Daily Devotional for October 30, 2016

Matthew 6:1-4
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.

When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—‘playactors’ I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you 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.
 
Whenever I read this scripture passage, I cannot help but think of a handful of ladies (and a few men) who have greatly influenced my life.  Some are in heaven now, while others are still “getting it done” every day.  They “fly under the radar” with their deeds…and many never know how much these folks do for other people. But I assure you, the recipients of their acts of servitude take notice!

I would name these people, but those who are still with us would be embarrassed to be recognized…which is really the point! They don’t prepare and deliver meals, visit nursing homes and shut-ins, taxi those who cannot drive to a variety of appointments and events, serve in a myriad of positions at their churches, and so much more so that we can applaud their efforts and make a big deal of it!  They do this because they understand what it is to minister in the name of Jesus…to see needs and meet them without any fanfare or fame.

The “reward” is knowledge that God is pleased…that He sees their efforts – and believe me, He DOES! They have done what they could to honor the sacrifices made on their behalf by God as He gave us Jesus to teach us how to live…and to die for our sins.

It concerns me that the next generation(s) might not understand the concept of humble, quiet service that requires no recognition. We’ve made so much of our Christian faith and worship a spectacle and performance. There is competition (sometimes not so subtle) to see who can be the “best”.  Church has become something of a “numbers game.”  We want the biggest state-of-the-art buildings…the most members…the best musicians…impressive programs for all age groups, and more Bible studies and “activities” than any other body of believers. I cannot imagine that this truly pleases God.

There is a song that says, “We don’t need another hero,” and this is what Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:1-4.  He is the hero…pure and simple…and we only need the One!  Jesus needs us to be humble servants - dedicated workers who get the work done to build the Kingdom of Heaven.  There will be plenty of blessings along the way for those who minister obediently and quietly…and abundant opportunities for recognition when we get to heaven.

In our rush to be the biggest and best – or to gain recognition and accolades – we often lose sight of what is truly important.  Jesus called us to serve to others in His name…to bless them and glorify Him - not to draw attention to ourselves.  How well are you doing with this?  Are you willing to do the work and remain completely in the background?  Can you serve God without telling a single soul what you have done?  Can you quit worrying about what other people might think or how impressive your discipleship and ministry efforts appear to others…and concentrate on the tasks at hand?  And can you start today?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 29, 2015

Proverbs 11:2
Too much pride can put you to shame. It’s wiser to be humble.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
A candidate for the 2016 Presidential election has declared that the Pope should refrain from offering an opinion on global warming.  He is said to have told a reporter…“The church has gotten it wrong a few times on science. We probably are better off leaving science to the scientists, and focusing on what we’re really good at, which is theology and morality.”  Apparently this candidate missed the fact that the Pope received a “Chemical Technician’s Diploma from Escuela Técnica Industrial N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen…and once worked at more than one laboratory performing chemical testing.

Open mouth – insert foot.  We do it all the time.  But as Christians who genuinely desire to represent Jesus – and serve Him well – we ought to be paying closer attention to our words, actions and deeds.  Before we criticize anyone else – about anything – we ought to check our facts – and check with God to ask Him which of His purposes our judgment of others will serve.  I’m talking about how we characterize  and/or criticize everyone from our neighbors and the cashier at your local grocery store or restaurant…to the workers who collect your garbage each week or work in some other “service” position…to our political and religious leaders (including the President of the United States – and even the Pope)…and all of those in between.  As the old rhetorical question goes…”Who died and made you king?”

Let’s get something straight…none of us knows what is in another person’s heart.  And quite frankly, we have no clue what goes on in another person’s daily living, for the most part.  The person you dare to judge or disparage may have challenges and heartaches that you could never imagine.  He/she may have knees so raw from kneeling in prayer and spending time with God that it’s hard to walk across the floor.  Were we to stand side-by-side before God with this person and hear our good deeds – and our sins – listed…we might have to hang our heads in shame by comparison.

Too many of us make snap judgments – and harsh ones.  We SAY that we are Christians and then proceed to elevate ourselves to almost God-like status…and judge everyone who is “beneath” us.  And by that, I mean anyone who doesn’t view every aspect of life exactly as we do and act accordingly. Let me assure you…God is not impressed by this.  In fact, He is downright brokenhearted. 
   
We had better learn to stop puffing our chests out in pride at how devout and faithful we are, and humbly serve God by loving one another – each and every one!  We’d better get our facts straight and not accuse others of something in which we aren’t fully versed.  And we had better start learning how to get along…with everybody.

I do not mean to sound angry – or to be critical and become “one of those people” in the process.  But I am disheartened at the number of so-called Christians who have created an atmosphere of “us vs. them” and set themselves up as superior to others.  I am saddened by the condescension and hate…and I am truly sickened to think about the inroads that this gives to the devil.  What unbeliever could possibly want to become a Christian when he/she sees how so many of us behave toward each other?

We can’t have it both ways.  We cannot be prideful and truly represent Jesus Christ as His disciple.  Who do you think you are?  How are you representing Jesus to others…with an arrogant, condescending attitude…or as His humble servant who extends His love in every direction?  How you answer this matters – greatly.  God wants foot soldiers for His army…not another Commander-in-Chief.  Which one are you trying to be?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 26, 2015

Matthew 23:11-12
“Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.

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.

• Tywanza Sanders, age 26 - Bible study member, college graduate, and barber who hoped to open his own barbershop
• Clementa C. Pinckney, age 41 – pastor of Emmanuel A.M.E. church and South Carolina state senator
• Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, age 45 – pastor, speech therapist and track coach at Goose Creek High School
• Depayne Middleton-Doctor, age 49 - pastor, school administrator, and admissions coordinator at Southern Wesleyan University
• Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd, age 54 – Bible study member and manager for the Charleston County Public Library System
• Myra Thompson, age 59 – Bible study teacher and former middle school teacher for the Charleston County School District
• Ethel Lee Lance, age 70 – former custodian at Gaillard Municipal Auditorium, and church custodian for roughly 30 years at Emmanuel A.M.E. church in Charleston, South Carolina
• Daniel L Simmons, Sr., age 74 –  a Vietnam vet with a Purple Heart, retired pastor, and member of Mother Emmanuel’s ministerial staff
• Susie Jackson, age 87 – Bible study and church choir member, known for her generosity to those in need...and great-aunt to Tywanza Sanders

These nine servants stood out…but not in the way you might think.  Never in a million years did a single one of them expect to be gunned down on a Wednesday night as they attended a church Bible study.  None of them hesitated to welcome a 21-year-old white man into their group to hear God’s word and pray with him.  It was not in their thoughts on that mid-week night that “this is the moment that God will use us in a profound way to make a mark on this earth”…much less that He would call them Home.  And yet, all of these things happened…to humble servants.

Each of these individuals now stands out in our minds…or they should.  Each person named here made their life count for plenty – by being themselves and serving God with grace, as President Obama so eloquently stated in his eulogy of Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney today.  We should remember them…not because they were puffed up and important…but because in their humility and reverence, they served and honored God - and made a difference.

I have noted this before, but I’ve thought a lot about what could be said of me in such a situation.  I’ve pondered how I might have reacted…and how I would be remembered.  Would I be someone who was “in the right place at the right time”…and by that, I mean serving or worshipping God with my words, thoughts and actions in every area of my daily living?  Am I quietly and humbly making a difference because of God’s grace over my life?  Or am I more concerned with what’s in all of this for me?

Does it matter to you – and to me – what others think of us… how much and how often our efforts are recognized?  Are we serving to be seen and heard…or to honor the tremendous gifts that God has bestowed up on us?  Are we more interested in standing out than standing up for God – and extending His grace to others?  Can we learn from the example of these nine individuals and change our attitudes and our actions to more closely demonstrate the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of our amazing God?  Don’t you think we should?
 
©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 23, 2014

1 Peter 1:3
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.

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

My friend Marla was telling me how frazzled her daughter Molly is these days.  Molly is the working, single mother of three children…and they are all going in different directions.  She has been driving her oldest son to a night-time “band camp” this week to prepare for his entry into high school band next fall.  The two younger children are involved in gymnastics classes.  Marla said that when she visited recently, Molly’s kitchen table was littered with applications for a number of summer camps.  She said, “It’s all about to drive Molly crazy!”  And many of you can relate. 

Even if you don’t have three children and a job, you may have a “to-do” list that seems insurmountable.  I can remember days when I worked full-time and was so frazzled and exhausted by all that I had to accomplish that I woke up thinking, “If I can get through this day, in 10-12 hours, I can go back to bed!”  Does this sound familiar? 

What if our spiritual life was like this?  In the Old Testament, we read about making blood sacrifices for our sins.  If you think people in Biblical times had it easier, think again!  They didn’t have cars, microwaves, smart phones, computers, or even running water (at least your average Joe didn’t!).  So in addition to toting water…hunting and killing – or growing – their food…gathering fire wood…protecting their property and their physical body from the elements, predators and enemies… and even the logistics of getting from Point A to Point B…they had to select the purest lambs, carry them to the high priest, confess their sins, then kill the lamb with a knife and spill its blood in atonement!  Whew!  Makes me tired just to type all of this!

I’m thankful for all of our modern conveniences.  But I am even more thankful for the blood of Jesus that bought and paid for my sins - once and for all.  Now understand, this is not a “given”…we cannot just assume that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and go on with our merry lives.  We must humbly confess before God that we are sinners.  We must ask for His forgiveness.  We must request the gift of eternal life by the blood of Jesus.  THEN He will bestow it!  And we’re not done…we still have obligations. We must be good stewards of our gift of Salvation in Jesus. 

We have to live in a way that honors this gift and truly demonstrates our desire and efforts to enjoy a life free of sin.  But “resting in the LORD” is so much more peaceful and soothing than constantly worrying and examining your life and rushing to a priest with a living sacrifice.  Even more importantly, once we confess our sins and vow to follow Jesus, we are free of the “after-burden” of our sins.  We don’t have to carry the added weight of picturing a precious lamb suffering, quite literally, under the knife of our transgressions…and the knowledge that we will have to repeat this act over and over and over throughout our lives. 

Acceptance of Jesus’ gift of salvation allows us to rest in His love and to concentrate our time and energy on other things…like serving Him and loving others – and enjoying the new life that He has given us! Our new life in Christ won’t take all of the tasks off of our “to-do” list.  We will still have jobs, spouses, kids, family obligations, civic duties, and ministries to tend.  But we will not have the heavy burden of sin looming over our heads.  I don’t know about you, but for me, this is HUGE! 

Summer is a time when we often think of a slower, more relaxed pace…afternoons lounging in a porch swing or hammock…sunny days spent playing in the water…the fun and camaraderie of a baseball game…camps and vacations…and so much more.  Let this summer be the one that you leave behind the burden of sin.  Truly humble yourself and ask Jesus to forgive you…to wash you in the blood of His sacrifice…and be done with it, once and for all!  Rest in His hope; relax in His peace.  See if this doesn’t make your crazy “to-do” list just a little more tolerable.  Aren’t you ready to “rest in the LORD”?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 21, 2014

Philippians 2:5-8
Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.
 
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.
 
The 13th season of the reality TV competition American Idol is underway, and two Arkansans were included in this year’s group of contestants who “made it through to Hollywood”.  Malcolm Allen of Wrightsville, and Spencer Lloyd, who hails from Bryant, made it through the first rounds and competed as part of the “top 13” as the field narrowed to 10 contestants.  Neither continued beyond this point, although Lloyd was given a chance to “sing for your life” - as contest judge Jennifer Lopez put it.  The judges all found Lloyd’s song selection and performance to be lackluster and not truly “star quality”, although they commended him for his talent and making it as far in the competition as he did.
 
So the aspirations of these two young men – and countless other young people who auditioned and participated in this competition – have been somewhat dashed.  While a few eliminated contestants have gone on to reach some pinnacle of stardom, most returned home to a “regular life” among their family and friends.  Some will perform at local venues, while others will sing in a church choir – or in the shower!  Hopefully, this experience will not define these young people…at least not in the way one might think.
 
Consider Spencer Lloyd…a youth minister and worship leader at Family Life Church in Bryant, Arkansas.  Perhaps God is calling him to focus on this ministry instead of a bigger stage.  Maybe this is a harsh – even humbling – reminder that God decides how, when and where we are to use the talents and abilities that He gives us.  Perhaps God is whispering to Spencer, “I need you to reach people for Me on a more basic, intimate level.”  Yes, some are called to share Jesus on a world-wide stage.  There is a place for the Chris Tomlins, Michael W. Smiths, and Natalie Grants…Beth Moores, Jen Hatmakers and Max Lucados.  But not all of us are called to serve on such a high-profile stage.
 
Quite honestly, this notoriety can be a slippery slope.  The devil loves to take men and women of God, fill them with a powerful ego, and watch them fall – and take others along with them for the ride.  Because of his appearance on American Idol, Spencer Lloyd’s name recognition has grown…so essentially, he has expanded his audience.  But you and I are no less important to God.  Our ministries and witness are every bit as vital.  And because of our “simplicity”, we might just be able to reach those who would never listen to someone with celebrity status.  They might perceive such people as “unapproachable” or out of touch with the realities of their “regular” lives.  We - plain, ordinary people that we are - have a critical role to play as Disciples of Christ!
 
We can relate to the person who struggles to trust God when bills are piling up and there don’t seem to be enough work hours in the day to earn enough to cover them.  We can offer first-hand compassion and empathy to someone who is going through a rough time…illness, relationship problems, work challenges – or the lack of a job, the challenges of child-rearing – or aging, and so much more.  We can share out of the plainness of our own lives in a way that is real and plausible to others.
 
This is why Jesus came to earth as a humble human being.  He certainly is anything but plain and ordinary.  But God knew that people would not accept another egotistical, arrogant king.  He knew that we needed someone who was one of us…a real, honest-to-goodness person…even though Jesus is truly so much more!  Only a Supernatural King in a commonplace, familiar form could speak to us at our very core. Jesus could only reach the “average Joe” as a humble servant touched by the hand of God.  And this is who we are called to be…the regular guy…the plain and simple, humble servant who loves God and shares His grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional devotion with others.
 
Spencer Lloyd is perfectly positioned to reach countless people for Jesus Christ…but so are you and I. God has called us to humbly serve others in Jesus’ name…to be one of them – relatable, sympathetic, and “human”.  We might not be the next American Idol, but if we serve with a respectful and unpretentious heart, we’ll be true rock stars in the eyes of God.  We will become “celebrities” of a heavenly kind…with blessings and dividends far beyond anything Hollywood could ever hope to offer.
 
©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 6, 2013

Joel 3:1-2
In those days, yes, at that very time when I put life back together again for Judah and Jerusalem, I’ll assemble all the godless nations.

I’ll lead them down into Judgment Valley and put them all on trial, and judge them one and all because of their treatment of my own people Israel.

They scattered my people all over the pagan world and grabbed my land for themselves.

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 are entering that time of the year where everyone seems to go a little nuts with food and drink.  It starts with Halloween and continues straight through Christmas and into winter.  “I’ll only have a couple of pieces of candy… after all, it is Halloween!” we tell ourselves.  But two pieces becomes twenty during the weeks of November (or maybe even sooner for some!).  On Thanksgiving Day, we justify piling our plate high with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes (with marshmallows, of course!), hot rolls and more.  No tossed salad for us… but bring on the congealed ones laden with all sorts of rich deliciousness!  Hey, it’s only Jello® and Cool Whip®… right?  And we simply must try a slice of each kind of pie on the buffet... to resist the whipped cream on top would be downright unpatriotic!

This gets us to the first of December, where each day brings one cookie and/or piece of candy after the next… parties galore… rich finger foods, eggnog and all sorts of tantalizing drinks, and of course - hot cocoa!  By the time New Year’s arrives, many of us will have added extra poundage… not to mention how sluggish and cranky we will feel!  So we’ll make our resolutions to take off the weight and “get ready for swimsuit season!”  We’ll ride a roller coaster of workouts and diets and winter nights with hot cocoa and a good movie… and in the end, we may or may not regain our health and drop the weight.

Over time, I can tell you that this will have a cumulative effect.  And while you may be young and able to somewhat handle this yo-yo approach to life…there may come a day when you sit across the desk from a doctor who tells you that you have diabetes, high cholesterol or heart disease… or you may find yourself in the back of an ambulance headed for the ER after suffering a stroke due to high blood pressure. You may develop arthritis and hip/knee problems because you have taxed your body’s capacity for bearing weight. Or if you manage to avoid these “judgments”, you may spend a good chunk of your adulthood battling the scales, struggling with your willpower, and trying to squeeze into the too-small clothes in your closet!

I’ve watched enough seasons of NBC’s The Biggest Loser and heard the stories of a sufficient number of the contestants to see that many people in this country reach a point where God steps in and gives them a wake-up call.  In essence, He says, “It’s time to stop the madness!”… and He offers them an opportunity to reclaim their life – and their health.  He gives them a chance to do the necessary work to come back into alignment (physically, mentally, and emotionally)… and to build a truly healthy life – in every sense of the word.

Not everyone will respond successfully… some will choose to continue down a destructive path. But many will make permanent life changes.  They will develop a vital respect for God’s desire for them to be completely healthy and well.  They will trust Him to help them learn balance… and how to confidently say “No!” where necessary.  God will guide them back into a right relationship with food and good health… and they will enter subsequent holiday seasons with His protection and support as they exercise willpower and resolve!

If you are one of those for whom the temptations of the holiday offerings are not a problem…congratulations!  But here’s the thing… we all encounter temptations and missteps in our lives.  Your “issue” may not be food... but I bet there is some area of your life in which you struggle to maintain balance.  And that’s where God comes into the equation.  The scriptures tell us that God will bring all of His people together again someday and judge each of us.  He will hold us accountable for how we respected Him and all that He gave us… and that includes our bodies, our thoughts, and our actions.

In the meantime, God won’t let us continue down the wrong path forever with a vow to “play now and pay later”.  I firmly believe that God sends “wake-up calls” to His children… and in some instances, He calls them home sooner than later in order to put a halt to their irresponsibility and disrespect.  While I am ready for heaven - and I hope you are, also - I don’t want to live in a way that frustrates God and disrespects all that He has done for me.  I want to give everything I have every single day… to serve and honor Him in each word and action.

Just as each of us will slip up from time to time and eat more cookies than we know we should… or slack off on our workouts once in a while… I know that I will make plenty of mistakes, even as I try my hardest to give God my very best.  When God gathers us together for judgment, I want Him to smile at me and see far more that pleases Him than He does mistakes and disappointments.  Don’t you?  What are you doing about this?  Have you asked God to help you… to equip you with the fortitude and determination you need to make healthy decisions – in every area of your life?  Are you showing God the respect He deserves?  Isn’t it time you did?  Will this be the “season” that you get off the roller coaster and start truly living well?  Are you ready to get started?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 1, 2013

Matthew 6:1
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.”
 
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.
 
On August 21, 2013, a New York City cab jumped the sidewalk and plowed into a cyclist, then hit British tourist Siân Green and severed her leg.  People in the area sprang into action, including a plumber named David Justino, who removed his belt and applied it to the leg as a tourniquet. Max Crespo, a food vendor brought ice and packed the severed limb, and an unnamed nurse guided all of the life-saving efforts.  The story gained national attention when celebrity physician Mehmet Oz emerged from his office across the street to offer his assistance.  If you GOOGLE this story, you will see that several of the heroes in this story are named… Justino and Crespo are among them.  Of course, onlookers readily recognized Dr. Oz.  The nurse did not give her name, and I am not sure whether she has ever come forth.  As I write this devotional, there is an ad running on television for an upcoming Dr. Oz Show episode that will feature Siân Green and some of her “heroes”.
 
There are countless events in our world every day where people rush to make a difference in the lives of others.  And in Dr. Oz’ defense, he cannot help that he is widely recognized.  It might seem like he is exploiting this event.  And in the eyes of some… maybe he is.  But I visited Dr. Oz’ blog and learned more about “Plumber Dave” (as some have dubbed him) and the other unsung heroes of this tragedy, and Dr. Oz appears to be giving them all the credit for saving the life of Siân Green.
 
Imagine if every time your doctor saved a life, he/she called a news conference!  What if you put out a notice on social media every time you helped a neighbor, bought someone’s meal in the drive-thru line, or sent a note of appreciation to someone who had touched your life in some manner?  Would your efforts appear to be genuine and offered out of true discipleship and service?  Or would stroking your ego seem to be the driving force behind them?
 
Ask yourself these simple questions… “Why am I doing XYZ?  Is it so people will notice me and be impressed?  Or is it because God has called me to serve Him by serving others… in whatever manner and format are appropriate at the time?”  Remind yourself that God does not applaud when you “toot your own horn”!  He does not reward ego and self-serving talk and actions.  Nothing about Christian discipleship is truly about us!
 
On Dr. Oz’ blog (http://blog.doctoroz.com/dr-oz-blog/our-common-kindness), he states…

Dave is an inspiration to me. His example reminds us all that we are not alone in moments of crisis. If you ever need proof of human goodness, remember the people who opened their doors or handed out free soup and sandwiches to people affected by Hurricane Sandy. Think of people who hurried to pull victims from the rubble after a building collapsed in Philadelphia in June. Look to the elementary school clerk who fearlessly talked down an armed shooter in Georgia before he could hurt a single student.
 
It can be easy to lose perspective as we find ourselves caught up in minor irritations and arguments throughout the day. But we must remember that when it comes down to it, kindness is our best defense against disaster, and absolutely no one is too ordinary to be a hero.

God wants us to be ordinary servants who do extraordinary things.  When we accept the challenges, He will provide us with opportunities…and bless us in ways we cannot even imagine.  But the choice is ours.  We can do what is asked of us with quiet humility and a spirit of servitude.  We can answer the call… and brag about it afterward.  Or we can do nothing and “let the chips fall where they may”.  How will you choose?  Your answer matters… maybe more than you think!  Is the world your “stage”… or are you quietly serving as a Christian disciple and basking in the applause of heaven?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 23, 2013

Luke 10:38-42
The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home.  She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said.  Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!”
 
The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.”
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
This morning, a friend posted a video on Facebook from former NFL wide receiver (and Little Rock, Arkansas native) Trent Shelton, who founded a Christian, non-profit organization called Rehab Time.  Shelton travels the country as an author and motivational speaker, and he conducts seminars on how to “rehab” your life.  The theme of this video by Shelton was “Evaluating Your Circle.”  Using references to athletic teamwork, Shelton explained how we must evaluate those in our “circle” and ask if they are “playing for the team… or playing for themselves”.  He asks, “Do they use ‘me’ instead of ‘we’… ‘I’ instead of ‘us’?”
 
Shelton notes that “Successful teams have loyal, committed people who are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the team succeeds.  Everybody is a role player.”  He asks, “Who’s sitting at your table with a personal agenda… who is sitting at your table that refuses to sacrifice?  Who’s sitting at your table and bringing more problems to it than solutions?  Make sure that everyone at your table is more concerned about what they can do for each other than what they can do for themselves.”
 
In this familiar scripture passage that tells the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha, we find two friends of Jesus’ - both of whom He loved dearly…and they loved Him in return.  Both were “on His team”.  And while neither would totally fit Shelton’s description of someone who was playing for herself rather than the team, it’s safe to say that one of them was a tad misguided.  Martha was so concerned with all of the little details… whether the meal was just right… whether the table was set correctly…had she forgotten anything – and would Jesus be disappointed.  Mary plopped down at Jesus’ feet and simply absorbed His presence.  She listened and learned His ways… she internalized the “team mission” and made mental note of what Jesus was saying – and what He was calling her to do.  There would be plenty of time to fret and stress over details like table settings and meal planning.  Jesus was here… the need for her full attention was now!  Her personal agenda could wait.
 
I will be the first to tell you that I have been a “Martha” far too often.  I’m a details person… I like to make sure that things are done correctly and nicely.  I love to make memories for others.  So when I share baked goods or a casserole, I like to send it in a nice dish with a pretty card.  When I prepare a family dinner, I like for the table to be decorated… and I want the food to be special.  Would a loaf of banana bread wrapped in tin foil taste just as good to a grieving family or someone who is ill?  Certainly!  Would my family be any less gathered together to enjoy one another’s company if I served bologna sandwiches on paper plates?  Not in the least!  Would the “spirit” of the gestures be lessened if I paid more attention to their intention and less on “looking good”?  Absolutely!
 
Fifteen years ago this morning, angels carried my 37-year-old brother, Tim, to heaven.  It was a beautiful, sunny morning… much like this one, although not as cool and crisp.  Time has lessened the grief of his passing, but not the ache I often feel in my heart for his earthly presence.  There’s a good chance that you have a similar ache in your heart for someone who was special and dear to you. In the days leading to and surrounding his death, I learned that the most important thing I could do was spend time with Him and my family.  This was a lesson I have never forgotten.
 
I saw how countless friends and members of my parents’ church dropped everything to come and stay from dusk to dawn, preparing and organizing meals, cleaning the house, running errands, and more.  Casseroles, desserts and full meals appeared off and on in the days before Tim passed.  When he died, people came to prepare coffee and pastries for breakfast… and someone mopped the kitchen floor at bedtime each night before leaving - for almost a week.  It might sound like we were never granted a private moment, but you would be amazed at the stealth with which these servants operated.  They were in the background, completing the “teamwork”, and focusing completely on meeting our needs.
 
I never cease to be amazed at how God uses even the most heart-wrenching circumstances to teach us more about His love, grace and mercy.  I have tried to take to heart the lessons I learned in observing those who came to our aid at this sad time… and again 13 months later when my dad followed Tim to heaven.  I have tried to set aside personal agendas to serve others in Jesus’ name, as I felt Him leading me.  And when another “Tim” came into our lives four years ago, followed by his sister Zola and brother Nathan, I vowed to instill in them a spirit of “teamwork” and service above self.  It’s not always easy… there are plenty of days when I would rather do what I had in mind than to do something for someone else.  We are still human, after all!
 
We all make choices.  It is so easy to become self-centered… to focus on just making it through the day and meeting your own personal needs.  But Jesus has told us that… “only one thing is necessary” - that we focus on Him and His agenda.  And He has promised that the “sacrifice” of this choice will not be taken from us.  In other words… this is where the real joy and blessings lie!
 
Trent Shelton’s reminder to evaluate our “circle” is timely.  We do need to take a look at who is on our “team”, as well as our own role there.  How are we functioning… who are we serving?  Is it time to reposition ourselves… or could we possibly be playing for the wrong team?  Do we need to choose more wisely… and isn’t this a good time to begin?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus
 
http://trentshelton.com