Daily Devotional for December 26, 2016

Titus 2:7-8
And here you yourself must be an example to them of good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect your love of the truth and the fact that you are in dead earnest about it. Your conversation should be so sensible and logical that anyone who wants to argue will be ashamed of himself because there won’t be anything to criticize in anything you say!

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

“So-and-So said a bad word!” Adults hear that a lot from children. I also hear, “We can’t say bad words, because we’re kids. When we’re grown-ups, we can say it.”  I’ve seen children snicker in the classroom over a word they perceived to be “bad”…and tattle on each other for what they deemed to be inappropriate words and deeds.

I try to tell all children that “bad” words/behaviors are just that…a bad idea.  Even grown-ups shouldn’t participate in their usage. It’s hard to navigate this subject without appearing to criticize other adults…especially a child’s parents or others who are something of an authority figure. And with so many in the public eye using profanities and unkind phrases, it is indeed a slippery slope!  So I try to tell children, “You are smart…you know lots of great words to use – and you know how to behave nicely. Always make good choices!”

None of us is immune. I was putting Timmy in the car at school recently, and he kept saying, “I can’t fasten my seatbelt.”  I looked in the back seat…and before I could think, I said, “Well, dummy…you’re wearing your backpack!”  Boy, did I have to do some backpedaling and apologizing…and I did!  I told him that was a terrible name to call him…and I was so very sorry…that I should never use that word.  I’ve also tried to tell the children not to use words like “stupid and idiot” – and then I’ve heard them expressed in “kid’s” movies like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”  It’s a tough balancing act because so many unkind and inappropriate words and actions have become mainstream in media and personal conversation…and we HAVE become complacent about their usage.

So I have been reminded to stay on guard. My words to Timmy slipped out…but I need to be more careful.  A lot of things have a way of “slipping out” if we do not make a conscious effort to conduct ourselves in a manner that defies reproach.

God can help us with this.  We should take time every day to ask Him for guidance and guardianship over our words and actions.  We should steep ourselves in His word and the concept that “practice makes perfect”…and we should make concerted efforts to banish any hint of bad word usage or behavior that could be subject to criticism.  God has given us so much…the opportunity for salvation through Jesus Christ and the promise of Eternity in heaven…His love and care on this earth and forever at His feet…amazing blessings and abundances of all kinds.  How can we disrespect Him with words and behaviors that are untrue, inappropriate, or even downright shameful?

As we wind down this holiday season and look toward a New Year, let’s make a concerted effort to clean up our act…to be the kind of people spoken of in Titus 2:7-8.  The justification that we are earthly “grown-ups” doesn’t negate the fact that we will always be God’s “children,” so let’s remember this as we go about our day. Make sure that you strive to always represent our Heavenly Father in the best way possible.

We must never give anyone a reason to question our integrity - or our spiritual “lineage.”  Ask God to help you always make good choices – and never operate in bad ideas.

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 20, 2016

James 1:26-27
Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn’t control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn’t worth much. The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
 
Unless you have been under a rock for the last two weeks, you know the story of American swimmer, Ryan Lochte.  Last week in Rio, Lochte won his 12th gold medal in the Men's 4x200m freestyle relay.  This week, he is all many can talk about…but for a very different reason. Lochte apparently fabricated an elaborate tale about being the victim (along with three fellow swimmers) of an armed robbery by Brazilian police.  He perpetuated this story for days until surveillance video and eye-witness accounts proved that he was lying (or as his attorneys put it, “gave an inaccurate account”).

With this one thoughtless misstep, Lochte has gone from one of the US “darlings” of the 2016 Olympics to a national embarrassment.  And the speculation is that Lochte may not only be suspended by USA swimming and the US Olympic Committee…he may also use thousands – if not millions – of dollars in commercial endorsements.  In a nutshell, Ryan Lochte’s reputation may pretty well be shot.

I don’t think I can remind us too often that people are watching and listening.  All it takes is one incident where we speak harshly, judge another, or misbehave in some way…and our Christian witness can be seriously compromised.  The talk is that Lochte will do his penance…people will forgive and forget…and he will show up at the games in Tokyo in four years.  And perhaps we will get a second chance with those whom we have disappointed or disillusioned with our words or actions.  But we cannot take that risk!

I will be the first to admit that it is hard to hold our tongue sometimes.  It is easy to judge others and see them as different – if not inferior in some way to our standards or way of thinking. We often judge others and hide behind the name of Jesus.  We declare that we are His children…and the other guy is not. The devil loves that we are human and subject to his persuasion that “they” are wrong – and “we” are right…that we are entitled to say these things as “true Christians.” And Jesus hangs His head in shame.

The next time you are tempted to speak harshly or judge someone else…remember Ryan Lochte – and this scripture passage. Think of how quickly we can negate everything that God has called us to share with others…how one senseless act or comment can ruin our “reputation” as a Christian – and turn another person away from Jesus.

Our responsibility as Christian disciples is serious business.  We cannot play fast and loose with our words and actions!  Are you ready to do the hard work of keeping yourself in check?  Jesus’ gift of salvation and Christian discipleship is far too precious to handle carelessly.  Will this be the day that you renew your efforts to represent Him with honor and thoughtfulness?  Don’t you think it should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 8, 2016

Ephesians 4:28-30
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work.

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.

Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.

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.
When I was teaching kindergarten, I studied the Assertive Discipline method of classroom management.  Developed by Lee and Marlene Cantor, this model involves giving students a clear definition of what is expected - and listing the consequences for noncompliance.  The focus is on positive reinforcement – rewarding and encouraging good behavior in an effort to prevent missteps.  The idea is that children will be so eager to enjoy the benefits of a positive response from the teacher and his/her peers that this will deter any desire to misbehave.  I have to say, this method worked for me and my students…and my “discipline problems” in the classroom all but disappeared.

One of the things that Cantor teaches is that we must not operate in the realm of “If I see/hear.”  In other words, we must not tell the child, “If I see you do that again, XYZ will happen”…or “If I hear that word one more time…you will have to do ABC.”  The child assumes that what you don’t see or hear doesn’t matter!  If he/she can get by with something without you noticing…it won’t be held against you.  Instead, we are to tell the child, “If you DO THIS again, XYZ will happen.”  This tells the child that you will know what he/she did…and it will matter!

I can tell you that we adults foolishly play this game all the time with God.  We act as if what we say or do only matters when we get caught or noticed.  If we skate by with something, we smugly tell ourselves that it didn’t count…that nobody is the wiser.  It’s sort of the “no harm/no foul” concept.  But here’s the thing...God ALWAYS knows.  He sees and hears everything we say and do.  And so much of it breaks His heart.

You may not be a “thief” in the literal sense of the word…but you probably cheat and steal more than you realize.  Did you ever slide through a stop sign and hope nobody would notice?  Did you ever talk about someone…or share a juicy tidbit of “news” with another person and pray the parties involved would never know who said it?  Did you ever express an ugly opinion about a situation or person – or share a dirty joke - and preface it with a caveat that you will deny ever saying such things if repeated?  Did you ever do something you knew you shouldn’t and tell your children- or someone else - never to tell anyone about it?

These are all ways that we all practice deceit…consciously or not.  And while we may never “get caught” by our friends, family members and acquaintances…God knows.  We grieve His heart on a regular basis.  But we can make changes and do better…and we must!  We can ask God to tap us on the shoulder and give us pause when we open our mouths to say something unkind, off-color, or disrespectful.  We can ask Him to give us a nudge when we are tempted to be dishonest...to “fudge” a little here and there or “cut a corner” while no one is looking.

We can ask God to fill every nook and cranny of our heart with the Holy Spirit – our “Inner Compass” that guides us and keeps us on the right path.  We can ask God to forgive us and set us upright…and keep us behaving in a positive manner at all times - toward all people.  And we can begin today…right now…in this very minute!  So let’s get started!  Are you ready to go “all in” with God?

©2016 Debbie Robus 

Daily Devotional for July 21, 2016

1 Peter 3:8-9
Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you.

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

If you have spent any time around children, you’ve probably experienced something that one of them said or did that had you asking, “Where did you learn that?”  The answers will vary…Mom or Dad - or another adult…in a movie…on TV…at the store…at a ballgame…at school.

People are watching.  I know I say that a lot…but it’s the truth.  And no group among us is paying closer attention than our children.  So when we use four-letter words, ugly gestures, or disdainful and insulting talk toward someone else, they notice.  When we gossip, criticize and disparage others, our children assume that this is acceptable.

We tell our kids, “We don’t say those things,” and “We don’t use those words.” But sometimes, they reply with, “So-and-so does!”  Then we have to try to explain why this is not okay – without disrespecting the person who uttered such things.  It’s a slippery slope.  As a teacher, I have experienced this many times.  Even when you ask the child, “Do you see me doing those things?  Do you hear me using those words?”…they often reply, “No, but my mom does…” or “My dad/grandpa does…”  OR, they will say, “I heard this person or that one say these things on television.”  There is certainly plenty of the latter to go around these days!

I ask you…is this really what we want to project to our children – and others?  Youngsters have actually said to me, “When we get to be grown-ups, we can say these things.”  I’ve heard adults say, “He/she doesn’t talk that way in the workplace”…or “It’s just politics.”  It’s as if we have one set of rules for certain people and settings…and another for everyone else.  I think God must hang His head in shame and disgust when we act this way.

You do not have a license to speak in a certain manner…to insult, use foul language, or criticize others…just because you are an adult - or you are in a certain setting.  As a disciple of Christ, you have no business giving someone a special “salute” when he/she cuts you off in traffic…or calling people liars, morons, and names I cannot write in this devotional.  We simply cannot act like this and claim the name of Jesus! Many are trying to do this very thing…but trust me, others see right through the ruse – especially the unbelievers in our midst!

We cannot pick and choose the time and place to honor God’s word.  We cannot justify insults, name-calling, back-biting, spreading rumors and falsehoods, and so much more.  People are watching.  They see how we conduct ourselves in every situation.  And many base their ideas of what it means to follow Jesus on what you and I say and do while claiming to be His disciples.

When others look at you, WHO is represented?  Do you go the second mile to ensure that your words and actions line up with God’s admonition to be kind, humble, and demonstrate love and concern for others?  Are you ready to check your conduct and make sure that you never say/do something that would embarrass or disgrace God?  Isn’t it time you were?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 15, 2016

Ephesians 4:31-32
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.

A lifelong friend of mine shared a link on Facebook that featured a portrait of our First Lady and a comment about her poise, intelligence and elegance. Someone responded with a rude litany of hateful comments and some ugly descriptive words.  My friend replied…”Did someone hack your account?  Just doesn’t sound like you.”  The person responded that indeed, she had NOT been hacked, and she continued her tirade.  I loved my friend’s final comment to this person…a simple ”Okey dokey!”

As Whoopie Goldberg always says on The View when she makes a comment to which some might disagree…”Do not write or call!”  This is not meant to be a political statement. (In other words, please keep your opinions about our First Lady to yourself!) Rather, this is a commentary on a very important – and Biblical – lesson that my mother and others taught me when I was very young…”If you cannot say something nice, do not say anything at all.”  I was also taught to respect other human beings, regardless of whether I agreed with them or not…that words are like toothpaste – once they are “out of the tube” (or one’s mouth), it’s pretty well impossible to stuff them back inside…and rude behavior is never appropriate – or Christ like.  In other words, there are times when the only decent response is, “Okey dokey!”

Does this make us doormats or indicate that we agree with those who would be unkind or rude?  Absolutely not!  This is a good way to say, “I’m not getting involved in this.  I will not embarrass myself – or God – by stooping to this level.”  It is also a way of demonstrating that even when others DO behave badly and emit shameful remarks or actions, we find a way to love them in spite of them…because Jesus requires it of us.

I will be the first to tell you that I have had a few situations, particularly in recent years, where it has been hard to forgive and love anyway…where the words “Okey dokey” or some form of them seemed to stick in my mouth and refuse to emerge.  I still struggle with feelings of bitterness and anger about certain situations.  But I’m working on this…because I know that there are plenty of times when I have angered Jesus with my own thoughts, words and actions.

I know that on any given day, I’ve sunk to a new low in the eyes of God, and He has been rightfully ready to let me have it!  And yet, because of Jesus, I experience abundant grace, mercy and forgiveness…and love everlasting.

So “okey dokey” is my new mantra.  It really covers a multitude of things…doesn’t it?  And yet, I can offer this with love and forgiveness…as I bite my tongue and pray for my own new mercies.  What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 12, 2016

1 Peter 2:21-25
This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.

He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss.

They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.

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 will be honest…I am very concerned about the “Christians” in our country who are behaving in such a disruptive and divisive manner.  My mother always said, “This is nothing new.”  And truly, if you look back in history to the time of Jesus - and even beforehand - people have always fought, argued and called each other names. This is no excuse…it’s more a demonstration that we have not learned a whole lot from previous generations.  And God must be so grieved over this.

Consider that God sacrificed His Only Son…He allowed Jesus to suffer – physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Let it soak into your soul that He did all of this for each of us.  And this is how we repay Him – by acting like ungrateful idiots!

When we come to a point where we really grasp what Jesus did for us in His time on earth, we ought to be incredibly humbled.  To think of the healing that He accomplished on our behalf…how He rescued us like lost sheep – and named us –should be all of the incentive we ever need to fall to our feet and worship Him with all we’ve got.  And we can!  We just have to be thoughtful and careful…to watch what we say and do - and consider the ramifications.

We can do better than many are doing.  Too many are like sheep who ambled off and got tangled in the briars.  Intelligent, well-meaning, CHRISTIAN people have traveled so far off track and become so caught up in the hoopla and hype of many present-day situations that they have forgotten Whose they are – and how to act accordingly.

Let’s all take a collective breath and ask God to forgive us – for all of the ways that we fail Him each and every day.  Let’s make a genuine promise to honor all that has been given to us – the sacrifices that Jesus made on our behalf and the blessings with which He covers us every single day.  Let’s make a concerted effort to be the named sheep that He has healed and restored.  And let’s begin today. Are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 8, 2013

Matthew 25:40
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
 
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
 
There is a lot of talk in the news about the Miami Dolphins linebacker Richie Incognito and his hazing of rookie lineman Jonathan Martin.  There are people who are backing up Martin’s claims that Incognito took things too far… and others who are defending Incognito and saying this was blown out of proportion… that Martin “broke the rookie code” and should have handled this internally rather than going public with it.  Either way, people have been disrespected… perhaps even bullied...and emotions are running high on both sides of the dilemma.
 
More than once, I have repeated the words of my pastor… “There is a heartache on every pew.” Several experiences in my life have left me with a mixed bag of emotions… confusion, frustration, anger, deep sadness, disappointment, betrayal, heartbreak - and an incredible weariness.  And maybe you have felt the same way.  In some cases, I’ve wanted to raise my hands and say, “That’s it!’  I’m DONE!”  Sometimes it seems as though it would be so much easier to just walk away and let things happen… to turn our backs, move ahead with our lives, and let the chips fall where they may.
 
What keeps me from throwing in the towel?  Every time I get even remotely close, I think of Jesus.  Each and every time, He reminds me that I do this same thing to Him all the time.  And He’s.Still.Here.
 
I am humbled and ashamed when I think that I have disrespected Jesus after all He has so generously and mercifully done for me.  When I think that for one instant I frustrated Him, made Him angry, or caused Him a deep and penetrating sadness or heartache, I am incredibly grieved.  To even imagine that I spoke unkindly – and my comments stung Jesus and broke His heart - is almost more than I can bear.  To think that I could accept all that Jesus offers me and then treat Him in a manner that leaves him confused and asking, “Where did THAT come from?  What in the world is she thinking?” makes me incredibly remorseful, embarrassed and ashamed.  And still, He is here…doing what He does best – loving… forgiving… restoring…blessing.  So how could I do any less in the situations that I encounter?
 
Don’t misunderstand… it hurts to be disrespected… and bullying at any age is simply not cool.  None of us like to be mistreated, betrayed, or taken for fools.  Everyone has feelings… even big ole pro football linebackers!  Just because a person is at a certain stage in life or a “rookie” at something does not give others license to ridicule and torment.  Just because someone is educated, has money and/or a respectable position - or seems to have everything in life going his/her way doesn’t mean that this person is numb to disrespect.  Just because a person operates in faith and appears to be able to handle life’s challenges rather easily doesn’t mean that he/she will not be affected by mistreatment or disrespect.
 
We all need to take a long hard look at our daily living and our relationships with others.  Where have we disrespected one another… and in doing so, disrespected Jesus?  Where have we mistreated someone with our words and/or actions… and done the same thing to Jesus in the bargain?  How have we been angered, frustrated, betrayed, and disappointed?  How have we done these things to others… and to Jesus?
 
How have we responded to the disrespect of others?  Does it fall in line with how Jesus treats us?  Do we offer compassion, forgiveness, grace and mercy – even when it isn’t requested, much less deserved?  Are we willing to love unconditionally, just as He does? Or do we tuck tail and run at the first sign that things are getting rough?  When do we say, “Enough is enough?” and walk away… and when do we say, “Maybe God can show me how to repair and restore this situation or relationship.”?
 
I don’t know what is right in every situation… and I certainly don’t know what is the right answer to the apparent problem with hazing in the NFL!  But I do know that we serve a God of second chances to the Nth degree…a God who continues to love us even when we disrespect Him.  And this keeps me going.
 
We must make every effort to be respectful of others in all situations.  At the same time, we must continue to work at showing our respect for Jesus… and that includes working through the frustrating situations that each of us encounters.  It’s a tall order… and often, it’s not a whole lot of fun!  We were not promised “free and easy” as Christians… but the blessings that we enjoy each and every day far outweigh any burdens.  Don’t you agree?
 
I pray that you will join me in asking God to instill in your heart a newfound desire to seek ways to operate with respect… toward others AND toward Him.  It may not change how everyone treats us in return, but at least we will know that we are honoring Jesus and His amazing love for us in our own daily living.  If we are certain that we are pleasing Him, surely He will give us the courage and strength to handle the rest.  Isn’t it worth a shot?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 29, 2013

Matthew 27:22
Pilate asked them, “What am I to do with Jesus, who is called the Messiah?”
 
They all yelled, “Nail him to a cross!”
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
Anyone who knows me very well knows that I am something of a packrat.  And if you know my penchant for repurposing, you know that no scrap is too small to be reused for SOMETHING!  So it’s very hard for me to clean closets and drawers and truly get rid of anything.  But I’ve done better recently.  And though it bothered me on several levels to do this, there have been a few items that I have not tried to salvage.  I’ve simply tossed them into the trash and said, “Just get rid of it!”
 
This is pretty much what the Romans said to Pontius Pilate when he asked them, “What am I to do with Jesus?”  Surely many of them felt uneasy about this on some level. Some must have thought, “There has to be some way He could be useful to us.”  But in the end, they chose to ruthlessly toss Jesus out like yesterday’s trash.  Even worse, they wanted Him brutalized in the process!
 
How often do we do this?  How many times do our words and actions essentially say, “Jesus isn’t worth anything to me…He’s not even as ‘good’ as garbage”… and treat Him as such?  Have you considered that a lot of your actions and words… the way you have treated others and conducted your life… your attitudes and general indifference… have all been the equivalent of lashes across Jesus’ back – or nails through His hands and feet? Pretty humbling thoughts, huh?!
 
“Oh, I would NEVER do this to Jesus!” you may be protesting.  But you have… my friend… you have – and so have I.  And we’ve made the choice to do so.  Maybe we didn’t say, “Today I think I will nail Jesus to the cross”… but we chose thoughts, words and actions that did essentially the same thing.  We are in control of these things far more than we often care to admit!
 
Here’s your wake-up call.  What you say, think, and do matters!  You make choices every minute of the day… whether to serve Jesus – or to nail Him to the cross.  Remember Matthew 25:40 (NLT) …“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”  Where are you choosing to treat Jesus like garbage?  Where have you battered and beaten Him… or nailed Him to the cross?  When you think about your life in these terms, doesn’t it make you want to choose differently?  Shouldn’t it?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 20, 2012

Matthew 5:21-26
You know that our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” But I promise you that if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.

So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.

Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don’t, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. I promise you that you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe.

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

There are two things in our culture that seem to bring out the worst in people… sporting events and political elections! In both cases, people who claim to be obedient, filled-with-grace Christians give the impression that they are filled with anger. Name calling looks as if it is second nature. The refs are “idiots.” Candidates are called names I cannot even repeat. And the level of pure hatred that appears to emanate from every pore of many is disconcerting at best – and downright scary in some cases. You’ve heard the phrase, “If looks could kill, I’d be dead!” I’ve seen that look in the eyes of more than one person who was upset over a bad call at a ballgame – or those of someone speaking about the other party’s candidate!

I have to believe that God is so deeply disappointed in all of us. Clearly, we do not understand what Jesus has taught us… that anger is as much a sin as murder itself! And I will be the first to admit that I am not immune to name calling…as much as I would like to be. However, I have become more aware of how distasteful this is to God… how disrespectful we are when we lash out at another of His children. And I have to say, I think am doing a better job of catching myself before my thoughts and feelings become outward words and actions. It’s a step in the right direction… but I also need to corral my thoughts. And I’m betting you do, also.

We cannot “have it our way.” Jesus is not Burger King. If we are truly Disciples of Christ… if we really want to please God and serve Him honorably, we must get a handle on our anger. We must control our tongue. We must put a stop to body language that exudes disapproval, disgust, or revulsion of others. Yes, Jesus got angry. And yes, there is a time and place for anger about certain situations… abuses and mistreatments of others, for instance – or disrespect for God and His creation. But lashing out at another and calling him/her names, cursing, gesturing or even giving dirty looks does not accomplish anything except making us look like fools.

What is the solution? Jesus! When you are angry, go to a private corner and tell Him how you feel. Call on the Holy Spirit to calm you – to act like a balm on your heart and smooth out your ruffled feathers. Ask Him to show you how to proceed in a logical, loving manner that reflects the grace and mercy of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions… the words you speak – and those you write in places like social media. Make every word and action count for Jesus… and reflect your love and respect for the One who has given everything on your account.

Strive for the day when anger and hatred have no place in your heart. When you can begin to operate without these emotions, you will know that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in you… and so will everyone else.

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 15, 2012

Ephesians 4:26-32
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.

Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work. Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.

Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.

Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

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.

Our little Timothy has a new phrase… “I can’t.” For him, this phrase is multi-purpose – and used in a lot of situations. “I can’t go to bed! I can’t take a bath! I can’t eat that! I can’t build anything with my blocks!” You get the picture. Experts tell us that small children use phrases like this because they have not fully developed the language skills to express what is really bothering them. They also say that arguing with the child does not work… and may, in fact, escalate the situation into a full-blown tantrum. The recommendation is to be patient… to allow the child room to work out his/her differences in a non-confrontational setting… and if possible, to distract him/her and redirect the focus.

We know firsthand how challenging this is. And yet, we must begin at this young age to teach children how to use their words properly… how to “vent” their frustrations without anger or foul language… and how hurtful ugly talk can be to others – and to themselves.

As we grow, we must learn to control our temper – and our tongue. There are going to be plenty of things that irritate us… and maybe even drive us to anger. But when we let this fester and color our attitudes and behaviors, the devil wins. When we erupt in a confrontation and a plethora of foul words and hurtful comments, we give Satan a dozen reasons to celebrate. When we share untruths and lie, we cheat others – and ourselves – God is seriously grieved.

We sometimes forget that we have been given tremendous gifts… intelligence, talents, abilities, wit, and the skills to communicate with others. With these gifts come incredible responsibilities. God wants us to use the power of the Holy Spirit within us… manifested through our tongue and our actions… to glorify His holy name. He wants us to be a blessing to others… to share love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ. When we stoop to Satan’s level and use our words and actions in a confrontational, dishonest, or spiteful manner, we grieve God… and our “witness” is an epic fail.

Timothy will learn to express himself… and with our help, he will hopefully do so in a rational, calm, positive manner - most of the time! Those of us who are a little past the 3-year-old stage would do well to spend a while in communication with God and ask Him to help us get back on track. Examine your own life… your actions and words and how you treat others. Where do you need an attitude adjustment… and a taming of the tongue? Are you ready to operate in a manner that merits the tremendous gifts God has given you? Isn’t it time to get started?

©2012 Debbie Robus