Daily Devotional for November 18, 2016

Romans 13:8-10
Pay all your debts except the debt of love for others—never finish paying that! For if you love them, you will be obeying all of God’s laws, fulfilling all his requirements. If you love your neighbor as much as you love yourself you will not want to harm or cheat him, or kill him or steal from him. And you won’t sin with his wife or want what is his, or do anything else the Ten Commandments say is wrong. All ten are wrapped up in this one, to love your neighbor as you love yourself. Love does no wrong to anyone. That’s why it fully satisfies all of God’s requirements. It is the only law you need.

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

Fridays have become a busy time for me.  I​ spend the morning and at least part of the afternoon helping in Timothy and Zola’s classrooms at school.  It is no secret that I love children.  I love getting to know them…teaching them and watching as their minds expand with knowledge.  I love “loving” them and seeing their faces light up when they receive a smile or a hug.  I love encouraging a child and seeing the joy that he/she experiences when the “light bulb” goes on and things improve or a concept is fully understood. I love the purity and innocence with which children give and receive love.

Sometimes, children have to be corrected.  After all, we do have work to do and academic goals to achieve!  I have to remind students to stay on task.  I have to tell children that I cannot give them the answers to the test…that I will help them all I can, but I can’t do their work for them. I must remind the children to stay quiet in the hallways  - and stay in their seats and listen to the teacher in the classroom - even though they have a bazillion things they feel they simply must tell me immediately!  But these moments of correction are peppered with love and kindness.  I may speak firmly…but hopefully I am never harsh.  I may give a child an answer that he/she doesn’t want to hear…but I never want to make anyone feel ashamed.

I found a blog called Swords&Snoodles*, written by a woman in the United Kingdom named Becci Nicholls.  She shared a meme on Pinterest that said…” Don't become preoccupied with your child's academic ability. But instead, teach them to sit with those sitting alone. Teach them to be kind. Teach them to offer their help. Teach them to be a friend to the lonely. Teach them to encourage others. Teach them to think about other people. Teach them to share. Teach them to look for the good.  This is how they'll change the world.”

At the end of the day…love is what matters. This scripture passage is right…”Love your neighbor as yourself” is the only law we need.  This one commandment encompasses everything else.  Love does no intentional wrong to anyone…ever. A lot of us seem to have forgotten this.  Don’t you think it’s time we were reminded?

Are you looking for the good and operating in love - at all times toward all people?  Isn’t it time you were?
          
©2016 Debbie Robus

* http://swordsandsnoodles.co.uk/

Daily Devotional for November 8, 2016

Matthew 7:12
Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Well, here we are!  For months, we have said we were anxious for Election Day to arrive…and now it’s upon us!  People have been saying, “I’m so ready for this to be over.”  And that’s a reasonable statement.  But let’s be honest…for a lot of Americans, this day will not bring the results they desired or anticipated.  Even those who are happy about the election of one candidate or another are sure to have disappointments in the outcomes of other races.

It’s a pretty safe assumption that there are people serving in office today who did not receive your vote - or mine.  Yet somehow, the world continues to spin on its axis. This was my eleventh presidential election in which to vote.  Like all of us, I’ve seen my candidates win…and lose.  I’ve been disappointed, worried about our country – and the world at large - and downright mad at times.  But I have never resorted to disrespect or name calling.

As a teacher, aunt, and friend to dozens of young children, I have never spoken disdainfully to them about another candidate.  I’ve never criticized the adults who voted for the opposition…or told a child that his/her parents and adult relatives were wrong for supporting a certain candidate. I may have explained why I supported the people who got my vote…but I have never attacked the choices of another.

When my candidates have lost, I’ve done my best to be kind and respectful of those who were elected.  I might not sing their praises, but I don’t belittle them or treat them unkindly – even with words. I have been greatly dismayed by the judgment of others…and I’ve mentally questioned their thinking in supporting certain candidates.  But I still love them. I will still be kind to them when we meet…I will still smile and treat them with respect.  I will honor their right and privilege to support whoever they choose…and I will hope that they afford me the same respect.

In the words of First Lady, Michelle Obama, God is calling us to “go high.”  Jesus has commanded us to treat others as we wish to be treated…and that includes those who did not get our vote.  So tomorrow, when the ballots have been tallied, I will hold my head high and move ahead with my efforts to serve God to the best of my ability…even if that means keeping my mouth shut about people I did not elect!  This election IS important…but honoring God and serving Him in faithful obedience is so much more critical.

When you wake up tomorrow, how will you behave?  Who will you serve and honor?  Will your words and actions show others a faith-filled disciple of Christ…or a sore loser who doesn’t really demonstrate that “with God, ALL things are possible?”  Take some time today to prayerfully seek God’s strength and resolve. Let Him fill you with His power and confidence – even when you are feeling defeated.  Always “go high” with God and show others His amazing grace and mercy.  Pull the lever, then walk away with confidence that God in still in control - today and always - and let others always see this in your daily living.

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 4, 2016

John 20:30-31
Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.

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, seven second and third graders studied the Book of James with me and my assistant, Carie.  We learned about trials and how God allows all of us to endure trials and problems…and that even Jesus had trials.  If we had no problems or trials, we would not learn to depend on God.  We talked about how God wants us to study His word and talk to Him, so that we know what to do…and learn how He gives us wisdom, perseverance, and joy – even when things are going all wrong.

One of our exercises was to pretend that we just got up and came to church without brushing our teeth, combing our hair – or even changing out of our pajamas.  A couple of the children said, “It doesn’t matter how we look – God loves us anyway, and the people at church will love us.” We all agreed that this is true.  But then I showed the children a mirror and asked, “Suppose you looked in the mirror and saw that you were a wreck…that your hair needed combing and your teeth needed brushing…but you put down the mirror and didn’t do any of these things.”

We talked about how God’s word is like a mirror that shows us where we could make changes or improvements – and “clean up our act!” When we read the scriptures, we see guidelines for how to handle certain situations…rules to live by…and comfort and consolation when things don’t go so smoothly.  If we don’t pay any attention to what this “mirror” shows us, we are essentially saying that we don’t need God – or believe in His word!  And nothing changes.

One of the points in today’s lesson was that it isn’t enough to have faith in Jesus…we have to DO His work as well.  We have to take our own trials and use them to encourage and comfort others who are going through similar experiences.  We have to demonstrate how we seek God’s wisdom and comfort through prayer and Bible study – and how He builds our faith – so that others are encouraged to do the same thing. This is discipleship in action!

How are you handling the trials in your life?  Do you trust God to show you how to find joy and courage even in the midst of problems and adversity?  Do you demonstrate this faith to others?  Do you pay attention to what God shows you in His “mirror”…and make necessary adjustments and improvements?

All of these things take work and effort…but they are vital to furthering God’s Kingdom and serving well until He calls you to your perfect, trial-free home in Heaven.  It’s a lot to take in…but we serve a BIG God who is more than able to help us make the most of His word. I stressed to the children that there are answers in the Bible for handling our questions and problems…but we have to open it and dig in. 

If God’s word sits on the shelf unopened, His message may not reach us. Will this be the week that you open your Bible, dig in and get busy?  Don’t you think it should be?
  
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 29, 2015

Acts 14:21-22
Paul and Barnabas preached the good news in Derbe and won some people to the Lord. Then they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch in Pisidia. They encouraged the followers and begged them to remain faithful. They told them, “We have to suffer a lot before we can get into God’s kingdom.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
Yesterday a childhood friend let me know that one our mutual friends had passed away.  Joel died in his sleep as his body succumbed to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).  On May 17th, Joel posted on Facebook recently that the chemo treatments he was receiving were no longer working and could actually kill him.  His blood count was low, and his bone marrow was full of cancer.  The doctors had advised Joel to seek Hospice care…and he admitted that he was “scared and worried about things and what may happen to me.”

Joel was a year younger than I am…and a classmate of my sister.  I am pretty sure that he was autistic and/or had Asperger’s Syndrome.  When we were kids, people were unkind to Joel and did not consider him to be very bright.  But he had them all fooled.  Joel grew to be a very concerned – and active – advocate for people with disabilities, and he helped start ArkansasPeopleFirst.org and was its state president.  Joel’s Facebook wall is filled with posts about advocacy for people with disabilities...is faith in God…and his love for his family.

In a few days, Joel’s mother, Irene, will have buried all three of her children.  Thankfully, this is a grief for which I have no personal reference point.  And yet, on Joel’s Facebook page, a niece reports that Mrs. Irene is relieved that she outlived her youngest son…that her biggest fear was that she would die before he did.  I would say Mrs. Irene has had to suffer a lot before she enters into God’s kingdom.

But I do not mean to make the point of this passage about how Christians must suffer grief and the death of loved ones…at least not entirely.  This scripture passage has a far broader intent…meaning that we may be ridiculed for our faith – or even persecuted.  Paul and Barnabas are warning that troubles of ALL KINDS will befall us, and just because we are Christians does not ensure us an easy go of things.  Certainly my friend Joel suffered the mistreatment and misunderstanding of many…and yet, his faith was strong.  His witness was great, and his fight for the rights of others was fervent and steadfast.

What about us?  How dedicated are we, especially when the chips are down?  Do we fold up at the first sign of criticism, disaster or disappointment?  Do we turn away from God…or at the very least, grow quiet and withdrawn?  Do we allow others to do the hard work, while we coast along and give God the bare minimum of our time and attention?  Do we truly rest in the LORD when troubles come?  Are we prepared to suffer a lot before we can get into God’s kingdom?

These are not easy questions…but then, as I’ve said before, not much about being an “all-in” Christian is easy much of the time.  How faithful are you in all things and at all times?  Does your example come close to that of a middle-aged autistic man who fought for others’ rights and admitted in his last days that he was frightened about his future…or that of his elderly mother who has outlived all three of her children?

In a telephone conversation, Mrs. Irene told my friend that Joel planned his funeral, down to the last song and scripture.  He knew where he was headed…and now he rests in the arms of Jesus…his suffering has ended forever.  Someday, his mother will join the rest of the family there.  But we will long remember how they lived.  Joel did more than make a point…he made a difference!  He served God and others well.  Can you say the same?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 4, 2015

Luke 23:48-55
A crowd had gathered to see the terrible sight. Then after they had seen it, they felt brokenhearted and went home. All of Jesus' close friends and the women who had come with him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched.

There was a man named Joseph, who was from Arimathea in Judea. Joseph was a good and honest man, and he was eager for God’s kingdom to come. He was also a member of the council, but he did not agree with what they had decided.

Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. He took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in fine cloth. Then he put it in a tomb that had been cut out of solid rock and had never been used. It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and watched how Jesus' body was placed in the tomb. Then they went to prepare some sweet-smelling spices for his burial. But on the Sabbath they rested, as the Law of Moses commands.

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

After we buried our beloved cat Lucy four weeks ago, we ambled around the house rather aimlessly.  We had done all we could do…there was nothing left except to sit and allow the profundity of what had just happened to soak in.  Those were sad, heartbreaking hours.  Each day has gotten a little easier, although we still look for our precious Tuxedo cat.  I think I hear her sometimes…or that I spot her out of the corner of my eye – lying in her favorite chair in my office.

When my grandmother died two years ago, there was a sense of joy and relief that her struggle had ended…that her longing to be with Jesus in heaven had become her reality.  But the very next morning, we sprung into action…arranging her funeral, writing her obituary, answering phone calls and questions, sorting through pictures for her memorial video.  There was so much to do initially that the time to sit and “soak it all in” didn’t come right away.  In fact, it was about two weeks before it truly hit me that my grandmother was really gone - and I was able to reflect on all that had happened.

Unless you are a pet owner, you may think it in bad taste that I have shared references to the death of my fur baby and my grandmother in the same devotional.  Please stick with me!

I tell you all of this to explain how empty, exhausted, and numb the entourage at the cross must have felt after Jesus’ death.  Momentarily, they must have sat in silence…somewhat dumbfounded and bewildered.  “What do we do now?” they must have wondered.  “Where do we go?  How will we ever be happy again?”  These are normal questions after the loss of any loved one.  And the “busyness” that follow – preparation for burial and the actual interment – are cathartic…healing…a way to do something, which is a real human need.

But I must also tell you that the numbness fades…rest comes...the heart swells with memories and good thoughts…and joy returns.  Jesus rose from the grave.  He lives!  The tomb could not hold Him!  And because of this, we can move forward in confidence and peace.  Because Jesus lives, I know that my grandmother (and yes, my cat Lucy) are safe with Him in heaven.  We have to go through this “numb” day/time to get to the “Resurrection Day”…but it is coming!

So wherever you are today…whatever has caused your “numbness” or grieved you…whatever trials you are enduring…whatever heartaches you are experiencing…know that a better day is coming, because Jesus will make it so.  Sit and weep if you must…take in what is happening and process it.  But call on Jesus to get you past this day and into the light of resurrection in Him!  Believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, and know that joy truly does come in the morning for all who trust in Him.

Because of Jesus, we are a lot stronger than we think!  Sit and talk with Him today…share EVERYTHING…and remember to thank Him for His amazing sacrifices on our behalf.  I often tell people who are grieving…”You just have to get through today.”  Easter is coming…let Jesus help you get through today - and handle all of your tomorrows.

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 13, 2014

Psalm 35:11-14; 19-25
Liars accuse me of crimes I know nothing about. They repay evil for good, and I feel all alone. When they were sick, I wore sackcloth and went without food. I truly prayed for them, as I would for a friend or a relative. I was in sorrow and mourned, as I would for my mother.

You see everything, Lord! Please don’t keep silent or stay so far away. Fight to defend me, Lord God, and prove that I am right by your standards. Don’t let them laugh at me or say to each other, “Now we’ve got what we want! We’ll gobble him down!”

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

At some point in your life, you have probably felt mistreated.  Someone has most likely lied to you and taken advantage of your kindness.  You may have felt like standing in the middle of the floor - hands raised upward - and asking, “What did I ever do to this person to deserve such treatment?”  You might have even asked God to step in…to vindicate you and “make this person pay” in some manner.  From reading this Psalm, I would say that David was right there with you…and honestly, I can’t say that I would blame you, either.

Nobody likes to be duped or mistreated.  No one wants to give of themselves to someone who repays with lies, deceit, and abuse.  None of us likes to be the recipient of another person’s ridicule or exploitation.  This is not what you expect from someone for whom you have shown utmost love and care…someone for whom you have truly prayed for, cared for in their times of need, and blessed in ways great and small.  We don’t expect people to lie to us – or about us - much less repay good with evil.  Neither did Jesus.

Let that soak in for a minute.  Do you think that Jesus hung from the cross and asked, “What did I ever do to So-and-So to make him/her hate me this much?”  Do you think that He looked to the heavens and asked God to make each and every one of us pay for the terrible things we have done to Him…each sin we have committed?”  The truth is that Jesus did just the opposite.  He asked God to forgive those who did not understand what they had done…Who they had maimed and killed.  He forgave a thief on the cross next to His.  He gave His very life to PAY for each and every one of my sins…and yours…and the sins of all who will ever choose to give Him their heart and follow Him.

Clearly we are not Jesus.  We are not God in human form…we do not have Supernatural powers and abilities and truly have no business comparing our “sufferings” to His.  But they do serve to illustrate the point that for everything we endure…Jesus has endured more.  For every hurt and indignation we will ever suffer…Jesus agonized exponentially.  We serve a God who fully understands our thoughts and feelings…and truly cares about each of us.  It may seem at times like He has walked away and left us to wallow in whatever we are enduring…but I assure you, nothing could be further from the truth.

God never leaves us.  While we might not be able to feel His presence as we desire, He is always working behind the scenes and meeting our needs.  It may not be as we would wish… we may not “feel” as good as we would like in any given moment.  But God is still with us.  We must remember that the God who cared enough for us to send His only Son to earth and allowed Him to be brutalized for OUR sins is a God of profound love and care – for each of us!

So the next time you are mistreated, deceived, ridiculed, ignored and/or lonely, remember Jesus and the cross.  You may be momentarily stung or disappointed by others, which is understandable.  But don’t linger in those feelings…do not wallow in your hurts.  Get busy loving others in Jesus’ name…sharing in THEIR suffering and reminding them of all that He did for us on the cross.  Remember the cross…and what Jesus did for us there.  Thank Him for the gift of amazing, incredible, unconditional love, grace, mercy and forgiveness.  Feel His presence and trust that He is making a way where you can see none.

God is always fighting for you.  The cross is proof if this.  How will you serve Him in return?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 13, 2013

Proverbs 13:12
Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick,
    but a sudden good break can turn life around.
 
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.
 
It’s raining here today… a cold rain with an occasional sleet pellet – but rain just the same.  After a week of sub-freezing temperatures and a hefty layer of ice that still covers much of the grass and hillsides, we’re glad for “just rain.”  In fact, when the temperature “soared” to the low-to-mid-thirties yesterday, people acted like we were having a heat wave.  Some dragged out shorts and t-shirts… many more shucked their heavy coats.  And when the sun began to shine a few days ago, everybody’s mood brightened!
 
A week ago, people on Facebook were lamenting their “cabin fever”… complaining about spending two or three days in a row cooped up in the house.  At the first sign of melting, many ventured out – if only to Wal-Mart – thrilled for the “sudden good break”.  They had hoped for at least a sign that warmer weather was coming… and its arrival changed their whole mood.
 
Sound silly?  Maybe.  But here’s something that isn’t.  When you have one genuine unrelenting disappointment after another, you do become discouraged… even heartsick.  When one family member after another gets sick… or dies… you begin to wonder whether God truly cares about you.  When Christmas is coming and the plant where you have worked for more than a decade is scheduled to close on December 31st - and you are losing your paycheck, benefits, and more - you feel like you will never smile again.  When your marriage or relationship falls apart, you back your car into a post, and the dog gets sick… you start to feel like “if it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all”!
 
Without a doubt, there are times in our lives when we seem to experience “unrelenting disappointment”.  More than a few of us have experienced a season when we were truly heartsick.  But just as many of us have had a “sudden good break” that seemed to turn things around… at least temporarily.  Just like a warmer, sunshine-filled day after a dreary ice storm, the clouds seemed to part, and our spirits were lifted.
 
This is what God offers us… every single day!  God doesn’t want us to operate in “cloudy days”.  He doesn’t want our lives to be filled with disappointments that just won’t quit… or situations that leave us heartbroken and clouded by despair.  He wants us to look to Him for answers… to trust that He is still with us, no matter what… to have hope and confidence that He will turn things around.
 
God is better than a “sudden good break”… because He is constant and steady.  And while it may seem at times like He has totally deserted us and left us to wallow in the pit of misery… nothing could be further from the truth.  This is the time when we cannot see how busy God is… working things out for us.  Perhaps He is taking our lives in a different direction.  Maybe He is planning for a season of growth… or preparing us to nurture someone else because of our own heartache.  There are so many things about how God operates that we cannot see and understand… but I am confident that leaving us to fend for ourselves is not one of them!
 
Eighteen years ago, dear friends to Greg and me lost their 17-year-old son in a terrible car accident.  Several students were returning one night from an out-of-town basketball game when their car crashed.  Two young men were killed.  Yesterday on Facebook, the brother of the other young man who was killed posted to the daughter of our friends and said, “When I think about all that happened that night, I don't know that I would change a thing. It was this day 18 years ago that shaped the man I am today, and I know it has molded into your heart a mother’s love. God is pretty awesome. I don't know about you, but there were times when I literally needed to feel Gods touch...and He always came through.”
 
To be able to recognize God’s hand in such a tragedy… to see how He could turn such horrific events into something good and mold a strong, faithful Christian man and a loving, Godly mother to two young boys as a result… exemplifies lives filled with hope in Jesus Christ.  Are you sitting around waiting for a “sudden good break”… or do you believe that God is creating the events that will turn your life around… even as you read this?  Do you trust His ability and desire to transform your heartaches into happiness… to carry you through the rough seasons and restore your joy… to shower you with blessings you never even saw coming?
 
Will you live your life with perpetual “cabin fever” and discontent… or will you operate in hope for the brighter days ahead?  This IS a choice… and it’s yours.  What will you decide?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 27, 2013

Leviticus 19:18
Stop being angry and don’t try to take revenge. I am the Lord, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
I once knew someone who fell in love and gave his girlfriend a beautiful – and very expensive – diamond engagement ring.  Then she broke up with him… and kept the ring!  He was furious.  I’m not talking hundreds of dollars… I’m talking tens of thousands!  And he subsequently learned that this was not the first diamond ring that the girl had received… and kept after a breakup!  I guess you could say she considered these to be “consolation prizes” of a sort!
 
Hopefully this has not happened to you – at least not in such an expensive and disappointing fashion.  But you very well may have shared your belongings, your money, your time – or even your heart with another person, only to have him/her trample all over your love and generosity in some manner.  Perhaps you shared your apartment or home with someone – and they trashed it.  Maybe you gave a friend in need an extra twenty dollar bill…and he/she blew it on cigarettes or a video game.  Or you showered someone with love and concern – only to learn that he/she had been cursing your name when your back was turned and spreading vicious lies about you to others.  How would you react?  How would you want to respond?
 
There is an old adage that says, “Living well is the best revenge.”   But what, exactly, constitutes “living well”?  If you examine the words of this scripture passage, you find that loving others as much as you love yourself paints this picture with a pretty broad brush!  In other words, to have true peace…GOD’s peace… you must be willing to “turn the other cheek” in many situations… to overlook or forgive others’ missteps and mistreatment of you… to stay calm and unfazed in the face of disappointments and exploitations.
 
In order to truly experience peace in your life, you have to come to a point where you quit trying to please others and focus on pleasing only GOD. You have truly arrived when you can say… “I know I have done the right thing.  I can live with myself and what I think… how I feel… my words and actions. How the other guy deals with it is up to him and God.”  Sadly, there will be times in all of our lives when we will be cheated, wronged, disappointed, and possibly rejected by others.  But GOD will never leave us. If we focus on Him, He will take care of everything else.  He is the only One we have to please.
 
I don’t know if the guy ever got his ring back or not… but he eventually married someone else and moved on with his life.  In the scheme of things, the lessons we learn are not about the value of our losses as much as how we handle the experience.  When we take ourselves out of the equation… when we stop being angry, don’t try to take revenge, and love others as much as we love ourselves… we give God control of doling out judgment… and we allow Him to fill us with His peace in return.  For me, that is the ultimate example of “living well”… what about you?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus