John 4:21-24
“Believe me, woman, the time is
coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this
mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we
Jews worship in the clear light of day. God’s way of salvation is made
available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact,
come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship
will not matter.
“It’s who you are and the way you live that
count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of
truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those
who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God
is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of
their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”
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.
Today
we pause to remember the people who perished in the terroristic attacks
on the World Trade Center exactly 15 years ago. We think of the family
members and friends who were left to grieve and suffer…the survivors
who spent hours/days/weeks/months/years recuperating and physically
recovering to some degree. We pray for all who were affected…and
weren’t we ALL affected in some way?
As I read this scripture
passage, it struck me that the God I love…the God I trust and serve each
and every day…was the same God that many – if not most of us - prayed
to and sought in the midst of this horrific event. There has been much
talk about how the events of 9/11 brought us together as a country…and I
think to some degree, this is true. We didn’t see color, race, ethnic
background, gender, sexual identity, socio-economic level, intellect, or
even political leanings. We just saw people who were frightened,
hurting and suffering…people who had great needs and endured tremendous
losses…people who were “just like us” in so many fundamental ways. We
asked God to meet them right where they were…and I believe He did just
that.
We reached out…we served in the name of Jesus…we sent aid
of all kinds…and we genuinely expressed sympathy and empathy for these
victims and their extended “families.” We didn’t give it a second
thought, really…we just knew that this was what the God we worshipped
and adored wanted of us…and we did it.
I don’t know what
shifted…or really why…but we have lost a good deal of this honest and
simple faith and servitude in recent years. We’ve become skeptical,
cynical, and self-absorbed. Even worse, we have become elitist…the God
we serve is OUR God. His reach cannot possibly encompass those who are
different from us in even the slightest way. We are like the college
kid who makes good grades so Mom and Dad will keep sending money…we
serve God out of a sense of duty, obligation, and fear that to do
otherwise would result in a disconnect of sorts from His blessings and
rewards in our lives.
As devastating as the events of 9/11 were,
God brought about so many good things. Every time our country goes
through a crisis, we seem to rally just a bit – though not as much as we
did fifteen years ago. But it shouldn’t take a catastrophe to gather us
to God…and I pray that we don’t fall into the pattern of only turning
to Him and embracing one another when the unthinkable happens.
Where
does this leave us? Are we simply and honestly ourselves before God and
others? Are we serving God with a spirit of inclusiveness and
adoration? Do we desire that ALL PEOPLE cultivate a relationship with
God…and are we doing everything in our power to share His Spirit with
the masses? Are you a reactionary who only reaches out to others in the
midst of a crisis…or do others see your heart for Jesus – and ALL who
God has created – each and every day?
Will this anniversary serve
as a reminder that God sent Jesus for EVERYONE…and not just you and
me? Will you live in a way that this is evident to others? Don’t you
think you should?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label discrimination. Show all posts
Showing posts with label discrimination. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 17, 2016
April 17 ~ John 10:14-16
I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this sheep pen. I must bring them together too, when they hear my voice. Then there will be one flock of sheep and one shepherd.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You would have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to know how crazy I am about the little ones in our family…our two great-nephews and 3 great-nieces…some young cousins…the four children of a couple who are precious to Greg and me. I adore these little ones and “would walk across hot coals” for all of them. They call me “Aunt Debbie”...and I know this will sound weird, but the children know me by my fragrance, also. I don’t know if it’s my cologne – or the detergent/fabric softener I use, but a couple of the mothers have told me that when I leave their children clothes I’ve made them and other things, they have mentioned that these things “smell like Debbie!” These children and their families are my "sheep".
I’ve been doing a lot of substitute teaching in the children’s Sunday school classes in the last few months. I’ve volunteered in the nursery…and I accompanied Timothy’s class on an Earth Day field trip last week to help his teacher keep up with everyone. I’ve spent a lot of time with children who are not in my "sheep pen.” And I will tell you, they are important to me, also. I love these children and care about their welfare…and what they are learning about Jesus. And this is the part of today’s scripture passage that struck me the most profoundly.
Jesus is pretty well telling us that ours is not an exclusive club…that we are His sheep…but so are other people – including folks we don’t even know and love. I can tell you from years of teaching that there is often that one child who tends to rub us the wrong way or gets on our last nerve…he is obnoxious and disruptive…she is disheveled and smells of stale cigarettes and more. This one just isn’t “loveable” like the others…and that one makes us question why we teach in the first place. I’m just being honest.
But the fact is that each child is precious…and I know I’m not the only person who hopes and prays that her “children” are not some of those that a teacher finds hard to love – a child that is not in his/her “sheep pen.” My prayer is that we would all pay attention to what Jesus is saying here…and that our desire and our utmost goal would to become inclusive. We must work harder to seek out “sheep” that are “not in our pen”…and bring them into the flock. We must not do this because we are such superior Christians…but because Jesus commands us to love one another and share His Good News with them – and that means everyone!
I encourage you to take stock of your surroundings. Think about the people you encounter – even briefly and/or occasionally. How do you treat them? How do you suppose they see you? Do you come off as someone who is “in the loop” while they are not? Are you arrogant and narrow-minded in your Christian faith and witness? Have you publicly declared even the slightest disdain for people of a certain race, ethnic group, socio-economic level, sexual orientation, religious belief or political leaning? Because every single one of these people is potentially one of Jesus’ sheep, just like you. Jesus died for them every bit as much as He died for you and me. He wants to capture the heart of each and every one of them…to love them and develop such a deep and abiding relationship with them that they not only know His name - they recognize His “smell,” so to speak.
Jesus talks of “one flock and one Shepherd”…so how on earth can we consider any other relationship? How can we operate in an “us vs. them” mentality on any level after reading this scripture passage? The answer is abundantly clear…we cannot. We must not! So my question to you this day is this...”what sort of ‘sheep’ are you…and how are you treating the others?”
©2016 Debbie Robus
I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this sheep pen. I must bring them together too, when they hear my voice. Then there will be one flock of sheep and one shepherd.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You would have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to know how crazy I am about the little ones in our family…our two great-nephews and 3 great-nieces…some young cousins…the four children of a couple who are precious to Greg and me. I adore these little ones and “would walk across hot coals” for all of them. They call me “Aunt Debbie”...and I know this will sound weird, but the children know me by my fragrance, also. I don’t know if it’s my cologne – or the detergent/fabric softener I use, but a couple of the mothers have told me that when I leave their children clothes I’ve made them and other things, they have mentioned that these things “smell like Debbie!” These children and their families are my "sheep".
I’ve been doing a lot of substitute teaching in the children’s Sunday school classes in the last few months. I’ve volunteered in the nursery…and I accompanied Timothy’s class on an Earth Day field trip last week to help his teacher keep up with everyone. I’ve spent a lot of time with children who are not in my "sheep pen.” And I will tell you, they are important to me, also. I love these children and care about their welfare…and what they are learning about Jesus. And this is the part of today’s scripture passage that struck me the most profoundly.
Jesus is pretty well telling us that ours is not an exclusive club…that we are His sheep…but so are other people – including folks we don’t even know and love. I can tell you from years of teaching that there is often that one child who tends to rub us the wrong way or gets on our last nerve…he is obnoxious and disruptive…she is disheveled and smells of stale cigarettes and more. This one just isn’t “loveable” like the others…and that one makes us question why we teach in the first place. I’m just being honest.
But the fact is that each child is precious…and I know I’m not the only person who hopes and prays that her “children” are not some of those that a teacher finds hard to love – a child that is not in his/her “sheep pen.” My prayer is that we would all pay attention to what Jesus is saying here…and that our desire and our utmost goal would to become inclusive. We must work harder to seek out “sheep” that are “not in our pen”…and bring them into the flock. We must not do this because we are such superior Christians…but because Jesus commands us to love one another and share His Good News with them – and that means everyone!
I encourage you to take stock of your surroundings. Think about the people you encounter – even briefly and/or occasionally. How do you treat them? How do you suppose they see you? Do you come off as someone who is “in the loop” while they are not? Are you arrogant and narrow-minded in your Christian faith and witness? Have you publicly declared even the slightest disdain for people of a certain race, ethnic group, socio-economic level, sexual orientation, religious belief or political leaning? Because every single one of these people is potentially one of Jesus’ sheep, just like you. Jesus died for them every bit as much as He died for you and me. He wants to capture the heart of each and every one of them…to love them and develop such a deep and abiding relationship with them that they not only know His name - they recognize His “smell,” so to speak.
Jesus talks of “one flock and one Shepherd”…so how on earth can we consider any other relationship? How can we operate in an “us vs. them” mentality on any level after reading this scripture passage? The answer is abundantly clear…we cannot. We must not! So my question to you this day is this...”what sort of ‘sheep’ are you…and how are you treating the others?”
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 21, 2016
John 3:16-17
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I taught the Sunday school lesson to 2nd and 3rd graders. The topic was missions, based on the story in Acts 10 of Cornelius and his encounter with Simon Peter. Although these 8-and-9-year-olds love to get off topic, we talked about two primary points this morning…1) that Jesus did not die for the sins of only the “clean” – or any particular race, ethnic group, skin or eye color, or other distinguishing characteristic; and 2) we are ALL missionaries!
In an effort to explain “clean” and “unclean,” I turned to the book of Leviticus and read the children a few of the laws of that day…how you were not to touch a dead body…how pigs were considered off limits (they were APPALLED that this meant no bacon!)…how people were not to handle certain animals that crawled on the ground (which meant one little boy would not have been able to go hiking this afternoon to search for lizards and snakes!). One of the boys asked, “So what changed? Why don’t we have to follow these laws today?” That was the perfect segue to a discussion about Christ’s death on the cross to pay for our sins, once and for all. With the blood of Jesus, we were ALL given the opportunity to be “washed clean” forever!
The children and I talked about discrimination…how Salvation through Jesus is available to EVERYONE…not just a chosen few. We talked about how we can demonstrate this to others – particularly by our words and actions. And I emphasized to these young disciples that each of them is a “missionary”…that others are watching their words and actions to see if they line up with the teachings of Jesus. Some of the children are going with their families to Peru this summer on a “mission trip.” I stressed to all of the children that you do not have to travel to a foreign country to do mission work for Jesus…there are plenty of opportunities in our own backyards. So we all have work to do!
Here’s the thing for you and me…God so loved the world that He gave His only Son for ALL of us… so that everyone who has faith in Him can have everlasting life. This is the best news ever! There is not a single person on this earth who cannot spend Eternity in heaven with Jesus if they call on Him to forgive their sins and cover them with His blood.
AND…we are ALL missionaries. You may not think of yourself in this manner, but you truly are “on a mission” for God…or you should be. When I asked the children what their “mission” was…they would say, “To tell others about Jesus.” I told them repeatedly that this includes more than literally telling people about Jesus. We minister to others and “witness” to them by our words and our actions…how we worship God – and particularly by how we treat others. If we honor Jesus’ commandment to love others as He loves us – and as we love ourselves – He will be glorified. Others will see the awesome power, grace and mercy of Jesus in our lives…and hopefully want this for themselves.
I can think of nothing better than to hear someone say to me, “How do I get what you have?” (meaning the peace and joy of belonging to Jesus). God loved us enough to send Jesus. How will we share that love with others, as He desired? Are you really ready to feed his sheep and be a “missionary” for Him? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I taught the Sunday school lesson to 2nd and 3rd graders. The topic was missions, based on the story in Acts 10 of Cornelius and his encounter with Simon Peter. Although these 8-and-9-year-olds love to get off topic, we talked about two primary points this morning…1) that Jesus did not die for the sins of only the “clean” – or any particular race, ethnic group, skin or eye color, or other distinguishing characteristic; and 2) we are ALL missionaries!
In an effort to explain “clean” and “unclean,” I turned to the book of Leviticus and read the children a few of the laws of that day…how you were not to touch a dead body…how pigs were considered off limits (they were APPALLED that this meant no bacon!)…how people were not to handle certain animals that crawled on the ground (which meant one little boy would not have been able to go hiking this afternoon to search for lizards and snakes!). One of the boys asked, “So what changed? Why don’t we have to follow these laws today?” That was the perfect segue to a discussion about Christ’s death on the cross to pay for our sins, once and for all. With the blood of Jesus, we were ALL given the opportunity to be “washed clean” forever!
The children and I talked about discrimination…how Salvation through Jesus is available to EVERYONE…not just a chosen few. We talked about how we can demonstrate this to others – particularly by our words and actions. And I emphasized to these young disciples that each of them is a “missionary”…that others are watching their words and actions to see if they line up with the teachings of Jesus. Some of the children are going with their families to Peru this summer on a “mission trip.” I stressed to all of the children that you do not have to travel to a foreign country to do mission work for Jesus…there are plenty of opportunities in our own backyards. So we all have work to do!
Here’s the thing for you and me…God so loved the world that He gave His only Son for ALL of us… so that everyone who has faith in Him can have everlasting life. This is the best news ever! There is not a single person on this earth who cannot spend Eternity in heaven with Jesus if they call on Him to forgive their sins and cover them with His blood.
AND…we are ALL missionaries. You may not think of yourself in this manner, but you truly are “on a mission” for God…or you should be. When I asked the children what their “mission” was…they would say, “To tell others about Jesus.” I told them repeatedly that this includes more than literally telling people about Jesus. We minister to others and “witness” to them by our words and our actions…how we worship God – and particularly by how we treat others. If we honor Jesus’ commandment to love others as He loves us – and as we love ourselves – He will be glorified. Others will see the awesome power, grace and mercy of Jesus in our lives…and hopefully want this for themselves.
I can think of nothing better than to hear someone say to me, “How do I get what you have?” (meaning the peace and joy of belonging to Jesus). God loved us enough to send Jesus. How will we share that love with others, as He desired? Are you really ready to feed his sheep and be a “missionary” for Him? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 4, 2015
Acts 10:35
God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It seems like at least once a month lately, I have referenced an act of terror that has been committed somewhere in the world. This week, it happened in California, where fourteen people were shot and killed, and another 21 were injured. When it happens on American soil, it’s personal. We react with a mixture of anger, sadness, and fear.
I opened today’s newspaper and read a headline that reported the death of 16 people and injuries to three more in a firebomb attack on a small nightclub in Cairo, Egypt. Early reports are that this incident was the result of a dispute between some patrons and the nightclub staff, and Molotov cocktails were thrown at the entrance. I’m sure it was a horrific, tragic scene for all who were involved. This event is equally tragic and significant…but will we give it more than a passing glance?
The point I am making is that both of these instances – happening “a world apart” – are heartbreaking to God. We have become so accustomed to hearing accounts of violence - particularly in the Middle East - that we barely pay any attention to them. And we are well on our way to growing as complacent about such horrific events in our own country. Worse yet, we jump to conclusions and readily assume that a certain religious faction is responsible in some way…and we lump everyone of that faith into one big ball of guilty parties. If Christians were so readily blamed for the sins of a handful of people, we would be outraged.
We need to all take a collective breath. We need to stop fearing every person who is different from us in some way. Too many “Christians” are pretty well afraid of their own shadow. They fear those whose politics are different…they fear those of other races and ethnic backgrounds…they fear those who have a different sexual orientation…and they certainly fear those who do not openly share their particular “brand” of Christian faith. Read this scripture passage again…”God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from."
This scripture is referring to something bigger than just nationality. God’s word tells us that He loves everyone who worships Him. God’s desire is that ALL people would seek salvation in the blood of Jesus Christ and become His disciples. When we give others a poor impression of what it means to follow Jesus, we have failed in our service to God - and in our own discipleship.
We need to show outrage and concern for what happened in San Bernardino. But we also need to be equally upset over what happened in Cairo…and what happens in other parts of our nation and throughout the world on a seemingly regular basis these days. Our hearts need to be broken for ALL of what breaks God’s…not just what happens to “our people.” We need to demonstrate love and trust in God to handle the things we cannot…and kick fear to the curb. We need to pray for the victims of these senseless tragedies…but also the perpetrators and their families. And we need to start today.
©2015 Debbie Robus
God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It seems like at least once a month lately, I have referenced an act of terror that has been committed somewhere in the world. This week, it happened in California, where fourteen people were shot and killed, and another 21 were injured. When it happens on American soil, it’s personal. We react with a mixture of anger, sadness, and fear.
I opened today’s newspaper and read a headline that reported the death of 16 people and injuries to three more in a firebomb attack on a small nightclub in Cairo, Egypt. Early reports are that this incident was the result of a dispute between some patrons and the nightclub staff, and Molotov cocktails were thrown at the entrance. I’m sure it was a horrific, tragic scene for all who were involved. This event is equally tragic and significant…but will we give it more than a passing glance?
The point I am making is that both of these instances – happening “a world apart” – are heartbreaking to God. We have become so accustomed to hearing accounts of violence - particularly in the Middle East - that we barely pay any attention to them. And we are well on our way to growing as complacent about such horrific events in our own country. Worse yet, we jump to conclusions and readily assume that a certain religious faction is responsible in some way…and we lump everyone of that faith into one big ball of guilty parties. If Christians were so readily blamed for the sins of a handful of people, we would be outraged.
We need to all take a collective breath. We need to stop fearing every person who is different from us in some way. Too many “Christians” are pretty well afraid of their own shadow. They fear those whose politics are different…they fear those of other races and ethnic backgrounds…they fear those who have a different sexual orientation…and they certainly fear those who do not openly share their particular “brand” of Christian faith. Read this scripture passage again…”God is pleased with everyone who worships him and does right, no matter what nation they come from."
This scripture is referring to something bigger than just nationality. God’s word tells us that He loves everyone who worships Him. God’s desire is that ALL people would seek salvation in the blood of Jesus Christ and become His disciples. When we give others a poor impression of what it means to follow Jesus, we have failed in our service to God - and in our own discipleship.
We need to show outrage and concern for what happened in San Bernardino. But we also need to be equally upset over what happened in Cairo…and what happens in other parts of our nation and throughout the world on a seemingly regular basis these days. Our hearts need to be broken for ALL of what breaks God’s…not just what happens to “our people.” We need to demonstrate love and trust in God to handle the things we cannot…and kick fear to the curb. We need to pray for the victims of these senseless tragedies…but also the perpetrators and their families. And we need to start today.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 22, 2015
1 John 4:8
But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My friend Michael shared a link on Facebook to a devotional blog written for the United Church of Christ website by Matthew Laney, Senior Minister of Asylum Hill Congregational Church, UCC, in Hartford, Connecticut. The title of this post is “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin?*”…and Laney notes that he has never been a fan of this phrase. He adds that this comment has been used frequently in reference to members of the LGBTQ community.
But lately, Laney has found himself making (or thinking) the same comment with regard to fellow “Christians” who want to disrespect and discriminate against others. Have a brother or sister in Christ who is vocal about a certain person or group of people? “Love the sinner…hate the sin.” Know someone who “is truly a good person”…AND a bigot? “Love the sinner…hate the sin.” Sit on a pew with someone who sings praises to God every Sunday and then rants at the coffee shop all week about this leader or issue or another (with off-color, hate-filled jokes included)? “Love the sinner…hate his/her sin.”
Laney says that he came to the conclusion that this sentiment…”always struck me as a way to feign love for someone right before kicking them in the teeth!” He suggests that instead, we try to “do what Jesus did…love the sinner and love the sinner some more - and pray the prayer He prayed: ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.’”
I’ll be honest…I have spent the better part of a day trying to create a mental list of Christians in my personal “circle” who consistently operate in the love of Christ…whose tone is never critical or condescending…and I’ve come up with a terribly short list - and I’m not sure I could even put myself on it! Why is this? I believe it’s because we are human…and sinners…and none of us is perfect. But I DID come up with a list of people I know and love who demonstrate Jesus’ love and acceptance of others pretty consistently…people who I know without any doubt have the goal of loving the sinner – and then loving him/her some more. And as the old gospel hymn says, “Oh, LORD, I want to be in that number!”
Let’s make this the day that we truly begin to “walk the walk” that lines up with our “talk.” Let’s show others how much we love God by only speaking kindly…with love, acceptance, grace and mercy. Let’s demonstrate with every breath and movement that we have fully committed our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ…that we acknowledge that we are ALL sinners in some way – and our job is not to judge another in any way/shape/form. Let’s ask God to forgive ALL sinners…even those whose “sin” is that of deriding or rejecting others. Let’s remove the phrase, “love the sinner, hate the sin” from our vocabulary…and our daily living. If we truly know God and love Him, this should be a no-brainer. Are you with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional_love_the_sinner_hate_the_sin
But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My friend Michael shared a link on Facebook to a devotional blog written for the United Church of Christ website by Matthew Laney, Senior Minister of Asylum Hill Congregational Church, UCC, in Hartford, Connecticut. The title of this post is “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin?*”…and Laney notes that he has never been a fan of this phrase. He adds that this comment has been used frequently in reference to members of the LGBTQ community.
But lately, Laney has found himself making (or thinking) the same comment with regard to fellow “Christians” who want to disrespect and discriminate against others. Have a brother or sister in Christ who is vocal about a certain person or group of people? “Love the sinner…hate the sin.” Know someone who “is truly a good person”…AND a bigot? “Love the sinner…hate the sin.” Sit on a pew with someone who sings praises to God every Sunday and then rants at the coffee shop all week about this leader or issue or another (with off-color, hate-filled jokes included)? “Love the sinner…hate his/her sin.”
Laney says that he came to the conclusion that this sentiment…”always struck me as a way to feign love for someone right before kicking them in the teeth!” He suggests that instead, we try to “do what Jesus did…love the sinner and love the sinner some more - and pray the prayer He prayed: ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.’”
I’ll be honest…I have spent the better part of a day trying to create a mental list of Christians in my personal “circle” who consistently operate in the love of Christ…whose tone is never critical or condescending…and I’ve come up with a terribly short list - and I’m not sure I could even put myself on it! Why is this? I believe it’s because we are human…and sinners…and none of us is perfect. But I DID come up with a list of people I know and love who demonstrate Jesus’ love and acceptance of others pretty consistently…people who I know without any doubt have the goal of loving the sinner – and then loving him/her some more. And as the old gospel hymn says, “Oh, LORD, I want to be in that number!”
Let’s make this the day that we truly begin to “walk the walk” that lines up with our “talk.” Let’s show others how much we love God by only speaking kindly…with love, acceptance, grace and mercy. Let’s demonstrate with every breath and movement that we have fully committed our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ…that we acknowledge that we are ALL sinners in some way – and our job is not to judge another in any way/shape/form. Let’s ask God to forgive ALL sinners…even those whose “sin” is that of deriding or rejecting others. Let’s remove the phrase, “love the sinner, hate the sin” from our vocabulary…and our daily living. If we truly know God and love Him, this should be a no-brainer. Are you with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional_love_the_sinner_hate_the_sin
Daily Devotional for July 21, 2015
1 John 4:20
If anyone says, "I love God," but keeps on hating his brother, he is a liar; for if he doesn't love his brother who is right there in front of him, how can he love God whom he has never seen?
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Last week as we drove to the gas station, Timothy was seated in the back of the vehicle, and he began to make loud, silly noises. I asked him to stop. He persisted. Suddenly from the middle row seating, I heard Zola say, “Timothy! Do you want her to turn this car around and take you home?” Timothy did not answer. Then I heard almost-three-year-old Nathan chime in…”Well…DO you?” The noises stopped…and I could barely contain my laughter to drive. In that little snippet of conversation, I realized how our children truly see us. It’s true…if you listen, your children will tell you how you really sound!
Our children learn at an early age to mirror our thoughts and feelings. So a lot of us grow up with prejudice – and even hatred – that is really not our own, but rather that of our parents, other adults, society, and our peers. We learn to dislike people of another race…but our justifications make no sense. We lump people into collective groups…as in “THEY are all this way or that”…or “I do not like the XYZs or the PDQs”. When truly questioned about our reasoning…we have no explanation that is rooted in personal experience – or one that makes much sense.
I ask you…what injustice or “wrong” has been personally done to you by someone of another race or ethnicity? Why do you have such a disdain for people whose sexual orientation is different from yours? What’s it to you if a person practices another religion – or no religion at all? Did another person’s poverty or lack of education or opportunity cause you to literally miss a meal or a chance to be and do whatever you wanted with your own life? How are you personally and directly affected by another person’s race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic level, political preference, or sexual orientation?
If we are honest, we often don’t really know the people we disparage. We start out parroting what we have heard from others…and soon we have internalized it. The next thing you know, we are posting social media references to “God and Country” one minute…and spewing hate and venom toward a particular person or group in the next…and we see no problem with this!
I have to tell you, I am struggling these days to find my “church,” because a lot of people with whom I’ve worshipped and associated with for decades are schizophrenic. They SAY they love God and want to serve Him…they never hesitate to ask for prayer – or to offer to pray for someone else. They “serve” in ministries and give of their “time, talents and money.” And then they bash everyone from people on welfare and those in the LBGTQ community to our president and his cabinet…and anyone they deem to have a different opinion from theirs – in any arena. Worse yet, they excuse this behavior by falsely assuming that everyone else agrees with them…especially God.
I’m giving some of us an “out” by blaming our upbringing and environment. But it’s time we all grew up! The time has come to give our thoughts and ideas a thorough examination in light of God’s word…to see where we have made decisions and comments that offend not only a person or a group, but God Almighty…to ask God to show us how to operate in the love of Christ and kick the devil’s hatred to the curb. We are not a four-year-old echoing her parents’ admonition to an older brother. And we are most certainly not echoing the voice of our Heavenly Father. But we need to be…and the shift in attitude can begin today.
Will you spend some time with God and ask Him to correct your thinking? Will this be the day that you begin to live, speak and act in a way that says, “I KNOW the Father Whom I have not seen…and I love because He first loved me?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
If anyone says, "I love God," but keeps on hating his brother, he is a liar; for if he doesn't love his brother who is right there in front of him, how can he love God whom he has never seen?
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Last week as we drove to the gas station, Timothy was seated in the back of the vehicle, and he began to make loud, silly noises. I asked him to stop. He persisted. Suddenly from the middle row seating, I heard Zola say, “Timothy! Do you want her to turn this car around and take you home?” Timothy did not answer. Then I heard almost-three-year-old Nathan chime in…”Well…DO you?” The noises stopped…and I could barely contain my laughter to drive. In that little snippet of conversation, I realized how our children truly see us. It’s true…if you listen, your children will tell you how you really sound!
Our children learn at an early age to mirror our thoughts and feelings. So a lot of us grow up with prejudice – and even hatred – that is really not our own, but rather that of our parents, other adults, society, and our peers. We learn to dislike people of another race…but our justifications make no sense. We lump people into collective groups…as in “THEY are all this way or that”…or “I do not like the XYZs or the PDQs”. When truly questioned about our reasoning…we have no explanation that is rooted in personal experience – or one that makes much sense.
I ask you…what injustice or “wrong” has been personally done to you by someone of another race or ethnicity? Why do you have such a disdain for people whose sexual orientation is different from yours? What’s it to you if a person practices another religion – or no religion at all? Did another person’s poverty or lack of education or opportunity cause you to literally miss a meal or a chance to be and do whatever you wanted with your own life? How are you personally and directly affected by another person’s race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic level, political preference, or sexual orientation?
If we are honest, we often don’t really know the people we disparage. We start out parroting what we have heard from others…and soon we have internalized it. The next thing you know, we are posting social media references to “God and Country” one minute…and spewing hate and venom toward a particular person or group in the next…and we see no problem with this!
I have to tell you, I am struggling these days to find my “church,” because a lot of people with whom I’ve worshipped and associated with for decades are schizophrenic. They SAY they love God and want to serve Him…they never hesitate to ask for prayer – or to offer to pray for someone else. They “serve” in ministries and give of their “time, talents and money.” And then they bash everyone from people on welfare and those in the LBGTQ community to our president and his cabinet…and anyone they deem to have a different opinion from theirs – in any arena. Worse yet, they excuse this behavior by falsely assuming that everyone else agrees with them…especially God.
I’m giving some of us an “out” by blaming our upbringing and environment. But it’s time we all grew up! The time has come to give our thoughts and ideas a thorough examination in light of God’s word…to see where we have made decisions and comments that offend not only a person or a group, but God Almighty…to ask God to show us how to operate in the love of Christ and kick the devil’s hatred to the curb. We are not a four-year-old echoing her parents’ admonition to an older brother. And we are most certainly not echoing the voice of our Heavenly Father. But we need to be…and the shift in attitude can begin today.
Will you spend some time with God and ask Him to correct your thinking? Will this be the day that you begin to live, speak and act in a way that says, “I KNOW the Father Whom I have not seen…and I love because He first loved me?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 18, 2015
Romans 8:31-39
What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else? If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them? Or can anyone condemn them? No indeed! Christ died and was raised to life, and now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? It is exactly as the Scriptures say,
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A Facebook friend posted today that 16 years ago, a high school classmate of hers was involved in an accident that ultimately took the life of a pedestrian. It was dark…the intersection was poorly marked and dangerous…and a man stepped out into the path of this girl’s car. Some 29 years later, the man’s daughter sent this driver a scathing “anniversary message” to tell her that she caused the man’s death. In the most vile language possible, this daughter wished the driver a life of misery and condemned her for the incident that occurred nearly three decades ago.
In the comments to this post, another friend noted that her father died seven years ago, after his motorcycle hit a deer. It was night time, the man was wearing rain gear, and a nursing student mistook him for a garbage bag…and subsequently ran over him. At the memorial for this man, his wife invited the driver to share Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family. One of these families fully understands and embraces this passage in Romans 8…the other has a long way to go.
A couple of weeks ago when the Supreme Court issued its ruling on same sex marriages, many people changed their avatar on Facebook to have a rainbow overlay. The White House was illuminated in multi-colored lighting. This signified that the long fight for same sex couples was over…that they can now enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples, including shared health care and death benefits, the ability to qualify for public housing, the right to joint adoption, and much more.
For those of us who have gay loved ones and friends, this was indeed a day to celebrate. Perhaps you disagree…and that is your right. But a day or two after this ruling, I was with a group of Christian women who declared that “It’s God’s rainbow, and we want it back.” I cannot tell you how devastating this comment was to me…and to others. And I’ll admit – I am struggling against passing judgment on those who spoke it. Clearly some of us have embraced the words from the Apostle Paul…while others are still works in progress.
For countless Christians who happen to be gay, this type of talk from brothers and sisters in Christ is dumbfounding. It goes against everything Paul is telling the Romans in these verses. If we are God’s children…His chosen ones for whom He sent Jesus to die on a cross, how can any fellow Christian fail to accept us? I say this on behalf of not only those whose sexual orientation is different from ours…but also for those whose politics are different, those who choose to look and dress differently, those who don’t make as much money or live in a neighborhood as nice as ours - or drive a car as big and expensive as the one we drive.
I say this on behalf of those whose skin is a different color, or those who come from a different country and may speak with an accent. I say this on behalf of those whose ethnicity is different from ours. I say this on behalf of devastated people who have had to grapple with the aftermath of tragic accidents – including the pain and bitterness of victims’ families.
We are called to love all people…those who believe as we do – and those who do not. Why? Because this is how God loves us! Nothing can separate us from God’s love. It is His utmost desire that all who He created come to know Jesus. How will we ever manage this if we show such disdain and disgust toward others?
I am not asking you to change your opinions about gay marriage…people of other ethnicities, races and religions…or your politics. I am not discounting pain and suffering…or the feelings of those who feel victimized. As I pointed out to Timothy recently, we have freedom of choice. Judgment of others’ decisions is not ours. Leave that to God.
I echo the words of the Apostle Paul…“If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them?” Who are you judging…and in doing so, who are you mistreating? It is God’s rainbow…but He shared it with all.of.us! His gift of Jesus was for everyone who will accept Him. It’s time we started honoring God’s gifts instead of using them to discriminate and disparage others. “In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.” Is your conduct reflecting this victory - and more? Don’t you think it’s time it did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else? If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them? Or can anyone condemn them? No indeed! Christ died and was raised to life, and now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? It is exactly as the Scriptures say,
In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!“For you we face death all day long. We are
like sheep on their way to be butchered.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A Facebook friend posted today that 16 years ago, a high school classmate of hers was involved in an accident that ultimately took the life of a pedestrian. It was dark…the intersection was poorly marked and dangerous…and a man stepped out into the path of this girl’s car. Some 29 years later, the man’s daughter sent this driver a scathing “anniversary message” to tell her that she caused the man’s death. In the most vile language possible, this daughter wished the driver a life of misery and condemned her for the incident that occurred nearly three decades ago.
In the comments to this post, another friend noted that her father died seven years ago, after his motorcycle hit a deer. It was night time, the man was wearing rain gear, and a nursing student mistook him for a garbage bag…and subsequently ran over him. At the memorial for this man, his wife invited the driver to share Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family. One of these families fully understands and embraces this passage in Romans 8…the other has a long way to go.
A couple of weeks ago when the Supreme Court issued its ruling on same sex marriages, many people changed their avatar on Facebook to have a rainbow overlay. The White House was illuminated in multi-colored lighting. This signified that the long fight for same sex couples was over…that they can now enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples, including shared health care and death benefits, the ability to qualify for public housing, the right to joint adoption, and much more.
For those of us who have gay loved ones and friends, this was indeed a day to celebrate. Perhaps you disagree…and that is your right. But a day or two after this ruling, I was with a group of Christian women who declared that “It’s God’s rainbow, and we want it back.” I cannot tell you how devastating this comment was to me…and to others. And I’ll admit – I am struggling against passing judgment on those who spoke it. Clearly some of us have embraced the words from the Apostle Paul…while others are still works in progress.
For countless Christians who happen to be gay, this type of talk from brothers and sisters in Christ is dumbfounding. It goes against everything Paul is telling the Romans in these verses. If we are God’s children…His chosen ones for whom He sent Jesus to die on a cross, how can any fellow Christian fail to accept us? I say this on behalf of not only those whose sexual orientation is different from ours…but also for those whose politics are different, those who choose to look and dress differently, those who don’t make as much money or live in a neighborhood as nice as ours - or drive a car as big and expensive as the one we drive.
I say this on behalf of those whose skin is a different color, or those who come from a different country and may speak with an accent. I say this on behalf of those whose ethnicity is different from ours. I say this on behalf of devastated people who have had to grapple with the aftermath of tragic accidents – including the pain and bitterness of victims’ families.
We are called to love all people…those who believe as we do – and those who do not. Why? Because this is how God loves us! Nothing can separate us from God’s love. It is His utmost desire that all who He created come to know Jesus. How will we ever manage this if we show such disdain and disgust toward others?
I am not asking you to change your opinions about gay marriage…people of other ethnicities, races and religions…or your politics. I am not discounting pain and suffering…or the feelings of those who feel victimized. As I pointed out to Timothy recently, we have freedom of choice. Judgment of others’ decisions is not ours. Leave that to God.
I echo the words of the Apostle Paul…“If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them?” Who are you judging…and in doing so, who are you mistreating? It is God’s rainbow…but He shared it with all.of.us! His gift of Jesus was for everyone who will accept Him. It’s time we started honoring God’s gifts instead of using them to discriminate and disparage others. “In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.” Is your conduct reflecting this victory - and more? Don’t you think it’s time it did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 9, 2015
John 1:11-12
Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
If one of your relatives or friends showed up on your doorstep, you would surely open the door and invite them inside. If you saw a child who appeared to be lost or unattended, you would stay with them until the adult in charge could be located…or other arrangements could be made. If you saw an injured animal, I know that many of you would do everything in your power to rescue this creature – and maybe rehabilitate it. If you visited with a newcomer to your town, I would hope that you would invite them to attend your church’s worship services…and that you would welcome them into your community.
But what if some of these people knocked on your door (and I know that the answer will possibly be different for each of you)…
Jared “the Subway guy”
Do you really get it? Do you understand just how much Jesus loves us…how much He offers each and every one of us who have never, ever seen Him in the flesh? Many of Jesus’ own people rejected Him, and yet He loved them and died anyway – potentially for their sins. What does this tell us about how we are to treat others…even those whose thoughts, ideas and actions differ from ours – or may even repulse us in some way? The Jesus who died for us died for them, too – if they repent of their sins and accept His gift of salvation. And He commanded us to love others as He loved us.
So the way I see it, we cannot be saying ugly, hateful things about these people – or anyone else. We cannot be calling them names, judging them…and treating them as “less than.” Do not misunderstand me…I’ve listed some people who have been accused of horrific things. I do not support abuse of any kind…or torture or persecution. I do not agree with the views of some of these people on many subjects. But I am no better than them in God’s eyes, because we have ALL sinned and fallen short. NONE of us deserves Jesus’ salvation…but He offers it to us anyway.
If we want to “walk the walk,” we have to be willing to not only “talk the talk”…we must also be ready to love others as Jesus loves them…and as He loves us. How well are you doing?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
If one of your relatives or friends showed up on your doorstep, you would surely open the door and invite them inside. If you saw a child who appeared to be lost or unattended, you would stay with them until the adult in charge could be located…or other arrangements could be made. If you saw an injured animal, I know that many of you would do everything in your power to rescue this creature – and maybe rehabilitate it. If you visited with a newcomer to your town, I would hope that you would invite them to attend your church’s worship services…and that you would welcome them into your community.
But what if some of these people knocked on your door (and I know that the answer will possibly be different for each of you)…
Jared “the Subway guy”
- Caitlyn Jenner
- Kanye West
- Ted Cruze
- Presidents George Bush – Sr. AND Jr.
- President Jimmy Carter
- Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS
- Prince William and Kate Middleton
- Billy Graham
- Robin Roberts
- Anderson Cooper
- Paula Deen
- Bill Cosby
- Miley Cyrus
- Ray Rice
- Jerry Jones
- Former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice
- Donald Trump
- President Obama
- Former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton
- the disheveled homeless guy you notice frequently on street corners in your town
- the single mother everyone seems to be talking about who lost her kids because of a drug problem
- the pastor who “fell from grace”
- the teacher who had sex with an underage student
- the kid who was arrested for DUI, sexting or bullying
Do you really get it? Do you understand just how much Jesus loves us…how much He offers each and every one of us who have never, ever seen Him in the flesh? Many of Jesus’ own people rejected Him, and yet He loved them and died anyway – potentially for their sins. What does this tell us about how we are to treat others…even those whose thoughts, ideas and actions differ from ours – or may even repulse us in some way? The Jesus who died for us died for them, too – if they repent of their sins and accept His gift of salvation. And He commanded us to love others as He loved us.
So the way I see it, we cannot be saying ugly, hateful things about these people – or anyone else. We cannot be calling them names, judging them…and treating them as “less than.” Do not misunderstand me…I’ve listed some people who have been accused of horrific things. I do not support abuse of any kind…or torture or persecution. I do not agree with the views of some of these people on many subjects. But I am no better than them in God’s eyes, because we have ALL sinned and fallen short. NONE of us deserves Jesus’ salvation…but He offers it to us anyway.
If we want to “walk the walk,” we have to be willing to not only “talk the talk”…we must also be ready to love others as Jesus loves them…and as He loves us. How well are you doing?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 17, 2015
Luke 9:51-56
When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead. They came to a Samaritan village to make arrangements for his hospitality. But when the Samaritans learned that his destination was Jerusalem, they refused hospitality. When the disciples James and John learned of it, they said, “Master, do you want us to call a bolt of lightning down out of the sky and incinerate them?”
Jesus turned on them: “Of course not!” And they traveled on to another village.
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 passage reminds me of the classic “Want me to beat him/her up for you?” scenario of a zealous friend or big brother/sister from our childhood! The notes surrounding these verses indicate that the Jews had referred to the Samaritans as “half-breeds”, which obviously did not go over well.
Information found at Catholic Answers* explains…“Because of their imperfect adherence to Judaism and their partly pagan ancestry, the Samaritans were despised by ordinary Jews. Rather than contaminate themselves by passing through Samaritan territory, Jews who were traveling from Judea to Galilee or vice versa would cross over the river Jordan, bypass Samaria by going through Transjordan, and cross over the river again as they neared their destination.”
Everyone is entitled to their opinion…even the Samaritans who didn’t approve of Jesus visiting Jerusalem. But this doesn’t give us reason to make a scene…and actually, to do so tarnishes our Christian witness. We saw a good example of this recently in Ferguson, Missouri. People felt strongly on both sides of this issue…and there were proper channels for expressing disapproval and outrage. But the rioting and burning of buildings and businesses…some of which were in no way involved in this whole debacle…was just plain wrong. And anyone who participated in these acts while claiming to be a Christian dishonored their faith and discipleship.
Like the reactions of our childhood, sometimes we want to lash out. It’s a natural, human tendency. But we are called to be better than this…and we have the Perfect Example of how and why it’s a bad idea. If anyone ever had reason for retaliation, it was Jesus…and yet, He never lost His cool. So what makes us think this should ever be okay for us?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/who-were-the-samaritans-and-why-were-they-important
When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead. They came to a Samaritan village to make arrangements for his hospitality. But when the Samaritans learned that his destination was Jerusalem, they refused hospitality. When the disciples James and John learned of it, they said, “Master, do you want us to call a bolt of lightning down out of the sky and incinerate them?”
Jesus turned on them: “Of course not!” And they traveled on to another village.
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 passage reminds me of the classic “Want me to beat him/her up for you?” scenario of a zealous friend or big brother/sister from our childhood! The notes surrounding these verses indicate that the Jews had referred to the Samaritans as “half-breeds”, which obviously did not go over well.
Information found at Catholic Answers* explains…“Because of their imperfect adherence to Judaism and their partly pagan ancestry, the Samaritans were despised by ordinary Jews. Rather than contaminate themselves by passing through Samaritan territory, Jews who were traveling from Judea to Galilee or vice versa would cross over the river Jordan, bypass Samaria by going through Transjordan, and cross over the river again as they neared their destination.”
Everyone is entitled to their opinion…even the Samaritans who didn’t approve of Jesus visiting Jerusalem. But this doesn’t give us reason to make a scene…and actually, to do so tarnishes our Christian witness. We saw a good example of this recently in Ferguson, Missouri. People felt strongly on both sides of this issue…and there were proper channels for expressing disapproval and outrage. But the rioting and burning of buildings and businesses…some of which were in no way involved in this whole debacle…was just plain wrong. And anyone who participated in these acts while claiming to be a Christian dishonored their faith and discipleship.
Like the reactions of our childhood, sometimes we want to lash out. It’s a natural, human tendency. But we are called to be better than this…and we have the Perfect Example of how and why it’s a bad idea. If anyone ever had reason for retaliation, it was Jesus…and yet, He never lost His cool. So what makes us think this should ever be okay for us?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/who-were-the-samaritans-and-why-were-they-important
Daily Devotional for January 16, 2015
Luke 9:49-50
John spoke up, “Master, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn’t of our group.”
Jesus said, “Don’t stop him. If he’s not an enemy, he’s an ally.”
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 were sick or injured and a person rushed to your aide and said, “I am a doctor (or a nurse).” This person was of a different race or ethnicity – or you knew from local “talk” that he/she practiced an alternative lifestyle or was a member of a different political party than yours. What if you had heard that this person was an atheist or practiced some religion other than Christianity? Would you wave him/her away and say, “No thanks, I’ll wait for a Christian who is the same race as me, has a husband/wife and 2.5 kids, and belongs to my political affiliation”? I don’t think so!
It seems to me that Jesus’ point in these verses is that we need to stop making “enemies” of everyone. We need to stop judging others based on whatever criteria we establish – and leave such conclusions to God. We must stop being so fearful of differences.
Few among us would even consider turning our back on a child – regardless of his/her size, shape, skin color, or even if the kid was having a royal outburst or temper tantrum. And the truth is that we are ALL God’s creations…and potentially His “Kingdom Kids” forever. I challenge you to start looking at others and picturing them as small children. Remind yourself that these people were once loved, hugged and nurtured by someone.
Timothy asks me often, “Am I still your baby?” I assure him that no matter how large he grows, he will ALWAYS be my “baby”. The person you fear is also someone’s “baby”. The terrorist with a gun is someone’s baby…the gay/transgender person whose lifestyle choices you cannot understand is someone’s baby…the person who claims that God does not exist – or the person who prays to a statue – is someone’s baby. Drug addicts, prostitutes, alcoholics, child molesters, thieves, rapists, liars, cheaters, the poor and needy, the homeless, and the affluent snobs are all someone’s baby. Jesus died for every one of them, and each has as much right to receive His salvation as you and I do.
We have made enemies where we should have been seeking allies. And today is a good day to start doing more of the latter. Where will you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
John spoke up, “Master, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn’t of our group.”
Jesus said, “Don’t stop him. If he’s not an enemy, he’s an ally.”
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 were sick or injured and a person rushed to your aide and said, “I am a doctor (or a nurse).” This person was of a different race or ethnicity – or you knew from local “talk” that he/she practiced an alternative lifestyle or was a member of a different political party than yours. What if you had heard that this person was an atheist or practiced some religion other than Christianity? Would you wave him/her away and say, “No thanks, I’ll wait for a Christian who is the same race as me, has a husband/wife and 2.5 kids, and belongs to my political affiliation”? I don’t think so!
It seems to me that Jesus’ point in these verses is that we need to stop making “enemies” of everyone. We need to stop judging others based on whatever criteria we establish – and leave such conclusions to God. We must stop being so fearful of differences.
Few among us would even consider turning our back on a child – regardless of his/her size, shape, skin color, or even if the kid was having a royal outburst or temper tantrum. And the truth is that we are ALL God’s creations…and potentially His “Kingdom Kids” forever. I challenge you to start looking at others and picturing them as small children. Remind yourself that these people were once loved, hugged and nurtured by someone.
Timothy asks me often, “Am I still your baby?” I assure him that no matter how large he grows, he will ALWAYS be my “baby”. The person you fear is also someone’s “baby”. The terrorist with a gun is someone’s baby…the gay/transgender person whose lifestyle choices you cannot understand is someone’s baby…the person who claims that God does not exist – or the person who prays to a statue – is someone’s baby. Drug addicts, prostitutes, alcoholics, child molesters, thieves, rapists, liars, cheaters, the poor and needy, the homeless, and the affluent snobs are all someone’s baby. Jesus died for every one of them, and each has as much right to receive His salvation as you and I do.
We have made enemies where we should have been seeking allies. And today is a good day to start doing more of the latter. Where will you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 15, 2015
Habakkuk 1:12-13
God, you’re from eternity, aren’t you? Holy God, we aren’t going to die, are we? God, you chose Babylonians for your judgment work? Rock-Solid God, you gave them the job of discipline? But you can’t be serious! You can’t condone evil! So why don’t you do something about this? Why are you silent now? This outrage! Evil men swallow up the righteous and you stand around and watch!
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.
If ever there were a scripture passage that seemed timely, this is it. I listened to the latest “worldwide caution” issued by the State Department earlier today…as well as warnings from several “experts” on terrorism who say we should all be expecting an attack at some point…that there will be more confrontations and acts of violence committed against innocent people...that we need to be careful, and stay alert for anything amiss.
Does this mean we should adopt an attitude of fear and suspicion of every person or situation we encounter that seems a little “off” or different? I don’t think so. These alerts are not meant to make us leery of anyone who doesn’t look like us – or worship as we do. It is not a license to discriminate and operate in rigidity and intolerance toward any person or group – all in the name of “safety”.
The bigger question many may be asking is, “Why, God…WHY?” Many may be wondering why God is allowing evil men to do evil things…and to hurt innocent people in the bargain. It’s a logical question…and the answer is not that this fulfills some Biblical prophecy! Please…let’s NOT go THERE!
I believe that God wants us pay careful attention to the details of our lives. I don’t think that He intends for us to deliberately put ourselves in harmful situations. Yet, some of us do this by the very words we use when posting social media comments and talking amongst our “friends” about other people - using derogatory terms and suggesting that those who are not like us in some manner should all be locked up, tortured, or even killed.
God calls us to mind our words and our actions. Should we encounter an evil situation, this will be our “Daniel moment"…our opportunity to stand up for what we believe – and for WHOM we serve. If we are injured or killed in the process, the “bad guys” have not truly won.
We need to get a grip…to put this into perspective…to pray for the families and friends of those slain in Paris - and around the world – by the evil factions who wish to do us harm. And we need to prepare in the most important way – by making sure that we have a right relationship with Jesus Christ…that we are ready to meet Him face-to-face at a moment’s notice.
God will deal with evil – in His time and in His manner. This is not our worry. His heart breaks over their deeds, and He will attend to their punishment in due time. Meanwhile, we believers in Jesus Christ truly are safe…in His powerful and loving arms. Nothing and no one can harm us there. And this should be our primary focus. Are you truly prepared in the way that matters most? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
God, you’re from eternity, aren’t you? Holy God, we aren’t going to die, are we? God, you chose Babylonians for your judgment work? Rock-Solid God, you gave them the job of discipline? But you can’t be serious! You can’t condone evil! So why don’t you do something about this? Why are you silent now? This outrage! Evil men swallow up the righteous and you stand around and watch!
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.
If ever there were a scripture passage that seemed timely, this is it. I listened to the latest “worldwide caution” issued by the State Department earlier today…as well as warnings from several “experts” on terrorism who say we should all be expecting an attack at some point…that there will be more confrontations and acts of violence committed against innocent people...that we need to be careful, and stay alert for anything amiss.
Does this mean we should adopt an attitude of fear and suspicion of every person or situation we encounter that seems a little “off” or different? I don’t think so. These alerts are not meant to make us leery of anyone who doesn’t look like us – or worship as we do. It is not a license to discriminate and operate in rigidity and intolerance toward any person or group – all in the name of “safety”.
The bigger question many may be asking is, “Why, God…WHY?” Many may be wondering why God is allowing evil men to do evil things…and to hurt innocent people in the bargain. It’s a logical question…and the answer is not that this fulfills some Biblical prophecy! Please…let’s NOT go THERE!
I believe that God wants us pay careful attention to the details of our lives. I don’t think that He intends for us to deliberately put ourselves in harmful situations. Yet, some of us do this by the very words we use when posting social media comments and talking amongst our “friends” about other people - using derogatory terms and suggesting that those who are not like us in some manner should all be locked up, tortured, or even killed.
God calls us to mind our words and our actions. Should we encounter an evil situation, this will be our “Daniel moment"…our opportunity to stand up for what we believe – and for WHOM we serve. If we are injured or killed in the process, the “bad guys” have not truly won.
We need to get a grip…to put this into perspective…to pray for the families and friends of those slain in Paris - and around the world – by the evil factions who wish to do us harm. And we need to prepare in the most important way – by making sure that we have a right relationship with Jesus Christ…that we are ready to meet Him face-to-face at a moment’s notice.
God will deal with evil – in His time and in His manner. This is not our worry. His heart breaks over their deeds, and He will attend to their punishment in due time. Meanwhile, we believers in Jesus Christ truly are safe…in His powerful and loving arms. Nothing and no one can harm us there. And this should be our primary focus. Are you truly prepared in the way that matters most? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 6, 2014
Acts 10:44-48
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit took control of everyone who was listening. Some Jewish followers of the Lord had come with Peter, and they were surprised that the Holy Spirit had been given to Gentiles. Now they were hearing Gentiles speaking unknown languages and praising God.
Peter said, “These Gentiles have been given the Holy Spirit, just as we have! I am certain that no one would dare stop us from baptizing them.” Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For more than a quarter century, our community held a fall festival that included a big parade on Saturday. One year in the 1970s, a Little Rock television station sent a camera man to cover the event from the roof top of a store on Main Street. This was like “free publicity” for our festival. But there was one problem. The camera man was black…and at that time, virtually everyone in our community was white. I am ashamed to say that this man’s presence was the “talk of the town” – for weeks.
Never mind that he was a human being just like every single one of us. Forget that he was here doing a job…and doing it well - and for the benefit of our community. Don’t consider that he might have been a husband, father…and maybe even a faithful member of a church congregation in his own community. All most people saw was the color of his skin…and it was not the same as theirs. And they could not get over it.
Thankfully, we have evolved…a little. There is still much work to be done. We gawk at people and are critical and condescending when they are “different”. We laugh at the “People of Wal-Mart” videos…and we look down our noses at those who enter our sanctuaries looking dirty or disheveled…wearing clothing that is not what we consider appropriate…sporting hairstyles and body art that are “out there”…or smelling a little “off”. We pigeon-hole children at an early age as coming from “one of those families”…and we are scared to death of those who are from certain ethnicities or express a different sexual orientation. And none of this lines up with the teachings of Jesus.
Pay close attention to Peter’s words to the church. God loves these people just as much as He loves you and me – and many of them are fellow believers! I think it’s going to be amazing when we get to heaven and see who all is there. Some of us may be quite shocked!
The time has come for us to open our hearts and minds...to see others as God sees them…to understand that you and I do not corner the market on God’s love – or the promise of eternity in heaven. It is time to open our arms and welcome others…just as Jesus does…to see them as Jesus sees them…and to operate in His love, tolerance and inclusion. God does not discriminate…and neither should we!
©2015 Debbie Robus
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit took control of everyone who was listening. Some Jewish followers of the Lord had come with Peter, and they were surprised that the Holy Spirit had been given to Gentiles. Now they were hearing Gentiles speaking unknown languages and praising God.
Peter said, “These Gentiles have been given the Holy Spirit, just as we have! I am certain that no one would dare stop us from baptizing them.” Peter ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and they asked him to stay on for a few days.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For more than a quarter century, our community held a fall festival that included a big parade on Saturday. One year in the 1970s, a Little Rock television station sent a camera man to cover the event from the roof top of a store on Main Street. This was like “free publicity” for our festival. But there was one problem. The camera man was black…and at that time, virtually everyone in our community was white. I am ashamed to say that this man’s presence was the “talk of the town” – for weeks.
Never mind that he was a human being just like every single one of us. Forget that he was here doing a job…and doing it well - and for the benefit of our community. Don’t consider that he might have been a husband, father…and maybe even a faithful member of a church congregation in his own community. All most people saw was the color of his skin…and it was not the same as theirs. And they could not get over it.
Thankfully, we have evolved…a little. There is still much work to be done. We gawk at people and are critical and condescending when they are “different”. We laugh at the “People of Wal-Mart” videos…and we look down our noses at those who enter our sanctuaries looking dirty or disheveled…wearing clothing that is not what we consider appropriate…sporting hairstyles and body art that are “out there”…or smelling a little “off”. We pigeon-hole children at an early age as coming from “one of those families”…and we are scared to death of those who are from certain ethnicities or express a different sexual orientation. And none of this lines up with the teachings of Jesus.
Pay close attention to Peter’s words to the church. God loves these people just as much as He loves you and me – and many of them are fellow believers! I think it’s going to be amazing when we get to heaven and see who all is there. Some of us may be quite shocked!
The time has come for us to open our hearts and minds...to see others as God sees them…to understand that you and I do not corner the market on God’s love – or the promise of eternity in heaven. It is time to open our arms and welcome others…just as Jesus does…to see them as Jesus sees them…and to operate in His love, tolerance and inclusion. God does not discriminate…and neither should we!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 4, 2015
Acts 10:27-28
As Peter entered the house, he was still talking with Cornelius. Many people were there, and Peter said to them, “You know that we Jews are not allowed to have anything to do with other people. But God has shown me that he doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
At some point in our lives, we have probably all walked into a room and thought, “I don’t belong here.” Maybe you stumbled into the wrong meeting room during a conference – or the wrong classroom at school. Perhaps you entered a room where a club meeting or party was in session – and you were not a member. Or maybe you walked into a store or restaurant where others looked at you as if you were not “high-class” enough to be there.
Worse yet, maybe you entered a church and felt out of place. You weren’t familiar with the music, the rituals, where to sit, when to stand or kneel…and you just felt out of place – and maybe a little unwelcome. And no one seemed to do anything to change that.
Sadly…a lot of us were indoctrinated as young children with the idea that not all people are the same…for one reason or another. We all learn pretty early about “clubs” – who is “in” and who is “out”. And we learn to discriminate…sometimes artfully – and other times with what borders on downright cruelty. I’m sorry to say it, but often, this plays out most skillfully among people who claim to be Christians.
Hear Peter’s words to Cornelius and the others…”God has shown me that He doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit.” If God doesn’t feel this way…how on earth can we? The time has come for us to examine how we treat others – everything from our words and actions to our body language. Where have we discriminated? How have we acted with an air of superiority? Who have we disrespected and disparaged? What have we done…and how do we correct this?
Search your heart and see if there are any situations in which you have said and done things that made others feel uncomfortable…like they were on the outside looking in…and/or unloved and unwelcome. Then ask God to show you how to make necessary changes...to begin to operate like He does - with grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, love and care and acceptance for everyone - whether they are “in your league” or not.
God does not think anyone is "unclean or unfit"…so what makes us think that we should?
©2015 Debbie Robus
As Peter entered the house, he was still talking with Cornelius. Many people were there, and Peter said to them, “You know that we Jews are not allowed to have anything to do with other people. But God has shown me that he doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
At some point in our lives, we have probably all walked into a room and thought, “I don’t belong here.” Maybe you stumbled into the wrong meeting room during a conference – or the wrong classroom at school. Perhaps you entered a room where a club meeting or party was in session – and you were not a member. Or maybe you walked into a store or restaurant where others looked at you as if you were not “high-class” enough to be there.
Worse yet, maybe you entered a church and felt out of place. You weren’t familiar with the music, the rituals, where to sit, when to stand or kneel…and you just felt out of place – and maybe a little unwelcome. And no one seemed to do anything to change that.
Sadly…a lot of us were indoctrinated as young children with the idea that not all people are the same…for one reason or another. We all learn pretty early about “clubs” – who is “in” and who is “out”. And we learn to discriminate…sometimes artfully – and other times with what borders on downright cruelty. I’m sorry to say it, but often, this plays out most skillfully among people who claim to be Christians.
Hear Peter’s words to Cornelius and the others…”God has shown me that He doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit.” If God doesn’t feel this way…how on earth can we? The time has come for us to examine how we treat others – everything from our words and actions to our body language. Where have we discriminated? How have we acted with an air of superiority? Who have we disrespected and disparaged? What have we done…and how do we correct this?
Search your heart and see if there are any situations in which you have said and done things that made others feel uncomfortable…like they were on the outside looking in…and/or unloved and unwelcome. Then ask God to show you how to make necessary changes...to begin to operate like He does - with grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, love and care and acceptance for everyone - whether they are “in your league” or not.
God does not think anyone is "unclean or unfit"…so what makes us think that we should?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 5, 2014
Romans 12:16
Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
According to her bio on the Washington Post’s “Post Everything”*, Darlena Cunha is a former television producer turned stay-at-home mom to twin girls. She writes for The Washington Post and TIME. Her post for July 8, 2014, was titled “This is What Happened When I Drove My Mercedes to Pick Up Food Stamps.” Cunha shares the story of how she and her then-boyfriend were enjoying successful careers and the “benefits” that came with them...they had college degrees, followed by good jobs...then they got engaged and bought a house. And then the stock market crashed. Their $240,000 house was suddenly worth $150,000.
Cunha subsequently discovered that she was pregnant...with twins. She writes, “Two weeks before my children were born, my future husband found himself staring at a pink slip. The days of unemployment turned into weeks, months, and, eventually, years.” Darlena Cunha explains that the babies were born prematurely and struggled to gain weight and thrive, which meant they spent extended time in the hospital for treatment, and the medical bills exploded.
She explains, “In just two months, we’d gone from making a combined $120,000 a year to making just $25,000 and leeching out funds to a mortgage we couldn’t afford. Our savings dwindled, then disappeared. So I did what I had to do. I signed up for Medicaid and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children [WIC].” The writer describes the disdainful looks she got when she went to the WIC office...especially from those who noticed that she pulled up to the entrance in a Mercedes. They did not realize that this car was paid for – or that it was cheaper to keep this vehicle than to buy something less austere to drive.
She also notes how people looked at her at the stores as she purchased food for her family – and paid with the EBT (Food Stamp) card. She concludes...”We didn’t deserve to be poor, any more than we deserved to be rich. Poverty is a circumstance, not a value judgment.” In a follow-up article in which she was asked why she divulged something so personal and painful, Cunha said she did it for her twin daughters...”Circumstances for everyone are different. They need to give everyone a chance, and they need to help anyone they can be open-minded about any kind of circumstance.”
I use this example, because it is one to which most of us can relate. I’ve talked about this before...we’ve been in the check-out line behind a mother who is purchasing food via the WIC program...or maybe YOU have been her! We’ve seen people pay with EBT cards – and passed judgment on them for doing so...or perhaps YOU have felt those icy stares. We’ve felt smug that WE didn’t need such assistance...and we have judged others for the car they drive, how they dress, and where they live. And we do this in both directions. Some of us are equally smug to “haves” and “have-nots” alike. Some of us are so busy trying to get ahead that we don’t really care who we have to step over to get there. Others are so busy wishing that “those people” didn’t frequent the places we do...much less attend “our” church...that we can hardly focus on anything else. Still others are wishing that they could be the “rich, pretty people” with “perfect lives”...and this colors how they think and act about pretty much everything.
This is a very important scripture passage. As Darlena Cunha so beautifully illustrates, many of us are just one “crisis” away from being in dire circumstances. An accident or major medical issue could wipe out our life’s savings. Job loss or other economic downturns could – and have – wrecked budgets all over the map. Poor decisions that lead to a physical and emotional spiral...alcoholism, drug abuse, or some other form of addiction or lapse in judgment could result in destruction of all kinds. Not every homeless street person grew up that way. Not all orphans end up destitute or living in poverty. And not all of those who were born with privileges will carry them into adulthood. Cunha is right...it often comes down to a matter of circumstances.
The bigger point is that none of this should matter. We should not be seeking excuses or justifications for grace, mercy, forgiveness, tolerance, and patience for others. We should be doing these things solely out of commitment to Jesus Christ...honoring our roles as His disciples. Paul didn’t outline these rules for living in his message to the Romans because he thought they sounded good. He spoke with the authority of God as he detailed how they were to treat others...and the message holds for us today.
Whoever you think you are...whatever entitlements you think you have...understand that these are YOUR connotations...not those of Jesus. When He looks at us, He doesn’t see class, color, academia, personal possessions, or spiritual superiority, to name a few. Jesus sees God’s children...each precious and filled with the potential to love others in His name. And He wants us to see each other this way, as well.
Stop and take stock of how you view yourself...and how you have been comparing yourself to others. Read this passage over and again until you fully grasp that this is not the calling of true Disciples of Christ. Vow to live humbly - to share God’s grace, mercy, kindness and acceptance with ALL others. And the next time you see someone wielding a WIC card and driving a Mercedes, remember Darlena Cunha’s story... and check your attitude at the door.
©2014 Debbie Robus
*http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/07/08/this-is-what-happened-when-i-drove-my-mercedes-to-pick-up-food-stamps/
Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
According to her bio on the Washington Post’s “Post Everything”*, Darlena Cunha is a former television producer turned stay-at-home mom to twin girls. She writes for The Washington Post and TIME. Her post for July 8, 2014, was titled “This is What Happened When I Drove My Mercedes to Pick Up Food Stamps.” Cunha shares the story of how she and her then-boyfriend were enjoying successful careers and the “benefits” that came with them...they had college degrees, followed by good jobs...then they got engaged and bought a house. And then the stock market crashed. Their $240,000 house was suddenly worth $150,000.
Cunha subsequently discovered that she was pregnant...with twins. She writes, “Two weeks before my children were born, my future husband found himself staring at a pink slip. The days of unemployment turned into weeks, months, and, eventually, years.” Darlena Cunha explains that the babies were born prematurely and struggled to gain weight and thrive, which meant they spent extended time in the hospital for treatment, and the medical bills exploded.
She explains, “In just two months, we’d gone from making a combined $120,000 a year to making just $25,000 and leeching out funds to a mortgage we couldn’t afford. Our savings dwindled, then disappeared. So I did what I had to do. I signed up for Medicaid and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children [WIC].” The writer describes the disdainful looks she got when she went to the WIC office...especially from those who noticed that she pulled up to the entrance in a Mercedes. They did not realize that this car was paid for – or that it was cheaper to keep this vehicle than to buy something less austere to drive.
She also notes how people looked at her at the stores as she purchased food for her family – and paid with the EBT (Food Stamp) card. She concludes...”We didn’t deserve to be poor, any more than we deserved to be rich. Poverty is a circumstance, not a value judgment.” In a follow-up article in which she was asked why she divulged something so personal and painful, Cunha said she did it for her twin daughters...”Circumstances for everyone are different. They need to give everyone a chance, and they need to help anyone they can be open-minded about any kind of circumstance.”
I use this example, because it is one to which most of us can relate. I’ve talked about this before...we’ve been in the check-out line behind a mother who is purchasing food via the WIC program...or maybe YOU have been her! We’ve seen people pay with EBT cards – and passed judgment on them for doing so...or perhaps YOU have felt those icy stares. We’ve felt smug that WE didn’t need such assistance...and we have judged others for the car they drive, how they dress, and where they live. And we do this in both directions. Some of us are equally smug to “haves” and “have-nots” alike. Some of us are so busy trying to get ahead that we don’t really care who we have to step over to get there. Others are so busy wishing that “those people” didn’t frequent the places we do...much less attend “our” church...that we can hardly focus on anything else. Still others are wishing that they could be the “rich, pretty people” with “perfect lives”...and this colors how they think and act about pretty much everything.
This is a very important scripture passage. As Darlena Cunha so beautifully illustrates, many of us are just one “crisis” away from being in dire circumstances. An accident or major medical issue could wipe out our life’s savings. Job loss or other economic downturns could – and have – wrecked budgets all over the map. Poor decisions that lead to a physical and emotional spiral...alcoholism, drug abuse, or some other form of addiction or lapse in judgment could result in destruction of all kinds. Not every homeless street person grew up that way. Not all orphans end up destitute or living in poverty. And not all of those who were born with privileges will carry them into adulthood. Cunha is right...it often comes down to a matter of circumstances.
The bigger point is that none of this should matter. We should not be seeking excuses or justifications for grace, mercy, forgiveness, tolerance, and patience for others. We should be doing these things solely out of commitment to Jesus Christ...honoring our roles as His disciples. Paul didn’t outline these rules for living in his message to the Romans because he thought they sounded good. He spoke with the authority of God as he detailed how they were to treat others...and the message holds for us today.
Whoever you think you are...whatever entitlements you think you have...understand that these are YOUR connotations...not those of Jesus. When He looks at us, He doesn’t see class, color, academia, personal possessions, or spiritual superiority, to name a few. Jesus sees God’s children...each precious and filled with the potential to love others in His name. And He wants us to see each other this way, as well.
Stop and take stock of how you view yourself...and how you have been comparing yourself to others. Read this passage over and again until you fully grasp that this is not the calling of true Disciples of Christ. Vow to live humbly - to share God’s grace, mercy, kindness and acceptance with ALL others. And the next time you see someone wielding a WIC card and driving a Mercedes, remember Darlena Cunha’s story... and check your attitude at the door.
©2014 Debbie Robus
*http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/07/08/this-is-what-happened-when-i-drove-my-mercedes-to-pick-up-food-stamps/
Daily Devotional for February 2, 2014
Galatians 5:4-6
I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.
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.
In December 17, 2013, 61-year-old Cecil Williams fainted and fell onto the rail bed of an oncoming subway train in Harlem. In a harrowing-yet-miraculous tale, onlookers screamed for Williams to duck down into the trough between the rails as the train barreled down upon him. William’s service dog Orlando – an 11-year-old black lab – tried to keep Williams backed away from the edge of the subway platform. But when Williams passed out and fell into the train bed, Orlando jumped down beside his owner and hunkered with him. At the last minute, both ducked their heads - and were spared as the train literally passed over them.
What makes this story more compelling is that Cecil Williams’ insurance was not going to continue to pay for Orlando’s services, so the dog was scheduled to be placed up for adoption. The news of this story spread quickly, and offers poured in to fund not only Orlando’s stay with his master… but the gift of a new service dog, Godiva - a yellow lab who has just “graduated” from a training program run by “Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Williams suffered only minor scrapes and bruises…Orlando was virtually unscathed in the accident. From his hospital bed, Williams said, “I feel that God, the powers that be, have something in store for me. They didn’t take me away this time. I’m here for a reason.” Williams says Orlando can now learn to put his feet up and let Godiva do the work! He added… “The spirit of good will — it exists,” he said. “In the world you see a lot of negative things, but I try to focus on the positive.”
Here’s the thing… there are thousands of “Cecil Williamses” in the world…dozens in our own back yard. Their stories are not necessarily as dramatic… they may not be in need of a service dog or something else as drastic. But they do need us. Cecil Williams was not extraordinary… and had he not fallen into the path of that oncoming Manhattan subway train, few would have given him and Orlando a second look. Sadly, he would have been one more blind man with a “seeing-eye dog”…and a black man at that. The color of his skin alone would have been reason for several in many parts of our country to ignore him or look the other way.
So the question becomes…are we seeing the people in our midst as God sees them? Or do we view them with the eyes of “conscientious religion”? In other words, are we only kind and considerate to those who are “like us” in some way? Must they attend our church…share our faith…have the same skin color…or be of political leaning or sexual orientation as we are? Do we only notice and attend to those who are in our socio-economic class? Do we assume that those who are “better off” can manage for themselves – and those who are not as fortunate are getting their “just desserts” in some way?
The real question is, “Are we snobs who are hiding behind the label of ‘Christians’?” And in doing so, have we fallen out of grace with Christ Jesus? I don’t mean to imply that we have lost our salvation – or the promise of eternity in heaven. But there is so much more to the life of a Christian. I do believe that our attitudes and behaviors on this earth can create a chasm between us and God…and cause Him to withhold – or block - a certain amount of grace, mercy and blessings in our lives. Think of it as the parent who takes a child’s favorite toys or the car keys for a time – or says, “No ice cream today because you didn’t eat all of your dinner.” The child knows that he/she is still loved - and that all basic needs are met. The parents still care deeply for that child and wish no harm to come to him/her. But the child also understands that added “perks” are doled out in direct proportion to a certain set of behaviors.
We are called to love others - and to offer the compassion of Christ to them. We are not called to mold them into OUR image…or to insist that they conform to our demands first. We are to love them where they are…as they are…and to leave the rest up to God Almighty. We are to operate in faith expressed by love…not just because this brings a “satisfying relationship with the Spirit” – and His grace and blessings in our own lives. We are to do this because it extends these same gifts and miracles to others. And that’s what really matters.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Read more about Cecil Williams and Orlando at: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/blind-new-yorker-survived-fall-subway-tracks-guide-dog-gifted-new-service-dog-article-1.1593292
I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.
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.
In December 17, 2013, 61-year-old Cecil Williams fainted and fell onto the rail bed of an oncoming subway train in Harlem. In a harrowing-yet-miraculous tale, onlookers screamed for Williams to duck down into the trough between the rails as the train barreled down upon him. William’s service dog Orlando – an 11-year-old black lab – tried to keep Williams backed away from the edge of the subway platform. But when Williams passed out and fell into the train bed, Orlando jumped down beside his owner and hunkered with him. At the last minute, both ducked their heads - and were spared as the train literally passed over them.
What makes this story more compelling is that Cecil Williams’ insurance was not going to continue to pay for Orlando’s services, so the dog was scheduled to be placed up for adoption. The news of this story spread quickly, and offers poured in to fund not only Orlando’s stay with his master… but the gift of a new service dog, Godiva - a yellow lab who has just “graduated” from a training program run by “Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Williams suffered only minor scrapes and bruises…Orlando was virtually unscathed in the accident. From his hospital bed, Williams said, “I feel that God, the powers that be, have something in store for me. They didn’t take me away this time. I’m here for a reason.” Williams says Orlando can now learn to put his feet up and let Godiva do the work! He added… “The spirit of good will — it exists,” he said. “In the world you see a lot of negative things, but I try to focus on the positive.”
Here’s the thing… there are thousands of “Cecil Williamses” in the world…dozens in our own back yard. Their stories are not necessarily as dramatic… they may not be in need of a service dog or something else as drastic. But they do need us. Cecil Williams was not extraordinary… and had he not fallen into the path of that oncoming Manhattan subway train, few would have given him and Orlando a second look. Sadly, he would have been one more blind man with a “seeing-eye dog”…and a black man at that. The color of his skin alone would have been reason for several in many parts of our country to ignore him or look the other way.
So the question becomes…are we seeing the people in our midst as God sees them? Or do we view them with the eyes of “conscientious religion”? In other words, are we only kind and considerate to those who are “like us” in some way? Must they attend our church…share our faith…have the same skin color…or be of political leaning or sexual orientation as we are? Do we only notice and attend to those who are in our socio-economic class? Do we assume that those who are “better off” can manage for themselves – and those who are not as fortunate are getting their “just desserts” in some way?
The real question is, “Are we snobs who are hiding behind the label of ‘Christians’?” And in doing so, have we fallen out of grace with Christ Jesus? I don’t mean to imply that we have lost our salvation – or the promise of eternity in heaven. But there is so much more to the life of a Christian. I do believe that our attitudes and behaviors on this earth can create a chasm between us and God…and cause Him to withhold – or block - a certain amount of grace, mercy and blessings in our lives. Think of it as the parent who takes a child’s favorite toys or the car keys for a time – or says, “No ice cream today because you didn’t eat all of your dinner.” The child knows that he/she is still loved - and that all basic needs are met. The parents still care deeply for that child and wish no harm to come to him/her. But the child also understands that added “perks” are doled out in direct proportion to a certain set of behaviors.
We are called to love others - and to offer the compassion of Christ to them. We are not called to mold them into OUR image…or to insist that they conform to our demands first. We are to love them where they are…as they are…and to leave the rest up to God Almighty. We are to operate in faith expressed by love…not just because this brings a “satisfying relationship with the Spirit” – and His grace and blessings in our own lives. We are to do this because it extends these same gifts and miracles to others. And that’s what really matters.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Read more about Cecil Williams and Orlando at: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/blind-new-yorker-survived-fall-subway-tracks-guide-dog-gifted-new-service-dog-article-1.1593292
Daily Devotional for April 29, 2013
Psalm 1:1-6
God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night.
They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.
That isn’t true of those who are evil, because they are like straw blown by the wind. Sinners won’t have an excuse on the day of judgment, and they won’t have a place with the people of God. The Lord protects everyone who follows him, but the wicked follow a road that leads to ruin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently saw a post on Twitter from a woman who was thanking a certain Independent Baptist church in Topeka, Kansas, for helping her explain to her children how Muslims feel about Al Qaeda. You see, many leaders and members of this church, which I refuse to name, have made it their mission to protest at funerals and other events to raise awareness for their hatred of homosexuals, in particular. They have also protested against Jews… and some members have actually stomped on the American flag at some of these events. They threatened to go to Boston and protest there after the bombings last month. In their minds, every disaster and tragedy that befalls someone is a direct result of the “sins” of the groups they choose to hate. Still, they call themselves “Christians” and encourage everyone to believe as they do. In my book, they are sneering at God.
What does this have to do with Muslims and Al Qaeda? I read a response to this question on the Internet from one Muslim that I believe sums this up fairly well. This person said “the integrity of my religion is tarnished by this group.” You see, people do all sorts of things in the name of religion… even Christianity. Yet, as our pastor pointed out so bravely yesterday, there is no room for such thinking in the church… and there are no good excuses. Racism must go… intolerance cannot be allowed… we must search our hearts, study the word of God and realize that we are called to love.one.another - and everyone who trusts in God is welcome at His table. Scripture doesn’t say to pick and choose… to judge others… to protest against certain groups in the name of God and ostracize those who do not believe as we do.
God has not called us to cram our way of thinking down the throats of others. Our mission is quite clear…
Our pastor used the Sunday school movement, which began in 1790 in England, as an example. This movement was initially unpopular, because the children were taught to read the Bible on Sunday, which was considered a “day of rest.” This was the only day of the week that most children in England were not working in the factories. If they were to learn to read – and study the Bible as their textbook – it would have to be on Sundays. Clearly, many felt it was more important to “observe the Sabbath” than to learn to read God’s word on that day! But as we all know, enough people “refused evil advice” and persevered…and Sunday school eventually became a virtually universal aspect of childhood for most.
My point in sharing these things with you is not to spark a debate over social issues or various religious beliefs. God uses the same scripture passage to speak to me in different ways on any given day. Today, I feel that this passage is showing us that we must be very careful about who we listen to and what we internalize as “Christian” attitudes and behaviors. We must ask ourselves why we form certain opinions… what caused us to treat certain people in one way or another…and how this all lines up with the word of God. Do our protests and public disdain for certain activities or groups truly draw others to Jesus? Do those who observe us (and remember… people are always watching!) surmise that if we are saying that this person or group is evil… and we are Christians… it must be so? Or do they look at us and declare that they want nothing to do with Jesus, if this is how His followers treat each other? Either way, we may be misleading others… in the name of Jesus!
Are we using our Christian faith – and God’s word – as an excuse to misbehave… rather than our manual for how to live and grow like strong trees that “develop fruit in season and always have leaves?” What does our behavior, talk, body language and general attitude say to others about our relationship with God… and what does it say to God Himself? We all have areas that need work. We all have people who rub us the wrong way for one reason or another… and attitudes that need an adjustment. There is no time like the present to stop and ask God to help us with this. Tell Him how much you want to live like the strong tree that is firmly rooted, instead of the straw that blows in the wind. Ask God to show you where you need to be more tolerant and progressive in your thinking… and how to more closely follow Jesus’ commandments.
It is time to drop the excuses and stop hiding behind them… to step up and out and be the people God has called us to be. I’m ready to get in line… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night.
They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.
That isn’t true of those who are evil, because they are like straw blown by the wind. Sinners won’t have an excuse on the day of judgment, and they won’t have a place with the people of God. The Lord protects everyone who follows him, but the wicked follow a road that leads to ruin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently saw a post on Twitter from a woman who was thanking a certain Independent Baptist church in Topeka, Kansas, for helping her explain to her children how Muslims feel about Al Qaeda. You see, many leaders and members of this church, which I refuse to name, have made it their mission to protest at funerals and other events to raise awareness for their hatred of homosexuals, in particular. They have also protested against Jews… and some members have actually stomped on the American flag at some of these events. They threatened to go to Boston and protest there after the bombings last month. In their minds, every disaster and tragedy that befalls someone is a direct result of the “sins” of the groups they choose to hate. Still, they call themselves “Christians” and encourage everyone to believe as they do. In my book, they are sneering at God.
What does this have to do with Muslims and Al Qaeda? I read a response to this question on the Internet from one Muslim that I believe sums this up fairly well. This person said “the integrity of my religion is tarnished by this group.” You see, people do all sorts of things in the name of religion… even Christianity. Yet, as our pastor pointed out so bravely yesterday, there is no room for such thinking in the church… and there are no good excuses. Racism must go… intolerance cannot be allowed… we must search our hearts, study the word of God and realize that we are called to love.one.another - and everyone who trusts in God is welcome at His table. Scripture doesn’t say to pick and choose… to judge others… to protest against certain groups in the name of God and ostracize those who do not believe as we do.
God has not called us to cram our way of thinking down the throats of others. Our mission is quite clear…
- Love the LORD with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
- Love others as you love yourself.
- Go and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
Our pastor used the Sunday school movement, which began in 1790 in England, as an example. This movement was initially unpopular, because the children were taught to read the Bible on Sunday, which was considered a “day of rest.” This was the only day of the week that most children in England were not working in the factories. If they were to learn to read – and study the Bible as their textbook – it would have to be on Sundays. Clearly, many felt it was more important to “observe the Sabbath” than to learn to read God’s word on that day! But as we all know, enough people “refused evil advice” and persevered…and Sunday school eventually became a virtually universal aspect of childhood for most.
My point in sharing these things with you is not to spark a debate over social issues or various religious beliefs. God uses the same scripture passage to speak to me in different ways on any given day. Today, I feel that this passage is showing us that we must be very careful about who we listen to and what we internalize as “Christian” attitudes and behaviors. We must ask ourselves why we form certain opinions… what caused us to treat certain people in one way or another…and how this all lines up with the word of God. Do our protests and public disdain for certain activities or groups truly draw others to Jesus? Do those who observe us (and remember… people are always watching!) surmise that if we are saying that this person or group is evil… and we are Christians… it must be so? Or do they look at us and declare that they want nothing to do with Jesus, if this is how His followers treat each other? Either way, we may be misleading others… in the name of Jesus!
Are we using our Christian faith – and God’s word – as an excuse to misbehave… rather than our manual for how to live and grow like strong trees that “develop fruit in season and always have leaves?” What does our behavior, talk, body language and general attitude say to others about our relationship with God… and what does it say to God Himself? We all have areas that need work. We all have people who rub us the wrong way for one reason or another… and attitudes that need an adjustment. There is no time like the present to stop and ask God to help us with this. Tell Him how much you want to live like the strong tree that is firmly rooted, instead of the straw that blows in the wind. Ask God to show you where you need to be more tolerant and progressive in your thinking… and how to more closely follow Jesus’ commandments.
It is time to drop the excuses and stop hiding behind them… to step up and out and be the people God has called us to be. I’m ready to get in line… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 30, 2012
James 2:5-7
My dear friends, pay attention. God has given a lot of faith to the poor people in this world. He has also promised them a share in his kingdom that he will give to everyone who loves him. You mistreat the poor. But isn’t it the rich who boss you around and drag you off to court? Aren’t they the ones who make fun of your Lord?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The other day, I dressed Timothy in a really cute outfit – t-shirt, shorts and sweater vest. Soon afterward, he asked for a chocolate cookie. He ate the cookie and promptly wiped his hand on his t-shirt sleeve. We were headed out the door on a long trip, so I didn’t take time to change his shirt. That turned out to be a wise decision. We stopped at a Sonic® for lunch, and he dribbled ketchup on his sweater vest! By the time we had finished with lunch, I looked at him and thought, “My grandmother would say, ‘You look like an orphan!’” I know… this is not a nice statement… but it’s one I bet we have all used at some point… and we didn’t give it a second thought!
I was talking with a friend who is involved in foster care, and we were discussing clothing needs. She said that there is presently a great need for boys’ clothing in all sizes… but she stressed it needed to be nice clothing. I knew instantly what she meant. I remember all too well the less fortunate children who came through my kindergarten class… many of them dirty and disheveled, and most in clothing that was well-worn at best – if not downright tattered. It was one more thing for these precious little souls to deal with. The leaders of our local foster care program get this! They have vowed to make sure the children in their charge at least have decent clothing to wear… and can hopefully avoid ridicule or stereotypes based on their appearance.
Now I ask you… does God love these innocent children any less if they are dirty or unkempt? Absolutely not! Does He care more for the children whose appearance is always perfect… hair neatly trimmed, buttons and bows in place, the name-brand tags and logos clearly visible to let everyone know that someone broke the bank to pay for the outfits? No way! Yet we look at a child who appears poor and needy - or those in foster care - with pity and disdain, while we pat ourselves on the back for being such “good Christians” who support missions in our churches and give to charity.
In essence, many of us don’t really believe that God loves those we assist as much as He loves us! We pity them, toss money (and maybe a little personal attention) their way, and shake our heads. We say, “It’s too bad about So-and-so.” And if we have this attitude toward innocent little children, we are truly capable of anything!
The time has come for us to wake up and recognize that God loves each of us… equally. Many of the poor – financially, intellectually, physically and emotionally, or even spiritually – got there through little or no fault of their own. Life… and even so-called “Christians” beat them down… with ridicule, unfair judgment, and arrogance. We need to start building others up… loving unconditionally… sharing the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ with EVERYONE and representing Him 1000% via our daily living, our words, and our actions. I guarantee you, I will think twice before I ever tell another child, “You look like an orphan,” because we start with the smallest of things. The devil can use even this simple phrase to grab hold of our heart and our attitude.
Who among you is “poor” in some manner today? Who needs you to reach out and offer a smile, a kind word, or more? Where do you need an attitude adjustment about God… your relationship with Him… and who else is included in His kingdom? I don’t know if you are one of the rich… or perhaps one who is considered “poor.” But I do know that God loves you AND the other guy… and you can each have equal shares in His kingdom. How are you honoring His gifts of grace and mercy these days? Are you truly operating in Christian faith and love… or are you claiming the name of Christ while you make fun of our LORD? We need to figure it out… and get busy getting this right! Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
My dear friends, pay attention. God has given a lot of faith to the poor people in this world. He has also promised them a share in his kingdom that he will give to everyone who loves him. You mistreat the poor. But isn’t it the rich who boss you around and drag you off to court? Aren’t they the ones who make fun of your Lord?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The other day, I dressed Timothy in a really cute outfit – t-shirt, shorts and sweater vest. Soon afterward, he asked for a chocolate cookie. He ate the cookie and promptly wiped his hand on his t-shirt sleeve. We were headed out the door on a long trip, so I didn’t take time to change his shirt. That turned out to be a wise decision. We stopped at a Sonic® for lunch, and he dribbled ketchup on his sweater vest! By the time we had finished with lunch, I looked at him and thought, “My grandmother would say, ‘You look like an orphan!’” I know… this is not a nice statement… but it’s one I bet we have all used at some point… and we didn’t give it a second thought!
I was talking with a friend who is involved in foster care, and we were discussing clothing needs. She said that there is presently a great need for boys’ clothing in all sizes… but she stressed it needed to be nice clothing. I knew instantly what she meant. I remember all too well the less fortunate children who came through my kindergarten class… many of them dirty and disheveled, and most in clothing that was well-worn at best – if not downright tattered. It was one more thing for these precious little souls to deal with. The leaders of our local foster care program get this! They have vowed to make sure the children in their charge at least have decent clothing to wear… and can hopefully avoid ridicule or stereotypes based on their appearance.
Now I ask you… does God love these innocent children any less if they are dirty or unkempt? Absolutely not! Does He care more for the children whose appearance is always perfect… hair neatly trimmed, buttons and bows in place, the name-brand tags and logos clearly visible to let everyone know that someone broke the bank to pay for the outfits? No way! Yet we look at a child who appears poor and needy - or those in foster care - with pity and disdain, while we pat ourselves on the back for being such “good Christians” who support missions in our churches and give to charity.
In essence, many of us don’t really believe that God loves those we assist as much as He loves us! We pity them, toss money (and maybe a little personal attention) their way, and shake our heads. We say, “It’s too bad about So-and-so.” And if we have this attitude toward innocent little children, we are truly capable of anything!
The time has come for us to wake up and recognize that God loves each of us… equally. Many of the poor – financially, intellectually, physically and emotionally, or even spiritually – got there through little or no fault of their own. Life… and even so-called “Christians” beat them down… with ridicule, unfair judgment, and arrogance. We need to start building others up… loving unconditionally… sharing the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ with EVERYONE and representing Him 1000% via our daily living, our words, and our actions. I guarantee you, I will think twice before I ever tell another child, “You look like an orphan,” because we start with the smallest of things. The devil can use even this simple phrase to grab hold of our heart and our attitude.
Who among you is “poor” in some manner today? Who needs you to reach out and offer a smile, a kind word, or more? Where do you need an attitude adjustment about God… your relationship with Him… and who else is included in His kingdom? I don’t know if you are one of the rich… or perhaps one who is considered “poor.” But I do know that God loves you AND the other guy… and you can each have equal shares in His kingdom. How are you honoring His gifts of grace and mercy these days? Are you truly operating in Christian faith and love… or are you claiming the name of Christ while you make fun of our LORD? We need to figure it out… and get busy getting this right! Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 29, 2012
James 2:1-4
My friends, if you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you won’t treat some people better than others. Suppose a rich person wearing fancy clothes and a gold ring comes to one of your meetings. And suppose a poor person dressed in worn-out clothes also comes. You must not give the best seat to the one in fancy clothes and tell the one who is poor to stand at the side or sit on the floor. That is the same as saying that some people are better than others, and you would be acting like a crooked judge.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you heard the urban legend (check http://www.snopes.com/travel/airline/obnoxious.asp) about the person who was on a flight and threw a fit because he/she was seated next to a person who was black/Muslim/insert-your-own-racial-or-ethnic-profile-here? The legend goes that the person complaining asked, “Do I have to sit next to this person?” The flight attendant replied, “You certainly do not,” then turned to the other passenger and said, “If you will kindly gather your things, we have a seat in First Class waiting for you.”
This probably never really happened… but it’s a great story… and a variation of something that most likely does happen a dozen times or more every day in any corner of the world. We humans are snobs… about wealth and money, race, religion, personal lifestyle choices, and more. We stare, we discriminate…we are rude and unkind. We listen to the devil when he tells us, “You are better than that person for XYZ reason(s).”
In truth, God loves ALL of us… equally! We don’t like to think about this, because then we have to admit that God loved madmen like Adolph Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and Osama bin Laden. We have to concede that God doesn’t love Republicans more than Democrats, blacks more than whites, or heterosexuals more than gay people. And we just do not want to go there… but we must!
The next time your inclination is to think better of yourself than the other guy – for any reason – stop and remind yourself of this scripture passage. Truly examine your faith and ask yourself how genuine your relationship with God really is. Because if you have faithfully committed yourself to Him and are “all in” a relationship with your Heavenly Father… if you honestly believe that Jesus died for your sins and those of anyone else who calls on Him to do so… if you really believe that we are all God’s creatures – His children who He loves equally… you cannot for one minute look down your nose at someone else.
Nobody ever said being a Christian was easy. Nobody ever fully prepared us for how strong the devil’s temptations would be… and a sense of arrogance and condescension are two of his favorite tools. He wants us to develop a viewpoint of superiority as Christians… because he knows this completely negates our witness and the very message of Jesus Christ. Don’t let him have that satisfaction!
Remember WHOSE you are... and that God loves all of us unconditionally. Approach others with Godly love in your heart… see them through His eyes… and operate in humility and obedience to His word. Lead by example. Let others see how well you treat all of God’s children. Let them be inspired to do the same because of your witness. You may occasionally miss the mark… but you’ll improve over time. Don’t you owe it to God to give this a try?
©2012 Debbie Robus
My friends, if you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you won’t treat some people better than others. Suppose a rich person wearing fancy clothes and a gold ring comes to one of your meetings. And suppose a poor person dressed in worn-out clothes also comes. You must not give the best seat to the one in fancy clothes and tell the one who is poor to stand at the side or sit on the floor. That is the same as saying that some people are better than others, and you would be acting like a crooked judge.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you heard the urban legend (check http://www.snopes.com/travel/airline/obnoxious.asp) about the person who was on a flight and threw a fit because he/she was seated next to a person who was black/Muslim/insert-your-own-racial-or-ethnic-profile-here? The legend goes that the person complaining asked, “Do I have to sit next to this person?” The flight attendant replied, “You certainly do not,” then turned to the other passenger and said, “If you will kindly gather your things, we have a seat in First Class waiting for you.”
This probably never really happened… but it’s a great story… and a variation of something that most likely does happen a dozen times or more every day in any corner of the world. We humans are snobs… about wealth and money, race, religion, personal lifestyle choices, and more. We stare, we discriminate…we are rude and unkind. We listen to the devil when he tells us, “You are better than that person for XYZ reason(s).”
In truth, God loves ALL of us… equally! We don’t like to think about this, because then we have to admit that God loved madmen like Adolph Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and Osama bin Laden. We have to concede that God doesn’t love Republicans more than Democrats, blacks more than whites, or heterosexuals more than gay people. And we just do not want to go there… but we must!
The next time your inclination is to think better of yourself than the other guy – for any reason – stop and remind yourself of this scripture passage. Truly examine your faith and ask yourself how genuine your relationship with God really is. Because if you have faithfully committed yourself to Him and are “all in” a relationship with your Heavenly Father… if you honestly believe that Jesus died for your sins and those of anyone else who calls on Him to do so… if you really believe that we are all God’s creatures – His children who He loves equally… you cannot for one minute look down your nose at someone else.
Nobody ever said being a Christian was easy. Nobody ever fully prepared us for how strong the devil’s temptations would be… and a sense of arrogance and condescension are two of his favorite tools. He wants us to develop a viewpoint of superiority as Christians… because he knows this completely negates our witness and the very message of Jesus Christ. Don’t let him have that satisfaction!
Remember WHOSE you are... and that God loves all of us unconditionally. Approach others with Godly love in your heart… see them through His eyes… and operate in humility and obedience to His word. Lead by example. Let others see how well you treat all of God’s children. Let them be inspired to do the same because of your witness. You may occasionally miss the mark… but you’ll improve over time. Don’t you owe it to God to give this a try?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 20, 2012
Acts 10:27-28
Talking things over, they went on into the house, where Cornelius introduced Peter to everyone who had come. Peter addressed them, "You know, I'm sure that this is highly irregular. Jews just don't do this—visit and relax with people of another race. But God has just shown me that no race is better than any other. So the minute I was sent for, I came, no questions asked.”
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 was so excited to begin my student teaching block in college. I would spend approximately six weeks in a kindergarten classroom, and another six weeks in a third grade setting. The kindergarten teacher to whom I was assigned was preparing to go on maternity leave. She would only be my mentor for one week. A replacement teacher spent much of that week with us… learning the ropes before she took over on Monday morning.
On Friday afternoon, the principal came to the classroom to speak with the replacement teacher. She informed her that the administration had decided that someone of color needed to be in the classroom on Monday. So this woman (who was white) would not be taking over in this classroom. Instead, a young woman who had student taught the previous semester (and was African-American) was being hired. I had shared some college classes with the new replacement, so I sort of knew her already. And on Monday morning, she was the new “teacher” in my kindergarten class.
I really liked this woman. But sadly, she had not really been allowed to do much teaching as a student teacher, and she was as lost as a goose. Since my mother had been a kindergarten teacher for decades, I was in more familiar territory. So we “co-taught” for the next five weeks. I wish I could say that the parents of the students in this classroom embraced my friend and made her transition an easy one… but this was not the case. I felt terrible knowing that she knew the only reason she was there was because of her skin color.
For the life of me, I cannot understand how – or why – we treat people this way. How can we look at another of God’s children and decide that he/she is different from us because of race, ethnicity, or lifestyle choices? Do we really think God makes mistakes? And if so, what makes us think that WE aren’t the mistake rather than the other guy? I bet you didn’t want to think about that… did you?!
I don’t know why God created different races. I don’t know why I have coarse, naturally curly hair, and others have stick-straight, baby-fine manes! Why are some of us short and others tall? Why are some individuals able to perform athletic feats that defy logic… while others are incredible musicians or artists from an early age? Why did God make mosquitoes… and even several species?
I don’t know the answers to such questions… and I’m not supposed to. Neither are you! But we are supposed to respect God’s creations… and to recognize that no race is better than another! To do any less is to exercise arrogance and to insult Almighty God… to imply that we know better than He, which is preposterous.
If you harbor any feelings of bias or bigotry, I encourage you to spend some time in prayer - and ask God to help you. Humbly call on Him to show you how to be more loving and accepting of all people… regardless of their skin color, ethnicity or beliefs. Show others the encompassing love and kindness that Jesus shows to each of us, and take a page from Peter’s book. Follow what God shows you… not the world. Don’t question Him… just do what He says. Sit back, relax…and love all others as God loves you!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Talking things over, they went on into the house, where Cornelius introduced Peter to everyone who had come. Peter addressed them, "You know, I'm sure that this is highly irregular. Jews just don't do this—visit and relax with people of another race. But God has just shown me that no race is better than any other. So the minute I was sent for, I came, no questions asked.”
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 was so excited to begin my student teaching block in college. I would spend approximately six weeks in a kindergarten classroom, and another six weeks in a third grade setting. The kindergarten teacher to whom I was assigned was preparing to go on maternity leave. She would only be my mentor for one week. A replacement teacher spent much of that week with us… learning the ropes before she took over on Monday morning.
On Friday afternoon, the principal came to the classroom to speak with the replacement teacher. She informed her that the administration had decided that someone of color needed to be in the classroom on Monday. So this woman (who was white) would not be taking over in this classroom. Instead, a young woman who had student taught the previous semester (and was African-American) was being hired. I had shared some college classes with the new replacement, so I sort of knew her already. And on Monday morning, she was the new “teacher” in my kindergarten class.
I really liked this woman. But sadly, she had not really been allowed to do much teaching as a student teacher, and she was as lost as a goose. Since my mother had been a kindergarten teacher for decades, I was in more familiar territory. So we “co-taught” for the next five weeks. I wish I could say that the parents of the students in this classroom embraced my friend and made her transition an easy one… but this was not the case. I felt terrible knowing that she knew the only reason she was there was because of her skin color.
For the life of me, I cannot understand how – or why – we treat people this way. How can we look at another of God’s children and decide that he/she is different from us because of race, ethnicity, or lifestyle choices? Do we really think God makes mistakes? And if so, what makes us think that WE aren’t the mistake rather than the other guy? I bet you didn’t want to think about that… did you?!
I don’t know why God created different races. I don’t know why I have coarse, naturally curly hair, and others have stick-straight, baby-fine manes! Why are some of us short and others tall? Why are some individuals able to perform athletic feats that defy logic… while others are incredible musicians or artists from an early age? Why did God make mosquitoes… and even several species?
I don’t know the answers to such questions… and I’m not supposed to. Neither are you! But we are supposed to respect God’s creations… and to recognize that no race is better than another! To do any less is to exercise arrogance and to insult Almighty God… to imply that we know better than He, which is preposterous.
If you harbor any feelings of bias or bigotry, I encourage you to spend some time in prayer - and ask God to help you. Humbly call on Him to show you how to be more loving and accepting of all people… regardless of their skin color, ethnicity or beliefs. Show others the encompassing love and kindness that Jesus shows to each of us, and take a page from Peter’s book. Follow what God shows you… not the world. Don’t question Him… just do what He says. Sit back, relax…and love all others as God loves you!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 16, 2010
James 2:9
But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read a letter to the editor of our local paper from someone who was terribly upset because our annual area Lake and River Cleanup was held on September 11th. The writer felt that this was disrespectful, and he was incensed that the event was not changed to another date. I have maintained correspondence with the families of two New York firefighters killed on September 11, 2001, and I can assure you, they would disagree. I think they would feel that the act of a community coming together for a common cause – i.e. picking up trash and litter – would be a fantastic way to honor the lives and service of their loved ones.
Isn’t the point of remembering 9.11 in large part the unity of us as a citizenry? Isn’t actually doing something constructive as a group as much of a tribute as standing underneath an American flag and listening to “Taps”? And for the record, probably very few of us did anything to mark the day, short of turning on our televisions and listening to news reports about ceremonies taking place in faraway cities.
So what’s my point with regard to James 2:9? I believe we are way too quick to judge others … and to treat them accordingly. Many editorial comments and recent “Letters to the Editor” in our local paper and elsewhere have disturbed me. People are claiming Christianity and passing judgment in the same sentences. If someone doesn’t totally agree with our thinking, we decide – consciously or subconsciously – that this person is beneath us and deserves to be treated as lesser … or even in an unkind manner. We say hateful things. We pick sides. We decide they are beneath us.
So when we go to church, we won’t sit near “So-and-so” because he belongs to “the other party.” At school, we make sure people know us by the crowd with whom we run … and we make it clear that certain people are not included. We look down our noses at people in the grocery store who don’t look like us. I’ll tell you, I have laughed as hard as the next person over those e-mails with the “People of Wal-Mart.” But I do not think of them as beneath me. I’m sure on any given day, God wonders about my “style” and dress just as much as these people – and I’ve become very aware of trying not to give them a sideways glance in person!
We don’t have to “dress down.” We don’t have to live in hovel … or even sell all of our earthly belongings … in order to humble ourselves and become more in tune with others. But we need to drop the attitudes and opinions. We need to realize that God is no respecter of person – and we shouldn’t be, either. We cannot truly begin to serve until we become more like Him … and that means losing the sin of judgment. Remember … people are watching. They will know by your body language, the tone of your voice, what you say and how you act, and whether you are loving others unconditionally – or looking down your nose at some. Don’t be guilty of the latter. God would never look down His nose at you – so what makes you think this is acceptable behavior?
Today, I pray we will all find time to humble ourselves before God and ask Him to show us where we need to drop the attitude and the condescension. Ask Him to forgive you for judging others and to reveal to you areas where you could use improvement. Ask God to bless you with an attitude of love, grace, and mercy toward all people. Then receive His forgiveness and blessings … and go get busy serving honorably.
©2010 Debbie Robus
But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read a letter to the editor of our local paper from someone who was terribly upset because our annual area Lake and River Cleanup was held on September 11th. The writer felt that this was disrespectful, and he was incensed that the event was not changed to another date. I have maintained correspondence with the families of two New York firefighters killed on September 11, 2001, and I can assure you, they would disagree. I think they would feel that the act of a community coming together for a common cause – i.e. picking up trash and litter – would be a fantastic way to honor the lives and service of their loved ones.
Isn’t the point of remembering 9.11 in large part the unity of us as a citizenry? Isn’t actually doing something constructive as a group as much of a tribute as standing underneath an American flag and listening to “Taps”? And for the record, probably very few of us did anything to mark the day, short of turning on our televisions and listening to news reports about ceremonies taking place in faraway cities.
So what’s my point with regard to James 2:9? I believe we are way too quick to judge others … and to treat them accordingly. Many editorial comments and recent “Letters to the Editor” in our local paper and elsewhere have disturbed me. People are claiming Christianity and passing judgment in the same sentences. If someone doesn’t totally agree with our thinking, we decide – consciously or subconsciously – that this person is beneath us and deserves to be treated as lesser … or even in an unkind manner. We say hateful things. We pick sides. We decide they are beneath us.
So when we go to church, we won’t sit near “So-and-so” because he belongs to “the other party.” At school, we make sure people know us by the crowd with whom we run … and we make it clear that certain people are not included. We look down our noses at people in the grocery store who don’t look like us. I’ll tell you, I have laughed as hard as the next person over those e-mails with the “People of Wal-Mart.” But I do not think of them as beneath me. I’m sure on any given day, God wonders about my “style” and dress just as much as these people – and I’ve become very aware of trying not to give them a sideways glance in person!
We don’t have to “dress down.” We don’t have to live in hovel … or even sell all of our earthly belongings … in order to humble ourselves and become more in tune with others. But we need to drop the attitudes and opinions. We need to realize that God is no respecter of person – and we shouldn’t be, either. We cannot truly begin to serve until we become more like Him … and that means losing the sin of judgment. Remember … people are watching. They will know by your body language, the tone of your voice, what you say and how you act, and whether you are loving others unconditionally – or looking down your nose at some. Don’t be guilty of the latter. God would never look down His nose at you – so what makes you think this is acceptable behavior?
Today, I pray we will all find time to humble ourselves before God and ask Him to show us where we need to drop the attitude and the condescension. Ask Him to forgive you for judging others and to reveal to you areas where you could use improvement. Ask God to bless you with an attitude of love, grace, and mercy toward all people. Then receive His forgiveness and blessings … and go get busy serving honorably.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)