Daily Devotional for March 19, 2012

1 Corinthians 10:1-7
Remember our history, friends, and be warned. All our ancestors were led by the providential Cloud and taken miraculously through the Sea. They went through the waters, in a baptism like ours, as Moses led them from enslaving death to salvation life. They all ate and drank identical food and drink, meals provided daily by God. They drank from the Rock, God's fountain for them that stayed with them wherever they were. And the Rock was Christ. But just experiencing God's wonder and grace didn't seem to mean much—most of them were defeated by temptation during the hard times in the desert, and God was not pleased.

The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—"First the people partied, then they threw a dance."

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.

Suppose you got a new car… the car of your dreams. You proudly drove it everywhere… even invited your friends to take a ride and enjoy how smoothly it drove. Everyone noticed your new car, and you felt like a different person when you were seen in it. Then the car ran out of gas… and you parked it in the garage and left it there. You still had a new car… but you went back to your old methods of getting around. A few people asked about the car, and you shrugged and said, “Yeah… I’ve got it, but gas takes money, and it’s a lot of work to keep it clean and running well, so I just parked it in the garage. It’s safe and clean there... I just don’t take it out often.”

Do you see my point? What good is a new car if you are not going to fill it with gas, maintain its engine, and drive it? And the same can be said of our faith. Many of us make a “salvation decision” – we invite Jesus to live in our hearts, and we get all excited for a while. Then the “gas” runs out, and we park our faith and return to our old habits. We don’t feed our relationship with Christ through prayer, Bible study, fellowship with others and actual service.

Equally as bad, we Christians often do a poor job of nurturing and encouraging others as they grow in their faith walk. We are so glad to add another name to the roll at church – and to increase our numbers. But I have long maintained that church growth is a good thing… if you take care of everyone who is already in the church body. Otherwise, we are just piling up “cars in the garage.”

So my challenge for each of us today is this…

1. We must continually strive to grow and learn as Disciples of Christ. We must study the word of God… spend time with Him in prayer… and exercise our faith by serving God, sharing the Good News of Jesus with others, and genuinely caring for those we encounter.
2. We must nurture and encourage others – believers and unbelievers alike. We must be awake and alert… always looking for ways to serve others in God’s name. We must make sure that others know that we care… and that we are willing to make the effort to help them as needed. Mere lip service is completely unacceptable.

We’ve partied long enough. The “jig” is up! It’s time to knuckle down and get to work… to learn and grow in our faith… and become complete new beings in Christ. Get your “Spiritual car” out of the garage, fill it up, and get started on the ride of your life!

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 17, 2012

Acts 2:42-47
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.

They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.

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.

Last winter when I helped my grandmother move into an assisted living facility, I found a journal at her house in which she had written down some accounts of her life and recalled several experiences through the years. One account went like this… “We did some silly things, but they were fun. We had some friends, the Tounzens, who had moved to Kansas City, so we decided to visit them.” She lists who went… she and my grandfather, my dad, and some cousins and their two girls. This was probably in the early 1940s.

My grandmother continues… “We loaded the car with everything we could find to eat. That is… we had canned foods, potatoes, cooked food…and after the football game, we took off. Drove the rest of the night and got there in time to go to the big parade. I mean BIG! Then we went to the horse show… back to the Tounzens’. And we had a ball. There was seven of us and seven of them. We sure had lots of pallets on the floor, but we had a real family get-together.”

In case you missed it… my grandparents were nowhere near wealthy. They worked very hard - especially in the early years of their marriage and my dad’s childhood. They lived in what was virtually a one-room shack with newspaper for wallpaper, and my dad didn’t have his own crib or bed until he was probably three or four. Both my grandmother and my grandfather physically worked very hard every single day just to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. Yet they found joy in the simple fellowship of being with others… many of whom were just like them. They pooled what they had and “made do” – and experienced joy and fun in the process! They lived out the message of Acts 2 in so many ways… because they also celebrated their relationship with God and shared His love with others.

We are so spoiled nowadays. We think we have to have well-planned and executed meals, a nice cozy bed for sleeping, and plenty of “stuff” to be happy. Get-togethers are carefully organized “events” – not a spontaneous gathering of family and friends to share whatever is in the fridge. And in our desire to appear to have it so together, we miss out on the blessings of “making do.” We won’t go to an event because we think our clothes aren’t right. We don’t invite others to our dorm room, apartment, or church because we feel it’s not neat or pretty enough… or we don’t have the latest gadgets, the biggest TV screen, or the most up-to-date sound system. We would never think of asking someone to come home from church with us for a meal without days of planning, shopping, cleaning and preparation beforehand.

Can I tell you something? God wants us to be spontaneous… to live in the moment – HIS moment! He wants us to seize opportunities to fellowship with others and further His Kingdom. He wants us to “jump in the car and drive to Kansas City.” Where are you limiting God and His ability to work in and through you? How appearance conscious – or lazy – are you about this? We need to get up and get going – to seek opportunities to share God’s love with others at any time or place… and to recognize His nudge in this direction.

The biggest witness for the Good News of Jesus Christ will not come in our invitation to others to come to church and worship with us… it will be a result of how we treat others outside the walls of the sanctuary. Are you sharing God’s love with others, pooling your resources to meet their needs, and making even the smallest events an opportunity for celebration? Do people like what they see in your example? Do they feel the miracles and wonders of God in your day-to-day behavior and treatment of them? Are you a “jump-in-the-car” disciple… or are you stuck in Neutral? What is God nudging you to do for Him today? Are you really listening?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 30, 2010

Proverbs 10:21
Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

If you are like most people, at least once in your life you have gotten a new appliance or device, opened the package, and tried to use the gizmo without reading the instruction manual first. Think of the old adage, “When all else fails, read the instructions!”

I’ll admit, I’ve had instruction manuals that might as well have been written in Greek. I’ve also had instruction manuals that gave almost zero instruction, leaving me scratching my head and wondering what in the world I was supposed to do to operate the device.

Thankfully, God’s instruction is neither “Greek” nor lacking. The Bible gives us clear details on how to gain salvation through Jesus Christ – and how to conduct our lives afterward. Scripture tells us how to be disciples of Christ, what happens when we follow His teachings … and what happens when we don’t! It’s all there!

So we really have no excuses. I would venture to say that everyone reading this devotional has heard the word of God and received these instructions … probably many times! Yet we seem to think we know it all. We fail to consult the “manual” by ignoring the scriptures, forgetting to pray, and not taking advantage of opportunities to fellowship with other Christians who can strengthen and encourage us.

It’s time for a reality check. We do not have all the answers. We are not capable of navigating life as a Christian on our own … with no instruction! To try to do so will get us “killed” by our own stupidity in the form of failures, sorrow, disappointments, and all types of destruction. Failure to follow God’s instruction manual can even lead to an eternity without Christ for those who never invite Him into their hearts and accept His salvation.

Read the “Manual.” Listen to God’s instructions. In fact, seek them before you make a single move. Make sure you have all of the information and instruction necessary before you do anything else. You’ll be amazed how much more smoothly things operate.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 9, 2010

Proverbs 17:17
A friend is always a friend, and relatives are born to share our troubles.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

This devo begins a group that relate to “Sharing the Good News – and God’s Love,” and it’s probably where you may think I’ve gone to meddling! But I am convinced that many of us have fallen short in this area. I have to believe that when I hear of children who have not spoken to their parents in months, or even years. I know we have grown insensitive and self-absorbed when I hear in the news of someone who died alone in their home from heat exhaustion and malnutrition, because not even their next-door neighbors bothered to check on them. I am convinced of this when I hear in the news of a child who committed suicide because he/she was bullied relentlessly and nobody did anything to stop it.

You can call it what you want … busyness, your own set of troubles, “work got in the way,” or just plain not wanting to get involved. The fact is, we are called as Christians to love one another … and that means we’re going to have to become involved at some point. If you are to love your neighbor as you love yourself, you will have to check on him/her. If you are going to honor your father and mother, you will have to call and visit them once in a while. We’re going to have to look up from our own lives and see those around us – and get busy meeting the needs of others.

Imagine if Jesus had said, “I’m too busy,” or “It’s not my problem… I need to stay out of this.” What if Jesus had held a grudge against His Father and refused to communicate! I know … pretty preposterous, isn’t it?! But that’s what many of us do. We claim to have dozens of “close friends,” but we couldn’t tell you much about the thoughts, dreams, desires and needs of a single one of them. We’re so busy collecting acquaintances, possessions and whatever satisfies our every whim that we often fail to stop and ask, “Lord, who do I need to call today?” or “Father, do I need to reach out to a friend or family member?”

My prayer today is that we would become more genuinely concerned about the welfare of our family and friends. I pray that we would ask God to open our hearts, eyes and ears … that we would see the needs of others – and meet them! If you need help getting started, pick up the church bulletin and read the prayer concerns. I bet there is someone on there you could call, visit, or mail a card of encouragement. Or … read through the birthday list and send someone good wishes to brighten their day. Or here’s a good one … I have a card on my desk that says, “Have you prayed for your pastor today?” Well, have you?

Being a Christian is more than accepting Jesus – or even receiving the Holy Spirit. If you keep everything to yourself, you really have not fulfilled Jesus’ gift. Think of it like a credit card that doesn’t work until you call the headquarters and activate it. It’s time we activated our “Christian card” and got busy using it. Where will you “spend” some of God’s love today?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 22, 2010

April 22 ~ Matthew 18:10-14
Don't be cruel to any of these little ones! I promise you that their angels are always with my Father in heaven. Let me ask you this. What would you do if you had a hundred sheep and one of them wandered off? Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go look for the one that had wandered away? I am sure that finding it would make you happier than having the ninety-nine that never wandered off. That's how it is with your Father in heaven. He doesn't want any of these little ones to be lost.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

During the Christmas holidays, I always make Italian cream cake. This rich dessert has become a family tradition for our holiday dinners, and I rarely make it any other time. This year, I set it on a beautiful antique cake plate that I purchased at the estate sale of a dear friend named Eloise. The pattern was called “Stars and Bars,” and every time I used that platter, I thought of Eloise. When the cake was finished, I slid the platter into my sink to wash it… and somehow it became wedged along the sides of the sink.


I could not budge that platter. I tried more dish soap. I tried gently pulling on the sides… being careful not to crack the plate and cut myself. Then I did a dumb thing. My dish water was very warm, so I got a cup of ice from our freezer and poured it in. CRACK! The plate immediately split into two pieces. Had I been a little more patient and thoughtful, the dish might have come loose as the water cooled. I learned a hard lesson.


The thing is… I have dozens of cake plates and beautiful antique trays that I have purchased at estate auctions. I even have another “Stars and Bars” tray. But almost all of the trays and dishes I keep have a story for me. They belonged to a friend… or the contemporary of my grandmothers. I have two trays that belonged to my grandmother and great-aunt, and I can still imagine them serving delicious little tidbits to their coffee klatch or canasta club. Each one is precious, and I am sad when I break or chip even one.


That was Jesus’ point with His analogy. Every single one of us is important to Him. Even the person you see as insignificant or “hard to love,” Jesus loves and adores every bit as much as He cares for you. I should have been more careful with Eloise’s cake plate. I will learn to live without it. But human souls are not as expendable. We cannot afford to ignore or mistreat a single one! What “sheep” have wandered off in your own life? To whom do you need to reach out today and encourage them back “into the fold?”

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 20, 2010

April 20 ~ Luke 14:8-11
When you are invited to a wedding feast, don't sit in the best place. Someone more important may have been invited. Then the one who invited you will come and say, "Give your place to this other guest!" You will be embarrassed and will have to sit in the worst place.

When you are invited to be a guest, go and sit in the worst place. Then the one who invited you may come and say, "My friend, take a better seat!" You will then be honored in front of all the other guests. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

For three years in the late 80’s/early 90’s, I handled publicity for a locally-based company that sold its products internationally. My job was to get the products mentioned in magazines, newspapers, and other media. I also wrote press releases and traveled with company executives and employees to promote their products at markets, parties, and special events. I jetted around the country, dined in fancy restaurants and stayed in posh hotels. In my job, I often functioned in a world completely the opposite of my quiet home life with my husband and two cats on a little farm outside of Heber Springs.

This was before the Internet really came into everyday use, so I spent countless hours on the phone with magazine editors, designers, and other PR people. I became well acquainted with magazine editors from VOGUE, HOME, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, and dozens more. I met many famous people and even dined with a few.

Are you impressed? Don’t be! These were all ordinary people who happened to be in extraordinary positions. One of the best lessons I learned from this three-year experience was not to be affected by celebrity. It’s not that I became numb to the fame and fortune. I simply realized that when you strip away the fancy clothes, the jets, the money, the cameras and media recognition, each is an ordinary person who probably grew up very much like you and I did. They may still have “regular” home towns and families… and probably plenty of “regular” problems and challenges. We want to define them by their surroundings and “things,” but we are mistaken to do so.

I came to appreciate some of these people as genuine folks who happened to have interesting jobs or lifestyles. Some of them recognized me as a person and not just the means to a good story or photo for their magazine spread. Some I realized were really lonely human beings hiding behind a façade of fame and fortune. Still others were caught up in the hoopla and wanted others to think they were really “special!” Looking back, I see all of these people I met very differently. I wonder, “How did they see me? Did I reflect Jesus to them? Did they think I saw them as real people, or just a means to a mention for my company’s products?”

I pray that we would all take a good hard look at ourselves and see what sort of image we are projecting. Are we the “real deal” – a true, humble servant of Christ who reflects His love and light to others? Or are we hangers-on… wannabes… blinded by the lure of recognition and celebrity? Do we teeter on the brink of embarrassment, should others find out who we really are? Or have we stripped away any layers of phoniness, blind ambition, greed, and self-service, and let Jesus use us for His purposes? The question of the day is, “Where does God see you sitting… and how did you get there?”

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 19, 2010

April 19 ~ Jude 1:20-25
Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life.

Be helpful to all who may have doubts. Rescue any who need to be saved, as you would rescue someone from a fire. Then with fear in your own hearts, have mercy on everyone who needs it. But hate even the clothes of those who have been made dirty by their filthy deeds.

Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

In recent months the “climate” in our country has taken on a disappointing – and at times nasty – tone. I am sad to see people who publicly proclaim their Christian faith, then cover their car in bumper stickers that express unloving or disrespectful sentiments. It bothers me to see posts on Facebook from fellow believers that express intolerance for others. The message may be subtle and a bit cryptic, but the meaning is clear. I am discouraged when I read the posts that ask me to join a group to “get rid of” a specific politician or organization…or say “I hate my life”…or are so filled with four-letter words that I have to “hide” them. We shouldn’t be joking about the deaths of Al-Qaeda military leaders and administrators or the latest celebrity sex scandal or trip to rehab. Remember, God loves them just as much as He loves you!

Those of you who know me know that one of my mantras is, “People are always watching.” We need to be aware of where we are and with whom we are associating. Additionally, we need to be careful that our attitudes and behaviors do not discredit our Christian faith. People are indeed watching, and they notice when we judge others and invoke the name of Jesus in practically the same sentence. They recognize those of us who claim to be “Christians” as we stand at protest rallies, and they hear us shouting unkind – or even hateful – things. They hear our off-color jokes about the latest celebrity scandal. They see the posts on Facebook and read our editorial comments in the newspaper. They hear our conversations over lunch at the local diner. And we are judged accordingly. While we have every right to voice our opinions, we need to think about what our thoughts and actions convey to others before we do so.

When you publicly express your displeasure with everything from public welfare programs to abortion and a person’s sexual orientation or unhappiness with your government officials, you are certainly within your constitutional rights to do so. But before you speak, consider who will hear your remarks. It doesn’t matter whether others agree with you or not. If they hear you expound on a certain issue in an unkind or even hateful manner – and then they take a seat in the pew next to you on Sunday - how do you think they will view you and your faith? Will they see you as a disciple of Christ who has mercy on those who need it? Or will they see a judgmental, hard-nosed, “my-way-or-the-highway” person who serves God in a rather critical, selective manner? Will they want to serve your Jesus?

I’m not saying you can’t have opinions – or even that you have to keep them to yourself. I am asking you to stop and think before you react and speak. The very person or group you are publicly condemning may be looking to you for an example of Christian faith and mercy. They may be gauging Christianity by your level of grace and love – and how you emulate Jesus in your daily living. It’s the “love the sinner, hate the sin” concept. You don’t have to approve of sinful behavior or any lifestyle or choice you feel doesn’t line up with God’s will. But if you alienate the people to whom you wish to minister, you may never get a second chance to share Jesus’ love with them. Many will never darken the door of the church, much less return for another visit! Don’t be “guilty by association” – in any form. Before you act or speak, ask God if He approves of the message, as our politicians like to say in their campaign ads. Make sure you show love and mercy to those who need it, and keep in step with God throughout each day.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 16, 2010

April 16 ~ Galatians 5:22-26
God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Several years ago, I was shopping in the grocery store. I looked up as a very dirty, disheveled man came through the door. For a second, I thought to myself, “What is he doing in here?” When I got a closer look, he was a man I know very well… and he happens to be quite wealthy! Apparently he was doing yard work or heavy outside carpentry or something and happened to need an item from the store. I admit, I was ashamed of myself for my earlier thought!

Be honest… probably every single one of us has judged someone else on their appearance. We’ve deemed ourselves to be better than others based on this… or what kind of car they drive, whether they went to college, where they work, their neighborhood, or even how they smell. We quickly label people as smart or dumb, rich or poor, fat or skinny, and more. We lose our patience, our joy, our gentleness, and our self-control over the smallest of things. And often, our first thought about another person is, “What can he/she do for me?” We wonder how associating with them will affect our reputation – positively or negatively. Who does this person know and how can it help or hurt us? This is totally the opposite of what God desires and how operating in the Holy Spirit should affect us. Frankly, when we operate and behave any other way, we are pretty much denying Christ! We can’t have it both ways – either we serve ourselves or we serve God… and the reward for serving Him is love, happiness, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That sounds like traits I really want to have - don’t you?

Let’s look at our lives today and see where we need to toss out some old baggage and thought processes and fill ourselves more with the Holy Spirit. Let’s start to live like the children of the Most High God… saved and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ. Let’s operate under the power of the Holy Spirit and see how good life can be. I’m ready… are you?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 15, 2010

April 15 ~ Ephesians 4:32
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Do you know someone who is always angry at someone or about something? This person is not very much fun person to be around. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of having to tiptoe lightly around certain people, because I know that the slightest thing can “set them off” and cause problems. And I would be willing to bet that nobody would want to hang around me if I were that way (gee, I hope I’m not!). It also amazes me that anyone who claims to be filled with the Holy Spirit and washed in the blood of Jesus could behave in this manner and be so miserable. And truly, people who are bitter, angry and mad are miserable, even if they won’t admit it!

So when someone gives you less than stellar service at a store or restaurant – or wherever you happen to be, don’t “let them have it,” and stomp out. Certainly do not curse at others… and don’t be rude, either. Just because someone makes a bonehead move doesn’t mean he/she should be called an “idiot.” Just because friends and family members don’t measure up to your standards doesn’t mean they deserve to be treated poorly… by you or anyone else.

Stop and think about this… every single person you encounter is just as much a child of God as you are – and they are every bit as important to Him. You wouldn’t want God to approve of others treating you unkindly. And how do you think God feels about the grudges you hold? Get over yourself! Ask God to refill your “love and tolerance tank,” and start living like the person Christ redeemed. You’ll feel better for it… and so will those around you!

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 13, 2010

April 13 ~ Ecclesiastes 5:10-12
If you love money and wealth, you will never be satisfied with what you have. This doesn't make sense, either. The more you have, the more everyone expects from you. Your money won't do you any good - others will just spend it for you. If you have to work hard for a living, you can rest well at night, even if you don't have much to eat. But if you are rich, you can't even sleep.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

One of the best new shows on television is CBS’s “Undercover Boss.” Chief Executive Officers of major corporations put on disguises and “go undercover” to see what really is happening in the workplace in their businesses. In every episode, the executives have lived what would be considered “wealthy” lifestyles… big homes, nice cars, fancy suits and more. For one week, they exchange all of this for more “common” clothing, stay in low-budget motels and eat TV dinners, and work alongside the ordinary workers. These CEO’s have done everything from clean port-a-potties and pick up trash to washing streets at a theme park to waiting tables, and cleaning out sewer lines for Roto Rooter.

Without exception, each CEO has encountered people who were doing difficult – and sometimes nasty – jobs… and doing them with a smile and a genuine desire to be the best they possibly could at doing their job. They encountered single parents who could barely make ends meet – and some who were behind on mortgages. They met students who could not afford to go to college and were happily working at a menial job for meager wages. They met fathers who were working long hours and nights and weekends to support their children. They met a lot of “unwealthy” people who were enthusiastically working in their companies – and often at jobs the CEO’s were totally incapable of performing…much less with a smile.

The CEO’s all came away with a realization that their concept of “wealth” was skewed at best. They realized that what makes one happy is not a lot of money or a top-level position. And that’s the point of this scripture passage.

Don’t misunderstand me. I am not saying you shouldn’t work hard – or that it is a wrong or sinful to be wealthy. Plenty of wealthy people have used their money to help others, support worthy causes, and further God’s kingdom. But wanting that new pair of Nikes for basketball and having to worry about leaving them in your locker during class may not be worth it. Do you really need a new phone when yours is perfectly good? Will another 1000 square feet of house and a couple of extra acres be worth the extra time and energy required for cleaning and maintenance? Why are you really getting a new car?

The bottom line is that having more “things” and more money may not make you happier – and it certainly won’t make you more of a Christian! Even if you give much of your wealth to charity, you need to be sure that your motives line up with God’s will. Does God want you to spend your time and energy gaining more money and “stuff?” Or does He want you to be happy where you are and spend more time serving Him and learning more about His will for your life?

On “Undercover Boss,” many of these employees whom the CEO’s encountered were given promotions, money to help pay their debts, raises in pay, and more. But this didn’t necessarily make them happier or more productive. They already seemed to have their priorities straight. What about you? Where are your priorities? What are you working to achieve… joy, contentment, and a Christ-centered life? Or are you chasing the wealth at the end of the rainbow? How well are you sleeping at night? What truly makes you rich these days?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 12, 2010

April 12 ~ Ecclesiastes 4:6
Yet a very little food eaten in peace is better than twice as much earned from overwork and chasing the wind.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Back in the 1980’s, when my grandparents, our dads, my brother, cousins and other relatives were still alive, we used to have fairly regular family dinners. Any day was a holiday somewhere, so from impromptu weiner roasts at one of the Corps parks on a Sunday afternoon to elaborate potlucks at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and more… we loved to get together and eat. We worked hard to prepare food. I think back to my childhood and my mom’s Christmas morning breakfasts – cookies for us kids and bacon and eggs with all the trimmings for the “menfolk” – followed a mere four hours later with the lavish turkey lunch and all the accompanying side dishes. I wonder, “What was she thinking, and how did she and my grandmothers and the other adult women in the family do this?” When I became an adult, it was all I could do to prepare my two or three potluck dishes and get to the lunch on time! Forget breakfast – we were lucky to get a piece of toast!

So one time, my mom had a rather spur-of-the-moment family get-together, and instead of a big hoopie-do dinner, she fixed tuna fish and pimiento cheese sandwiches. I think someone made some brownies or something, and another made baked beans, and we all got together and ate what was, for us, a simple meal. But the fellowship and the visiting was just as good… maybe even better. Instead of spending an hour dividing up leftovers and putting away food and washing dishes, we spent more time as a group having fun and reminiscing. We were not overworked and chasing the wind. As my cousin Eddie left Mom’s house he said, “You know… this was great! We don’t have to have a fancy meal, but it sure was good to get together.”

Now that much of my family is gone or scattered across multiple cities/states, we find it very hard to get together. I honestly couldn’t even tell you the last time either my extended family or my husband’s was together long enough to share a meal where everyone was there. For a lot of reasons, it seems it has become very hard for us to throw together some pimiento cheese or tuna fish and a loaf of bread, so to speak, and say, “Come on over!”

Let’s look at this from a Christian perspective… how hard would it be to toss on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and head to church to worship God on Sunday morning? I promise, He doesn’t care if you’re wearing designer clothing or thrift shop rejects. When was the last time you dropped everything to go see about a friend who was sick or in need? You might have to miss a TV show (although with DVR, that’s highly improbable these days) – or you might have to get out of your sweats and put on something a little nicer, but that wouldn’t be the end of the world, would it?! When was the last time you picked up the phone and called someone you’ve meant to talk to for a long time… or stopped in to see the shut-in whose house you drive past every day?

How long has it been since you slowed down and stopped chasing the wind, and enjoyed the peace of God that fellowship and sharing His love with others bring? Isn’t it about time we all did just that?

©2010 Debbie Robus

October 2009 Devos

October 7 ~ Luke 6:12
About that time Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night there.

Luke 9:28
About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James with him and went up on a mountain to pray.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

You might be wondering what on earth JESUS needed to pray about! Maybe a better way to look at this is to consider that even Jesus spent time talking with God. He realized that a time of quiet meditation with Father God was important. And then He took His disciples and showed them how to engage in quiet prayer time. Clearly, quiet prayer time is important!

I will be the first to admit that I am not good at consistently spending time each day in quiet prayer… much like I am not good at making time for a daily workout. Other things get in the way. For you it may be school and after-school activities, church activities, your family, a job, your own children and family, or even poor health. But just like our body needs exercise, so does our soul… in the form of prayer.

I need to do better at both forms of exercise… and I am going to work on this. I’ve found a “system” that seems to work for me, and I am going to do better at implementing this “system.” For me, the best way to do this is to take a daily walk… and to pray while I’m walking! On bad-weather days, when I walk on the treadmill, I need to either turn off my DVR and spend that time in prayer, too. Or, I need to set aside other time to sit and quietly meditate on God and talk with Him. For you, the best time to pray might be right after you read these daily devotionals. You don’t have to pray for a certain length of time, but you don’t need to rush through it, either. Just sit quietly for however long God leads you, and talk to Him… listen to Him… meditate on the Father and what He has to tell you. We don’t have to go to a mountain to pray, but I think Jesus’ point in doing so was to emphasize the need to get away from the noise and busyness of life and set aside time each day to talk to God. If Jesus needed quiet prayer time, surely so do we.

©2009 Debbie Robus

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October 6 ~ Acts 6:2-7
The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together and said, "We should not give up preaching God's message in order to serve at tables. My friends, choose seven men who are respected and wise and filled with God's Spirit. We will put them in charge of these things. We can spend our time praying and serving God by preaching." This suggestion pleased everyone, and they began by choosing Stephen. He had great faith and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and also Nicolaus, who worshiped with the Jewish people in Antioch. These men were brought to the apostles. Then the apostles prayed and placed their hands on the men to show that they had been chosen to do this work. God's message spread, and many more people in Jerusalem became followers. Even a large number of priests put their faith in the Lord.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

One human being can’t do it all. We each have a job to do, especially when it comes to serving Christ. The disciples were wise enough to realize that their efforts needed to be focused on praying and preaching. They needed someone else to settle disagreements and run the day-to-day business of ministry. The disciples placed hands on some Godly men, prayed, and anointed them to handle the “business” side of the church work.

What I want you to realize from this passage is that everyone has a purpose… and a ministry. No person can do everything alone. YOU have been called by God to serve in some capacity… even if you are a teenager or a senior citizen. God didn’t just call young adults to do the work. Teenagers can use the tools at their disposal – texting, Facebook, and more – to reach others for Christ. Or they can do mission work to help those in their community who are not able to do things around the home, mentor young children, and assist with church activities. Even shut-ins who are experiencing poor health can be called as prayer warriors. There is a job for everyone.

So let’s all get busy praying and asking God to show us where we fit into His plan for ministry. Feel His hands on you, anointing you to do whatever He has called you to do to serve in His name, further His work, and bring others into His kingdom. You have been chosen to do specific things for God. Do you know what they are?

©2009 Debbie Robus

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October 5 ~ Acts 4:29
Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

Fear is a huge motivator. We fear all sorts of things – rejection, ridicule, loss, illness, pain and suffering, death. I come from a long line of worry worts! Some of my family members have made a career out of worry over anything and everything. When I was in college, I read a book by a man named Dale Carnegie called How to Stop Worrying and Start Living (©1948 The Chaucer Press, Ltd). Carnegie listed the “Fundamental Facts You Should Know About Worry”:

1. If you want to avoid worry, do what Sir William Osler did: Live in "day-tight compartments." Don't stew about the future. Just live each day until bedtime.
2. The next time Trouble--with a Capital T--backs you up in a corner, try the magic formula of Willis H. Carrier:
   a. Ask yourself, "What is the worst that can possibly happen if I can't solve my problem?
   b. Prepare yourself mentally to accept the worst--if necessary.
   c. Then calmly try to improve upon the worst--which you have already mentally agreed to accept.
3. Remind yourself of the exorbitant price you can pay for worry in terms of your health. "Those who do not know how to fight worry die young."

To this day, I have remembered the steps the “magic formula” in point #2. I find myself often asking, “What is the worst that can possibly happen?” and “Am I prepared to handle it?” Let’s say that living for Jesus could cost you your friends… won’t God bring you new ones? What if it costs you a significant other, a mate, or your parents? Can’t God bring other people or activities into your life to fill the emptiness? What if you give up old habits and bad influences to serve God… will He bless your efforts? Yes, bad things happen – and I don’t mean to be flip about the loss of relationships/family/friends. But generally, the “worst” that can happen isn’t that bad in the light of day. And in terms of serving God and His blessings, it’s nothing at all!

The disciples knew what spreading the Good News had cost Jesus. They saw first-hand the suffering and sacrifice… and yet Jesus kept preaching, and they were willing to follow. But they knew the key to making this all work was asking God to help them! So study these “Fundamental Facts You Should Know About Worry” and start trying them in your own life. BUT… remember to ask God to guide you. His help will make the difference in whether or not you are successful at conquering your fears and worries. God’s wisdom is the key to making this work!

©2009 Debbie Robus

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October 4 ~ Acts 1:24-25
Then they all prayed, "Lord, you know what everyone is like! Show us the one you have chosen to be an apostle and to serve in place of Judas, who got what he deserved." They drew names, and Matthias was chosen to join the group of the eleven apostles.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

We all make choices every day. Some are simple – like what to eat for lunch or dinner. Others are more difficult… choosing a career, a spouse, who to hire for a particular job, or which candidate would make the best leader. Many of the choices we have to make in life are beyond what we can wisely decide on our own. If we are smart, we will seek the guidance and advice of someone who is more experienced and wiser than we are. And if we are really smart, we will prayerfully ask God to help us with our decisions.

I find it very interesting that the disciples prayed for the Lord to show them who to pick to replace Judas, and then they drew names! Now, maybe the Lord told them to do it this way. And maybe Matthias was really His choice. But how many times do we ask God to show us what to do, and then in essence, we toss a coin to make our decision? How often do we truly ask God’s advice – and then wait to receive it, much less take it?

We need to learn to be more patient in our conversations with the Lord. We need to realize that His timing is perfect… and wait for a clear, distinct answer from Him for all of our needs. God will always answer on time. So if it seems like an answer isn’t coming as quickly as you had hoped, chill out and wait. God knows the need… and He will meet it when the time is right. Coin tosses at football games are one thing – but in the important questions of life, this will simply not suffice. Ask God to help you with all important decisions… and even some of those you feel aren’t so important… then wait for His answer. See how much better the outcomes can be for all concerned.

©2009 Debbie Robus
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October 3 ~ 2 Chronicles 6:41
Come to your new home, where we have already placed the sacred chest, which is the symbol of your strength. I pray that when the priests announce your power to save people, those who are faithful to you will celebrate what you've done for them.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

Have you ever watched one of those shows where someone buys a house, makes upgrades and renovations, and then invites the previous owner back to see what was done? It doesn’t always go well. Often the previous owner is not pleased with the changes. But the new owner did not make the changes to please the previous owner. Those changes were done to please the new residents.

In our spiritual life, our heart, mind, and soul are our home… the place where we wish for the Holy Spirit to dwell. And unlike a physical dwelling, we want any changes we make to our “Spiritual home” to be pleasing to God, not us! We want the Holy Spirit to be delighted and glorified by our “improvements.” We should desire that the Holy Spirit would find our “home” a celebration of what God has done for us… and a platform for Him to bless and save others.

When I pray, I often say, “Come Holy Spirit.” I invite Him to dwell within me and to be a part of everything I say and do. I know that the Holy Spirit is always with me, but I like to think that this invitation is an acknowledgment of His presence and a recognition of His power to work in and through me. Today, I pray that you will invite the Holy Spirit to your “Spiritual home.” More importantly, I pray that He will be pleased with what He finds there… that your changes will honor and glorify our Heavenly Father and celebrate His power in and through your life.

©2009 Debbie Robus

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October 2 ~ Ephesians 6:18-20
Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people. Pray that I will be given the message to speak and that I may fearlessly explain the mystery about the good news. I was sent to do this work, and that's the reason I am in jail. So pray that I will be brave and will speak as I should.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

Have you ever started a new workout program or diet? The first day, you are psyched… “This is gonna be great!” you may think… and you follow the plan to the letter, anticipating that buff/thinner/healthier you in the near future. Then the trouble starts – this really didn’t feel as good as you hoped. Dieting and/or working out were not nearly as much fun as you wanted them to be. Or maybe this was downright unpleasant. You might have even overdone it a bit and come up sick or injured. Maybe you were tempted to say, “That’s it… I’ll never do this again!”

In our Christian life, many of us start out all excited and ready for anything and everything. “Bring it on, Devil…” we may think… “we’re in God’s army now!” But let the first challenge occur… a shift in your friends because of your faith, feeling like your prayers were not answered – or weren’t answered as you wished, trying to do what is right and being “thrown under the bus” by others. Let things go even slightly awry, and we are ready to throw in the towel and give up on God. Let someone ridicule us or reject us, and we are ready to go back to our old ways and wallow in self-pity and misery.

Paul was thrown into jail for preaching the Good News of Jesus, yet he kept right on preaching and praying – and praising God! Even though he knew others were not living as they should, he continued to diligently and sincerely pray for them in the power of the Holy Spirit. This means he didn’t just recite a memorized prayer and say “God bless Joe or Sue…” – he PRAYED for others, immersing himself in the act of prayer and communion with God and humbly, fervently asking Him to meet the needs of others.

The bottom line is that for all of us, it sometimes seems like we just as well quit trying. Living for Jesus doesn’t come without a price. Sometimes this means that our friends, or even our family, desert us. Sometimes living for Jesus costs us our job, our lifestyle, and for some… our very lives. But the “price” for following and serving God is NOTHING compared to the price Jesus paid so that we could have this privilege. When you think of all He did for us, giving up is not an option.

Serving God is more than worth whatever we feel it “costs” us. I’m not saying we have to enjoy the challenges, but we need to embrace them and use them to encourage and motivate us, not drag us down. Be brave and bold, and share the Good News every chance you get. Pray fervently, stay positive, and keep fighting for Jesus… the One who never quits on us!

©2009 Debbie Robus

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October 1 ~ 2 Corinthians 1:11
Please help us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks for the blessings we receive in answer to all these prayers.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

I have to admit, I am having mixed feelings these days about Facebook. Oh, sure… it’s been great to connect – and reconnect – with friends. I enjoy being able to share photos and information quickly with a large group of people… and to see their photos and keep up with their lives. But the looming concern over hackers determining my password and manipulating information – or a virus or malware getting past my anti-virus software and corrupting my computer – has turned me off in a big way. I am particularly leery of the games and “trimmings” offered by Facebook, most of which require access to personal information.

Having said all of this, I have found Facebook to be a great tool for one thing in particular – prayer. Sometimes friends will post a specific prayer request on Facebook, and I am happy to offer my support. But often, there is a hidden need expressed in comments and posts. And that is where the real opportunities lie. When someone posts that they are struggling to study for a test, or their child is sick, or things are hectic and challenging at work, there is a need for prayer included in the post! When someone talks about an impending wedding date, or taking a trip, or practicing for a cross-country meet, friends can pray for them.

When someone mentions an accomplishment or how wonderful a church service or youth meeting at church was – or how well the football team did… there is an opportunity to offer a prayer of thanks – for the blessing, team safety, a chance to worship together, or whatever suits the particular event.

Through something as hi-tech as Facebook, God can be glorified… and others can receive blessings. As you read your posts in the days ahead, look for hidden opportunities to pray… and give thanks for the blessings that will result.

©2009 Debbie Robus