Daily Devotional for December 30, 2016

1 Corinthians 8:8-9
But fortunately God doesn’t grade us on our diet. We’re neither commended when we clean our plate nor reprimanded when we just can’t stomach it. But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a fellow believer still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track.

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.
 
A man was found dead recently in a hot tub at a residence in Northwest Arkansas.  The homeowner possessed an Amazon Echo…a hands-free voice-controlled speaker.  When someone says, “Alexa” or “Amazon” (the names assigned to this device), the machine begins recording your questions or comments, and a response is then given. It’s sort of an “in-home Siri” for those who have a smart-phone and are familiar with this feature.  Police want to confiscate the Amazon Echo device as evidence in this particular death.  They want to examine this device to see if anyone in the home the night the death occurred might have said something that was recorded. Amazon is refusing to comply, citing privacy concerns.
  
Let’s just label this the monthly “People Are Watching” devotional!  We apparently need plenty of reminders about this idea, because related scriptures pop up in my outline every few weeks.

Here’s the thing…a lot of us think that what we say and do in the privacy of our own home or car is our business…that nobody should know – or care.  In truth, we are now surrounded with surveillance. Unless you have been under a rock, you know that you can be hacked, observed, followed and monitored – even as you sit and read this devotional!  I don’t mean to make us paranoid - and you can Google ways to protect yourself from hackers and other “spies” at home and online.  But the bottom line is that people.are.watching…and this SHOULD affect how we conduct ourselves at all times.

Our Timothy is particularly astute. Tell him something once…and he never seems to forget.  He is also extremely observant. So the old notion of “Do as I say – not as I do” confuses him to no end. And honestly…this should be a signal to us as “grown-ups” that we cannot play this both ways. We cannot call people names and expect our children – or anyone we encounter – to refrain from doing this. If you have ever watched a little kid pretend to “smoke” a “cigarette,” you know that they already assume that SOMEDAY, this will be okay for them in reality.  Actually, just sit quietly sometime and watch and listen as your kids play. Most likely, you will get a pretty good picture of how you sound and act in their presence…and it might be pretty enlightening!

At every turn, we need to examine what we say and do…and how we behave. We should continually be asking ourselves if anything about our demeanor could cause someone else to sin or backslide.  Yes, God is in the business of forgiving us when we “fall short”…but our daily goal should be to never give Him a reason to have to do so!  Most certainly, we should make every effort to conduct our lives in a manner that no one else is tempted to falter.  We should be so steeped in self-control through the power and strength of Jesus Christ that others want the same kind of relationship with Him that we enjoy.

Is there something that you are saying or doing that could cause another person to be thrown off track?  Could your words and actions actually result in distance between someone else and their relationship with Jesus?  Perhaps we need to think of God as our own personal “Echo”…listening and recording everything about us – and act accordingly.  Will this be the day that you give yourself a head-to-toe exam and discover where you might be exercising your freedom in the salvation of Jesus in a way that could be harmful to others?  Will you then ask God to help you make necessary adjustments?  Don’t you think you should?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 2, 2015

2 Samuel 23:3-4
Our Mighty Rock,
    the God of Jacob, told me,
“A ruler who obeys God
    and does right
is like the sunrise
    on a cloudless day,
or like rain that sparkles
    on the grass.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
  
A dear friend of ours shared a story during a recent worship service about a foster child who is staying with his wife and four children.  Amy* arrived on a Tuesday evening before the first weekend of open season deer hunting.  My friend and his 10-year-old son had plans to go to “deer camp” and hunt – and they did this.  But when evening came, the father told his son that they had to pack up and go home.  “Can’t we spend the night?” the son asked.  They were having such a good time, and the “pull” to stay was strong.  But the boy’s father said, “No…this is Amy’s first week with us, and we need to go home and spend time with her and the rest of the family.”

When the father/son duo got home, the dad found a note from the new visitor.  She expressed how grateful she was to have been placed in such a wonderful, loving home…and she ended it by telling my friend, “I love you.”  After just a few days in his home, she had formed a bond and a respect for this Christian father and his leadership in the home.  This same little girl told my friend’s wife, “I knew you would be a nice mother, because your daughter is so kind.”

I share this to say that “leadership” and “rulers” come in many forms…even parents.  And the difference between the leadership of mothers and fathers who obey God and do right and those who don’t is critical.  In many ways, you and I are “leaders” or “rulers”.  We may not realize it, but we are.  Some of us are “leaders” at work or in a school setting among our peers.  Some of us “rule” our family and manage the household.  Others juggle responsibilities in the community, at church, and in personal relationships.  And we all have a choice…we can obey God and do right, or we can try things our way and deal with the consequences.

Some fear that operating in obedience to God will represent a surrender of control.  And they would be right - but not in the way that you think.  When we surrender to the rule of God and allow Him to be our Supreme Leader, our decisions and choices are guided by His hand.  And quite frankly, God does a far better job of this than we ever could!  So in essence, obedience to God and doing what is right FREES us to live with confidence, peace and joy.  We leave the “heavy lifting” to the One who can truly handle it…and we are released to move forward and do what needs to be done with a sense of certainty and conviction that we are on the right track.

My friend would have loved to stay in the “deer woods” with his son for another day.  But he knew that God wanted Him to go home and be a dad to his entire family.  And the rewards that resulted from his obedience were incredible.  We all feel the tug to go our own way and do things the way we want, from time to time. But when we listen for God’s voice – and follow His directives, the results are “like the sunrise on a cloudless day or the rain that sparkles on grass.”

When we show honor and respect to God, He blesses us immeasurably. Aren’t you ready to get in on some of this?

©2015 Debbie Robus

*name changed

Daily Devotional for September 9, 2014

Romans 15:1-2
Even if we believe that it makes no difference to the Lord whether we do these things, still we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves; for we must bear the “burden” of being considerate of the doubts and fears of others—of those who feel these things are wrong. Let’s please the other fellow, not ourselves, and do what is for his good and thus build him up in the Lord.

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

You’re watching a ballgame, and the referees make a terrible call – or at least YOU feel it is poor. Without a second thought, you react...you yell, scream, throw up your hands and gesture wildly. You never curse...you don’t make any obscene motions...but you do throw something of a “fit” over this decision. Some around you join in...they offer “high fives”...they agree with your sentiments and echo them.  Others sit quietly and say nothing. They may agree with you...or not. But they do not make a public display of their anger and frustration.

In any crowd, there will be a mix of “seasoned” Christians, new Christians, and unbelievers.  Many of these people know you that you call yourself a Christian...that you demonstrate several of the qualities and characteristics of a Disciple of Christ. Yet they wonder about your present actions and what they ultimately say about your faith.

Or let’s say you have a particular displeasure with a particular political candidate or office holder – or a certain group of people...and you eagerly share jokes, comments and cartoons about thems on social media.  You enjoy “commiserating” with others who share your views at parties, around the water cooler or in the halls at school, or even in the aisles at Wal-Mart, school sporting events and even at church on Sunday! You don’t hide your feelings...just like you are generous with your posts and comments about your Christian faith and how much God loves us.

People are watching...and if you claim to be a Christian, others are scrutinizing your words and actions to see if they line up with what you declare – and what they read in the scriptures and hear from other believers. Many of those who see your posts about your faith peppered among unkind or derogatory comments about another person or group wonder whether you truly love others as God loves you.  It’s not that you aren’t entitled to an opinion...or that what you have said is necessarily so bad (although sometimes, we have to admit that it is!).  It’s more that you give others the wrong impression.

There’s nothing wrong with showing your spirit at sporting events...or disagreeing with a call, a coach, or the performance of a particular player. But when we “throw a fit” over it...there will be others who wonder about our peace and joy in Jesus. Christians don’t have to be stoic and unfeeling - little robots who never get agitated or voice an opinion. But if our actions and reactions cause another person to question whether we truly operate with grace and mercy, then we have failed in our witness.

Too often, we Christians operate with the attitude of “do as I say, not as I do.”  It’s not that what we say and do is so wrong...that we are committing a sin and/or displeasing God. But if our words and actions cause another to question what is acceptable to God and what isn’t – or to doubt or be confused in any way about what it means to live as a Christian...then we have crossed the line.

Remember, God loves us. He wants us to be filled with joy...positive...and confident. He cares about everything we experience, say and do...but not necessarily in the way that you think. There are plenty of things we say and do that, by themselves, are harmless and don’t offend God in the least. But in a different context...when others are influenced by these things...they can have a totally different connotation. We need to make a habit of checking our words and actions...of asking ourselves, “How will others see this? Will it be pleasing to God and encouraging to them in their faith walk...or could it be misconstrued to weaken their faith – or even turn them away from a relationship with Jesus Christ?”

When we ask these tough questions, we may see that a lot of what we say and do needs to go!  If we are serious about sharing the grace, mercy, love and forgiveness of Jesus with others, we need to be willing to check our words and actions. People ARE watching! When they look at you...what – and WHO – will they see?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 23, 2013

Romans 2:12-16
If you sin without knowing what you’re doing, God takes that into account. But if you sin knowing full well what you’re doing, that’s a different story entirely. Merely hearing God’s law is a waste of your time if you don’t do what he commands. Doing, not hearing, is what makes the difference with God.
 
When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The Message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences.
 
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.
 
On ABC television show, “The Middle,” husband Mike Fleck (played by Neil Flynn) enters the kitchen and asks his wife, Frankie (played by Patricia Heaton) if she signed them up to drive a float in an upcoming Centennial parade.  “Frankie” says no… then realizes that she might have actually agreed to this at a party earlier where she and “Mike” were a little drunk.  “Frankie” says to “Mike”… “See, this is what happens when we drink.”
 
On multiple levels, the characters are excusing their “sins” by blaming their inebriation.  They didn’t know what they were doing.  And while you may never touch a drop of alcohol or take anything stronger than an aspirin, I’m betting that you have had some sort of handy excuse at one time or another for your “sins”.  “I was just a little kid… I didn’t know that helping myself to the neighbors’ watermelon patch was stealing”… or “I am old and absentminded… I totally forgot that I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone about such-and-such!” And while there are children who don’t know better in some situations… and aging adults who suffer dementia and truly don’t remember or realize what they are doing… most of us fall into the category of knowing what we are doing – but blaming something or someone else for our transgressions and shortcomings.  And this is disrespectful to God… and to others.
 
Everyone seems to at least “know of” someone who appears to be successful in his/her personal and professional life… is upstanding in the community and always seems to behave in a respectful and respectable manner... and yet this person will readily tell you that he/she does have a personal relationship with God.  He/she may even say, “I really don’t believe in God” or “I’m not all that religious”… or one of my favorites – “I just like to find God in nature.”  And maybe you have wondered how this person managed to fare so well.  Or perhaps you have seen people who seem to skate through life and make all sorts of mistakes and sort of “fly by the seat of their pants”… and yet they appear to have an easier, less stress-filled life in many regards than you do.  You might have even said, “If *I* lived that way – or did this or that – I would be in all sorts of trouble.”
 
Can I tell you something?  These people are not fooling anyone… least of all, God.  They are not “getting by” with anything, because He will hold them accountable at some point.  And the “nice guy” who doesn’t seem to need God in his/her life probably has the influence of someone who does have a relationship with our Heavenly Father that resonates with them in some way.  Do not underestimate God’s power and ability to permeate even the hardest heart… or the most uninformed mind… and plant seeds of His grace, mercy, love and authority there.
 
We need to be certain that we are respectful toward God… and others… because we have heard the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ.  We are presented at every turn with opportunities to hear, study, and internalize His commands.  And by any and all measures available, we are to share this message with others, so that they may also have a full understanding of God and all that He offers. We may never get drunk at a party and promise to participate in a parade, but we still need to keep a check on our words and actions - in every area of our lives. Our example may be the very echo of God into another’s heart!
 
How are you showing respect to God for His gift of wisdom, grace and mercy?   You’ve heard His voice…how will are responding?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 7, 2012

James 3:1-2
Not many [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation].

For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)

As a public school teacher who spent several years obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Education degree - and summers, nights and weekends adding my Master of Science in Education credentials - I will tell you that not all people who receive said degrees belong in the classroom. I supervised more than one student teacher who had satisfied all of the requisite requirements to get to the point of “practice teaching.” But this did not mean that he/she was qualified to actually teach small children. Good teachers possess innate qualities that cannot be gleaned from textbooks – many simply have what it takes to be good teachers. Others hone their abilities over time and continually improve as they gain on-the-job experience.

My assessment was based on the observed skills (or lack thereof), as student teachers interacted with the students. I didn’t even consider their personal life or how they might conduct themselves outside the classroom… although this does matter! I don’t want the teachers who are charged with the care and education of our children to be engaged in illicit or illegal behaviors. And sadly, all we have to do to learn about people who have no business being teachers is to pay attention to current news reports.

There are many stations in life where we find that we are called to a higher standard of behavior (or we should be)… as parents, Sunday school teachers and leaders in the church or community, mentors, and yes – writers of daily devotionals! This does not mean we are to place ourselves on a pedestal and lord it over others… but that we must seriously consider the significance of what we say and do. We must always be aware that people are watching and listening… and they are checking to see if our words and actions align.

In this regard, we Christians are all “teachers.” Just because you don’t lead a Sunday school class each week or fill another sort of leadership role does not mean that you are immune to these standards. As a Disciple of Christ, you are very much a “teacher” of sorts. We must stay awake, alert, and on guard that our behavior and our attitudes reflect those of the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ. At the same time, we must be very careful not to place our own witness above that of someone else. We must not think more highly of ourselves… or condescend to others who are sharing their witness.

I will be the first to tell you that I don’t always agree with others’ interpretation of what it means to be a Christian. Based on my own prayer and Bible study, there are times when I vehemently disagree with another person’s “take” on things and/or interpretation of scripture. But I try to be very careful in offering a dissenting opinion. Our goal must never be to shame or insult the other person… but rather to lovingly offer our viewpoint… to say, “This is what God has shown me… perhaps this is another way to consider what you are saying,” rather than, “That is NOT what the Bible says… you are so very wrong!”

I don’t know about you, but I have been “called out” for what I have shared from time to time by those who disagree. I have been “reproved” and judged… and I have tried to examine these criticisms and make doubly sure they had no validity… or to make adjustments if I find that I am mistaken. We won’t always get it right. As James points out, to do so would make us perfect…and we all know that this ain’t happenin’! But we can strive to get closer to the mark… to be gentle, accepting, and humble… and to prayerfully and carefully share the love of Jesus Christ with others through our words and actions.

Just as teaching degrees and credentials do not make one a capable, competent teacher… claiming to be a Christian doesn’t make us a Disciple of Christ, either. What about you? What are your credentials? Does your daily living match up with what you speak and demonstrate to others? Don’t you think it should?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 23, 2012

Colossians 1:3-5
Our prayers for you are always spilling over into thanksgivings. We can't quit thanking God our Father and Jesus our Messiah for you! We keep getting reports on your steady faith in Christ, our Jesus, and the love you continuously extend to all Christians. The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope.

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.

You may have heard the saying that “Iron sharpens iron.” We’ve all heard coaches talk about a team leader who strengthens other players as he/she “leads by example.” Perhaps there are people in your own circle of influence who have strengthened and encouraged you by their perseverance and faith that never seems to waver.

This passage reminds us that God has already delivered us from our sins, if we have claimed Jesus as our Savior. He has already paved the way and anchored the “lines of purpose” in our lives. We can be strengthened and blessed by God’s abundant blessings. We can prosper in all areas of life because of what He has established in and for us. The hope of spending an eternity in His presence keeps those “ropes” taut.

God is using people all around you to bless and strengthen you in His name… and He wants to use you to do this for others, as well. Look around and see who is strengthening and encouraging you. What examples of faith has God placed before you? How is He working in your own life to keep the “ropes” taut… and how can you lead by example? When was the last time you thanked God for those who bless and encourage you… and when was the last time you thanked them for being so faithful and strong?

Just as God can strengthen and bless you through His blessings, He can use you to do the same for others. Are you open to the possibilities? Remember, people are watching you! The question is… what sort of “lifelines” do they see? Are your “lines of purpose” tightly secured by hope and faith? Are you living as “God’s iron” to sharpen and encourage others in your circle? Isn’t it time you did?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 1, 2011

Luke 22:20-23
After the meal he took another cup of wine in his hands. Then he said, "This is my blood. It is poured out for you, and with it God makes his new agreement. The one who will betray me is here at the table with me! The Son of Man will die in the way that has been decided for him, but it will be terrible for the one who betrays him!"

Then the apostles started arguing about who would ever do such a thing.

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

Never underestimate the power of one person – or a single act. I told you about Will Norton, the young man who graduated from high school in Joplin, Missouri, then was sucked through the sunroof of his SUV on the way home during the EF-5 tornado that struck his community. There is a lot of information on Facebook about Will, courtesy of his family. This remarkable teenager was interested in studying film design, and he got quite good at making his own videos. Many are posted on YouTube… you can see them by going to http://www.youtube.com/user/willdabeast88883333.

One of the videos is about tattoo artist Kat Von D… Will was a huge fan. In this video, Will talks about a trip he took to California to visit a college he was hoping to attend. During the trip, he actually saw Kat Von D outside her tattoo shop… but he was too excited to even speak to her. It’s a cute video… and during all of the posts about the Joplin tornado and Will Norton, Kat Von D learned of the video – and Will’s story. Apparently she draws a sketch each day and posts it on her twitter account. May 29th, Kat Von D dedicated her sketch to Will Norton. The family is now trying to obtain usage rights for the sketch.

Think about it… because of this one kid and the tragic story of how he was killed by a tornado, the message of Jesus Christ and the example of tremendous faith in God is being shared with the world. Countless people who knew and loved Will have responded to Kat Von D’s sketch on her Twitter page. The posts from Will’s Aunt Tracey and other family members are all about their faith… how God is blessing them even now… how they are continuing to pray for other families who have lost loved ones – and some who are still searching for victims. If Kat Von D starts to share Will’s story through her resources, the exponential ripples of these messages of trusting Jesus, no matter what, are mind boggling!

Imagine how different things would have been, had Judas not betrayed Jesus. Of course, we know that this was all part of God’s plan to allow Judas to sell out his Master, but our purposes in many of the things we say and do have far less purposeful outcomes. But let’s spin this around. Imagine the power of just one act of obedience… one leap of faith… one example of tremendous courage and strength. Imagine the impact of one teenage boy who recited scripture as a tornado sucked him, literally, into heaven.

Do you have any idea the impact your have on others? Do you realize the power of a single act on your part to help – or harm – someone else? Do you understand that what you say and do – how you conduct yourself every single day – speaks volumes about your relationship with Jesus Christ? We have a choice… we can be a “Will Norton” or a “Judas”. Which one do you more closely resemble most days?

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 12, 2011

Psalm 63:1-8
You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. As long as I live, I will pray to you. I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet.

I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.

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

Death is a fact of life. And the older I get, the more funerals I seem to be attending. Many of the friends and relatives in my grandparents’ age group are gone now… along with most of the folks in my childhood neighborhood, who were “satellite grandparents” to me and my siblings. Now, people in my parents’ circle of friends are beginning to decline – and go to heaven. It’s not really a sad time… more bittersweet… because I know they are receiving a great reward for their faithfulness on this earth, and they are happy in the face-to-face company of Jesus and those who went before them.

But all the same, there is some understandable sadness for those who are left behind, because these people are missed. God understands this… and He blesses us with memories… moments to reflect on our time with these people… and hopefully a time to laugh and smile as we think about what they meant to us and events we shared.

And so it is with a man named Dickie… a friend of my parents… the son of my childhood neighbor, Mary… who passed away recently. My personal association with Dickie goes back to a time when I was probably ten or eleven years old. Every Sunday morning in the summer, Dickie would come to our house around 8:00 and pick me up, and we would drive to DamSite Park, where he and I conducted a “lakeside worship” service for campers and visitors to our area. Dickie would unpack an old blue box “pump organ” from the trunk of his car and set it up for me. I would pass out hymnals and brochures about our church. We would sing a couple of hymns while I played the organ – “Blessed Assurance” was a favorite! – and then Dickie would read Scripture and deliver a few words. It was all over in time for us to get home and dress for our own Sunday-school and church services.

I don’t know how many years we did this… but I was thinking that Dickie was probably in his forties then. I wondered how many 40-something men would be so faithful and committed these days. For as long as I can remember, Dickie has been a faithful servant of his church and his LORD… until Alzheimer’s rendered him unable to be active in recent months.

Lest you think Dickie had a cushy life that made serving God easy, let me set things straight. Dickie lost his only son, Steve, to cancer in the 1980s after a long, gut-wrenching battle and dozens of experimental treatments. He suffered more than one bout with Bell’s Palsy, a weakness and paralysis of the facial muscles. Then he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But he kept going.

He traveled with his wife and their friends… often in an RV caravan… across the country and back – frequently visiting places out West… Arizona, California, and even Alaska. He and his wife participated in “car shows” – showcasing Steve’s prized Shelby and other Mustangs that Dickie restored. And Dickie served in many capacities in his home church, including substituting as a Sunday-school teacher for a men’s class when the regular teacher would be away… sometimes for months at a time.

When I think of my friend Dickie, I think of a man of great integrity and faith… someone who paid attention to details… whether on the car he was restoring, the gas heating unit he was installing or repairing in his propane business, or the materials he carried to a campground pavilion each Sunday to bring the Good News to weekend visitors. I think of someone who knew the power and glory of God… that no matter what he endured on this earth, this God would reward him well in heaven… someone who shared his faith and trust in God with others.

Today, I celebrate the faithful service of my friend Dickie… and I recognize God’s love and strength through his model of Christian service. We would do well to look around at the shining examples among us of those who rest in God and realize their salvation comes from him. We can learn much from people like Dickie. Look around for your own models of faith and service… those who dance and praise God in the shadow of His wings. We should strive to be more like them. We, too, must stay close to God and lean on His arms for support… until He calls us home for our own reward.

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 21, 2011

Luke 3:7-10
Crowds of people came out to be baptized, but John said to them, "You bunch of snakes! Who warned you to run from the coming judgment? Do something to show that you really have given up your sins. Don't start saying that you belong to Abraham's family. God can turn these stones into children for Abraham. An ax is ready to cut the trees down at their roots. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire." The crowds asked John, "What should we do?"John told them, "If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn't have any. If you have food, share it with someone else."


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

Now that my grandmother has moved to an Assisted Living Facility, we are cleaning out her house and going through the things she did not take with her to the new apartment. I recently found a spiral notebook that my mother had given to my grandmother, in hopes that she would write down some information about her life – and maybe begin a journal. There are lots of gaps… and the “journal” stops abruptly right after the death of my brother… but my grandmother did indeed write a lot about her childhood experiences and the early years of her adult life.

She talks about her marriage to my grandfather in 1932, and how they had a three-room house – and that was too much space for the sparse furniture they had. She said they made up for furnishings with love and happiness. She also talks of the kindness and generosity of a German immigrant who hired my grandfather to work his fields and gave them a two-room “house” to inhabit. My grandmother says the house was in awful shape, but she worked and scrubbed and cleaned to make it better… and “Papa Stecker,” as she called him, was very generous to her. He supplied her with everything from a roof over her head to his fertilizer and chicken feed sacks for making her clothing, underwear, bed linens, curtains and more, to helping my grandparents later in life when their crops failed and a mortgage payment was due at the bank.

My grandmother talks a lot about the love and kindness of Papa Stecker – and others. She tells of countless times spent with neighbors and friends, sharing what they had… canning and drying food, making cotton mattresses to replace their straw and feather predecessors, and “sleeping four or more to a bed” in order to visit relatives and friends and attend church revival services and catch up on each others’ lives. She related that once when the families gathered, her uncle brought his cow so the family would have enough milk while they visited.

Truly, my grandmother and her circle of family and friends practiced sharing the love of Christ through sharing what they had. Today, many in her shoes would not even think of sharing an extra can of food, much less clothing or a milk cow! But there is something even more remarkable about this journal. On countless pages, in between the stories of hardship and back-breaking work and struggle, my grandmother says, “We had such fun,” or “Those were good times.” She also talks repeatedly about how “the Lord” saw her through… and truly, her faith has been the cornerstone of her existence.

On the first page of this “journal,” my grandmother wrote about her mother. She said that her family didn’t have much to do for entertainment or recreation, and when her mother had a free moment, she sat down and reached for her Bible. My great-grandmother read her Bible daily until pretty much the day she died. She instilled in her children the value of “producing good fruit” and she taught them about the things that truly bring happiness… family, friends, honesty, generosity, and a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, whom they almost always refer to as “the Lord.” Truly He was – and is – the Lord of their lives.

If we had to endure some of the things today that my grandmother has endured in her lifetime, we might very possibly collapse in a heap and concede defeat. But clearly, we have examples – from the time of the Bible on through history – of how God can strengthen His followers… give us deep roots and help us to produce good fruit. We have the models in place for how to do this. The question becomes… “Are we paying attention?”

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 19, 2011

2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. While we are here on earth, we sigh because we want to live in that heavenly home. We want to put it on like clothes and not be naked.

These tents we now live in are like a heavy burden, and we groan. But we don't do this just because we want to leave these bodies that will die. It is because we want to change them for bodies that will never die. God is the one who makes all of this possible. He has given us his Spirit to make us certain that he will do it. So always be cheerful!

As long as we are in these bodies, we are away from the Lord. But we live by faith, not by what we see. We should be cheerful, because we would rather leave these bodies and be at home with the Lord. But whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him, we still try our best to please him. After all, Christ will judge each of us for the good or the bad that we do while living in these bodies.

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

When I was a child, there was a series of books that I loved about “The Boxcar Children”… described on Wikipedia.org as “the story of four orphaned children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. They had been staying at a bakery but ran away when they heard the baker's wife say she will take all of them in but Benny, leaving Benny with no option but to go back to the orphanage. They create a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar in the forest.” I was reminded of these books as I watched an episode of Undercover Boss in which a woman who was clearly filled with joy told her boss, the undercover executive, how she had once been homeless. She had actually lived in a boxcar as a child, and she said her grandmother cared for her and siblings there… boiling water for their baths and other needs and keeping them warm and safe… until she was about 7 years of age.

Life has been hard for this woman. She now works as a part of a cleaning crew for a company that does home restoration after a fire, flood, or wind storm. The particular day this episode was filmed, the woman and her undercover boss were cleaning the smoke damage left from a kitchen fire at the home of an elderly woman. Later, when the boss revealed his true identity to this woman - who admitted to being uneducated and “not talking right” - he told her [paraphrasing]… “Don’t ever change. Always be the kind, loving, joy-filled person you are now.” He recognized that this woman was not who she appeared to be “on the outside.” Her appearance, language, demeanor and circumstances were all just the outward “tent.” The real person was within… and she radiated positive energy and love for her family, her life, other people. And while she didn’t speak it on camera, I suspect she has a deep abiding faith in God, as well.

While living in a boxcar as a child most assuredly affected this woman, she didn’t let it define her. She didn’t let her lack of education, the fact she was about to lose her home to foreclosure, or any other negative influences control her life. She is living now like she is already clothed by her heavenly home.

How are we living? Are we groaning from the heavy burden of our “earthly tents?” Have we let the circumstances of our lives get us down and make us less than we should be for Jesus? Do we lean on these circumstances like a crutch and say, “I would do better if it weren’t for this … or that… or something else.” Do we blame our childhood, our level of education, lack of income, where we live, or other outside factors for how we are serving (or not) in God’s army? What defines us… our “earthly tents” or our Heavenly home?

How we answer matters. If we are living only for Heaven and the day when we get “new clothes,” we’re missing the whole point. God wants us to do all we can in His name while we are alive. He wants us to be cheerful because of what lies ahead… and to share this joy and His Good News with other. For Christians, our life on earth is not the end… but we shouldn’t be just marking time, either. Our “earthly tent” may have some rips and tatters, but people should see joy, hope and faith inside. What do others see inside your “tent”?

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 23, 2010

Luke 6:35
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.

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

I can’t let this day pass without acknowledging two influential women in my life… my cousin, Betty Rhea – whom we later called Granny Betty – and my great-Aunt Zula. Both of these ladies loved with big hearts and had generosity to spare. Granny Betty was a “character” – larger than life with a boisterous, bubbly personality. She never met a stranger, and everyone adored her. Family was top priority with Granny Betty, and she doted on everyone, especially her grandchildren. Aunt Zula was a quiet, orderly school teacher. She devoted her time to her students, her family, and her church… and not necessarily in that order. She was a hard-working Ozark woman with Southern grace and genteel beauty.

While Granny Betty had a quick wit and snappy comebacks that left you laughing and smiling, Aunt Zula had the patience of Job and a low-key – but no less fun - personality. Only once did I ever see her halfway irritated… she felt a cousin had tried to take advantage of her… something that totally ran counter to her moral fortitude.

So what do these two ladies have in common, aside from their love of family, their connection to me, and their Christian faith? In the mid-1990s, Granny Betty suffered a stroke. After her husband died and she could no longer live at home, she lived in a nursing home for nine years, slowly declining until her death on December 21, 2005. Her funeral was held on December 23rd. Aunt Zula’s adult home was in Quitman, Arkansas, and she lived minutes from the school where she taught fourth grade for decades. Old age took its toll on her in recent years, claiming her eyesight, her hearing, and generally wearing out her 91-year-old body. And on December 23, 2009, she became seriously ill. She was rushed to the emergency room at our hospital, where my mom visited with her briefly. Doctors determined there was nothing left to do but keep her comfortable, so she was transported to her home a few hours later. My mom phoned to tell me that Aunt Zula barely got back into her own bed before she passed into Heaven.

If you have ever lost a loved one at Christmas time, you understand that it is almost surreal. People are hurrying and bustling here and there. Most are jolly and upbeat. Many don’t know how to respond to you in your grief… especially at what is supposed to be such a celebratory time. Truthfully, you don’t know what you are supposed to feel, either.

But I have my own theory…
This is the "Season of Giving." And honestly, what greater gift could any of us receive than to get to sit at the feet of Jesus in Heaven?! So my thinking is that Granny Betty and Aunt Zula… and others who have gone before them in the Christmas season… got an extra special Christmas gift! I know they wouldn’t come back for a thousand trees with a zillion gifts piled underneath. I know that they were good to the people around them – they lived big and loved big – and they earned their reward in heaven.

I am not sad as I think of my loved ones who have passed during the holidays… or any of my loved ones who have passed. I know that EVERY day is Christmas for them, because they spend their days with Jesus. My prayer is that we would live in such a way that we are pleasing to God… that we would ove our enemies and be good to all people. We can’t earn the reward of heaven with good deeds, but I would much rather sit at the feet of Jesus knowing I served Him well, wouldn’t you?

Today, thank God for the “Granny Bettys” and “Aunt Zulas” in your life. Thank Him for the love and influence of those who have shown you the example of being good to everyone and “loving big”. Thank Him for the gift of Heaven. And say a prayer for those who are saying a final “Goodbye” to loved ones this holiday season. Ask God to give them His comfort and peace … and to fill their hearts with happy memories of their loved one for Christmases to come.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 23, 2010

Psalm 89:15
Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet!

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 the Arkansas Razorbacks are doing well (and sometimes when they are not), fans often greet each other with such comments as “How ‘bout those Hawgs!” We want to talk about our team! And when they are performing well, it seems as if we have to tell everyone we see. “Did you see the game? Wasn’t So-and-So amazing? How did you like such-and-such play? What did you think about the coach’s comments afterward? Do you think we’ll go to a bowl game?” We can’t keep it quiet!

I’ve said it before, but I find it amazing we can get so revved up over a group of people tossing around a ball, but we can’t seem to muster the same enthusiasm over the God of the Universe! Our priorities are definitely out of whack!

I’ve been reading some interesting commentaries lately on setting a Christian example, and one of the points that hit home with me was that we are to be so busy setting a good example for others that we have no time to criticize, judge or correct them. We have no time for negativity if we are truly striving to set the best possible example of living for Christ. We don’t have time to argue, fuss, worry and belittle if we are busy praising God and dancing with delight over His amazing grace and mercy.

What are you talking about these days? What’s on your lips and in your thoughts? Is your focus on Jesus and all that He has done for you? Or are you preoccupied with things of this world, the shortcomings of others, and behaving selfishly? Isn’t it time we re-evaluated our time management and our focus? Isn’t it time we started to work on setting a good example for others and left the justice to the One who truly is in control? Isn’t it time for dancing and shouting about the Good News of Jesus Christ? Are you ready to celebrate and tell others about Team Jesus?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 19, 2010

November 19 ~ Mark 1:17
Jesus said to them, "Come with me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish."

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

I used to belong to a Bunco group. Much like my grandmother’s “coffee klatch” of the 60s and 70s, whoever hosted the event “went all out.” The house was spotless, food was amazing, and there were lots of little touches… snacks at each table, special plates and napkins, and maybe even fresh flowers or a new scented candle or two. Hosting Bunco was a BIG DEAL. In my grandmother’s day, it was even bigger! I remember how all of the silver was polished, the glass snack trays and punch cups were washed, and the table linens were starched just so. And all of this was done so that the ladies could share a cup of coffee and some fancy food and play cards… or in the case of Bunco, roll three dice!

Once when it was my turn to host, I fixed beautiful, tasty food and got everything looking just right… and when the guests arrived, they began to eat, visit, relax and enjoy themselves. Only a couple of the twelve attendees really wanted to play Bunco. The group consensus was to sit and enjoy one another’s company for a few hours. Never mind tossing dice to “win” a few dollars at the end of the night. Forget shuffling from table to table and concentrating on a game. What we really wanted… and needed… was some time to visit and listen to one another… to share our thoughts and the worries of the day… to commiserate, console, and encourage busy women who rarely took a minute for themselves.

What does this have to do with Mark 1:17? I’ll tell you! As Christians, we get so caught up in the busyness of the day… the “fishing” of work, home, family, and trying to make everything “just so,” and we forget what is at the core of our faith… Jesus’ commandment to love one another. We’re so busy making everything look good that we don’t take time to truly “see” the other guy… or to meet his/her needs in Christian faith.

I’m not saying Bunco parties and coffee klatches are not fun… or that it is wrong to throw a fancy party, clean your house from top to bottom and “put on the dawg!” But in everything we do, we must ask ourselves, “Where are my priorities?” If we find we are more concerned with appearances than with being the hands and feet of Jesus, we may need to reorganize. If we find that “fishing” for a promotion, more money, fancy things, good looks, wealth and fame are more important to us than leading others to Christ, we definitely need an attitude adjustment!

If watching our favorite television show is more important than reading a book to our child or helping him/her with homework, something’s out of whack! If we can’t spare a few minutes to listen to the worries and concerns of a friend, what makes us think we deserve Jesus’ time to hear our worries and concerns?

I still like a clean house. But I’ve learned that guests really don’t care if you don’t put out special soaps and towels or light a new candle, and a tuna fish sandwich shared by friends tastes just as good as the fanciest canapé served on a silver platter. The next time something or someone interrupts your agenda, stop and ask yourself… “Is this where Jesus would rather I spend my time at this moment? Will this matter in the scheme of things more than my own plans?”

If we are more concerned about people than appearances or ourselves, it will make a difference. Jesus wants us to bring Him more people to redeem and bless… not more “fish”. What are you catching these days?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 18, 2010

Acts 26:17-18
'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in 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.

Every day we make dozens, if not hundreds, of choices. We choose what to wear, what to eat for breakfast, which route to take to school or work… and whether to do our homework or the laundry. Will we put cream in our coffee or bananas on our cereal? Will we watch this TV program or that one? Will we have ketchup with our fries? And for some of us, we may choose whether to pay this bill or that one… whether to buy milk for our children or cigarettes for ourselves… whether to get up and go to work or call in sick yet again.

A lot of the choices we make are dictated by habit… or by those who have influenced us. My dad always turned to the Obituaries page in the newspaper first… “to see if I’m still living,” he’d say. To this day, that’s the first part of the daily newspaper that I read. My mother always put sugar in her cornbread before baking and pineapple tidbits in her cole slaw, and that’s how I make mine. You may belong to a certain church or a political party or drive a specific make and model of car because of your parents or someone else who influenced you.

Maybe you were influenced in something of a “reverse negativity” by others. Maybe living with an alcoholic or abusive parent has made you vow to never be the same way. Maybe you have grown up living “hand-to-mouth,” and you have sworn you will do better. Maybe you have lived in very strict household, and you plan to be more liberal when you are out on your own. Maybe you have decided to be the first in your family to graduate from college. Maybe you plan to find the cure for cancer because someone you loved died from it, or you hope to start a center for latchkey kids because you never had anyone waiting for you after school.

The point is… we all make choices in our lives that are a direct result of the people and circumstances that have influenced us. So our job as Christian disciples is to be the influence that causes people to turn to God and away from Satan… to choose salvation over sinfulness… to opt for Eternal life in Heaven over perpetual damnation in Hell. We are called to be the example for others and invite them to join us in living life to its fullest through Jesus Christ.

The question I have for you today has two parts: 1) Who are you listening to as you make choices? Are you looking for Godly disciples to follow… and are you hearing the message they are presenting? 2) What kind of influence are you? Are you an honorable, faithful disciple of Christ, showing others “the way, the truth, and the light”? Or are you aiding and abetting the devil… living in sin and leading others toward the darkness and despair of a life mired in conflict and destruction?

Being a Spirit-filled Christian is heavy stuff! It’s not for the faint of heart… or those who are weak in their faith! But at the end of the day… the choice is ours. We can choose to serve in the light of Christ… to be His light to a world fumbling in the dark. Or we can close our eyes and stumble in the dark with the others and hope for the best. It’s not a gamble I am willing to take… are you?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 17, 2010

John 17:15-18
Father, I don’t ask you to take my followers out of the world, but keep them safe from the evil one. They don’t belong to this world, and neither do I. Your word is the truth. So let this truth make them completely yours. I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me.

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

It’s so fun to watch Timothy grow and develop. He is in a stage where he mimics pretty much everything we do. If we pat our arm or tap our foot, he pats or taps accordingly. If we growl at him, he growls back. He is very much in the world at this point, as is perfectly normal for 18-month-old babies.

One of the hardest things for us to do as we grow and mature is to learn to function in a situation – or the world – and not be affected by it… not adapt to the situation. And as Christians, this is our job… to become able to function in the world – and in specific situations – and still focus on being the hands and feet of Jesus.

This means that we can tolerate a miserable job or that tyrant of a teacher, because we are answering to God’s call on our life, and no one else’s. God shows us how to be content in all circumstances… how we can do all things with His strength… and we are able to avoid name calling, griping and grumbling, and poor performance on the job or in the classroom. Because we are in the world, but not “of the world,” we can work with an obnoxious person on a church project without being unkind or saying something we shouldn’t in frustration.

Because God equips us to function in the world, but not “of the world,” we can handle it when we decline an invitation to a party we feel we shouldn’t attend or we refuse to dress like the others in a certain circle… even though these choices may cause us to be ridiculed and ostracized. Because God equips us to function in the world, but not “of the world,” it doesn’t matter to us if we lose our relationship with every single friend and family member we have because of our faith… as long as God is still with us (and He is!).

Being in the world but not “of the world” doesn’t mean we can be arrogant, smug, or condescending toward others. We don’t walk around with our noses in the air like we have been given some special title. We have to be kind and loving and tolerant of others… regardless of their station in life, their faith, or their lifestyle.

It would have been so much easier for God to simply remove us one by one the minute we accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior. He would not have to worry about our temptation to sin… and neither would we. God would not have to worry that we might screw things up for the next guy by setting a poor example of what it means to be a Christian! But that’s the whole point! God needed to leave us here because we don’t belong here… so that we could share the Good News of redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ with others… so that we could interact with them and relate to them in a way that drew them in and caused them to want to follow Christ, as well.

Being God’s disciple on this earth is a daunting responsibility… and not one we should take lightly. Between keeping our eyes and ears peeled for Satan and doing the work of our Lord and Master, we have a full plate! But the reward so justifies this calling, and being completely God’s is a tremendous honor and blessing.

How well are you doing these days? Do you find you still mimic the behaviors of those around you quite often, much like our Timothy? Or do you find that you are growing daily in strength and resolve… becoming more like Jesus and representing Him well? A lot of your answer comes down to a choice. You can move closer to the world… or closer to God. Where are you standing these days?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 12, 2010

Psalm 43:3
Send your light and your truth to guide me. Let them lead me to your house on your sacred mountain.

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

In working with antiques and collectibles, I’ve become intrigued with light. Have too much of it when photographing a piece of crystal, and you don’t see the delicate lines of the piece. Shooting in virtually dark conditions with one or two sources of filtered bright light placed strategically often works better than photographing in total daylight! On the other hand, using lamps and small lights to highlight the treasures in my booth draws people in to see them. I’ve learned to scatter pieces of crystal in and amongst the darker items, because they reflect light and serve to illuminate everything around them.

Spiritually, we find things are much the same. Even though we may feel we are wandering in the darkness, the single light of Christ guides us… and illuminates us in our relationship with Him. As we move out into the world, we are like the crystal pieces, reflecting the light of Jesus and, hopefully, brightening the world around us. We are drawn to God’s light, just as shoppers are drawn to the lamp glow that enhances beautiful pieces of glass, pottery, and more.

I’ve spent hours tinkering with photography to improve my techniques and make better pictures to go with my online listings and fill my blogs. I’ve arranged and re-arranged items on the shelves in my booth to get just the right balance of light, reflection, sparkle and shine. Imagine if we gave as much time, care and attention to working with the light of Christ! Think about how much God could do with us if we were more willing participants. He so wants to do this… but He’s waiting on us to ask!

Do you want to be fully illuminated by the light of Christ? Do you want to reflect His light toward others and brighten the world around you in His name? Do you want to be instrumental in drawing others to Jesus and His light? Haven’t we fumbled in the dark long enough? What’s holding you back today? Isn’t it time we followed the light to God’s sacred mountain and became all He wants us to be? Are you truly ready to be a light for Christ?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 6, 2010

Psalm 86:11
Teach me to follow you, and I will obey your truth. Always keep me faithful.

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

One of the ladies who attended my grandmother’s birthday was a wonderful friend named Mary. I’ve known Mary for almost 25 years now, and I love her dearly… not only because of her sweet disposition, but because of her amazing example of abiding faith in God.

Mary has endured tremendous adversities and hardships. If I took the time and space to tell you about all of them, you might think I was making some of it up… a horrible tractor accident that left her husband, Fred, pinned under the machine – both of his legs crushed, and then the death of Fred several years later… tragic losses of a son, daughter-in-law, and grandson… poor health, and more. Yet Mary is neither bitter nor defeated.

As I visited with her, she hugged me tightly and squeezed my hand as she smiled and we talked. She told me of her darling grand-daughter, Riley, who is now attending college. She shared with the other ladies how we had known each other for a long time and had been members of the same Extension Homemaker’s Club, where I was far younger than the other ladies in our group. I told her how much I had learned from her and the other ladies, and she said, “We learned from each other.”

Somehow, I think I learned more than Mary and her peers… and as I looked at the ladies at my grandmother’s party, I was humbled to think how God has used so many of them to teach me over the years. These ladies showed me many useful and practical things, but more importantly, I saw God’s face through theirs. I saw faithfulness and perseverance in the lives of my own grandmother and my friend Mary. I saw the love and devotion of a mother for her child with cerebral palsy in my precious “birthday buddy,” whom I call MawMac… how she’s never treated her child as anything but the intelligent person she is - trapped in a body that doesn’t cooperate.

Even as my grandmother and her friends gathered around the table today to eat cake and drink punch, one of the ladies said, “Oh, we didn’t say the blessing!” And they stopped, put down their forks, held hands, and their Sunday School teacher led them in a prayer. As these ladies talked and laughed and shared memories that spanned more than nine decades in some cases, my 18-month-old great-nephew darted in and out among their chairs, awed by so many “grandmas” in one place. And God showed me the circle of life and reminded me of His promise to “make all things new.”

My point is that God is teaching us in all circumstances… if only we will pay attention. He can even use the birthday party of a 98-year-old grandmother and her friends to teach us about trust and faithfulness… perseverance and hard times… and the blessings of a life lived for Him, following in His steps and keeping the faith.

What is God showing you today? Who is He using to teach you His ways and truths? Are you learning from others and truly “getting” the lessons? Because I assure you, God is offering instruction… in places you probably never considered. Will you recognize these teachers and the lessons God offers through them? And what sort of example are you offering to others? Are you teaching about God’s love? Will you leave a legacy as rich in faith as these ladies? Are you really paying attention to God’s instruction these days? Shouldn’t you?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 1, 2010

Proverbs 23:26
My son, pay close attention, and gladly follow my example.

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

Timothy is like a sponge… soaking up information and ideas from everything and everyone he encounters. He loves to dance and move to the music of shows like those on NickJr., and his Uncle Greg taught him to pat his arm with one hand instead of clapping… a good example of how he mimics what he sees and hears.

As he grows, Timothy will learn to make choices, and he will “pick and choose” which examples to follow. Like most humans, he will pay close attention to the behaviors of others… and some of those examples may not necessarily be good ones, even from Godly influences in his life. Even the best, most devout Christians sometimes set poor examples. We all let life get the best of us from time to time and “show out.” And as I’ve said many times, people are watching!

Additionally, we humans want to do things our way… to make our own choices about what to say and do. We really don’t want anyone else telling us how to live, do we?! But clearly, we all need help. We all need Someone to guide our steps and provide us with strong, clear, perfect examples of operating within the will of God. And we have these examples in the life of Jesus Christ … and they are documented in the Bible.

Can I tell you something? These perfect examples don’t help us one whit if we aren’t paying attention! They surely are of no use if we have decided to do things our way. And whether we want to admit it or not, if we are not following the examples of Jesus, we’ve chosen to follow the examples and guidance of Satan. Do we really want to let the devil have a foothold in our lives, much less the upper hand?

Find some time every day to study God’s word. At least once or twice a day, take a few minutes to spend in prayer. It doesn’t have to be lengthy… just acknowledge God’s presence in your life and ask Him to give you His guidance throughout your day. Pay close attention! Gladly follow His example and don’t give the devil any room to drag you off course. Choose God’s examples… and follow them closely. Ask Him to help you set good examples for others, as well.

The world is watching… whose examples are you showing them?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 28, 2010

Proverbs 23:15-16
My children, if you show good sense, I will be happy, and if you are truthful, I will really be glad.

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

Watching a child master something you have taught him/her is incredibly rewarding. I remember countless times when I was teaching kindergarten and first grade students and a child would master a task or skill… learning to tie his/her shoes, being able to write his/her name legibly, counting to twenty or more, reading a passage in a book and understanding the meaning… so many accomplishments. Each one was a victory for the child… but also for me as I watched this child grow and develop with my guidance.

I related to someone recently how my husband and I have observed the little boy we sponsor through Compassion International go from drawing self-portraits that consisted of a circle with two big eyes and a smile and stick arms and legs protruding to intricately detailed drawings of himself, cars, buildings, and more… all in the span of four years. We can physically see the growth and development that is occurring in Kodjo, and we are proud of all he is accomplishing.

God takes the same kind of pride in seeing us grow… mentally, physically, and spiritually. And as we develop a deeper relationship with Him and truly start to “get it,” He is delighted. But the real joy comes when we begin to share His truths with others… and to genuinely walk in them and speak them.

It’s one thing to love God and want to serve Him, but it’s quite another to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with Him… one where He is front and center, and the focus of your very being is to serve Him truthfully in everything you say and do. Imagine the joy you can experience, knowing that you are pleasing God. Envision His joy and pride in you, as you serve Him truthfully, with good sense!

This should be our goal as Christian disciples. Once we get to a point (or closer to it) where we operate totally from a desire to please God… to always use good sense and speak His truths… doors open, opportunities to serve Him even more appear, and blessings flow. Ask God to show you how you can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. Ask Him to give you common sense and the wisdom to always speak His truths. He will be glad you asked… and so will you.

©2010 Debbie Robus

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Daily Devotional for October 21, 2010

Psalm 71:17
You have taught me since I was a child, and I never stop telling about your marvelous deeds.

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

Do you remember your first “lesson” from God? I’m not talking about a Sunday School lesson or attending church when you were little. I’m talking about the first time you saw firsthand Christian behavior or witnessed an act of God. Sadly, one of my first memories associated with church was a shouting match that occurred one evening when I was about four. There was some sort of dispute between the pastor and several church members, and a man in our congregation actually tried to “shout down” the pastor as he spoke. I can still see the man who was yelling, and I can see the pastor calmly continuing to speak. This was not one of the finer moments for our church. I can’t even tell you what caused the dispute – nor the outcome - but some nearly 50 years later, I still can vividly recall that evening service.

In contrast, I recall positive influences – the fact that my parents and all of my grandparents were faithful members of their church and attended regularly. Bibles were not only visibly displayed in all our homes … they were used regularly! My paternal grandparents had really poor television reception “out in the country,” so they spent their spare time in the evenings and on weekends reading their Bibles and listening to gospel music on the radio. My great-grandfather died when I was about ten, and I remember sitting on my great-grandmother’s lap as she reassured me that “the Lord will take care of me.”

A lot of the things that God taught me as a child, I truly didn’t recognize… much less understand… until I was a lot older. But the wisdom was there… the knowledge and the groundwork were present. And I see that now in the children I encounter… my own nieces and nephews, young cousins and the children of dear friends … and even those of you I have been blessed to serve as a Sunday School teacher.

I have been told over and over, “You are planting seeds.” I know that in actuality, God is planting the seeds – I am just the “field hand.” But the result is that someday – maybe not even in my lifetime – those seeds will grow and bear fruit. The lessons God taught all of us in our childhood stay with us forever and can continue to bless us and guide us well into adulthood.

So today, think about the lessons God has taught you since childhood – the people who have surrounded you and influenced you in your faith walk. And think about the children in your circle of influence. Are you showing them examples of God’s wisdom, love, grace and mercy? Are you behaving in a way that gives little ones a good example to follow? Children are watching us … especially the older teens and young adults they so want to emulate. They are seeking role models and gauging their faith by how we exemplify ours. So how are we doing? What sort of “field hand” are you being for God these days?

©2010 Debbie Robus