September 9 ~ John 3:27-30
John answered, “It’s not possible
for a person to succeed—I’m talking about eternal success—without
heaven’s help. You yourselves were there when I made it public that I
was not the Messiah but simply the one sent ahead of him to get things
ready. The one who gets the bride is, by definition, the bridegroom. And
the bridegroom’s friend, his ‘best man’—that’s me—in place at his side
where he can hear every word, is genuinely happy. How could he be
jealous when he knows that the wedding is finished and the marriage is
off to a good start?
“That’s why my cup is running over. This is
the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to
the sidelines.
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.
During the Sunday
school lesson last week for second and third graders, I mentioned my
brother Tim, who died almost 18 years ago. It was like a light bulb
went on in Timothy’s head, and he said, “OH! So Uncle Tim was named for
ME?” I smiled and explained that it was the other way around…that
Uncle Tim was here first. This was logical thinking for a
seven-year-old. Little children tend to believe that the world revolves
around them. And I will have to say that most of the time, Timothy is
unusually empathetic for his age. Still…every child has his/her moments.
You
and I are no longer children. We cannot afford the “luxury” of selfish
thinking…much less the assumption that “we’ve got this” by ourselves.
There is no way that we can navigate “life” on our own for even the
shortest amount of time. And if you believe differently, you are in for
some pretty big heartaches and disappointments.
A friend shared a
post on Facebook that started off, “Imagine getting to heaven and
hearing God say”…and then “God” described how thought of us before we
were born…laid out plans for us and prepared the way. “God” noted how He
gave us time to accomplish these goals and supplied us with the Holy
Spirit to guide and protect us…and provided us with missions and
opportunities to fulfill them. And then it ends with “Let’s talk about
how that all went.”
Too many of us want to have Jesus and the
Holy Spirit in our hip pocket…but we still want the spotlight. We want
it to be all about us…about our needs and desires. We spend our lives
asking, “Is it fun? Will I enjoy this? Will it make me happy? What
about ME?” And the truth is…it’s not about us at all. There’s an old
hymn – “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” - that says, “Thou are the potter, I
am the clay.” Jesus is the bridegroom…you and I are just the
“bridesmaids and groomsmen.” Our job is to support Him…to fulfill His
plans and missions…to step aside and bask in the rays of His limelight.
A
little self-absorption is cute when you are a child…but it is in no way
an attractive quality in adults…especially people who are supposed to
represent Jesus. Humility, servitude, and the desire to keep Christ
front and center are hallmarks of a faithful Christian disciple. It may
never be “your turn” or “about you”…and that’s okay. When Jesus is
given top priority, all other things fall into place as He designed.
THIS is what truly matters!
When God has the talk with you
about “how things went,” what will you have to say for yourself? Have
you stepped aside and given Jesus the spotlight? Or are you still
fighting to get off the sidelines and take center stage? How you answer
makes all the difference…both now and for all eternity. Where are you standing today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label ego. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ego. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 24, 2015
Proverbs 26:12
There is more hope for a fool
than for someone who says,
“I’m really smart!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, my mother would make tuna casserole for us when my dad was away on business. Daddy did not like tuna casserole…or fish sticks…and I loved both. So it was a rare treat to have either one. I find that I make a lot of the dishes from my childhood for Timothy, Zola and Nathan. I suppose that I am carrying on the tradition - and perpetuating fond memories from my own childhood.
So one day, I made a tuna casserole as lunch for Nathan, Greg and me. It was very simple…a basic cream sauce, mini bow-tie pasta, some frozen “English” peas, and a can of sliced carrots…plus a couple of cans of drained tuna. After I mixed all of this together, I added American cheese. I was running short on time, so I did not bake this dish like my mother did (complete with crushed potato chips on top for texture – and fun!), but I let the “flavors” melt and blend together a little before serving. Can’t you just feel the love?!
Nathan eagerly plowed into his plate of pasta…and he meticulously picked out every single bow-tie and ate them. He ate the creamy sauce and tuna that clung to the noodles…but just as carefully, he left a pile of green peas and carrots. Then he declared, “I’m done!” “No,” I told him…”you have not finished.” “Yes, I have!” he protested. I insisted he needed to eat his peas and carrots. “But I don’t ‘wike’ them,” he said. “They’re yukky!” I argued that he had eaten peas and carrots countless times…that he LOVED them. He insisted he did not.
I told Nathan that he could not have anything else to eat – or get down from the counter – until he finished his lunch. So I got a spoon and presented him with some peas and carrots and said, “Just try one bite.” Reluctantly – and with much fanfare and drama – this stubborn 3-year-old tried the vegetables. And he looked at me with great surprise and delight and said, “Hey! These aren’t yukky! They taste GOOD!” He began to shovel in the peas and carrots…and every few bites, he would say, “This is so GOOD!” And then he had another helping of the casserole!
There are a lot of things that three-year-olds say they don’t like – and haven’t even tried. Life is full of seemingly “yukky” things when we are young. But if we are still operating like this at our ages, there is a problem. Assuming that we “know it all” is not only incorrect…it often makes us look incredibly foolish.
Too many people are spouting off these days without all the facts…speaking what is their “truth” rather than God’s…and trying to appear smarter than the rest of us. In reality, they are looking rather foolish and hurting other people…AND their “Christian” witness. As a friend of mine so eloquently asked, “Why do people presume to speak for God?” Understand her question…she is not suggesting that God can’t use us to share His message with others. What she means is…why do we feel entitled to put our own spin on things?
I’m reminded of the question asked of Jesus in Luke 20:2, where the chief priests, the teachers, and the nation’s leaders “asked him, “What right do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?’” In other words…”Who died and made you King?” Read this chapter of Luke for yourself to see how Jesus responded with a question they could not answer…at least not without incriminating themselves. The point is that we are often just as immature as a three-year-old who declares his food to be “yukky”…and we usually look just about as foolish!
It’s time for us to check ourselves…to see where we are acting more than a little high and mighty…and damaging our Christian witness in the process. Where are we coming off as “know-it-alls” about everything from social issues to scripture interpretation to how much everyone loves and adores us? Where are we looking more foolish than a toddler? Isn’t it time we opened our hearts, minds, eyes and ears and heard from God before we declared ourselves to be “King?” Will this be the day that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
There is more hope for a fool
than for someone who says,
“I’m really smart!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, my mother would make tuna casserole for us when my dad was away on business. Daddy did not like tuna casserole…or fish sticks…and I loved both. So it was a rare treat to have either one. I find that I make a lot of the dishes from my childhood for Timothy, Zola and Nathan. I suppose that I am carrying on the tradition - and perpetuating fond memories from my own childhood.
So one day, I made a tuna casserole as lunch for Nathan, Greg and me. It was very simple…a basic cream sauce, mini bow-tie pasta, some frozen “English” peas, and a can of sliced carrots…plus a couple of cans of drained tuna. After I mixed all of this together, I added American cheese. I was running short on time, so I did not bake this dish like my mother did (complete with crushed potato chips on top for texture – and fun!), but I let the “flavors” melt and blend together a little before serving. Can’t you just feel the love?!
Nathan eagerly plowed into his plate of pasta…and he meticulously picked out every single bow-tie and ate them. He ate the creamy sauce and tuna that clung to the noodles…but just as carefully, he left a pile of green peas and carrots. Then he declared, “I’m done!” “No,” I told him…”you have not finished.” “Yes, I have!” he protested. I insisted he needed to eat his peas and carrots. “But I don’t ‘wike’ them,” he said. “They’re yukky!” I argued that he had eaten peas and carrots countless times…that he LOVED them. He insisted he did not.
I told Nathan that he could not have anything else to eat – or get down from the counter – until he finished his lunch. So I got a spoon and presented him with some peas and carrots and said, “Just try one bite.” Reluctantly – and with much fanfare and drama – this stubborn 3-year-old tried the vegetables. And he looked at me with great surprise and delight and said, “Hey! These aren’t yukky! They taste GOOD!” He began to shovel in the peas and carrots…and every few bites, he would say, “This is so GOOD!” And then he had another helping of the casserole!
There are a lot of things that three-year-olds say they don’t like – and haven’t even tried. Life is full of seemingly “yukky” things when we are young. But if we are still operating like this at our ages, there is a problem. Assuming that we “know it all” is not only incorrect…it often makes us look incredibly foolish.
Too many people are spouting off these days without all the facts…speaking what is their “truth” rather than God’s…and trying to appear smarter than the rest of us. In reality, they are looking rather foolish and hurting other people…AND their “Christian” witness. As a friend of mine so eloquently asked, “Why do people presume to speak for God?” Understand her question…she is not suggesting that God can’t use us to share His message with others. What she means is…why do we feel entitled to put our own spin on things?
I’m reminded of the question asked of Jesus in Luke 20:2, where the chief priests, the teachers, and the nation’s leaders “asked him, “What right do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?’” In other words…”Who died and made you King?” Read this chapter of Luke for yourself to see how Jesus responded with a question they could not answer…at least not without incriminating themselves. The point is that we are often just as immature as a three-year-old who declares his food to be “yukky”…and we usually look just about as foolish!
It’s time for us to check ourselves…to see where we are acting more than a little high and mighty…and damaging our Christian witness in the process. Where are we coming off as “know-it-alls” about everything from social issues to scripture interpretation to how much everyone loves and adores us? Where are we looking more foolish than a toddler? Isn’t it time we opened our hearts, minds, eyes and ears and heard from God before we declared ourselves to be “King?” Will this be the day that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 26, 2015
Mark 12:28-31
One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, “What is the most important commandment?”
Jesus answered, “The most important one says: ‘People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is more important than these.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched national news at all in recent months (or any time, for that matter), you have heard reporters ask someone – especially politicians – a direct question…and the person replies with an answer that is totally about something else. Sometimes, the reporters will even ask…”Why won’t you answer my question?” And the short answer is that the politician or other person doesn’t want to address that particular issue. They want to divert attention and make the discussion about something else entirely.
So when the religious scholar asked Jesus to list the most important commandment, it’s likely he thought that Jesus would change the subject…or redirect the conversation to something else. But Jesus boldly and clearly answered. He made no bones about telling everyone within earshot that we only have one Lord and God…that the most important commandment is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He added that the second most important commandment is to love others as much as we love ourselves.
I’d say Jesus knows us pretty well, doesn’t He? Jesus knows that 99.9% of us operate in the “What’s-in-it-for-me?” realm…and He clearly told us that the Number One question is supposed to be “What’s-in-it-for-God?”…followed closely by “What can I do for the other guy?” So we have some work to do! It’s not exactly easy to shift the focus from ourselves sometimes. And the devil will do everything he can to see that we stay bogged down in selfish thinking.
But I have learned that the more I focus on God…the more I focus on myself. The more I love Him and seek ways to hear from Him and to serve Him…the less I care about whether I get anything out of it or not. I’m not totally “there” yet…but I’m working hard to get closer. When our focus is on loving God…loving others is easier - and there is no need to change the subject. Who is on your heart and mind today…and what is the Number One commandment for YOU?
©2015 Debbie Robus
One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, “What is the most important commandment?”
Jesus answered, “The most important one says: ‘People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.’ The second most important commandment says: ‘Love others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is more important than these.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched national news at all in recent months (or any time, for that matter), you have heard reporters ask someone – especially politicians – a direct question…and the person replies with an answer that is totally about something else. Sometimes, the reporters will even ask…”Why won’t you answer my question?” And the short answer is that the politician or other person doesn’t want to address that particular issue. They want to divert attention and make the discussion about something else entirely.
So when the religious scholar asked Jesus to list the most important commandment, it’s likely he thought that Jesus would change the subject…or redirect the conversation to something else. But Jesus boldly and clearly answered. He made no bones about telling everyone within earshot that we only have one Lord and God…that the most important commandment is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. He added that the second most important commandment is to love others as much as we love ourselves.
I’d say Jesus knows us pretty well, doesn’t He? Jesus knows that 99.9% of us operate in the “What’s-in-it-for-me?” realm…and He clearly told us that the Number One question is supposed to be “What’s-in-it-for-God?”…followed closely by “What can I do for the other guy?” So we have some work to do! It’s not exactly easy to shift the focus from ourselves sometimes. And the devil will do everything he can to see that we stay bogged down in selfish thinking.
But I have learned that the more I focus on God…the more I focus on myself. The more I love Him and seek ways to hear from Him and to serve Him…the less I care about whether I get anything out of it or not. I’m not totally “there” yet…but I’m working hard to get closer. When our focus is on loving God…loving others is easier - and there is no need to change the subject. Who is on your heart and mind today…and what is the Number One commandment for YOU?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 1, 2015
Proverbs 18:12
Pride ends in destruction; humility ends in honor.
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 was working a little jigsaw puzzle with Nathan and Zola, and they were having trouble putting the pieces together. Four-year-old Zola was more patient. She would even accept my suggestions about how to turn a puzzle piece…or the gentle reminder that “I don’t think that piece fits there.” Nathan, who is not quite three, threw up his hands and walked away. This was actually Nathan’s puzzle…a picture of one of his favorite characters – Spiderman! He missed out on most of the fun of watching this superhero come together as we worked in tandem to finish the puzzle.
Frequently, children get frustrated as they try to figure out how to manipulate their toys or games. And when an adult offers to help, they often protest…”I can do it myself! I don’t need any help.” Generally, the child ends up coming to the adult at some point and asking, “Can you help me?” or “Will you fix this?”
Man! Are we ever like these little kids sometimes! It’s “our way or the highway!” We know what we are doing…and our opinion is the only one that counts – until we discover that there was more to the story - or that another point of view actually does make more sense. Or we decide that we can NOT handle whatever issue/challenge is before us…and the person who so gently and kindly offered to help might actually want to assist and have no “hidden agenda.” Rather than suspect an ulterior motive, maybe we should humbly accept their offer!
Some of us will remain steadfast and stubborn…and “let the chips fall where they may” – which is often nothing short of a train wreck. Others figure out that a little “humble pie” is a good thing from time to time…and maybe we are not always right. It might just be possible that we don’t have all of the answers – or know how to do everything under the sun.
I don’t know where you fall on this spectrum…but I do know Someone who can help you figure this out…and His name is Jesus. Call on Him today, and ask Him to show you where your pride has gotten in the way. Ask Jesus to help you see where you have a hardened and stubborn heart…and where you could use a little assistance from a friend or loved one.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from anyone – especially Jesus. It’s time to end the wallowing in pride, destruction and self-service. Make this the day that you humble yourself and start to really enjoy all of God’s blessings. Will you have a dollop of ice cream with that slice of “pie?”
©2015 Debbie Robus
Pride ends in destruction; humility ends in honor.
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 was working a little jigsaw puzzle with Nathan and Zola, and they were having trouble putting the pieces together. Four-year-old Zola was more patient. She would even accept my suggestions about how to turn a puzzle piece…or the gentle reminder that “I don’t think that piece fits there.” Nathan, who is not quite three, threw up his hands and walked away. This was actually Nathan’s puzzle…a picture of one of his favorite characters – Spiderman! He missed out on most of the fun of watching this superhero come together as we worked in tandem to finish the puzzle.
Frequently, children get frustrated as they try to figure out how to manipulate their toys or games. And when an adult offers to help, they often protest…”I can do it myself! I don’t need any help.” Generally, the child ends up coming to the adult at some point and asking, “Can you help me?” or “Will you fix this?”
Man! Are we ever like these little kids sometimes! It’s “our way or the highway!” We know what we are doing…and our opinion is the only one that counts – until we discover that there was more to the story - or that another point of view actually does make more sense. Or we decide that we can NOT handle whatever issue/challenge is before us…and the person who so gently and kindly offered to help might actually want to assist and have no “hidden agenda.” Rather than suspect an ulterior motive, maybe we should humbly accept their offer!
Some of us will remain steadfast and stubborn…and “let the chips fall where they may” – which is often nothing short of a train wreck. Others figure out that a little “humble pie” is a good thing from time to time…and maybe we are not always right. It might just be possible that we don’t have all of the answers – or know how to do everything under the sun.
I don’t know where you fall on this spectrum…but I do know Someone who can help you figure this out…and His name is Jesus. Call on Him today, and ask Him to show you where your pride has gotten in the way. Ask Jesus to help you see where you have a hardened and stubborn heart…and where you could use a little assistance from a friend or loved one.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from anyone – especially Jesus. It’s time to end the wallowing in pride, destruction and self-service. Make this the day that you humble yourself and start to really enjoy all of God’s blessings. Will you have a dollop of ice cream with that slice of “pie?”
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 20, 2015
June 20 ~ Luke 17:28-30
“It was the same in the time of Lot—the people carrying on, having a good time, business as usual right up to the day Lot walked out of Sodom and a firestorm swept down and burned everything to a crisp. That’s how it will be—sudden, total—when the Son of Man is revealed."
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 have to admit…the massacre of nine people at the “Mother Emmanuel” A.M.E. church in Charleston, South Carolina last Wednesday evening has caused a major shift in my thinking…and not in the way you might think. I had grown comfortable – and complacent – in a particular area of my faith. Sure, I love Jesus…and He is front and center (most of the time) in my thoughts and actions. Yes, I am certain that Heaven will be my eternal home…that my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life…and that God is guiding my steps (though He may occasionally wring his hands and ask, “What on earth is she thinking?!”)
The much-needed “jolt” that this tragic event of June 17th provided for me is a reminder of 1) how precarious and temporary this life is, and 2) Who is really in control! See, while I am ready for heaven in many ways, I realized that I have held subconscious thoughts that nothing will happen to me, because I still have work to do on this earth. There are family members to nurture and care for…there are dozens of “important” projects to complete. I have photos to scan and devos to write and children to drive to swim lessons and VBS… and so many more “important” things to accomplish! But this week, I’ve very clearly felt God showing me that I am indeed important to Him…but I am not indispensible. In other words, there is nothing about me that makes me more special than anyone else…more extraordinary…or more useful.
So when I saw a state senator and pastor swept to heaven in the middle of a sermon, I knew that the Son of Man can be revealed to any of us in a heartbeat. When I learned that a young man who just graduated from college has “graduated” to heaven…I realized that the plans we have cannot hold a candle to those of God. When I heard about the seven other church members who nurtured a hate-filled, angry, malicious young man for more than an hour – and he shot them dead anyway…I realized that when God is ready for me, there won’t be a thing that I can do about it. And more importantly - I won’t want to!
So I am looking at my life through a new lens…and I encourage you to do the same. I am thinking more about every word and action…because they might be my last. Did I offer kindness and a word from God to a would-be killer…or more likely, to someone so mired in depression or difficulties that he/she was facing a mental or emotional breakdown and considering suicide? Did I waste time checking social media or watching a dumb reality TV show instead of playing with my little niece and nephews…doing something with my husband or other loved ones…or visiting someone who is sick, grieving or lonely? Did I pay close enough attention to the people around me…both those I know and love – and those I’ve merely shared space with at the grocery check-out line, passed in a hallway at church, or swam next to at the community pool?
Have my comments on social media been kind and reflected God’s word and will? Have I taken advantage of the minutes/hours/days/weeks/years that God has granted me on this earth? Have I been like Lot…so busy carrying on and having a good time that I didn’t see the firestorm that was brewing…or recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life? If you and I were staring down the barrel of a gun as we attended a Bible study or prayer meeting – and given a moment to reflect before the trigger was pulled – what would we be the focal point of our last thoughts?
Are you ready for heaven? Are you aware that the time of your departure is NOT your decision to make…and are you truly at peace with this? We have seen this week that even the most faithful among us are not indispensible when God is ready for us to sit at Jesus’ feet. When our perspective shifts and we change our attitude, we can start to really make the most of the time that we have left – and the blessings that God has given us. I know I plan to…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“It was the same in the time of Lot—the people carrying on, having a good time, business as usual right up to the day Lot walked out of Sodom and a firestorm swept down and burned everything to a crisp. That’s how it will be—sudden, total—when the Son of Man is revealed."
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 have to admit…the massacre of nine people at the “Mother Emmanuel” A.M.E. church in Charleston, South Carolina last Wednesday evening has caused a major shift in my thinking…and not in the way you might think. I had grown comfortable – and complacent – in a particular area of my faith. Sure, I love Jesus…and He is front and center (most of the time) in my thoughts and actions. Yes, I am certain that Heaven will be my eternal home…that my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life…and that God is guiding my steps (though He may occasionally wring his hands and ask, “What on earth is she thinking?!”)
The much-needed “jolt” that this tragic event of June 17th provided for me is a reminder of 1) how precarious and temporary this life is, and 2) Who is really in control! See, while I am ready for heaven in many ways, I realized that I have held subconscious thoughts that nothing will happen to me, because I still have work to do on this earth. There are family members to nurture and care for…there are dozens of “important” projects to complete. I have photos to scan and devos to write and children to drive to swim lessons and VBS… and so many more “important” things to accomplish! But this week, I’ve very clearly felt God showing me that I am indeed important to Him…but I am not indispensible. In other words, there is nothing about me that makes me more special than anyone else…more extraordinary…or more useful.
So when I saw a state senator and pastor swept to heaven in the middle of a sermon, I knew that the Son of Man can be revealed to any of us in a heartbeat. When I learned that a young man who just graduated from college has “graduated” to heaven…I realized that the plans we have cannot hold a candle to those of God. When I heard about the seven other church members who nurtured a hate-filled, angry, malicious young man for more than an hour – and he shot them dead anyway…I realized that when God is ready for me, there won’t be a thing that I can do about it. And more importantly - I won’t want to!
So I am looking at my life through a new lens…and I encourage you to do the same. I am thinking more about every word and action…because they might be my last. Did I offer kindness and a word from God to a would-be killer…or more likely, to someone so mired in depression or difficulties that he/she was facing a mental or emotional breakdown and considering suicide? Did I waste time checking social media or watching a dumb reality TV show instead of playing with my little niece and nephews…doing something with my husband or other loved ones…or visiting someone who is sick, grieving or lonely? Did I pay close enough attention to the people around me…both those I know and love – and those I’ve merely shared space with at the grocery check-out line, passed in a hallway at church, or swam next to at the community pool?
Have my comments on social media been kind and reflected God’s word and will? Have I taken advantage of the minutes/hours/days/weeks/years that God has granted me on this earth? Have I been like Lot…so busy carrying on and having a good time that I didn’t see the firestorm that was brewing…or recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life? If you and I were staring down the barrel of a gun as we attended a Bible study or prayer meeting – and given a moment to reflect before the trigger was pulled – what would we be the focal point of our last thoughts?
Are you ready for heaven? Are you aware that the time of your departure is NOT your decision to make…and are you truly at peace with this? We have seen this week that even the most faithful among us are not indispensible when God is ready for us to sit at Jesus’ feet. When our perspective shifts and we change our attitude, we can start to really make the most of the time that we have left – and the blessings that God has given us. I know I plan to…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 26, 2015
Jeremiah 9:23-24
The Lord says:
Don’t brag about your wisdom
or strength or wealth.
If you feel you must brag,
then have enough sense
to brag about worshiping me,
the Lord.
What I like best
is showing kindness,
justice, and mercy
to everyone on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On the rare occasion that I am sick and need a doctor, I don’t mind seeing his/her diplomas hanging on the wall. It doesn’t bother me to know what schools this person attended – or that they belong to an honor society or even a fraternity or sorority. But what I really want to know is whether this person knows what he/she is doing with regard to my health. So I ask questions…I “shop around” and ask others what their experience was like with this physician. I listen in the clinic and the ER to the chatter of nurses and other staff and note when they readily volunteer, “He/she is good! You will be well cared for"...and I note when the references are NOT so glowing!
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter to me what color or gender a doctor is…his/her country of origin…and most certainly his/her sexual orientation, economic level, or political preferences. All I care about are: 1) is he/she knowledgeable about medicine and how to treat my condition, and 2) whether this care can be administered with kindness, concern, and a decent bedside manner!
And so it is for us in our fellowship with God. He wants us to have a profound knowledge of Him and His word - and such an intimate relationship and communion with His Holy Spirit - that we exude confidence, hope and courage in our daily living. He wants us to operate with a good “bedside manner” toward others. God wants us to dispense kindness, justice and mercy to everyone…just as He gives these things to us. When we demonstrate these things rather than bravado or our own narcissism, God draws nearer to us…and we feel His presence and peace.
When you boil it all down, nothing in life is all about us. We are merely God’s vehicles to deliver love, grace, mercy, kindness, wisdom, forgiveness and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to others. When we get caught up in how wonderful we are or what we have accomplished, we essentially shove God into a closet and press against the door...and nobody benefits. Will this be the day that you open that door and usher God to the forefront? Will this be the day that you start to consider the other guy more than yourself…and in doing so, truly feel God’s presence? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
The Lord says:
Don’t brag about your wisdom
or strength or wealth.
If you feel you must brag,
then have enough sense
to brag about worshiping me,
the Lord.
What I like best
is showing kindness,
justice, and mercy
to everyone on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On the rare occasion that I am sick and need a doctor, I don’t mind seeing his/her diplomas hanging on the wall. It doesn’t bother me to know what schools this person attended – or that they belong to an honor society or even a fraternity or sorority. But what I really want to know is whether this person knows what he/she is doing with regard to my health. So I ask questions…I “shop around” and ask others what their experience was like with this physician. I listen in the clinic and the ER to the chatter of nurses and other staff and note when they readily volunteer, “He/she is good! You will be well cared for"...and I note when the references are NOT so glowing!
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter to me what color or gender a doctor is…his/her country of origin…and most certainly his/her sexual orientation, economic level, or political preferences. All I care about are: 1) is he/she knowledgeable about medicine and how to treat my condition, and 2) whether this care can be administered with kindness, concern, and a decent bedside manner!
And so it is for us in our fellowship with God. He wants us to have a profound knowledge of Him and His word - and such an intimate relationship and communion with His Holy Spirit - that we exude confidence, hope and courage in our daily living. He wants us to operate with a good “bedside manner” toward others. God wants us to dispense kindness, justice and mercy to everyone…just as He gives these things to us. When we demonstrate these things rather than bravado or our own narcissism, God draws nearer to us…and we feel His presence and peace.
When you boil it all down, nothing in life is all about us. We are merely God’s vehicles to deliver love, grace, mercy, kindness, wisdom, forgiveness and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to others. When we get caught up in how wonderful we are or what we have accomplished, we essentially shove God into a closet and press against the door...and nobody benefits. Will this be the day that you open that door and usher God to the forefront? Will this be the day that you start to consider the other guy more than yourself…and in doing so, truly feel God’s presence? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 8, 2014
Matthew 2:1-4
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
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.
Greg and I watched a sitcom recently in which a teenager found himself caught in a lie. His older sister convinced him that the best way to get out of it was to tell even BIGGER lies until people began to buy into the story and believe them to be truthful. Of course, this ultimately backfired, and the boy had to “come clean” about what had really happened.
Every single one of us has heard some news that had us scrambling to find out the details…to ask around and “get the skinny” on what was really going to happen. At the heart of the matter, we wanted to know what effect it would have on our own lives. Would this be good news for us…or bad news? When things are rocking along pretty well in our world, we don’t like to think about a change…especially one that might cause us some trouble!
Hopefully, such news has never left us terrified…at least not for the same reasons as Herod! Most assuredly, let’s hope that we never believe that the way to correct misinformation is with more untruths. At the heart of the matter, Herod was operating in fear and pride. His ego would not allow him to consider another king…not even one sent from God. So when he heard news that the Messiah had been born, all he could think about was figuring out a way to find Him and kill Him – or to convince his soldiers to do this! Now that’s some fear and pride at work!
I would hope that none of us plots evil things to cover our own sins – or to deal with our fears and the things that we believe will disrupt life as we know it! But just in case, let me leave you with this thought. Jesus is the light of the world. He tells us in John 10:10 that “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” There is nothing to fear about Jesus! With Him, ALL things are possible.
When a sense of fear or dread comes upon you, remember the Good News of Jesus Christ. Say a prayer and ask Him to help you squarely face whatever is in your path…and to give you wisdom and faith as you follow His lead. Like Herod and the “scholars”, we have two paths from which to choose. Make the right decision…follow Jesus, the King of Kings! Worship Him and walk in His ways, and you’ll never have to worry about the outcome.
©2014 Debbie Robus
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
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.
Greg and I watched a sitcom recently in which a teenager found himself caught in a lie. His older sister convinced him that the best way to get out of it was to tell even BIGGER lies until people began to buy into the story and believe them to be truthful. Of course, this ultimately backfired, and the boy had to “come clean” about what had really happened.
Every single one of us has heard some news that had us scrambling to find out the details…to ask around and “get the skinny” on what was really going to happen. At the heart of the matter, we wanted to know what effect it would have on our own lives. Would this be good news for us…or bad news? When things are rocking along pretty well in our world, we don’t like to think about a change…especially one that might cause us some trouble!
Hopefully, such news has never left us terrified…at least not for the same reasons as Herod! Most assuredly, let’s hope that we never believe that the way to correct misinformation is with more untruths. At the heart of the matter, Herod was operating in fear and pride. His ego would not allow him to consider another king…not even one sent from God. So when he heard news that the Messiah had been born, all he could think about was figuring out a way to find Him and kill Him – or to convince his soldiers to do this! Now that’s some fear and pride at work!
I would hope that none of us plots evil things to cover our own sins – or to deal with our fears and the things that we believe will disrupt life as we know it! But just in case, let me leave you with this thought. Jesus is the light of the world. He tells us in John 10:10 that “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” There is nothing to fear about Jesus! With Him, ALL things are possible.
When a sense of fear or dread comes upon you, remember the Good News of Jesus Christ. Say a prayer and ask Him to help you squarely face whatever is in your path…and to give you wisdom and faith as you follow His lead. Like Herod and the “scholars”, we have two paths from which to choose. Make the right decision…follow Jesus, the King of Kings! Worship Him and walk in His ways, and you’ll never have to worry about the outcome.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 21, 2014
Philippians 2:5-8
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
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 13th season of the reality TV competition American Idol is underway, and two Arkansans were included in this year’s group of contestants who “made it through to Hollywood”. Malcolm Allen of Wrightsville, and Spencer Lloyd, who hails from Bryant, made it through the first rounds and competed as part of the “top 13” as the field narrowed to 10 contestants. Neither continued beyond this point, although Lloyd was given a chance to “sing for your life” - as contest judge Jennifer Lopez put it. The judges all found Lloyd’s song selection and performance to be lackluster and not truly “star quality”, although they commended him for his talent and making it as far in the competition as he did.
So the aspirations of these two young men – and countless other young people who auditioned and participated in this competition – have been somewhat dashed. While a few eliminated contestants have gone on to reach some pinnacle of stardom, most returned home to a “regular life” among their family and friends. Some will perform at local venues, while others will sing in a church choir – or in the shower! Hopefully, this experience will not define these young people…at least not in the way one might think.
Consider Spencer Lloyd…a youth minister and worship leader at Family Life Church in Bryant, Arkansas. Perhaps God is calling him to focus on this ministry instead of a bigger stage. Maybe this is a harsh – even humbling – reminder that God decides how, when and where we are to use the talents and abilities that He gives us. Perhaps God is whispering to Spencer, “I need you to reach people for Me on a more basic, intimate level.” Yes, some are called to share Jesus on a world-wide stage. There is a place for the Chris Tomlins, Michael W. Smiths, and Natalie Grants…Beth Moores, Jen Hatmakers and Max Lucados. But not all of us are called to serve on such a high-profile stage.
Quite honestly, this notoriety can be a slippery slope. The devil loves to take men and women of God, fill them with a powerful ego, and watch them fall – and take others along with them for the ride. Because of his appearance on American Idol, Spencer Lloyd’s name recognition has grown…so essentially, he has expanded his audience. But you and I are no less important to God. Our ministries and witness are every bit as vital. And because of our “simplicity”, we might just be able to reach those who would never listen to someone with celebrity status. They might perceive such people as “unapproachable” or out of touch with the realities of their “regular” lives. We - plain, ordinary people that we are - have a critical role to play as Disciples of Christ!
We can relate to the person who struggles to trust God when bills are piling up and there don’t seem to be enough work hours in the day to earn enough to cover them. We can offer first-hand compassion and empathy to someone who is going through a rough time…illness, relationship problems, work challenges – or the lack of a job, the challenges of child-rearing – or aging, and so much more. We can share out of the plainness of our own lives in a way that is real and plausible to others.
This is why Jesus came to earth as a humble human being. He certainly is anything but plain and ordinary. But God knew that people would not accept another egotistical, arrogant king. He knew that we needed someone who was one of us…a real, honest-to-goodness person…even though Jesus is truly so much more! Only a Supernatural King in a commonplace, familiar form could speak to us at our very core. Jesus could only reach the “average Joe” as a humble servant touched by the hand of God. And this is who we are called to be…the regular guy…the plain and simple, humble servant who loves God and shares His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional devotion with others.
Spencer Lloyd is perfectly positioned to reach countless people for Jesus Christ…but so are you and I. God has called us to humbly serve others in Jesus’ name…to be one of them – relatable, sympathetic, and “human”. We might not be the next American Idol, but if we serve with a respectful and unpretentious heart, we’ll be true rock stars in the eyes of God. We will become “celebrities” of a heavenly kind…with blessings and dividends far beyond anything Hollywood could ever hope to offer.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
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 13th season of the reality TV competition American Idol is underway, and two Arkansans were included in this year’s group of contestants who “made it through to Hollywood”. Malcolm Allen of Wrightsville, and Spencer Lloyd, who hails from Bryant, made it through the first rounds and competed as part of the “top 13” as the field narrowed to 10 contestants. Neither continued beyond this point, although Lloyd was given a chance to “sing for your life” - as contest judge Jennifer Lopez put it. The judges all found Lloyd’s song selection and performance to be lackluster and not truly “star quality”, although they commended him for his talent and making it as far in the competition as he did.
So the aspirations of these two young men – and countless other young people who auditioned and participated in this competition – have been somewhat dashed. While a few eliminated contestants have gone on to reach some pinnacle of stardom, most returned home to a “regular life” among their family and friends. Some will perform at local venues, while others will sing in a church choir – or in the shower! Hopefully, this experience will not define these young people…at least not in the way one might think.
Consider Spencer Lloyd…a youth minister and worship leader at Family Life Church in Bryant, Arkansas. Perhaps God is calling him to focus on this ministry instead of a bigger stage. Maybe this is a harsh – even humbling – reminder that God decides how, when and where we are to use the talents and abilities that He gives us. Perhaps God is whispering to Spencer, “I need you to reach people for Me on a more basic, intimate level.” Yes, some are called to share Jesus on a world-wide stage. There is a place for the Chris Tomlins, Michael W. Smiths, and Natalie Grants…Beth Moores, Jen Hatmakers and Max Lucados. But not all of us are called to serve on such a high-profile stage.
Quite honestly, this notoriety can be a slippery slope. The devil loves to take men and women of God, fill them with a powerful ego, and watch them fall – and take others along with them for the ride. Because of his appearance on American Idol, Spencer Lloyd’s name recognition has grown…so essentially, he has expanded his audience. But you and I are no less important to God. Our ministries and witness are every bit as vital. And because of our “simplicity”, we might just be able to reach those who would never listen to someone with celebrity status. They might perceive such people as “unapproachable” or out of touch with the realities of their “regular” lives. We - plain, ordinary people that we are - have a critical role to play as Disciples of Christ!
We can relate to the person who struggles to trust God when bills are piling up and there don’t seem to be enough work hours in the day to earn enough to cover them. We can offer first-hand compassion and empathy to someone who is going through a rough time…illness, relationship problems, work challenges – or the lack of a job, the challenges of child-rearing – or aging, and so much more. We can share out of the plainness of our own lives in a way that is real and plausible to others.
This is why Jesus came to earth as a humble human being. He certainly is anything but plain and ordinary. But God knew that people would not accept another egotistical, arrogant king. He knew that we needed someone who was one of us…a real, honest-to-goodness person…even though Jesus is truly so much more! Only a Supernatural King in a commonplace, familiar form could speak to us at our very core. Jesus could only reach the “average Joe” as a humble servant touched by the hand of God. And this is who we are called to be…the regular guy…the plain and simple, humble servant who loves God and shares His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional devotion with others.
Spencer Lloyd is perfectly positioned to reach countless people for Jesus Christ…but so are you and I. God has called us to humbly serve others in Jesus’ name…to be one of them – relatable, sympathetic, and “human”. We might not be the next American Idol, but if we serve with a respectful and unpretentious heart, we’ll be true rock stars in the eyes of God. We will become “celebrities” of a heavenly kind…with blessings and dividends far beyond anything Hollywood could ever hope to offer.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 28, 2014
Ephesians 5:21
Honor Christ and put others first.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my favorite television sitcoms is “The Big Bang Theory”. It showcases four nerdy geeks who are geniuses in the scientific world…but almost literally cannot get in out of the rain in everyday life. One of the nerdiest is a character named Sheldon Cooper. According to a fan website… http://the-big-bang-theory.com - “Sheldon is the uber geek, he possesses a Master's degree and 2 PhDs, and conducts string theory research at Caltech.” Sheldon is also an egomaniac, and when he’s particularly proud of something he has said or done, he shouts, “Bazinga!” Here are a few examples of “Sheldon quotes” from various episodes…
You get the picture…it’s all about Sheldon – all the time. And for the record, this character’s background includes a devoutly Christian mother from Texas - and Sheldon often makes references to his church upbringing. While he sometimes cites moral dilemmas…such as claiming not to drink coffee because his mother admonished him “not to do drugs”, his focus does not appear to be on honoring Christ – and he most certainly would not choose to put others first!
“Sheldon Cooper” is an extreme example…but don’t we all know some version of him? Maybe you are even one of these people. When someone is sick, you have to tell them about YOUR ailments rather than offer empathy for theirs. It’s one thing to say, “I had that once, and it is miserable”… or “I remember how sad I felt when MY mother died…and I am so very sorry”…or “Losing my job was the catalyst for me to go back to school and start a new career...I am praying that you will find a new beginning, as well.” It’s quite another to launch into a dissertation about your litany of illnesses and/or injuries, or to go on and on about how you are mired in your own grief…or to be flippant about a job loss, disappointment, or challenge. It’s even worse to turn these into opportunities to toot your own horn – or to appeal to others for sympathy or commiseration on your own behalf.
I’ve quoted my pastor several times, but “there is a heartache on every pew”. I am pretty sure for everything you and I think we are enduring in the course of a day…someone else has it worse! Yes, we are important…our feelings matter – especially to God. But the way we glorify God and demonstrate His love to others is to step outside of ourselves…and into the shoes of the other guy…and to focus on his/her needs.
Use the experiences of your life to minister to others. If you’ve had the same illness, you know best how to encourage someone as he/she convalesces. If you have lost a parent, grandparent, sibling or other loved one – or even a beloved pet – you can offer first-hand understanding and condolence to someone else enduring the same loss. Whether it’s a happy occurrence or a tragic one, you have actual, personal familiarity with a variety of situations that equips you to minister to others in the same boat. And in doing so, you honor Christ.
There are an awful lot of “Sheldon Coopers” among us…people who have the intellect and capacity for showing compassion to others – and sharing the love of Christ in the bargain…but choose instead to place the focus of pretty much everything on themselves. Don’t be one of these people. Open your eyes and ears – and your heart – and see who needs you today. Then get busy blessing them in Jesus’ name…and give God a reason to shout, “Bazinga!”
©2014 Debbie Robus
Honor Christ and put others first.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my favorite television sitcoms is “The Big Bang Theory”. It showcases four nerdy geeks who are geniuses in the scientific world…but almost literally cannot get in out of the rain in everyday life. One of the nerdiest is a character named Sheldon Cooper. According to a fan website… http://the-big-bang-theory.com - “Sheldon is the uber geek, he possesses a Master's degree and 2 PhDs, and conducts string theory research at Caltech.” Sheldon is also an egomaniac, and when he’s particularly proud of something he has said or done, he shouts, “Bazinga!” Here are a few examples of “Sheldon quotes” from various episodes…
- Sheldon: Why are you crying?
Penny: Because I'm stupid!
Sheldon: That's no reason to cry. One cries because one is sad. For example, I cry because others are stupid, and that makes me sad. - Sheldon: I assure you, you'll be sorry that you wasted your money on an iPod when Microsoft comes out with theirs.
Rajesh: Do you have an opinion about everything?
Sheldon: Yes.
Howard: And you just assume you're right?
Sheldon: It's not an assumption. - Sheldon: Howard, you know me to be a very smart man. Don't you think that if I were wrong, I'd know it?
You get the picture…it’s all about Sheldon – all the time. And for the record, this character’s background includes a devoutly Christian mother from Texas - and Sheldon often makes references to his church upbringing. While he sometimes cites moral dilemmas…such as claiming not to drink coffee because his mother admonished him “not to do drugs”, his focus does not appear to be on honoring Christ – and he most certainly would not choose to put others first!
“Sheldon Cooper” is an extreme example…but don’t we all know some version of him? Maybe you are even one of these people. When someone is sick, you have to tell them about YOUR ailments rather than offer empathy for theirs. It’s one thing to say, “I had that once, and it is miserable”… or “I remember how sad I felt when MY mother died…and I am so very sorry”…or “Losing my job was the catalyst for me to go back to school and start a new career...I am praying that you will find a new beginning, as well.” It’s quite another to launch into a dissertation about your litany of illnesses and/or injuries, or to go on and on about how you are mired in your own grief…or to be flippant about a job loss, disappointment, or challenge. It’s even worse to turn these into opportunities to toot your own horn – or to appeal to others for sympathy or commiseration on your own behalf.
I’ve quoted my pastor several times, but “there is a heartache on every pew”. I am pretty sure for everything you and I think we are enduring in the course of a day…someone else has it worse! Yes, we are important…our feelings matter – especially to God. But the way we glorify God and demonstrate His love to others is to step outside of ourselves…and into the shoes of the other guy…and to focus on his/her needs.
Use the experiences of your life to minister to others. If you’ve had the same illness, you know best how to encourage someone as he/she convalesces. If you have lost a parent, grandparent, sibling or other loved one – or even a beloved pet – you can offer first-hand understanding and condolence to someone else enduring the same loss. Whether it’s a happy occurrence or a tragic one, you have actual, personal familiarity with a variety of situations that equips you to minister to others in the same boat. And in doing so, you honor Christ.
There are an awful lot of “Sheldon Coopers” among us…people who have the intellect and capacity for showing compassion to others – and sharing the love of Christ in the bargain…but choose instead to place the focus of pretty much everything on themselves. Don’t be one of these people. Open your eyes and ears – and your heart – and see who needs you today. Then get busy blessing them in Jesus’ name…and give God a reason to shout, “Bazinga!”
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 8, 2014
Matthew 14:13-14
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
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.
I’ve got a news flash…it’s not all about YOU! “It” is also not all about me or anyone else. I get it…we’re all busy. We all have things we would like to do with our lives – or even a spare hour or two. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a hobby…working hard at your job or something that interests you… or spending time watching your favorite programs or movies and having some “couch potato” time. God wants us to enjoy our lives. At the same time, we have been called to serve as Disciples of Christ. This means we must model His behavior and the examples that He provided for us. And the one documented in these scriptures leaves no room for doubt about what we are to do when we see a need.
Jesus had just heard about the beheading…yes, beheading…of His beloved cousin, John the Baptist. He was understandably grief-stricken…disheartened...and weary. He simply needed to be alone. Haven’t you felt that way at one time or another? All you needed was a few minutes, an hour, or a day to be alone…to pour out your heart to God…to cry, rage, kick and scream, if need be…to process all that has happened and come to terms with your feelings. Remember, Jesus came to earth as a human being…His emotions were real – even raw. He needed “alone time” with God, just like we do.
Still, when the crowds pursued Him…when He learned of a need…Jesus set aside His own agenda and went to the people. He healed the sick…He comforted those who were hurting…He ministered to each person in His midst and put their concerns ahead of His own. And He gave us an example to follow.
Trust me…I know how hard this can be. I have grumbled (even if only inwardly) as I trudged off to help someone with something that interrupted my plans. I have dragged myself to funerals, nursing home visits, events that were more important to someone else than they were to me, errands, and more. I have had to force myself to sit at the desk and write a get-well or sympathy card…or to offer to help someone out when I really wanted to keep my mouth shut and do something that was more enjoyable. We all probably secretly wish that people could get sick and die on OUR schedule…that we could pencil them in on a day when sitting at the hospital, babysitting, rescuing someone whose car broke down or they locked themselves out of the house or vehicle…even running an errand or working a funeral into our morning or afternoon…was more “convenient”. If you want to pretend you don’t feel this way… go right ahead. I’m just being real here!
But then I stopped and asked myself… “What if I went to God with a need or concern, and He was too busy to answer or help me?” What if God said to us, “I’ll get back to you…I’m in the middle of a good book this afternoon”, or “I don’t have time today…maybe tomorrow”, or even “I know you need me, but I am really just not ‘up for it’. Maybe someone else will step up and help you.” Can you imagine how hurtful this would be? Do you think you would want a relationship with God if He was only available when it was convenient for Him or piqued His interest in some manner? Who wants a relationship with anyone...much less a God…who is so selfish and unloving?
Tell me what, exactly, is so important in your own life that you cannot find time and energy to help someone else! Truly, God has a full plate. He is the only One who could genuinely say, “I don’t have time for that today” or “I’m simply ‘not in the mood’ to help.” Yet God is the very One who will never say this! We need to ask ourselves… are we really interested in serving Jesus – and serving others in His name? Or is it simply all about us? Maybe it’s time we all re-evaluated our level of Christian compassion…and made some much-needed adjustments. Isn’t today a great day to get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
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.
I’ve got a news flash…it’s not all about YOU! “It” is also not all about me or anyone else. I get it…we’re all busy. We all have things we would like to do with our lives – or even a spare hour or two. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a hobby…working hard at your job or something that interests you… or spending time watching your favorite programs or movies and having some “couch potato” time. God wants us to enjoy our lives. At the same time, we have been called to serve as Disciples of Christ. This means we must model His behavior and the examples that He provided for us. And the one documented in these scriptures leaves no room for doubt about what we are to do when we see a need.
Jesus had just heard about the beheading…yes, beheading…of His beloved cousin, John the Baptist. He was understandably grief-stricken…disheartened...and weary. He simply needed to be alone. Haven’t you felt that way at one time or another? All you needed was a few minutes, an hour, or a day to be alone…to pour out your heart to God…to cry, rage, kick and scream, if need be…to process all that has happened and come to terms with your feelings. Remember, Jesus came to earth as a human being…His emotions were real – even raw. He needed “alone time” with God, just like we do.
Still, when the crowds pursued Him…when He learned of a need…Jesus set aside His own agenda and went to the people. He healed the sick…He comforted those who were hurting…He ministered to each person in His midst and put their concerns ahead of His own. And He gave us an example to follow.
Trust me…I know how hard this can be. I have grumbled (even if only inwardly) as I trudged off to help someone with something that interrupted my plans. I have dragged myself to funerals, nursing home visits, events that were more important to someone else than they were to me, errands, and more. I have had to force myself to sit at the desk and write a get-well or sympathy card…or to offer to help someone out when I really wanted to keep my mouth shut and do something that was more enjoyable. We all probably secretly wish that people could get sick and die on OUR schedule…that we could pencil them in on a day when sitting at the hospital, babysitting, rescuing someone whose car broke down or they locked themselves out of the house or vehicle…even running an errand or working a funeral into our morning or afternoon…was more “convenient”. If you want to pretend you don’t feel this way… go right ahead. I’m just being real here!
But then I stopped and asked myself… “What if I went to God with a need or concern, and He was too busy to answer or help me?” What if God said to us, “I’ll get back to you…I’m in the middle of a good book this afternoon”, or “I don’t have time today…maybe tomorrow”, or even “I know you need me, but I am really just not ‘up for it’. Maybe someone else will step up and help you.” Can you imagine how hurtful this would be? Do you think you would want a relationship with God if He was only available when it was convenient for Him or piqued His interest in some manner? Who wants a relationship with anyone...much less a God…who is so selfish and unloving?
Tell me what, exactly, is so important in your own life that you cannot find time and energy to help someone else! Truly, God has a full plate. He is the only One who could genuinely say, “I don’t have time for that today” or “I’m simply ‘not in the mood’ to help.” Yet God is the very One who will never say this! We need to ask ourselves… are we really interested in serving Jesus – and serving others in His name? Or is it simply all about us? Maybe it’s time we all re-evaluated our level of Christian compassion…and made some much-needed adjustments. Isn’t today a great day to get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 2, 2014
Luke 22:27-30
“Who would you rather be: the one who eats the dinner or the one who serves the dinner? You’d rather eat and be served, right? But I’ve taken my place among you as the one who serves. And you’ve stuck with me through thick and thin. Now I confer on you the royal authority my Father conferred on me so you can eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and be strengthened as you take up responsibilities among the congregations of God’s people.
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.
A Facebook friend posted a link to an article about basketball legend Michael Jordan, written last year for ESPN’s Outside the Lines by Wright Thompson. “Michael Jordan Has Not Left the Building” is a sad, yet compelling commentary on the life of a 50-year-old athlete who has acquired much wealth and fame… but possibly lost his true identity and peace in the bargain. Thompson tells of the mega-millions Jordan has acquired as an athlete, and as a businessman off the court. He speaks of a failed marriage…a time when life was much simpler for Jordan…the death of MJ’s father… and his engagement to 34-year-old Yvette Prieto. And he documents what Michael Jordan himself admits is an incredibly huge ego.
Jordan talks about going to Florida to visit Yvette’s Cuban family. He notes how simple a meal at their house was… how her grandparents speak little English and do not know much about basketball… and how this visit reminded him of his youth in Wilmington, North Carolina. He told Thompson that “My ego is so big now that I expect certain things.”* And that’s the trouble with a lot of us. We’re not Michael Jordan, of course… but like him, we have attached so much imaginary importance to ourselves that we have totally lost our grip on what truly matters.
“When is it my turn?”…”What about me and what I want/need?”…”How could this happen to me?”…”Who will take care of me?”…all of these are questions many of us voice on a regular basis. Our concern is not with how we can help others, because we are too caught up in our own agendas and “What’s in it for me?” to consider being a true servant. And yet, the greatest “celebrity” of all… the One who truly had every right to be revered and respected… and placed on a pedestal like we tend to do for modern-day athletes and others – chose to live among us as one who serves. Jesus Christ modeled perfectly how we are supposed to conduct our lives. Any wealth and blessings we are allowed should be used to fuel and energize our efforts to serve others in His name.
In his article, Thompson tells of an employee who found letters that Michael Jordan wrote to his parents while he was a student at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. The employee was astonished at how “normal” Jordan seemed… how he talked of campus life, food in the cafeteria… and how he always needed money. One letter ended with a request for his parents to “please send stamps.” I have to tell you… the overall tone of this article was that of a man who “has it all”… yet has very little. The writer paints a picture of a life that seems empty…sad…and lacking in purpose. Jordan tells him that the simpler time of life in Wilmington is gone, and he cannot get it back… that now he expects certain things that he did not require before.
Does this describe you? Have you become so wrapped up in your own desires and “needs” that you fail to think of others? Have you become a dinner guest at the table who demands to be served and never offers to take a turn at extending assistance or attention to others? How are we using God’s gifts? Are we building our egos and amassing “wealth” and attention… and losing our heart and soul in the bargain? Or are we learning from Jesus’ example and truly taking up the responsibilities among God’s people… and serving in His name?
Have we, like Michael Jordan, become so caught up in our own story that we have failed to recognize the other guy’s narrative? Is life so complicated and out-of-control that we cannot even recognize that sometimes, all someone really needs is a word of encouragement… and maybe some stamps? Isn’t it time we regained our focus? Will this be the day that you set aside your own requests and yearnings to serve someone else? Will you be “the one who eats the dinner”… or the one who serves it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/page/Michael-Jordan/michael-jordan-not-left-building
“Who would you rather be: the one who eats the dinner or the one who serves the dinner? You’d rather eat and be served, right? But I’ve taken my place among you as the one who serves. And you’ve stuck with me through thick and thin. Now I confer on you the royal authority my Father conferred on me so you can eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and be strengthened as you take up responsibilities among the congregations of God’s people.
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.
A Facebook friend posted a link to an article about basketball legend Michael Jordan, written last year for ESPN’s Outside the Lines by Wright Thompson. “Michael Jordan Has Not Left the Building” is a sad, yet compelling commentary on the life of a 50-year-old athlete who has acquired much wealth and fame… but possibly lost his true identity and peace in the bargain. Thompson tells of the mega-millions Jordan has acquired as an athlete, and as a businessman off the court. He speaks of a failed marriage…a time when life was much simpler for Jordan…the death of MJ’s father… and his engagement to 34-year-old Yvette Prieto. And he documents what Michael Jordan himself admits is an incredibly huge ego.
Jordan talks about going to Florida to visit Yvette’s Cuban family. He notes how simple a meal at their house was… how her grandparents speak little English and do not know much about basketball… and how this visit reminded him of his youth in Wilmington, North Carolina. He told Thompson that “My ego is so big now that I expect certain things.”* And that’s the trouble with a lot of us. We’re not Michael Jordan, of course… but like him, we have attached so much imaginary importance to ourselves that we have totally lost our grip on what truly matters.
“When is it my turn?”…”What about me and what I want/need?”…”How could this happen to me?”…”Who will take care of me?”…all of these are questions many of us voice on a regular basis. Our concern is not with how we can help others, because we are too caught up in our own agendas and “What’s in it for me?” to consider being a true servant. And yet, the greatest “celebrity” of all… the One who truly had every right to be revered and respected… and placed on a pedestal like we tend to do for modern-day athletes and others – chose to live among us as one who serves. Jesus Christ modeled perfectly how we are supposed to conduct our lives. Any wealth and blessings we are allowed should be used to fuel and energize our efforts to serve others in His name.
In his article, Thompson tells of an employee who found letters that Michael Jordan wrote to his parents while he was a student at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. The employee was astonished at how “normal” Jordan seemed… how he talked of campus life, food in the cafeteria… and how he always needed money. One letter ended with a request for his parents to “please send stamps.” I have to tell you… the overall tone of this article was that of a man who “has it all”… yet has very little. The writer paints a picture of a life that seems empty…sad…and lacking in purpose. Jordan tells him that the simpler time of life in Wilmington is gone, and he cannot get it back… that now he expects certain things that he did not require before.
Does this describe you? Have you become so wrapped up in your own desires and “needs” that you fail to think of others? Have you become a dinner guest at the table who demands to be served and never offers to take a turn at extending assistance or attention to others? How are we using God’s gifts? Are we building our egos and amassing “wealth” and attention… and losing our heart and soul in the bargain? Or are we learning from Jesus’ example and truly taking up the responsibilities among God’s people… and serving in His name?
Have we, like Michael Jordan, become so caught up in our own story that we have failed to recognize the other guy’s narrative? Is life so complicated and out-of-control that we cannot even recognize that sometimes, all someone really needs is a word of encouragement… and maybe some stamps? Isn’t it time we regained our focus? Will this be the day that you set aside your own requests and yearnings to serve someone else? Will you be “the one who eats the dinner”… or the one who serves it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/page/Michael-Jordan/michael-jordan-not-left-building
Daily Devotional for November 1, 2013
Luke 14:10-11
“When you’re invited to dinner, go and sit at the last place. Then when the host comes he may very well say, ‘Friend, come up to the front.’ That will give the dinner guests something to talk about! What I’m saying is, If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face. But if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”
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 lifelong friend, Adam Little, is a video editor in Nashville… a very good video editor whose work has won numerous awards. He posted on Facebook today that two of his videos are up for CMA awards... Miranda Lambert’s "Mama's Broken Heart" and Blake Shelton's "Boys Round Here". He noted that “both were directed by the talented Trey Fanjoy.” Now here’s the deal… most of you have heard of Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. But I bet a lot of you had no clue who Adam Little and Trey Fanjoy were a few minutes ago! Yet, without a good director… and a very good video editor, the work of these famous performers might go fairly unrecognized. I can assure you that the advent of video and the Internet opened up a whole new world for entertainers in all genres… particularly music. Now, artists can put their work on YouTube and send it out through other mass media venues. They can now reach an audience of millions in minutes. This used to take months and years as the singers drove from radio station to station and peddled their latest recording.
Still, Lambert and Shelton will take home the glory at the CMAs while Adam and Trey simply smile and “do what they do”, so to speak. And I am not here to imply that Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton walk around with their noses in the air. I don’t know either of them… they very well may be humble, truly nice people. But I know that they will take the accolades and the credit – and thank a few people if they win (hopefully including Adam and Trey!)… and they will continue to be the people everyone talks about. It is my hope that in some format, the artists will give Adam and Trey and others who worked on their projects due recognition. I trust that they will find a way to essentially say to them, “Friend, come up to the front!” But I know Adam… he will be fine either way, because he is content to simply be himself. And that makes him more famous in my book than a thousand Blake Sheltons or Miranda Lamberts!
What about you? Do you seek the limelight? Do you crave recognition for your accomplishments and good deeds? Have you ever asked someone, “Do you have any idea who you are dealing with… do you know who I am?” Even if you didn’t say these words out loud… have you ever given someone else this impression? Do you aspire to hang out with “the rich and famous”? Is it your goal to become one of them?
I know people who think they are “all that and a bag of chips”… and people who truly are all that – and could care less who knew it! And I will tell you that those in the latter category truly have it going on… with other people – and with God! You’re not fooling anyone when you put on airs. It may seem as if people flock to you and want to be around you – or to be you! But in truth, an attitude of arrogance and/or superiority only appears to take one places. True humility and respect for others, regardless of their station or accomplishments – or yours, is what counts.
God will bless those who are simply themselves… the ones who quietly go about their work and move behind the scenes… the “video editors and directors” of life. Are you one of them? Don’t you think you should be?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“When you’re invited to dinner, go and sit at the last place. Then when the host comes he may very well say, ‘Friend, come up to the front.’ That will give the dinner guests something to talk about! What I’m saying is, If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face. But if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”
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 lifelong friend, Adam Little, is a video editor in Nashville… a very good video editor whose work has won numerous awards. He posted on Facebook today that two of his videos are up for CMA awards... Miranda Lambert’s "Mama's Broken Heart" and Blake Shelton's "Boys Round Here". He noted that “both were directed by the talented Trey Fanjoy.” Now here’s the deal… most of you have heard of Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. But I bet a lot of you had no clue who Adam Little and Trey Fanjoy were a few minutes ago! Yet, without a good director… and a very good video editor, the work of these famous performers might go fairly unrecognized. I can assure you that the advent of video and the Internet opened up a whole new world for entertainers in all genres… particularly music. Now, artists can put their work on YouTube and send it out through other mass media venues. They can now reach an audience of millions in minutes. This used to take months and years as the singers drove from radio station to station and peddled their latest recording.
Still, Lambert and Shelton will take home the glory at the CMAs while Adam and Trey simply smile and “do what they do”, so to speak. And I am not here to imply that Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton walk around with their noses in the air. I don’t know either of them… they very well may be humble, truly nice people. But I know that they will take the accolades and the credit – and thank a few people if they win (hopefully including Adam and Trey!)… and they will continue to be the people everyone talks about. It is my hope that in some format, the artists will give Adam and Trey and others who worked on their projects due recognition. I trust that they will find a way to essentially say to them, “Friend, come up to the front!” But I know Adam… he will be fine either way, because he is content to simply be himself. And that makes him more famous in my book than a thousand Blake Sheltons or Miranda Lamberts!
What about you? Do you seek the limelight? Do you crave recognition for your accomplishments and good deeds? Have you ever asked someone, “Do you have any idea who you are dealing with… do you know who I am?” Even if you didn’t say these words out loud… have you ever given someone else this impression? Do you aspire to hang out with “the rich and famous”? Is it your goal to become one of them?
I know people who think they are “all that and a bag of chips”… and people who truly are all that – and could care less who knew it! And I will tell you that those in the latter category truly have it going on… with other people – and with God! You’re not fooling anyone when you put on airs. It may seem as if people flock to you and want to be around you – or to be you! But in truth, an attitude of arrogance and/or superiority only appears to take one places. True humility and respect for others, regardless of their station or accomplishments – or yours, is what counts.
God will bless those who are simply themselves… the ones who quietly go about their work and move behind the scenes… the “video editors and directors” of life. Are you one of them? Don’t you think you should be?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 28, 2013
Proverbs 25:6
Don’t demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great.
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.
Greg and I took my mother-in-law, a.k.a. “Grandma E”, to a nearby city for a routine eye exam. While the two of them went into an exam, I sat in the waiting area and read a book… or rather, I tried to read. A little man came in - huffing and puffing - and practically collapsed in a chair near mine… as if he could not go a step farther. He was short, with hunched shoulders and rather long, wildly flowing “salt-and-pepper” hair - and a full beard. His khaki pants looked like they would fit a man six times his size, and he had them cinched with a belt that was equally large and swung from his waist as he shuffled along. His oversized shirt further emphasized his slight frame…and his dirty fingernails underscored his rather unkempt – appearance. He looked like he might be on his last leg…yet when he stood at the receptionist’s window to sign in, he was jovial and bright as he eagerly signed in, saying…“You gave me two good eyes last time… how about a third one this time?”
Returning to sit near me, the man began to breath heavily – and steadily, as if he was asleep… and occasionally he groaned and grunted almost as if he were snoring – or talking in his sleep! I tried to keep my eyes on my Kindle and continue reading. When the nurse came to get another patient, we both looked up at the now-empty waiting room, and the man said, “I guess you and I are next!” I explained that I was merely waiting for someone and that “You’re next!” He replied, “Doesn’t matter… I’m 71 and retired… I don’t get in a hurry about anything!” (This man looked every day of NINETY-one, if he looked a day!) And then, he began to talk!
He told me that he had stayed up all night watching very good old movies… and now he was tired. He asked where I live, and he told me he had moved to this city recently because he thought renting would be cheaper than owning his own home. I listened politely to what he was saying… and soon he had picked up a magazine and settled in to read it (somewhat aloud and under his breath!).
He told me that he had stayed up all night watching very good old movies… and now he was tired. He asked where I live, and he told me he had moved to this city recently because he thought renting would be cheaper than owning his own home. I listened politely to what he was saying… and soon he had picked up a magazine and settled in to read it (somewhat aloud and under his breath!).
When the nurse came for the man, she treated him especially kindly and with respect… as if he were the most important person to her at that moment. And it struck me… shouldn’t we treat everyone this way? Why do we reserve our best for those we feel are “royalty” or celebrities? Why is it such a big deal to us to have our picture made with some people… or to get their autograph… when we might not give their family members…or most certainly their neighbors… the time of day? What makes them so much more special?
For all I know, this man was a retired professor from the university in the city we were visiting. He might have acquired his hunched appearance from bending over patients in a dental office or surgery table… or from assembling parts in a factory or shoveling garbage or soil. He might have once had a wife and children and a lively family life…but from all accounts, he now appeared to be fairly alone in the world. The point is… why would we desire his presence any less than that of a famous athlete, musician, movie star or politician? Why would we treat him with any less importance or respect? Why would we shy away from such a person in favor of someone we deem more “worthy”?
How would you feel if God treated you this way? What if He said, “You’ve not done as much as So-and-So…you’re not as important as he/she is to me. What you do with your life doesn’t really matter to me, because it will never measure up or be as good.” One of my dearest friends dropped out of college to start a family. She reared two amazing sons and practically ran her father’s construction business for nearly 30 years. She loved God and served Him in her home church and her community. And one day she said to me, “I never did anything with my life. I was just a mom.” It nearly broke my heart.
You see, God doesn’t see who we are in the world or what we have accomplished… at least not in the way we see it. God sees us as His precious creations… each one with the potential He gave us to accomplish what He desires for us in this earthly lifetime. He designed some of us to be Olympic athletes… and others to do incredible things without arms or legs. He created moms and dads who stay home and rear children... and people who never have children of their own – but parent and mentor countless others along the way. God made the well-dressed businessman sitting in the waiting area… and the disheveled, sleepy little man who sat beside me. And none is better than the next.
So think about WHO you are… and who you think you are. What are your aspirations? Are you striving to be a celebrity or hang out with kings? Or are you focused on being who God wants you to be? Are you treating others differently, according to who – or what – you think they are? Isn’t it time you treated each person as you desire for God to treat you… with respect, kindness, grace and mercy?
There is a popular television show called “Who Do You Think You Are?” that features “celebrities” who trace their family’s ancestry. They discover all sorts of things about their ancestors… some good, and some not so good. The question I have for you today is, “Who do you think you are?” We would all do well to consider this question as it relates to our own aspirations… and how we treat others in our midst. Who do you think you are… and how are you behaving as a result?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 1, 2013
Matthew 6:1
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.”
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.
On August 21, 2013, a New York City cab jumped the sidewalk and plowed into a cyclist, then hit British tourist Siân Green and severed her leg. People in the area sprang into action, including a plumber named David Justino, who removed his belt and applied it to the leg as a tourniquet. Max Crespo, a food vendor brought ice and packed the severed limb, and an unnamed nurse guided all of the life-saving efforts. The story gained national attention when celebrity physician Mehmet Oz emerged from his office across the street to offer his assistance. If you GOOGLE this story, you will see that several of the heroes in this story are named… Justino and Crespo are among them. Of course, onlookers readily recognized Dr. Oz. The nurse did not give her name, and I am not sure whether she has ever come forth. As I write this devotional, there is an ad running on television for an upcoming Dr. Oz Show episode that will feature Siân Green and some of her “heroes”.
There are countless events in our world every day where people rush to make a difference in the lives of others. And in Dr. Oz’ defense, he cannot help that he is widely recognized. It might seem like he is exploiting this event. And in the eyes of some… maybe he is. But I visited Dr. Oz’ blog and learned more about “Plumber Dave” (as some have dubbed him) and the other unsung heroes of this tragedy, and Dr. Oz appears to be giving them all the credit for saving the life of Siân Green.
Imagine if every time your doctor saved a life, he/she called a news conference! What if you put out a notice on social media every time you helped a neighbor, bought someone’s meal in the drive-thru line, or sent a note of appreciation to someone who had touched your life in some manner? Would your efforts appear to be genuine and offered out of true discipleship and service? Or would stroking your ego seem to be the driving force behind them?
Ask yourself these simple questions… “Why am I doing XYZ? Is it so people will notice me and be impressed? Or is it because God has called me to serve Him by serving others… in whatever manner and format are appropriate at the time?” Remind yourself that God does not applaud when you “toot your own horn”! He does not reward ego and self-serving talk and actions. Nothing about Christian discipleship is truly about us!
On Dr. Oz’ blog (http://blog.doctoroz.com/dr-oz-blog/our-common-kindness), he states…
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.”
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.
On August 21, 2013, a New York City cab jumped the sidewalk and plowed into a cyclist, then hit British tourist Siân Green and severed her leg. People in the area sprang into action, including a plumber named David Justino, who removed his belt and applied it to the leg as a tourniquet. Max Crespo, a food vendor brought ice and packed the severed limb, and an unnamed nurse guided all of the life-saving efforts. The story gained national attention when celebrity physician Mehmet Oz emerged from his office across the street to offer his assistance. If you GOOGLE this story, you will see that several of the heroes in this story are named… Justino and Crespo are among them. Of course, onlookers readily recognized Dr. Oz. The nurse did not give her name, and I am not sure whether she has ever come forth. As I write this devotional, there is an ad running on television for an upcoming Dr. Oz Show episode that will feature Siân Green and some of her “heroes”.
There are countless events in our world every day where people rush to make a difference in the lives of others. And in Dr. Oz’ defense, he cannot help that he is widely recognized. It might seem like he is exploiting this event. And in the eyes of some… maybe he is. But I visited Dr. Oz’ blog and learned more about “Plumber Dave” (as some have dubbed him) and the other unsung heroes of this tragedy, and Dr. Oz appears to be giving them all the credit for saving the life of Siân Green.
Imagine if every time your doctor saved a life, he/she called a news conference! What if you put out a notice on social media every time you helped a neighbor, bought someone’s meal in the drive-thru line, or sent a note of appreciation to someone who had touched your life in some manner? Would your efforts appear to be genuine and offered out of true discipleship and service? Or would stroking your ego seem to be the driving force behind them?
Ask yourself these simple questions… “Why am I doing XYZ? Is it so people will notice me and be impressed? Or is it because God has called me to serve Him by serving others… in whatever manner and format are appropriate at the time?” Remind yourself that God does not applaud when you “toot your own horn”! He does not reward ego and self-serving talk and actions. Nothing about Christian discipleship is truly about us!
On Dr. Oz’ blog (http://blog.doctoroz.com/dr-oz-blog/our-common-kindness), he states…
Dave is an inspiration to me. His example reminds us all that we are not alone in moments of crisis. If you ever need proof of human goodness, remember the people who opened their doors or handed out free soup and sandwiches to people affected by Hurricane Sandy. Think of people who hurried to pull victims from the rubble after a building collapsed in Philadelphia in June. Look to the elementary school clerk who fearlessly talked down an armed shooter in Georgia before he could hurt a single student.God wants us to be ordinary servants who do extraordinary things. When we accept the challenges, He will provide us with opportunities…and bless us in ways we cannot even imagine. But the choice is ours. We can do what is asked of us with quiet humility and a spirit of servitude. We can answer the call… and brag about it afterward. Or we can do nothing and “let the chips fall where they may”. How will you choose? Your answer matters… maybe more than you think! Is the world your “stage”… or are you quietly serving as a Christian disciple and basking in the applause of heaven?
It can be easy to lose perspective as we find ourselves caught up in minor irritations and arguments throughout the day. But we must remember that when it comes down to it, kindness is our best defense against disaster, and absolutely no one is too ordinary to be a hero.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 31, 2013
Romans 8:5-8
Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored.
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 the interest of fairness, I will talk about our other cat, Lucy, today. Lucy is a “tuxedo” (black and white) who is pretty much attached to me (while her sister, Mabel, prefers to hang with Greg 99% of the time). To say that Lucy is self-absorbed would be an understatement. Don’t get me wrong, we love and adore both of our cats – and spoil them rotten! Both are the most vocal cats we have ever known… but “No!” is not in Lucy’s vocabulary! When she wants my attention, she will squawk and squall like she is dying. Or if I am trying to sleep and she wants my attention, she will either paw at me incessantly (front paws declawed, thankfully!) or she will lie down next to me and thump her tail so loudly it echoes in the bed springs!
Granted, Lucy is a cat. And I guess a cat is entitled to be self-centered… it’s kinda their job! But when it comes to our own lives, we are often so much like Lucy – or worse – and God is not pleased. We are either kicking, screaming and insisting that He do something for us… that He give us every one of our heart’s desires (which are not necessarily the same as His desires for us)… or we completely ignore Him and strike out on our own to do things our way. OR… we figure out another way to get what we want. Like Lucy, if God doesn’t answer as quickly as we wish – or in the manner we prefer – we have ways of making our requirements known!
Often, end result is not pretty. We end up miserable, defeated and disappointed… and feeling anything but peaceful. If only we had sense enough to trust God… to seek Him in all things and to desire what He desires. If only we thought of God first…and second… and third…and put our ego on the back burner. We can’t even begin to imagine what God would do for us if we would do this for Him. But as my Mam-ma Polly would say, “I tell you what”… I’m willing to try. Are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored.
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 the interest of fairness, I will talk about our other cat, Lucy, today. Lucy is a “tuxedo” (black and white) who is pretty much attached to me (while her sister, Mabel, prefers to hang with Greg 99% of the time). To say that Lucy is self-absorbed would be an understatement. Don’t get me wrong, we love and adore both of our cats – and spoil them rotten! Both are the most vocal cats we have ever known… but “No!” is not in Lucy’s vocabulary! When she wants my attention, she will squawk and squall like she is dying. Or if I am trying to sleep and she wants my attention, she will either paw at me incessantly (front paws declawed, thankfully!) or she will lie down next to me and thump her tail so loudly it echoes in the bed springs!Granted, Lucy is a cat. And I guess a cat is entitled to be self-centered… it’s kinda their job! But when it comes to our own lives, we are often so much like Lucy – or worse – and God is not pleased. We are either kicking, screaming and insisting that He do something for us… that He give us every one of our heart’s desires (which are not necessarily the same as His desires for us)… or we completely ignore Him and strike out on our own to do things our way. OR… we figure out another way to get what we want. Like Lucy, if God doesn’t answer as quickly as we wish – or in the manner we prefer – we have ways of making our requirements known!
Often, end result is not pretty. We end up miserable, defeated and disappointed… and feeling anything but peaceful. If only we had sense enough to trust God… to seek Him in all things and to desire what He desires. If only we thought of God first…and second… and third…and put our ego on the back burner. We can’t even begin to imagine what God would do for us if we would do this for Him. But as my Mam-ma Polly would say, “I tell you what”… I’m willing to try. Are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 29, 2013
Proverbs 29:1
For people who hate discipline
and only get more stubborn,
There’ll come a day when life tumbles in and they break,
but by then it’ll be too late to help them.
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 are old enough, you remember the ads for Coppertone sunscreen with the little girl in pigtails and blue swimsuit bottoms… a dog tugging at her pants, revealing a pale white bottom! If you are too young to remember this ad, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coppertone_girl. When I was growing up, we were told to “tan, don’t burn,” but our suntan lotion was designed to aid us in achieving a golden tan… not to protect us from the sun’s harmful rays.
By the time I was in my 30s, everyone knew about studies that revealed the dangers of sun exposure… how the harmful UVA and UVB rays could cause everything from premature wrinkling to fatal skin cancers. Like many, I continued to tan long after I knew the potential consequences. And just last week, I had cryosurgery on an ugly “sunspot” on my chest, while another raised area near my collarbone had to be biopsied for potential Basal Cell Carcinoma! Thankfully, it was a benign keratosis… but now I have these two raw places that must be babied and tended while they heal… and I have once again been warned to stay out of the sun and to wear sunscreen at all times. Not suntan lotion… sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – the higher the number, the better!
I was stubborn. I liked the looks of a deep tan, and I worked hard to maintain one! And then the day came when some suspicious spots began to appear on my body, and the doctor began to tell me that some were “pre-cancerous.” Thankfully, I have dodged the fate of many… my mother had to have plastic surgery on her nose last year following the removal of a cancerous lesion (and she wasn’t even a sun worshiper like I was!)… and I recently read a magazine article about a woman in Texas who had to have multiple plastic surgeries on her lip following the removal of a very deep malignancy. For them, it was too late to think about sunscreen, wearing a hat, or staying out of the harmful rays… at least in that instance. And for me, it’s too late for the creamy smooth skin of my grandmother, who wore a hat, long sleeves and even gloves whenever she was out in the sun for most of her 100 years…regardless of the temperature. I am forever freckled and marked for my dogged obstinacy!
This is not totally about staying out of the sun! There are countless ways in which we think we know better than the experts… including God! We are often more concerned with pleasing ourselves than with doing what we know we ought to do… or pleasing God. How many times have you said, “LORD… one of these days, I’ll do this or that for You.”? How often have you said, “I’ll give up XYZ and do what God wants… but not today!”? Just how often do you listen to God… and to others He sends into your life to guide your path?
Here’s the deal… God is incredibly patient with us… to a point. When He has had enough… or He sees that we are not going to change our ways and listen to Him, God starts to allow us to experience consequences. In my case, cryosurgery and biopsies have caused me to become quite diligent about wearing sunscreen and protecting myself from the sun’s harmful rays. For an elderly friend of mine, three near-misses with other drivers in the same day have caused her to reconsider driving. As she put it, “When God gives you THREE signs in one outing, I think you ought to listen!” Hopefully she will really follow through, put down her keys, and allow others to chauffeur her around from now on.
What about you? Where are you being stubborn and insisting on your own way? Do you see that you are trying God’s patience… and possibly that of many in your midst? Don’t you think it’s time to consider your actions… and potential consequences… to make the necessary changes before things go too far? Isn’t it time to start listening to God and those He sends to guide you? Aren’t you ready to operate fully in His wisdom… or are you willing to test the limits of God’s tolerance? What will it take to fully get your attention? Is it worth the risk?
©2013 Debbie Robus
For people who hate discipline
and only get more stubborn,
There’ll come a day when life tumbles in and they break,
but by then it’ll be too late to help them.
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.
By the time I was in my 30s, everyone knew about studies that revealed the dangers of sun exposure… how the harmful UVA and UVB rays could cause everything from premature wrinkling to fatal skin cancers. Like many, I continued to tan long after I knew the potential consequences. And just last week, I had cryosurgery on an ugly “sunspot” on my chest, while another raised area near my collarbone had to be biopsied for potential Basal Cell Carcinoma! Thankfully, it was a benign keratosis… but now I have these two raw places that must be babied and tended while they heal… and I have once again been warned to stay out of the sun and to wear sunscreen at all times. Not suntan lotion… sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – the higher the number, the better!
I was stubborn. I liked the looks of a deep tan, and I worked hard to maintain one! And then the day came when some suspicious spots began to appear on my body, and the doctor began to tell me that some were “pre-cancerous.” Thankfully, I have dodged the fate of many… my mother had to have plastic surgery on her nose last year following the removal of a cancerous lesion (and she wasn’t even a sun worshiper like I was!)… and I recently read a magazine article about a woman in Texas who had to have multiple plastic surgeries on her lip following the removal of a very deep malignancy. For them, it was too late to think about sunscreen, wearing a hat, or staying out of the harmful rays… at least in that instance. And for me, it’s too late for the creamy smooth skin of my grandmother, who wore a hat, long sleeves and even gloves whenever she was out in the sun for most of her 100 years…regardless of the temperature. I am forever freckled and marked for my dogged obstinacy!
This is not totally about staying out of the sun! There are countless ways in which we think we know better than the experts… including God! We are often more concerned with pleasing ourselves than with doing what we know we ought to do… or pleasing God. How many times have you said, “LORD… one of these days, I’ll do this or that for You.”? How often have you said, “I’ll give up XYZ and do what God wants… but not today!”? Just how often do you listen to God… and to others He sends into your life to guide your path?
Here’s the deal… God is incredibly patient with us… to a point. When He has had enough… or He sees that we are not going to change our ways and listen to Him, God starts to allow us to experience consequences. In my case, cryosurgery and biopsies have caused me to become quite diligent about wearing sunscreen and protecting myself from the sun’s harmful rays. For an elderly friend of mine, three near-misses with other drivers in the same day have caused her to reconsider driving. As she put it, “When God gives you THREE signs in one outing, I think you ought to listen!” Hopefully she will really follow through, put down her keys, and allow others to chauffeur her around from now on.
What about you? Where are you being stubborn and insisting on your own way? Do you see that you are trying God’s patience… and possibly that of many in your midst? Don’t you think it’s time to consider your actions… and potential consequences… to make the necessary changes before things go too far? Isn’t it time to start listening to God and those He sends to guide you? Aren’t you ready to operate fully in His wisdom… or are you willing to test the limits of God’s tolerance? What will it take to fully get your attention? Is it worth the risk?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 9, 2012
Matthew 10:32-39
“Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I’ll cover for you?
“Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me.
“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.
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.
Someone was telling me recently about visiting the home of a friend, and there was a pillow in one room that said, “It’s all about ME!” Sadly, this is not a joke for some of us! Many people function in this world under the assumption that it truly is all about them. Their focus is on their own agenda… the next purchase…who is paying attention to them… what is happening in their own little circle… and how they appear to others – on every level.
Forget asking these people to change their plans or forego a “treat” for themselves to help someone else. Remember, it’s all about them! Never mind asking them to put the needs of another person ahead of their own… or to say, I had planned to give such-and-such to my parents or my child… but this person is in dire straits and needs it worse, so I will proceed in a different direction.
When it comes to our Christian Discipleship, even more of us have a problem in this area. Ask yourself… “Would I be willing to forego a daily/semi-weekly cup of specialty coffee or a large soft drink in order to sponsor a child in Compassion, International or help another worthwhile charity? Could I give up an hour or so a week of doing something I really enjoy in order to help someone who had a physical need I could meet… running errands, help with lawn maintenance, delivering Meals on Wheels, giving a shut-in a ride somewhere, etc.? What if I turned off my television each day for one hour and spent that time in quiet prayer and meditation for others?”
I don’t know what God is calling you to do. I don’t know where your path to Discipleship leads you. But I do know that a lot of us are far less obedient and selfless in these areas than we ought to be. When it comes to our Christian witness and Discipleship, more than a handful of us could sport a pillow that says “It’s all about ME.”
I’m asking you to examine your heart… and your lifestyle… and see where you are acting selfishly and with a self-centered heart. Then ask God to help you turn things around. Start operating from a place of incredible generosity… the old “give until it hurts – and then some” mentality. I’m not talking about money, per se… unless that is what God asks you to give. I’m talking time, talents, energy - whatever He requests. Be willing to give…and then give some more. Stand up for God, and He will stand up for you! Life may not always be cozy,but you will be blessed. You will know that you can someday stand before God with honor and the confidence that you went all the way with Him. You gave everything you had to give… and then some.
If it’s all about GOD, He will see that your needs are met in the bargain. And when God meets your needs, nothing is lacking…and He is truly enough. Aren’t you ready for this? Won’t you ask God to help you change your focus?
©2012 Debbie Robus
“Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I’ll cover for you?
“Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me.
“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.
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.
Someone was telling me recently about visiting the home of a friend, and there was a pillow in one room that said, “It’s all about ME!” Sadly, this is not a joke for some of us! Many people function in this world under the assumption that it truly is all about them. Their focus is on their own agenda… the next purchase…who is paying attention to them… what is happening in their own little circle… and how they appear to others – on every level.
Forget asking these people to change their plans or forego a “treat” for themselves to help someone else. Remember, it’s all about them! Never mind asking them to put the needs of another person ahead of their own… or to say, I had planned to give such-and-such to my parents or my child… but this person is in dire straits and needs it worse, so I will proceed in a different direction.
When it comes to our Christian Discipleship, even more of us have a problem in this area. Ask yourself… “Would I be willing to forego a daily/semi-weekly cup of specialty coffee or a large soft drink in order to sponsor a child in Compassion, International or help another worthwhile charity? Could I give up an hour or so a week of doing something I really enjoy in order to help someone who had a physical need I could meet… running errands, help with lawn maintenance, delivering Meals on Wheels, giving a shut-in a ride somewhere, etc.? What if I turned off my television each day for one hour and spent that time in quiet prayer and meditation for others?”
I don’t know what God is calling you to do. I don’t know where your path to Discipleship leads you. But I do know that a lot of us are far less obedient and selfless in these areas than we ought to be. When it comes to our Christian witness and Discipleship, more than a handful of us could sport a pillow that says “It’s all about ME.”
I’m asking you to examine your heart… and your lifestyle… and see where you are acting selfishly and with a self-centered heart. Then ask God to help you turn things around. Start operating from a place of incredible generosity… the old “give until it hurts – and then some” mentality. I’m not talking about money, per se… unless that is what God asks you to give. I’m talking time, talents, energy - whatever He requests. Be willing to give…and then give some more. Stand up for God, and He will stand up for you! Life may not always be cozy,but you will be blessed. You will know that you can someday stand before God with honor and the confidence that you went all the way with Him. You gave everything you had to give… and then some.
If it’s all about GOD, He will see that your needs are met in the bargain. And when God meets your needs, nothing is lacking…and He is truly enough. Aren’t you ready for this? Won’t you ask God to help you change your focus?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 11, 2012
James 4:1-6
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
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.
Eleven years ago today, a horrific terroristic attack occurred in New York City at the World Trade Center. I can’t imagine there is a person alive over the age of 10 who hasn’t at least heard about “9-11,” as it is commonly known. And yes, evil people who wanted their way took matters into their own hands, using violence and killing innocent people in an attempt to make their point.
While we cannot – and must not – forget what happened on September 11, 2001, we must remember that in our own way, we all fight and quarrel and would do anything to get what we want. More than a few of us wage an inner battle with such things as controlling our anger, our tongue or our thoughts… weight loss and/or keeping fit and healthy… addictions from smoking to drinking, drug abuse, gambling, overeating, overspending, and more… and a variety of things we crave to satisfy our ego. We trick ourselves into thinking we are asking God for His will by praying, “LORD, please help me with this,” but our translation is, “LORD… please give me what I want!” And the results wreak havoc in our own life… and the lives of many of those we encounter on a daily basis.
Let’s be honest, a lot of us are willing to go to great lengths to get what we want or to have things our way. Thankfully, very few among us will physically kill another person to accomplish this, but we destroy our health and our relationships, wipe out our bank accounts, and compromise our faith… all because we want what isn’t ours – or we want to do and say whatever we please. And in many ways, these actions are as much a form of murder as if we had pulled the trigger on a gun. We don’t ask God to give us what we want, because we know in our gut that He will say “No” – and with good reason. So we connive, argue and wage battle within our self and with others… and we make a huge mess of things.
Now that you’ve tried “having it your way” and seen how futile this can be… why not give God’s way a chance? Isn’t it time you tried humility and genuinely asked God to meet your daily needs? What if you humbly and honestly asked God to guide your steps… to give you the determination to kick that bad habit or actually engage in a daily workout… to grant you the willpower to resist buying things you don’t need and participating in activities that are wrong for you, at best – or downright immoral at their core… to control your thoughts and your tongue?
What if we started to think about the wide-ranging ramifications of our words and actions and asked God to help us do what is right for us – and for those we encounter? This passage tells us that what God gives in love is better than anything we will find on our own… that He gives His grace to the willing humble. What do you supposed could happen if we dropped pretense and ego… and operated humbly in the will of God? Are you ready to find out? Isn’t today a great day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
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.
Eleven years ago today, a horrific terroristic attack occurred in New York City at the World Trade Center. I can’t imagine there is a person alive over the age of 10 who hasn’t at least heard about “9-11,” as it is commonly known. And yes, evil people who wanted their way took matters into their own hands, using violence and killing innocent people in an attempt to make their point.
While we cannot – and must not – forget what happened on September 11, 2001, we must remember that in our own way, we all fight and quarrel and would do anything to get what we want. More than a few of us wage an inner battle with such things as controlling our anger, our tongue or our thoughts… weight loss and/or keeping fit and healthy… addictions from smoking to drinking, drug abuse, gambling, overeating, overspending, and more… and a variety of things we crave to satisfy our ego. We trick ourselves into thinking we are asking God for His will by praying, “LORD, please help me with this,” but our translation is, “LORD… please give me what I want!” And the results wreak havoc in our own life… and the lives of many of those we encounter on a daily basis.
Let’s be honest, a lot of us are willing to go to great lengths to get what we want or to have things our way. Thankfully, very few among us will physically kill another person to accomplish this, but we destroy our health and our relationships, wipe out our bank accounts, and compromise our faith… all because we want what isn’t ours – or we want to do and say whatever we please. And in many ways, these actions are as much a form of murder as if we had pulled the trigger on a gun. We don’t ask God to give us what we want, because we know in our gut that He will say “No” – and with good reason. So we connive, argue and wage battle within our self and with others… and we make a huge mess of things.
Now that you’ve tried “having it your way” and seen how futile this can be… why not give God’s way a chance? Isn’t it time you tried humility and genuinely asked God to meet your daily needs? What if you humbly and honestly asked God to guide your steps… to give you the determination to kick that bad habit or actually engage in a daily workout… to grant you the willpower to resist buying things you don’t need and participating in activities that are wrong for you, at best – or downright immoral at their core… to control your thoughts and your tongue?
What if we started to think about the wide-ranging ramifications of our words and actions and asked God to help us do what is right for us – and for those we encounter? This passage tells us that what God gives in love is better than anything we will find on our own… that He gives His grace to the willing humble. What do you supposed could happen if we dropped pretense and ego… and operated humbly in the will of God? Are you ready to find out? Isn’t today a great day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 23, 2012
Romans 12:3
I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The final two contestants on American Idol were 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, from San Diego, California… and 21-year-old Phillip Phillips, from Leesburg, Georgia. Both have amazing talent. Sanchez sings like someone almost twice her age. Phillips has a knack for sounding like a lot of musical artists… and creating his own “sound” as well. Neither of these young people were taught how to do these things… their talent is a God-given gift. For either of them to take personal credit for their abilities – or the ultimate title of American Idol – would be ludicrous. With coaching and instruction, each would probably be a good singer/entertainer. But what sets them apart from the average singer in any town in America is an extraordinary talent – a gift from God.
There are things we can accomplish on our own, perhaps. We can study and learn… we can exercise and build muscle mass and strength… we can practice playing a musical instrument and become fairly adept at creating a pretty sound. But for everything we can do “on our own,” there are countless things that we would never be able to accomplish without God’s help… His grace, mercy, love and blessings. And honestly, our ability to learn anything is in itself a gift from God. If God had not blessed us with the capability to absorb knowledge… or to move physically… we would never be able to learn or move! Everything we have and are is a gift from God!
Knowing this… why on earth would we ever take credit for things? Why would we ever think we are better than we really are? We are only as good as the gifts God gives us – and what we do with them. Does that mean that some of us could not do a whole lot better? Do many of us squander what God has given us? Absolutely! Do most of us fail to fully recognize and acknowledge God’s presence in our lives? Most certainly! So what are we doing about this? Shouldn’t our aim become to do better at giving credit where credit is due? Isn’t it time we focused on praising God for all He has done for us… all He has given us… and putting our own ego in the back seat?
God may not be calling us to be the next American Idol, rocket scientist, or CEO of a major corporation. He may be calling us to be the best “ordinary” servant we can be. Our job is to pay attention… to be ready to serve however and wherever God desires… and to give Him all the glory for what He accomplishes in and through us. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The final two contestants on American Idol were 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, from San Diego, California… and 21-year-old Phillip Phillips, from Leesburg, Georgia. Both have amazing talent. Sanchez sings like someone almost twice her age. Phillips has a knack for sounding like a lot of musical artists… and creating his own “sound” as well. Neither of these young people were taught how to do these things… their talent is a God-given gift. For either of them to take personal credit for their abilities – or the ultimate title of American Idol – would be ludicrous. With coaching and instruction, each would probably be a good singer/entertainer. But what sets them apart from the average singer in any town in America is an extraordinary talent – a gift from God.
There are things we can accomplish on our own, perhaps. We can study and learn… we can exercise and build muscle mass and strength… we can practice playing a musical instrument and become fairly adept at creating a pretty sound. But for everything we can do “on our own,” there are countless things that we would never be able to accomplish without God’s help… His grace, mercy, love and blessings. And honestly, our ability to learn anything is in itself a gift from God. If God had not blessed us with the capability to absorb knowledge… or to move physically… we would never be able to learn or move! Everything we have and are is a gift from God!
Knowing this… why on earth would we ever take credit for things? Why would we ever think we are better than we really are? We are only as good as the gifts God gives us – and what we do with them. Does that mean that some of us could not do a whole lot better? Do many of us squander what God has given us? Absolutely! Do most of us fail to fully recognize and acknowledge God’s presence in our lives? Most certainly! So what are we doing about this? Shouldn’t our aim become to do better at giving credit where credit is due? Isn’t it time we focused on praising God for all He has done for us… all He has given us… and putting our own ego in the back seat?
God may not be calling us to be the next American Idol, rocket scientist, or CEO of a major corporation. He may be calling us to be the best “ordinary” servant we can be. Our job is to pay attention… to be ready to serve however and wherever God desires… and to give Him all the glory for what He accomplishes in and through us. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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