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.
If
you have spent any time around children, you’ve probably experienced
something that one of them said or did that had you asking, “Where did
you learn that?” The answers will vary…Mom or Dad - or another adult…in
a movie…on TV…at the store…at a ballgame…at school.
People are watching.
I know I say that a lot…but it’s the truth. And no group among us is
paying closer attention than our children. So when we use four-letter
words, ugly gestures, or disdainful and insulting talk toward someone
else, they notice. When we gossip, criticize and disparage others, our
children assume that this is acceptable.
We tell our kids, “We
don’t say those things,” and “We don’t use those words.” But sometimes,
they reply with, “So-and-so does!” Then we have to try to explain why
this is not okay – without disrespecting the person who uttered such
things. It’s a slippery slope. As a teacher, I have experienced this
many times. Even when you ask the child, “Do you see me doing those
things? Do you hear me using those words?”…they often reply, “No, but
my mom does…” or “My dad/grandpa does…” OR, they will say, “I heard
this person or that one say these things on television.” There is
certainly plenty of the latter to go around these days!
I ask
you…is this really what we want to project to our children – and
others? Youngsters have actually said to me, “When we get to be
grown-ups, we can say these things.” I’ve heard adults say, “He/she
doesn’t talk that way in the workplace”…or “It’s just politics.” It’s
as if we have one set of rules for certain people and settings…and
another for everyone else. I think God must hang His head in shame and
disgust when we act this way.
You do not have a license to speak
in a certain manner…to insult, use foul language, or criticize
others…just because you are an adult - or you are in a certain setting.
As a disciple of Christ, you have no business giving someone a special
“salute” when he/she cuts you off in traffic…or calling people liars,
morons, and names I cannot write in this devotional. We simply cannot
act like this and claim the name of Jesus! Many are trying to do this
very thing…but trust me, others see right through the ruse – especially
the unbelievers in our midst!
We cannot pick and choose the time
and place to honor God’s word. We cannot justify insults, name-calling,
back-biting, spreading rumors and falsehoods, and so much more. People are watching.
They see how we conduct ourselves in every situation. And many base
their ideas of what it means to follow Jesus on what you and I say and
do while claiming to be His disciples.
When others look at you,
WHO is represented? Do you go the second mile to ensure that your
words and actions line up with God’s admonition to be kind, humble, and
demonstrate love and concern for others? Are you ready to check your
conduct and make sure that you never say/do something that would
embarrass or disgrace God? Isn’t it time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label checking our words. Show all posts
Showing posts with label checking our words. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 5, 2015
Matthew 5:21-26
“Under the laws of Moses the rule was, ‘If you murder, you must die.’ But I have added to that rule and tell you that if you are only angry, even in your own home, you are in danger of judgment! If you call your friend an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse him, you are in danger of the fires of hell.
“So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and suddenly remember that a friend has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar and go and apologize and be reconciled to him, and then come and offer your sacrifice to God. Come to terms quickly with your enemy before it is too late and he drags you into court and you are thrown into a debtor’s cell, for you will stay there until you have paid the last penny.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When Timothy was about three, he started to say the word “idiot” a lot…and he used it in context. We would be at the park playing, and he would say of a child who wouldn’t share the swing, “He is just an idiot!” Or when something didn’t go well, he would say, “That’s just stupid!” Then one day, we were watching a video of the Dr. Seuss movie, “Horton Hears a Who”…and the characters were calling each other idiots. One character blew into an office and said, “I am not an idiot! Do I LOOK like an idiot?” Well…we knew immediately where our little guy was learning words like “idiot” and “stupid”…and sadly, we realized that these words and others (like “boob”…”fatboy”…and “moron”) are frequently sprinkled through several “children’s” movies.
Of course, we don’t want children using such derogatory terms…but this does illustrate how such language is creeping into our everyday lives and becoming a part of our regular vernacular. And many, if not all of us, have referred to someone as an “idiot”…or a “nutjob”…or something I cannot print here – myself included.
But here’s the deal…Jesus tells us plainly in this scripture passage that to even think of someone in these terms is a sin, just as much as murder! Whoa! Let that soak in for a few minutes! Even thinking ugly things about someone – whether we speak them out loud or act on them – is equivalent to murder? This is what the Bible says!
See, God knows our heart. We can be the nicest person on the outside…we can “fake it till we make it” with family, friends and acquaintances. But we cannot hide from God. He knows every thought we have…every emotion we experience…every desire of our heart. And what GOD knows about us is really what matters. Can we all say, “Thank Heavens for the blood of Jesus to cleanse our sins?”
I don’t have a good answer for how we shield our children from these ugly words and thoughts…because they are everywhere. But we can teach them not to use such language…and WHY this is hurtful to them as much or more than the other guy. We can work on eliminating these words and thoughts from our own vocabulary – and hearts – and focus more on operating in the love, grace, mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ. We can read “Dr. Seuss” books to our kids – and maybe skip viewing the movies. We must do all we can to create an atmosphere in which these thoughts and comments are unacceptable.
I am sure that I will slip up again…that something will set me off someday and I’ll refer to someone as an “idiot” or something else ugly. And I thank God that if/when I recognize my error and ask for His forgiveness, He will grant it. I’m a work in progress…but I want to keep growing in my relationship with Jesus and becoming more like Him every day. And eliminating these judgments and words from my life is a good starting point. Are you with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“Under the laws of Moses the rule was, ‘If you murder, you must die.’ But I have added to that rule and tell you that if you are only angry, even in your own home, you are in danger of judgment! If you call your friend an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse him, you are in danger of the fires of hell.
“So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and suddenly remember that a friend has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar and go and apologize and be reconciled to him, and then come and offer your sacrifice to God. Come to terms quickly with your enemy before it is too late and he drags you into court and you are thrown into a debtor’s cell, for you will stay there until you have paid the last penny.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When Timothy was about three, he started to say the word “idiot” a lot…and he used it in context. We would be at the park playing, and he would say of a child who wouldn’t share the swing, “He is just an idiot!” Or when something didn’t go well, he would say, “That’s just stupid!” Then one day, we were watching a video of the Dr. Seuss movie, “Horton Hears a Who”…and the characters were calling each other idiots. One character blew into an office and said, “I am not an idiot! Do I LOOK like an idiot?” Well…we knew immediately where our little guy was learning words like “idiot” and “stupid”…and sadly, we realized that these words and others (like “boob”…”fatboy”…and “moron”) are frequently sprinkled through several “children’s” movies.
Of course, we don’t want children using such derogatory terms…but this does illustrate how such language is creeping into our everyday lives and becoming a part of our regular vernacular. And many, if not all of us, have referred to someone as an “idiot”…or a “nutjob”…or something I cannot print here – myself included.
But here’s the deal…Jesus tells us plainly in this scripture passage that to even think of someone in these terms is a sin, just as much as murder! Whoa! Let that soak in for a few minutes! Even thinking ugly things about someone – whether we speak them out loud or act on them – is equivalent to murder? This is what the Bible says!
See, God knows our heart. We can be the nicest person on the outside…we can “fake it till we make it” with family, friends and acquaintances. But we cannot hide from God. He knows every thought we have…every emotion we experience…every desire of our heart. And what GOD knows about us is really what matters. Can we all say, “Thank Heavens for the blood of Jesus to cleanse our sins?”
I don’t have a good answer for how we shield our children from these ugly words and thoughts…because they are everywhere. But we can teach them not to use such language…and WHY this is hurtful to them as much or more than the other guy. We can work on eliminating these words and thoughts from our own vocabulary – and hearts – and focus more on operating in the love, grace, mercy and compassion of Jesus Christ. We can read “Dr. Seuss” books to our kids – and maybe skip viewing the movies. We must do all we can to create an atmosphere in which these thoughts and comments are unacceptable.
I am sure that I will slip up again…that something will set me off someday and I’ll refer to someone as an “idiot” or something else ugly. And I thank God that if/when I recognize my error and ask for His forgiveness, He will grant it. I’m a work in progress…but I want to keep growing in my relationship with Jesus and becoming more like Him every day. And eliminating these judgments and words from my life is a good starting point. Are you with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 17, 2015
Deuteronomy 18:20
But any prophet who falsely claims that his message is from me shall die. And any prophet who claims to give a message from other gods must die.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One of my new “favorite” TV shows is ABC’s Shark Tank. Maybe it’s because Greg and I were entrepreneurs who started our own business “from scratch”…and I see a lot of “us” in the contestants. I hear the “sharks” give advice that rings familiar and true…and I understand the passion of those who are pitching what they feel is the “next big thing” - and hoping that these business moguls will sign on to invest!
Kevin O’Leary is one of the “sharks” who appears regularly on this program. This mega-millionaire has several businesses, including a mutual funds company and his own wine label. Show producers have cultivated his persona as a hard-nosed grump. One of O’Leary’s favorite phrases is, “You’re dead to me.” If he doesn’t like what a contestant says or how he/she presents the “spiel”, he will say this. Worse yet, if a person contradicts him, their presentation time with him is over…they may as well pack up their wares and go home. At least for the sake of this TV program, if you mess with “Mr. Wonderful” (O’Leary’s on-air nickname), “You’re dead to me.”
Yes, this is harsh talk…and no, Kevin O’Leary is not my favorite “shark”. He is not nearly as wonderful as he is made out to be…and I am sure that there is a healthy mix of truth and “showbiz” going on there. But Kevin O’Leary is not God - or anyone worthy of worship. So we can take his “act” with a grain of salt and move on. But we dare not do this with our Heavenly Father!
We have to be very careful about believing everything we hear. A message is circulating on social media that says that Muslims are going to somehow be exempt from certain charges under the Affordable Care Act…that the specifics of this are buried in the language of this health care legislation. It’s totally untrue, but well-meaning believers are sharing this post…and muddying the water. Perhaps you have passed this along, thinking if XYZ shared it, there must be some truth to it. This is but one example of countless falsehoods and half truths that get passed on and fuel the fires of fear and mistrust…and make the devil jump up and down for joy.
We must thoroughly investigate everything we read and hear. We must dig deeply into God’s word to find HIS truth…and we must act responsibly on His behalf and make sure we have all of the facts and are hearing a truthful message before we react and respond…in all situations and circumstances. Do not be an agent for false prophets…do not buy into their ploys to sway you and pull you away from God. Do not listen to those who distort God’s message…or hide behind His name to serve their own agendas.
No one wants to be told, “You’re dead to me.” But when a TV personality utters this phrase, we have the luxury of dismissing it as a gimmick – or ratings hype. Hearing this from God would ultimately be the worst thing ever. Be careful…there are “sharks” among us, and some are nicer than others. Know who you are dealing with, and when they are feeding you a line. Make sure you never confuse the words and actions of imposters with those of God. Check your sources…and make sure that in everything you say and do, you represent God…and no one else!
©2015 Debbie Robus
But any prophet who falsely claims that his message is from me shall die. And any prophet who claims to give a message from other gods must die.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One of my new “favorite” TV shows is ABC’s Shark Tank. Maybe it’s because Greg and I were entrepreneurs who started our own business “from scratch”…and I see a lot of “us” in the contestants. I hear the “sharks” give advice that rings familiar and true…and I understand the passion of those who are pitching what they feel is the “next big thing” - and hoping that these business moguls will sign on to invest!
Kevin O’Leary is one of the “sharks” who appears regularly on this program. This mega-millionaire has several businesses, including a mutual funds company and his own wine label. Show producers have cultivated his persona as a hard-nosed grump. One of O’Leary’s favorite phrases is, “You’re dead to me.” If he doesn’t like what a contestant says or how he/she presents the “spiel”, he will say this. Worse yet, if a person contradicts him, their presentation time with him is over…they may as well pack up their wares and go home. At least for the sake of this TV program, if you mess with “Mr. Wonderful” (O’Leary’s on-air nickname), “You’re dead to me.”
Yes, this is harsh talk…and no, Kevin O’Leary is not my favorite “shark”. He is not nearly as wonderful as he is made out to be…and I am sure that there is a healthy mix of truth and “showbiz” going on there. But Kevin O’Leary is not God - or anyone worthy of worship. So we can take his “act” with a grain of salt and move on. But we dare not do this with our Heavenly Father!
We have to be very careful about believing everything we hear. A message is circulating on social media that says that Muslims are going to somehow be exempt from certain charges under the Affordable Care Act…that the specifics of this are buried in the language of this health care legislation. It’s totally untrue, but well-meaning believers are sharing this post…and muddying the water. Perhaps you have passed this along, thinking if XYZ shared it, there must be some truth to it. This is but one example of countless falsehoods and half truths that get passed on and fuel the fires of fear and mistrust…and make the devil jump up and down for joy.
We must thoroughly investigate everything we read and hear. We must dig deeply into God’s word to find HIS truth…and we must act responsibly on His behalf and make sure we have all of the facts and are hearing a truthful message before we react and respond…in all situations and circumstances. Do not be an agent for false prophets…do not buy into their ploys to sway you and pull you away from God. Do not listen to those who distort God’s message…or hide behind His name to serve their own agendas.
No one wants to be told, “You’re dead to me.” But when a TV personality utters this phrase, we have the luxury of dismissing it as a gimmick – or ratings hype. Hearing this from God would ultimately be the worst thing ever. Be careful…there are “sharks” among us, and some are nicer than others. Know who you are dealing with, and when they are feeding you a line. Make sure you never confuse the words and actions of imposters with those of God. Check your sources…and make sure that in everything you say and do, you represent God…and no one else!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 8, 2012
James 3:3-6
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!
It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.
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.
For most of the summer, our entire state – and much of the country - has been under a burn ban. A drought created conditions that were ripe for dangerous, deadly fires… and sadly, thousands of acres in our state and others have been left in char and ashes. Some in Arkansas lost their homes, but even more lost everything in the states of Colorado, Idaho, and Washington. In almost an instant, families went from living their everyday lives to being told to get out immediately. When they returned, nothing remained where only a few hours earlier they had gone about their day. In many of these instances, the tiniest spark started all of this. I know of more than one instance in Arkansas where the blade of a tractor or mower hit a rock, created a spark, and hundreds of acres were ruined.
One would think that such a tiny spark could be quickly and easily extinguished. Surely the person on the tractor could have jumped off and hurriedly put out the fire before it spread! In truth, this spark set off a firestorm that raged so quickly that nobody had the time or capability to stop it singlehandedly. Even if several people had been nearby to help, I am not sure that some of these fires could have been corralled. The damage was done – instantly. And while these fires were contained over time, the collateral destruction in some cases is almost immeasurable. Family homes can be rebuilt. Memories remain… but photos, personal papers, mementos and treasures – and even family – are gone forever in many cases.
When we speak, each of our words has the same potential as a spark. We can instigate good with our comments… or we can set off a firestorm of disastrous events. And as I have said before, words are like toothpaste – once they are “out of the tube,” I challenge you to put them back! So when we fly off the handle and speak without thinking, we can hurt a lot of people. We may “accidentally” pepper our language with four-letter words, but others see us as someone who has a “colorful” vocabulary (and I’m being nice here!).
When we tell someone how we really feel – and do so with blunt, stinging criticisms – we may be able to repair the damage and rebuild the relationship later… but it will take a lot of work and forgiveness – and maybe a generous heart or two. When we call people names, we have judged them. When we tell a kid, “You can’t do that!” – as in, “You can’t go to college,” or “You’ll never amount to anything,” we have spoken a wildfire of discouragement to that child that may have lifelong ramifications.
I know far too many people who feel that God doesn’t care about them because someone told them they were wrong to ask questions, their behavior was unforgivable, or they were simply not good enough. I know others who were called an ugly name, and it scarred them for life. In essence, our words have the potential to destroy. The structural framework of a person’s life may be rebuilt in time… but often, there are little snippets of the heart that never mend. And this breaks God’s heart.
Here’s the deal… what break’s God’s heart should break ours. We should impose our own “burn ban” on words that judge, offend, wound, and destroy others. We must continually be asking God for guidance before we speak, rather than asking Him to help us repair the damage afterward. We have to be thoughtful and careful about everything we say. Yes, we must always speak the truth… and sometimes this can be painful for others to hear. But we absolutely must consider our delivery and make sure that our tongue is not the spark for a firestorm of destruction… the catalyst for irreparable damage… and a huge disappointment to our Heavenly Father.
What are you speaking today? Are your words soothing and encouraging… or are they rapid-fire and potentially volatile, like a bottle rocket on the Fourth of July? Spend some time with God today, and ask Him to help you control your tongue. Make sure that what you say honors Him and builds up His children… and His Kingdom.
©2012 Debbie Robus
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!
It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.
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.
For most of the summer, our entire state – and much of the country - has been under a burn ban. A drought created conditions that were ripe for dangerous, deadly fires… and sadly, thousands of acres in our state and others have been left in char and ashes. Some in Arkansas lost their homes, but even more lost everything in the states of Colorado, Idaho, and Washington. In almost an instant, families went from living their everyday lives to being told to get out immediately. When they returned, nothing remained where only a few hours earlier they had gone about their day. In many of these instances, the tiniest spark started all of this. I know of more than one instance in Arkansas where the blade of a tractor or mower hit a rock, created a spark, and hundreds of acres were ruined.
One would think that such a tiny spark could be quickly and easily extinguished. Surely the person on the tractor could have jumped off and hurriedly put out the fire before it spread! In truth, this spark set off a firestorm that raged so quickly that nobody had the time or capability to stop it singlehandedly. Even if several people had been nearby to help, I am not sure that some of these fires could have been corralled. The damage was done – instantly. And while these fires were contained over time, the collateral destruction in some cases is almost immeasurable. Family homes can be rebuilt. Memories remain… but photos, personal papers, mementos and treasures – and even family – are gone forever in many cases.
When we speak, each of our words has the same potential as a spark. We can instigate good with our comments… or we can set off a firestorm of disastrous events. And as I have said before, words are like toothpaste – once they are “out of the tube,” I challenge you to put them back! So when we fly off the handle and speak without thinking, we can hurt a lot of people. We may “accidentally” pepper our language with four-letter words, but others see us as someone who has a “colorful” vocabulary (and I’m being nice here!).
When we tell someone how we really feel – and do so with blunt, stinging criticisms – we may be able to repair the damage and rebuild the relationship later… but it will take a lot of work and forgiveness – and maybe a generous heart or two. When we call people names, we have judged them. When we tell a kid, “You can’t do that!” – as in, “You can’t go to college,” or “You’ll never amount to anything,” we have spoken a wildfire of discouragement to that child that may have lifelong ramifications.
I know far too many people who feel that God doesn’t care about them because someone told them they were wrong to ask questions, their behavior was unforgivable, or they were simply not good enough. I know others who were called an ugly name, and it scarred them for life. In essence, our words have the potential to destroy. The structural framework of a person’s life may be rebuilt in time… but often, there are little snippets of the heart that never mend. And this breaks God’s heart.
Here’s the deal… what break’s God’s heart should break ours. We should impose our own “burn ban” on words that judge, offend, wound, and destroy others. We must continually be asking God for guidance before we speak, rather than asking Him to help us repair the damage afterward. We have to be thoughtful and careful about everything we say. Yes, we must always speak the truth… and sometimes this can be painful for others to hear. But we absolutely must consider our delivery and make sure that our tongue is not the spark for a firestorm of destruction… the catalyst for irreparable damage… and a huge disappointment to our Heavenly Father.
What are you speaking today? Are your words soothing and encouraging… or are they rapid-fire and potentially volatile, like a bottle rocket on the Fourth of July? Spend some time with God today, and ask Him to help you control your tongue. Make sure that what you say honors Him and builds up His children… and His Kingdom.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 14, 2012
Proverbs 21:23
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
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.
Have you ever written an e-mail and hit the “send” button prematurely? Maybe you were in mid-sentence. Or you said something you shouldn’t because you didn’t edit first. Or maybe you sent the e-mail message to the wrong person(s). There is plenty of room for error with e-mail, if we are not careful.
There is also plenty of room for error with our spoken words. If we don’t stop and think about what we are going to say, things are spoken that shouldn’t be. We offer opinions that should be kept private… we say hurtful things… we judge and are judged for our comments. And I am guilty as the next person. My mouth engages before my brain does, and sometimes I have to deal with the grief over what has been said.
I have asked God to help me handle this. And lately, I’ve caught myself starting to write something in an e-mail message that I shouldn’t, and I’ve edited. I have opened my mouth to say something and realized that the comment would be better left unspoken. When I write a note to someone, I’ve begun to put it down in “Notepad” first, and I read it over a few times to make sure it says the right things in the right way.
God wants us to carefully edit before speaking, writing or acting. All it takes is a couple of minutes, a deep breath, or a “count to ten”…and a chance to utter a little prayer for guidance. With practice, you will get better at this. I find that I catch myself a little more often these days. I hear God saying, “You don’t really want to go there.” I take a moment to stop and think about my words or actions… and I’m often quite relieved that I did.
We are all going to say and do things we shouldn’t from time to time. But we have a greater chance of reducing the frequency of this when we stay in close communion with God. We must ask Him to help us check our language and actions – to engage our brain beforehand rather than afterward. And when we do make a mistake, we should ask God to help us do all we can to quickly and wisely make amends. Let Him help you edit before you hit the “send” button. Allow God to help you watch your words and hold your tongue…you’ll be glad you did!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
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.
Have you ever written an e-mail and hit the “send” button prematurely? Maybe you were in mid-sentence. Or you said something you shouldn’t because you didn’t edit first. Or maybe you sent the e-mail message to the wrong person(s). There is plenty of room for error with e-mail, if we are not careful.
There is also plenty of room for error with our spoken words. If we don’t stop and think about what we are going to say, things are spoken that shouldn’t be. We offer opinions that should be kept private… we say hurtful things… we judge and are judged for our comments. And I am guilty as the next person. My mouth engages before my brain does, and sometimes I have to deal with the grief over what has been said.
I have asked God to help me handle this. And lately, I’ve caught myself starting to write something in an e-mail message that I shouldn’t, and I’ve edited. I have opened my mouth to say something and realized that the comment would be better left unspoken. When I write a note to someone, I’ve begun to put it down in “Notepad” first, and I read it over a few times to make sure it says the right things in the right way.
God wants us to carefully edit before speaking, writing or acting. All it takes is a couple of minutes, a deep breath, or a “count to ten”…and a chance to utter a little prayer for guidance. With practice, you will get better at this. I find that I catch myself a little more often these days. I hear God saying, “You don’t really want to go there.” I take a moment to stop and think about my words or actions… and I’m often quite relieved that I did.
We are all going to say and do things we shouldn’t from time to time. But we have a greater chance of reducing the frequency of this when we stay in close communion with God. We must ask Him to help us check our language and actions – to engage our brain beforehand rather than afterward. And when we do make a mistake, we should ask God to help us do all we can to quickly and wisely make amends. Let Him help you edit before you hit the “send” button. Allow God to help you watch your words and hold your tongue…you’ll be glad you did!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 8, 2012
Ephesians 4:31-32
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
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.
What if you asked Jesus to forgive you, and He said, “I’ll get back to you on that.”? Or what if He flatly refused? How would you feel? I would be devastated, and I’m pretty sure I would look at Jesus differently afterward. While Jesus is the only One who has every right to refuse to forgive us, He is also the last who would do this!
So it follows that those of us who desire to be more like Jesus - to deepen our relationship with Him - must also forgive as He does… quickly and unconditionally. Does this mean that we are to become the doormats for others’ abusive talk and actions? Not at all! God is just and fair… He will mete out the consequences of our actions – and those of others.
We are called to forgive as Christ forgave us… to love others and focus on seeing them through His eyes. The impact this will have on all concerned can be powerful. Forgiveness is healing – for the offender… but also for the one who forgives. Often the person we forgive doesn’t even have a clue what he/she has done. But Satan uses the offense to eat at us. Forgiveness releases this hold and frees us to enjoy our lives and operate fully in love and joy.
Don’t waste another minute. Make a clean break, as the scripture says. Give up gossip, criticism, negativity, profanity, and spitefulness. Forgive quickly and completely and never operate in viciousness or backstabbing. Guard your tongue and do all you can to avoid making unkind remarks. Remind yourself often, “What if Jesus treated me this way?” Ask yourself how you would feel. Let this be your constant guide for how you treat others.
I am so grateful that Jesus stands ready to forgive me quickly and completely. As His disciple, the least I can do is offer this same consideration to others. It may not always be easy. But we don’t stop to consider how hard it might be for God to forgive us, either. When we think in these terms, we understand more clearly that this is the right thing to do. We can’t ask God to forgive us and treat us well if we are unwilling to do the same toward our fellow man. Who do you need to forgive or treat more kindly today? Where shall we begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
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.
What if you asked Jesus to forgive you, and He said, “I’ll get back to you on that.”? Or what if He flatly refused? How would you feel? I would be devastated, and I’m pretty sure I would look at Jesus differently afterward. While Jesus is the only One who has every right to refuse to forgive us, He is also the last who would do this!
So it follows that those of us who desire to be more like Jesus - to deepen our relationship with Him - must also forgive as He does… quickly and unconditionally. Does this mean that we are to become the doormats for others’ abusive talk and actions? Not at all! God is just and fair… He will mete out the consequences of our actions – and those of others.
We are called to forgive as Christ forgave us… to love others and focus on seeing them through His eyes. The impact this will have on all concerned can be powerful. Forgiveness is healing – for the offender… but also for the one who forgives. Often the person we forgive doesn’t even have a clue what he/she has done. But Satan uses the offense to eat at us. Forgiveness releases this hold and frees us to enjoy our lives and operate fully in love and joy.
Don’t waste another minute. Make a clean break, as the scripture says. Give up gossip, criticism, negativity, profanity, and spitefulness. Forgive quickly and completely and never operate in viciousness or backstabbing. Guard your tongue and do all you can to avoid making unkind remarks. Remind yourself often, “What if Jesus treated me this way?” Ask yourself how you would feel. Let this be your constant guide for how you treat others.
I am so grateful that Jesus stands ready to forgive me quickly and completely. As His disciple, the least I can do is offer this same consideration to others. It may not always be easy. But we don’t stop to consider how hard it might be for God to forgive us, either. When we think in these terms, we understand more clearly that this is the right thing to do. We can’t ask God to forgive us and treat us well if we are unwilling to do the same toward our fellow man. Who do you need to forgive or treat more kindly today? Where shall we begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 13, 2012
Romans 3:1-6
So what difference does it make who's a Jew and who isn't, who has been trained in God's ways and who hasn't? As it turns out, it makes a lot of difference—but not the difference so many have assumed. First, there's the matter of being put in charge of writing down and caring for God's revelation, these Holy Scriptures.
So, what if, in the course of doing that, some of those Jews abandoned their post? God didn't abandon them. Do you think their faithlessness cancels out his faithfulness? Not on your life! Depend on it: God keeps his word even when the whole world is lying through its teeth. Scripture says the same: Your words stand fast and true; rejection doesn't faze you.
But if our wrongdoing only underlines and confirms God's rightdoing, shouldn't we be commended for helping out? Since our bad words don't even make a dent in his good words, isn't it wrong of God to back us to the wall and hold us to our word? These questions come up. The answer to such questions is no, a most emphatic No! How else would things ever get straightened out if God didn't do the straightening?
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.
Have you ever been “stood up”? Has someone ever told you they would call you, stop by and see you, or help you with something… then they either called and said they weren’t available – or you never heard from them at all? It stinks, doesn’t it? And honestly, don’t you know people who seldom – if ever – keep their word? I have said of more than one such person… “If their lips are moving, they are probably lying.” That’s a pretty sad commentary, isn’t it?
You may also know people who profess to be Christians… but they take great license with their salvation. It’s as if they feel that because they are saved by the blood of Jesus, they have a free ticket to do as they please without fear of any consequences. Clearly, this passage shows us that God is not happy by our assumptions. GOD’s words matter… OUR words matter… and so do the actions we put behind them!
God would never think of going back on His word… and neither should we! We should never “abandon our post” and dishonor Him by interpreting scripture to suit our own purposes…taking our salvation for granted… or speaking “bad words” to others. As Disciples of Christ, we are called to honor His sacrifice by speaking words that are true, hopeful, positive, kind, and reliable. When we say we will do something, we should do it. When we promise to call or help someone, we must follow through and show up. We must remember WHOSE we are – and what it cost for us to become heirs to His throne… and we must behave honorably even when all around us seem to have lost their heads!
There will be times when we become discouraged. We will feel that God’s promises of blessings, good health and prosperity must be meant for someone else. We will have struggles, challenges, and disappointments… and the natural tendency will be to blame God – or at least complain to Him loudly. We will be tempted to throw up our hands and ask, “What’s the point?” The short answer is that every word from God is true, whether it lines up with physical fact or not. We can’t always see what God is doing in our lives… so we live in faith that He is really at work in us.
Don’t become discouraged. Work hard to be more like Jesus every day. Make your word your bond… and believe that God’s word is infallible. Honor your commitments… to God and to others. In my notes, I have written… “You can’t expect things to come if you don’t call them. Call healing when you are sick… call prosperity when you are poor… call light when there is darkness. Keep asking… seeking… calling until it comes. Get violent (intense) faith.” What are you speaking today? Are your words your bond… or are you merely offering lip service - to God and others? Do you believe what God is speaking over your life? Can others believe your words, as well? What is God saying to you this day… and how will you respond?
©2012 Debbie Robus
So what difference does it make who's a Jew and who isn't, who has been trained in God's ways and who hasn't? As it turns out, it makes a lot of difference—but not the difference so many have assumed. First, there's the matter of being put in charge of writing down and caring for God's revelation, these Holy Scriptures.
So, what if, in the course of doing that, some of those Jews abandoned their post? God didn't abandon them. Do you think their faithlessness cancels out his faithfulness? Not on your life! Depend on it: God keeps his word even when the whole world is lying through its teeth. Scripture says the same: Your words stand fast and true; rejection doesn't faze you.
But if our wrongdoing only underlines and confirms God's rightdoing, shouldn't we be commended for helping out? Since our bad words don't even make a dent in his good words, isn't it wrong of God to back us to the wall and hold us to our word? These questions come up. The answer to such questions is no, a most emphatic No! How else would things ever get straightened out if God didn't do the straightening?
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.
Have you ever been “stood up”? Has someone ever told you they would call you, stop by and see you, or help you with something… then they either called and said they weren’t available – or you never heard from them at all? It stinks, doesn’t it? And honestly, don’t you know people who seldom – if ever – keep their word? I have said of more than one such person… “If their lips are moving, they are probably lying.” That’s a pretty sad commentary, isn’t it?
You may also know people who profess to be Christians… but they take great license with their salvation. It’s as if they feel that because they are saved by the blood of Jesus, they have a free ticket to do as they please without fear of any consequences. Clearly, this passage shows us that God is not happy by our assumptions. GOD’s words matter… OUR words matter… and so do the actions we put behind them!
God would never think of going back on His word… and neither should we! We should never “abandon our post” and dishonor Him by interpreting scripture to suit our own purposes…taking our salvation for granted… or speaking “bad words” to others. As Disciples of Christ, we are called to honor His sacrifice by speaking words that are true, hopeful, positive, kind, and reliable. When we say we will do something, we should do it. When we promise to call or help someone, we must follow through and show up. We must remember WHOSE we are – and what it cost for us to become heirs to His throne… and we must behave honorably even when all around us seem to have lost their heads!
There will be times when we become discouraged. We will feel that God’s promises of blessings, good health and prosperity must be meant for someone else. We will have struggles, challenges, and disappointments… and the natural tendency will be to blame God – or at least complain to Him loudly. We will be tempted to throw up our hands and ask, “What’s the point?” The short answer is that every word from God is true, whether it lines up with physical fact or not. We can’t always see what God is doing in our lives… so we live in faith that He is really at work in us.
Don’t become discouraged. Work hard to be more like Jesus every day. Make your word your bond… and believe that God’s word is infallible. Honor your commitments… to God and to others. In my notes, I have written… “You can’t expect things to come if you don’t call them. Call healing when you are sick… call prosperity when you are poor… call light when there is darkness. Keep asking… seeking… calling until it comes. Get violent (intense) faith.” What are you speaking today? Are your words your bond… or are you merely offering lip service - to God and others? Do you believe what God is speaking over your life? Can others believe your words, as well? What is God saying to you this day… and how will you respond?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 17, 2011
Proverbs 21:21, 23
Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life!
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
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 October, an event is held in our community called “Early Decades.” It is basically a giant class reunion for all students of Heber Springs High School who graduated at least 30 years ago – or longer. The class who graduated 50 years ago hosts a banquet on Saturday night and presents the program. I did not attend last year, but I’ve read a transcript of the program, presented by Class of 1960 president, Gary Thomas. His program was about the “Dam Kids”… children whose families moved to our area to help with the construction of Greers Ferry Dam. Some were not treated so kindly… in large part because of resentments by local landowners over the government’s claim on their land to create Greers Ferry Lake.
However, Gary had a different experience. He spoke of many people in this area who befriended him… and he specifically named several who showed him great kindnesses. By the same token, on a Facebook page that recalls people and events in and around our community, many have cited teachers and leaders who were especially kind to them… who made a difference… people whom they have never forgotten. Some gave them wise advice… others gave them a hand or a hug when they needed it… but all did what was right and kind.
Perhaps you have known such people already in your own life. Or maybe, like the “Dam Kids”, you haven’t been treated so well. Either way, the Bible is clear on how we are supposed to behave… and that means hunting for what is right and kind… and watching what we say and how we say it.
In my work with elderly adults – and in talking with others who are caring for their elders – I hear often that “Mom treats me terribly,” or “Dad is so mean to me” – or even, “Grandma/Grandpa was really ugly to me/the nurse or caregiver/the neighbor/a dear friend.” The old adage about “biting the hand that feeds you” often plays out in eldercare. And while I know the sting of hurting words and actions in this situation is real – and deep – I also know that these are often very loving people who are acting out of a deep frustration… or dementia and illness. So we have to somewhat give them a “free pass”… show them grace and mercy, just as God shows us.
On the other hand, we do not have such a license to misbehave. For the most part, every person reading this message is able-bodied and of reasonably sound mind. We cannot ask others to excuse our thoughtless words or unkind gestures… much less expect God to look the other way. We must humbly and sincerely ask God to guide our thoughts and our deeds – every single day. We must ask Him to check our impulses to lash out at another… or to “speak our mind” in a brash, insensitive way. We have to ask God to help us conduct our daily lives in a way that honors Him and enables others to see His love in action.
If we “take the high road” and prayerfully walk in love and kindness… carefully choosing our words and our actions… others will see our restraint. They will know that there are times when our composure could have only come from God, and they will be inspired to pay it forward. And better than this, God will be pleased that we listened and trusted Him to work in and through us for a glorious life.
I’m glad that there have been others in my life who showed me kindness and bit their tongue. I’m thankful for teachers and leaders who have shown kindness to “kids” for countless generations. But I’m even more thankful for a God who teaches us to operate in restraint and love… and to reap the innumerable blessings that come as a result.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life!
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
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 October, an event is held in our community called “Early Decades.” It is basically a giant class reunion for all students of Heber Springs High School who graduated at least 30 years ago – or longer. The class who graduated 50 years ago hosts a banquet on Saturday night and presents the program. I did not attend last year, but I’ve read a transcript of the program, presented by Class of 1960 president, Gary Thomas. His program was about the “Dam Kids”… children whose families moved to our area to help with the construction of Greers Ferry Dam. Some were not treated so kindly… in large part because of resentments by local landowners over the government’s claim on their land to create Greers Ferry Lake.
However, Gary had a different experience. He spoke of many people in this area who befriended him… and he specifically named several who showed him great kindnesses. By the same token, on a Facebook page that recalls people and events in and around our community, many have cited teachers and leaders who were especially kind to them… who made a difference… people whom they have never forgotten. Some gave them wise advice… others gave them a hand or a hug when they needed it… but all did what was right and kind.
Perhaps you have known such people already in your own life. Or maybe, like the “Dam Kids”, you haven’t been treated so well. Either way, the Bible is clear on how we are supposed to behave… and that means hunting for what is right and kind… and watching what we say and how we say it.
In my work with elderly adults – and in talking with others who are caring for their elders – I hear often that “Mom treats me terribly,” or “Dad is so mean to me” – or even, “Grandma/Grandpa was really ugly to me/the nurse or caregiver/the neighbor/a dear friend.” The old adage about “biting the hand that feeds you” often plays out in eldercare. And while I know the sting of hurting words and actions in this situation is real – and deep – I also know that these are often very loving people who are acting out of a deep frustration… or dementia and illness. So we have to somewhat give them a “free pass”… show them grace and mercy, just as God shows us.
On the other hand, we do not have such a license to misbehave. For the most part, every person reading this message is able-bodied and of reasonably sound mind. We cannot ask others to excuse our thoughtless words or unkind gestures… much less expect God to look the other way. We must humbly and sincerely ask God to guide our thoughts and our deeds – every single day. We must ask Him to check our impulses to lash out at another… or to “speak our mind” in a brash, insensitive way. We have to ask God to help us conduct our daily lives in a way that honors Him and enables others to see His love in action.
If we “take the high road” and prayerfully walk in love and kindness… carefully choosing our words and our actions… others will see our restraint. They will know that there are times when our composure could have only come from God, and they will be inspired to pay it forward. And better than this, God will be pleased that we listened and trusted Him to work in and through us for a glorious life.
I’m glad that there have been others in my life who showed me kindness and bit their tongue. I’m thankful for teachers and leaders who have shown kindness to “kids” for countless generations. But I’m even more thankful for a God who teaches us to operate in restraint and love… and to reap the innumerable blessings that come as a result.
©2011 Debbie Robus
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