skirt, a sweater and a blouse to create five outfits for work. The next week, I did the same thing with about a half dozen clothing items in a different color scheme. Nobody ever mentioned that I was wearing the same clothes over and again. Nobody complained about my teaching ability. I had less laundry and more time. I didn’t have to spend as much time thinking about what I was going to wear. I had confidence that I was neatly clothed, and I was free to concentrate on my students, my work, and my personal life.
I will admit… after several weeks, I got tired of wearing the same things over and over… I’m not a big fan of uniforms for the long haul! But how many of us have closets filled with clothes - and we open the doors and say, “I have nothing to wear.” By and large, we have become mass consumers who are largely insatiable. We constantly need more STUFF!
There is nothing wrong with having nice clothes – or the latest gadget or gizmo. Living in abundance is neither a sin nor a crime. But when STUFF becomes our focus… this is a whole other matter! For many of us, the focus of our worship has become our things… homes, cars, clothing, and gadgets. We would rather shop for new shoes than spend time helping the hungry and homeless. We are willing to buy clothing for someone in need… but only if we can buy something for ourselves, too. We will give what we can of our time, talents and money… but only after we have taken care of Numero Uno!
All you have to do is go to a couple or three estate sales and see what “moths and rust” do to STUFF! The things of this world do not make us better friends, teachers, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, ministers, or disciples. What matters is our relationship – with God first, and then with others. If you really want to live in abundance, you have to trim the fat – in every area of your life. You have to focus on the treasures of heaven – living for Jesus and serving as His hands and feet in this lifetime – and care little for the things of this world.
This is not a call to toss all of your clothes and wear the same thing every day. I’m not suggesting you sell your car, home and all of your belongings and live in a pup tent. The key is balance… and single-mindedness – on Jesus Christ. When you store up “treasures of heaven” and help to build the Kingdom of God, earthly blessings and provisions will follow. You will always have plenty. Your closets and shelves may not be full… but your heart will be overflowing. Where is your focus... where are you storing up treasures?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 13, 2012
Mark 10:29
Jesus said, "Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land—whatever—because of me and the Message will lose out. They'll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land—but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life! This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Each one of us will face daunting decisions in our lives… hard choices that alter the course of our journey forever. Some that stand out for me… leaving high school after my junior year for college and marriage; quitting my job as an elementary school teacher to begin a new business with my husband – and moving back to our home town in the bargain;, and leaving my grandparents’ farm and the “dream home” we built there to move back into town to better “grow” our business. Each time, I knew in my heart the decision was right… but nagging doubts and questions abounded. Many would call this “the devil’s advocate” – and indeed, the devil did have fun messing with my mind!
Each decision was a good one… a time of growth and blessings that I know God orchestrated and sanctioned. Each time I could have buckled and listened to the misgivings and reservations voiced by others (and running through my own head). But I prayerfully considered all options and followed what I felt God was showing me. As “doors and windows” opened, I stepped through them… and my fears were dissolved as blessings multiplied.
Having said this, there were areas I still held “in reserve” for a number of years… things I didn’t fully surrender to God, for one reason or another. The biggest decision we can ever make in life is to allow God complete control over every aspect of our lives. You would think that this is automatic when one gives his/her heart to Jesus, but actually, these can be separate decisions.
I am sure that there are those who invite Jesus into their heart and surrender completely to His will from that day forward – in every single thing. But there are others among us who have an “everything but” salvation experience. “I have given my heart to Jesus and will serve Him to the best of my ability. But when my parents don’t think I should give to a charity that God has spoken to me about, I have to listen. When my boyfriend/girlfriend wants me to go to the beach for spring break instead of going on a mission trip with the church youth group, I will probably go to the beach.”
“When I’m encouraged to cover for my boss at work about something, and everyone else is in on it, I have to go along, so I don’t lose my job. When I’m with a group of people who are making bigoted, off-color references to a particular group of people, I have to snicker and agree… or else they won’t like me. When my child asks me to help him/her get out of some trouble – or to make excuses for his/her behavior – I have to do it… he/she is my kid!”
We have a ready-made Guide for making all decisions… no matter how seemingly small or insignificant. It’s not our conscience or our little “inner voice”… it’s the all-knowing, all-powerful voice of God. If we will stop and say, “LORD, no matter what you decide, I will follow. Please show me how YOU want me to handle this.” A lot of His answers won’t be popular… much less easy. But when we come to a point in our faith where we can say, “no matter what” to God and mean it, everything starts to come into focus.
When you can say to God, “If I lose everything – family, friends, job, home, freedom, EVERYTHING – but still have YOU, it won’t matter”… you have arrived as His disciple. When you can truly surrender to God in all matters – and mean it – you will be astounded at how He shows up in your life. Don’t hold back. Don’t reserve any areas for doing what YOU want to do. Give EVERYTHING to God and watch what happens in return!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus said, "Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land—whatever—because of me and the Message will lose out. They'll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land—but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life! This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Each one of us will face daunting decisions in our lives… hard choices that alter the course of our journey forever. Some that stand out for me… leaving high school after my junior year for college and marriage; quitting my job as an elementary school teacher to begin a new business with my husband – and moving back to our home town in the bargain;, and leaving my grandparents’ farm and the “dream home” we built there to move back into town to better “grow” our business. Each time, I knew in my heart the decision was right… but nagging doubts and questions abounded. Many would call this “the devil’s advocate” – and indeed, the devil did have fun messing with my mind!
Each decision was a good one… a time of growth and blessings that I know God orchestrated and sanctioned. Each time I could have buckled and listened to the misgivings and reservations voiced by others (and running through my own head). But I prayerfully considered all options and followed what I felt God was showing me. As “doors and windows” opened, I stepped through them… and my fears were dissolved as blessings multiplied.
Having said this, there were areas I still held “in reserve” for a number of years… things I didn’t fully surrender to God, for one reason or another. The biggest decision we can ever make in life is to allow God complete control over every aspect of our lives. You would think that this is automatic when one gives his/her heart to Jesus, but actually, these can be separate decisions.
I am sure that there are those who invite Jesus into their heart and surrender completely to His will from that day forward – in every single thing. But there are others among us who have an “everything but” salvation experience. “I have given my heart to Jesus and will serve Him to the best of my ability. But when my parents don’t think I should give to a charity that God has spoken to me about, I have to listen. When my boyfriend/girlfriend wants me to go to the beach for spring break instead of going on a mission trip with the church youth group, I will probably go to the beach.”
“When I’m encouraged to cover for my boss at work about something, and everyone else is in on it, I have to go along, so I don’t lose my job. When I’m with a group of people who are making bigoted, off-color references to a particular group of people, I have to snicker and agree… or else they won’t like me. When my child asks me to help him/her get out of some trouble – or to make excuses for his/her behavior – I have to do it… he/she is my kid!”
We have a ready-made Guide for making all decisions… no matter how seemingly small or insignificant. It’s not our conscience or our little “inner voice”… it’s the all-knowing, all-powerful voice of God. If we will stop and say, “LORD, no matter what you decide, I will follow. Please show me how YOU want me to handle this.” A lot of His answers won’t be popular… much less easy. But when we come to a point in our faith where we can say, “no matter what” to God and mean it, everything starts to come into focus.
When you can say to God, “If I lose everything – family, friends, job, home, freedom, EVERYTHING – but still have YOU, it won’t matter”… you have arrived as His disciple. When you can truly surrender to God in all matters – and mean it – you will be astounded at how He shows up in your life. Don’t hold back. Don’t reserve any areas for doing what YOU want to do. Give EVERYTHING to God and watch what happens in return!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 12, 2012
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I'm commanding you today—live a good life.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Over the weekend, my husband and I attended the wedding of one of my former Sunday School students, whose parents are good friends of ours. As we were seated, the girls who were presiding over the guest book handed us a card on which to sign our name. “Write out some advice for the couple,” they told us. I signed our names to the card and wrote, “Always put God first… and never go to bed angry.” Had I thought a little longer and harder, I could have possibly written something clever, but I’m not sure I could have written anything that will serve them better in life. I wish I had been able to quote Deuteronomy 10:12-13… because this passage says it all in a neat, concise form!
I could also have quoted Mark 12:30… “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (KJV) But truly, when we put God first, everything else falls into place, doesn’t it? Because to truly put Him first, we must follow the road He sets out for us… love Him… serve Him with everything we have in us… and obey His commandments and regulations. When we do this, we can’t help but live a good life.
When you think about your own life… and times when you feel like things weren’t going so well… just how close were you to God? Did you trust Him and praise Him even when you suffered illness or injury – loss of one kind of another – or something of a failed experience? Did you continue to look to God for strength when things were going extraordinarily well… or did you get cocky and decide you could handle things on your own? Do you stew and stress, argue and fight, criticize and complain… or do you “love one another” as outlined in 1 John 4:7-12? Do you look the other way and pretend not to hear when others rebuke God or take His name in vain? Do you truly respect and revere Him at all times?
In order to fully serve God, we have to live in His presence in both the big things and the little ones. We have to follow the road He sets out for us every day… not just when it feels good or we are in dire straits.
The more I think about it, the more I believe my advice to the newlyweds was solid. When we truly put God first in everything, the rest will follow. Life may not always be easy – or fun – but God will bless us in the end… and the results will all be good. Are you putting God first in everything? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I'm commanding you today—live a good life.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Over the weekend, my husband and I attended the wedding of one of my former Sunday School students, whose parents are good friends of ours. As we were seated, the girls who were presiding over the guest book handed us a card on which to sign our name. “Write out some advice for the couple,” they told us. I signed our names to the card and wrote, “Always put God first… and never go to bed angry.” Had I thought a little longer and harder, I could have possibly written something clever, but I’m not sure I could have written anything that will serve them better in life. I wish I had been able to quote Deuteronomy 10:12-13… because this passage says it all in a neat, concise form!
I could also have quoted Mark 12:30… “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (KJV) But truly, when we put God first, everything else falls into place, doesn’t it? Because to truly put Him first, we must follow the road He sets out for us… love Him… serve Him with everything we have in us… and obey His commandments and regulations. When we do this, we can’t help but live a good life.
When you think about your own life… and times when you feel like things weren’t going so well… just how close were you to God? Did you trust Him and praise Him even when you suffered illness or injury – loss of one kind of another – or something of a failed experience? Did you continue to look to God for strength when things were going extraordinarily well… or did you get cocky and decide you could handle things on your own? Do you stew and stress, argue and fight, criticize and complain… or do you “love one another” as outlined in 1 John 4:7-12? Do you look the other way and pretend not to hear when others rebuke God or take His name in vain? Do you truly respect and revere Him at all times?
In order to fully serve God, we have to live in His presence in both the big things and the little ones. We have to follow the road He sets out for us every day… not just when it feels good or we are in dire straits.
The more I think about it, the more I believe my advice to the newlyweds was solid. When we truly put God first in everything, the rest will follow. Life may not always be easy – or fun – but God will bless us in the end… and the results will all be good. Are you putting God first in everything? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 11, 2012
Psalm 51:7-17
Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. Don't look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home. Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways. Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with your praise.
Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This particular Psalm was written by King David, after the prophet Nathan told him that God was displeased about his indiscretions with Bathsheba - and the murder of her husband, Uriah. Because of this, God was not going to allow the baby they conceived to live. In 2 Samuel 12:13-14, we read… David said, “I have disobeyed the LORD.” “Yes, you have!” Nathan answered. “You showed you didn’t care what the LORD wanted. He has forgiven you, and you won’t die. But your newborn son will.”
Naturally, David was distressed. More importantly, he was truly broken… and repentant. The next verses tell us that David refused to eat or sleep, laid on the floor and begged God to spare the baby. When the baby died, David dressed, ate, and worshiped God. And because of his heartfelt repentance and broken spirit, God forgave David and blessed him. He even gave another son to David and Bathsheba… the future King Solomon.
Take away a couple of things from this. First, don’t be fooled into thinking you can do as you please, be sorry for what you’ve done, and expect God to forgive you and bless you as he did King David! This story and Psalm 51 are not license to do as we please and expect God to redeem us over and again. Going through the motions does not please God. Secondly, recognize that the only sacrifice that is truly acceptable to God is a broken spirit. This means we must recognize where we have fallen short or failed and genuinely come before God in a spirit of total humility and remorse. We have to have an “I-will-never-ever-ever-do-that-again!” attitude… and mean it!
Here’s the deal… God knows when we are sincere. He knows when we are approaching Him with a broken spirit – ready to receive His forgiveness and a fresh start… a “Genesis week,” or new beginning. He also knows when we are playing with Him! So examine your heart… approach God with a humble attitude and a sincere desire to change. Look at a broken spirit as a good thing… your first step toward truly living in Christ – and Christ living in you! Ask God to wash you as clean as snow-white laundry… and do whatever He requires to prove you are serious. Then praise Him over and again for His grace and mercy, a clean bill of health… and the opportunity to start over and live for Him.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life. Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing. Don't look too close for blemishes, give me a clean bill of health. God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home. Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways. Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with your praise.
Going through the motions doesn't please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This particular Psalm was written by King David, after the prophet Nathan told him that God was displeased about his indiscretions with Bathsheba - and the murder of her husband, Uriah. Because of this, God was not going to allow the baby they conceived to live. In 2 Samuel 12:13-14, we read… David said, “I have disobeyed the LORD.” “Yes, you have!” Nathan answered. “You showed you didn’t care what the LORD wanted. He has forgiven you, and you won’t die. But your newborn son will.”
Naturally, David was distressed. More importantly, he was truly broken… and repentant. The next verses tell us that David refused to eat or sleep, laid on the floor and begged God to spare the baby. When the baby died, David dressed, ate, and worshiped God. And because of his heartfelt repentance and broken spirit, God forgave David and blessed him. He even gave another son to David and Bathsheba… the future King Solomon.
Take away a couple of things from this. First, don’t be fooled into thinking you can do as you please, be sorry for what you’ve done, and expect God to forgive you and bless you as he did King David! This story and Psalm 51 are not license to do as we please and expect God to redeem us over and again. Going through the motions does not please God. Secondly, recognize that the only sacrifice that is truly acceptable to God is a broken spirit. This means we must recognize where we have fallen short or failed and genuinely come before God in a spirit of total humility and remorse. We have to have an “I-will-never-ever-ever-do-that-again!” attitude… and mean it!
Here’s the deal… God knows when we are sincere. He knows when we are approaching Him with a broken spirit – ready to receive His forgiveness and a fresh start… a “Genesis week,” or new beginning. He also knows when we are playing with Him! So examine your heart… approach God with a humble attitude and a sincere desire to change. Look at a broken spirit as a good thing… your first step toward truly living in Christ – and Christ living in you! Ask God to wash you as clean as snow-white laundry… and do whatever He requires to prove you are serious. Then praise Him over and again for His grace and mercy, a clean bill of health… and the opportunity to start over and live for Him.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 10, 2012
Deuteronomy 8:2-6
Don’t forget how the Lord your God has led you through the desert for the past forty years. He wanted to find out if you were truly willing to obey him and depend on him, so he made you go hungry. Then he gave you manna, a kind of food that you and your ancestors had never even heard about. The Lord was teaching you that people need more than food to live - they need every word that the Lord has spoken.
Over the past forty years, your clothing hasn’t worn out, and your feet haven’t swollen. So keep in mind that the Lord has been correcting you, just as parents correct their children. Obey the commands the Lord your God has given you and worship him with fear and trembling.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was talking with a friend last week, and she said, “You and I live in a more ‘grey’ world than some people. Others see everything in black and white.” I’m glad we have “black and white” people who see things so clearly. But let’s face it… some of us are more tender hearted, which often leaves us gullible and vulnerable. To put it more honestly, we are often big suckers for the person with a sob story or the stray puppy. Others can look at certain situations and say, “Nope! That’s not my problem… not my battle!” and move forward with no hindsight or remorse. But many of us take on the weight of the world and internalize not only the problems and needs of others… but much of what happens to us personally.
Somehow I think there must be more “grey” people in the world than the “black and white” variety! As a whole, we seem to quickly jump to a “woe-is-me” mentality when things don’t go our way. We are ready and willing to gripe and complain about everything from being bored to our low-paying job to a lack of respect. We are quick to air our dirty laundry and want the whole world to feel sorry for us! We’re tired, imposed upon, mistreated and under-appreciated… and if we only had XYZ, our lives would be so much better!
In my prayer notes, I’ve written the following… “Sometimes we live as if grace is cheap. We have to live with a sense of obligation to mercy and grace.” In other words, we have to learn to recognize that not everything in life is “black and white.” Some of our experiences are allowed by God in order to test our faith and see just how much we appreciate His grace and mercy!
Let me ask you something… has there ever been a time when you could honestly say that God failed you? Notice I didn’t ask if you have ever failed… I asked, “Has God ever failed you?” There is a difference! When we can learn to look at our daily experiences – and those of others – and see God’s grace and mercy at work, we realize that we can handle anything. We grow from the tests we are given according to how readily we recognize God at work in them.
As we mature in our Christian faith, we can learn to ask, “What is God showing me? How should I respond in order to show proper respect for His love and care?” The answer may truly be a “black and white” response, such as “No, I cannot take in a stray puppy!” But it may also be to stop and thank God for the little you do have instead of your lack of something bigger and better!
We know that God’s grace and mercy did not come cheaply! We know that He gave His only Son to buy it. So what could we possibly give in return that we think even comes close in comparison? We can never out-give God… but we can surely give Him our very best… and that starts with love and respect – even when He gives our faith a little workout! Are you asking God to reveal Himself in your life? Are you recognizing His presence when He does?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Don’t forget how the Lord your God has led you through the desert for the past forty years. He wanted to find out if you were truly willing to obey him and depend on him, so he made you go hungry. Then he gave you manna, a kind of food that you and your ancestors had never even heard about. The Lord was teaching you that people need more than food to live - they need every word that the Lord has spoken.
Over the past forty years, your clothing hasn’t worn out, and your feet haven’t swollen. So keep in mind that the Lord has been correcting you, just as parents correct their children. Obey the commands the Lord your God has given you and worship him with fear and trembling.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was talking with a friend last week, and she said, “You and I live in a more ‘grey’ world than some people. Others see everything in black and white.” I’m glad we have “black and white” people who see things so clearly. But let’s face it… some of us are more tender hearted, which often leaves us gullible and vulnerable. To put it more honestly, we are often big suckers for the person with a sob story or the stray puppy. Others can look at certain situations and say, “Nope! That’s not my problem… not my battle!” and move forward with no hindsight or remorse. But many of us take on the weight of the world and internalize not only the problems and needs of others… but much of what happens to us personally.
Somehow I think there must be more “grey” people in the world than the “black and white” variety! As a whole, we seem to quickly jump to a “woe-is-me” mentality when things don’t go our way. We are ready and willing to gripe and complain about everything from being bored to our low-paying job to a lack of respect. We are quick to air our dirty laundry and want the whole world to feel sorry for us! We’re tired, imposed upon, mistreated and under-appreciated… and if we only had XYZ, our lives would be so much better!
In my prayer notes, I’ve written the following… “Sometimes we live as if grace is cheap. We have to live with a sense of obligation to mercy and grace.” In other words, we have to learn to recognize that not everything in life is “black and white.” Some of our experiences are allowed by God in order to test our faith and see just how much we appreciate His grace and mercy!
Let me ask you something… has there ever been a time when you could honestly say that God failed you? Notice I didn’t ask if you have ever failed… I asked, “Has God ever failed you?” There is a difference! When we can learn to look at our daily experiences – and those of others – and see God’s grace and mercy at work, we realize that we can handle anything. We grow from the tests we are given according to how readily we recognize God at work in them.
As we mature in our Christian faith, we can learn to ask, “What is God showing me? How should I respond in order to show proper respect for His love and care?” The answer may truly be a “black and white” response, such as “No, I cannot take in a stray puppy!” But it may also be to stop and thank God for the little you do have instead of your lack of something bigger and better!
We know that God’s grace and mercy did not come cheaply! We know that He gave His only Son to buy it. So what could we possibly give in return that we think even comes close in comparison? We can never out-give God… but we can surely give Him our very best… and that starts with love and respect – even when He gives our faith a little workout! Are you asking God to reveal Himself in your life? Are you recognizing His presence when He does?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 9, 2012
Psalm 90:10, 12
We can expect seventy years, or maybe eighty, if we are healthy, but even our best years bring trouble and sorrow. Suddenly our time is up, and we disappear.
Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the first twenty-five-plus years of my adult life, I lived and breathed by a schedule and calendar. In my years as a teacher, I planned everything around the school year and scheduled holidays. When I was not in summer school, I mapped out my summer days – to some degree - trying to get everything I felt I had to get done finished within the first week or two so I could “relax” and enjoy the rest of the break. I would frantically spend the first week or two of June doing all of my heavy house cleaning, any “summer sewing” and getting other “obligations” out of the way.
At the end of the summer break, I would allow a couple of weeks or more to get ready to go back to school… cleaning again, making meals to put in the freezer, and then actually working at school to get my room ready for the new class. I used to plan weekly menus – and stick to them! I have “to-do” lists from those years that would probably stack inches high on my desk. And yes, if you saw my laundry room filled with fabrics and crafts items waiting to become my latest project, you would say I still have “to-do” lists of sorts!
Now that I have the luxury of retirement and don’t have to plan my life around a work schedule, I can enjoy “going with the flow” more. There are many days when I say to myself – or anyone within earshot, “I got so much more done when I was working!” But at the same time, I have to ask myself if I really made every day count in the bargain.
In my notes, I have written that “the value of dying is that it makes us aware of how limited time is. Our days are numbered! Make every day count for God!” I have learned the hard way that a lot of what we think is important – or makes us happy – is more about appearances and pleasing others than satisfying ourselves… much less God.
So here are a few things I have learned along the way...
I suggest that we start each day with a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of a new day. Ask God to show you what He has planned for your day… and work your own “to-do” list around His! Our days are numbered, but God can show us how to make every single one count. Are you wisely using all the time that you have?
©2012 Debbie Robus
We can expect seventy years, or maybe eighty, if we are healthy, but even our best years bring trouble and sorrow. Suddenly our time is up, and we disappear.
Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the first twenty-five-plus years of my adult life, I lived and breathed by a schedule and calendar. In my years as a teacher, I planned everything around the school year and scheduled holidays. When I was not in summer school, I mapped out my summer days – to some degree - trying to get everything I felt I had to get done finished within the first week or two so I could “relax” and enjoy the rest of the break. I would frantically spend the first week or two of June doing all of my heavy house cleaning, any “summer sewing” and getting other “obligations” out of the way.
At the end of the summer break, I would allow a couple of weeks or more to get ready to go back to school… cleaning again, making meals to put in the freezer, and then actually working at school to get my room ready for the new class. I used to plan weekly menus – and stick to them! I have “to-do” lists from those years that would probably stack inches high on my desk. And yes, if you saw my laundry room filled with fabrics and crafts items waiting to become my latest project, you would say I still have “to-do” lists of sorts!
Now that I have the luxury of retirement and don’t have to plan my life around a work schedule, I can enjoy “going with the flow” more. There are many days when I say to myself – or anyone within earshot, “I got so much more done when I was working!” But at the same time, I have to ask myself if I really made every day count in the bargain.
In my notes, I have written that “the value of dying is that it makes us aware of how limited time is. Our days are numbered! Make every day count for God!” I have learned the hard way that a lot of what we think is important – or makes us happy – is more about appearances and pleasing others than satisfying ourselves… much less God.
So here are a few things I have learned along the way...
- It is okay to pick and choose. I have opted to spend time with my grandmother instead of attending the funeral of one of her friends. I have learned to say “No!” rather than stretch myself too thinly. A dear “other-mother” friend of mine told a mutual friend once, “’No!’ can be a holy answer!” My former pastor told me that “’No!” is a complete sentence!”
- Spending time on my own health and fitness benefits everyone… not just me. If I don’t take care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually, I cannot help those who need me… not to mention that God wants me to be the best “me” possible. (see point #1)
- If I get to the end of a busy, productive day and didn’t plan a meal for dinner, there is always peanut butter – or carry-out!
- “To-do” lists are great things… we should have goals. But just because something is on “the list” doesn’t mean the world will crash down around you if it doesn’t get done!
- Relationships are more important than crossing something off the list. A walk in the park with my husband trumps a clean floor any day. Ditto for time spent with our little ones, a phone conversation with a friend or family member, and dropping everything to comfort someone who is in need.
I suggest that we start each day with a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of a new day. Ask God to show you what He has planned for your day… and work your own “to-do” list around His! Our days are numbered, but God can show us how to make every single one count. Are you wisely using all the time that you have?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 8, 2012
Psalm 90:3-6
At your command we die and turn back to dust, but a thousand years mean nothing to you! They are merely a day gone by or a few hours in the night. You bring our lives to an end just like a dream. We are merely tender grass that sprouts and grows in the morning, but dries up by evening.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today, my cousin’s wife posted on Facebook that their daughter is doing a “senior pictures” photo shoot today. She made the remark, “How time flies…” And it does seem that way. One minute you are a little kid playing outside, riding your bike and swimming all summer… and the next you are working at a marina so others can play on the water… or you have a job in an office or facility with no windows that allow you to enjoy the beauty of summer… or you are taking your own children/grandchildren to parks, pools and lakes to play. It often seems like a dozen years go by like a day - or a few hours in the night!
So what does this mean for us as Christians? First, we must remember that time doesn’t mean the same thing to God as it does to us. He knew us long before we were born… and He will still care about us long after we die. We always matter to God... always!
Do you know how it feels to anticipate an event… maybe your graduation, a special party, your wedding day, a big game or concert… or even Christmas Day? You get so excited and worked up making plans and preparations… you think about the details and envision how much fun you will have… how wonderful the event will be. And then the day arrives, the event happens, and it’s over and done. So often, the planning and anticipation are more enjoyable than the actual event… most certainly better than the day after!
This brings us to the second thing to remember… that with God, there is no letdown. Each “new thing” is just that - a new experience - and He wants to give us more and more of these. But God wants us to savor each experience… to stop and appreciate where we are in life – where He has brought us, and where He will take us next.
Time does seem to pass quickly. But our job as Christians is to take time to enjoy every minute of each day… to count our blessings… and to look for opportunities to bless and serve others in God’s name. At the end of our earthly journey, when God turns us back to dust and calls us to Heaven, let it be said that we made the most of our time here. Whether you are given a few days or a hundred-plus years, make them count for Him.
God has incredible plans for each of our lives. Make sure that you give Him your very best every day of yours. The time may still seem to fly by… but you will have made the most of your earthly journey.
©2012 Debbie Robus
At your command we die and turn back to dust, but a thousand years mean nothing to you! They are merely a day gone by or a few hours in the night. You bring our lives to an end just like a dream. We are merely tender grass that sprouts and grows in the morning, but dries up by evening.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today, my cousin’s wife posted on Facebook that their daughter is doing a “senior pictures” photo shoot today. She made the remark, “How time flies…” And it does seem that way. One minute you are a little kid playing outside, riding your bike and swimming all summer… and the next you are working at a marina so others can play on the water… or you have a job in an office or facility with no windows that allow you to enjoy the beauty of summer… or you are taking your own children/grandchildren to parks, pools and lakes to play. It often seems like a dozen years go by like a day - or a few hours in the night!
So what does this mean for us as Christians? First, we must remember that time doesn’t mean the same thing to God as it does to us. He knew us long before we were born… and He will still care about us long after we die. We always matter to God... always!
Do you know how it feels to anticipate an event… maybe your graduation, a special party, your wedding day, a big game or concert… or even Christmas Day? You get so excited and worked up making plans and preparations… you think about the details and envision how much fun you will have… how wonderful the event will be. And then the day arrives, the event happens, and it’s over and done. So often, the planning and anticipation are more enjoyable than the actual event… most certainly better than the day after!
This brings us to the second thing to remember… that with God, there is no letdown. Each “new thing” is just that - a new experience - and He wants to give us more and more of these. But God wants us to savor each experience… to stop and appreciate where we are in life – where He has brought us, and where He will take us next.
Time does seem to pass quickly. But our job as Christians is to take time to enjoy every minute of each day… to count our blessings… and to look for opportunities to bless and serve others in God’s name. At the end of our earthly journey, when God turns us back to dust and calls us to Heaven, let it be said that we made the most of our time here. Whether you are given a few days or a hundred-plus years, make them count for Him.
God has incredible plans for each of our lives. Make sure that you give Him your very best every day of yours. The time may still seem to fly by… but you will have made the most of your earthly journey.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 7, 2012
Psalm 90:1-2
God, it seems you've been our home forever; long before the mountains were born, long before you brought earth itself to birth, from "once upon a time" to "kingdom come"—you are God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I can’t tell you how many friends and former classmates I’ve talked with – in person or online – who live somewhere else and tell me, “I am really working toward moving back home. You are so lucky to live in Heber Springs. I want so badly to live there once again.” And indeed, we do live in a wonderful community. What makes this place so special for me is the beauty of this area and the relative simplicity of life here… but just as importantly, many of the other residents who share this community with me.
Like many people who have lived most of their lives in the same place, there is a “pull” to this area. This is home. The thing is… this place existed long before I came into existence… and it will be here long after I am gone. What has made it feel like “home” for me is the experience – the people, the atmosphere, the warmth, comfort, love and security I have felt here. I have lived other places. I could move tomorrow and learn to love another area and its people. But this will always be home for me. There will always be a connection to this community and many of the people in it – both past and present.
For us as Christians, GOD is “home”… forever! He is our warmth, comfort, love and security… our strength and the center of nurture. Long before God created the earth and all that is in it, He knew about us. Isn’t that amazing? Long after we are gone from this earth, GOD will still know our name. In God, we are always… ALWAYS… home!
Do you get a warm, fuzzy feeling when you think about your home town? Does the mention of your home town stir a sense of nostalgia… and evoke feelings of “belonging?” Do you feel this same way when you think about your relationship with God? Are you truly at home with Him? Have you connected with God in such a way that He represents “home” to you, no matter where you find yourself physically?
I encourage you to spend time with God… to get to know Him. Develop the kind of relationship with God that creates an atmosphere where you feel comfortable… where you want to settle in and spend even more time in His presence. Cultivate a relationship where the door is always open… and you always feel welcome… just like at home. Kick your Spiritual “shoes” off and stay a while. You may not be able to live in your physical home town, but God can be your home wherever you are. Have you found your home in Him?
©2012 Debbie Robus
God, it seems you've been our home forever; long before the mountains were born, long before you brought earth itself to birth, from "once upon a time" to "kingdom come"—you are God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I can’t tell you how many friends and former classmates I’ve talked with – in person or online – who live somewhere else and tell me, “I am really working toward moving back home. You are so lucky to live in Heber Springs. I want so badly to live there once again.” And indeed, we do live in a wonderful community. What makes this place so special for me is the beauty of this area and the relative simplicity of life here… but just as importantly, many of the other residents who share this community with me.
Like many people who have lived most of their lives in the same place, there is a “pull” to this area. This is home. The thing is… this place existed long before I came into existence… and it will be here long after I am gone. What has made it feel like “home” for me is the experience – the people, the atmosphere, the warmth, comfort, love and security I have felt here. I have lived other places. I could move tomorrow and learn to love another area and its people. But this will always be home for me. There will always be a connection to this community and many of the people in it – both past and present.
For us as Christians, GOD is “home”… forever! He is our warmth, comfort, love and security… our strength and the center of nurture. Long before God created the earth and all that is in it, He knew about us. Isn’t that amazing? Long after we are gone from this earth, GOD will still know our name. In God, we are always… ALWAYS… home!
Do you get a warm, fuzzy feeling when you think about your home town? Does the mention of your home town stir a sense of nostalgia… and evoke feelings of “belonging?” Do you feel this same way when you think about your relationship with God? Are you truly at home with Him? Have you connected with God in such a way that He represents “home” to you, no matter where you find yourself physically?
I encourage you to spend time with God… to get to know Him. Develop the kind of relationship with God that creates an atmosphere where you feel comfortable… where you want to settle in and spend even more time in His presence. Cultivate a relationship where the door is always open… and you always feel welcome… just like at home. Kick your Spiritual “shoes” off and stay a while. You may not be able to live in your physical home town, but God can be your home wherever you are. Have you found your home in Him?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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