Romans 3:23-24
All of us have sinned and fallen
short of God’s glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and
because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our
sins.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I
promised the children a surprise after church if they would be really
good and eat a good lunch. And they all three did exactly that. So I
told them that we would go swimming at the community Aquatic Center. We
loaded our gear and headed for the pool. The children were very good
as we changed into our swimsuits. We had a wonderful swim for an
hour…every child was happy and well-behaved. They got out of the pool
afterward like little soldiers and politely took a seat as I dried them
and wrapped them in towels.
I had promised that when we got
back into the car, each child who had behaved nicely would get a
Lifesaver®. All three children were excited about this sweet treat.
And then “the wheels fell off the bus.” As we headed for the dressing
room to change into our clothes, Zola ran – all the way down the pool
deck to the dressing room door. Despite my calling to her to stop, she
continued. So I told her, “No Lifesaver®.” Of course, she cried…and
buried her little head in her hands. And the boys were quick to chime
in…”We still get Lifesavers®…right?” “If you are good,” I told them. “Oh, we’re going to be good!” they both promised. And they were…until we left the building.
Nathan
was our “line leader,” and I told him to stop at the yellow stripe at
the end of the sidewalk. He took off running and ran right into the
street. Thankfully, the parking lot was virtually empty and there were
no cars – and I knew this before we ever left the front door. Still, he
had disobeyed. I called to him to return and he continued running.
When he did turn around and come to me, I told him it was too late…no
Lifesaver® for him, either. I will tell you, it is terribly hard to
give one child candy and watch the other two cry…even when you know it
is for their own good. I told the children that “this hurts my heart.”
And it really did!
Timothy asked, “Are you mad at me?” I told him no…I was not mad at any of
them…but I was disappointed that two had chosen to misbehave after we
had experienced such a wonderful afternoon. I knew that all three
children were tired and ready for naps, but that was no excuse. Nathan
said through tears, “I want to go take a nap so I can mind better
tomorrow!” I almost melted…but he still didn’t get any candy.
Let
me make this perfectly clear…I am NOT God – nor do I dare to compare
myself to Him in any way. But I do love these children like they were
my own. And when they make a mistake and misbehave, it breaks my
heart. In any given hour, each one of the three of them can have a
misstep. None of them are perfect…and neither are you and I. We are
all capable of sin, because we are human. The only “person” to ever live
in the flesh who is perfect is Jesus Christ…and we simply cannot and
will not ever be Him.
But we can strive to be more like Jesus.
We can work hard to please God…to behave nicely so that we get the
“Lifesaver® blessings” and more that He so wants to give us each and
every day. We all fall short of God’s glory and expectations…but we
must keep on trying to “mind better tomorrow,” just like this sweet
little three-year-old.
I learn lessons from these children every
day. And this time, I am reminded that I serve a God of second, third,
fourth and even hundredth chances…and I am humbled. I fall short, just
as you do…but God is there to pick me up and restore me when I
acknowledge my faults and humbly strive to do better. Have you felt
God’s mercy and compassion over your own mistakes? Have you committed
to doing your best for Him in the future? Will this be the day that you
make that promise? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label judging others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label judging others. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 3, 2015
Romans 2:1-4
Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things. We know that God is right to judge everyone who behaves in this way. Do you really think God won’t punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse? You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our world seems to have become the “Land of Small Favors, Privileges and Special Treatment.” The perception for many is that it’s all in who you know! And maybe this is true. We often get and criticize those who practice “The Name-dropping Game”…until we need a favor. And then the scramble is on to find someone who knows someone who can help us!
We have a bad habit of teaching our kids to grow up to be “somebodies”…but not in a good way. We want them to aspire to be like a well-known athlete, actor, supermodel, or performer. We suggest that they may someday be President! What we fail to account for is the humanity of each and every one of us…the fact that we all have faults, problems, challenges. We all make mistakes…and yes, we all judge others.
The irony is that the very celebrities and notables we aspire to emulate are the ones we so readily criticize. Okay, so maybe you never got drunk at a party and drove your car up a telephone pole. But haven’t you made some bad choices that could at least have potentially had dire consequences? Maybe you don’t curse and publicly criticize others…but do you point at people on your TV screen and call them idiots and other names? Maybe you have not leaked information that could jeopardize national security…but haven’t you spread a juicy nugget or two of gossip at one time or another?
Do you think that what you say and do doesn’t matter if no one sees or hears it…or if “no one gets hurt” by it? Do you understand that God knows…and He is hurt when you judge another of His children?
I am going to be profoundly honest with you…this is very hard for me. I am quick to judge others…at least in the privacy of my own home and in my own heart. I am very much a work in progress. But I have experienced the sting of judgment in my own life…toward myself and members of my family and friends… and with regard to my faith and my values. And I am committed to changing how I treat others because of it.
My prayer for today goes like this…
©2015 Debbie Robus
Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things. We know that God is right to judge everyone who behaves in this way. Do you really think God won’t punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse? You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our world seems to have become the “Land of Small Favors, Privileges and Special Treatment.” The perception for many is that it’s all in who you know! And maybe this is true. We often get and criticize those who practice “The Name-dropping Game”…until we need a favor. And then the scramble is on to find someone who knows someone who can help us!
We have a bad habit of teaching our kids to grow up to be “somebodies”…but not in a good way. We want them to aspire to be like a well-known athlete, actor, supermodel, or performer. We suggest that they may someday be President! What we fail to account for is the humanity of each and every one of us…the fact that we all have faults, problems, challenges. We all make mistakes…and yes, we all judge others.
The irony is that the very celebrities and notables we aspire to emulate are the ones we so readily criticize. Okay, so maybe you never got drunk at a party and drove your car up a telephone pole. But haven’t you made some bad choices that could at least have potentially had dire consequences? Maybe you don’t curse and publicly criticize others…but do you point at people on your TV screen and call them idiots and other names? Maybe you have not leaked information that could jeopardize national security…but haven’t you spread a juicy nugget or two of gossip at one time or another?
Do you think that what you say and do doesn’t matter if no one sees or hears it…or if “no one gets hurt” by it? Do you understand that God knows…and He is hurt when you judge another of His children?
I am going to be profoundly honest with you…this is very hard for me. I am quick to judge others…at least in the privacy of my own home and in my own heart. I am very much a work in progress. But I have experienced the sting of judgment in my own life…toward myself and members of my family and friends… and with regard to my faith and my values. And I am committed to changing how I treat others because of it.
My prayer for today goes like this…
God, I don’t know how/why you put up with me. I judge others, and I am critical. I cannot see that what I think, say and do toward others…someone probably thinks, says and does toward me. I know how much this hurts…how wrong it is…yet I have trouble stopping the cycle. Please give me your courage and strength. Help me to be more loving of others…more understanding and compassionate. Give me YOUR wisdom and a heart for ALL of your people. Help me to refrain from expecting special treatment – because of who I know, AND…because I am YOUR child. Help me to recognize that each and every person is special to you and just as “entitled” to your love and care as I am. Forgive me for judgments and critical thoughts, words and actions. Make me more like Jesus every day. I thank you for loving me in spite of these shortcomings…and I give you all the praise and glory. Amen.Are you ready to turn to God and experience more of His goodness? Will you join me in this prayer and make a renewed effort to stop judging others?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 1, 2015
Romans 14:1
Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
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.
My mother posted this Facebook update today…
I don’t know what all of this means. I have no clue what lies ahead for my mother – or for any of us. She is right…today IS all we have. So why are we spending it worrying about how this one or that one reacts to devastating news? More importantly, why do we all waste precious time and energy fussing over how people worship…pray…study…witness? Because I’m here to tell you, when my mother gets in that “chemo room” next week and they hook her up to a “cocktail” of drugs designed to kill the beast, she will sit alongside many other people who are facing a similar challenge. And there is a very good chance that they will all be trusting God to see them through each and every minute. How they get there…how they talk to Him and the rituals and practices they go through to communicate with Him and put their trust in Him will not matter one whit. All that will matter is that God metes out their time moment by moment…and they trust Him to do so.
Can we all agree to be kind and gentle with those who fall apart at the first hint of devastating news? Can we refrain from judging those who appear stoic and seem to just move right on with life as if nothing has happened? Can we open our hearts and minds to the possibility that God speaks to each of us differently…that He understands our reactions, considers our “history,” and loves each and every one of us fervently?
Can we understand that not everyone is at the same point in their faith walk…but that doesn’t mean that they are not on the right road? I can almost guarantee you that my “path” looks nothing like yours. Some of my “prayer times” each week occur while I work out in the community swimming pool! I sometimes sit at my piano and “communicate” with God. I frequently write out prayers in a journal. Others keep copious notes, read daily devotional books every day, light candles, and talk to God in a totally different way. And God hears all of us!
As my family begins this journey, I respectfully ask that you pray for my mother – and for all of us – using whatever method and manner with which you are comfortable. I am committed to accepting the reactions of all people to this news…and doing my dead-level best not to judge any of them. Likewise, I plan to renew my determination not to judge others – for anything - but especially for how they worship God or where they are in their journey to know Christ better. Would you care to join me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
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.
My mother posted this Facebook update today…
My first visit today to oncologist… He is still in discovery concerning my status, but I begin chemo next Thursday. I will have it every three weeks—for ? In the meantime, a PET scan and a port are both scheduled. It's a gorgeous fall day here; I feel good; I feel strong - and today is all we have. God metes out our time moment by moment - and I intend to enjoy it that way.This was not the news we hoped for…the doctor says that Mom must start treatments right away. My mother, who is a ROCK, appears to be handling this news very well, given its seriousness. Others – some of whom I thought were also “rocks” – have fallen apart already. Even more are numb and cannot wrap their brains around these facts, while a few are either carrying on as if nothing has changed – or they have had a total “meltdown” and cannot seem to function.
I don’t know what all of this means. I have no clue what lies ahead for my mother – or for any of us. She is right…today IS all we have. So why are we spending it worrying about how this one or that one reacts to devastating news? More importantly, why do we all waste precious time and energy fussing over how people worship…pray…study…witness? Because I’m here to tell you, when my mother gets in that “chemo room” next week and they hook her up to a “cocktail” of drugs designed to kill the beast, she will sit alongside many other people who are facing a similar challenge. And there is a very good chance that they will all be trusting God to see them through each and every minute. How they get there…how they talk to Him and the rituals and practices they go through to communicate with Him and put their trust in Him will not matter one whit. All that will matter is that God metes out their time moment by moment…and they trust Him to do so.
Can we all agree to be kind and gentle with those who fall apart at the first hint of devastating news? Can we refrain from judging those who appear stoic and seem to just move right on with life as if nothing has happened? Can we open our hearts and minds to the possibility that God speaks to each of us differently…that He understands our reactions, considers our “history,” and loves each and every one of us fervently?
Can we understand that not everyone is at the same point in their faith walk…but that doesn’t mean that they are not on the right road? I can almost guarantee you that my “path” looks nothing like yours. Some of my “prayer times” each week occur while I work out in the community swimming pool! I sometimes sit at my piano and “communicate” with God. I frequently write out prayers in a journal. Others keep copious notes, read daily devotional books every day, light candles, and talk to God in a totally different way. And God hears all of us!
As my family begins this journey, I respectfully ask that you pray for my mother – and for all of us – using whatever method and manner with which you are comfortable. I am committed to accepting the reactions of all people to this news…and doing my dead-level best not to judge any of them. Likewise, I plan to renew my determination not to judge others – for anything - but especially for how they worship God or where they are in their journey to know Christ better. Would you care to join me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
September 3 ~ Matthew 25:41-45
“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—
I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’
“Then those ‘goats’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn’t help?’
“He will answer them, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.’
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.
Are we so far removed from what God’s word says about Jesus’ teachings that we think this is acceptable behavior? Did we skip this passage from Matthew 25? Because it doesn’t just say, “When you feed the hungry and clothe the naked, you do this to Me.” It also says, “When you DON’T do these things, you do them to Me.” And the underlying message is that “When you mistreat others – or judge them, you are essentially judging Me.”
Does your faith really allow you to judge and abuse Jesus? What message does this send to others…particularly to unbelievers? Who in their right mind would want to be part of a faith that “green lights” disrespect and mistreatment of its God? But this is exactly what we do when we participate in any of the actions I’ve listed - and countless others. Whenever we operate in anything but love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion, we have failed Jesus…and denied our relationship with Him. This breaks His heart…and it should break ours.
You and I have work to do…and we need to get started today. Where do you need to make changes and start treating people like you would treat Jesus? Will this be the day that you humble yourself before Him, beg His forgiveness, and start to model His teachings toward others? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—
I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’
“Then those ‘goats’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn’t help?’
“He will answer them, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.’
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 am fat, and you look at me with disgust.
- I am dirty and disheveled, and you cut me a wide berth.
- I am a member of the LGBTQ community, and you discriminate against me and speak of me with disgust.
- I am of a different race, ethnicity, or nationality…and you make ugly comments about me and treat me differently.
- I practice a different religious faith…and you condemn me and tell me that I’m going to hell.
- I belong to another political party than yours…and you “talk trash” about me and my candidates and causes.
- I am on public assistance to try to feed and care for my family, and you treat me like a Second Class citizen and declare me “lazy” and “backward.”
- I am an unwed mother, and you judge me.
- I had an abortion, and you shun me.
- I had an affair, and you tell everyone you know and talk about all of the “sordid details” as you think you know them.
- I got a divorce, and you treat me differently because of it.
- I am a recovering alcoholic or drug addict, and you act like I have a contagious disease.
- I have a criminal record, and you treat me as if you’re afraid of me.
- I served in the military and suffer from PTSD, and you make me feel like I really am crazy.
Are we so far removed from what God’s word says about Jesus’ teachings that we think this is acceptable behavior? Did we skip this passage from Matthew 25? Because it doesn’t just say, “When you feed the hungry and clothe the naked, you do this to Me.” It also says, “When you DON’T do these things, you do them to Me.” And the underlying message is that “When you mistreat others – or judge them, you are essentially judging Me.”
Does your faith really allow you to judge and abuse Jesus? What message does this send to others…particularly to unbelievers? Who in their right mind would want to be part of a faith that “green lights” disrespect and mistreatment of its God? But this is exactly what we do when we participate in any of the actions I’ve listed - and countless others. Whenever we operate in anything but love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion, we have failed Jesus…and denied our relationship with Him. This breaks His heart…and it should break ours.
You and I have work to do…and we need to get started today. Where do you need to make changes and start treating people like you would treat Jesus? Will this be the day that you humble yourself before Him, beg His forgiveness, and start to model His teachings toward others? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 22, 2015
1 John 4:8
But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My friend Michael shared a link on Facebook to a devotional blog written for the United Church of Christ website by Matthew Laney, Senior Minister of Asylum Hill Congregational Church, UCC, in Hartford, Connecticut. The title of this post is “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin?*”…and Laney notes that he has never been a fan of this phrase. He adds that this comment has been used frequently in reference to members of the LGBTQ community.
But lately, Laney has found himself making (or thinking) the same comment with regard to fellow “Christians” who want to disrespect and discriminate against others. Have a brother or sister in Christ who is vocal about a certain person or group of people? “Love the sinner…hate the sin.” Know someone who “is truly a good person”…AND a bigot? “Love the sinner…hate the sin.” Sit on a pew with someone who sings praises to God every Sunday and then rants at the coffee shop all week about this leader or issue or another (with off-color, hate-filled jokes included)? “Love the sinner…hate his/her sin.”
Laney says that he came to the conclusion that this sentiment…”always struck me as a way to feign love for someone right before kicking them in the teeth!” He suggests that instead, we try to “do what Jesus did…love the sinner and love the sinner some more - and pray the prayer He prayed: ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.’”
I’ll be honest…I have spent the better part of a day trying to create a mental list of Christians in my personal “circle” who consistently operate in the love of Christ…whose tone is never critical or condescending…and I’ve come up with a terribly short list - and I’m not sure I could even put myself on it! Why is this? I believe it’s because we are human…and sinners…and none of us is perfect. But I DID come up with a list of people I know and love who demonstrate Jesus’ love and acceptance of others pretty consistently…people who I know without any doubt have the goal of loving the sinner – and then loving him/her some more. And as the old gospel hymn says, “Oh, LORD, I want to be in that number!”
Let’s make this the day that we truly begin to “walk the walk” that lines up with our “talk.” Let’s show others how much we love God by only speaking kindly…with love, acceptance, grace and mercy. Let’s demonstrate with every breath and movement that we have fully committed our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ…that we acknowledge that we are ALL sinners in some way – and our job is not to judge another in any way/shape/form. Let’s ask God to forgive ALL sinners…even those whose “sin” is that of deriding or rejecting others. Let’s remove the phrase, “love the sinner, hate the sin” from our vocabulary…and our daily living. If we truly know God and love Him, this should be a no-brainer. Are you with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional_love_the_sinner_hate_the_sin
But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My friend Michael shared a link on Facebook to a devotional blog written for the United Church of Christ website by Matthew Laney, Senior Minister of Asylum Hill Congregational Church, UCC, in Hartford, Connecticut. The title of this post is “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin?*”…and Laney notes that he has never been a fan of this phrase. He adds that this comment has been used frequently in reference to members of the LGBTQ community.
But lately, Laney has found himself making (or thinking) the same comment with regard to fellow “Christians” who want to disrespect and discriminate against others. Have a brother or sister in Christ who is vocal about a certain person or group of people? “Love the sinner…hate the sin.” Know someone who “is truly a good person”…AND a bigot? “Love the sinner…hate the sin.” Sit on a pew with someone who sings praises to God every Sunday and then rants at the coffee shop all week about this leader or issue or another (with off-color, hate-filled jokes included)? “Love the sinner…hate his/her sin.”
Laney says that he came to the conclusion that this sentiment…”always struck me as a way to feign love for someone right before kicking them in the teeth!” He suggests that instead, we try to “do what Jesus did…love the sinner and love the sinner some more - and pray the prayer He prayed: ‘Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.’”
I’ll be honest…I have spent the better part of a day trying to create a mental list of Christians in my personal “circle” who consistently operate in the love of Christ…whose tone is never critical or condescending…and I’ve come up with a terribly short list - and I’m not sure I could even put myself on it! Why is this? I believe it’s because we are human…and sinners…and none of us is perfect. But I DID come up with a list of people I know and love who demonstrate Jesus’ love and acceptance of others pretty consistently…people who I know without any doubt have the goal of loving the sinner – and then loving him/her some more. And as the old gospel hymn says, “Oh, LORD, I want to be in that number!”
Let’s make this the day that we truly begin to “walk the walk” that lines up with our “talk.” Let’s show others how much we love God by only speaking kindly…with love, acceptance, grace and mercy. Let’s demonstrate with every breath and movement that we have fully committed our hearts and lives to Jesus Christ…that we acknowledge that we are ALL sinners in some way – and our job is not to judge another in any way/shape/form. Let’s ask God to forgive ALL sinners…even those whose “sin” is that of deriding or rejecting others. Let’s remove the phrase, “love the sinner, hate the sin” from our vocabulary…and our daily living. If we truly know God and love Him, this should be a no-brainer. Are you with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional_love_the_sinner_hate_the_sin
Daily Devotional for July 21, 2015
1 John 4:20
If anyone says, "I love God," but keeps on hating his brother, he is a liar; for if he doesn't love his brother who is right there in front of him, how can he love God whom he has never seen?
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Last week as we drove to the gas station, Timothy was seated in the back of the vehicle, and he began to make loud, silly noises. I asked him to stop. He persisted. Suddenly from the middle row seating, I heard Zola say, “Timothy! Do you want her to turn this car around and take you home?” Timothy did not answer. Then I heard almost-three-year-old Nathan chime in…”Well…DO you?” The noises stopped…and I could barely contain my laughter to drive. In that little snippet of conversation, I realized how our children truly see us. It’s true…if you listen, your children will tell you how you really sound!
Our children learn at an early age to mirror our thoughts and feelings. So a lot of us grow up with prejudice – and even hatred – that is really not our own, but rather that of our parents, other adults, society, and our peers. We learn to dislike people of another race…but our justifications make no sense. We lump people into collective groups…as in “THEY are all this way or that”…or “I do not like the XYZs or the PDQs”. When truly questioned about our reasoning…we have no explanation that is rooted in personal experience – or one that makes much sense.
I ask you…what injustice or “wrong” has been personally done to you by someone of another race or ethnicity? Why do you have such a disdain for people whose sexual orientation is different from yours? What’s it to you if a person practices another religion – or no religion at all? Did another person’s poverty or lack of education or opportunity cause you to literally miss a meal or a chance to be and do whatever you wanted with your own life? How are you personally and directly affected by another person’s race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic level, political preference, or sexual orientation?
If we are honest, we often don’t really know the people we disparage. We start out parroting what we have heard from others…and soon we have internalized it. The next thing you know, we are posting social media references to “God and Country” one minute…and spewing hate and venom toward a particular person or group in the next…and we see no problem with this!
I have to tell you, I am struggling these days to find my “church,” because a lot of people with whom I’ve worshipped and associated with for decades are schizophrenic. They SAY they love God and want to serve Him…they never hesitate to ask for prayer – or to offer to pray for someone else. They “serve” in ministries and give of their “time, talents and money.” And then they bash everyone from people on welfare and those in the LBGTQ community to our president and his cabinet…and anyone they deem to have a different opinion from theirs – in any arena. Worse yet, they excuse this behavior by falsely assuming that everyone else agrees with them…especially God.
I’m giving some of us an “out” by blaming our upbringing and environment. But it’s time we all grew up! The time has come to give our thoughts and ideas a thorough examination in light of God’s word…to see where we have made decisions and comments that offend not only a person or a group, but God Almighty…to ask God to show us how to operate in the love of Christ and kick the devil’s hatred to the curb. We are not a four-year-old echoing her parents’ admonition to an older brother. And we are most certainly not echoing the voice of our Heavenly Father. But we need to be…and the shift in attitude can begin today.
Will you spend some time with God and ask Him to correct your thinking? Will this be the day that you begin to live, speak and act in a way that says, “I KNOW the Father Whom I have not seen…and I love because He first loved me?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
If anyone says, "I love God," but keeps on hating his brother, he is a liar; for if he doesn't love his brother who is right there in front of him, how can he love God whom he has never seen?
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Last week as we drove to the gas station, Timothy was seated in the back of the vehicle, and he began to make loud, silly noises. I asked him to stop. He persisted. Suddenly from the middle row seating, I heard Zola say, “Timothy! Do you want her to turn this car around and take you home?” Timothy did not answer. Then I heard almost-three-year-old Nathan chime in…”Well…DO you?” The noises stopped…and I could barely contain my laughter to drive. In that little snippet of conversation, I realized how our children truly see us. It’s true…if you listen, your children will tell you how you really sound!
Our children learn at an early age to mirror our thoughts and feelings. So a lot of us grow up with prejudice – and even hatred – that is really not our own, but rather that of our parents, other adults, society, and our peers. We learn to dislike people of another race…but our justifications make no sense. We lump people into collective groups…as in “THEY are all this way or that”…or “I do not like the XYZs or the PDQs”. When truly questioned about our reasoning…we have no explanation that is rooted in personal experience – or one that makes much sense.
I ask you…what injustice or “wrong” has been personally done to you by someone of another race or ethnicity? Why do you have such a disdain for people whose sexual orientation is different from yours? What’s it to you if a person practices another religion – or no religion at all? Did another person’s poverty or lack of education or opportunity cause you to literally miss a meal or a chance to be and do whatever you wanted with your own life? How are you personally and directly affected by another person’s race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic level, political preference, or sexual orientation?
If we are honest, we often don’t really know the people we disparage. We start out parroting what we have heard from others…and soon we have internalized it. The next thing you know, we are posting social media references to “God and Country” one minute…and spewing hate and venom toward a particular person or group in the next…and we see no problem with this!
I have to tell you, I am struggling these days to find my “church,” because a lot of people with whom I’ve worshipped and associated with for decades are schizophrenic. They SAY they love God and want to serve Him…they never hesitate to ask for prayer – or to offer to pray for someone else. They “serve” in ministries and give of their “time, talents and money.” And then they bash everyone from people on welfare and those in the LBGTQ community to our president and his cabinet…and anyone they deem to have a different opinion from theirs – in any arena. Worse yet, they excuse this behavior by falsely assuming that everyone else agrees with them…especially God.
I’m giving some of us an “out” by blaming our upbringing and environment. But it’s time we all grew up! The time has come to give our thoughts and ideas a thorough examination in light of God’s word…to see where we have made decisions and comments that offend not only a person or a group, but God Almighty…to ask God to show us how to operate in the love of Christ and kick the devil’s hatred to the curb. We are not a four-year-old echoing her parents’ admonition to an older brother. And we are most certainly not echoing the voice of our Heavenly Father. But we need to be…and the shift in attitude can begin today.
Will you spend some time with God and ask Him to correct your thinking? Will this be the day that you begin to live, speak and act in a way that says, “I KNOW the Father Whom I have not seen…and I love because He first loved me?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 18, 2015
Romans 8:31-39
What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else? If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them? Or can anyone condemn them? No indeed! Christ died and was raised to life, and now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? It is exactly as the Scriptures say,
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A Facebook friend posted today that 16 years ago, a high school classmate of hers was involved in an accident that ultimately took the life of a pedestrian. It was dark…the intersection was poorly marked and dangerous…and a man stepped out into the path of this girl’s car. Some 29 years later, the man’s daughter sent this driver a scathing “anniversary message” to tell her that she caused the man’s death. In the most vile language possible, this daughter wished the driver a life of misery and condemned her for the incident that occurred nearly three decades ago.
In the comments to this post, another friend noted that her father died seven years ago, after his motorcycle hit a deer. It was night time, the man was wearing rain gear, and a nursing student mistook him for a garbage bag…and subsequently ran over him. At the memorial for this man, his wife invited the driver to share Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family. One of these families fully understands and embraces this passage in Romans 8…the other has a long way to go.
A couple of weeks ago when the Supreme Court issued its ruling on same sex marriages, many people changed their avatar on Facebook to have a rainbow overlay. The White House was illuminated in multi-colored lighting. This signified that the long fight for same sex couples was over…that they can now enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples, including shared health care and death benefits, the ability to qualify for public housing, the right to joint adoption, and much more.
For those of us who have gay loved ones and friends, this was indeed a day to celebrate. Perhaps you disagree…and that is your right. But a day or two after this ruling, I was with a group of Christian women who declared that “It’s God’s rainbow, and we want it back.” I cannot tell you how devastating this comment was to me…and to others. And I’ll admit – I am struggling against passing judgment on those who spoke it. Clearly some of us have embraced the words from the Apostle Paul…while others are still works in progress.
For countless Christians who happen to be gay, this type of talk from brothers and sisters in Christ is dumbfounding. It goes against everything Paul is telling the Romans in these verses. If we are God’s children…His chosen ones for whom He sent Jesus to die on a cross, how can any fellow Christian fail to accept us? I say this on behalf of not only those whose sexual orientation is different from ours…but also for those whose politics are different, those who choose to look and dress differently, those who don’t make as much money or live in a neighborhood as nice as ours - or drive a car as big and expensive as the one we drive.
I say this on behalf of those whose skin is a different color, or those who come from a different country and may speak with an accent. I say this on behalf of those whose ethnicity is different from ours. I say this on behalf of devastated people who have had to grapple with the aftermath of tragic accidents – including the pain and bitterness of victims’ families.
We are called to love all people…those who believe as we do – and those who do not. Why? Because this is how God loves us! Nothing can separate us from God’s love. It is His utmost desire that all who He created come to know Jesus. How will we ever manage this if we show such disdain and disgust toward others?
I am not asking you to change your opinions about gay marriage…people of other ethnicities, races and religions…or your politics. I am not discounting pain and suffering…or the feelings of those who feel victimized. As I pointed out to Timothy recently, we have freedom of choice. Judgment of others’ decisions is not ours. Leave that to God.
I echo the words of the Apostle Paul…“If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them?” Who are you judging…and in doing so, who are you mistreating? It is God’s rainbow…but He shared it with all.of.us! His gift of Jesus was for everyone who will accept Him. It’s time we started honoring God’s gifts instead of using them to discriminate and disparage others. “In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.” Is your conduct reflecting this victory - and more? Don’t you think it’s time it did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else? If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them? Or can anyone condemn them? No indeed! Christ died and was raised to life, and now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us. Can anything separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble, suffering, and hard times, or hunger and nakedness, or danger and death? It is exactly as the Scriptures say,
In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!“For you we face death all day long. We are
like sheep on their way to be butchered.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A Facebook friend posted today that 16 years ago, a high school classmate of hers was involved in an accident that ultimately took the life of a pedestrian. It was dark…the intersection was poorly marked and dangerous…and a man stepped out into the path of this girl’s car. Some 29 years later, the man’s daughter sent this driver a scathing “anniversary message” to tell her that she caused the man’s death. In the most vile language possible, this daughter wished the driver a life of misery and condemned her for the incident that occurred nearly three decades ago.
In the comments to this post, another friend noted that her father died seven years ago, after his motorcycle hit a deer. It was night time, the man was wearing rain gear, and a nursing student mistook him for a garbage bag…and subsequently ran over him. At the memorial for this man, his wife invited the driver to share Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family. One of these families fully understands and embraces this passage in Romans 8…the other has a long way to go.
A couple of weeks ago when the Supreme Court issued its ruling on same sex marriages, many people changed their avatar on Facebook to have a rainbow overlay. The White House was illuminated in multi-colored lighting. This signified that the long fight for same sex couples was over…that they can now enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples, including shared health care and death benefits, the ability to qualify for public housing, the right to joint adoption, and much more.
For those of us who have gay loved ones and friends, this was indeed a day to celebrate. Perhaps you disagree…and that is your right. But a day or two after this ruling, I was with a group of Christian women who declared that “It’s God’s rainbow, and we want it back.” I cannot tell you how devastating this comment was to me…and to others. And I’ll admit – I am struggling against passing judgment on those who spoke it. Clearly some of us have embraced the words from the Apostle Paul…while others are still works in progress.
For countless Christians who happen to be gay, this type of talk from brothers and sisters in Christ is dumbfounding. It goes against everything Paul is telling the Romans in these verses. If we are God’s children…His chosen ones for whom He sent Jesus to die on a cross, how can any fellow Christian fail to accept us? I say this on behalf of not only those whose sexual orientation is different from ours…but also for those whose politics are different, those who choose to look and dress differently, those who don’t make as much money or live in a neighborhood as nice as ours - or drive a car as big and expensive as the one we drive.
I say this on behalf of those whose skin is a different color, or those who come from a different country and may speak with an accent. I say this on behalf of those whose ethnicity is different from ours. I say this on behalf of devastated people who have had to grapple with the aftermath of tragic accidents – including the pain and bitterness of victims’ families.
We are called to love all people…those who believe as we do – and those who do not. Why? Because this is how God loves us! Nothing can separate us from God’s love. It is His utmost desire that all who He created come to know Jesus. How will we ever manage this if we show such disdain and disgust toward others?
I am not asking you to change your opinions about gay marriage…people of other ethnicities, races and religions…or your politics. I am not discounting pain and suffering…or the feelings of those who feel victimized. As I pointed out to Timothy recently, we have freedom of choice. Judgment of others’ decisions is not ours. Leave that to God.
I echo the words of the Apostle Paul…“If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them?” Who are you judging…and in doing so, who are you mistreating? It is God’s rainbow…but He shared it with all.of.us! His gift of Jesus was for everyone who will accept Him. It’s time we started honoring God’s gifts instead of using them to discriminate and disparage others. “In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.” Is your conduct reflecting this victory - and more? Don’t you think it’s time it did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 3, 2015
Ephesians 2:7-10
Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
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.
Late night talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel does a segment called “Lie Witness News,” in which he has a “reporter” go out on the street and question people about supposed news events. For instance, on July 2, 2015, the “reporter” asked passersby made-up questions…such as telling them that the Governor of California had rescheduled the 4th of July to February - and asking them what they thought of this. You should have heard the responses. More than one person said that they had heard this news on television or the radio – or they had read about it. And did they ever have opinions about what should happen!
One woman said, “I don't agree with that totally. Please keep it on the day that history was made.” A young man responded…”It's a good time to do it during summer. The kids are out of school for the summer...the best time would be during the summer to have the 4th of July.” The reporter chimed in: "And it's a good day celebrate the signing of the Magna Carta." (Yes, he said Magna Carta!) The person being interviewed agreed..."That's the day that it happened, so that's the day it should be celebrated." "When did you hear about this?" the reporter asked him. "I probably heard it about a month ago," he answered.
This would be even funnier if it weren’t so sad. And it speaks to how we twist things to suit our own agendas – or to “fit in” with those in our midst. So it should come as no surprise that first one person or group and then another wants to take complete ownership of God and salvation through the blood of Jesus. They set themselves up as THE ONES whom God has chosen – and redeemed…and they hang the rest of the folks out to dry. You can insert your own group name here…based on your personal feelings about people of different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, economic status, or political leanings, to name a few. If there is any discrepancy or difference, the other guy is surely all wrong…and you are all right…and “God has said so.” You are quite sure that’s what you heard or read!
Essentially, this kind of thinking puts us on the same level with those interviewed on the street, who seem to “make it up as they go.” God did not set some of us apart as His agents to play judge and jury. His grace – and the gift of Salvation through Jesus did not come with discriminatory restrictions. The criteria is pretty simple…confess your sins, ask Jesus to forgive you and invite Him to dwell in your heart, then follow His commandments to love God and to love others as you love yourself. Everything else is pretty much an embellishment that we create…and a lot of us are giving ourselves far too much credit and “Spiritual authority.”
We can probably agree that some of these folks who are interviewed for the Jimmy Kimmel segments are caught off guard…that they respond in the excitement of the moment and don’t carefully consider what they are saying. But isn’t that the point? Don’t we have to be deliberate and thoughtful in everything we say and do with regard to our Christian faith and discipleship?
It is critical that we get this right. God demands it! Read the last sentence of this scripture passage again…”He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” If we are doing anything else, twisting any part of God’s plan to suit our own agenda, or embellishing His words and missions with our own, we’ve gotten it all wrong.
Where does this leave you? Will this be the day that you search your heart and make sure that you are doing God’s good work…that your words and actions line up with His plans and intentions? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
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.
Late night talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel does a segment called “Lie Witness News,” in which he has a “reporter” go out on the street and question people about supposed news events. For instance, on July 2, 2015, the “reporter” asked passersby made-up questions…such as telling them that the Governor of California had rescheduled the 4th of July to February - and asking them what they thought of this. You should have heard the responses. More than one person said that they had heard this news on television or the radio – or they had read about it. And did they ever have opinions about what should happen!
One woman said, “I don't agree with that totally. Please keep it on the day that history was made.” A young man responded…”It's a good time to do it during summer. The kids are out of school for the summer...the best time would be during the summer to have the 4th of July.” The reporter chimed in: "And it's a good day celebrate the signing of the Magna Carta." (Yes, he said Magna Carta!) The person being interviewed agreed..."That's the day that it happened, so that's the day it should be celebrated." "When did you hear about this?" the reporter asked him. "I probably heard it about a month ago," he answered.
This would be even funnier if it weren’t so sad. And it speaks to how we twist things to suit our own agendas – or to “fit in” with those in our midst. So it should come as no surprise that first one person or group and then another wants to take complete ownership of God and salvation through the blood of Jesus. They set themselves up as THE ONES whom God has chosen – and redeemed…and they hang the rest of the folks out to dry. You can insert your own group name here…based on your personal feelings about people of different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, economic status, or political leanings, to name a few. If there is any discrepancy or difference, the other guy is surely all wrong…and you are all right…and “God has said so.” You are quite sure that’s what you heard or read!
Essentially, this kind of thinking puts us on the same level with those interviewed on the street, who seem to “make it up as they go.” God did not set some of us apart as His agents to play judge and jury. His grace – and the gift of Salvation through Jesus did not come with discriminatory restrictions. The criteria is pretty simple…confess your sins, ask Jesus to forgive you and invite Him to dwell in your heart, then follow His commandments to love God and to love others as you love yourself. Everything else is pretty much an embellishment that we create…and a lot of us are giving ourselves far too much credit and “Spiritual authority.”
We can probably agree that some of these folks who are interviewed for the Jimmy Kimmel segments are caught off guard…that they respond in the excitement of the moment and don’t carefully consider what they are saying. But isn’t that the point? Don’t we have to be deliberate and thoughtful in everything we say and do with regard to our Christian faith and discipleship?
It is critical that we get this right. God demands it! Read the last sentence of this scripture passage again…”He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” If we are doing anything else, twisting any part of God’s plan to suit our own agenda, or embellishing His words and missions with our own, we’ve gotten it all wrong.
Where does this leave you? Will this be the day that you search your heart and make sure that you are doing God’s good work…that your words and actions line up with His plans and intentions? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 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
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 27, 2015
Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in. On the day of judgment many will call me their Lord. They will say, “We preached in your name, and in your name we forced out demons and worked many miracles.” But I will tell them, “I will have nothing to do with you! Get out of my sight, you evil people!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I spent several hours last night visiting with lifelong friends, and I cannot count how many times we opened our phones and used Google to answer a question. How old is this person? What happened to that one? Was a certain celebrity ever married? It was all trivial conversation (and I promise, we were not gossiping!). But rather than speculate, we tried to obtain the facts with regard to our conversation. Now, before you say it…we all know that you cannot believe everything you find on the Internet. But we were pretty confident that our search results were at least somewhat more accurate than our own guesses and opinions!
In the end, I would say that we were pretty careful to keep the conversation non-judgmental and loving…to honor our friendship AND our Christian faith. We discussed old neighborhoods, politics, religion and philosophies…and we “kept it clean” - and kind. If I had to gauge the visit by whether we loved and respected each other…and loved others as God loves us…I would have to say we did pretty well!
If you go back and read all of Matthew 7, it begins with Jesus admonishing us to…”take the log out of your own eye. Then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend’s eye.”(v. 5) Sadly, there are a lot of people who have some pretty big “logs in the eyes”...and yet, they continue to tell others how to remove their “speck.”
I am reminded of the phrase we often hear…”Love the sinner…hate the sin.” Someone recently asked me exactly how I thought the two could be separated…and it’s a valid question. Because if we “hate the sin”…aren’t we judging the sinner? Aren’t we elevating ourselves to Jesus’ level by even naming another person’s “sin?” In other words, when I claim in the name of Jesus Christ that I am right and you are wrong…how have I loved like Jesus? Haven’t I somewhat set myself on equal footing with Him? Where does the Bible teach us that we are ever bumped up to that rank?
Many of us consult Google or another search engine several times each and every day in an attempt to gain the facts. Yet we fail to do the same with our LORD and Savior. We fail to search the heart and teachings of Jesus and ask Him…”What do You have to say about this? What is the proper response from me? How do I share You and Your love for others in this situation?”
Somehow, I think Jesus will show us that a lot of the ranting, raving, demonstrating and judging that we are operating in are not the answer. And that’s a start. Once we discern what He desires, we can truly begin to act as His disciples. We must recognize that to behave otherwise truly is evil…and totally counter to what Jesus has commanded of us.
I may not always get it right…but I want to be able to say that I always loved Jesus with all my heart…and loved others as He loves me. If I do these things, I trust that He will handle the rest. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in. On the day of judgment many will call me their Lord. They will say, “We preached in your name, and in your name we forced out demons and worked many miracles.” But I will tell them, “I will have nothing to do with you! Get out of my sight, you evil people!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I spent several hours last night visiting with lifelong friends, and I cannot count how many times we opened our phones and used Google to answer a question. How old is this person? What happened to that one? Was a certain celebrity ever married? It was all trivial conversation (and I promise, we were not gossiping!). But rather than speculate, we tried to obtain the facts with regard to our conversation. Now, before you say it…we all know that you cannot believe everything you find on the Internet. But we were pretty confident that our search results were at least somewhat more accurate than our own guesses and opinions!
In the end, I would say that we were pretty careful to keep the conversation non-judgmental and loving…to honor our friendship AND our Christian faith. We discussed old neighborhoods, politics, religion and philosophies…and we “kept it clean” - and kind. If I had to gauge the visit by whether we loved and respected each other…and loved others as God loves us…I would have to say we did pretty well!
If you go back and read all of Matthew 7, it begins with Jesus admonishing us to…”take the log out of your own eye. Then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend’s eye.”(v. 5) Sadly, there are a lot of people who have some pretty big “logs in the eyes”...and yet, they continue to tell others how to remove their “speck.”
I am reminded of the phrase we often hear…”Love the sinner…hate the sin.” Someone recently asked me exactly how I thought the two could be separated…and it’s a valid question. Because if we “hate the sin”…aren’t we judging the sinner? Aren’t we elevating ourselves to Jesus’ level by even naming another person’s “sin?” In other words, when I claim in the name of Jesus Christ that I am right and you are wrong…how have I loved like Jesus? Haven’t I somewhat set myself on equal footing with Him? Where does the Bible teach us that we are ever bumped up to that rank?
Many of us consult Google or another search engine several times each and every day in an attempt to gain the facts. Yet we fail to do the same with our LORD and Savior. We fail to search the heart and teachings of Jesus and ask Him…”What do You have to say about this? What is the proper response from me? How do I share You and Your love for others in this situation?”
Somehow, I think Jesus will show us that a lot of the ranting, raving, demonstrating and judging that we are operating in are not the answer. And that’s a start. Once we discern what He desires, we can truly begin to act as His disciples. We must recognize that to behave otherwise truly is evil…and totally counter to what Jesus has commanded of us.
I may not always get it right…but I want to be able to say that I always loved Jesus with all my heart…and loved others as He loves me. If I do these things, I trust that He will handle the rest. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 20, 2015
Jeremiah 33:14
Yes, the day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good I promised them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite television programs is CBS Sunday Morning. We record it each week to watch at our convenience…and I am never disappointed. The program offers a good mix of feature stories that are timely and interesting, on subjects from history to sports, art and entertainment, and some great profiles of fascinating people – both famous and obscure.
The latest edition of this program included a feature on a group of “ordinary” folks who have declared themselves to be atheists. The reasons for choosing this path were varied…some were former Christians who left their faith, while others never grew up in the church or found “mainstream religion” appealing. All were drawn to the atheist camp because they found the tenets meshed well with their way of thinking.
Our natural reaction as Christians is 1) to want to tell these people how wrong they are; and 2) to fear them. Studies show that approximately 7% of the American population does not believe in God…but only 2.4% of them claim to be “atheists”. One of the men interviewed for the piece said that atheists are treated as if they are evil. Another said that once one declares to be an atheist, “doors close”.
When a few of the self-proclaimed atheists interviewed for this piece were asked what they wanted people to know about atheists and what they believe, this is how they responded… “People can make the world a better place if they work together. People can be good. Believe what can be proven...love other people...treat them with love, and they will treat you back that way. Live a life of integrity...be honest.”
The Rev. Dr. Luke Powery, Dean of Duke University Chapel, was interviewed for this CBS story. He maintains that…”Doubt is part of faith.” He says that questions such as, “God are you there?" are found throughout the Hebrew scriptures and Psalms. Powery maintains that there can be anger against God…and a journey of doubt and questioning. But he explains that this is actually part of building our faith…admitting to God that we want to believe - but we need help with our “unbelief”.
As I watched this story, I asked myself…”In reacting and responding to this…how do I reflect my own Christian faith?” Do I try to make a point with un-believers (some of whom now call themselves “Openly Secular”)…or do I make a difference by how I demonstrate my love and devotion to Jesus Christ? If you read through the comments I shared about what atheists/Openly Secular people want others to know about them, you will see that many of these sentiments are the very tenets that Jesus gave us…love one another…treat others as you wish to be treated…do not lie, cheat, or steal.
I have to wonder…in our “zeal” to share the Gospel of Jesus, are we often more concerned with proving that we are right – or are we truly interested in preparing ourselves and others for Heaven and Christ’s return for His church? When we invest so much time and energy in fights to put physical copies of the Ten Commandments in public places, rather than demonstrating our obedience to these laws in our everyday living, what are we really saying? When we are so vocal about “returning prayer to public schools” (it never left, you know!) instead of falling to our knees and sincerely praying for others, what have we accomplished?
When we are so busy fighting for our personal agendas that we don’t have time to tend to those who are sick, suffering and in need…what does this tell those who say that God does not exist? Are we really showing them that He does? When “church” is a show (in every sense of the word) rather than a gathering of the body of Christ to worship and serve…are we truly creating an atmosphere that welcomes others and gives them hope and promise in Jesus Christ – and a reason to turn to Him?
I have to say that I am glad this segment aired – and that I saw it. I have a new perspective on the “Openly Secular” and how I respond to them. The Rev. Dr. Luke Powery was asked whether he believed that these unbelievers would go to hell, and he replied, “I am not God.” He explained that it is not up to him to decide who goes to hell – or to heaven, for that matter. It is also not our job to condemn the very people we wish to reach. We must start seeking God’s will in every situation…demonstrating the teachings of Jesus…and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and guide our outward words and actions.
With all my heart, I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that He is preparing an eternal home for me…and that He will someday return for His church at large. I want to live for Him in such a way that others say, “I want in on this!” And that means that I have to carefully consider my words and actions and determine whether they make a difference for the Kingdom of Heaven…or an “extra point” in my personal “Christian playbook”. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Yes, the day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good I promised them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite television programs is CBS Sunday Morning. We record it each week to watch at our convenience…and I am never disappointed. The program offers a good mix of feature stories that are timely and interesting, on subjects from history to sports, art and entertainment, and some great profiles of fascinating people – both famous and obscure.
The latest edition of this program included a feature on a group of “ordinary” folks who have declared themselves to be atheists. The reasons for choosing this path were varied…some were former Christians who left their faith, while others never grew up in the church or found “mainstream religion” appealing. All were drawn to the atheist camp because they found the tenets meshed well with their way of thinking.
Our natural reaction as Christians is 1) to want to tell these people how wrong they are; and 2) to fear them. Studies show that approximately 7% of the American population does not believe in God…but only 2.4% of them claim to be “atheists”. One of the men interviewed for the piece said that atheists are treated as if they are evil. Another said that once one declares to be an atheist, “doors close”.
When a few of the self-proclaimed atheists interviewed for this piece were asked what they wanted people to know about atheists and what they believe, this is how they responded… “People can make the world a better place if they work together. People can be good. Believe what can be proven...love other people...treat them with love, and they will treat you back that way. Live a life of integrity...be honest.”
The Rev. Dr. Luke Powery, Dean of Duke University Chapel, was interviewed for this CBS story. He maintains that…”Doubt is part of faith.” He says that questions such as, “God are you there?" are found throughout the Hebrew scriptures and Psalms. Powery maintains that there can be anger against God…and a journey of doubt and questioning. But he explains that this is actually part of building our faith…admitting to God that we want to believe - but we need help with our “unbelief”.
As I watched this story, I asked myself…”In reacting and responding to this…how do I reflect my own Christian faith?” Do I try to make a point with un-believers (some of whom now call themselves “Openly Secular”)…or do I make a difference by how I demonstrate my love and devotion to Jesus Christ? If you read through the comments I shared about what atheists/Openly Secular people want others to know about them, you will see that many of these sentiments are the very tenets that Jesus gave us…love one another…treat others as you wish to be treated…do not lie, cheat, or steal.
I have to wonder…in our “zeal” to share the Gospel of Jesus, are we often more concerned with proving that we are right – or are we truly interested in preparing ourselves and others for Heaven and Christ’s return for His church? When we invest so much time and energy in fights to put physical copies of the Ten Commandments in public places, rather than demonstrating our obedience to these laws in our everyday living, what are we really saying? When we are so vocal about “returning prayer to public schools” (it never left, you know!) instead of falling to our knees and sincerely praying for others, what have we accomplished?
When we are so busy fighting for our personal agendas that we don’t have time to tend to those who are sick, suffering and in need…what does this tell those who say that God does not exist? Are we really showing them that He does? When “church” is a show (in every sense of the word) rather than a gathering of the body of Christ to worship and serve…are we truly creating an atmosphere that welcomes others and gives them hope and promise in Jesus Christ – and a reason to turn to Him?
I have to say that I am glad this segment aired – and that I saw it. I have a new perspective on the “Openly Secular” and how I respond to them. The Rev. Dr. Luke Powery was asked whether he believed that these unbelievers would go to hell, and he replied, “I am not God.” He explained that it is not up to him to decide who goes to hell – or to heaven, for that matter. It is also not our job to condemn the very people we wish to reach. We must start seeking God’s will in every situation…demonstrating the teachings of Jesus…and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and guide our outward words and actions.
With all my heart, I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that He is preparing an eternal home for me…and that He will someday return for His church at large. I want to live for Him in such a way that others say, “I want in on this!” And that means that I have to carefully consider my words and actions and determine whether they make a difference for the Kingdom of Heaven…or an “extra point” in my personal “Christian playbook”. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 19, 2015
Philippians 2:5-11
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.
Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.
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 saw this quote Facebook…”Don't worry about what I'm doing. Worry about why you're worried about what I'm doing.” The author was un-cited. As I read this scripture passage, I was struck by a couple of thoughts. I’m reading Marjorie Holmes’ book, Three From Galilee*, a fictional novel based on the lives of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Through this account, the reader is able to see Jesus as a real person…a little boy very much like our nephews Timothy and Nathan…or a precocious pre-teen like our nephew Chase.
I am still reading the book, so I do not know whether this story concludes before Jesus becomes a man. But the point is that even in this fictional depiction, Jesus took on the very ordinary life of a young boy. He played and worked alongside Joseph, did chores for His mother, and was very much an “ordinary” boy. Jesus set aside His “position” and became 100% human!
Okay, so what does this mean for us? It means that Jesus KNOWS what it’s like to be us…I mean, He really knows! He understands what we have gone through – and what is ahead for us, because He lived much of it! He endured things that – hopefully – none of us will ever have to experience…torture, unimaginable ridicule, and the most heinous of deaths. Jesus gets us!
Again I thought about this quote…and how we are often consumed with what others are thinking and/or how they are acting. We are so worried about what he did or she said – and WHY – and in doing so, we elevate ourselves to a level of superiority that is unmerited. If Jesus Christ humbled Himself and didn’t “play the Son of God card” as a general rule…what right do we have to judge others and act all high and mighty? The bottom line is that we do not know what is in another person’s heart…we have no clue what demons they battle, how well they slept last night, or what is going on behind the closed doors of their abode. But God does.
So we must trust God to judge…to rule…to “fix people”…and we must concentrate on our own relationship with Him and doing what WE are supposed to do. We must look at Jesus’ model and learn His ways. We must humbly interact with others and serve God with faithful obedience…and He will bless us in ways we cannot begin to imagine.
Where is God in these everyday situations? Sometimes, it is hard to see His presence in many people and circumstances of our everyday living. But I assure you…God is with us! Just as surely as He operated through the human Jesus, God is with us, each and every minute of the day. We can allow Him room to work…or we can muddy the waters with our meddling. Which will you choose?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.amazon.com/Three-From-Galilee-Young-Nazareth/dp/0425205509
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.
Because of that obedience, God lifted him high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.
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 saw this quote Facebook…”Don't worry about what I'm doing. Worry about why you're worried about what I'm doing.” The author was un-cited. As I read this scripture passage, I was struck by a couple of thoughts. I’m reading Marjorie Holmes’ book, Three From Galilee*, a fictional novel based on the lives of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Through this account, the reader is able to see Jesus as a real person…a little boy very much like our nephews Timothy and Nathan…or a precocious pre-teen like our nephew Chase.
I am still reading the book, so I do not know whether this story concludes before Jesus becomes a man. But the point is that even in this fictional depiction, Jesus took on the very ordinary life of a young boy. He played and worked alongside Joseph, did chores for His mother, and was very much an “ordinary” boy. Jesus set aside His “position” and became 100% human!
Okay, so what does this mean for us? It means that Jesus KNOWS what it’s like to be us…I mean, He really knows! He understands what we have gone through – and what is ahead for us, because He lived much of it! He endured things that – hopefully – none of us will ever have to experience…torture, unimaginable ridicule, and the most heinous of deaths. Jesus gets us!
Again I thought about this quote…and how we are often consumed with what others are thinking and/or how they are acting. We are so worried about what he did or she said – and WHY – and in doing so, we elevate ourselves to a level of superiority that is unmerited. If Jesus Christ humbled Himself and didn’t “play the Son of God card” as a general rule…what right do we have to judge others and act all high and mighty? The bottom line is that we do not know what is in another person’s heart…we have no clue what demons they battle, how well they slept last night, or what is going on behind the closed doors of their abode. But God does.
So we must trust God to judge…to rule…to “fix people”…and we must concentrate on our own relationship with Him and doing what WE are supposed to do. We must look at Jesus’ model and learn His ways. We must humbly interact with others and serve God with faithful obedience…and He will bless us in ways we cannot begin to imagine.
Where is God in these everyday situations? Sometimes, it is hard to see His presence in many people and circumstances of our everyday living. But I assure you…God is with us! Just as surely as He operated through the human Jesus, God is with us, each and every minute of the day. We can allow Him room to work…or we can muddy the waters with our meddling. Which will you choose?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.amazon.com/Three-From-Galilee-Young-Nazareth/dp/0425205509
Daily Devotional for January 27, 2015
Romans 16:17
And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Several years ago, Greg worked with a man who would say, “If you lie, you fry!...Hezekiah 3:5”. Sounds good, right? And truly, there are a lot of scripture verses about honesty…but this is not one of them! Let me know if you find the Book of Hezekiah in your Bible!
The October 2010 issue of Tails magazine carried a photo of celebrity chef Rachael Ray and her dog, with this headline…” Rachael Ray finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog”. Oh, what a difference punctuation can make!
I share these two examples to illustrate that it is easy to get the wrong idea and/or misinterpret what we read and hear. And nowhere is this more prevalent than in the understanding of Scripture. Many times while writing these devotionals, I must back up and read the surrounding verses – or even surrounding chapters – to determine what was really being said and intended in a particular passage. Yet many wish to take one or two verses – or even a portion of a verse – and make it fit a specific agenda. And this is where we get into trouble.
Paul is challenging the Romans to carefully consider what we read and hear…and this is good advice in all arenas – not just the scriptures. Study the Bible and discern what God is really telling you in each verse. Dig deeply and make sure you understand the nuances and “where the commas have been removed” by some. Don’t take everything people tell you – or that you see in print – as the Gospel. Ask questions…use your head…proceed with caution.
If you lie, you very well might “fry”…but not because “Hezekiah” said so. And I know with a fair amount of certainty that Rachael Ray is not inspired by cooking her family and her dog. Where have you drawn wrong conclusions based on a snippet of information? Isn’t this a great day to start gathering all the facts and letting them guide your steps instead?
©2015 Debbie Robus
And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Several years ago, Greg worked with a man who would say, “If you lie, you fry!...Hezekiah 3:5”. Sounds good, right? And truly, there are a lot of scripture verses about honesty…but this is not one of them! Let me know if you find the Book of Hezekiah in your Bible!
The October 2010 issue of Tails magazine carried a photo of celebrity chef Rachael Ray and her dog, with this headline…” Rachael Ray finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog”. Oh, what a difference punctuation can make!
I share these two examples to illustrate that it is easy to get the wrong idea and/or misinterpret what we read and hear. And nowhere is this more prevalent than in the understanding of Scripture. Many times while writing these devotionals, I must back up and read the surrounding verses – or even surrounding chapters – to determine what was really being said and intended in a particular passage. Yet many wish to take one or two verses – or even a portion of a verse – and make it fit a specific agenda. And this is where we get into trouble.
Paul is challenging the Romans to carefully consider what we read and hear…and this is good advice in all arenas – not just the scriptures. Study the Bible and discern what God is really telling you in each verse. Dig deeply and make sure you understand the nuances and “where the commas have been removed” by some. Don’t take everything people tell you – or that you see in print – as the Gospel. Ask questions…use your head…proceed with caution.
If you lie, you very well might “fry”…but not because “Hezekiah” said so. And I know with a fair amount of certainty that Rachael Ray is not inspired by cooking her family and her dog. Where have you drawn wrong conclusions based on a snippet of information? Isn’t this a great day to start gathering all the facts and letting them guide your steps instead?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 26, 2015
Romans 14:6-9
What’s important in all this is that if you keep a holy day, keep it for God’s sake; if you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God for prime rib; if you’re a vegetarian, eat vegetables to the glory of God and thank God for broccoli. None of us are permitted to insist on our own way in these matters. It’s God we are answerable to—all the way from life to death and everything in between—not each other. That’s why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I was very young, there was a “shouting match” at our church service one evening. At least one man sitting in our congregation began to try to “shout down” the pastor as he spoke while standing at the pulpit.
I was too little to understand why they were arguing, but my mother said it centered partly on comments the pastor had made to choir members who did not attend the Wednesday night prayer meetings. This man told the choir members that when they came into the sanctuary on Sunday morning, and he saw the faces of those who had not attended prayer meeting, they were an “affront” to him.
Do you see a problem here? Christian people who honored God by devoting their time and energy to participate in a church choir on Sundays were berated because they weren’t attending a prayer service on Wednesdays! This offended the pastor – and obviously he judged their Christian faith and witness accordingly.
I’ll be the first to tell you that there is a LOT about the Bible that I do not know or understand. But I honestly don’t know of any scripture that says you have to attend every service that your church holds each week. Just because you have a lovely voice doesn’t mean you have to sing in the choir. We are supposed to read God’s word, but I’m not familiar with any scriptures that say, “You must go to Sunday school and attend organized Bible studies.” I don’t recall Jesus sharing His last supper with the disciples and saying, “You can only do this in remembrance of Me at certain churches or in specific settings.”
We humans have created a plethora of rules about our Christian faith…and nothing could be more of a paradox. A holy Christian relationship that encompasses grace, mercy, acceptance and love is often used as a justification for some of the worst judgments and persecutions of others. And I have to believe that God hangs His head in heartache and disappointment.
But we can change this…and it starts with you and me. We can dig deeply into God’s word and spend some serious time in conversation with Him. We can genuinely ask Him, “Where – and how – do you wish for me to serve and witness?”…and DO IT! We can leave judgment and intolerance of others - and how THEY worship - out of our lives…and let every person work out his/her discipleship as God directs them.
As Paul explained to the Romans…Jesus died to release us from such “petty tyrannies”. Isn’t it time we let them go once and for all?
©2015 Debbie Robus
What’s important in all this is that if you keep a holy day, keep it for God’s sake; if you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God for prime rib; if you’re a vegetarian, eat vegetables to the glory of God and thank God for broccoli. None of us are permitted to insist on our own way in these matters. It’s God we are answerable to—all the way from life to death and everything in between—not each other. That’s why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I was very young, there was a “shouting match” at our church service one evening. At least one man sitting in our congregation began to try to “shout down” the pastor as he spoke while standing at the pulpit.
I was too little to understand why they were arguing, but my mother said it centered partly on comments the pastor had made to choir members who did not attend the Wednesday night prayer meetings. This man told the choir members that when they came into the sanctuary on Sunday morning, and he saw the faces of those who had not attended prayer meeting, they were an “affront” to him.
Do you see a problem here? Christian people who honored God by devoting their time and energy to participate in a church choir on Sundays were berated because they weren’t attending a prayer service on Wednesdays! This offended the pastor – and obviously he judged their Christian faith and witness accordingly.
I’ll be the first to tell you that there is a LOT about the Bible that I do not know or understand. But I honestly don’t know of any scripture that says you have to attend every service that your church holds each week. Just because you have a lovely voice doesn’t mean you have to sing in the choir. We are supposed to read God’s word, but I’m not familiar with any scriptures that say, “You must go to Sunday school and attend organized Bible studies.” I don’t recall Jesus sharing His last supper with the disciples and saying, “You can only do this in remembrance of Me at certain churches or in specific settings.”
We humans have created a plethora of rules about our Christian faith…and nothing could be more of a paradox. A holy Christian relationship that encompasses grace, mercy, acceptance and love is often used as a justification for some of the worst judgments and persecutions of others. And I have to believe that God hangs His head in heartache and disappointment.
But we can change this…and it starts with you and me. We can dig deeply into God’s word and spend some serious time in conversation with Him. We can genuinely ask Him, “Where – and how – do you wish for me to serve and witness?”…and DO IT! We can leave judgment and intolerance of others - and how THEY worship - out of our lives…and let every person work out his/her discipleship as God directs them.
As Paul explained to the Romans…Jesus died to release us from such “petty tyrannies”. Isn’t it time we let them go once and for all?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 21, 2015
Philippians 1:17-18
But the ones who are jealous of us are not sincere. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am in jail. But that doesn’t matter. All that matters is that people are telling about Christ, whether they are sincere or not. That is what makes me glad.
I will keep on being glad...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg recently helped his mother purchase a new computer. I was visiting her one day, and she asked me to help her find something on the Internet. I am not familiar with this new machine, but I fumbled around and found what she was seeking. She turned to me and said, “You and Greg do things differently on the computer, don’t you?!” I agreed with her that, aside from my unfamiliarity with this particular computer, our “methods” probably differ a little…but we achieve the same end result.
These words of the Apostle Paul have great relevance for us today. It has become common in certain situations for a person to have a “platform”…a cause that he/she champions – often with great passion. Some people have missions that are near and dear to their hearts…and yes, some people simply have personal agendas. But many folks from all of these “camps” have a common denominator…they truly love Jesus and desire to live for Him and serve others in His name.
Many people want to share the love of Christ with others…but their “methods” of doing so can vary greatly. This doesn’t make them bad or wrong. As Paul points out…all that matters is that they share the message of Jesus Christ. Instead of criticizing our friends and neighbors because they don’t mirror our politics, lifestyle choices, skin color or ethnicity, economic level, preferences in style and physical appearance – or they root for a different sports team! – let’s look at their heart.
Consider whether they love Jesus – and it shows! Do they minister to others in His name? Do they demonstrate His teachings and operate in grace, mercy, forgiveness, tolerance, compassion, and unconditional love? If the answer is yes, then be glad. The rest is all just immaterial “fluff” that doesn’t truly matter in the quest to love and serve God and further His Kingdom. This is the real mission!
Are you focused on what really matters…or are you bogged down by the extraneous distractions that the devil wishes to flood into our lives? Isn’t it time we dropped all of the judgments and looked at the heart of others? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
But the ones who are jealous of us are not sincere. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am in jail. But that doesn’t matter. All that matters is that people are telling about Christ, whether they are sincere or not. That is what makes me glad.
I will keep on being glad...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg recently helped his mother purchase a new computer. I was visiting her one day, and she asked me to help her find something on the Internet. I am not familiar with this new machine, but I fumbled around and found what she was seeking. She turned to me and said, “You and Greg do things differently on the computer, don’t you?!” I agreed with her that, aside from my unfamiliarity with this particular computer, our “methods” probably differ a little…but we achieve the same end result.
These words of the Apostle Paul have great relevance for us today. It has become common in certain situations for a person to have a “platform”…a cause that he/she champions – often with great passion. Some people have missions that are near and dear to their hearts…and yes, some people simply have personal agendas. But many folks from all of these “camps” have a common denominator…they truly love Jesus and desire to live for Him and serve others in His name.
Many people want to share the love of Christ with others…but their “methods” of doing so can vary greatly. This doesn’t make them bad or wrong. As Paul points out…all that matters is that they share the message of Jesus Christ. Instead of criticizing our friends and neighbors because they don’t mirror our politics, lifestyle choices, skin color or ethnicity, economic level, preferences in style and physical appearance – or they root for a different sports team! – let’s look at their heart.
Consider whether they love Jesus – and it shows! Do they minister to others in His name? Do they demonstrate His teachings and operate in grace, mercy, forgiveness, tolerance, compassion, and unconditional love? If the answer is yes, then be glad. The rest is all just immaterial “fluff” that doesn’t truly matter in the quest to love and serve God and further His Kingdom. This is the real mission!
Are you focused on what really matters…or are you bogged down by the extraneous distractions that the devil wishes to flood into our lives? Isn’t it time we dropped all of the judgments and looked at the heart of others? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 13, 2015
John 8:6-8
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.
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 first year I taught, I had 31 first-grade students…and a year-long supply budget of $50. This was supposed to furnish me with everything from chalk to “magic markers” to paper for arts and crafts. So I made a list of things that I thought I might need to supplement this tiny budget…and I asked each child to bring one item on the list. One child brought potting soil…another brought tissues…another brought some construction paper, and so on. One little girl was asked to bring plastic cups. I planned to use these for things like planting beans as a science experiment (hence the potting soil I had requested!).
One morning, this child arrived with a big brown paper sack and a smile that covered her face. “Here are the cups,” she said proudly. “My mom got married, and they were left over from her wedding.” Inside were more than two dozen plastic wine glasses with snap-on “stems”. You can’t make this stuff up! I thanked her for the contribution and put them on the shelf with the other supplies. Some almost-40 years later, I cannot recall what we did with the cups, but I know we used them for something. We had to…it meant too much to this little girl.
Never mind that a lot of the other parents would be less than thrilled for their child to bring home a bean growing out of a stemmed wine “goblet”…forget that this was not really a suitable “planter” for the science project. To have tossed these aside as less than acceptable would have been the same as telling this darling little brown-eyed girl that she was not worthy – that her contribution was no good. And yet, we do this to people every single day in some form or another.
We make snap judgments and criticize…we blame others for things that there is no way they could have controlled…we lift ourselves by trying to make other people look small…we “cast stones” and pretend that we are sinless. We know better…but somehow, we cannot seem to do better!
I wonder just how long Jesus will continue to draw and dig in the sand and be patient with us. He’s already shown us more mercy and tolerance than any of us could ever deserve. Isn’t it time we started checking ourselves a little more closely? Shouldn’t we be asking that proverbial question, “What would Jesus do?” a little more often…and then making our thoughts, words and actions line up with His? Aren’t you ready to drop the stones…and have others drop the ones they have lined up for you? Wouldn’t this be a good day to begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger in the dirt. They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, “The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone.” Bending down again, he wrote some more in the dirt.
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 first year I taught, I had 31 first-grade students…and a year-long supply budget of $50. This was supposed to furnish me with everything from chalk to “magic markers” to paper for arts and crafts. So I made a list of things that I thought I might need to supplement this tiny budget…and I asked each child to bring one item on the list. One child brought potting soil…another brought tissues…another brought some construction paper, and so on. One little girl was asked to bring plastic cups. I planned to use these for things like planting beans as a science experiment (hence the potting soil I had requested!).
One morning, this child arrived with a big brown paper sack and a smile that covered her face. “Here are the cups,” she said proudly. “My mom got married, and they were left over from her wedding.” Inside were more than two dozen plastic wine glasses with snap-on “stems”. You can’t make this stuff up! I thanked her for the contribution and put them on the shelf with the other supplies. Some almost-40 years later, I cannot recall what we did with the cups, but I know we used them for something. We had to…it meant too much to this little girl.
Never mind that a lot of the other parents would be less than thrilled for their child to bring home a bean growing out of a stemmed wine “goblet”…forget that this was not really a suitable “planter” for the science project. To have tossed these aside as less than acceptable would have been the same as telling this darling little brown-eyed girl that she was not worthy – that her contribution was no good. And yet, we do this to people every single day in some form or another.
We make snap judgments and criticize…we blame others for things that there is no way they could have controlled…we lift ourselves by trying to make other people look small…we “cast stones” and pretend that we are sinless. We know better…but somehow, we cannot seem to do better!
I wonder just how long Jesus will continue to draw and dig in the sand and be patient with us. He’s already shown us more mercy and tolerance than any of us could ever deserve. Isn’t it time we started checking ourselves a little more closely? Shouldn’t we be asking that proverbial question, “What would Jesus do?” a little more often…and then making our thoughts, words and actions line up with His? Aren’t you ready to drop the stones…and have others drop the ones they have lined up for you? Wouldn’t this be a good day to begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 15, 2015
1 Timothy 4:1-4
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.
They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I still remember when my grandmother was visiting her doctor a few years ago, and he asked her how she planned to vote. She told him…and his reply was, “Well, I’m voting how GOD says!” They were clearly not voting for the same person! Mam-ma Polly gave him a dirty look. As we left, he muttered, "I thought that would get a response." I looked at him and said, "I think that was Divine Intervention. You had better thank your lucky stars that she didn't say give you an earful!"
Everywhere we turn, it seems that someone has figured out all of the answers. These people know what the Bible says – and exactly what God meant by every word…and they are more than eager to set the rest of us straight! At the very least, we are judged because we don’t “follow the rules” – as they interpret them. This has caused so much angst and heartache, ruined relationships, split churches and even sparked horrific wars.
Listen to Paul’s words to Timothy…truly study the scriptures for yourself, and prayerfully consider what God is telling you. Research a handful of translations to gain new insights, and open your heart and mind to God’s true intentions – then follow His lead. Don’t joke about God telling you what to do or how to act…really trust Him for these things. Don’t get caught up in the rules and opinions of others…and do not shame others who do not agree with you on every issue.
God has not called us to an “us vs. them” faith. He created the world and everything that is in it…and He will show us how to live according to His will. Our job is to hear what He says to us and follow His rules…and thankfully live every day in His presence and abundance.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.
They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I still remember when my grandmother was visiting her doctor a few years ago, and he asked her how she planned to vote. She told him…and his reply was, “Well, I’m voting how GOD says!” They were clearly not voting for the same person! Mam-ma Polly gave him a dirty look. As we left, he muttered, "I thought that would get a response." I looked at him and said, "I think that was Divine Intervention. You had better thank your lucky stars that she didn't say give you an earful!"
Everywhere we turn, it seems that someone has figured out all of the answers. These people know what the Bible says – and exactly what God meant by every word…and they are more than eager to set the rest of us straight! At the very least, we are judged because we don’t “follow the rules” – as they interpret them. This has caused so much angst and heartache, ruined relationships, split churches and even sparked horrific wars.
Listen to Paul’s words to Timothy…truly study the scriptures for yourself, and prayerfully consider what God is telling you. Research a handful of translations to gain new insights, and open your heart and mind to God’s true intentions – then follow His lead. Don’t joke about God telling you what to do or how to act…really trust Him for these things. Don’t get caught up in the rules and opinions of others…and do not shame others who do not agree with you on every issue.
God has not called us to an “us vs. them” faith. He created the world and everything that is in it…and He will show us how to live according to His will. Our job is to hear what He says to us and follow His rules…and thankfully live every day in His presence and abundance.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 12, 2014
Luke 11:4
Forgive our sins,
as we forgive everyone
who has done wrong to us.
And keep us
from being tempted.’”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone.” - Robin Williams as Lance Clayton in World’s Greatest Dad (2009)
Is there anyone over the age of 16 who doesn’t know at least some of the work of Robin McLaurin Williams? When the 63-year-old actor/comedian was found dead yesterday...the victim of an apparent suicide...social media and cable news networks lit up with recollections of his life...and suppositions about its end. One Facebook friend, who is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), posted, “Who I feel sad for are his wife, children, friends and loved ones. Suicide is so pointless & selfish.”
Many years ago, an acquaintance of mine took her own life. At her funeral, the pastor addressed this head-on. He noted that many consider suicide to be a sin...an act of “murder”, so to speak. He also said that we naturally ask, “How could this person do this? It’s so selfish...so hurtful and cruel to those left behind!” But he said of this person, “This was not the 'Jane' (not her real name) we knew and loved. She would never have done this were she in her right mind. Something was terribly wrong...she was so tormented in some way that her mental state was altered. Some people believe that even Christians who commit suicide go to hell. I believe that God understands their suffering and makes an allowance."
Forgive our sins, as we forgive everyone
who has done wrong to us.
Yes, suicide seems selfish to those of us who are left behind to grieve and wonder how we could have prevented it. Did we miss obvious signs? Were there things we could have done to prevent it? Were we too busy...too disinterested...too self-absorbed? We worry about our loved ones...in taking their own life, did they “sell their soul to the devil”? Are they doomed to hell for all eternity for this?
I don't think that anyone in their "right mind" would choose suicide...including Robin Williams. I don't believe that he would have purposely done this to his family and friends. Like my friend, I believe that Williams was so mentally tortured that he felt he had no other alternative. He may have believed that everyone else would be better off without him around to drag them down and cause them unnecessary worry and unhappiness.
Depression is insidious...and heartbreaking for everyone it affects...including onlookers. Couple depression with alcohol or drug addiction, and you potentially have the recipe for a ticking time bomb. As distressing and tragic as this loss – and others like it – are for all of us, I believe our job as Christians is to extend mercy and compassion to everyone involved...including the victim. Rather than impose our own selfishness and indignation that someone would “do this to us”...let’s consider the torment that may have overwhelmed this person and clouded his/her thoughts and actions. Like my former pastor, I believe that this is exactly what God does when a Christian succumbs to suicide.
I pray that we find it in our hearts to offer mercy and forgiveness to those who “wrong” us in some way – or those whom we feel have wronged us, whether this was truly their intention or not. May we be tenderhearted toward them and offer compassion for whatever pain and suffering may have plagued their hearts and minds. I pray that God will help us not to judge others...or to selfishly impose OUR hurts and indignations on them.
James Lipton, the host of a program called “Inside the Actors Studio,” once interviewed Robin Williams and asked him... “If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?” Williams replied, “There’s seating near the front!” I trust that Robin Williams had a relationship with Jesus...and that God has welcomed him with open arms and taken every single heartache and burden from him...and filled him with complete peace and joy.
Williams also told James Lipton that he hoped there was laughter in heaven. So do I! Maybe Robin Williams will be there - near the front, creating a few chuckles of his own! Meanwhile, I pray that we will become more aware of the burdens and sufferings of others...that we will offer them love, compassion, grace and mercy. I pray that Robin Williams’ death will serve as a reminder that “there is a heartache on every pew” – as my pastor tells us often. May we act in such a way that we reflect the amazing love and mercy of Jesus to everyone we encounter...and share His message of hope with each of them.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Forgive our sins,
as we forgive everyone
who has done wrong to us.
And keep us
from being tempted.’”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone.” - Robin Williams as Lance Clayton in World’s Greatest Dad (2009)
Is there anyone over the age of 16 who doesn’t know at least some of the work of Robin McLaurin Williams? When the 63-year-old actor/comedian was found dead yesterday...the victim of an apparent suicide...social media and cable news networks lit up with recollections of his life...and suppositions about its end. One Facebook friend, who is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), posted, “Who I feel sad for are his wife, children, friends and loved ones. Suicide is so pointless & selfish.”
Many years ago, an acquaintance of mine took her own life. At her funeral, the pastor addressed this head-on. He noted that many consider suicide to be a sin...an act of “murder”, so to speak. He also said that we naturally ask, “How could this person do this? It’s so selfish...so hurtful and cruel to those left behind!” But he said of this person, “This was not the 'Jane' (not her real name) we knew and loved. She would never have done this were she in her right mind. Something was terribly wrong...she was so tormented in some way that her mental state was altered. Some people believe that even Christians who commit suicide go to hell. I believe that God understands their suffering and makes an allowance."
Forgive our sins, as we forgive everyone
who has done wrong to us.
Yes, suicide seems selfish to those of us who are left behind to grieve and wonder how we could have prevented it. Did we miss obvious signs? Were there things we could have done to prevent it? Were we too busy...too disinterested...too self-absorbed? We worry about our loved ones...in taking their own life, did they “sell their soul to the devil”? Are they doomed to hell for all eternity for this?
Forgive our sins, as we forgive everyone
who has done wrong to us.
who has done wrong to us.
I don't think that anyone in their "right mind" would choose suicide...including Robin Williams. I don't believe that he would have purposely done this to his family and friends. Like my friend, I believe that Williams was so mentally tortured that he felt he had no other alternative. He may have believed that everyone else would be better off without him around to drag them down and cause them unnecessary worry and unhappiness.
Depression is insidious...and heartbreaking for everyone it affects...including onlookers. Couple depression with alcohol or drug addiction, and you potentially have the recipe for a ticking time bomb. As distressing and tragic as this loss – and others like it – are for all of us, I believe our job as Christians is to extend mercy and compassion to everyone involved...including the victim. Rather than impose our own selfishness and indignation that someone would “do this to us”...let’s consider the torment that may have overwhelmed this person and clouded his/her thoughts and actions. Like my former pastor, I believe that this is exactly what God does when a Christian succumbs to suicide.
Forgive our sins, as we forgive
everyone who has done wrong to us.
everyone who has done wrong to us.
I pray that we find it in our hearts to offer mercy and forgiveness to those who “wrong” us in some way – or those whom we feel have wronged us, whether this was truly their intention or not. May we be tenderhearted toward them and offer compassion for whatever pain and suffering may have plagued their hearts and minds. I pray that God will help us not to judge others...or to selfishly impose OUR hurts and indignations on them.
James Lipton, the host of a program called “Inside the Actors Studio,” once interviewed Robin Williams and asked him... “If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?” Williams replied, “There’s seating near the front!” I trust that Robin Williams had a relationship with Jesus...and that God has welcomed him with open arms and taken every single heartache and burden from him...and filled him with complete peace and joy.
Williams also told James Lipton that he hoped there was laughter in heaven. So do I! Maybe Robin Williams will be there - near the front, creating a few chuckles of his own! Meanwhile, I pray that we will become more aware of the burdens and sufferings of others...that we will offer them love, compassion, grace and mercy. I pray that Robin Williams’ death will serve as a reminder that “there is a heartache on every pew” – as my pastor tells us often. May we act in such a way that we reflect the amazing love and mercy of Jesus to everyone we encounter...and share His message of hope with each of them.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 10, 2014
James 2:12-13
You will be judged on whether or not you are doing what Christ wants you to. So watch what you do and what you think; for there will be no mercy to those who have shown no mercy. But if you have been merciful, then God’s mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
We let Timothy choose the restaurant for our lunch after church services, and he chose Burger King! No surprise there...we have really not gone to Burger King for Sunday lunch all summer (although we have eaten enough Kids’ Meals to exhaust their gamut of “toys” for one promotional and start on another!). Timothy wanted chicken strips... Zola said she wanted a cheeseburger. But when the food came, Zola would not eat her burger. Instead, she helped herself to one of the chicken strips that Greg and I were sharing. So Greg ate half of her burger...and I ate the other half. Rather than get upset with her, we “cut her some slack” and let her eat what she would eat, which was chicken strips!
The children had enjoyed a cupcake treat at Sunday school today and were each given a Blow Pop sucker as we walked out the door, so we were not surprised that they picked at their lunch a little. But they ate well enough that we allowed them to share a small dish of ice cream afterward. Yes, aunts and uncles indulge 3-and-5-year-olds...and we are no exception, on occasion. We could have been inflexible and said, “You eat what YOU chose,” and “You didn’t finish every bite, so no ice cream today!” But we were “merciful” and considered all of the factors as we made our decisions and reacted without over-reacting.
It may be a stretch to see how this relates to our everyday lives as Christians, but let’s break this down:
Ask yourself how you would feel if you thought someone was judging YOU...because someone probably is! Will they see a person who operates in grace and mercy toward others...a person who is kind and compassionate and loves others as Jesus did? Or will they see someone who is quick to accuse and react...someone who refuses to consider the possibility that others might have extenuating circumstances or situations that cause them to behave in a certain manner. Figure out how you want God to treat you...and treat others the same way. Sometimes, all it takes is the offer of “a small dish of ice cream” to share God’s healing mercy with others. What flavor will you be serving?
©2014 Debbie Robus
You will be judged on whether or not you are doing what Christ wants you to. So watch what you do and what you think; for there will be no mercy to those who have shown no mercy. But if you have been merciful, then God’s mercy toward you will win out over his judgment against you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
We let Timothy choose the restaurant for our lunch after church services, and he chose Burger King! No surprise there...we have really not gone to Burger King for Sunday lunch all summer (although we have eaten enough Kids’ Meals to exhaust their gamut of “toys” for one promotional and start on another!). Timothy wanted chicken strips... Zola said she wanted a cheeseburger. But when the food came, Zola would not eat her burger. Instead, she helped herself to one of the chicken strips that Greg and I were sharing. So Greg ate half of her burger...and I ate the other half. Rather than get upset with her, we “cut her some slack” and let her eat what she would eat, which was chicken strips!
The children had enjoyed a cupcake treat at Sunday school today and were each given a Blow Pop sucker as we walked out the door, so we were not surprised that they picked at their lunch a little. But they ate well enough that we allowed them to share a small dish of ice cream afterward. Yes, aunts and uncles indulge 3-and-5-year-olds...and we are no exception, on occasion. We could have been inflexible and said, “You eat what YOU chose,” and “You didn’t finish every bite, so no ice cream today!” But we were “merciful” and considered all of the factors as we made our decisions and reacted without over-reacting.
It may be a stretch to see how this relates to our everyday lives as Christians, but let’s break this down:
- We don’t always know all of the circumstances in another person’s life. The woman who snapped at you as she rang up your purchases in the grocery check-out line may have been up all night with a sick or fussy baby. A friend may not return calls because his car broke down, and the tow and repairs were more than expected – or easily afforded – and answering a message about last night’s game or next week’s poker party may be the furthest thing on the radar!
- The person who repeatedly declines your invitations to go out to eat or get together may be strapped for cash and embarrassed to admit it. The friend who never reciprocates and invites you to her house may be ashamed of its condition and how little she has (materially) in comparison to others.
- The person who acts all nervous and flustered at church may be dealing with marital problems, an aging parent, or children who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. The co-worker who says she can help you with a project, then changes her mind mid-stream and “bugs out” on you may genuinely be “flaky” – or she may be dealing with health issues, family troubles, or bills that she has no clue how she will pay and a boss who is harassing her to work harder and faster.
Ask yourself how you would feel if you thought someone was judging YOU...because someone probably is! Will they see a person who operates in grace and mercy toward others...a person who is kind and compassionate and loves others as Jesus did? Or will they see someone who is quick to accuse and react...someone who refuses to consider the possibility that others might have extenuating circumstances or situations that cause them to behave in a certain manner. Figure out how you want God to treat you...and treat others the same way. Sometimes, all it takes is the offer of “a small dish of ice cream” to share God’s healing mercy with others. What flavor will you be serving?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 26, 2014
Ephesians 4:31-32
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our little 3-year-old niece, Zola, spent a couple of nights with us recently, and we enjoyed seeing what she has learned since her last visit...hearing how her speech has improved...and listening to her laugh. Her speech becomes clearer each week...and she has a LOT to say! One of the things she repeatedly told us this time is, “I can say nice words, but I can’t say bad words. Mommy says I can’t say bad words. I can say ‘Yes, Ma’am’ and ‘Yes, Tir (Sir)’...but I can’t say bad words.” A couple of times, she told me a word and said, “My mommy says I can’t say that word.” I would remind her, “If Mommy says you shouldn’t say that word, let’s not say it!”
Zola’s mother (my niece, Jasmine) is trying really hard to teach her children the important lessons of Ephesians 4:31-32. When we are with Timothy and Zola, they often tell on themselves...”I had an attitude,” or “I hit Zola because she made me mad,” or “I tore up Timmy’s book.” They don’t always share with their baby brother, Nathan...and they don’t like it when he bothers their things. I know that it is part of being two, three and five...and that the children do have to learn the proper behaviors. But the sad thing is that some of us are more than ten times their ages, and we still don’t get it! We yell, scream, curse and treat others terribly. We hold grudges, we retaliate, we get angry...and we are terribly spiteful and bitter. And the worst part of all is that we do this while claiming to be born-again believers in Jesus Christ!
We go to church on Sunday morning...and curse at the television while watching a sporting event on Sunday afternoon. We give God the glory for the “great things He has done”, as the hymn says...and then we take His name in vain as we rake someone over the coals for something that isn’t even all that significant in the scheme of things. We shake our fists at the guy who pulled out in front of us at the grocery store... and pretty well come unhinged over the little old lady who pulls into a parking space ahead of us. We have absolutely no patience for the young mother of two or more who is trying to sort her groceries at the check-out counter so that she can qualify for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) assistance. We do nothing to hide our disdain toward people who do not meet our standards for appearance...we judge everything from body piercings and tattoos to clothing, cleanliness, size, shape and hair color. And don’t even get me started on how we treat those whose race or ethnicity is different from ours!
We do not take into account what is happening in other people’s lives at any given time. We can’t possibly know everything...but we sure try to act like we do much of the time. The Apostle Paul does a great job in these verses of reminding us to remember well what Jesus did for us...how He treats us...and to treat others the same way. Offer them mercy and forgiveness...gentleness and kind talk...the benefit of the doubt. Take a lesson from a young mother trying to teach her preschoolers to say nice words and to regard others with kindness, courtesy, compassion and respect.
Stop and ask yourself what Jesus would do...and how He would have you respond. Remind yourself of the commitment you made when you accepted Jesus’ gift of Salvation on the cross in exchange for your sins. Start saying nice words instead of bad ones...and be kind and merciful toward others. If you really want to be Jesus’ disciple, you’ve got to act like one! When you interact with others, who do you truly represent? Are you a pre-school Christian disciple... or a bonafide grown-up?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our little 3-year-old niece, Zola, spent a couple of nights with us recently, and we enjoyed seeing what she has learned since her last visit...hearing how her speech has improved...and listening to her laugh. Her speech becomes clearer each week...and she has a LOT to say! One of the things she repeatedly told us this time is, “I can say nice words, but I can’t say bad words. Mommy says I can’t say bad words. I can say ‘Yes, Ma’am’ and ‘Yes, Tir (Sir)’...but I can’t say bad words.” A couple of times, she told me a word and said, “My mommy says I can’t say that word.” I would remind her, “If Mommy says you shouldn’t say that word, let’s not say it!”
Zola’s mother (my niece, Jasmine) is trying really hard to teach her children the important lessons of Ephesians 4:31-32. When we are with Timothy and Zola, they often tell on themselves...”I had an attitude,” or “I hit Zola because she made me mad,” or “I tore up Timmy’s book.” They don’t always share with their baby brother, Nathan...and they don’t like it when he bothers their things. I know that it is part of being two, three and five...and that the children do have to learn the proper behaviors. But the sad thing is that some of us are more than ten times their ages, and we still don’t get it! We yell, scream, curse and treat others terribly. We hold grudges, we retaliate, we get angry...and we are terribly spiteful and bitter. And the worst part of all is that we do this while claiming to be born-again believers in Jesus Christ!
We go to church on Sunday morning...and curse at the television while watching a sporting event on Sunday afternoon. We give God the glory for the “great things He has done”, as the hymn says...and then we take His name in vain as we rake someone over the coals for something that isn’t even all that significant in the scheme of things. We shake our fists at the guy who pulled out in front of us at the grocery store... and pretty well come unhinged over the little old lady who pulls into a parking space ahead of us. We have absolutely no patience for the young mother of two or more who is trying to sort her groceries at the check-out counter so that she can qualify for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) assistance. We do nothing to hide our disdain toward people who do not meet our standards for appearance...we judge everything from body piercings and tattoos to clothing, cleanliness, size, shape and hair color. And don’t even get me started on how we treat those whose race or ethnicity is different from ours!
We do not take into account what is happening in other people’s lives at any given time. We can’t possibly know everything...but we sure try to act like we do much of the time. The Apostle Paul does a great job in these verses of reminding us to remember well what Jesus did for us...how He treats us...and to treat others the same way. Offer them mercy and forgiveness...gentleness and kind talk...the benefit of the doubt. Take a lesson from a young mother trying to teach her preschoolers to say nice words and to regard others with kindness, courtesy, compassion and respect.
Stop and ask yourself what Jesus would do...and how He would have you respond. Remind yourself of the commitment you made when you accepted Jesus’ gift of Salvation on the cross in exchange for your sins. Start saying nice words instead of bad ones...and be kind and merciful toward others. If you really want to be Jesus’ disciple, you’ve got to act like one! When you interact with others, who do you truly represent? Are you a pre-school Christian disciple... or a bonafide grown-up?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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