Galatians 6:9
Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When
my Mam-ma Polly was well into her nineties, she still did more for
others than most people I knew. There was always room for one more at
her table. She prayed for others and attended as many church services
and events as possible. I still remember one fall when I took silk
flowers and “fall fabric” and decorations to her so that she and her
friend Ruby (also in her nineties) could decorate a booth for their
church’s fall festival/fundraiser. She was forever “seeing after” a
neighbor or friend.
Of course, because Mam-ma no longer could
drive, she often asked me (or someone from her church) to make her
deliveries for her. I remember once when she made vegetable soup for a
cousin who was not well, and I asked her why she thought SHE needed to
do this. She said, “Well, I think of all that this family has done for
me, and I just have to do this for them.” What goes around…comes
around!
I find that a lot of the things that my grandmother did
for other people are resulting in blessings for me and my family even
now…some 2½ years after her passing. People will comment about her
generosity…her faith and strength…her goodness. As they tend to us and
do kind things for us…pray for us and encourage us in our daily living, I
see the rewards that are a direct result of my grandmother’s
perseverance to help others. She left a legacy that has not gone
unnoticed.
My grandmother taught me so much…but one of her
unending lessons was that of doing for others. My mother offers this
same example in many ways, and they are being returned to her
now, as she faces a major illness. In the words attributed to John
Wesley, these Godly examples have shown us how to… “Do all the good you
can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the
places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as
long as ever you can.”
These are sound words to live by,
regardless of who said them…and my mother and grandmother – and other
people of faith in my circle of influence – have given me plenty of
examples of how to do this – and the rewards that are produced. Even if
we were never rewarded (which is pretty impossible), we should do this
because God has called us to serve in whatever way we can – whenever we
can. We should do this out of a deep desire to honor Him and all of the
ways that He blesses us each and every day.
I am determined to
push forward…to quit worrying about when it is “my turn” and focus on
the missions at hand. Perhaps those who come after me will reap the
rewards of my efforts. Either way, I know that God is calling me to
never grow weary of helping others. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label helping others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label helping others. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 27, 2015
Deuteronomy 15:10-11
Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors.
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 rode with Greg as he delivered Meals on Wheels to better than a half-dozen senior citizens in our community. As we “made the rounds” this very hot July day, I thought of the people who are served. I noted the dilapidated condition of some of the homes…and how others are well tended. We commented that in many of the latter cases, there is probably someone – or a group of people – who “see after” these people and make sure that the house and yard are nicely kept and appointed…and that other needs are met.
Riding with Greg on these deliveries is always bittersweet. On the one hand, I am so proud of the service he provides…and how deeply he cares about “his people.” I know they are grateful for his visits – even when they only last a couple of minutes.
But I am also saddened to think of the countless people - in our community alone - who are in need…not necessarily of money – or even the daily hot meal…but something perhaps even more valuable. These people need human contact…the smiling face and concern of someone who truly cares about them. It is amazing how much thoughtfulness can be conveyed in just a couple of minutes.
I would be willing to bet that every day around noon, there are a few dozen folks in our community whose lives are brightened by the knock on their door from a Meals on Wheels volunteer. There are probably dozens more who have a better day because a Home Health aide or nurse visits…and while they are paid to do so, theirs is most certainly a labor of love in large degree.
We cannot all deliver Meals on Wheels or become Home Health aides. We can’t all be foster parents or volunteer at the animal shelter or the soup kitchen. We don’t all have extra cash lying around that we can distribute to those with financial needs. But here’s what we do all have…the ability to give of the heart. And if you look closely at these verses, you see that it says to “open your purse…and your hands.”
Look around…there is something you can do. There is someone who has a need that you can meet…whether it is to visit with a neighbor and ask, “How are you doing?”(and mean it!)…or to talk with someone who is going through a situation with which you have experience - and offer some hints, tips, and commiseration. There are people who need a hug or a smile…and those who could use a word of encouragement. The next time you bake a cake or cookies…why not share half with a neighbor or friend who is unable to bake because of physical restraints or lack of time?
Offer someone a ride – to run errands, visit the doctor, or just visit another friend. Buy the 10-lb bag of potatoes that is cheaper than just purchasing just a few – and share the extras with a single person or elderly neighbors on fixed incomes. Offer to walk a friend’s dog while he/she recovers from an accident or illness. Ask a teacher if you can do anything to help him/her get ready for school this fall. There are name tags to cut out, bulletin boards to prepare…and children to watch while Mom and/or Dad spends the last days of summer vacation in the classroom working on projects.
In short, open your eyes and ears to the needs right around you. Not every act of “giving” involves money. And one of the best ways to give back to others is through prayer. We often say, “All I can do is pray.” What we fail to recognize is that often, prayer is not only the most important gift we can offer…it truly is enough!
I came away from today’s delivery with a humble heart and a renewed desire to be more open and available to the ways that I can serve the “poor and needy” in my own back yard. It’s was just the jolt I needed…and I hope I have motivated you, as well. Are you ready to open your heart and hands to the “poor and needy” in your midst? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors.
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 rode with Greg as he delivered Meals on Wheels to better than a half-dozen senior citizens in our community. As we “made the rounds” this very hot July day, I thought of the people who are served. I noted the dilapidated condition of some of the homes…and how others are well tended. We commented that in many of the latter cases, there is probably someone – or a group of people – who “see after” these people and make sure that the house and yard are nicely kept and appointed…and that other needs are met.
Riding with Greg on these deliveries is always bittersweet. On the one hand, I am so proud of the service he provides…and how deeply he cares about “his people.” I know they are grateful for his visits – even when they only last a couple of minutes.
But I am also saddened to think of the countless people - in our community alone - who are in need…not necessarily of money – or even the daily hot meal…but something perhaps even more valuable. These people need human contact…the smiling face and concern of someone who truly cares about them. It is amazing how much thoughtfulness can be conveyed in just a couple of minutes.
I would be willing to bet that every day around noon, there are a few dozen folks in our community whose lives are brightened by the knock on their door from a Meals on Wheels volunteer. There are probably dozens more who have a better day because a Home Health aide or nurse visits…and while they are paid to do so, theirs is most certainly a labor of love in large degree.
We cannot all deliver Meals on Wheels or become Home Health aides. We can’t all be foster parents or volunteer at the animal shelter or the soup kitchen. We don’t all have extra cash lying around that we can distribute to those with financial needs. But here’s what we do all have…the ability to give of the heart. And if you look closely at these verses, you see that it says to “open your purse…and your hands.”
Look around…there is something you can do. There is someone who has a need that you can meet…whether it is to visit with a neighbor and ask, “How are you doing?”(and mean it!)…or to talk with someone who is going through a situation with which you have experience - and offer some hints, tips, and commiseration. There are people who need a hug or a smile…and those who could use a word of encouragement. The next time you bake a cake or cookies…why not share half with a neighbor or friend who is unable to bake because of physical restraints or lack of time?
Offer someone a ride – to run errands, visit the doctor, or just visit another friend. Buy the 10-lb bag of potatoes that is cheaper than just purchasing just a few – and share the extras with a single person or elderly neighbors on fixed incomes. Offer to walk a friend’s dog while he/she recovers from an accident or illness. Ask a teacher if you can do anything to help him/her get ready for school this fall. There are name tags to cut out, bulletin boards to prepare…and children to watch while Mom and/or Dad spends the last days of summer vacation in the classroom working on projects.
In short, open your eyes and ears to the needs right around you. Not every act of “giving” involves money. And one of the best ways to give back to others is through prayer. We often say, “All I can do is pray.” What we fail to recognize is that often, prayer is not only the most important gift we can offer…it truly is enough!
I came away from today’s delivery with a humble heart and a renewed desire to be more open and available to the ways that I can serve the “poor and needy” in my own back yard. It’s was just the jolt I needed…and I hope I have motivated you, as well. Are you ready to open your heart and hands to the “poor and needy” in your midst? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 8, 2015
February 8 ~ Colossians 1:9-12
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
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.
We went to the park to play after church and lunch, and of course, the children wanted to swing. I think Timothy and Zola love swings as much as any children I’ve ever known. Today, Zola said, “I’ll swing myself!” She was adamant…until she could not make herself go back and forth as she had hoped. Try as she might to “push and pull”, the swing stayed pretty well stationary…and she called for some help to get the swing going!
When it comes to our relationship with God, we are a lot like the little kid who wants to do it all herself. We ought to be able to figure it all out on our own. We have a Bible…we know how to pray…what else is needed? There are two parts to the answer: 1) developing our faith and fellowship with God takes time and practice… and 2) one of the greatest blessings of being a Christian lies in the support of fellow believers. So as others pray for us and encourage us in our understanding of God and communion with Him, we are strengthened and nurtured. Our wisdom, discernment, and confidence grow. We find joy in the love and fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ who join us in corporate and collective worship.
There is nothing wrong with needing a little “push” from time to time. All Christians need an occasional cheerleader - and the prayers of their fellow believers. Take joy and comfort in knowing that others pray for you and undergird your efforts to walk with Christ. Pay it forward by praying for your fellow Christians and offering them encouragement and insight whenever possible and/or appropriate.
As we grow in our faith, we become more able to “swing ourselves”…but we all still enjoy a little push from a friend once in a while. Who’s giving you the inspiration and support you need these days…and who are you uplifting in return?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
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.
We went to the park to play after church and lunch, and of course, the children wanted to swing. I think Timothy and Zola love swings as much as any children I’ve ever known. Today, Zola said, “I’ll swing myself!” She was adamant…until she could not make herself go back and forth as she had hoped. Try as she might to “push and pull”, the swing stayed pretty well stationary…and she called for some help to get the swing going!
When it comes to our relationship with God, we are a lot like the little kid who wants to do it all herself. We ought to be able to figure it all out on our own. We have a Bible…we know how to pray…what else is needed? There are two parts to the answer: 1) developing our faith and fellowship with God takes time and practice… and 2) one of the greatest blessings of being a Christian lies in the support of fellow believers. So as others pray for us and encourage us in our understanding of God and communion with Him, we are strengthened and nurtured. Our wisdom, discernment, and confidence grow. We find joy in the love and fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ who join us in corporate and collective worship.
There is nothing wrong with needing a little “push” from time to time. All Christians need an occasional cheerleader - and the prayers of their fellow believers. Take joy and comfort in knowing that others pray for you and undergird your efforts to walk with Christ. Pay it forward by praying for your fellow Christians and offering them encouragement and insight whenever possible and/or appropriate.
As we grow in our faith, we become more able to “swing ourselves”…but we all still enjoy a little push from a friend once in a while. Who’s giving you the inspiration and support you need these days…and who are you uplifting in return?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 1, 2014
Isaiah 58:4-11
Look, what good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. Is this what I want—this doing of penance and bowing like reeds in the wind, putting on sackcloth and covering yourselves with ashes? Is this what you call fasting?
No, the kind of fast I want is that you stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly and give them what they earn. I want you to share your food with the hungry and bring right into your own homes those who are helpless, poor, and destitute. Clothe those who are cold, and don’t hide from relatives who need your help.
If you do these things, God will shed his own glorious light upon you. He will heal you; your godliness will lead you forward, goodness will be a shield before you, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then, when you call, the Lord will answer. “Yes, I am here,” he will quickly reply. All you need to do is to stop oppressing the weak and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors!
Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Police officers and the Prosecuting Attorney from Pulaski County, Arkansas, held a press conference on September 30, 2014, to discuss the death of 49-year-old realtor Beverly Carter, who was abducted and murdered while showing property in the county on September 25th. A reporter asked Sheriff Doc Holladay how the family received the news – and how they were holding up. Holladay remarked that the Carter family was “obviously distressed, distraught and concerned...but I think they have a religious strength that a lot of people may not have, and in that, they are surrounded by the closest of their friends, their church family, and those kinds of things that help strengthen them to get through this process...”
In the last 36+ hours of my grandmother’s life, many people came to stand with me...say a prayer over her...and even sing her a song. Greg barely left my side. The aides and staff at my grandmother’s assisted living facility went above and beyond any requirements of their job...some of them coming in on their day off to sit with her and kiss her “Good-bye.” More than two dozen members of her church prepared a pre-funeral meal...then served it and handled all of the clean-up. The only thing we had to lift was a fork to our faces! A lot of these dear souls called and sent cards and continued to remember us with prayer and support for days and weeks afterward.
Many of these same people had stood with my family in “dark hours” before. Several of them spent the better part of several days at my mother’s home ministering to us on more than one occasion when loved ones passed. When I fell a few years ago and broke my ankle, some of these same folks were among the first to visit me and bring me get-well gifts, food and encouragement.
Here’s the thing...I am not poor, sick, helpless, homeless, or destitute. I like to think that my faith is strong...that I trust God to see me through anything. But we all have needs at one time or another. This passage speaks to those who have profound hardships...but it also speaks to those in our midst that appear to have it all together – or who don’t seem to have any necessities. When we assume this to be the case, we often miss an opportunity to serve God and bless them...and receive a blessing in the bargain.
Do not misunderstand...we need to help the homeless...to work in the soup kitchens and visit those in prison...to reach out to the sick, infirm, elderly and housebound. We need to be on the lookout for ways to lift up those who are destitute and desperate. Bible studies, spiritual retreats and outreach ministries are important. But we must be very careful not to be so swallowed up in the pride of “serving those less fortunate”...and pumping our chests at what good deeds we are performing for God...that we neglect our “next-door neighbor”. Just because you share a pew with someone every Sunday doesn’t mean that he/she doesn’t have tremendous challenges and heartaches. We need to remember that lifting each other within the body of Christ is equally important!
My challenge for all of us is to read this passage from Isaiah carefully...and then put it into action. Look around...see who is sick, injured, hurting in some way – or just struggling to “keep all of the balls in the air.” Do they need a helping hand...an understanding ear...a visit or phone call to say, “I’m in your corner?” Are we so busy doing the “visible” ministries – or those that are “fun” or make us feel good that we are neglecting our brothers and sisters who are in our line of sight virtually every day? Is there someone who used to attend your church that has “dropped off the radar”? Have you reached out to them to find out what happened?
Never underestimate the needs within your own family of believers. Never downplay your own challenges and hardships...or deny another believer the opportunity to minister to you. When this passage tells us not to hide from relatives who need our help, this includes fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! God is calling us to help others...including those in our immediate “circle”. Don’t “fail to see the forest for the trees”. Ask God to show you how, who, and where to minister to others in His name...to offer His healing and help to them...and to heal yourself in the process. Be part of the support group that rallies around others, regardless of who – or where – they are.
Sheriff Holladay concluded his remarks about the family of Beverly Carter by saying that “they need support to continue”. Who in your line of sight needs the same? Will you help those in trouble and allow your light to shine out from the darkness in service and glory to God? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Look, what good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. Is this what I want—this doing of penance and bowing like reeds in the wind, putting on sackcloth and covering yourselves with ashes? Is this what you call fasting?
No, the kind of fast I want is that you stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly and give them what they earn. I want you to share your food with the hungry and bring right into your own homes those who are helpless, poor, and destitute. Clothe those who are cold, and don’t hide from relatives who need your help.
If you do these things, God will shed his own glorious light upon you. He will heal you; your godliness will lead you forward, goodness will be a shield before you, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then, when you call, the Lord will answer. “Yes, I am here,” he will quickly reply. All you need to do is to stop oppressing the weak and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors!
Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Police officers and the Prosecuting Attorney from Pulaski County, Arkansas, held a press conference on September 30, 2014, to discuss the death of 49-year-old realtor Beverly Carter, who was abducted and murdered while showing property in the county on September 25th. A reporter asked Sheriff Doc Holladay how the family received the news – and how they were holding up. Holladay remarked that the Carter family was “obviously distressed, distraught and concerned...but I think they have a religious strength that a lot of people may not have, and in that, they are surrounded by the closest of their friends, their church family, and those kinds of things that help strengthen them to get through this process...”
In the last 36+ hours of my grandmother’s life, many people came to stand with me...say a prayer over her...and even sing her a song. Greg barely left my side. The aides and staff at my grandmother’s assisted living facility went above and beyond any requirements of their job...some of them coming in on their day off to sit with her and kiss her “Good-bye.” More than two dozen members of her church prepared a pre-funeral meal...then served it and handled all of the clean-up. The only thing we had to lift was a fork to our faces! A lot of these dear souls called and sent cards and continued to remember us with prayer and support for days and weeks afterward.
Many of these same people had stood with my family in “dark hours” before. Several of them spent the better part of several days at my mother’s home ministering to us on more than one occasion when loved ones passed. When I fell a few years ago and broke my ankle, some of these same folks were among the first to visit me and bring me get-well gifts, food and encouragement.
Here’s the thing...I am not poor, sick, helpless, homeless, or destitute. I like to think that my faith is strong...that I trust God to see me through anything. But we all have needs at one time or another. This passage speaks to those who have profound hardships...but it also speaks to those in our midst that appear to have it all together – or who don’t seem to have any necessities. When we assume this to be the case, we often miss an opportunity to serve God and bless them...and receive a blessing in the bargain.
Do not misunderstand...we need to help the homeless...to work in the soup kitchens and visit those in prison...to reach out to the sick, infirm, elderly and housebound. We need to be on the lookout for ways to lift up those who are destitute and desperate. Bible studies, spiritual retreats and outreach ministries are important. But we must be very careful not to be so swallowed up in the pride of “serving those less fortunate”...and pumping our chests at what good deeds we are performing for God...that we neglect our “next-door neighbor”. Just because you share a pew with someone every Sunday doesn’t mean that he/she doesn’t have tremendous challenges and heartaches. We need to remember that lifting each other within the body of Christ is equally important!
My challenge for all of us is to read this passage from Isaiah carefully...and then put it into action. Look around...see who is sick, injured, hurting in some way – or just struggling to “keep all of the balls in the air.” Do they need a helping hand...an understanding ear...a visit or phone call to say, “I’m in your corner?” Are we so busy doing the “visible” ministries – or those that are “fun” or make us feel good that we are neglecting our brothers and sisters who are in our line of sight virtually every day? Is there someone who used to attend your church that has “dropped off the radar”? Have you reached out to them to find out what happened?
Never underestimate the needs within your own family of believers. Never downplay your own challenges and hardships...or deny another believer the opportunity to minister to you. When this passage tells us not to hide from relatives who need our help, this includes fellow brothers and sisters in Christ! God is calling us to help others...including those in our immediate “circle”. Don’t “fail to see the forest for the trees”. Ask God to show you how, who, and where to minister to others in His name...to offer His healing and help to them...and to heal yourself in the process. Be part of the support group that rallies around others, regardless of who – or where – they are.
Sheriff Holladay concluded his remarks about the family of Beverly Carter by saying that “they need support to continue”. Who in your line of sight needs the same? Will you help those in trouble and allow your light to shine out from the darkness in service and glory to God? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 29, 2013
Philippians 4:16-19
Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
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.
You’ve no doubt heard something about the “pay it forward” trend that has taken hold in several areas of our country in recent months. One person will pull up at a restaurant drive-thru or get in line at the coffee shop and pay for his/her bill… and the person who is next in line. Or someone will get their bill at a restaurant, and the server says, “The couple who just left has paid your bill already.” I even heard of a drive-thru dry cleaning business where someone paid for the customer behind them in line… and set off a chain reaction of these payments! And maybe you have wondered, “Why did they do this? Are they rich? Do they have ‘money to burn’? Or are they on some sort of ego trip?” The answer to all three questions is most likely, “No, no, and NO!” I believe these people have figured out what Paul is telling the people of Philippi… that the kindness and generosity we show to others pleases God – and in turn, He meets all of our needs and blesses us in ways we cannot even imagine.
Greg and I have friends who do this sort of thing quite often. She will pay the bill for someone who is getting a manicure alongside her. They will pay the restaurant bill for a family with small children that they do not even recognize. They are the first on the scene when a plea for help goes out… and they are always ready to do whatever is necessary for someone else. This couple is not wealthy… at least not in the way we conventionally think! They are “ordinary” hard-working people who enjoy helping others and serving God. They do this out of respect for all that God has given to them. And let me tell you, they are blessed beyond measure in return!
“But I can barely pay my own bills… I can’t afford to pay someone else’s!” you may say. And that’s okay. Look around you… what CAN you give? Do you have a few minutes you could spare to help a friend… or listen to his/her problems? Did you have an extra serving from dinner that you could share with an elderly neighbor? Do you have some clothing or household items you no longer use that could be donated to charity? Could you send a note or e-mail message of encouragement to someone who is having a rough time? Could you stop someone in the aisle at the store – or the hallway at school – and ask, “How are you doing?”… then stick around to hear their answer? If you have been helped or blessed in some way, have you repaid that kindness – at least with respect toward the giver, if he/she was not anonymous? Have you “paid it forward” in some way… ever?
Gratitude comes in many forms… and they all involve respect for what we have been given. If someone has treated you kindly, encouraged you, or helped you in some way… whether monetarily or otherwise …God is calling on you to extend gratitude and appreciation to them for being so generous. If you know the person who has blessed you, offer this kindness directly. If the offerings were anonymous, do something nice for someone else as a way of “paying it forward”. There are plenty of opportunities to help others and serve God in the process… if only we will look for them.
The bottom line is that God is pleased when we love and serve others… and He is equally pleased when we humbly show gratitude and respect for all that we have been given. The questions for today are… “Who do you need to bless and serve in God’s name?” and “In addition to God, who do you need to thank for extending generous blessings in your direction?” If you will do these things, God will meet all of your needs… and more. He is continually “paying it forward”… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
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.
You’ve no doubt heard something about the “pay it forward” trend that has taken hold in several areas of our country in recent months. One person will pull up at a restaurant drive-thru or get in line at the coffee shop and pay for his/her bill… and the person who is next in line. Or someone will get their bill at a restaurant, and the server says, “The couple who just left has paid your bill already.” I even heard of a drive-thru dry cleaning business where someone paid for the customer behind them in line… and set off a chain reaction of these payments! And maybe you have wondered, “Why did they do this? Are they rich? Do they have ‘money to burn’? Or are they on some sort of ego trip?” The answer to all three questions is most likely, “No, no, and NO!” I believe these people have figured out what Paul is telling the people of Philippi… that the kindness and generosity we show to others pleases God – and in turn, He meets all of our needs and blesses us in ways we cannot even imagine.
Greg and I have friends who do this sort of thing quite often. She will pay the bill for someone who is getting a manicure alongside her. They will pay the restaurant bill for a family with small children that they do not even recognize. They are the first on the scene when a plea for help goes out… and they are always ready to do whatever is necessary for someone else. This couple is not wealthy… at least not in the way we conventionally think! They are “ordinary” hard-working people who enjoy helping others and serving God. They do this out of respect for all that God has given to them. And let me tell you, they are blessed beyond measure in return!
“But I can barely pay my own bills… I can’t afford to pay someone else’s!” you may say. And that’s okay. Look around you… what CAN you give? Do you have a few minutes you could spare to help a friend… or listen to his/her problems? Did you have an extra serving from dinner that you could share with an elderly neighbor? Do you have some clothing or household items you no longer use that could be donated to charity? Could you send a note or e-mail message of encouragement to someone who is having a rough time? Could you stop someone in the aisle at the store – or the hallway at school – and ask, “How are you doing?”… then stick around to hear their answer? If you have been helped or blessed in some way, have you repaid that kindness – at least with respect toward the giver, if he/she was not anonymous? Have you “paid it forward” in some way… ever?
Gratitude comes in many forms… and they all involve respect for what we have been given. If someone has treated you kindly, encouraged you, or helped you in some way… whether monetarily or otherwise …God is calling on you to extend gratitude and appreciation to them for being so generous. If you know the person who has blessed you, offer this kindness directly. If the offerings were anonymous, do something nice for someone else as a way of “paying it forward”. There are plenty of opportunities to help others and serve God in the process… if only we will look for them.
The bottom line is that God is pleased when we love and serve others… and He is equally pleased when we humbly show gratitude and respect for all that we have been given. The questions for today are… “Who do you need to bless and serve in God’s name?” and “In addition to God, who do you need to thank for extending generous blessings in your direction?” If you will do these things, God will meet all of your needs… and more. He is continually “paying it forward”… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 29, 2013
Romans 15:30-33
Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem. Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other.
And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.
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.
One of the themes of a recent episode of A&E’s Duck Dynasty was helping out friends and family members. Jase Robertson noted that a perk of being part of the Robertson clan is that if you need help… all you have to do is ask for it. It’s no different in the Christian family…we help each other out in ways great and small. And one of the greatest ways we can help one another is through prayer.
I know that some of you hesitate to ask others to pray for you. You may be too embarrassed… or too proud. You may feel that your request would be an imposition. You may say, “He/she is so busy or has so many burdens. I can’t bother them to pray for me.” You may feel that you don’t need others prayers - that God hears you, and He will answer – and this is sufficient. You may feel that the intercessions of others are not necessary.
Here’s the deal. Praying for others is one of the privileges of being a Christian. When you don’t call on others to pray for you, a blessing is blocked. Christians do not have ESP… they cannot always discern when a friend or family member needs – or wants – prayers to be offered on their behalf. We must be open and honest… and ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for us. By the same token… we must stay awake and alert. When we see a friend or family member with a need, we must offer to pray for them.
In Genesis 12:2 and 3, God tells Abram, “You will become famous and be a blessing to others. I will bless anyone who blesses you…” Prayer is a great tool for creating blessings – and peace. I have experienced both as I prayed for others… and as others prayed for me. So join your circle of friends and family in their struggle by praying to God for them out of Christian love. In the words of Duck Dynasty’s Uncle Si Robertson, “the buddy or family system means we help each other out.” The buddy system exists for Christians, as well. Are you praying for others and asking them to pray for you? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem. Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other.
And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen.
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.
One of the themes of a recent episode of A&E’s Duck Dynasty was helping out friends and family members. Jase Robertson noted that a perk of being part of the Robertson clan is that if you need help… all you have to do is ask for it. It’s no different in the Christian family…we help each other out in ways great and small. And one of the greatest ways we can help one another is through prayer.
I know that some of you hesitate to ask others to pray for you. You may be too embarrassed… or too proud. You may feel that your request would be an imposition. You may say, “He/she is so busy or has so many burdens. I can’t bother them to pray for me.” You may feel that you don’t need others prayers - that God hears you, and He will answer – and this is sufficient. You may feel that the intercessions of others are not necessary.
Here’s the deal. Praying for others is one of the privileges of being a Christian. When you don’t call on others to pray for you, a blessing is blocked. Christians do not have ESP… they cannot always discern when a friend or family member needs – or wants – prayers to be offered on their behalf. We must be open and honest… and ask our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for us. By the same token… we must stay awake and alert. When we see a friend or family member with a need, we must offer to pray for them.
In Genesis 12:2 and 3, God tells Abram, “You will become famous and be a blessing to others. I will bless anyone who blesses you…” Prayer is a great tool for creating blessings – and peace. I have experienced both as I prayed for others… and as others prayed for me. So join your circle of friends and family in their struggle by praying to God for them out of Christian love. In the words of Duck Dynasty’s Uncle Si Robertson, “the buddy or family system means we help each other out.” The buddy system exists for Christians, as well. Are you praying for others and asking them to pray for you? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 28, 2012
1 Peter 4:11
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
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.
Today, many in our state are without power, following an epic Christmas Day blizzard. These folks are staying with friends or family members… huddled around a space heater powered by a generator… or bundled up in layers of clothing and blankets trying to stay warm in a freezing cold house. Thousands of support people are working diligently throughout the area to provide safety, emergency medical services, transportation, a warm meal, and whatever assistance is needed. Men and women from our state and those around us are making every effort to clear downed trees and power lines and restore electrical connections.
Whether they realize it or not, all of these people are exercising their gifts and calling on the strength and energy that God supplies to accomplish vital tasks. You may have never considered that providing a warm meal or a place to stay for a needy neighbor or relative was your gift… but it certainly can be! You may not have thought about those who work for utility companies or soldiers in the National Guard as people who are answering God’s call on their life… but this very well may be the case. As I spent a snowy day doing laundry in my warm, cozy house, I thought about the clothes I washed, dried and folded. Believe it or not, keeping a clean, well-run household… and yes, even doing laundry, can bring glory to God when done right! These simple tasks show others that you care about them - and their comfort and appearance.
Cleaning your room and holding up your end of the household bargain, being a good student and doing your best in school, caring for family pets, doing your best as a parent and/or spouse, and working hard at your job can all be considered gifts. When done to the best of our ability, whatever we do can be strengthened and energized by God. And when we give Him our best, He magnifies and multiplies our efforts.
So the next time you start to think of the things you do in a day as routine, mundane or unimportant, ask yourself how well you are performing the task… and whether you have given an effort that God cares to bless and strengthen. Are you using your gifts to glorify Him? Are you giving Him your best at all times? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
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.
Today, many in our state are without power, following an epic Christmas Day blizzard. These folks are staying with friends or family members… huddled around a space heater powered by a generator… or bundled up in layers of clothing and blankets trying to stay warm in a freezing cold house. Thousands of support people are working diligently throughout the area to provide safety, emergency medical services, transportation, a warm meal, and whatever assistance is needed. Men and women from our state and those around us are making every effort to clear downed trees and power lines and restore electrical connections.
Whether they realize it or not, all of these people are exercising their gifts and calling on the strength and energy that God supplies to accomplish vital tasks. You may have never considered that providing a warm meal or a place to stay for a needy neighbor or relative was your gift… but it certainly can be! You may not have thought about those who work for utility companies or soldiers in the National Guard as people who are answering God’s call on their life… but this very well may be the case. As I spent a snowy day doing laundry in my warm, cozy house, I thought about the clothes I washed, dried and folded. Believe it or not, keeping a clean, well-run household… and yes, even doing laundry, can bring glory to God when done right! These simple tasks show others that you care about them - and their comfort and appearance.
Cleaning your room and holding up your end of the household bargain, being a good student and doing your best in school, caring for family pets, doing your best as a parent and/or spouse, and working hard at your job can all be considered gifts. When done to the best of our ability, whatever we do can be strengthened and energized by God. And when we give Him our best, He magnifies and multiplies our efforts.
So the next time you start to think of the things you do in a day as routine, mundane or unimportant, ask yourself how well you are performing the task… and whether you have given an effort that God cares to bless and strengthen. Are you using your gifts to glorify Him? Are you giving Him your best at all times? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 25, 2012
Galatians 6:9
Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Somewhere around 1980, when I was teaching kindergarten, the principal asked me if a first-grade boy could spend most of his day in my classroom, because he was not able to function properly in his own. The child was evaluated and deemed to perform on the level of a child of about age 3. So I agreed to let Chuckie play in my classroom. And he did spend most of his day quietly playing with toys, puzzles and games. The other children even accepted that this was what Chuckie did all day - that is…when he wasn’t eating.
I could not feed this little boy enough. Clearly, the only time Chuckie really ate was when he was at school. The cafeteria manager gave him double helpings. I fed him “snacks” for breakfast and again before the last bell rang. I knew that he might not eat again until the next morning. He would tell me that he and his sister ate “pasketti” (spaghetti)… but all they got was what was left after his mother ate. Chuckie’s dad was determined to keep Mom happy, so she ate first.
The Department of Human Services was notified of this situation, and a caseworker was assigned. And the more she did for this family, the more the parents demanded. One day, the father was listing his “needs” to the caseworker, and he ended with… “Oh, and we need a car.” The caseworker replied, “What color would you like?” She said, “This was such a preposterous request that I figured it deserved a similar response!”
Ultimately, most everyone who tried to help this family came together in a court of law, where a judge was prepared to sign adoption papers for the children to be placed with a loving, stable couple. The parents were ready to sign, until the judge told them they would never get their children back. The parents reneged. And a local pediatrician bought the entire family bus tickets to Pennsylvania, where other relatives lived. Those in the courtroom had reached the end of their rope… they had given all the help they could… they were exhausted and exasperated.
I don’t know whatever happened to Chuckie and his family. I probably don’t want to know. I don’t fault those who made the decision to stop trying to help, because they had given all they had to give… and more. Their efforts were better served helping children whose families were more cooperative. But I do wonder about Chuckie…and others like him. And I think about people in our own circles who exhaust and exasperate us - so we throw up our hands and move away. What happens to them? Do they find other benefactors? More importantly, what if God threw up His hands and walked away from us?
Here’s what I have concluded. When you are tired and fed up… when you don’t have anything left to give to others…you can still love them and pray for them… and that is something. But don’t close the door completely. Don’t shut them out of your heart and stop caring. There is always hope. You don’t have to spend yourself into bankruptcy. You don’t have to give of your physical time and energy until you are literally sick and tired. But you must continue to care. And prayer is a powerful tool…often the only one we really need.
I am grateful to know that God never gives up on me… even when I exhaust and exasperate Him (which must be a dozen times a day or more!). And I must remind myself not to give up on others. I am not looking for a tangible “reward” – and neither should you. It should be payment enough to know that we are doing what God does for us… that we are serving Him as the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth – and showing His love to others in the bargain. In my heart, I am believing that God sent another loving group of people to minister to Chuckie and his sister. And I am thankful for the opportunity I had to look after this child, if only for a few brief months. I was greatly blessed by this experience… and forever changed.
How and where is God using you in the life of someone who needs help? And how are you answering His call?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Somewhere around 1980, when I was teaching kindergarten, the principal asked me if a first-grade boy could spend most of his day in my classroom, because he was not able to function properly in his own. The child was evaluated and deemed to perform on the level of a child of about age 3. So I agreed to let Chuckie play in my classroom. And he did spend most of his day quietly playing with toys, puzzles and games. The other children even accepted that this was what Chuckie did all day - that is…when he wasn’t eating.
I could not feed this little boy enough. Clearly, the only time Chuckie really ate was when he was at school. The cafeteria manager gave him double helpings. I fed him “snacks” for breakfast and again before the last bell rang. I knew that he might not eat again until the next morning. He would tell me that he and his sister ate “pasketti” (spaghetti)… but all they got was what was left after his mother ate. Chuckie’s dad was determined to keep Mom happy, so she ate first.
The Department of Human Services was notified of this situation, and a caseworker was assigned. And the more she did for this family, the more the parents demanded. One day, the father was listing his “needs” to the caseworker, and he ended with… “Oh, and we need a car.” The caseworker replied, “What color would you like?” She said, “This was such a preposterous request that I figured it deserved a similar response!”
Ultimately, most everyone who tried to help this family came together in a court of law, where a judge was prepared to sign adoption papers for the children to be placed with a loving, stable couple. The parents were ready to sign, until the judge told them they would never get their children back. The parents reneged. And a local pediatrician bought the entire family bus tickets to Pennsylvania, where other relatives lived. Those in the courtroom had reached the end of their rope… they had given all the help they could… they were exhausted and exasperated.
I don’t know whatever happened to Chuckie and his family. I probably don’t want to know. I don’t fault those who made the decision to stop trying to help, because they had given all they had to give… and more. Their efforts were better served helping children whose families were more cooperative. But I do wonder about Chuckie…and others like him. And I think about people in our own circles who exhaust and exasperate us - so we throw up our hands and move away. What happens to them? Do they find other benefactors? More importantly, what if God threw up His hands and walked away from us?
Here’s what I have concluded. When you are tired and fed up… when you don’t have anything left to give to others…you can still love them and pray for them… and that is something. But don’t close the door completely. Don’t shut them out of your heart and stop caring. There is always hope. You don’t have to spend yourself into bankruptcy. You don’t have to give of your physical time and energy until you are literally sick and tired. But you must continue to care. And prayer is a powerful tool…often the only one we really need.
I am grateful to know that God never gives up on me… even when I exhaust and exasperate Him (which must be a dozen times a day or more!). And I must remind myself not to give up on others. I am not looking for a tangible “reward” – and neither should you. It should be payment enough to know that we are doing what God does for us… that we are serving Him as the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth – and showing His love to others in the bargain. In my heart, I am believing that God sent another loving group of people to minister to Chuckie and his sister. And I am thankful for the opportunity I had to look after this child, if only for a few brief months. I was greatly blessed by this experience… and forever changed.
How and where is God using you in the life of someone who needs help? And how are you answering His call?
©2012 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:
©2012 Debbie Robus
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!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 20, 2012
James 5:13-15
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out.
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.
Some of you have seen a video I posted on Facebook of our 3-year-old nephew, Timothy, “reading” a book to my mother-in-law, who he calls “Grandma E.” At one point, Grandma E holds a corner of the book for Timmy, so that the pages don’t fall as he reads them. Timmy gently nudges her hand away in a gesture that says, “I can do this by myself!” This is so typical of toddlers… and teenagers… and senior citizens – and all of us! We often feel that we don’t need any help. We are “big boys and girls” and can make our own decisions, handle our own problems, and make it on our own.
In truth, we all need a friend once in a while. We need someone to share our joys, sorrows, illnesses, challenges, worries and fears. We need an encouraging voice… someone to pray with us or for us… someone to say, “I understand.” It helps to talk with another person who can say, “I have been in your shoes… and this is how I survived,” or “I’ve got your back… we’ll get through this together.” And there is no shame in asking for help. In fact, James clearly tells us to do this very thing!
So call on the LORD to help you. Praise Him, and also share your happiness with those around you. Let someone know when you are sick or in distress… and allow others to love you and help you through life. Let the encouragement and support of family, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ help you to heal. One of my mom’s friends told her that when we fail to allow others to minister to us, we rob them of a blessing. Serve God by sharing in the lives of those around you… and allow them to do the same for you. Bless others in God’s name by being a blessing to them… and give them the opportunity to reciprocate.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out.
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.
Some of you have seen a video I posted on Facebook of our 3-year-old nephew, Timothy, “reading” a book to my mother-in-law, who he calls “Grandma E.” At one point, Grandma E holds a corner of the book for Timmy, so that the pages don’t fall as he reads them. Timmy gently nudges her hand away in a gesture that says, “I can do this by myself!” This is so typical of toddlers… and teenagers… and senior citizens – and all of us! We often feel that we don’t need any help. We are “big boys and girls” and can make our own decisions, handle our own problems, and make it on our own.
In truth, we all need a friend once in a while. We need someone to share our joys, sorrows, illnesses, challenges, worries and fears. We need an encouraging voice… someone to pray with us or for us… someone to say, “I understand.” It helps to talk with another person who can say, “I have been in your shoes… and this is how I survived,” or “I’ve got your back… we’ll get through this together.” And there is no shame in asking for help. In fact, James clearly tells us to do this very thing!
So call on the LORD to help you. Praise Him, and also share your happiness with those around you. Let someone know when you are sick or in distress… and allow others to love you and help you through life. Let the encouragement and support of family, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ help you to heal. One of my mom’s friends told her that when we fail to allow others to minister to us, we rob them of a blessing. Serve God by sharing in the lives of those around you… and allow them to do the same for you. Bless others in God’s name by being a blessing to them… and give them the opportunity to reciprocate.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 7, 2012
May 7 ~ 2 Corinthians 1:4-7
He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. We suffer in the hope that you will be comforted and saved. And because we are comforted, you will also be comforted, as you patiently endure suffering like ours. You never disappoint us. You suffered as much as we did, and we know that you will be comforted as we were.
James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Anyone who has ever spent time “hospital sitting” will understand me when I say that my faith has been tested, and I we’ve been in trouble more than once this week. Last night, my grandmother muttered, “I’m worried about you.” I reminded her of the scripture from Galatians 6 and Isaiah 41 in yesterday’s devotional… how God has his arms around us – and as long as I am doing what I am supposed to in caring for her and helping her, He will help me. “You believe that, don’t you?” I asked. “Yes,” she nodded.
We wonder why suffering is allowed… why such challenges are given to us… but truly, we just don’t see what God is doing behind the scenes. As I think back to the nurse’s aide who gleaned information from my sister about getting a Health Information Services degree… to the R.N. who shared her concern over rearing her grandson while also taking her mother for a scan today to see if she is cancer-free following surgery and treatment… to the friends we met who also had loved ones hospitalized, I realize that God used us to help others even as others helped us! So many people were blessed by my grandmother’s smile and gentle spirit. Housekeepers stopped by just to hold her hand for a few minutes. Doctors marveled at her long life and how so many people love and care for her.
My grandmother has been blessed with a glorious life. There have been challenges… and times when I’m sure her faith has been tested. She has suffered terribly at times. But she has been comforted, and she has not given up. Now, at nearly 100 years of age, she asks why it is taking so long to get to heaven, and I tell her that maybe God is still working on a mega-mansion for her!
I know that many of you are facing enormous challenges. As nurses and medical staff have passed through my grandmother’s room, I’ve picked up little snippets of information – enough to know that EVERYBODY has issues and struggles… some of them pretty huge! My prayer is that your faith is as big as your challenges… that even when you struggle, you do not give up. Remember Jesus and His sufferings… and that He is with you in your own trials. Hold fast to the promise of better days and the wonderful comfort of One who counts each of your tears and stores them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). Remember to “Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort.” May He give you comfort and renew your faith today… and always.
©2012 Debbie Robus
He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. We suffer in the hope that you will be comforted and saved. And because we are comforted, you will also be comforted, as you patiently endure suffering like ours. You never disappoint us. You suffered as much as we did, and we know that you will be comforted as we were.
James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Anyone who has ever spent time “hospital sitting” will understand me when I say that my faith has been tested, and I we’ve been in trouble more than once this week. Last night, my grandmother muttered, “I’m worried about you.” I reminded her of the scripture from Galatians 6 and Isaiah 41 in yesterday’s devotional… how God has his arms around us – and as long as I am doing what I am supposed to in caring for her and helping her, He will help me. “You believe that, don’t you?” I asked. “Yes,” she nodded.
We wonder why suffering is allowed… why such challenges are given to us… but truly, we just don’t see what God is doing behind the scenes. As I think back to the nurse’s aide who gleaned information from my sister about getting a Health Information Services degree… to the R.N. who shared her concern over rearing her grandson while also taking her mother for a scan today to see if she is cancer-free following surgery and treatment… to the friends we met who also had loved ones hospitalized, I realize that God used us to help others even as others helped us! So many people were blessed by my grandmother’s smile and gentle spirit. Housekeepers stopped by just to hold her hand for a few minutes. Doctors marveled at her long life and how so many people love and care for her.
My grandmother has been blessed with a glorious life. There have been challenges… and times when I’m sure her faith has been tested. She has suffered terribly at times. But she has been comforted, and she has not given up. Now, at nearly 100 years of age, she asks why it is taking so long to get to heaven, and I tell her that maybe God is still working on a mega-mansion for her!
I know that many of you are facing enormous challenges. As nurses and medical staff have passed through my grandmother’s room, I’ve picked up little snippets of information – enough to know that EVERYBODY has issues and struggles… some of them pretty huge! My prayer is that your faith is as big as your challenges… that even when you struggle, you do not give up. Remember Jesus and His sufferings… and that He is with you in your own trials. Hold fast to the promise of better days and the wonderful comfort of One who counts each of your tears and stores them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). Remember to “Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort.” May He give you comfort and renew your faith today… and always.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 6, 2012
Galatians 6:9
Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up.
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is Day Six of my grandmother’s hospital stay. She still requires help with virtually everything… from being lifted and set in a chair to feeding and bathing. Countless people have worked continually to help her. This woman who has done so much for so many others now needs almost 100% care. She is being “rewarded when the time is right.” I am learning firsthand what Paul is teaching in Galatians 6:9… don’t grow weary… don’t give up… keep helping others in Jesus’ name. What goes around comes around… and while the reward is not our goal (or shouldn’t be), I can already see evidence of the blessings God gives to those who serve.
I turned on the television for my grandmother to distract her and give her something else on which to focus. She said she wanted to watch “church,” so I found Bro. Charles Stanley delivering a sermon. He’s one of her favorites. Bro. Stanley was preaching about fear and how it cripples us – how when we walk in fear, we aren’t truly exercising our faith and trusting God. He reminded us to picture God’s arms wrapped around us… strong arms that offer protection and fight our battles for us. Whatever we endure, we don’t have to fear - because God is handling things.
Again, I have seen incredible evidence of this in recent days. I have felt a calm and peace at every turn… even if those closest to me felt I was anything but serene! I have truly felt God’s hand in every detail… and I have been quite content to let Him guide me and protect my grandmother and the rest of us.
I may be a slow learner, but I am seeing the promises of God… and learning to walk in them! And in my weariness, I am restored and renewed by these promises… and by those who are serving us tirelessly. I am continually strengthened by God’s loving arms… and the angels He sends to serve in His name. I pray that whatever you are facing today – or may face in days to come – you feel this same strength and protection… that angels come to minister to your every need… and that you are inspired to serve as God directs you.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up.
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is Day Six of my grandmother’s hospital stay. She still requires help with virtually everything… from being lifted and set in a chair to feeding and bathing. Countless people have worked continually to help her. This woman who has done so much for so many others now needs almost 100% care. She is being “rewarded when the time is right.” I am learning firsthand what Paul is teaching in Galatians 6:9… don’t grow weary… don’t give up… keep helping others in Jesus’ name. What goes around comes around… and while the reward is not our goal (or shouldn’t be), I can already see evidence of the blessings God gives to those who serve.
I turned on the television for my grandmother to distract her and give her something else on which to focus. She said she wanted to watch “church,” so I found Bro. Charles Stanley delivering a sermon. He’s one of her favorites. Bro. Stanley was preaching about fear and how it cripples us – how when we walk in fear, we aren’t truly exercising our faith and trusting God. He reminded us to picture God’s arms wrapped around us… strong arms that offer protection and fight our battles for us. Whatever we endure, we don’t have to fear - because God is handling things.
Again, I have seen incredible evidence of this in recent days. I have felt a calm and peace at every turn… even if those closest to me felt I was anything but serene! I have truly felt God’s hand in every detail… and I have been quite content to let Him guide me and protect my grandmother and the rest of us.
I may be a slow learner, but I am seeing the promises of God… and learning to walk in them! And in my weariness, I am restored and renewed by these promises… and by those who are serving us tirelessly. I am continually strengthened by God’s loving arms… and the angels He sends to serve in His name. I pray that whatever you are facing today – or may face in days to come – you feel this same strength and protection… that angels come to minister to your every need… and that you are inspired to serve as God directs you.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 7, 2012
Romans 15:1-6
Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?”
That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't make it easy for himself by avoiding people's troubles, but waded right in and helped out. "I took on the troubles of the troubled," is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we'll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
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 grew up in an atmosphere of “seeing after” others. It was common to “take a dish” when someone died or got sick. I’ve seen my grandmother make everything from vegetable soup to a pan of hot rolls to a full meal for others who were going through a rough patch. I’ve heard her talk about going to someone’s home and taking care of them and their family when they were sick and in need. My late cousin Eddie was known for the smoked or baked hams he delivered to families who had suffered a loss. I remember how a dear neighbor brought a delicious meal to the home of my husband’s parents the night my father-in-law died.
As important as food and nurture are when we are in need, human contact and support are equally vital. I will never forget the half dozen or more ladies who came from my parents’ church and organized shifts to prepare meals and run my mom’s kitchen and household when my dad and brother died. It seemed as if there was someone there to organize everything from the morning breakfast to mopping the floors before bedtime – for almost a week! I can still picture a dear friend who lay across a bed with my grandmother and consoled her after my dad – her only son – had died. I still recall the weekly visits of a certain pastor in our town when my dad and brother were ill. Neither of them were members of his congregation… yet, he found time to visit and offer support to all of us.
I know as surely as I am writing this devotional that there are people in my community – and in my own circle of family and friends – who are in need of help, strength and encouragement today… the kind that I can offer. And I am sure that it is the same for you. Who is sick? Who has been injured? Who has suffered the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, their health, a home, and more? Who is moving or working on a project that could use a couple of extra hands and feet? Where are you able to offer God’s love and a little hope to someone who might need it? Can you “take a dish” and offer physical sustenance? Can you offer a hug, write a note of encouragement, or share a conversation to let someone know that you care? Can you give someone a ride, care for a pet, or babysit for a few hours?
I guarantee you, as much as people notice when you help them, they also notice when you don’t. And we can all come up with dozens of excuses for not coming to the aid of those around us who are in need – even down to our own family members. The tasks are not always pleasant. It’s often downright difficult. Knowing what to say and do takes prayer… and practice!
Meeting the needs of others may not come as easily for you as it seems to for some… but that doesn’t give you a “free pass.” God will equip you with exactly what you need to say and do… but you have to get up and get going. You have to be willing to take a risk and “take on the troubles of the troubled” in Jesus’ name.
Who will you reach out to this day? Where will you lend a hand… offer God’s hope… surrender yourself and do what is less than convenient? I can assure you already that you will never regret it. You will find that in blessing others in God’s name, you always get the bigger blessing. Are you ready to truly count for God? Are you ready to serve Him and exercise your “faith muscle?” Where will you “wade in” and make a difference today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?”
That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't make it easy for himself by avoiding people's troubles, but waded right in and helped out. "I took on the troubles of the troubled," is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we'll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
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 grew up in an atmosphere of “seeing after” others. It was common to “take a dish” when someone died or got sick. I’ve seen my grandmother make everything from vegetable soup to a pan of hot rolls to a full meal for others who were going through a rough patch. I’ve heard her talk about going to someone’s home and taking care of them and their family when they were sick and in need. My late cousin Eddie was known for the smoked or baked hams he delivered to families who had suffered a loss. I remember how a dear neighbor brought a delicious meal to the home of my husband’s parents the night my father-in-law died.
As important as food and nurture are when we are in need, human contact and support are equally vital. I will never forget the half dozen or more ladies who came from my parents’ church and organized shifts to prepare meals and run my mom’s kitchen and household when my dad and brother died. It seemed as if there was someone there to organize everything from the morning breakfast to mopping the floors before bedtime – for almost a week! I can still picture a dear friend who lay across a bed with my grandmother and consoled her after my dad – her only son – had died. I still recall the weekly visits of a certain pastor in our town when my dad and brother were ill. Neither of them were members of his congregation… yet, he found time to visit and offer support to all of us.
I know as surely as I am writing this devotional that there are people in my community – and in my own circle of family and friends – who are in need of help, strength and encouragement today… the kind that I can offer. And I am sure that it is the same for you. Who is sick? Who has been injured? Who has suffered the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, their health, a home, and more? Who is moving or working on a project that could use a couple of extra hands and feet? Where are you able to offer God’s love and a little hope to someone who might need it? Can you “take a dish” and offer physical sustenance? Can you offer a hug, write a note of encouragement, or share a conversation to let someone know that you care? Can you give someone a ride, care for a pet, or babysit for a few hours?
I guarantee you, as much as people notice when you help them, they also notice when you don’t. And we can all come up with dozens of excuses for not coming to the aid of those around us who are in need – even down to our own family members. The tasks are not always pleasant. It’s often downright difficult. Knowing what to say and do takes prayer… and practice!
Meeting the needs of others may not come as easily for you as it seems to for some… but that doesn’t give you a “free pass.” God will equip you with exactly what you need to say and do… but you have to get up and get going. You have to be willing to take a risk and “take on the troubles of the troubled” in Jesus’ name.
Who will you reach out to this day? Where will you lend a hand… offer God’s hope… surrender yourself and do what is less than convenient? I can assure you already that you will never regret it. You will find that in blessing others in God’s name, you always get the bigger blessing. Are you ready to truly count for God? Are you ready to serve Him and exercise your “faith muscle?” Where will you “wade in” and make a difference today?
©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
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 May 27, 2011
Luke 21:8-15
Jesus replied: Don't be fooled by those who will come and claim to be me. They will say, "I am Christ!" and "Now is the time!" But don't follow them. When you hear about wars and riots, don't be afraid. These things will have to happen first, but that isn't the end.
Nations will go to war against one another, and kingdoms will attack each other. There will be great earthquakes, and in many places people will starve to death and suffer terrible diseases. All sorts of frightening things will be seen in the sky.
Before all this happens, you will be arrested and punished. You will be tried in your meeting places and put in jail. Because of me you will be placed on trial before kings and governors. But this will be your chance to tell about your faith.
Don't worry about what you will say to defend yourselves. I will give you the wisdom to know what to say. None of your enemies will be able to oppose you or to say that you are wrong.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I will be the first to admit that these last few weeks of deadly tornadoes have really taken a toll on my spirit. From just down the road at Vilonia, Arkansas, to further southeast in Tuscaloosa, the devastation seemed unfathomable. Harrowing stories of loss, destruction – and survival – left me with a lump in my throat. When Joplin, Missouri, was hit, I found myself sitting on the couch watching the coverage and listening to the stories in tears. By the time we watched live coverage of a tornado that ripped through a community north of Oklahoma City, I was truly disturbed. I saw families with children and pets literally climb from underneath the rubble that had - minutes earlier - been their homes and wave a “we’re okay” signal to the helicopter crew.
I asked God, “Why?” It’s a normal, fair question… one God doesn’t mind us asking. I’ve come to truly believe that God does not cause these disasters. But at the same time, He allows them to happen. And I can see how those who straddle the fence over their faith in God’s promises could be asking, “What kind of God would allow such devastation?” I get it… and so does God!
As if that wasn’t enough, we’ve just had another “prediction” that the world would end. Of course, it did not. No one knows the hour… remember? “Why is all of this happening, God? Can You give us at least some hint of your motives and purposes in all of this?” At least a portion of the answer came to me in these verses in Luke. Notice that Jesus warns us first against “doomsday deceivers” who want to predict when He will return. But then, look at verse 11, which says, in part… All sorts of frightening things will be seen in the sky.” If you have watched the news reports lately, you have certainly seen plenty of frightening things in our skies.
So what have I taken away from all of this? Look at the last verse of this passage again… “I will give you the wisdom to know what to say. None of your enemies will be able to oppose you…” I have asked myself, “What if that were our community? What if that were my son/daughter who was missing? What if my mother’s Facebook page had a post that simply read “Gone”? What if my husband and I and our pets dug out of our safe room and found that everything we owned was gone… the trees sanded bare around rubble that was once our home? What if we didn’t get the warning in time and awoke in a hospital… or heaven? What if we… and most of our community… had to completely start over and rebuild from scratch?”
Without fail, the answer I have received – almost instantly – has been… “It would be okay.” I don’t mean it would be great or that I would not be devastated… but I would have peace, because God will always be with me. None of my enemies – including tornadoes – are able to oppose me. With every news report, I read and hear stories of great faith… saving grace… an outpouring of love and compassion from one person to another. I see the hand of God at work, knitting together communities of people from all corners of the country – and even the world – to offer prayers, support, and physical manpower to help with the rescue and recovery.
As the pastor of one Joplin church said, “This is just the building – the real church is the people themselves.” We are more than our “stuff,” and in these weeks of true human loss and tragedy, each of us has been given a chance to model true Christian behavior. We can donate to the Red Cross and other organizations. We can contribute bottled water and toiletries to drives at our local churches to be delivered and dispensed to the victims of these devastating storms. And we can pray for everyone involved – from the victims to the survivors to the rescue workers who rush to the scene to give physical assistance.
I marvel at how people rebuild and recover from such devastating disasters… but they do. And I know that this can’t happen under human power alone. God surely uses these situations to build His Kingdom and strengthen the faith of His children. This might not be the way we would do it, but that’s why we are not God!
Today, take some time to stop and pray for those who are involved in these natural disasters… tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and more. Ask God to use this situation for His glory… to bring about a great strengthening of resolve and faith in His promises to help us defeat all enemies – even “Mother Nature’s” wrath. Ask God to strengthen your own faith… to give you courage and confidence that you can handle anything that is hurled your way – with His help. Pray for those who are directly involved in these tragedies… that they might have comfort, courage, and peace for their journey. And always…always... thank God for never deserting us… even in the vortex of a tornado.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus replied: Don't be fooled by those who will come and claim to be me. They will say, "I am Christ!" and "Now is the time!" But don't follow them. When you hear about wars and riots, don't be afraid. These things will have to happen first, but that isn't the end.
Nations will go to war against one another, and kingdoms will attack each other. There will be great earthquakes, and in many places people will starve to death and suffer terrible diseases. All sorts of frightening things will be seen in the sky.
Before all this happens, you will be arrested and punished. You will be tried in your meeting places and put in jail. Because of me you will be placed on trial before kings and governors. But this will be your chance to tell about your faith.
Don't worry about what you will say to defend yourselves. I will give you the wisdom to know what to say. None of your enemies will be able to oppose you or to say that you are wrong.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I will be the first to admit that these last few weeks of deadly tornadoes have really taken a toll on my spirit. From just down the road at Vilonia, Arkansas, to further southeast in Tuscaloosa, the devastation seemed unfathomable. Harrowing stories of loss, destruction – and survival – left me with a lump in my throat. When Joplin, Missouri, was hit, I found myself sitting on the couch watching the coverage and listening to the stories in tears. By the time we watched live coverage of a tornado that ripped through a community north of Oklahoma City, I was truly disturbed. I saw families with children and pets literally climb from underneath the rubble that had - minutes earlier - been their homes and wave a “we’re okay” signal to the helicopter crew.
I asked God, “Why?” It’s a normal, fair question… one God doesn’t mind us asking. I’ve come to truly believe that God does not cause these disasters. But at the same time, He allows them to happen. And I can see how those who straddle the fence over their faith in God’s promises could be asking, “What kind of God would allow such devastation?” I get it… and so does God!
As if that wasn’t enough, we’ve just had another “prediction” that the world would end. Of course, it did not. No one knows the hour… remember? “Why is all of this happening, God? Can You give us at least some hint of your motives and purposes in all of this?” At least a portion of the answer came to me in these verses in Luke. Notice that Jesus warns us first against “doomsday deceivers” who want to predict when He will return. But then, look at verse 11, which says, in part… All sorts of frightening things will be seen in the sky.” If you have watched the news reports lately, you have certainly seen plenty of frightening things in our skies.
So what have I taken away from all of this? Look at the last verse of this passage again… “I will give you the wisdom to know what to say. None of your enemies will be able to oppose you…” I have asked myself, “What if that were our community? What if that were my son/daughter who was missing? What if my mother’s Facebook page had a post that simply read “Gone”? What if my husband and I and our pets dug out of our safe room and found that everything we owned was gone… the trees sanded bare around rubble that was once our home? What if we didn’t get the warning in time and awoke in a hospital… or heaven? What if we… and most of our community… had to completely start over and rebuild from scratch?”
Without fail, the answer I have received – almost instantly – has been… “It would be okay.” I don’t mean it would be great or that I would not be devastated… but I would have peace, because God will always be with me. None of my enemies – including tornadoes – are able to oppose me. With every news report, I read and hear stories of great faith… saving grace… an outpouring of love and compassion from one person to another. I see the hand of God at work, knitting together communities of people from all corners of the country – and even the world – to offer prayers, support, and physical manpower to help with the rescue and recovery.
As the pastor of one Joplin church said, “This is just the building – the real church is the people themselves.” We are more than our “stuff,” and in these weeks of true human loss and tragedy, each of us has been given a chance to model true Christian behavior. We can donate to the Red Cross and other organizations. We can contribute bottled water and toiletries to drives at our local churches to be delivered and dispensed to the victims of these devastating storms. And we can pray for everyone involved – from the victims to the survivors to the rescue workers who rush to the scene to give physical assistance.
I marvel at how people rebuild and recover from such devastating disasters… but they do. And I know that this can’t happen under human power alone. God surely uses these situations to build His Kingdom and strengthen the faith of His children. This might not be the way we would do it, but that’s why we are not God!
Today, take some time to stop and pray for those who are involved in these natural disasters… tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and more. Ask God to use this situation for His glory… to bring about a great strengthening of resolve and faith in His promises to help us defeat all enemies – even “Mother Nature’s” wrath. Ask God to strengthen your own faith… to give you courage and confidence that you can handle anything that is hurled your way – with His help. Pray for those who are directly involved in these tragedies… that they might have comfort, courage, and peace for their journey. And always…always... thank God for never deserting us… even in the vortex of a tornado.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 22, 2011
Mark 4:24-25
Listen carefully to what you hear! The way you treat others will be the way you will be treated--and even worse. Everyone who has something will be given more. But people who don't have anything will lose what little they have.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine posted this quote on Facebook recently: “To get what you want, help others get what they want first.” A few days later, I was reading Joel Osteen’s book, Daily Readings from Becoming a Better You*, and I read this… “If you want your life to increase, if you want your life to get better, then you need to help improve somebody else’s life. If you will help somebody else become successful, God will make sure that you are successful.”
You may be wondering… “What do I have to give? I’m just a kid… I’m broke…I’m old… I’m disabled or handicapped in some way… I’m busy… I’m shy… I’m unattractive… I need help myself!” The truth is, you are a precious child of the Most High God, and as the saying goes, “God don’t make junk!” You have something to offer to someone that he/she desperately needs! It may be a smile… a kind word…your compassion and forgiveness. It may be a word of encouragement or a helping hand with something you see as insignificant.
I still remember an experience with my dear friend Betty Ray, who now rests with Jesus. She told me once that a hug I gave her in line for Holy Communion one Sunday had been just what she needed at that moment – it made her day! The hug did not cost me anything… and honestly, it was a spontaneous gesture rather than an intentional one. But so many things we can offer to others are just that – free, spontaneous, heartfelt gestures that could make all the difference.
We need to start operating in positives. Instead of finding fault with others… we need to look for good things… and actually encourage them. Remind yourself often that “the other guy” is just as precious to God as you are… no different whatsoever! What God does for you, He wants to do for that person, and vice versa. Don’t miss out on God’s blessings for either of you. Don’t stand in the way of your own portion by failing to give to others.
Start looking for ways to bless others in Jesus’ name. Get so comfortable doing this that it becomes second nature. Don’t do this simply so that you get more blessings from God, but because His blessings are more than enough to go around, and you want others to enjoy what you have. Share the wealth, and watch God’s blessings multiply – in your life and the lives of others.
©2011 Debbie Robus
*©2008 Joel Osteen - Daily Readings from Becoming a Better You - Free Press, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Listen carefully to what you hear! The way you treat others will be the way you will be treated--and even worse. Everyone who has something will be given more. But people who don't have anything will lose what little they have.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine posted this quote on Facebook recently: “To get what you want, help others get what they want first.” A few days later, I was reading Joel Osteen’s book, Daily Readings from Becoming a Better You*, and I read this… “If you want your life to increase, if you want your life to get better, then you need to help improve somebody else’s life. If you will help somebody else become successful, God will make sure that you are successful.”
You may be wondering… “What do I have to give? I’m just a kid… I’m broke…I’m old… I’m disabled or handicapped in some way… I’m busy… I’m shy… I’m unattractive… I need help myself!” The truth is, you are a precious child of the Most High God, and as the saying goes, “God don’t make junk!” You have something to offer to someone that he/she desperately needs! It may be a smile… a kind word…your compassion and forgiveness. It may be a word of encouragement or a helping hand with something you see as insignificant.
I still remember an experience with my dear friend Betty Ray, who now rests with Jesus. She told me once that a hug I gave her in line for Holy Communion one Sunday had been just what she needed at that moment – it made her day! The hug did not cost me anything… and honestly, it was a spontaneous gesture rather than an intentional one. But so many things we can offer to others are just that – free, spontaneous, heartfelt gestures that could make all the difference.
We need to start operating in positives. Instead of finding fault with others… we need to look for good things… and actually encourage them. Remind yourself often that “the other guy” is just as precious to God as you are… no different whatsoever! What God does for you, He wants to do for that person, and vice versa. Don’t miss out on God’s blessings for either of you. Don’t stand in the way of your own portion by failing to give to others.
Start looking for ways to bless others in Jesus’ name. Get so comfortable doing this that it becomes second nature. Don’t do this simply so that you get more blessings from God, but because His blessings are more than enough to go around, and you want others to enjoy what you have. Share the wealth, and watch God’s blessings multiply – in your life and the lives of others.
©2011 Debbie Robus
*©2008 Joel Osteen - Daily Readings from Becoming a Better You - Free Press, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Daily Devotional for August 11, 2010
Matthew 25:21
"Wonderful!" his master replied. "You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a kid, I assumed my paternal grandparents were rich. They grew their own food on their farm – including Black Angus beef. My grandmother made beautiful clothes for herself, my sister and me - and our Barbies! We had a horse to ride, and twenty acres to explore. My grandparents always seemed to live in abundance.
What I could not see as a child was how hard they worked for the things they had. I knew they went to bed right after supper and rose early each morning. I knew my grandmother drove a school bus each day and then worked as a chairside assistant for a local dentist. I knew that each afternoon after she made the return trip in the school bus, she worked in her garden, quilted or sewed, and cooked wonderful meals … often alongside a big vat of dentures she was “setting” for a patient at work! I knew my grandfather got up early each day to feed his cattle … then operated heavy equipment - like road graders and bulldozers - for the county. After work, he came home and tended to his cattle and his crops.
With all of this work, my grandparents still managed to do for others. They were active members of their church. They shared their food with those who were hungry and ministered to sick and needy family members and friends. They always had time for their three grandchildren. And when their home of more than 25 years burned to the ground one December 20th, others came to their side and returned the favor.
Fellow church members who were traveling south for the winter offered their home to my grandparents. A local contractor agreed to put a “rush” on building a new house for them. The church members, family and friends opened their closets, wallets and hearts and “pounded” them with everything from staples for the kitchen to furniture, household items and more. People rallied around my grandmother when my grandfather died in 1984. Since that time, she has lived in the abundance of blessings from friends and family who “see after” her in ways great and small. And at almost 98 years of age, she still returns the blessings by doing for others as much as she can.
Early in their adult lives, God called my grandparents to serve Him … and they answered. God saw how well they did with so little, and He continued to heap blessings upon them. I’m not talking money, cars, lavish homes and opulent wealth. I’m talking about blessings that matter. Because I can tell you with confidence that I’ve been to enough estate sales to know it’s true that “you cannot take it with you!”
What is God asking you to do? Is He starting with something seemingly small? If so, are you stepping up and answering? I promise you, the “assignments” get bigger … but so do the blessings. Living in the abundance of a life spent serving God - in whatever manner He asks – will result in wealth you can’t even imagine … the kind that matters for all eternity. Don’t you want to hear God say, “I’m proud of you … you are a good and faithful servant!”? Don’t you want to share in His happiness? What are you doing today to make that happen?
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Wonderful!" his master replied. "You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a kid, I assumed my paternal grandparents were rich. They grew their own food on their farm – including Black Angus beef. My grandmother made beautiful clothes for herself, my sister and me - and our Barbies! We had a horse to ride, and twenty acres to explore. My grandparents always seemed to live in abundance.
What I could not see as a child was how hard they worked for the things they had. I knew they went to bed right after supper and rose early each morning. I knew my grandmother drove a school bus each day and then worked as a chairside assistant for a local dentist. I knew that each afternoon after she made the return trip in the school bus, she worked in her garden, quilted or sewed, and cooked wonderful meals … often alongside a big vat of dentures she was “setting” for a patient at work! I knew my grandfather got up early each day to feed his cattle … then operated heavy equipment - like road graders and bulldozers - for the county. After work, he came home and tended to his cattle and his crops.
With all of this work, my grandparents still managed to do for others. They were active members of their church. They shared their food with those who were hungry and ministered to sick and needy family members and friends. They always had time for their three grandchildren. And when their home of more than 25 years burned to the ground one December 20th, others came to their side and returned the favor.
Fellow church members who were traveling south for the winter offered their home to my grandparents. A local contractor agreed to put a “rush” on building a new house for them. The church members, family and friends opened their closets, wallets and hearts and “pounded” them with everything from staples for the kitchen to furniture, household items and more. People rallied around my grandmother when my grandfather died in 1984. Since that time, she has lived in the abundance of blessings from friends and family who “see after” her in ways great and small. And at almost 98 years of age, she still returns the blessings by doing for others as much as she can.
Early in their adult lives, God called my grandparents to serve Him … and they answered. God saw how well they did with so little, and He continued to heap blessings upon them. I’m not talking money, cars, lavish homes and opulent wealth. I’m talking about blessings that matter. Because I can tell you with confidence that I’ve been to enough estate sales to know it’s true that “you cannot take it with you!”
What is God asking you to do? Is He starting with something seemingly small? If so, are you stepping up and answering? I promise you, the “assignments” get bigger … but so do the blessings. Living in the abundance of a life spent serving God - in whatever manner He asks – will result in wealth you can’t even imagine … the kind that matters for all eternity. Don’t you want to hear God say, “I’m proud of you … you are a good and faithful servant!”? Don’t you want to share in His happiness? What are you doing today to make that happen?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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