Daily Devotional for December 11, 2016

Luke 6:38
For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give—large or small—will be used to measure what is given back to you.”
  
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Early in my life, I learned what a joy it is to give to others – particularly from the examples of my paternal grandparents. My grandfather loved to show up on our doorstep on a Saturday morning with a truckload of new furniture. He “outfitted” all of our bedrooms over time with pieces that still fill my parents’ house today. But he and my grandmother also loved to share an extra bushel of peas or a few pounds of Black Angus beef with family and friends. My grandmother spent hours sewing tiny Barbie doll clothes for my sister and me… and they both enjoyed helping the needy and lending a hand where possible.

December 20, 1981, my grandparents’ house burned to the ground.  It was a crisp Sunday morning, and as my grandmother fried sausage for breakfast and Pap-pa fed his cows, the fire quickly consumed their very old farm house and virtually everything in it.  They managed to move their vehicles…grab their clothes, the mantel clock, and the family Bible…and get out with their lives. One year shy of their 50th wedding anniversary – at ages 70 and 69 – my grandparents were pretty well stripped bare of all physical belongings.

In the months that followed, a new house was built for them only yards away from the site of the old home…and people showered them with gifts of household items, furnishings, food, and money. Friends who wintered in the deep South offered the use of their home while they were away…so my grandparents had a cozy house in which to stay while theirs was under construction. The builder re-worked his already busy schedule, so that the house could be erected quickly, and my grandparents could get back to their farm as quickly as possible. 

By the time my grandparents moved into their new home in early 1982, they had all of the household items and furnishings they needed to be cozy and comfortable. Their lifetime of giving was pressed down and shaken together…and room was made for an overflow of contributions, as they pretty well started over.

This experience made me keenly aware of what a blessing it is go give to others. Once we understand the joy of giving, it often becomes second nature.  I am not talking about tangible gifts or monetary donations, although it can feel good to give these, as well.  But we all can give according to our abilities. Every one of us can serve others in some capacity.  We can share what we have with those who are in need…or just to put a smile on someone else’s face. 

In Giddy Up, Eunice!*, Sophie Hudson tells about her mother-in-law, Martha, who spent the entire afternoon with a friend who had moved into a nursing home.  She visited with the lady, folded her clothes, and just kept her company.  And when Martha left, the friend, said, “It was good to see you, Dot!”  Hudson notes that Martha kept going back to visit this lady.  Why?  Because that was Martha’s gift to her friend.  The friend didn’t remember Martha’s name…but she enjoyed the visit. They laughed together and shared conversation…and it didn’t matter what the friend knew who she was - or didn’t.  Martha got the blessing anyway.  And heaven forbid…should Martha ever end up in such a facility, it sounds like there would be a line out the door of folks waiting to spend an afternoon with her!

We shouldn’t give in order to be rewarded or blessed. We should give because God gave us the most perfect Gift – Jesus Christ. We should want give out of love and a desire to emulate Jesus. But the beautiful thing is that when we give, God blesses…sometimes to abundant excess…because He loves us so much!  Study the lives of those you know who are good at giving…and learn from their examples. Look around and see where you can give…not with the expectation of getting, but because it just feels that good!  Then be prepared to be blessed beyond measure…because that’s exactly how God operates!

©2016 Debbie Robus

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

Daily Devotional for December 10, 2016

December 10 ~ Luke 6:30
Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don’t worry about getting them back.

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

When I was about eight or nine, I got a brand new bicycle.  A boy my age came into our yard one day and asked if he could try out the bike.  His dad worked with my dad sometimes, so I said, “Yes.”  The boy hopped on the bicycle and rode away…like several blocks, across the highway, and across town.  My dad happened to be home, and when I told him what had happened, he got in to his truck, chased the boy down, and retrieved my bicycle.  Daddy told me to never let someone outside of the family ride my bike again…and I didn’t!

I learned a valuable lesson that day about lending to others.  Of course, the “lesson” is different for children and bicycles - or other toys and personal belongings.  But as an adult, I’ve learned that any “loan” I make could very well be a “gift.”  And let’s be honest…if the need is great enough for someone to ask you for a loan, there is a good chance that person has eaten a big slice of “humble pie” to do so.  My pastor has wisely noted that the time to help someone is when he/she asks.

So if a person asks to borrow money, a tool, an item of clothing, or a book or other personal belonging – and I can afford to help him/her…I “lend” with the assumption that I will never see this article again. Of course, God wants us to be wise. Don’t lend someone your car with the same supposition.  Don’t lend money you need for your mortgage, utilities, food…or daily living. Don’t give away your “nest egg!”

Be wise…pray about such loans before you commit to them…and make good choices.  But don’t be stingy.  Don’t expect people to jump through hoops to repay a few dollars – or to return a coat you never wore in the first place.  Be realistic and understand that even people with the best intentions sometimes don’t follow through on their promises. Give accordingly…with God’s guidance and blessing.

In short…don’t get hung up on your possessions or accrued wealth.  If someone else is truly in need and asks to borrow, be ready to prayerfully give what is needed.  If the loan is repaid, consider it a bonus.  If not, trust God for the “compensation.” And never, ever let someone outside of your trusted “family” take a spin on your new bicycle!

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 9, 2016

Luke 3:11
John told them, “If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
    
It was so cold today that the children had to have “indoor recess” at school.  Two classes combined in Timothy’s classroom, and his teacher turned on some classic Christmas cartoons from the 1940s. The children also had the option to do art projects. Some colored, others drew…and a couple of little girls attempted to make paper snowflakes.  I showed them how to fold the paper so that they would get a complete circle or square design.  They were enthralled.

Timothy and his friend Cage wanted to make snowflakes. I told them to get some paper.  Timothy said, “I don’t have any.” Cage pulled out a notebook filled with lined paper, and he said, “It’s no problem. I have plenty. Timmy, you don’t have to worry about it…I’ve got enough for both of us.” He tore out some paper, and I showed the boys how to cut the snowflakes, which we then taped to their desks.

Almost every Friday, I am moved by the kindness or generosity of a student I encounter…their unselfish spirit and willingness to look out for their fellow students. Yes, there are those who are selfish and never think of anyone but themselves.  But there are also plenty of kids who would gladly share an extra coat.  And while it is forbidden for health reasons, lots of kids are eager to share food in the cafeteria.  No child goes hungry, but they are not to eat food offered by another child.  However, that doesn’t stop some sneaky sharing from going on!  I guess where there is a will, there’s a way!

The point is that I believe God made us for giving.  He created us with an inherent spirit to share with our neighbor.  And somewhere along the line, some of us have lost that “heart.”  We’ve grown hard around the edges, selfish and self-centered.  And our closets and drawers bulge with more than we can ever use or enjoy.  Our cupboards and pantries are laden with food, and we think nothing of eating half a can of something and tossing the rest.  Meanwhile, there are countless people right in our own back yards who are “cold” and hungry…who have huge needs that we could fill.  And it’s time we started doing so!

The challenge for all of us is to get out of our comfort zone…to open our eyes and ears…and our hearts…and to figure out who needs a little of our abundance – and get it to them!  “If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.”  A spirit of generosity and giving is really pretty simple…so why don’t we see evidence of these more often?  As I’ve said many times, if little kids can implement these concepts, why can’t we?  Isn’t it time we did?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 2, 2016

December 2 ~ Galatians 6:6-10

Share every good thing you have with anyone who teaches you what God has said.

You cannot fool God, so don’t make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up. We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord.

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

As I write this, Timothy is standing in front of me…building some of his favorite characters from an ottoman covered in Legos® while we watch our third movie since we got home from school today.  The three of us (Greg, Timothy and I) also watched two “reindeer” specials that I saved on the DVR. 

Fridays are my “day” to volunteer in Timothy’s class at school -and sometimes help Zola’s teacher. While I’m there, I go to lunch with both children. Trust me…it’s all about spending time with the kids, because no adult really has a burning desire to sit through 30-40 minutes in the cafeteria with elementary school children just for fun!

Greg and I hope the time we are investing in these children will reap a good harvest.  We sow seeds of love, kindness, positivity, and the teachings of Jesus into their little hearts and minds every chance we get. There is no guarantee that these efforts will “pay off,” but we prayerfully trust that God will bless our faithfulness.

You may be asking, “What does this have to do with me?”  You may not have elementary school children to nurture. Your “calling” may be totally different from ours. God may be providing you with other opportunities to help someone.  But the point is, we all have a “mission.”  There is someone, somewhere who needs your help.  You may not want to give it…you may grow tired of assisting and doing what God shows you to do.  But keep doing it!  You will harvest what you plant…and if you persevere and keep giving, God will bless your efforts.  Scripture says to do otherwise will reap a harvest of destruction.  I don’t know if this is a guarantee…but is it really worth the risk?

Don’t get tired of helping others.  God may not be calling you to sit in the elementary school cafeteria every Friday – or watch a marathon of kids’ movies all weekend.  But He is calling you to give all you can to someone – or something.  How you respond will make all the difference.  Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and start giving?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 22, 2012

Matthew 6:1-4
When you do good deeds, don’t try to show off. If you do, you won’t get a reward from your Father in heaven.

When you give to the poor, don’t blow a loud horn. That’s what show-offs do in the meeting places and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward.

When you give to the poor, don’t let anyone know about it. Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret, and he will reward you.

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

A few weekends ago, my mom and her husband had dinner at a local restaurant. When they went to the register to pay the bill, it had already been covered anonymously. I heard a recent news story about a patron who tried to use her credit card at a Target store, and the card was denied. A stranger standing nearby paid the bill in full – more than $160. The Target employee who handled the transaction said the lady whose bill was covered dissolved into tears. She could not figure out why anyone would do something so generous for a person they didn’t even know. The employee said that the “Good Samaritan” who had stepped up to pay the bill told her, “I’ve been there. We’ve all had hard times and needed help at some point.”

These are just two examples of people who fully understand how to do a good deed without showing off. You may know of countless others… or have been the recipient of someone else’s kindness yourself. Such actions do not have to be directed at someone who is financially poor - i.e. lacking money. In one way or another, we are all the “poor” at one time or another… with needs that are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. And God is calling us to meet the needs of others – regardless of their form – and to do so in secret.

I don’t know about you, but I get almost giddy when I do something for another person without any prompting or fanfare. God blesses me far more than the recipient. I’ve given money to those in need before, but there are so many other ways we can minister to the “hungry” among us. We can bless, encourage and uplift in countless ways… and here are just a few:

• Offer to help a neighbor or friend with a project – yard work, painting and repairs, pet sitting, spring cleaning, or even running errands.
• Send a note of encouragement to someone – “just because”.
• Share your extra baked goods – or double your casserole and take the extra to someone you know could probably use it… a busy family, an elderly person, someone who is recovering from an injury or illness.
• Offer to give someone a ride.
• When you are talking to someone who expresses worries or concerns, offer to pray for them.
• Donate to local charities… and offer your time and talents along with your money.
• Take time to stop and thank someone you encounter frequently – the checker at the grocery store…your pharmacist, hairdresser, or your child’s teacher or daycare worker…the server at your coffee shop or restaurant…your mail carrier. Tell them how grateful you are for their service.
• Clean your closet and donate clothing and other items you never use/wear to your favorite charity – or offer them to someone who you feel could use them.
• Spend some time with an elderly person or shut-in who doesn’t get much company.
• Check on your neighbors. Ask if there is anything you can do for them… and mean it!

More than ever, it seems we have become a society of people who only care about “What’s in it for me?”… and I’m not sure how we got here. But this is not the behavior God expects of Christ’s Disciples. The only “payoff” that matters is pleasing God… and the way to do this is to quietly and humbly meet the needs of others. I promise…the blessings will come your way. The “accolades” you may be seeking will be there… just in a better form than you expected. Fame and recognition are highly overrated, especially in the Christian realm! No horn is required… no acceptance speech need be prepared. What matters is how we serve God by serving others. How are YOU serving the “poor” among you these days?

©2012 Debbie Robus