Daily Devotional for October 26, 2016

Matthew 5:23-27
“And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying, ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.

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.

Almost every day, there is a post on Facebook from someone asking others for prayer for this person or that situation. A lot of people comment and say that they are praying – or will pray.  I will tell you, I’m not always one of them…and if/when I do write this, I stop RIGHT THEN and offer a prayer.  These verses from Matthew 5 explains why I do this.

I will be the first to say that there have been plenty of times when I’ve said…”You’re in my thoughts and prayers”…and I got busy and that person or situation totally left my conscious thoughts.  Surely you have noted that you would pray for someone, and days later when they posted on Facebook that… “I’m okay – thanks for your prayers,” you went…“Oh, geez…I never even mentioned them to God!”

I’m just being honest…and noting that Jesus tells us not embellish our talk or make promises we can’t – or won’t – keep…especially when these involve our Christian faith and witness. We should not swear to emphasize our points. We should not “promise on a stack of Bibles” or say, “As God is my witness.”  We should just simply say, “Yes” or “No!”  Our conduct must speak for itself.  People ought to feel confident that when we say we will do something…it will be done.  They should know that our word is our bond…that we are dependable and trustworthy, with no “sworn emphasis” necessary.

And while I’m at it…we need to ditch the phrase “OMG.”  This is also a “swear” of sorts…and it does not become us as Christians – or honor God. This phrase demeans and lessens Him…and in my opinion, it needs to go!  When I was in my teens and twenties, nobody in my circle would have dared to mention God in this context.  Now it is commonplace, and I believe we have reduced God by making him a common “swear word.”

Prayerfully consider cutting this phrase from your vocabulary. The English language is filled with plenty of demonstrative phrases to express your excitement and/or appall over any given situation.  I am praying that we will not degrade our relationship with our Heavenly Father by using His name as a swear word of any kind…even this one!

People are watching – and listening!  They know us - and the “fruit” we bear for Jesus – by how we conduct ourselves and what comes out of our mouth.  Let them see confidence in God’s promises…faith that Jesus changed us into new creatures who rely wholly on Him for everything.  Let your words be good…and good enough – without enhancing them with oaths, swears, and “spiritual promises” you can’t or won’t keep.  It’s time for us to be the “real deal” for Jesus each and every day – in ways great and small.  And now is the time for us to begin.  Are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 14, 2016

John 4:46-50
While Jesus was in Galilee, he returned to the village of Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was an official in Capernaum whose son was sick.  And when the man heard that Jesus had come from Judea, he went and begged him to keep his son from dying.
 
Jesus told the official, “You won’t have faith unless you see miracles and wonders!”
 
The man replied, “Lord, please come before my son dies!”
 
Jesus then said, “Your son will live. Go on home to him.” The man believed Jesus and started back home.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
“I’ll believe it when I see it!”
“Show me the money!”
 “Prove it!”
 
We humans are a skeptical lot!  We need reassurance…proof…a “visual” confirmation before we will commit – to pretty much anything!  I keep a little basket of toys and puzzles in the cabinet, and when the children have been especially good or worked to “earn” a prize, they are allowed to choose something from the basket.  Nathan, in particular, will say, “I need to look in the basket and see what’s in there.”  In part, he is deciding whether it is worth his effort…but he also needs reassurance that I really do have some goodies there!
 
Sometimes, I will say, “You kids don’t need to see the basket…you know what is there!”  And other times, I do let them have a look.  But more often now, they trust that there ARE good surprises that are worth their effort.  They have faith that I would not steer them down a wrong path, and they “work” in hope of a reward.
 
I have to believe that Jesus knew that the man’s faith was genuine, even when He chided him and the crowd by saying, “You won’t believe without proof!”  Jesus might have even been a little irritated or frustrated, because so many really did NOT believe what they were told about Him.  But clearly, this father of the sick child was not derailed by the comment. And if you read the verses surrounding this passage, you will see that indeed, Jesus healed his son.
 
Jesus is probably pretty frustrated and irritated with us many times, as we wring our hands and worry about what will happen.  It’s a safe bet that most of us have weak faith on any given day – and for some, this is a way of life.  We need proof…we have to have “signs”…until we actually see the hand of Jesus in our daily lives, we will reserve our acceptance – and sometimes, our best efforts.
 
Start watching and actually searching for Jesus as He shows up in your life and the lives of others. Don’t miss an opportunity to acknowledge His presence…or your faith that He is with you – even when you cannot readily see or feel Him.  Point out to others when you see Jesus at work in their lives…not in an “I told you so” way – but as a gentle reminder that He is with them, as well!
 
Get in the habit of living with faith without the physical presence of signs and wonders.  Trust that the “prize basket” of God’s blessings is abundantly full and available to you…that healing has already taken place…that Jesus is with you each and every minute of the day.  Continually demonstrate your trust in Jesus with your words, actions – and your very demeanor. Jesus may not let us “see in the basket,” but we know what is there for us – and the time has come to start living like it!
 
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 10, 2016

Exodus 21:23-25
But if any harm comes to the woman and she dies, he shall be executed.

“If her eye is injured, injure his; if her tooth is knocked out, knock out his; and so on—hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, lash for lash.

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

Children are notorious for “hitting back”…and ours are no different.  We will hear, “He/she hit me first!”  Timothy will sometimes say of his younger siblings, “I needed to teach him/her a lesson!”  We are definitely a work in progress!

The sad fact is that adults do this very same thing.  The retaliation may not be physical…but words and actions can have a damaging effect, as well.  Someone will ask, “What about me?  Don’t MY feelings matter?  What he/she said or did hurt me!  Don’t I have rights, too?”  The short answer is “Yes…and NO.”

The first thing we have to look at is the location of this scripture passage…in the Old Testament.  Laws were very different before the time of Jesus.  His birth, death and resurrection changed EVERYTHING…and thankfully so!  We don’t have to sacrifice baby animals or present burnt offerings to atone for our sins…and we don’t have to handle offenses on our own!  We have a Savior who does all of this for us!  Lashing out at others and retaliation tactics are not only childish…they are sinful!  They suggest that we do not trust Jesus to handle these situations and circumstances for us…that we do not fully understand and believe that He can – and will - meet our every need.

There will be times in our lives when we would love to exchange an eye for an eye…when we would like nothing more than to teach someone a lesson – to make him/her suffer just a little and feel our pain.  But we have to stop and ask ourselves, “What if Jesus had done this?”  He is our Savior…our Ultimate Example of how to treat others and share God’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness with them.

The “lesson” we need to be teaching is tolerance and understanding…not revenge.  We need to be paying it forward…not doling out paybacks.  Yes, the Bible does say “an eye for an eye”…but it also notes that Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.”  The former serves as a reminder that we have been freed from the shackles of operating under a system of oppressive parameters, punishments and penance.

Because of Jesus, we can now live in the freedom of His deliverance.  Our liberation from sin and the old laws provides us with the opportunity to serve in hope, faith, and forgiveness…to take the high road and let Jesus handle any discipline and retribution.

Philippians 4:13 tells us that…”I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”  Are you demonstrating this in your daily living?  Or do you still have the mistaken idea that it is your job to help God show others a thing or two?  When others look at you, do they see an Old Testament believer…or a disciple of Christ’s Good News?  There IS a difference!  Have you chosen Salvation and freedom in the power of Jesus Christ?  Will this be the day that you do?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 6, 2016

1 John 2:28-29
And now, my little children, stay in happy fellowship with the Lord so that when he comes you will be sure that all is well and will not have to be ashamed and shrink back from meeting him. Since we know that God is always good and does only right, we may rightly assume that all those who do right are his children.

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

Generally, there is not a bashful bone in the little bodies of Timothy, Zola, and Nathan.  We have marveled at how they are so cordial and polite to our adult friends…and we have been a bit unnerved by how friendly Zola, particularly, can be toward complete strangers in public!  But there are times when, for whatever reason, these little ones will shrink back and hide behind our legs when someone else approaches.  Of course, once they “warm up,” everything is fine.  But there are occasions when they will briefly cower as if they are embarrassed – or frightened.  Of course, the children don’t do this with us.  They know us…they are familiar and comfortable with us.  But there ARE family members whom they rarely see – and these folks sometimes get the cold shoulder/bashful treatment - at least initially.

Were Jesus to suddenly appear among a group of us, I can totally envision many at least having the urge to cower and shrink back.  After all, it’s Jesus…and we know we are not worthy. We know we have disappointed Him – and sullied His name with our disobedience and sinful ways.  And because some of us don’t really KNOW Jesus as we should, there would be that period when we would hide behind the legs of someone more familiar, like a child does on occasion.

But that’s the whole point of this passage.  There is no reason for us to cower behind anything or anyone in Jesus’ presence.  If we will simply get to know Him as we should and develop an intimate relationship with Him, we will understand why this is unnecessary.  We will learn that Jesus already knows every mistake we have made – or will make.  And He loves us anyway.  And quite honestly, the closer we stay to Jesus, the fewer missteps we will make, because we will be more in tune with His instruction and guidance.

Jesus wants us to be so comfortable and familiar with Him that there is no need to hide – anything.  Jesus wants us to demonstrate to others how joyful this relationship can be…how secure and peaceful life is when we make Him our constant companion…our “Forever Friend” in every sense of the word.  Jesus wants us to understand that nothing is too big for Him to overcome…and to convey this realization to others.  Jesus wants us to boldly step up and out - and greet Him each and every minute of the day.  And He wants us to show others that there is nothing to fear.

I want Jesus to be so present in my life that whenever others look at me, they can almost visualize His image standing next to me, holding my hand.  I want others to see that Jesus is my constant companion…that He never leaves me…that wherever I go, He goes, also.  And in order to do this, I have to develop a deep, abiding, continual relationship with Him that encompasses each and every minute of the day.  I’m working hard to do exactly this…what about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus 

Daily Devotional for March 2, 2016

1 John 2:3-6
Here’s how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep his commandments.

If someone claims, “I know him well!” but doesn’t keep his commandments, he’s obviously a liar. His life doesn’t match his words. But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God. Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
   
It’s probably just me…but I don’t know when I have ever been so keenly aware of people claiming the name of Jesus while “acting a fool.”  My mother was a great student of history, and she always noted that name calling and “mud-slinging” are nothing new…that if we knew all that was said and done to Abraham Lincoln, we would completely lose our minds. But my mother was also the QUEEN of the phrase, “Two wrongs don’t make a right!”  So just because this has happened throughout history doesn’t mean it is acceptable today.

The point is this…there are a LOT of people running around right now spewing venom in one breath – and inviting people to a Bible study in the next.  Lots of people are raising their hands on Sunday morning to worship Jesus, and then shaking their fists at a referee throughout the week. More than a few are wearing their “cross” jewelry and placing signs in the yard to invite people to their particular house of worship…then gossiping, posting ugly things on social media, and disparaging anyone who is different from them – in any way.

Here we go again…PEOPLE ARE WATCHING! And what we say and do – or DON’T say and do – matters greatly.  It matters to God…and it matters in our efforts to further His Kingdom.  If you want to demonstrate God’s mature love, you have got to make your life match your words and actions that claim this as the case.  And this means keeping God’s commandments…ALL of them – especially the one about loving your neighbor as yourself.

So the next time you start to say something that is even a little bit unkind or critical, stop and ask yourself if this demonstrates God’s love for us and others.  When you are ready to rail against perceived injustices (or the teacher or referee who did your kid wrong), ask God if this fits into His plans and reflects the teachings of Jesus.  When you start to get riled up about this situation or that one, check with God and see what He has to say about operating in offense.

If we want to know God in the right way, we have to fully embrace His commandments – and walk/talk them every minute of each day.  People ARE watching.  What – and WHO – do they see when they look at you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 15, 2016

John 13:12-17
Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it—and live a blessed life.

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.

Yesterday after church, Timothy had on a paper bracelet with something written on it.  I asked him about the bracelet during lunch, and he said, “We were supposed to write down the names of someone to pray for…and I chose Granny and Bruce, because they already died and went to heaven.”  I looked at the bracelet, and he had written “Granny” and “Brose” in his neatest printing.  Greg, Grandma E and I were all touched by his sweet gesture.  Timothy was talking to God about his Granny (my mother)…and Mr. Bruce (Greg’s brother).  And he had learned to do this from listening to – and observing – other adults…at home and in Sunday school.

Every Sunday after church, I thank God for what our children learned that day. I thank Him for the Godly, loving teachers who instruct them and demonstrate what it means to “feed my sheep” and share the love and teachings of Jesus with others.  And I am reminded that these children are watching everything we say and do…and so are “children” of all ages.

What are you demonstrating?  Have you learned from the Master… and are you following His pattern?  If you go back and read John 13 in its entirety, you will see that Jesus washed the feet of His disciples in a gesture of inclusiveness.  To wash the filthy, dusty feet of someone in Jesus’ day was a demonstration of complete humility, service - and great care.  Jesus was telling the disciples – and us – that we are all a part of what He is doing on this earth…that He is not too good to wash our feet – and we are not better than anyone else.  We must be ready, willing and able to do whatever is necessary to show others how much we love them in Jesus’ name…how much HE loves them.

Whether it is washing feet, praying for someone, sharing in the joys or sorrows of others, or teaching children to further God’s kingdom through their words and actions…we all have a part to play.  As Jesus pointed out…we must be willing to feed His sheep if we want to be part of His Kingdom.  And if we understand this…we must act like it.  How are you doing?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 6, 2015

Matthew 5:28-30
You know that you have been taught, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you not to try to get even with a person who has done something to you. When someone slaps your right cheek, turn and let that person slap your other cheek. If someone sues you for your shirt, give up your coat as well.

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

We have all been saddened  and discouraged by recent tragic events…the shootings in Charleston, South Carolina; Roanoke, Virginia; and the senseless killings of policemen AND those committed by law enforcement officers, to name a few. We’re angered and disgusted over pictures that appear on social media of animals that have been abused.  We are outraged by the photos of hungry and homeless children and refugees in foreign lands.  And I don’t know about you, but  the latest heartbreak – the little body of Aylan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian child who washed ashore after drowning at sea as his family fled for Turkey (and ultimately to Europe) – has just about done me in.

“Somebody should pay,” we say!  But who – and how?  What would we deem the right recompense for some of these atrocities?  Oh, don’t tell me…because I have a feeling that many of us have a few mortal “answers.” But we need only look as far as the words of Jesus to know what we’re really supposed to say…how He intends for us to feel – and act.  The One who knew that His own disciple would betray Him…that He would be spit upon, beaten, bruised and bloodied – then crucified horrifically on a wooden cross…told us clearly and plainly what to do.  This One who had every right to seek revenge…to turn His back on the whole lot of us…said, “Don’t try to get even.” 

In fact, Jesus went further.  He said, “When someone takes your shirt…offer them your coat, too!”  In other words, when someone wrongs you, continue to treat them with love and kindness.  Even when it takes everything you can muster not to be rude  - or at best, distant - pull yourself together in the name of Jesus, and show the person who wronged you His loving image through your words and actions.

Tough to do?  You betcha!  It ranks right up there with forgiving others…and I’m not all that good at either one.  But I know that this is what is required of me.  And I cannot ask to do less than the One who did EVERYTHING for me…and neither can you!  So hitch up your britches, pray hard, and start living like Jesus!  Let God handle the judgment and revenge…and keep your eyes on the Cross.  We.can.do.this! Jesus will be with us every step of the way.  And He will make all the difference!

©2015 Debbie Robus