Psalm 111:10
How can men be wise? The only
way to begin is by reverence for God. For growth in wisdom comes from
obeying his laws. Praise his name forever.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
I lost a fellow classmate
to breast cancer in 1994. Sandra and I were not all that close in high
school, but as adults, we became better friends – particularly as she
fought her illness and drew close to death. When she passed, mutual
classmates lamented that they didn’t know what to say or do…so many
chose not to do or say anything. Somehow, that didn’t seem like a
viable option to me.
When my brother passed in 1998…and my dad
followed him to heaven thirteen months later, I noticed that a lot of
people chose the option of disappearing. I wasn’t necessarily keeping
score, but it was sad to greet a close friend in public and feel their
discomfort…or to hear him/her say, “I didn’t call or come by because I
didn’t know how to respond to you.”
So I wrote a little booklet…What to Say and Do…When You Don’t Know What to Say and Do*.
Understand that I do not have all the answers – didn’t then, and don’t
today! But I trusted God to show me how to explain in written word some
of the things that are helpful – and hurtful – when responding to
others. This applies to both times of sadness, illness, death and
sorrow – and even happier times that often go unrecognized.
One
of the things I discovered in this process was how God will always equip
us with the right things to say and do - in any and every circumstance -
if only we will listen for His voice. If we say to someone “I’m sorry”
with the love of Christ in our heart for that person, this compassion
will be conveyed…and the simplicity of these two words will be magnified
to mean so much more. If we show up when God prompts us…and allow Him
to give us the words and expressions of love and sympathy (or enthusiasm
for a happy time)...everyone involved will receive a blessing – and God
will be glorified.
The wisdom of the LORD is a precious gift
that can only be obtained by listening for His voice and staying attuned
to His word and commands. Are you listening today? When the time
comes to reach out to someone in the name of Jesus, will you be equipped
to say and do the right things? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*What to Say and Do…When You Don’t Know What to Say and Do ~ ©2003 Debbie Robus ~ http://auntdebsattic.blogspot.com ~ Proceeds from all sales go directly to Hospice.
Showing posts with label doing the right thing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doing the right thing. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 9, 2013
Acts 24:24-26
A few days later Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish, sent for Paul and listened to him talk about a life of believing in Jesus Christ. As Paul continued to insist on right relations with God and his people, about a life of moral discipline and the coming Judgment, Felix felt things getting a little too close for comfort and dismissed him. “That’s enough for today. I’ll call you back when it’s convenient.” At the same time he was secretly hoping that Paul would offer him a substantial bribe. These conversations were repeated frequently.
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.
We don’t give little kids enough credit… they are often smarter than we think! So when Timothy begins to get sleepy and feels a nap coming on, he will often “suddenly” become very thirsty or hungry… he will need to switch activities… or he will have some sort of meltdown. In his own way, things have gotten a little too close for comfort, and he is dismissing us. Naps are incredibly inconvenient when you have planned a whole day of play!
By the same token, my grandmother had a way of dismissing me when things got uncomfortable. She would change the subject or make excuses. Until the idea somehow shifted and became hers, many conversations were “tabled” or dropped altogether. One that comes to mind is the decision to move to an Assisted Living Facility. When we made our first “tour,” she found all sorts of reasons that this was not a good fit for her… and she said that she was not going. A little over a month later, she phoned me one day and asked, “What do you think about me moving to the Assisted Living Facility?”
What does all of this have to do with our Christian faith? I believe we can take away two “lessons” from this passage. First, we must recognize that we make excuses all the time for not fully hearing from God. It’s like when my doctor says, “Women of your age need to pay attention to XYZ”… I often hear him selectively! If he is suggesting I lose a few pounds and I really didn’t want to hear what I already knew, I gloss over it. When he looks at blemishes on my skin and declares them a normal part of aging, I don’t like hearing the translation that “you’re not as young as you once were!”
And when God speaks to us – through scripture, prayer, daily circumstances – or even a friend or family member – and says, “That is not what you should be doing,” or “Your words and actions are not appropriate,” or “I need you to change direction and do XYZ,” we often find the conversation uncomfortable and dismiss the messenger! In essence, we say, “That’s enough for today. I’ll call you back when it’s convenient!” And like Felix, we secretly hope that God (or the doctor) will say, “Never mind...it’s okay. Carry on as usual, and I’ll take care of everything!”
Additionally, I believe that as we witness to others and serve as Christ’s disciples, we must understand that many of the people we encounter already have their “guns loaded” and an “arsenal” of excuses. And we have to learn to be patient and trust God for opportunities to work. Notice the last sentence of this scripture passage, which says… “These conversations were repeated frequently.” This tells me that Paul did not fold up his tent and go home. He also didn’t badger. He simply kept showing up… sharing the message of Jesus Christ in words and actions… then he waited and gave God room to work.
Where are you in this picture? Are you making excuses to God? Has your relationship with Him grown a little uncomfortable? Have you dismissed Him – if only for what you consider to be a temporary separation? What about your Christian witness to others… are you patient? Do you cram your ideas and your desire for them to live in a certain manner down their throats, so to speak? In other words… are you pushy? Or do you gently demonstrate love and care… and give others an example of Christ-like living that leaves them saying, “I want some of what he/she has!”?
In the end, whether we are on giving or receiving end of Christian witness… we all have frequent excuses for how we behave and react. And amazingly… somehow…God is gentle, patient and loving with us, even though we must thoroughly exasperate Him every day! God is never pushy… but He isn’t a pushover, either! We need to spend some time in prayer and soul-searching. We need to discover where we truly are in our relationship with Him. Are we making excuses… and do we have different expectations for others? Do we see that our behavior is essentially the same as that of the ones we hope to reach for Jesus? Isn’t it time to get rid of the excuses… to risk feeling uncomfortable for a brief time in order to come out stronger in the end?
Just as a short nap refreshes a toddler for more hours of play… and a life-changing decision to move into a home that offers much-needed continual care can be the right choice… we can discover that ditching our excuses and literally taking a “leap of faith” has rewards and blessings far beyond what we could ever have imagined. Not only can exercising patience, love, prayer and perseverance as we witness to others honor Jesus and His teachings… these behaviors can also build our Christian character. Isn’t it time to get right with God and to learn to listen to Him – in your own life and in your Christian witness? Will you step out and live/serve in faith… or are you already devising your next excuse?
©2013 Debbie Robus
A few days later Felix and his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish, sent for Paul and listened to him talk about a life of believing in Jesus Christ. As Paul continued to insist on right relations with God and his people, about a life of moral discipline and the coming Judgment, Felix felt things getting a little too close for comfort and dismissed him. “That’s enough for today. I’ll call you back when it’s convenient.” At the same time he was secretly hoping that Paul would offer him a substantial bribe. These conversations were repeated frequently.
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.
We don’t give little kids enough credit… they are often smarter than we think! So when Timothy begins to get sleepy and feels a nap coming on, he will often “suddenly” become very thirsty or hungry… he will need to switch activities… or he will have some sort of meltdown. In his own way, things have gotten a little too close for comfort, and he is dismissing us. Naps are incredibly inconvenient when you have planned a whole day of play!
By the same token, my grandmother had a way of dismissing me when things got uncomfortable. She would change the subject or make excuses. Until the idea somehow shifted and became hers, many conversations were “tabled” or dropped altogether. One that comes to mind is the decision to move to an Assisted Living Facility. When we made our first “tour,” she found all sorts of reasons that this was not a good fit for her… and she said that she was not going. A little over a month later, she phoned me one day and asked, “What do you think about me moving to the Assisted Living Facility?”
What does all of this have to do with our Christian faith? I believe we can take away two “lessons” from this passage. First, we must recognize that we make excuses all the time for not fully hearing from God. It’s like when my doctor says, “Women of your age need to pay attention to XYZ”… I often hear him selectively! If he is suggesting I lose a few pounds and I really didn’t want to hear what I already knew, I gloss over it. When he looks at blemishes on my skin and declares them a normal part of aging, I don’t like hearing the translation that “you’re not as young as you once were!”
And when God speaks to us – through scripture, prayer, daily circumstances – or even a friend or family member – and says, “That is not what you should be doing,” or “Your words and actions are not appropriate,” or “I need you to change direction and do XYZ,” we often find the conversation uncomfortable and dismiss the messenger! In essence, we say, “That’s enough for today. I’ll call you back when it’s convenient!” And like Felix, we secretly hope that God (or the doctor) will say, “Never mind...it’s okay. Carry on as usual, and I’ll take care of everything!”
Additionally, I believe that as we witness to others and serve as Christ’s disciples, we must understand that many of the people we encounter already have their “guns loaded” and an “arsenal” of excuses. And we have to learn to be patient and trust God for opportunities to work. Notice the last sentence of this scripture passage, which says… “These conversations were repeated frequently.” This tells me that Paul did not fold up his tent and go home. He also didn’t badger. He simply kept showing up… sharing the message of Jesus Christ in words and actions… then he waited and gave God room to work.
Where are you in this picture? Are you making excuses to God? Has your relationship with Him grown a little uncomfortable? Have you dismissed Him – if only for what you consider to be a temporary separation? What about your Christian witness to others… are you patient? Do you cram your ideas and your desire for them to live in a certain manner down their throats, so to speak? In other words… are you pushy? Or do you gently demonstrate love and care… and give others an example of Christ-like living that leaves them saying, “I want some of what he/she has!”?
In the end, whether we are on giving or receiving end of Christian witness… we all have frequent excuses for how we behave and react. And amazingly… somehow…God is gentle, patient and loving with us, even though we must thoroughly exasperate Him every day! God is never pushy… but He isn’t a pushover, either! We need to spend some time in prayer and soul-searching. We need to discover where we truly are in our relationship with Him. Are we making excuses… and do we have different expectations for others? Do we see that our behavior is essentially the same as that of the ones we hope to reach for Jesus? Isn’t it time to get rid of the excuses… to risk feeling uncomfortable for a brief time in order to come out stronger in the end?
Just as a short nap refreshes a toddler for more hours of play… and a life-changing decision to move into a home that offers much-needed continual care can be the right choice… we can discover that ditching our excuses and literally taking a “leap of faith” has rewards and blessings far beyond what we could ever have imagined. Not only can exercising patience, love, prayer and perseverance as we witness to others honor Jesus and His teachings… these behaviors can also build our Christian character. Isn’t it time to get right with God and to learn to listen to Him – in your own life and in your Christian witness? Will you step out and live/serve in faith… or are you already devising your next excuse?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 18, 2013
March 18 ~ Job 31:4-8
Doesn’t he see everything I do and every step I take? “Have I lied to anyone or deceived anyone? Let God weigh me on the scales of justice, for he knows my integrity. If I have strayed from his pathway, or if my heart has lusted for what my eyes have seen, or if I am guilty of any other sin, then let someone else eat the crops I have planted. Let all that I have planted be uprooted.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It is a well-documented fact in the world of caregiving that the person receiving care often “bites the hand that feeds them.” In other words, the primary caregiver bears the brunt of this person’s frustrations, unkind comments and gestures, and more. It’s not that the person receiving care is necessarily ungrateful. Experts say this happens because he/she knows that the primary caregiver probably cannot – or will not – desert them…so they feel safe to “vent” or treat them however they please. I’ve heard more than one caregiver say, “I can do nothing right… but let XYZ come to visit, and the heavens seem to open!” Or a distant relative will show up for a day or two and get the royal treatment… and maybe the family heirlooms… then be gone like a vapor!
All of this is enough to make caregivers throw up their hands and say, I’m done! I’m no longer going to care as much, visit as often, or be as nice! In your world, this may translate to, “Why should I work so hard in school when Jim never has to do anything, and he seems to get by?” Or maybe you feel like it doesn’t matter how much work you do in your job or your church, someone else is going to receive the accolades or be the “favorite.” Maybe you have been diligent to work hard, pay your bills on time, and follow the letter of the law, and you know someone who skirts the edge of all of these things and seems to breeze through life driving a nicer car, wearing better clothes, and living in a bigger house… seemingly living “the good life.” You may wonder, “What’s the point?” I know there have been times when I have observed others and said, “If I did what they were doing, I would have been bankrupt and in the ‘pokey’ years ago!”
I get it… this is enough to make us crazy at times…to frustrate us that we try so hard to do all we are supposed to do, and those who snub their nose at convention sometimes seem to get a free pass. But here’s the deal… it’s all about integrity. We can sum up the reason to “keep on keepin’ on” in the first line of this scripture passage… “Doesn’t He see everything I do and every step I take?” The professor may not ever know you cheated on a test… the police officer may not catch you speeding… the bill collectors may write off your debt… your friends may never know you lied to them or betrayed them to others… but God will know all of this – and more.
The question becomes… “Who do you serve?” Are you concerned with getting away with things or doing just enough to get by? Are you proud of the fact that you duped the system, your friends or family members and “they didn’t even know what hit them?” Or are you willing to say, “I have done what God asked of me… I have lived in a way that honors Him and my commitment to serve as a disciple of Christ. I have worked hard and earned everything I have received ‘the old fashioned way.’ If God can find fault with how I did this, He is welcome to give all I have to someone else!”?
At the end of the day, our goal should be to walk in the confidence that we have served faithfully, honestly, and earnestly. It should not matter what the other guy is doing or how he/she is or isn’t behaving. Integrity is a hallmark in the life of a committed, faith-filled Christian. God will give us the strength and courage to conduct our lives with honor, if we will only ask Him and trust His lead. You are not accountable to God for anyone else…and accountability to God is really all that matters. How are you doing? When God sees everything you do and every step you take, is He pleased? Are you a person of true integrity? Shouldn’t you be?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Doesn’t he see everything I do and every step I take? “Have I lied to anyone or deceived anyone? Let God weigh me on the scales of justice, for he knows my integrity. If I have strayed from his pathway, or if my heart has lusted for what my eyes have seen, or if I am guilty of any other sin, then let someone else eat the crops I have planted. Let all that I have planted be uprooted.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It is a well-documented fact in the world of caregiving that the person receiving care often “bites the hand that feeds them.” In other words, the primary caregiver bears the brunt of this person’s frustrations, unkind comments and gestures, and more. It’s not that the person receiving care is necessarily ungrateful. Experts say this happens because he/she knows that the primary caregiver probably cannot – or will not – desert them…so they feel safe to “vent” or treat them however they please. I’ve heard more than one caregiver say, “I can do nothing right… but let XYZ come to visit, and the heavens seem to open!” Or a distant relative will show up for a day or two and get the royal treatment… and maybe the family heirlooms… then be gone like a vapor!
All of this is enough to make caregivers throw up their hands and say, I’m done! I’m no longer going to care as much, visit as often, or be as nice! In your world, this may translate to, “Why should I work so hard in school when Jim never has to do anything, and he seems to get by?” Or maybe you feel like it doesn’t matter how much work you do in your job or your church, someone else is going to receive the accolades or be the “favorite.” Maybe you have been diligent to work hard, pay your bills on time, and follow the letter of the law, and you know someone who skirts the edge of all of these things and seems to breeze through life driving a nicer car, wearing better clothes, and living in a bigger house… seemingly living “the good life.” You may wonder, “What’s the point?” I know there have been times when I have observed others and said, “If I did what they were doing, I would have been bankrupt and in the ‘pokey’ years ago!”
I get it… this is enough to make us crazy at times…to frustrate us that we try so hard to do all we are supposed to do, and those who snub their nose at convention sometimes seem to get a free pass. But here’s the deal… it’s all about integrity. We can sum up the reason to “keep on keepin’ on” in the first line of this scripture passage… “Doesn’t He see everything I do and every step I take?” The professor may not ever know you cheated on a test… the police officer may not catch you speeding… the bill collectors may write off your debt… your friends may never know you lied to them or betrayed them to others… but God will know all of this – and more.
The question becomes… “Who do you serve?” Are you concerned with getting away with things or doing just enough to get by? Are you proud of the fact that you duped the system, your friends or family members and “they didn’t even know what hit them?” Or are you willing to say, “I have done what God asked of me… I have lived in a way that honors Him and my commitment to serve as a disciple of Christ. I have worked hard and earned everything I have received ‘the old fashioned way.’ If God can find fault with how I did this, He is welcome to give all I have to someone else!”?
At the end of the day, our goal should be to walk in the confidence that we have served faithfully, honestly, and earnestly. It should not matter what the other guy is doing or how he/she is or isn’t behaving. Integrity is a hallmark in the life of a committed, faith-filled Christian. God will give us the strength and courage to conduct our lives with honor, if we will only ask Him and trust His lead. You are not accountable to God for anyone else…and accountability to God is really all that matters. How are you doing? When God sees everything you do and every step you take, is He pleased? Are you a person of true integrity? Shouldn’t you be?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 1, 2013
1 John 1:5-6
Jesus told us that God is light and doesn’t have any darkness in him. Now we are telling you.
If we say that we share in life with God and keep on living in the dark, we are lying and are not living by the truth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In El Paso, Texas, a developmentally disabled student at Coronado High School named Mitchell Marcus serves as the basketball team’s manager. As the squad suited up to play Franklin High, Coach Peter Morales told Marcus to suit up, too. The game was winding down when Morales signaled for Marcus to take the court. The crowd chanted, “Mitchell! Mitchell” as the young man attempted several shots… all unsuccessful in producing a score. Down by some 10 points, the ball was inbounded by Franklin High’s senior, Jonathon Montanez, who yelled out Mitchell’s name and passed the ball to him directly under the basket. Mitchell scored, and the crowd went wild. After the game, Montanez said, "I was raised to treat others how you want to be treated…I just thought Mitchell deserved his chance - deserved his opportunity."
This selfless act did not change the game’s outcome… Franklin High won by 15 points. But that’s not the point. Jonathon Montanez demonstrated integrity, which www.dictionary.com describes as “soundness of moral character.” Granted, his decision did not cost his team the game. But I have to wonder how many players in Montanez’ position would have even considered this – much less done it! This seems like a small gesture. But it demonstrates this young man’s capacity to think of someone other than himself…to see the bigger picture…to do the right thing.
We all know people with big hearts who seem to have a penchant for always acting with honor and decency. We also know people who claim the name of Jesus and then operate in the dark… the person who will tell you how much he/she loves the LORD while “twisting the knife in someone’s back,” so to speak. We’ve seen the posts on social media outlets by those who say they love God and desire to serve Him… then speak with such unkindness – and sometimes downright hatred – that you can’t begin to believe they truly have ANY light – much less the light of God - within them!
What about you? When others look at you…what do they see? Are you known as someone who lives in the light of God and shares it with others? Or are you lying – to others and to yourself? Do you live by the truth… or do you twist things to suit your needs? You can’t have it both ways. We truly are either “in” or “out!” God is seeking believers who will operate with complete integrity… impeccable soundness of moral character…who always tell the truth and act honestly, fairly, and in the best interest of all concerned.
Each of us needs to do an “integrity inventory” to make sure our moral character is not lacking in any aspect. We have claimed the name of Jesus… we must now be willing to treat others as we wish to be treated… to throw the ball to the opponent and give him/her a moment in the sun. We must remove all darkness from our lives and step into God’s light, once and for all. Are you ready?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Jesus told us that God is light and doesn’t have any darkness in him. Now we are telling you.
If we say that we share in life with God and keep on living in the dark, we are lying and are not living by the truth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In El Paso, Texas, a developmentally disabled student at Coronado High School named Mitchell Marcus serves as the basketball team’s manager. As the squad suited up to play Franklin High, Coach Peter Morales told Marcus to suit up, too. The game was winding down when Morales signaled for Marcus to take the court. The crowd chanted, “Mitchell! Mitchell” as the young man attempted several shots… all unsuccessful in producing a score. Down by some 10 points, the ball was inbounded by Franklin High’s senior, Jonathon Montanez, who yelled out Mitchell’s name and passed the ball to him directly under the basket. Mitchell scored, and the crowd went wild. After the game, Montanez said, "I was raised to treat others how you want to be treated…I just thought Mitchell deserved his chance - deserved his opportunity."
This selfless act did not change the game’s outcome… Franklin High won by 15 points. But that’s not the point. Jonathon Montanez demonstrated integrity, which www.dictionary.com describes as “soundness of moral character.” Granted, his decision did not cost his team the game. But I have to wonder how many players in Montanez’ position would have even considered this – much less done it! This seems like a small gesture. But it demonstrates this young man’s capacity to think of someone other than himself…to see the bigger picture…to do the right thing.
We all know people with big hearts who seem to have a penchant for always acting with honor and decency. We also know people who claim the name of Jesus and then operate in the dark… the person who will tell you how much he/she loves the LORD while “twisting the knife in someone’s back,” so to speak. We’ve seen the posts on social media outlets by those who say they love God and desire to serve Him… then speak with such unkindness – and sometimes downright hatred – that you can’t begin to believe they truly have ANY light – much less the light of God - within them!
What about you? When others look at you…what do they see? Are you known as someone who lives in the light of God and shares it with others? Or are you lying – to others and to yourself? Do you live by the truth… or do you twist things to suit your needs? You can’t have it both ways. We truly are either “in” or “out!” God is seeking believers who will operate with complete integrity… impeccable soundness of moral character…who always tell the truth and act honestly, fairly, and in the best interest of all concerned.
Each of us needs to do an “integrity inventory” to make sure our moral character is not lacking in any aspect. We have claimed the name of Jesus… we must now be willing to treat others as we wish to be treated… to throw the ball to the opponent and give him/her a moment in the sun. We must remove all darkness from our lives and step into God’s light, once and for all. Are you ready?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 19, 2012
Matthew 5:2-12
Jesus' disciples gathered around him, and he taught them:
God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!
God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!
God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!
God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!
God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!
God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Remember the story of The Little Red Hen? She asked for help with planting, harvesting and grinding her wheat into flour, and no one was available. So she quietly and dutifully went about getting everything done. When she turned her flour into warm, tasty loaves of bread, all of those who had refused to help were suddenly interested in “helping” her eat the bread. Now I ask you, what should she do? In the story, she reminds all of her friends that they refused to help… so now they will not get to eat! She then eats the bread herself… and feeds her chicks.
Apparently the Little Red Hen didn’t read this scripture passage! The moral of the story is that “only those who work will eat.” But for Christians, there is more to the story. Can we really refuse to feed our neighbor who is hungry just because he/she won’t work? When someone fails to help us out when we are in need, does this give us license to do the same in return? Do we have the right to lie for our boss or a friend just to keep our job? Will God understand if we let our relationship with Him lapse because we are busy or preoccupied… sick or in trouble?
This passage is a wonderful outline for how to live as a disciple of Christ. Coupled with the commandments in Luke 10:27 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind,” and “Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself,” these verses give us a great road map for Christian living. When we follow these teachings, we live in a manner that pleases God and leads to incredible blessings – both on this earth and in heaven.
These guidelines are not always easy to follow. Yes, there will be ridicule, difficulty, and frustration as you strive to follow them. But as the scriptures tell us, there will also be great rewards and blessings. You will not serve alone… your efforts will not be in vain. When you get to the point where your “Little Red Hen” story includes feeding those who are hungry – even when they didn’t help – you have truly turned a corner in your Christian living. When you care more about serving God than about what others think, an entirely new world of possibilities with Christ opens up to you. When you humble yourself and begin to depend totally on God… and genuinely grieve over the sufferings of others, you discover the joys of knowing that God will more than meet your every need. He will bless and care for you in this lifetime… and for all eternity.
Where are you in your Disciple life? Are you still a “Little Red Hen” Christian who is out to get all you can for yourself and those in your circle? Or are you “in it to win it” with Jesus… totally focused on Him and allowing Him to work in and through you for His glory? Do others see Jesus in your actions and daily living? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus' disciples gathered around him, and he taught them:
God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!
God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!
God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!
God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!
God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!
God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Remember the story of The Little Red Hen? She asked for help with planting, harvesting and grinding her wheat into flour, and no one was available. So she quietly and dutifully went about getting everything done. When she turned her flour into warm, tasty loaves of bread, all of those who had refused to help were suddenly interested in “helping” her eat the bread. Now I ask you, what should she do? In the story, she reminds all of her friends that they refused to help… so now they will not get to eat! She then eats the bread herself… and feeds her chicks.
Apparently the Little Red Hen didn’t read this scripture passage! The moral of the story is that “only those who work will eat.” But for Christians, there is more to the story. Can we really refuse to feed our neighbor who is hungry just because he/she won’t work? When someone fails to help us out when we are in need, does this give us license to do the same in return? Do we have the right to lie for our boss or a friend just to keep our job? Will God understand if we let our relationship with Him lapse because we are busy or preoccupied… sick or in trouble?
This passage is a wonderful outline for how to live as a disciple of Christ. Coupled with the commandments in Luke 10:27 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind,” and “Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself,” these verses give us a great road map for Christian living. When we follow these teachings, we live in a manner that pleases God and leads to incredible blessings – both on this earth and in heaven.
These guidelines are not always easy to follow. Yes, there will be ridicule, difficulty, and frustration as you strive to follow them. But as the scriptures tell us, there will also be great rewards and blessings. You will not serve alone… your efforts will not be in vain. When you get to the point where your “Little Red Hen” story includes feeding those who are hungry – even when they didn’t help – you have truly turned a corner in your Christian living. When you care more about serving God than about what others think, an entirely new world of possibilities with Christ opens up to you. When you humble yourself and begin to depend totally on God… and genuinely grieve over the sufferings of others, you discover the joys of knowing that God will more than meet your every need. He will bless and care for you in this lifetime… and for all eternity.
Where are you in your Disciple life? Are you still a “Little Red Hen” Christian who is out to get all you can for yourself and those in your circle? Or are you “in it to win it” with Jesus… totally focused on Him and allowing Him to work in and through you for His glory? Do others see Jesus in your actions and daily living? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 15, 2012
James 4:16-17
Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the things that endeared the late Sam Walton to so many was his ability to be a “regular guy.” He didn’t drive around town in a fancy car or wear expensive suits (although I’m sure he had both). He didn’t “act like a big shot.” And most importantly, he insisted that his customers be treated well. My husband and I once toured Mr. Walton’s museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. On display was this incredibly beaten up, worn-out thermos. A “customer” had returned this thermos to Mr. Walton’s early "five-and-dime" store, claiming that it was defective!
The kicker was that Mr. Sam did not even carry this particular brand of thermos in his store! But he gave the person a refund in exchange for the thermos anyway…because he felt so strongly that “the customer is always right.” And I have to believe that Mr. Sam gained a customer for life, because of his humility. He surely did something right, because we all know how wildly successful Wal-Mart has become over the last half century!
Please hear me… there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments in life and being arrogant. If you have worked hard and become successful, you have every right to be proud of what you have achieved. But if you make sure that each person you encounter knows every minute detail of your triumphs - or you flaunt your wealth and acquisitions and treat people poorly - you have totally missed the mark. And God will not be pleased.
We Christians are called to accomplish all that God wants for us… to live in His will and excel to the best of the abilities He gives us. But we are also called to be humble… and to do the right thing. This means that we must show up in life whenever we are expected… for family and friends, our church and community - whenever and wherever God sends us! There will be plenty of times when this is neither pleasant or on our agenda. But I think most of us pretty well know when this is the right thing to do, regardless of how we feel or how badly this derails our own plans.
This is important stuff! God wants us to be smart… to be unassuming and unpretentious… to do what we know is right, regardless of how we may feel or how it may wreck our personal itinerary. God will undoubtedly bless us well beyond what we deserve… but this is in no way our license to become a “big shot!” If we are truly attuned to His voice – and His will – we will know that arrogance is not considered an attribute! God wants modest, respectful servants who show up when they should and do what He has ordained. Do you fit this description? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the things that endeared the late Sam Walton to so many was his ability to be a “regular guy.” He didn’t drive around town in a fancy car or wear expensive suits (although I’m sure he had both). He didn’t “act like a big shot.” And most importantly, he insisted that his customers be treated well. My husband and I once toured Mr. Walton’s museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. On display was this incredibly beaten up, worn-out thermos. A “customer” had returned this thermos to Mr. Walton’s early "five-and-dime" store, claiming that it was defective!
The kicker was that Mr. Sam did not even carry this particular brand of thermos in his store! But he gave the person a refund in exchange for the thermos anyway…because he felt so strongly that “the customer is always right.” And I have to believe that Mr. Sam gained a customer for life, because of his humility. He surely did something right, because we all know how wildly successful Wal-Mart has become over the last half century!
Please hear me… there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments in life and being arrogant. If you have worked hard and become successful, you have every right to be proud of what you have achieved. But if you make sure that each person you encounter knows every minute detail of your triumphs - or you flaunt your wealth and acquisitions and treat people poorly - you have totally missed the mark. And God will not be pleased.
We Christians are called to accomplish all that God wants for us… to live in His will and excel to the best of the abilities He gives us. But we are also called to be humble… and to do the right thing. This means that we must show up in life whenever we are expected… for family and friends, our church and community - whenever and wherever God sends us! There will be plenty of times when this is neither pleasant or on our agenda. But I think most of us pretty well know when this is the right thing to do, regardless of how we feel or how badly this derails our own plans.
This is important stuff! God wants us to be smart… to be unassuming and unpretentious… to do what we know is right, regardless of how we may feel or how it may wreck our personal itinerary. God will undoubtedly bless us well beyond what we deserve… but this is in no way our license to become a “big shot!” If we are truly attuned to His voice – and His will – we will know that arrogance is not considered an attribute! God wants modest, respectful servants who show up when they should and do what He has ordained. Do you fit this description? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 9, 2012
1 Peter 3:15-18
If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My brother was what we called a “husky boy” when we were little. I was tall and gangly… he was shorter – and stout! Even though I was four years older, Tim could take me down on any given day. And so it was one day when he tackled me in our front yard and started to pummel me, as siblings sometimes do. My dad stepped to the front door and said, “Hit him back!” I looked up and tearfully said, “I can’t!” I was always a softie when it came to my brother… but even in that childhood moment, I also knew that retaliation was not the answer!
I have to wonder at those who insist that biting a baby who bites is the solution to get him/her to stop. What part of hitting a child tells them it is not okay to hit others? Like many siblings who fought, I “suffered through” the growing pains with my little brother – and the frequent tussles we had over virtually nothing. And in his last days, I also apologized profusely to him for the times when I was not so virtuous… and even let him take the blame – and the punishment – for things I had done. To his credit, he graciously forgave me.
As children, we have to learn that slinging mud on another person is not the answer to our problems. Sadly, many of us not only fail this lesson… we actually perfect our technique! There are times when we all want to lash out at someone… when we want to stomp our foot and throw something and say, “Wait just one minute!” In Christ we find the perfect example of suffering for doing good… taking the High Road…and living with the utmost courtesy. Often, we make a much bigger statement by turning and walking away from a fight than staying to participate.
We must all ask the question…“Is this how God wants me to respond? Does He want me to get into this fight… or should I politely go about my business and let my behavior speak for itself?” I am as guilty as the next person of speaking up and lashing out when I shouldn’t. A lot of things we get involved are really not our battles. I’ve been asking God to help me with this… to give me wisdom and the good sense to bite my tongue and walk away when necessary.
At the same time, there will be people who may question your actions… those who feel they need to understand why you are not speaking up on a particular issue or getting involved in certain situations. This is the perfect opportunity for you to share your faith… and to explain how you communicate with God. Don’t be smug about it… but do take these moments as openings for a dialog about how God is working in your life. Convey how He gives you grace, mercy and forgiveness… and how He helps you to extend this to others.
God does not want us to be doormats on His behalf… but He didn’t call us to fight His battles either. It is up to us to know when and where to “hold ‘em or fold ‘em.” We must do all that we can to always represent God and honor Him - and sometimes that means suffering for the good. What about you? Are you able to resist the mud that is thrown in your direction… or has some of it managed to stick? Make today the day you come clean and begin to operate in God’s wisdom and grace. Be certain that your demeanor reflects His… and your heart remains in adoration to Christ. God will handle everything else!
©2012 Debbie Robus
If with heart and soul you're doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you're still better off. Don't give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath. It's better to suffer for doing good, if that's what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That's what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others' sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all—was put to death and then made alive—to bring us to God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My brother was what we called a “husky boy” when we were little. I was tall and gangly… he was shorter – and stout! Even though I was four years older, Tim could take me down on any given day. And so it was one day when he tackled me in our front yard and started to pummel me, as siblings sometimes do. My dad stepped to the front door and said, “Hit him back!” I looked up and tearfully said, “I can’t!” I was always a softie when it came to my brother… but even in that childhood moment, I also knew that retaliation was not the answer!
I have to wonder at those who insist that biting a baby who bites is the solution to get him/her to stop. What part of hitting a child tells them it is not okay to hit others? Like many siblings who fought, I “suffered through” the growing pains with my little brother – and the frequent tussles we had over virtually nothing. And in his last days, I also apologized profusely to him for the times when I was not so virtuous… and even let him take the blame – and the punishment – for things I had done. To his credit, he graciously forgave me.
As children, we have to learn that slinging mud on another person is not the answer to our problems. Sadly, many of us not only fail this lesson… we actually perfect our technique! There are times when we all want to lash out at someone… when we want to stomp our foot and throw something and say, “Wait just one minute!” In Christ we find the perfect example of suffering for doing good… taking the High Road…and living with the utmost courtesy. Often, we make a much bigger statement by turning and walking away from a fight than staying to participate.
We must all ask the question…“Is this how God wants me to respond? Does He want me to get into this fight… or should I politely go about my business and let my behavior speak for itself?” I am as guilty as the next person of speaking up and lashing out when I shouldn’t. A lot of things we get involved are really not our battles. I’ve been asking God to help me with this… to give me wisdom and the good sense to bite my tongue and walk away when necessary.
At the same time, there will be people who may question your actions… those who feel they need to understand why you are not speaking up on a particular issue or getting involved in certain situations. This is the perfect opportunity for you to share your faith… and to explain how you communicate with God. Don’t be smug about it… but do take these moments as openings for a dialog about how God is working in your life. Convey how He gives you grace, mercy and forgiveness… and how He helps you to extend this to others.
God does not want us to be doormats on His behalf… but He didn’t call us to fight His battles either. It is up to us to know when and where to “hold ‘em or fold ‘em.” We must do all that we can to always represent God and honor Him - and sometimes that means suffering for the good. What about you? Are you able to resist the mud that is thrown in your direction… or has some of it managed to stick? Make today the day you come clean and begin to operate in God’s wisdom and grace. Be certain that your demeanor reflects His… and your heart remains in adoration to Christ. God will handle everything else!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 15, 2011
2 Kings 22:3-20
After Josiah had been king for eighteen years, he told Shaphan, one of his highest officials: Go to the LORD's temple 4and ask Hilkiah the high priest to collect from the guards all the money that the people have donated. Have Hilkiah give it to the men supervising the repairs to the temple. They can use some of the money to pay the workers, and with the rest of it they can buy wood and stone for the repair work. They are honest, so we won't ask them to keep track of the money.
While Shaphan was at the temple, Hilkiah handed him a book and said, "Look what I found here in the temple--The Book of God's Law." Shaphan read it, then went back to Josiah and reported, "Your officials collected the money in the temple and gave it to the men supervising the repairs. But there's something else, Your Majesty. The priest Hilkiah gave me this book." Then Shaphan read it out loud.
When Josiah heard what was in The Book of God's Law, he tore his clothes in sorrow. At once he called together Hilkiah, Shaphan, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, and his own servant Asaiah. He said, "The LORD must be furious with me and everyone else in Judah, because our ancestors did not obey the laws written in this book. Go find out what the LORD wants us to do."
The five men left right away and went to talk with Huldah the prophet. Her husband was Shallum, who was in charge of the king's clothes. Huldah lived in the northern part of Jerusalem, and when they met in her home,she said: You were sent here by King Josiah, and this is what the LORD God of Israel says to him: "Josiah, I am the LORD! And I will see to it that this country and everyone living in it will be destroyed. It will happen just as this book says. The people of Judah have rejected me. They have offered sacrifices to foreign gods and have worshiped their own idols. I cannot stand it any longer. I am furious.
"Josiah, listen to what I am going to do. I noticed how sad you were when you read that this country and its people would be completely wiped out. You even tore your clothes in sorrow, and I heard you cry. So I will let you die in peace, before I destroy this place."
The men left and took Huldah's answer back to Josiah.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I know this is a long scripture passage today, but I felt it was important that I share all of it. Doesn’t it seem to you like we have a lot of chances to look the other way in life? We get a printout for a medical bill that indicates we were overcharged, but insurance covered it, so we just let it go. We know someone is not doing what they should and causing harm to a lot of people, but since it doesn’t affect us directly, we keep quiet.
You are fairly sure your friend is drinking and driving… but you can’t prove it, so you don’t get involved.
How are we following Jesus’ example? Are we paying attention and looking for the right thing to do… the way that God would have us proceed? And are we following through and doing what He asks? Isn’t it time we stood up like Josiah and said, “This is not pleasing to God! How can we set things right?” What type of behavior are you choosing these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
After Josiah had been king for eighteen years, he told Shaphan, one of his highest officials: Go to the LORD's temple 4and ask Hilkiah the high priest to collect from the guards all the money that the people have donated. Have Hilkiah give it to the men supervising the repairs to the temple. They can use some of the money to pay the workers, and with the rest of it they can buy wood and stone for the repair work. They are honest, so we won't ask them to keep track of the money.
While Shaphan was at the temple, Hilkiah handed him a book and said, "Look what I found here in the temple--The Book of God's Law." Shaphan read it, then went back to Josiah and reported, "Your officials collected the money in the temple and gave it to the men supervising the repairs. But there's something else, Your Majesty. The priest Hilkiah gave me this book." Then Shaphan read it out loud.
When Josiah heard what was in The Book of God's Law, he tore his clothes in sorrow. At once he called together Hilkiah, Shaphan, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, and his own servant Asaiah. He said, "The LORD must be furious with me and everyone else in Judah, because our ancestors did not obey the laws written in this book. Go find out what the LORD wants us to do."
The five men left right away and went to talk with Huldah the prophet. Her husband was Shallum, who was in charge of the king's clothes. Huldah lived in the northern part of Jerusalem, and when they met in her home,she said: You were sent here by King Josiah, and this is what the LORD God of Israel says to him: "Josiah, I am the LORD! And I will see to it that this country and everyone living in it will be destroyed. It will happen just as this book says. The people of Judah have rejected me. They have offered sacrifices to foreign gods and have worshiped their own idols. I cannot stand it any longer. I am furious.
"Josiah, listen to what I am going to do. I noticed how sad you were when you read that this country and its people would be completely wiped out. You even tore your clothes in sorrow, and I heard you cry. So I will let you die in peace, before I destroy this place."
The men left and took Huldah's answer back to Josiah.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I know this is a long scripture passage today, but I felt it was important that I share all of it. Doesn’t it seem to you like we have a lot of chances to look the other way in life? We get a printout for a medical bill that indicates we were overcharged, but insurance covered it, so we just let it go. We know someone is not doing what they should and causing harm to a lot of people, but since it doesn’t affect us directly, we keep quiet.
You are fairly sure your friend is drinking and driving… but you can’t prove it, so you don’t get involved.
- You think a child is being abused, but adults in charge of his/her care have a sketchy “explanation” for every bump and bruise. So you do nothing. If the apparent abuse is verbal and emotional, you hesitate to speak to the abuser/bully and “make a scene” - or risk making this person angry with you.
- You see people who are supposed to be Disciples of Christ behaving in ways that are questionable at best… or downright dishonest and disobedient, and you look the other way.
- It would have been so easy for Josiah to pretend he didn’t see the Book of Law. He could have set it in a closet and looked the other way as his people continued to sin and anger God. But he knew that he had to say something. He knew that one person can make a difference… or start the process.
How are we following Jesus’ example? Are we paying attention and looking for the right thing to do… the way that God would have us proceed? And are we following through and doing what He asks? Isn’t it time we stood up like Josiah and said, “This is not pleasing to God! How can we set things right?” What type of behavior are you choosing these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 24, 2011
Psalm 112:9-10
They lavish gifts on the poor— a generosity that goes on, and on, and on. An honored life! A beautiful life! Someone wicked takes one look and rages, blusters away but ends up speechless. There's nothing to the dreams of the wicked. Nothing.
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.
The other day I was talking with a friend who said, “I just walked into the kitchen to get aluminum foil, and I opened the refrigerator. Do you ever do things like that?” Do I ever! I do silly, dumb things all the time… and no, I am not losing my mind. I may be spreading myself a bit too thin at times, but I think that much of this is the devil’s work… just when I think I have it somewhat together, he throws a monkey wrench in everything!
The devil will never stop trying to trip us up and dole out grief and troubles. He will never stop blustering and raging and telling us that we are wasting our time to help the needy… that we should focus more on ourselves than on that guy with his hand out. The devil will tell us that we’re not good enough, smart enough, or physically and mentally capable of handling the challenges he throws our way… and he will work every day to prove it!
But God will have none of this. If we stay close to Him… if we call on God in prayer and constant conversation and fully allow Him to have control of our lives… nothing can defeat us. The devil’s dreams and aspirations of taking us down will crumble.
We must gladly serve others in God’s name. We must face each day with confidence that whatever comes our way, God can give us the strength, courage, and whatever other “tools” we need to handle it. We must strive to live an honored life – a beautiful life – in spite of the dreams of the wicked. With God, all things ARE possible… they really are. I'm not saying we won't ever open our refrigerators again to look for aluminum foil... or do other things absentmindly or make mistakes and blunder around for awhile. But at the end of the day, we can know that God will tap us on the shoulder and say, "Hey, the foil is in the drawer!" and help us get back on track.
Where are you putting your faith and trust today? Are you listening to the wicked bluster of Satan… or are you honoring God with a faithful generosityand a genuine effort to listen to HIS words above all others? Who truly has your heart – and your attention?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 22, 2011
Psalm 112:1-4
Shout praises to the LORD! The LORD blesses everyone who worships him and gladly obeys his teachings. Their descendants will have great power in the land, because the LORD blesses all who do right. They will get rich and prosper and will always be remembered for their fairness. They will be so kind and merciful and good, that they will be a light in the dark for others who do the right thing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I sold an item on eBay that was going down the road to another city in Arkansas. I had charged $6.00 for Priority Mail shipping, but when I saw that the buyer lived so close by, I messaged her and suggested she pay about half that amount for First Class shipping, which will be just as fast and far less expensive. I didn’t have to do this… the buyer had seen the shipping price when she bid, and she was apparently more than willing to pay $6. In fact, I could have easily shipped the package for $3.25 and pocketed the extra money. And I will have to drive to the Post Office to purchase the First Class postage instead of printing a Priority Mail label at home. But this would have been neither fair nor right. I have to stop and ask myself, “How would I feel if someone did this to me?” (You can insert my selfrighteous pat on the back here!)
In the scheme of things, this may seem rather insignificant. But when we are less than fair and honest in small things, we have taken the first step into the darkness of dishonesty and bigger transgressions. I have seen the promises of this scripture passage play out over and again. When people take the high road and do what they know is right, honest, and fair, it matters… and God notices. When we honor God – even in the smallest of things – He blesses us and remembers our “good deeds.” Some call this the “favor of God” – and believe me, I want all I can get!
So I gladly shout praises to the LORD. I try my best to be honest and fair… to do the right thing, take the high road, and be kind and merciful toward others. I know that God will bless my efforts. He will show me favor and shower me with riches (not necessarily money – but wealth in many forms) and abundance I can’t even imagine. He will grant me mercy and kindness… and He will use me to shine His light for others to see. The best part of all of this is that what God does for me, He will gladly do for you, also. But you must do your part. You must operate in honesty and fairness, kindness and mercy, and do the right thing.
How are you operating these days? Are you honest, fair, and striving to do the right thing… even in small matters? Do you feel the favor of God on your life? Have you praised Him lately for blessing you and keeping you on course? Isn’t today a good day to do just that?!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! The LORD blesses everyone who worships him and gladly obeys his teachings. Their descendants will have great power in the land, because the LORD blesses all who do right. They will get rich and prosper and will always be remembered for their fairness. They will be so kind and merciful and good, that they will be a light in the dark for others who do the right thing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I sold an item on eBay that was going down the road to another city in Arkansas. I had charged $6.00 for Priority Mail shipping, but when I saw that the buyer lived so close by, I messaged her and suggested she pay about half that amount for First Class shipping, which will be just as fast and far less expensive. I didn’t have to do this… the buyer had seen the shipping price when she bid, and she was apparently more than willing to pay $6. In fact, I could have easily shipped the package for $3.25 and pocketed the extra money. And I will have to drive to the Post Office to purchase the First Class postage instead of printing a Priority Mail label at home. But this would have been neither fair nor right. I have to stop and ask myself, “How would I feel if someone did this to me?” (You can insert my selfrighteous pat on the back here!)
In the scheme of things, this may seem rather insignificant. But when we are less than fair and honest in small things, we have taken the first step into the darkness of dishonesty and bigger transgressions. I have seen the promises of this scripture passage play out over and again. When people take the high road and do what they know is right, honest, and fair, it matters… and God notices. When we honor God – even in the smallest of things – He blesses us and remembers our “good deeds.” Some call this the “favor of God” – and believe me, I want all I can get!
So I gladly shout praises to the LORD. I try my best to be honest and fair… to do the right thing, take the high road, and be kind and merciful toward others. I know that God will bless my efforts. He will show me favor and shower me with riches (not necessarily money – but wealth in many forms) and abundance I can’t even imagine. He will grant me mercy and kindness… and He will use me to shine His light for others to see. The best part of all of this is that what God does for me, He will gladly do for you, also. But you must do your part. You must operate in honesty and fairness, kindness and mercy, and do the right thing.
How are you operating these days? Are you honest, fair, and striving to do the right thing… even in small matters? Do you feel the favor of God on your life? Have you praised Him lately for blessing you and keeping you on course? Isn’t today a good day to do just that?!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 1, 2011
Proverbs 20:10
Switching price tags and padding the expense account are two things GOD hates.
The shopper says, "That's junk—I'll take it off your hands," then goes off boasting of the bargain.
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 you know much about me, you know that I have grown to love estate auctions/sales and garage sales. I “learned the ropes” from my mother-in-law… and also from a lot of practice! And I have gotten some really great things – often at a really great price! Yes, I guess I’m boasting of the bargain – but not in the way referred to in this scripture!
I’ve also learned a lot about being fair and honest. I’ve seen people strategically relocate items at auctions so that they will be sold cheaply in a box of “junk.” I’ve picked up an item that I knew was valuable and told the seller, “You’ve priced this too cheaply.” Don’t get me wrong… I love to get home with a box of goodies from an auction and find something really cool and valuable stuck inside that I purchased for a few pennies if those in charge knowingly grouped it as such. I will gladly pay a low price for an item at a sale if the seller says, “Yes, that really is the price I’m asking.”
But I will not intentionally deceive a seller. For starters, it’s dishonest… and secondly, it always comes back to bite you! I’ve learned that God rewards honesty… and more than once I have been blessed to purchase a good item for very little money and sell it for a huge return. As long as the seller is happy, I’m happy… and it has paid off for me over and again.
So how does this apply to all of us – even if we never attend a sale or auction? Every single day, there are opportunities for us to do the right thing. We can be honest with others about everything from “You gave me a $10 bill in change instead of one dollar” to claiming we didn’t foul the player, when we know full well we caught him/her with our hand… to giving your friend or an acquaintance a lame excuse instead of telling him/her you aren’t available or don’t want to do something. Fudging on your income tax returns, overbilling someone and hoping they don’t notice, and keeping quiet about the extra hamburger the server slipped into your sack by mistake at the drive-thru are all modern-day examples of padding the expense account/changing the price tags/boasting of a bargain. And God is not amused.
Stop and think about what you are doing each day. Are you honest in even the smallest of things? It may seem like such a silly, insignificant thing to switch a price tag or tuck a coveted item into a box at an auction. You may not feel it is worth your time to stop and tell the server that there’s an extra burger or taco in your sack. You may feel it is your lucky day when you are given a $10 bill by mistake for one dollar. But how you handle these situations directly correlates to how you handle bigger ones… how you live for Jesus in general.
What is your “bargain” of the day… are you boasting when you shouldn’t be? Isn’t it time to come clean and live in a way that pleases God… and leave the bargain and blessings dispensations to His discretion?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Switching price tags and padding the expense account are two things GOD hates.
The shopper says, "That's junk—I'll take it off your hands," then goes off boasting of the bargain.
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 you know much about me, you know that I have grown to love estate auctions/sales and garage sales. I “learned the ropes” from my mother-in-law… and also from a lot of practice! And I have gotten some really great things – often at a really great price! Yes, I guess I’m boasting of the bargain – but not in the way referred to in this scripture!
I’ve also learned a lot about being fair and honest. I’ve seen people strategically relocate items at auctions so that they will be sold cheaply in a box of “junk.” I’ve picked up an item that I knew was valuable and told the seller, “You’ve priced this too cheaply.” Don’t get me wrong… I love to get home with a box of goodies from an auction and find something really cool and valuable stuck inside that I purchased for a few pennies if those in charge knowingly grouped it as such. I will gladly pay a low price for an item at a sale if the seller says, “Yes, that really is the price I’m asking.”
But I will not intentionally deceive a seller. For starters, it’s dishonest… and secondly, it always comes back to bite you! I’ve learned that God rewards honesty… and more than once I have been blessed to purchase a good item for very little money and sell it for a huge return. As long as the seller is happy, I’m happy… and it has paid off for me over and again.
So how does this apply to all of us – even if we never attend a sale or auction? Every single day, there are opportunities for us to do the right thing. We can be honest with others about everything from “You gave me a $10 bill in change instead of one dollar” to claiming we didn’t foul the player, when we know full well we caught him/her with our hand… to giving your friend or an acquaintance a lame excuse instead of telling him/her you aren’t available or don’t want to do something. Fudging on your income tax returns, overbilling someone and hoping they don’t notice, and keeping quiet about the extra hamburger the server slipped into your sack by mistake at the drive-thru are all modern-day examples of padding the expense account/changing the price tags/boasting of a bargain. And God is not amused.
Stop and think about what you are doing each day. Are you honest in even the smallest of things? It may seem like such a silly, insignificant thing to switch a price tag or tuck a coveted item into a box at an auction. You may not feel it is worth your time to stop and tell the server that there’s an extra burger or taco in your sack. You may feel it is your lucky day when you are given a $10 bill by mistake for one dollar. But how you handle these situations directly correlates to how you handle bigger ones… how you live for Jesus in general.
What is your “bargain” of the day… are you boasting when you shouldn’t be? Isn’t it time to come clean and live in a way that pleases God… and leave the bargain and blessings dispensations to His discretion?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 15, 2010
Proverbs 11:12
It's stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I grew up in a very tightly-knit neighborhood. For the most part, we all loved each other like family… and some of us were! In a one-block radius from my house were the homes of my grandparents, my great-aunt, my cousins, and my “Aunt Martha” and her parents. And while not related by blood, the Bakers, Baileys, Mrs. Butler… and later – the Davises were very much extended family.
When I was a child, we were in and out of each other’s houses at all hours of the night and day. It was nothing for a next-door neighbor to appear in their pajamas and bathrobe during breakfast and sit down at our table – or to drop in for any other meal. We scarcely even knocked before entering and knew “the lay” of each other’s houses. When something would happen to one family, the others would join forces to offer support – or to celebrate.
But some of the neighbors feuded. One lady got upset, supposedly because another neighbor kept her shovel and hoe leaned against a shed in the yard. The lady thought it was unsightly… and she said so! Others were quick to point out what they deemed “eyesores” to the neighborhood… and to criticize and complain if something wasn’t to their liking.
All of this pettiness was silly… and it really did nothing except make the people involved look a little ridiculous. And I have to admit, many of the biases I struggle to overcome today are directly due to the influences of my youth. When the ladies sat in porch swings on summer evenings and talked about someone they didn’t like, I decided I didn’t like that person or family, either. When I overheard them belittle a certain person as “poor” or “low class,” I decided it must be true.
These were not bad people… I loved my wonderful neighbors. But they were misguided in their thinking and actions on more than one occasion - as human beings often are - and I was a child who was watching (and learning). And that is the lesson. Someone is watching US! Someone is learning from our words and actions. Someone is becoming bigoted or biased if we are demonstrating this. Someone is learning to dislike a certain group or class of people, if that’s what we show them. Someone is deciding that it’s okay to stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong and tell our friends and neighbors how to run their lives and even decorate their houses and yards, if that’s what they see us doing!
I will say this once again… people are watching… and they are looking to us as Christians and deciding whether or not they want to follow Jesus based on how we behave! Being a Christian carries a huge responsibility in this regard. When we consider that every word we speak… the tone in our voice… every action we demonstrate… can sway someone toward or away from Jesus Christ, then even feuding with your neighbor over a hoe and a shovel becomes a big deal - and stupid!
Just how sensible are you willing to be for Christ? Can you bite your tongue when necessary and keep quiet in the face of all sorts of challenges? Are you ready to go “whole hog” for your faith? Are you ready to be the real deal in every way and demonstrate love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, humility, compassion, and more toward those you encounter? Are you ready to really be the hands and feet of Jesus and set high standards for yourself and those around you? Just what sort of “neighbor” will you be? You never know who is watching!
©2010 Debbie Robus
It's stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I grew up in a very tightly-knit neighborhood. For the most part, we all loved each other like family… and some of us were! In a one-block radius from my house were the homes of my grandparents, my great-aunt, my cousins, and my “Aunt Martha” and her parents. And while not related by blood, the Bakers, Baileys, Mrs. Butler… and later – the Davises were very much extended family.
When I was a child, we were in and out of each other’s houses at all hours of the night and day. It was nothing for a next-door neighbor to appear in their pajamas and bathrobe during breakfast and sit down at our table – or to drop in for any other meal. We scarcely even knocked before entering and knew “the lay” of each other’s houses. When something would happen to one family, the others would join forces to offer support – or to celebrate.
But some of the neighbors feuded. One lady got upset, supposedly because another neighbor kept her shovel and hoe leaned against a shed in the yard. The lady thought it was unsightly… and she said so! Others were quick to point out what they deemed “eyesores” to the neighborhood… and to criticize and complain if something wasn’t to their liking.
All of this pettiness was silly… and it really did nothing except make the people involved look a little ridiculous. And I have to admit, many of the biases I struggle to overcome today are directly due to the influences of my youth. When the ladies sat in porch swings on summer evenings and talked about someone they didn’t like, I decided I didn’t like that person or family, either. When I overheard them belittle a certain person as “poor” or “low class,” I decided it must be true.
These were not bad people… I loved my wonderful neighbors. But they were misguided in their thinking and actions on more than one occasion - as human beings often are - and I was a child who was watching (and learning). And that is the lesson. Someone is watching US! Someone is learning from our words and actions. Someone is becoming bigoted or biased if we are demonstrating this. Someone is learning to dislike a certain group or class of people, if that’s what we show them. Someone is deciding that it’s okay to stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong and tell our friends and neighbors how to run their lives and even decorate their houses and yards, if that’s what they see us doing!
I will say this once again… people are watching… and they are looking to us as Christians and deciding whether or not they want to follow Jesus based on how we behave! Being a Christian carries a huge responsibility in this regard. When we consider that every word we speak… the tone in our voice… every action we demonstrate… can sway someone toward or away from Jesus Christ, then even feuding with your neighbor over a hoe and a shovel becomes a big deal - and stupid!
Just how sensible are you willing to be for Christ? Can you bite your tongue when necessary and keep quiet in the face of all sorts of challenges? Are you ready to go “whole hog” for your faith? Are you ready to be the real deal in every way and demonstrate love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, humility, compassion, and more toward those you encounter? Are you ready to really be the hands and feet of Jesus and set high standards for yourself and those around you? Just what sort of “neighbor” will you be? You never know who is watching!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 11, 2010
Proverbs 11:3
If you do the right thing, honesty will be your guide. But if you are crooked, you will be trapped by your own dishonesty.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I saw an HGTV show about a young couple who had purchased their first home, but it had some “issues.” They called in an expert, who promptly discovered that the problems were very serious. One entire wall was pulling away from the studs, the wiring was worse than sub-standard, and there was mold and leaky pipes that were causing a ceiling to cave in and risk total collapse.
The young homeowner said, “I had the house inspected before we purchased it, and the inspector said everything was okay. Maybe I should have researched inspectors a little more. Someone said this guy was a good one… but obviously, he wasn’t.” In the end, the host of the HGTV show resolved all of the construction issues… even tearing out a lot of the walls, wiring and plumbing and starting over in many instances.
I don’t know if the dishonest… and certainly disreputable… inspector was ever prosecuted for this shoddy work. But I feel certain that somewhere down the line, his dishonesty will trap him. My dad was involved in building construction, and I know that doing things right the first time might take a little longer and cost a little more… and it might even cut into the builder’s profits a bit. But taking shortcuts and operating any other way is nothing but a trap that can lead to disaster at some point.
And so it is in our daily living. Our “little white lies” may seem harmless at the time, but in the end, they pile up like the kindling to start a campfire… and when we least expect it, they ignite and blow up in our face. Choosing the wrong guide… listening to friends and acquaintances or anyone who tells us “It won’t hurt anything/anyone” or “Nobody will ever know”… sets us up for destruction.
Choose your guides wisely. Choose the ultimate Guide… and follow His advice. Do the right thing… always… according to God’s will, and your “house” will always be well constructed and in good condition.
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you do the right thing, honesty will be your guide. But if you are crooked, you will be trapped by your own dishonesty.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I saw an HGTV show about a young couple who had purchased their first home, but it had some “issues.” They called in an expert, who promptly discovered that the problems were very serious. One entire wall was pulling away from the studs, the wiring was worse than sub-standard, and there was mold and leaky pipes that were causing a ceiling to cave in and risk total collapse.
The young homeowner said, “I had the house inspected before we purchased it, and the inspector said everything was okay. Maybe I should have researched inspectors a little more. Someone said this guy was a good one… but obviously, he wasn’t.” In the end, the host of the HGTV show resolved all of the construction issues… even tearing out a lot of the walls, wiring and plumbing and starting over in many instances.
I don’t know if the dishonest… and certainly disreputable… inspector was ever prosecuted for this shoddy work. But I feel certain that somewhere down the line, his dishonesty will trap him. My dad was involved in building construction, and I know that doing things right the first time might take a little longer and cost a little more… and it might even cut into the builder’s profits a bit. But taking shortcuts and operating any other way is nothing but a trap that can lead to disaster at some point.
And so it is in our daily living. Our “little white lies” may seem harmless at the time, but in the end, they pile up like the kindling to start a campfire… and when we least expect it, they ignite and blow up in our face. Choosing the wrong guide… listening to friends and acquaintances or anyone who tells us “It won’t hurt anything/anyone” or “Nobody will ever know”… sets us up for destruction.
Choose your guides wisely. Choose the ultimate Guide… and follow His advice. Do the right thing… always… according to God’s will, and your “house” will always be well constructed and in good condition.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 9, 2010
Proverbs 12:22
The LORD hates every liar, but he is the friend of all who can be trusted.
Proverbs 19:22
What matters most is loyalty. It's better to be poor than to be a liar.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever had to make a hard decision about being truthful, you know how gut-wrenching it can be. In your heart, you may know that covering for your boss/coach/best friend/family member would make things more pleasant. But at the same time, you know that this is not what God would have you do. And believe me, God understands that you find yourself in a pickle!
I can tell you from personal experience that choosing the truth will be the best decision. I know of a teacher who was asked to lie and say that he was certified to teach a certain course so that the school would not get into trouble with the state evaluators. He was told that to be honest would mean he would be fired. Now, I seriously doubt the principal could have really accomplished this without some more lies to trump up charges on this teacher for a “just cause” dismissal. But the threat was strong enough to scare the teacher into feeling trapped. Ultimately, the teacher chose to be honest… and find a new job in a new school district. And you know what? The teacher reports that this new job is far better than the one he left!
I know other people who have been told to do something deceptive or dishonest or be kicked off a team… or lose their job. I’ve told the truth and been cut off from a circle of “friends” and activities. I refused to go along with something dishonest when I was in high school, so my classmates blackballed my sister and didn’t elect her to participate on the sophomore service team for our prom. Then they wanted me to ask her to come to prom anyway and play the piano to accompany someone who was singing. We refused. My classmates were astonished that I would not be party to this, but it was the right thing to do, and my sister appreciated that I stood up for her.
As an adult, I’ve experienced the good and bad ends of truth and lies… and you will, too. There have been times when I have told the truth and answered honestly, and it “cost” me. People lie about all sorts of things, such as finances and physical needs/ailments in order to “play the system.” But in the end, this will catch up with them. I know there are people who even lie in order to get the church to help them… and the church does this… but GOD knows the truth, and we will have to answer to Him someday for all of this.
One of the best assets you will ever have is your honesty and moral character. Do not compromise this reputation with even the smallest “white lie.” Be poor before you will be dishonest. Be cut off from “friends” before you will lie or cheat for them. Trust that God will bless your efforts and see you through the rough times… value His friendship and approval above all else, and always be His loyal servant.
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD hates every liar, but he is the friend of all who can be trusted.
Proverbs 19:22
What matters most is loyalty. It's better to be poor than to be a liar.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever had to make a hard decision about being truthful, you know how gut-wrenching it can be. In your heart, you may know that covering for your boss/coach/best friend/family member would make things more pleasant. But at the same time, you know that this is not what God would have you do. And believe me, God understands that you find yourself in a pickle!
I can tell you from personal experience that choosing the truth will be the best decision. I know of a teacher who was asked to lie and say that he was certified to teach a certain course so that the school would not get into trouble with the state evaluators. He was told that to be honest would mean he would be fired. Now, I seriously doubt the principal could have really accomplished this without some more lies to trump up charges on this teacher for a “just cause” dismissal. But the threat was strong enough to scare the teacher into feeling trapped. Ultimately, the teacher chose to be honest… and find a new job in a new school district. And you know what? The teacher reports that this new job is far better than the one he left!
I know other people who have been told to do something deceptive or dishonest or be kicked off a team… or lose their job. I’ve told the truth and been cut off from a circle of “friends” and activities. I refused to go along with something dishonest when I was in high school, so my classmates blackballed my sister and didn’t elect her to participate on the sophomore service team for our prom. Then they wanted me to ask her to come to prom anyway and play the piano to accompany someone who was singing. We refused. My classmates were astonished that I would not be party to this, but it was the right thing to do, and my sister appreciated that I stood up for her.
As an adult, I’ve experienced the good and bad ends of truth and lies… and you will, too. There have been times when I have told the truth and answered honestly, and it “cost” me. People lie about all sorts of things, such as finances and physical needs/ailments in order to “play the system.” But in the end, this will catch up with them. I know there are people who even lie in order to get the church to help them… and the church does this… but GOD knows the truth, and we will have to answer to Him someday for all of this.
One of the best assets you will ever have is your honesty and moral character. Do not compromise this reputation with even the smallest “white lie.” Be poor before you will be dishonest. Be cut off from “friends” before you will lie or cheat for them. Trust that God will bless your efforts and see you through the rough times… value His friendship and approval above all else, and always be His loyal servant.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)