Daily Devotional for December 8, 2016

Luke 21:1-4
Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”

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 am reading a book written by one of my favorite authors, Sophie Hudson. It’s called Giddy Up, Eunice!* – and it is basically about how women can support and encourage one another.  “Eunice” is a biblical reference to the mother of Timothy (the one in the Bible…not my nephew!).  Sophie Hudson has a knack for relating to me in a meaningful way.  Perhaps it is the fact that we are both southern girls…or that we both have a deep affection for our mother-in-law.  Regardless of the reason, she makes a lot of points about the importance of encouraging relationships…in this case in particular, among women.

Now you may be wondering what this has to do with today’s scripture passage…and I’m about to tell you. When I think of the “widow’s mite,” three women automatically come to mind for me…my Mam-ma Polly, Mrs. Peggy, and a dear lady named Cora Mae.  My grandmother and Mrs. Peggy have left us for heaven, but at age 93, Cora Mae is still teaching me (and others) how to give your all.

None of these ladies was ever wealthy, by any monetary standard. All three worked hard and suffered many hardships in life. All three were like the “Energizer Bunny” when it came to serving others…and Cora Mae still puts many people half her age to shame. It’s not about money per se…what these women have given to countless people is priceless.  They have visited, cooked meals, served in their churches in a zillion capacities, prayed, encouraged, shown up, and given all they could – whatever that might entail at the moment.

The message for us in the example of these three women – and in this scripture passage – is that we all have something to give.  And there is a very good chance that it is more than we are currently offering. If for no other reason than to demonstrate our gratitude to God for HIS gift of Jesus, we should be digging deeply and giving our all. This is about more than writing a check to a charitable organization – or tithing to the church. You may need to write a note of encouragement – or pick up the phone and talk to someone.  You may need to stop in the store and listen to someone who really needs your ear. Or you may need to sit quietly in a chair with your children and read them a story…or really stop and listen to your spouse or child when he/she is talking.

My point is that some of the biggest lessons – and greatest gifts – that I have received have not been tangible, hold-in-your-hand gifts…or money. They have been the selfless gestures and expenditures of time, attention, encouragement – and examples of how to serve others.  Some of the greatest gifts I have received came from these three ladies who mentored me…and others who have demonstrated generosity of spirit.  They have shown me how to give my all…and now the rest is up to me.

I pray that you have been blessed with examples of those who gave their all…and that it has resonated with you. Examine your life and see where you are holding out – and holding back.  Learn from those who have mastered giving their all…and become one of them.

©2016 Debbie Robus

*Giddy Up, Eunice! ~ https://www.amazon.com/Giddy-Up-Eunice-Because-Women/dp/1433643111

Daily Devotional for December 7, 2016

Luke 12:33-34
“Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

This morning, I heard a television anchor interview a psychologist about the Christmas season…and why it is depressing for so many.  One of the things the expert noted was that this is a time when a lot of us remember people who are no longer alive.  We think about the traditions of Grandma and Grandpa…or how Uncle Paul always put up a huge light display.  And we miss these things - and the people.

Some of us try to fill in the gaps…to carry on the traditions for future generations.  Others go a totally different route and completely change their holiday routine.  But there is one thing that should not change about this season…and that is our spirit of giving.

For all of the nuttiness that goes with this season (and I say this with all the love I can muster), we must remember WHY we are celebrating.  God gave us Jesus…the greatest Gift of all time.  There is no better reason to celebrate, decorate, and give presents to others.  But we need to be thoughtful in our holiday celebrations.  We need to look around and ask ourselves…”Does little Joey need another Lego® set – or does his classmate need a warm coat?”  We need to question our desire to add another row of Christmas lights to the roof over purchasing food for a hungry family…outfitting a foster child…or paying the light bill for a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet.

In short, we need to be generous to those in need and store up “treasure” in heaven…to satiate our heart rather than our landscape…to make a difference instead of making a point!  We need to carry on the traditions of our loved ones – within reason.  But maybe we need to start a few new ones…and carry them into the New Year and beyond.  We need to realize that sometimes a smile, a hug, and a few words of encouragement can be just as critical to the well-being of someone in need as any tangible items.  A few minutes of our time spent visiting a shut-in or reading to a child could be more important than any box of candy or toy.  We need to ask God to give us a new perspective about giving with purpose and meaning.

The spirit of giving is not something we should activate on December 1st and pack away with the holiday decorations after New Year’s Day.  We should build up treasure in heaven by meeting the needs of those around us all year long.  And we should begin today.  Are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 1, 2016

Acts 20:32-35
I now place you in God’s care. Remember the message about his great kindness! This message can help you and give you what belongs to you as God’s people. I have never wanted anyone’s money or clothes. You know how I have worked with my own hands to make a living for myself and my friends. By everything I did, I showed how you should work to help everyone who is weak. Remember that our Lord Jesus said, “More blessings come from giving than from receiving.”

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

There is a little girl in my Sunday school class who went to a local bank today to see Santa. She and her little brother had their photo made with Santa.  The little girl’s mother posted on Facebook that “Julia has been so worried that everyone just asks Santa for presents and never asks what he wants. Julia did not ask for anything. She just asked Santa what he wanted.”  I would say that Julia is well on her way to developing a giving spirit!

There is nothing wrong with children sitting on Santa’s lap and telling him what they want for Christmas.  But too many of us have cultivated the “what’s-in-it-for-ME?” attitude to the point that it has become second nature to us. Everything we say and do is framed in this context.  We are envious of others…we fight to “keep up with the neighbors”…and some of us would step over our own family members to make an extra buck to acquire more “stuff.”

I grew up in an atmosphere of giving.  I watched my Mam-ma Polly give out of her abundance more times than I can count.  And let me be clear…my grandparents were NOT rich!  I thought they were when I was little, because they were ALWAYS giving something to someone.  Not until I was an adult did I realize how little they had…and how much they gave.  And it served them well.  My Mam-ma was one of the most loved women I’ve ever known.  And she was revered for her generous spirit.

Don’t misunderstand me…we don’t give so others will think we are wonderful.  We give because Jesus commanded us to do this…to meet the needs of others and think of these ahead of our own.  God has already given us Jesus and more than we ever could deserve.  The fact that He also blesses us with love and abundance because of our own generosity toward others is merely a nice side benefit.

Look around…especially this holiday season.  Who is in need…of a hug, a card, a bag of cookies or candy, a warm coat, a few bucks, a sack of groceries, a helping hand, a ride, or a few words of encouragement?  Who needs to know that you care…in whatever form that may take?  Who needs to see Jesus in the words and actions that you provide?  Who will be the catalyst for blessings you cannot even imagine, as you yield to Jesus’ command and “work to help everyone who is weak?”

Isn’t it time you asked someone else what they wanted – even Santa?  Will this be the day that you get started?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 17, 2014

Luke 6:35-36“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

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 young woman and three little girls slid into the pew we were sitting on at worship this morning.  It wasn’t long before the smallest child began to fuss.  The woman, who I supposed was the girls’ mother, took the toddler out of the sanctuary.  Soon she was back with the child, telling the older girls, “She wouldn’t stay.”  I’m assuming she tried to leave the child in the nursery.  I attempted to speak with this woman after the service, to welcome her and let her know that we have classes for all three of her children during the worship hour...and that I felt these classes might be a good fit for the girls.  But she was approached by the pastor, so we went on to pick up our own kids from Sunday school.

As I collected Timothy and Zola from their classes, this same woman approached me, apologizing profusely for her children’s behavior.  I assured her that no apologies were necessary.  I also mentioned the wonderful children’s classes that are available...and she seemed genuinely interested.  But she continued to apologize.  I told her, “I fully understand...’our’ children are 5, 3 and 2.”  “Oh!” she replied with surprise...and she thanked me.  We introduced ourselves, and I encouraged her to investigate the children’s program further, telling her how much Timothy and Zola are learning there.

See, until this young mother realized that I understood her plight, I was just another grey-headed older person that her children were disturbing in church.  I’m sure it never occurred to her that I might spend a lot of time with toddlers and preschoolers - and fully understand that they grow restless quickly and are not prone to sit still and be quiet.  Once she understood that I genuinely empathized, her whole demeanor changed.  Her embarrassment lifted and was replaced with relief that someone not only “got her”...they also seemed to really care.

How many times are we judged incorrectly or unfairly because people assume that we do not understand...and what do we do to correct this?  How uncomfortable do we make others with our indifference?  How hard would it be to smile and say to a mother in the check-out line whose child is having a complete meltdown...”It’s okay...I’ve been there.”  What would be wrong with reaching out to someone who is caring for an elderly loved one and letting them know that you have been through this and understand their struggles – and offering to help in some way that YOU KNOW would be especially supportive?  Or maybe you have experienced the loss of a precious loved one and see someone struggling with a similar situation...and you know the gestures that meant the most to you and might be helpful to this person.

Lots of mommas and daddies are saying “Good-bye” to kids this weekend and next who will be heading off to college, that first day of kindergarten or pre-k, or some other milestone event.  If you’ve “been there, done that”...you’re in a perfect position to step out and offer some kind words and encouragement...and even a little commiseration.  If you are a college student who has friends and acquaintances that are joining your campus this fall, why not reach out to them and let them know that you remember what it felt like those first few days.  Offer to “be there” for them in whatever way you feel would make a difference.

The bottom line is that we need to look around...to be awake and alert to the opportunities to give to others with no expectation of anything in return...to offer kindness, compassion and empathy to those in our midst – even when they are at their worst.  We need to show people that we truly care...and offer them the love of Christ – whenever and wherever possible.

It took less than five minutes this morning to reach out to this young woman and the three little girls (who turned out to be her daughter and two nieces)...but hopefully, she feels a little more welcome and a whole lot less self-conscious about visiting our church and bringing her family.  We need to do more of this – to be bold and stop wasting opportunities to share the love of Christ with others...in our churches, our schools and places of work, and in the community at large.  Your largest mission field might be at Wal-Mart, in the student commons area at your school, or even on the sidelines at a pee-wee football game or dance studio.  Look around and see where people need to be reached...then do what God is calling you to do in Jesus’ name!

People truly don’t care what you know...until they know that you care.  What do others know about you?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 24, 2012

Luke 6:38
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

I was talking with my neighbor the other day about a mutual friend who is the primary caregiver for her 103-year-old mother. Several years ago this friend and her husband moved her mother here from another community to share their home. The lady is now blind and virtually deaf… and wheelchair bound. You can imagine the stress this situation places on her daughter, son-in-law, and extended family… or maybe you can’t! But I said to my neighbor, “I think so often of Anne. As much as she loves her mother, I know this is a huge burden.”

The friend replied, “Oh… it’s not that bad… she has children who help her.” This is the same friend who only a couple of years ago was caring for her own mother… and telling me often how difficult and challenging it was! I am here to tell you that anyone who cares for an elderly loved one – especially those who do so at home – experiences challenges and a lot of stress! This woman may not openly share her frustrations and difficulties with her friends, but she surely has them! Others may see someone who seems to have it all together all the time… someone who is upbeat and positive. But on the inside, he/she may be anything but cheerful and confident.

On the other hand, we may make snap judgments about someone, based on an erratic action or a snippy comeback, missing completely that something is wrong in their life… that they are experiencing hardness. I have said this before, but I distinctly remember one weekend in February 1998, when my dad was gravely ill and at death’s door. I dashed into Wal-Mart to pick up a few groceries. People were cheerfully purchasing Valentines, candy and flowers. Everywhere I turned, “love was in the air.” People were smiling and laughing - talking about plans for their special holiday or something else fun. All I wanted to do is scream to anyone who would listen, “STOP the world! My daddy is dying!” But instead, I smiled in return and hurriedly left the store.

Before you pin on my medal for bravery and patience, be assured that I have made my fair share of brash, rude comments – and then some! – when life has been stressful and challenging. I am often critical, judgmental, and hard on people. There are plenty of times when I fail to consider the other person’s heart. I am just as guilty as the next guy of picking on people and jumping on their failures. But I am trying so very hard to do better – to be better.

There are a lot of people who have judged each of us unfairly. I’m sure there are those who wonder why I am not doing more… participating in more ministries in my church… getting more done with my days. I know there are those who think I don’t do enough for my own grandmother and family… or think I waste too much time on sewing and writing. There are plenty of people who are making similar judgments about you. They may be evaluating your character, your behavior, how you use your time and talents, and your attitude in general… all without having a clue about what is truly in your heart. They have no idea what God’s call is on your life… or how you are answering Him.

The point is this… if we want others to stop judging and criticizing us… we have to take the first step and do this for them. If we want others to go easy on us and lift us up, rather than kick us when we are down, we have to start the process by doing this for those in our circle and beyond. We have to stop paying attention to what others think… stop reacting to what others say about us or anyone else… and open our hearts and minds to the fact that we all have “issues.” Everybody is dealing with something… and how we treat each other can have a direct effect on the impact of these matters.

Be a humble, gentle person. Put on your “rose-colored glasses,” so to speak, and see others with a generous heart. Recognize that God loves us, warts and all, and we are to do the same for each other. Take the first step toward creating an atmosphere where God has room to build up His children in love and kindness and to use all of us to bless each other and strengthen His kingdom. When you have the urge to pick on someone… ask God to give you the courage and strength to give them a little slack.

Giving, not getting, is the way… and this begins with our attitude and how we treat others. Be the one who jump-start this process in your own circle of friends and influence. Always give as good as you wish to get… or better… and watch the blessings multiply for everyone.

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 5, 2012

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 our 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.

Evangelist Joyce Meyer tells a story about going to the grocery store one day and getting in the checkout line behind a woman who was struggling to come up with the change to pay her bill. She had a couple of small children clinging to her legs and she was clearly flustered and embarrassed as she counted the money in the bottom of her purse. Joyce heard God telling her to help the woman. At first, she argued… “No, LORD… that will only add to her embarrassment. I can’t get involved. This is not my problem.” But God would not stop troubling Joyce’s spirit, and she ended up handing over a couple of dollars (or whatever was needed). As the woman looked toward Joyce, her entire body seemed to relax in relief, and she thanked her profusely for helping.

There are several lessons here. First of all, every one of us hears that “inner voice” more often than we will admit. The trouble is… we’ve gotten pretty good at squelching or ignoring it! In my prayer journal, I found these sermon notes… “All the ‘gifts’ lie in a man’s spirit. Most of the time, people fear and aren’t willing to hear that Voice. It shuts down and Satan comes in to cause you to fear the word of the Spirit and operating in it.” So we argue with God… “No, LORD… I can’t do THAT! Please don’t ask me to speak to him/her. I can’t get involved… I’m too busy… shy… underdressed… lacking (in whatever area seems to fit at the moment).”

I’ve heard Joyce Meyer tell more than one story about God speaking to her and saying she should help someone else. On occasion, she ignored Him… and it gnawed at her. The times she listened, she not only blessed the other person, but God blessed her, as well. Blessings and prosperity are not about you… they are about God! He reaches us through our Spirit, who then reaches us through our mind. When you hear that “voice” telling you to do something, don’t let your intellectual fear hold you back. Too many of us are letting our head (intellect) lead us instead of our heart (the Holy Spirit).

I am trying to operate more from the heart than the head. It’s not easy, because Satan works hard to plant fear in our hearts and minds and make us think that what we are hearing is not really coming from God. But when I can’t shake a feeling that I am supposed to call someone… when I know somewhere deep within me that there is something I am supposed to do – especially for someone else - I am learning to step out in faith and lead with my heart. You’ve heard the saying, “Go with your gut!” I believe God often speaks to us from our “gut” – the very inner workings of our body. And yes… I’ve given a few pennies to someone at the checkout who was digging for change… and it felt great for both of us.

Don’t be afraid to do what God tells you to do. Don’t live in the defeat of intellectual fear. Don’t give Satan that satisfaction. Recognize that this is not about us… it’s about God. He is speaking to us each and every day… showing us how to serve, who to bless in His name, and how to live outside our own “self.” Don’t ignore Him! Focus on listening for His voice… and when He speaks, step up and out… then get ready to live in the blessings that will come for you and those you serve.

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 6, 2011

John 18:15-18
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That disciple knew the high priest, and he followed Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest's house. Peter stayed outside near the gate. But the other disciple came back out and spoke to the girl at the gate. She let Peter go in, but asked him, "Aren't you one of that man's followers?"

"No, I am not!" Peter answered.

It was cold, and the servants and temple police had made a charcoal fire. They were warming themselves around it, when Peter went over and stood near the fire to warm himself.

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

This is the time of year when we are all keenly aware of those around us who are in need. There are food and toy drives, programs to donate old coats to those who don’t have one, and “angel trees” that offer a chance to pick a child to provide with Christmas gifts. The Salvation Army bell ringers stand outside our department stores and urge us to drop in our spare change. And we do all of these things… and more… and go on our way feeling smug and satisfied with our own generosity.

The trouble is… many of us don’t operate with the same generous spirit the rest of the year. We develop an “it’s not my problem” attitude, and in doing so, we are no better than Peter. “Can you help?” we are asked over and again, and our answer is, “I don’t know them…” or “They don’t go to my church…” or quite literally, “That is simply not my problem.”

I will be the first to tell you that I do not donate to every cause for which I am asked. I toss plenty of solicitation letters in the trash, and I prayerfully choose who – and how – to help others. But this is the key… I try very hard to listen to God and follow His lead. If I feel God is telling me to put money in the Salvation Army bucket, I do it! If someone asks me to help a needy family in our area, and I feel that God expects me to do this, I step up to ask what is needed. Every time we fail to listen to God’s direction, we are denying our relationship with Him, just as Peter did.

I pray that you will stay in contact with God and prayerfully consider how and where He is calling you to serve. Don’t be guilty of denying your Father. Recognize His voice and answer in whatever manner He directs… not just during the Christmas holidays – but all year long.

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 15, 2011

Proverbs 21:2-3
We may think we are doing the right thing, but the LORD always knows what is in our hearts. Doing what is right and fair pleases the LORD more than an offering.

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

I am continually in awe of how God uses His word to feed us – to give us exactly what we need when we need it. And I really needed this scripture passage now. At a recent funeral, the pastor shared a memory of “offerings and collections” that occurred when we were children. He talked about this lovingly… and about the genuine servitude of those who collected and gave. But for me, this memory spurred something far less heartwarming.

My parents worked hard when I was a child… both often holding down more than one job at a time. While my sister, brother and I had all of our basic needs met plus a few extras, there wasn’t a lot of spare change. So when the March of Dimes volunteer handed out the cards for us to fill with our dimes, we didn’t have very much to contribute. When our church had an annual “Lottie Moon” Mission drive, we put our change in little boxes to turn in on the designated day. But some church members gave large amounts of money and got to light up a bulb on a giant map that hung in our church sanctuary. I know it sounds silly, but when I was a kid, I so wanted to be able to light up one of those bulbs… to be one of those people who could afford to give that much money to missions.

So recollections of giving to missions and fundraisers are not happy ones for me, because I never felt my “gift” was enough. Now I know differently. Now I get that God was more interested in my heart than my handout. He was more concerned that I do the right thing… more concerned that I love Him and serve Him to the best of my ability than He was that I fill a card with dimes or light up a bulb on a silly map.

I know that those who were in charge of the drives had no intention of making anyone feel badly… especially a little kid. I know that there are those who can readily afford to give a lot of money to missions and other projects that serve the LORD… and we should all give to the best of our ability. But tossing money at God without the right heart and attitude does not please Him nearly as much as those who have little to give, but serve with a loving, willing heart in whatever manner they can.

We should get two things from this passage today… 1) we must never pressure others to give a certain amount – or to serve God in a particular way, and 2) God doesn’t expect us to give what we don’t have… time, service or money. He only asks that we serve Him with a loving, willing heart – to the best of our ability. If we do the right thing and keep our motives pure, God will honor and bless whatever we are able to do in His name. I know He has done this for me over and again. And now I know for certain that serving in whatever way I can from a sincere, humble heart is the best, most pleasing offering He could ever desire.

What is in your heart? Are you doing the right thing and pleasing God with your offerings? How are you serving Him today?

©2011 Debbie Robus