Proverbs 4:20-27
Dear friend, listen well to my words;
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.
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.
As I write this devotional, Greg is busy mowing our yard. His head is down, and he is focused straight ahead as he makes sure that each row neatly lines up next to the one before it - with no gaps. Were he to look to the left or right and allow his focus to wander, there is no telling what "pattern" we might end up with in our yard! Like a lot of things in life, this is a task that requires one to "keep it between the lines" and to "ignore all sideshow distractions."
How does this have relevance for us? Think about your life as if you were mowing a lawn. You have a task at hand...school, work, caring for your family, staying healthy, eating, sleeping, maintaining relationships...and yes, working on your Christian discipleship through prayer, Bible study, discipleships, and fellowship/worship with other believers. As long as you "push the mower" in a straight line and stay focused, everything goes well.
Then a "distraction" comes along. "Life" throws you a curve ball. Someone asks you to do something you don't want to do - or can't - and rather than tell them "No," you dodge and weave and say, "Let me think about it and get back to you." You've just looked to the left and gotten off track. Or someone says, "Hey, did you hear about So-and-so?" and you drop what you are doing to hear all of the juicy tidbits. You just veered to the right...and there goes another "jog" in your neatly trimmed "yard"!
Someone makes you doubt yourself - or your faith - and you stop in your tracks...frozen...unable to move in any direction. Your friends or family members express viewpoints with which you do not agree...or speak against someone or a particular group. You are uncomfortable and feel God telling you that this is not right...but you don't want to embarrass anyone - especially yourself - so you say nothing...or nod in silent agreement. Either way, you have veered off the course that God set for your life...and you probably don't fell all that great deep within your heart because of it.
This passage is a reminder for us to examine our hearts...and to spend some time talking with God. It's a wake-up call to have something of a "review" or "tune-up" to see where we have gotten off course...and where God is calling us to get back into His "lane"!
When Greg gets done mowing our yard, it looks like a beautiful, smooth green carpet. I'm afraid that the "carpet" of our lives often has quite a few frays and snags that stick up or out and mar the landscape. But we can change this. We can ask God to help us get back on track, and to stay there. God can help us keep vigilant watch over our hearts...and to avoid the distractions that pull us to one side or the other. And in doing so, we can really live...healthy, happy, and bursting with confidence that He is guiding our steps.
Who is really steering your life these days? It's a question we all need to ask ourselves. Getting to the right answer may take some work and attention, but it will be so worth the effort. Are you ready to start paying closer attention? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label letting God help us choose our words and actions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letting God help us choose our words and actions. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 20, 2014
Colossians 3:12-14
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I used to watch a reality TV show about a professional stylist named Rachel Zoe. Fashion was her “thing”...and her job was to dress some of the world’s most famous people for events and appearances. She combed the world for just the right items of clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories to make her clients look their best...she tried to make them memorable! She wanted people to say, “Rachel Zoe” dressed me...and she ALWAYS makes me look good!
Now I will also have to say that there is often nothing humble about these celebrities...and their stylist is anything but even tempered and quick to forgive offenses! She takes her work personally, and every criticism is an affront to her sense of style - if not her personal self-worth!
I love how The Message translation depicts the fruits of the Spirit as our wardrobe...and how the Apostle Paul tells us that our basic, go-with-anything-never-leave-home-without-it garment is love. And while I may have appeared harshly critical of Rachel Zoe and how her work is ego-driven, I fully acknowledge that we are all exactly like her in many ways.
We are front and center to make the other guy look good or feel better about himself...as long as WE look good in the bargain! If we are honest, there are plenty of times when we reach out to others out of an effort to propel ourselves to the top of the heap and boost our own egos – more than a deep love and concern for anyone else. And heaven help the person who offends us or even attempts to one-up us in some way!
I can’t help but think about Jesus. The more I study Him and get to know Him, the more I see how effectively He operated in these very traits...compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline – and most certainly, LOVE! Yes, there were times when Jesus asserted His position... “Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” (Matthew 16:24) But His proclamation was in a factual context...not a show of arrogance. And let’s face it...Jesus could back up His claim with definitive actions and demonstrations.
I’ve been thinking for a long time that my “closet” needs a good cleaning...both literally, and spiritually. I need to take out the things that fit poorly or are worn and outdated. And maybe you need to do this, too. You may even have some “vanity items” in your closet that need to go...items that say, “Hey, look at me and how special I am!” Maybe you have some attitudes that need to go on the “discard” heap. Maybe you need to add a few things or upgrade your “basics”...especially love and humility.
To be completely truthful, many of the outfits Rachel Zoe assembles for her clients look pretty bad to me. I struggle to see where there is any “style” to them...or where they flatter the person who wears them. And when we do our own “styling” and leave God out of the mix, the results may not be all that attractive, either. There is no time like the present for cleaning up our wardrobes and making a fresh start. And the logical place to begin is with a simple prayer.
Ask God to be your “stylist”...to show you how to weed out the unnecessary garments and accessories... and to pare your “closet” down to His basic “love suit” and only the best accessories and enhancements. When we allow God to “dress” us, we are always in style...and others are blessed in the bargain. What are YOU wearing these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I used to watch a reality TV show about a professional stylist named Rachel Zoe. Fashion was her “thing”...and her job was to dress some of the world’s most famous people for events and appearances. She combed the world for just the right items of clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories to make her clients look their best...she tried to make them memorable! She wanted people to say, “Rachel Zoe” dressed me...and she ALWAYS makes me look good!
Now I will also have to say that there is often nothing humble about these celebrities...and their stylist is anything but even tempered and quick to forgive offenses! She takes her work personally, and every criticism is an affront to her sense of style - if not her personal self-worth!
I love how The Message translation depicts the fruits of the Spirit as our wardrobe...and how the Apostle Paul tells us that our basic, go-with-anything-never-leave-home-without-it garment is love. And while I may have appeared harshly critical of Rachel Zoe and how her work is ego-driven, I fully acknowledge that we are all exactly like her in many ways.
We are front and center to make the other guy look good or feel better about himself...as long as WE look good in the bargain! If we are honest, there are plenty of times when we reach out to others out of an effort to propel ourselves to the top of the heap and boost our own egos – more than a deep love and concern for anyone else. And heaven help the person who offends us or even attempts to one-up us in some way!
I can’t help but think about Jesus. The more I study Him and get to know Him, the more I see how effectively He operated in these very traits...compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline – and most certainly, LOVE! Yes, there were times when Jesus asserted His position... “Anyone who intends to come with Me has to let Me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.” (Matthew 16:24) But His proclamation was in a factual context...not a show of arrogance. And let’s face it...Jesus could back up His claim with definitive actions and demonstrations.
I’ve been thinking for a long time that my “closet” needs a good cleaning...both literally, and spiritually. I need to take out the things that fit poorly or are worn and outdated. And maybe you need to do this, too. You may even have some “vanity items” in your closet that need to go...items that say, “Hey, look at me and how special I am!” Maybe you have some attitudes that need to go on the “discard” heap. Maybe you need to add a few things or upgrade your “basics”...especially love and humility.
To be completely truthful, many of the outfits Rachel Zoe assembles for her clients look pretty bad to me. I struggle to see where there is any “style” to them...or where they flatter the person who wears them. And when we do our own “styling” and leave God out of the mix, the results may not be all that attractive, either. There is no time like the present for cleaning up our wardrobes and making a fresh start. And the logical place to begin is with a simple prayer.
Ask God to be your “stylist”...to show you how to weed out the unnecessary garments and accessories... and to pare your “closet” down to His basic “love suit” and only the best accessories and enhancements. When we allow God to “dress” us, we are always in style...and others are blessed in the bargain. What are YOU wearing these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 2, 2014
Matthew 7:1-2
Don’t condemn others, and God won’t condemn you. God will be as hard on you as you are on others! He will treat you exactly as you treat them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Someone shared a link on Facebook to an article* about a book called Where Children Sleep…written by English-born photographer James Mollison. This book features photos of children around the world – and a photo of their bedroom – along with a caption that tells the child’s “story”. If you click the link I have provided, you can see some of the photos. I hope you will find them as interesting and compelling as I did…and that it will get you thinking about how we perceive (judge) others.
If we are totally honest, I would dare say that most of us have looked at someone else and made a judgment call. We have assumed everything from how wonderful their life must be – based on their thin, muscular, model-like appearance…the nice clothes they wear…the fancy house they live in…and/or the expensive car they drive and the jewelry they wear. We have decided that their lives must be close to perfect, because they “have it all”…or can afford to get it. We don’t stop to consider that they may have problems we cannot begin to imagine…from health issues (their own or a loved one’s) to abuse - to financial woes. They may be drowning in debt…severely depressed…or lonely. How many well-known celebrities can you think of who cannot maintain personal relationships…suffer from an addiction…or seem to always be in some sort of trouble?
The person who tells you that everything is wonderful may be covering for a lifetime of heartache and misery. The man with more money than he can begin to spend in a lifetime may be one of the loneliest people on the planet. The person who is happy and upbeat all the time – the life of the party – may be harboring all sorts of sadness and secrets behind closed doors.
We look at those who are disheveled, unkempt – even dirty – and we assume they are impoverished…maybe even lacking in intelligence. Quite honestly, we’ve become so accustomed to seeing people among us who have abused drugs that we look at someone who is thin and/or has bad teeth and skin…and we assume they have “done meth” or abused some other substance. We look at those who are obese and readily assume they have “food issues”. We see a child have a “melt-down” in the grocery store or a restaurant, and we assume that his/her mother or father is a bad parent who cannot control the child. We assume that people who don’t go to church on Sunday either aren’t Christians – or they are lacking in faith and Spiritual discipline. Sometimes we make false assumptions about even our own family members…out of such emotions as jealousy or spite - or even true ignorance.
My point is that we cannot always see what is going on with another person with just a casual glance. We have to get to know them a little…to pay attention to what is happening in their lives…to ask questions and listen to the answers…to be present in the moment when we are with someone and truly care about what is happening. And always…always…we must remind ourselves that we might not have the whole story!
Think about how others perceive – and judge – you! Think about what they know about you…and what they couldn’t possibly know. When you dash into the store for something without taking time to shower and look your best, remember that others may make an errant, snap judgment based on your appearance. When your child shows out in public, some will deem you a “bad parent”. When you get caught up in the heat of an emotional situation and behave badly, some will judge your faith.
Even on your best day, someone will find fault with you – and you are likely to judge another person, as well. You have two choices…you can either choose to seek revenge and/or form opinions about others…or you can choose to let God do the judging and try to see each person as someone of value and merit – with qualities both good and poor, just like the rest of us.
The Bible tells us to operate in compassion and understanding…to love others and see them as God sees them – warts and all, yet important. Take stock of your life and see where God is calling on you to be less judgmental and more compassionate. It’s time to look at others and imagine “where – and how - they really sleep”. Let this be the day that you cut someone a little slack – and feel God’s peace in the process.
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://pulptastic.com/james-mollison-where-children-sleep/
Don’t condemn others, and God won’t condemn you. God will be as hard on you as you are on others! He will treat you exactly as you treat them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Someone shared a link on Facebook to an article* about a book called Where Children Sleep…written by English-born photographer James Mollison. This book features photos of children around the world – and a photo of their bedroom – along with a caption that tells the child’s “story”. If you click the link I have provided, you can see some of the photos. I hope you will find them as interesting and compelling as I did…and that it will get you thinking about how we perceive (judge) others.
If we are totally honest, I would dare say that most of us have looked at someone else and made a judgment call. We have assumed everything from how wonderful their life must be – based on their thin, muscular, model-like appearance…the nice clothes they wear…the fancy house they live in…and/or the expensive car they drive and the jewelry they wear. We have decided that their lives must be close to perfect, because they “have it all”…or can afford to get it. We don’t stop to consider that they may have problems we cannot begin to imagine…from health issues (their own or a loved one’s) to abuse - to financial woes. They may be drowning in debt…severely depressed…or lonely. How many well-known celebrities can you think of who cannot maintain personal relationships…suffer from an addiction…or seem to always be in some sort of trouble?
The person who tells you that everything is wonderful may be covering for a lifetime of heartache and misery. The man with more money than he can begin to spend in a lifetime may be one of the loneliest people on the planet. The person who is happy and upbeat all the time – the life of the party – may be harboring all sorts of sadness and secrets behind closed doors.
We look at those who are disheveled, unkempt – even dirty – and we assume they are impoverished…maybe even lacking in intelligence. Quite honestly, we’ve become so accustomed to seeing people among us who have abused drugs that we look at someone who is thin and/or has bad teeth and skin…and we assume they have “done meth” or abused some other substance. We look at those who are obese and readily assume they have “food issues”. We see a child have a “melt-down” in the grocery store or a restaurant, and we assume that his/her mother or father is a bad parent who cannot control the child. We assume that people who don’t go to church on Sunday either aren’t Christians – or they are lacking in faith and Spiritual discipline. Sometimes we make false assumptions about even our own family members…out of such emotions as jealousy or spite - or even true ignorance.
My point is that we cannot always see what is going on with another person with just a casual glance. We have to get to know them a little…to pay attention to what is happening in their lives…to ask questions and listen to the answers…to be present in the moment when we are with someone and truly care about what is happening. And always…always…we must remind ourselves that we might not have the whole story!
Think about how others perceive – and judge – you! Think about what they know about you…and what they couldn’t possibly know. When you dash into the store for something without taking time to shower and look your best, remember that others may make an errant, snap judgment based on your appearance. When your child shows out in public, some will deem you a “bad parent”. When you get caught up in the heat of an emotional situation and behave badly, some will judge your faith.
Even on your best day, someone will find fault with you – and you are likely to judge another person, as well. You have two choices…you can either choose to seek revenge and/or form opinions about others…or you can choose to let God do the judging and try to see each person as someone of value and merit – with qualities both good and poor, just like the rest of us.
The Bible tells us to operate in compassion and understanding…to love others and see them as God sees them – warts and all, yet important. Take stock of your life and see where God is calling on you to be less judgmental and more compassionate. It’s time to look at others and imagine “where – and how - they really sleep”. Let this be the day that you cut someone a little slack – and feel God’s peace in the process.
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://pulptastic.com/james-mollison-where-children-sleep/
Daily Devotional for September 3, 2013
1 Kings 3:25-28
“Cut the baby in half! That way each of you can have part of him.”
“Please don’t kill my son,” the baby’s mother screamed. “Your Majesty, I love him very much, but give him to her. Just don’t kill him.”
The other woman shouted, “Go ahead and cut him in half. Then neither of us will have the baby.”
Solomon said, “Don’t kill the baby.” Then he pointed to the first woman, “She is his real mother. Give the baby to her.”
Everyone in Israel was amazed when they heard how Solomon had made his decision. They realized that God had given him wisdom to judge fairly.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine recently took a test to acquire further certification for her job. She was telling me about the questions and how confusing some of them were. She tried to think through the multiple choice answers and select the one that made the most sense. Sometimes, she felt a very clear indication in one direction or another. But there were some questions where several choices seemed plausible, and she truly had to guess at the answer.
We’ve all been there… if not an actual pencil-and-paper test, there have been times when we had to make a choice, and several options seemed reasonable – or confusing! I really like this story in 1 Kings about the two women who went before King Solomon. Both had given birth to babies at approximately the same time. One rolled over on her infant in the night and smothered him/her. In a panic, she got up and swapped babies with the other woman. Both mothers insisted to King Solomon that the living baby was theirs.
Think about it… there was no way King Solomon could know which woman was truly the mother of this infant - based on the information he had been given. There was a 50-50 chance of getting this right… or wrong! The scripture doesn’t tell us that Solomon paused to talk to God about this… but it does say that God gave him the wisdom to make the right choice. And this is where we find our message for today… when we listen to God, He will give us wise answers. When we stay in close contact with God and pray about everything, He will provide us with the necessary wisdom – and courage – to make the right decisions.
Sometimes, these choices will be abundantly clear… other times, we will have to take a leap of faith and trust that God is leading us. I cannot imagine that Solomon was eager to tell these women to “cut the baby in half” and each take a portion. Yet that was the perfect way to get a “confession” from the “wannabe” mother. Sometimes, we have to “call a bluff”…take a risk…make a choice that is unpopular – or even scary! If we feel that God is leading us in this direction, we must trust that He will manage the outcome and help us deal with the consequences.
I can tell you firsthand that letting God guide our choices can be daunting – and at times, almost petrifying! But I can also tell you that I have never regretted following His lead. And the more that I listen to God… the more clearly I hear His voice. I find “signs” that He is directing my choices, and I experience an inexplicable peace in the options I select… even the scary ones!
Life is often like my friend’s certification exam… fraught with multiple choices that all seem possible – and/or confusing. Every day we make decisions that leave us wondering if we did the right thing. Thankfully, this will probably never extend to selecting to cut a baby in half! But when we call on God to guide us – and trust His direction – we can be satisfied that we have chosen well in the end. With God’s wisdom to judge things fairly, we can live with courage and confidence. Who is guiding your choices today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Cut the baby in half! That way each of you can have part of him.”
“Please don’t kill my son,” the baby’s mother screamed. “Your Majesty, I love him very much, but give him to her. Just don’t kill him.”
The other woman shouted, “Go ahead and cut him in half. Then neither of us will have the baby.”
Solomon said, “Don’t kill the baby.” Then he pointed to the first woman, “She is his real mother. Give the baby to her.”
Everyone in Israel was amazed when they heard how Solomon had made his decision. They realized that God had given him wisdom to judge fairly.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine recently took a test to acquire further certification for her job. She was telling me about the questions and how confusing some of them were. She tried to think through the multiple choice answers and select the one that made the most sense. Sometimes, she felt a very clear indication in one direction or another. But there were some questions where several choices seemed plausible, and she truly had to guess at the answer.
We’ve all been there… if not an actual pencil-and-paper test, there have been times when we had to make a choice, and several options seemed reasonable – or confusing! I really like this story in 1 Kings about the two women who went before King Solomon. Both had given birth to babies at approximately the same time. One rolled over on her infant in the night and smothered him/her. In a panic, she got up and swapped babies with the other woman. Both mothers insisted to King Solomon that the living baby was theirs.
Think about it… there was no way King Solomon could know which woman was truly the mother of this infant - based on the information he had been given. There was a 50-50 chance of getting this right… or wrong! The scripture doesn’t tell us that Solomon paused to talk to God about this… but it does say that God gave him the wisdom to make the right choice. And this is where we find our message for today… when we listen to God, He will give us wise answers. When we stay in close contact with God and pray about everything, He will provide us with the necessary wisdom – and courage – to make the right decisions.
Sometimes, these choices will be abundantly clear… other times, we will have to take a leap of faith and trust that God is leading us. I cannot imagine that Solomon was eager to tell these women to “cut the baby in half” and each take a portion. Yet that was the perfect way to get a “confession” from the “wannabe” mother. Sometimes, we have to “call a bluff”…take a risk…make a choice that is unpopular – or even scary! If we feel that God is leading us in this direction, we must trust that He will manage the outcome and help us deal with the consequences.
I can tell you firsthand that letting God guide our choices can be daunting – and at times, almost petrifying! But I can also tell you that I have never regretted following His lead. And the more that I listen to God… the more clearly I hear His voice. I find “signs” that He is directing my choices, and I experience an inexplicable peace in the options I select… even the scary ones!
Life is often like my friend’s certification exam… fraught with multiple choices that all seem possible – and/or confusing. Every day we make decisions that leave us wondering if we did the right thing. Thankfully, this will probably never extend to selecting to cut a baby in half! But when we call on God to guide us – and trust His direction – we can be satisfied that we have chosen well in the end. With God’s wisdom to judge things fairly, we can live with courage and confidence. Who is guiding your choices today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 1, 2013
1 Corinthians 10:13
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few weeks ago, I bought a stack of vintage linens at an estate sale. I carefully selected what I thought were “good” linens… or those that still had useful embroidery or details. After washing everything, I discovered that a few were pretty tattered. In particular, there was a pair of embroidered pillowcases that I really wanted to use to make little girls’ dresses. I decided that I could cut around the bad spots on one pillowcase and create a cute little blouse for our niece, Zola. There was almost the same scenario with a pair of pale pink pillowcases… and I decided I could use the “best” one to make a pair of pants to match Zola’s blouse.
I began to sew the blouse together, and about two-thirds of the way into the project, I tugged on the fabric to pull it taught… and it ripped. The fabric was so old and fragile that it gave way under stress. “No worries,” I thought…”I’ll stitch a decorative flower over that spot! After all, this is vintage fabric!” Then another spot tore…and another. I was almost ready to give up. This was too much. I had spent a couple of hours on the garment at this point. The temptation to cut my losses was there… did I dare succumb to it? In the end, I decided to keep going…to reinforce the torn spots with sturdy stitching and cover them in fabric flower enhancements. If Zola only wore this blouse one time and it fell apart in the wash, so be it!
The end result was darling… and then I experienced virtually the same thing when I made the pants. The fabric tore as I stitched the waistband! I added a little more sturdy “over-stitching”…and I was done. Again, the temptation was to throw in the towel and start another project. But I was able to work through this and finish both garments. I know there will be times when it is right to change directions and leave a project unfinished. But the lesson I learned from this experience and others is that God will tell me when that time comes. Until then, I am to persevere. I know that God will help me handle all of my temptations.
Every day, EVERY ONE of us tempted in one way or another, just as this scripture declares. No one is immune to this. Temptations go far beyond food, alcohol, nicotine and drugs, which are some of the ones that generally come to mind first.
Do we really think so little of God that we cannot trust Him to help us handle temptation? Is the choice really so tantalizing that we cannot resist with His help? Every day we have choices to make… and temptations to resist. God stands ready – and able – to help us in this. The only temptation we should entertain is the one to accept His help and care in all things. When impulses and decisions arise in your life… how – and WHO – will you choose to handle them? Will you opt to give up, give in… or let God guide your choices?
©2013 Debbie Robus
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few weeks ago, I bought a stack of vintage linens at an estate sale. I carefully selected what I thought were “good” linens… or those that still had useful embroidery or details. After washing everything, I discovered that a few were pretty tattered. In particular, there was a pair of embroidered pillowcases that I really wanted to use to make little girls’ dresses. I decided that I could cut around the bad spots on one pillowcase and create a cute little blouse for our niece, Zola. There was almost the same scenario with a pair of pale pink pillowcases… and I decided I could use the “best” one to make a pair of pants to match Zola’s blouse.
I began to sew the blouse together, and about two-thirds of the way into the project, I tugged on the fabric to pull it taught… and it ripped. The fabric was so old and fragile that it gave way under stress. “No worries,” I thought…”I’ll stitch a decorative flower over that spot! After all, this is vintage fabric!” Then another spot tore…and another. I was almost ready to give up. This was too much. I had spent a couple of hours on the garment at this point. The temptation to cut my losses was there… did I dare succumb to it? In the end, I decided to keep going…to reinforce the torn spots with sturdy stitching and cover them in fabric flower enhancements. If Zola only wore this blouse one time and it fell apart in the wash, so be it!
The end result was darling… and then I experienced virtually the same thing when I made the pants. The fabric tore as I stitched the waistband! I added a little more sturdy “over-stitching”…and I was done. Again, the temptation was to throw in the towel and start another project. But I was able to work through this and finish both garments. I know there will be times when it is right to change directions and leave a project unfinished. But the lesson I learned from this experience and others is that God will tell me when that time comes. Until then, I am to persevere. I know that God will help me handle all of my temptations.
Every day, EVERY ONE of us tempted in one way or another, just as this scripture declares. No one is immune to this. Temptations go far beyond food, alcohol, nicotine and drugs, which are some of the ones that generally come to mind first.
- We are tempted to quit our job or give up on relationships.
- We are tempted to drop out of school or a class that seems too difficult.
- We are tempted to stop caring and trying with loved ones and friends who reject us.
- We are tempted to give up on exercise when results are slow in materializing.
- We are tempted to leave the church when we disagree with fellow members… someone is critical of us… or we experience a conflict of some sort.
- We are tempted to give others a piece of our mind when we are irritated.
- We are tempted to stick our noses in where they don’t belong.
- We are tempted to drink too much, dress too provocatively, curse, tell off-color jokes, and agree with derogatory slurs in order to fit in with the crowd.
- We are tempted to criticize or put down the other guy in order to make ourselves look more important or special.
- We are tempted to spend too much and acquire more “stuff” than we will ever need or use.
- We are tempted to fall apart when grief and/or tragedy strikes.
- We are tempted to pull the covers over our head and never get out of bed again!
Do we really think so little of God that we cannot trust Him to help us handle temptation? Is the choice really so tantalizing that we cannot resist with His help? Every day we have choices to make… and temptations to resist. God stands ready – and able – to help us in this. The only temptation we should entertain is the one to accept His help and care in all things. When impulses and decisions arise in your life… how – and WHO – will you choose to handle them? Will you opt to give up, give in… or let God guide your choices?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 27, 2013
Romans 14:19-21
So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault. You’re certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God’s work among you, are you? I said it before and I’ll say it again: All food is good, but it can turn bad if you use it badly, if you use it to trip others up and send them sprawling. When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus. So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating. Don’t eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“The two best times to keep your mouth shut are when you are swimming and when you are angry.” This quote appeared a few months ago on the Facebook wall of my friend Mich Magness, who was celebrated and buried in Oklahoma today. Mich was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor known as Glioblastoma on June 14th and died August 23rd. He was only 52. I’ve talked about Mich in previous devotionals, so I won’t repeat the story of how we became friends. But I have to mention Mich today, because he truly understood these verses in Romans 14. Mich stood up for what was right… and he spoke out when necessarily. But Mich was very careful not to judge others… or to criticize or speak in a way that would make the other person feel inferior or unimportant. And that’s why so many people loved him so dearly.
Sunday afternoon, Greg, my mother-in-law Elaine, and I went to see the movie, The Butler. We found the film to be extraordinarily good. As my dear friend John Birdsong put it, “I thought it was an amazingly courageous look at an ugly time in America, and even though we have granted racial equality in our country by law, there are many people who never saw what was going on or understood the human toll our racial divide took on real people and real families. I thought the movie told a story that needs to be heard again and again.”
John is one of the most fair, honest men I know. He always presents his thoughts in a careful, gentle manner. Still, he took flak over his movie review… as he has for other comments in the past. In many cases, Facebook commenters lodge their attacks and ugliness at John himself. At times, it’s gotten very personal. This happens all the time… not just on Facebook, but all over the place. Even in church and Sunday school classrooms, people often voice their opinions as if they are straight from the Gospel, giving little consideration to who might take offense. These people are entitled to their views… but one statement spoken unkindly or with judgment can condemn someone else (even inadvertently) and cause him/her to turn away from God – possibly forever! In other words, these people may decide that…”If this is how those who serve God feel… and perhaps even how GOD feels… then I don’t want any part of Him!” And in essence, the “meal around Jesus’ table” is ruined.
Again, I am not asking you to compromise your values… or even to sugarcoat the hard teachings of the Bible. But I am suggesting that you think carefully about what you say and how you act… that you temper your opinions with a hefty dose of grace and mercy – and the love of Christ. Be gentle. Make sure that you are acting and speaking in a way that represents Jesus Christ and everything He stands for… compassion, generosity, forgiveness, acceptance, and kindness. Remember our place in the word as Christ’s disciples. We are not the judge and jury… we are His hands and feet – His humble servants. Nurture others and quietly guide them toward a right relationship with Jesus… don’t hit them over the head with a hammer!
For the most part, critical, opinionated Christians are not bad people…they just don’t pause to think about their words and actions and how they might affect others. I’m asking each of us to take a hard look at our lives and see where we have “spoiled the meal” with our behavior. Like the quote from Mich’s wall reminds us…let’s learn to keep our mouths shut more often – and not only when we go swimming!
©2013 Debbie Robus
So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault. You’re certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God’s work among you, are you? I said it before and I’ll say it again: All food is good, but it can turn bad if you use it badly, if you use it to trip others up and send them sprawling. When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus. So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating. Don’t eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“The two best times to keep your mouth shut are when you are swimming and when you are angry.” This quote appeared a few months ago on the Facebook wall of my friend Mich Magness, who was celebrated and buried in Oklahoma today. Mich was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor known as Glioblastoma on June 14th and died August 23rd. He was only 52. I’ve talked about Mich in previous devotionals, so I won’t repeat the story of how we became friends. But I have to mention Mich today, because he truly understood these verses in Romans 14. Mich stood up for what was right… and he spoke out when necessarily. But Mich was very careful not to judge others… or to criticize or speak in a way that would make the other person feel inferior or unimportant. And that’s why so many people loved him so dearly.
Sunday afternoon, Greg, my mother-in-law Elaine, and I went to see the movie, The Butler. We found the film to be extraordinarily good. As my dear friend John Birdsong put it, “I thought it was an amazingly courageous look at an ugly time in America, and even though we have granted racial equality in our country by law, there are many people who never saw what was going on or understood the human toll our racial divide took on real people and real families. I thought the movie told a story that needs to be heard again and again.”
John is one of the most fair, honest men I know. He always presents his thoughts in a careful, gentle manner. Still, he took flak over his movie review… as he has for other comments in the past. In many cases, Facebook commenters lodge their attacks and ugliness at John himself. At times, it’s gotten very personal. This happens all the time… not just on Facebook, but all over the place. Even in church and Sunday school classrooms, people often voice their opinions as if they are straight from the Gospel, giving little consideration to who might take offense. These people are entitled to their views… but one statement spoken unkindly or with judgment can condemn someone else (even inadvertently) and cause him/her to turn away from God – possibly forever! In other words, these people may decide that…”If this is how those who serve God feel… and perhaps even how GOD feels… then I don’t want any part of Him!” And in essence, the “meal around Jesus’ table” is ruined.
Again, I am not asking you to compromise your values… or even to sugarcoat the hard teachings of the Bible. But I am suggesting that you think carefully about what you say and how you act… that you temper your opinions with a hefty dose of grace and mercy – and the love of Christ. Be gentle. Make sure that you are acting and speaking in a way that represents Jesus Christ and everything He stands for… compassion, generosity, forgiveness, acceptance, and kindness. Remember our place in the word as Christ’s disciples. We are not the judge and jury… we are His hands and feet – His humble servants. Nurture others and quietly guide them toward a right relationship with Jesus… don’t hit them over the head with a hammer!
For the most part, critical, opinionated Christians are not bad people…they just don’t pause to think about their words and actions and how they might affect others. I’m asking each of us to take a hard look at our lives and see where we have “spoiled the meal” with our behavior. Like the quote from Mich’s wall reminds us…let’s learn to keep our mouths shut more often – and not only when we go swimming!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 27, 2013
Hebrews 12:14-17
Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.
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.
Regardless of how you feel about the Paula Deen debacle, I think we can all agree that hers is a perfect example of how even a couple of ill-chosen words can have powerful – even permanent – ramifications. A snide remark, criticism, off-color joke, or disagreement with another may not cost you national endorsements or ruin your business… but these actions can certainly affect your reputation, your personal relationships – and possibly your bond with God.
The lesson for all of us is to guard not only what we say… but also our heart. It’s sort of the “garbage in – garbage out” theory. Here’s a good example… when I was in junior high, one of my teachers told a joke about a little girl who was talking to her mother about a movie titled “Damn Yankees.” Her mother said, “You cannot SAY that word!” The little girl replied, “Oops… I’m sorry… Darn Yankees!” We laughed, because in the late 1960s, people really couldn’t/didn’t use that word – or many others. It was considered impolite, improper, and in the eyes of some… sinful.
Today, I am hearing not only that word, but also words and distasteful phrases - like the LORD’s name taken in vain - on cable television programs, along with other off-color terms, as if they were regular table conversation. I’m not talking HBO or Showtime… I’m talking Bravo, E, and other channels that are available on satellite and cable TV packages… programs that run all hours of the night and day that any young child could view with the click of a remote control. And the saddest part of this is that we have become so accustomed to hearing these words that we don’t even notice… much less change the channel! This doesn’t even take into account the words and phrases that are spoken on our mainstream channels and/or “bleeped”…even though most of us know what is being said!
My point is that hearing these words in such common, public settings makes them too familiar… and opens the door for them to become part of our everyday vernacular. We see people arguing, screaming, throwing things and getting into brawls on “reality” TV shows and even daytime television, and we grow accustomed to believing that this is how “real” people behave. We lose our sense of self-control… our ability to regulate our words, deeds – and thoughts. And we allow these “weeds” to take root in our lives with little to no thought for the consequences.
My husband and I have been reading a book about the events that led to the beginning of the Civil War, titled 1861. In more than one instance, we have learned of the actions of a single person that completely changed the course of events. The stories of these individuals attest to the power of one person… both positively and negatively. Creating an atmosphere of calm and harmony begins with each of us. Finding God’s peace starts at home… in our own hearts.
Examine your daily activities and encounters. Look for areas where you are allowing “weeds” into the “garden” of your life. Ask God to show you how you are, at the very least, setting yourself up to satisfy short-term appetites (fitting in by telling distasteful jokes… letting others know how you really feel at the expense of their feelings – and your own dignity…peppering your language with colorful expletives…being critical in an effort to appear more intelligent or superior). Allow God to reveal these “weeds” to you and help you to eradicate them.
Make it your primary goal to stay in a right relationship with God… to always check with Him before speaking or acting… to become so attuned to His ways that even when you start to say or do something unkind or inappropriate… you check yourself and change course! The more this happens, the more you will recognize God working in and through you… and the more you will realize His blessings in your everyday living. As we have seen with Paula Deen, it’s very hard to take back what has been said or done. In other words, it only takes a “weed” or two to really mess up the “garden” of your life. Stay close to God and make sure yours is “weed free” at all times!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.
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.
Regardless of how you feel about the Paula Deen debacle, I think we can all agree that hers is a perfect example of how even a couple of ill-chosen words can have powerful – even permanent – ramifications. A snide remark, criticism, off-color joke, or disagreement with another may not cost you national endorsements or ruin your business… but these actions can certainly affect your reputation, your personal relationships – and possibly your bond with God.
The lesson for all of us is to guard not only what we say… but also our heart. It’s sort of the “garbage in – garbage out” theory. Here’s a good example… when I was in junior high, one of my teachers told a joke about a little girl who was talking to her mother about a movie titled “Damn Yankees.” Her mother said, “You cannot SAY that word!” The little girl replied, “Oops… I’m sorry… Darn Yankees!” We laughed, because in the late 1960s, people really couldn’t/didn’t use that word – or many others. It was considered impolite, improper, and in the eyes of some… sinful.
Today, I am hearing not only that word, but also words and distasteful phrases - like the LORD’s name taken in vain - on cable television programs, along with other off-color terms, as if they were regular table conversation. I’m not talking HBO or Showtime… I’m talking Bravo, E, and other channels that are available on satellite and cable TV packages… programs that run all hours of the night and day that any young child could view with the click of a remote control. And the saddest part of this is that we have become so accustomed to hearing these words that we don’t even notice… much less change the channel! This doesn’t even take into account the words and phrases that are spoken on our mainstream channels and/or “bleeped”…even though most of us know what is being said!
My point is that hearing these words in such common, public settings makes them too familiar… and opens the door for them to become part of our everyday vernacular. We see people arguing, screaming, throwing things and getting into brawls on “reality” TV shows and even daytime television, and we grow accustomed to believing that this is how “real” people behave. We lose our sense of self-control… our ability to regulate our words, deeds – and thoughts. And we allow these “weeds” to take root in our lives with little to no thought for the consequences.
My husband and I have been reading a book about the events that led to the beginning of the Civil War, titled 1861. In more than one instance, we have learned of the actions of a single person that completely changed the course of events. The stories of these individuals attest to the power of one person… both positively and negatively. Creating an atmosphere of calm and harmony begins with each of us. Finding God’s peace starts at home… in our own hearts.
Examine your daily activities and encounters. Look for areas where you are allowing “weeds” into the “garden” of your life. Ask God to show you how you are, at the very least, setting yourself up to satisfy short-term appetites (fitting in by telling distasteful jokes… letting others know how you really feel at the expense of their feelings – and your own dignity…peppering your language with colorful expletives…being critical in an effort to appear more intelligent or superior). Allow God to reveal these “weeds” to you and help you to eradicate them.
Make it your primary goal to stay in a right relationship with God… to always check with Him before speaking or acting… to become so attuned to His ways that even when you start to say or do something unkind or inappropriate… you check yourself and change course! The more this happens, the more you will recognize God working in and through you… and the more you will realize His blessings in your everyday living. As we have seen with Paula Deen, it’s very hard to take back what has been said or done. In other words, it only takes a “weed” or two to really mess up the “garden” of your life. Stay close to God and make sure yours is “weed free” at all times!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 18, 2013
2 Corinthians 7:1
With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.
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 friend of mine sums up her life like this… “Oh, look… a squirrel!” In other words, she is easily distracted by something as simple as a squirrel passing through her yard. And let’s be honest… there are countless interruptions in our everyday life that can divert our attention. Staying focused and “on task” is not easy!
At any given moment, my mind is racing between a dozen or more trains of thought… what I have on my “to-do list” for the day…what to say in this devotional… what to cook for dinner…when I will have time to fit in a workout…what day will be good for the children to visit…I forgot to water the plants…did I turn off the iron?...I wish I hadn’t said/done such-and-such to one person or another… why did I eat that last chicken strip?... I need to check and answer e-mail…and so much more! And I bet you could give me a similar list. While all of this is going on in our brains, we are trying to concentrate on specific tasks… studying…working at our job…caring for our children, friends or other family members… driving… texting or e-mailing… carrying on a conversation with someone…or even reading our Bible or praying!
Paul is telling us in this passage that we need to clean out the clutter. We need to call on God to help us gain focus – and keep it. We need to learn to concentrate on one, maybe two tasks at a time…to limit the minutes we spend daydreaming… to get organized… and to prioritize. When we “see a squirrel,” we need to essentially say, “Yep, that’s a squirrel!” and return to the task at hand.
We need to start replacing some of the mindless drivel that occupies our mind – and our time – with a dialog between ourselves and God, Bible study, and a focus on things that honor and glorify Him. We need to evaluate every aspect of our lives… from the junk food we ingest to our lack of exercise and proper rest to the activities that consume our days and nights… and see where these things line up with God’s plan for us.
There is no time like the present to clear the clutter – physically, mentally, and Spiritually. Every single one of us has some area of our life with which we are less than serene. Even those of us who feel that life is pretty good can name something that could use improvement… an aspect that we could work on that would bring us more into sync with God – and create a more peaceful existence in the bargain.
Clearing the clutter and making more room for God is something each of us should consider. God will help us figure out what needs to stay and what should go. And when we “see a squirrel”…He can help us learn how to momentarily admire it and get right back on track! Aren’t you ready to rid yourself of distractions and the troubles that come with them? Don’t you want to focus more clearly on God and His plan for your life? Isn’t it time to bring His peace and order into your daily living? Will this be the day you begin… or are you still too busy looking at squirrels?
©2013 Debbie Robus
With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.
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 friend of mine sums up her life like this… “Oh, look… a squirrel!” In other words, she is easily distracted by something as simple as a squirrel passing through her yard. And let’s be honest… there are countless interruptions in our everyday life that can divert our attention. Staying focused and “on task” is not easy!
At any given moment, my mind is racing between a dozen or more trains of thought… what I have on my “to-do list” for the day…what to say in this devotional… what to cook for dinner…when I will have time to fit in a workout…what day will be good for the children to visit…I forgot to water the plants…did I turn off the iron?...I wish I hadn’t said/done such-and-such to one person or another… why did I eat that last chicken strip?... I need to check and answer e-mail…and so much more! And I bet you could give me a similar list. While all of this is going on in our brains, we are trying to concentrate on specific tasks… studying…working at our job…caring for our children, friends or other family members… driving… texting or e-mailing… carrying on a conversation with someone…or even reading our Bible or praying!
Paul is telling us in this passage that we need to clean out the clutter. We need to call on God to help us gain focus – and keep it. We need to learn to concentrate on one, maybe two tasks at a time…to limit the minutes we spend daydreaming… to get organized… and to prioritize. When we “see a squirrel,” we need to essentially say, “Yep, that’s a squirrel!” and return to the task at hand.
We need to start replacing some of the mindless drivel that occupies our mind – and our time – with a dialog between ourselves and God, Bible study, and a focus on things that honor and glorify Him. We need to evaluate every aspect of our lives… from the junk food we ingest to our lack of exercise and proper rest to the activities that consume our days and nights… and see where these things line up with God’s plan for us.
There is no time like the present to clear the clutter – physically, mentally, and Spiritually. Every single one of us has some area of our life with which we are less than serene. Even those of us who feel that life is pretty good can name something that could use improvement… an aspect that we could work on that would bring us more into sync with God – and create a more peaceful existence in the bargain.
Clearing the clutter and making more room for God is something each of us should consider. God will help us figure out what needs to stay and what should go. And when we “see a squirrel”…He can help us learn how to momentarily admire it and get right back on track! Aren’t you ready to rid yourself of distractions and the troubles that come with them? Don’t you want to focus more clearly on God and His plan for your life? Isn’t it time to bring His peace and order into your daily living? Will this be the day you begin… or are you still too busy looking at squirrels?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 19, 2012
Exodus 14:4
The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I say to Timothy, “Calm down!” Part of this is his attempt to manipulate me… to see just how far he can push the envelope. And a big part of it is frustration, because when you are three, there are so many things you want to do… and the results are often less than successful. So there are temper tantrums and arguments, and lots and lots of tears – both real and the dramatic kind!
I have to laugh at how much we Christians are like three-year-olds. We still don’t get it that God is on our side. He fights for us every day… and so many of the “battles” and frustrations we experience are totally unnecessary. If only we would stay calm, we would see that God is in control, working things out for us. If only we would get still and listen for His voice, there would be a lot fewer challenges and frustrations in our lives.
As Timothy grows, I am hoping he will learn to stay calm and work through his challenges… to allow the grownups who surround him to help solve problems and make decisions. And as we grow in our faith in Jesus Christ, may we also learn to stay calm and let Him fight for us. Let us praise Him as our Protector and Shield, whose wisdom is always perfect and sure. Let us give thanks that we are so greatly loved. Stay calm and trust in the LORD, who is always on our side.
©2012 Debbie Robus
The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I say to Timothy, “Calm down!” Part of this is his attempt to manipulate me… to see just how far he can push the envelope. And a big part of it is frustration, because when you are three, there are so many things you want to do… and the results are often less than successful. So there are temper tantrums and arguments, and lots and lots of tears – both real and the dramatic kind!
I have to laugh at how much we Christians are like three-year-olds. We still don’t get it that God is on our side. He fights for us every day… and so many of the “battles” and frustrations we experience are totally unnecessary. If only we would stay calm, we would see that God is in control, working things out for us. If only we would get still and listen for His voice, there would be a lot fewer challenges and frustrations in our lives.
As Timothy grows, I am hoping he will learn to stay calm and work through his challenges… to allow the grownups who surround him to help solve problems and make decisions. And as we grow in our faith in Jesus Christ, may we also learn to stay calm and let Him fight for us. Let us praise Him as our Protector and Shield, whose wisdom is always perfect and sure. Let us give thanks that we are so greatly loved. Stay calm and trust in the LORD, who is always on our side.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 23, 2012
Psalm 4:4-5
Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I’ve been listening to the conversations Timothy has with his toy dinosaurs and jungle animals… and also his bath tub “friends.” You can learn a lot from an imaginative three-year-old! One conversation he had recently involved a “Grandpa” dinosaur and a smaller animal who wanted to come along on an adventure. Grandpa would say, “You can’t come with us…it’s too dangerous. But how can we get across this bridge… got any ideas?”
Timothy worked out his problems in these conversations and arrived at answers. Granted, they were make-believe conversations… and a lot of it was quotes from his videos about “The Land That Time Forgot.” Still, there was a great lesson here. We need to spend some time sharing our frustrations and concerns with God and asking Him… “Got any ideas?” I can assure you, He has plenty of them… and He is more than ready to share His answers with you!
More and more, I find myself in situations where I really need someone to talk to… but the “right person” just doesn’t seem to exist. Either my concerns would be worrisome or hurtful to some… or seem downright ugly and mean to others… or the things that genuinely trouble me sound totally ridiculous and/or as if I am lacking in faith when I say them out loud. So I tell these things to God. NOTHING is too ridiculous, hurtful and mean, or doubtful to share with Him. I can be myself, pour out my heart, and “let it all hang out” before God, and He will not judge me. BUT…He will answer!
God’s verdict will always be right and sound… and if I will just sit still for a while and listen, He will show me exactly what I need to do. A lot of the time we cannot help our feelings… our thoughts and impressions are very real to us. But we don’t need to air them for the world to hear. Instead, all we have to do is pour out our hearts to God and ask, “Got any ideas?” I guarantee you that He does! Who are you talking to these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I’ve been listening to the conversations Timothy has with his toy dinosaurs and jungle animals… and also his bath tub “friends.” You can learn a lot from an imaginative three-year-old! One conversation he had recently involved a “Grandpa” dinosaur and a smaller animal who wanted to come along on an adventure. Grandpa would say, “You can’t come with us…it’s too dangerous. But how can we get across this bridge… got any ideas?”
Timothy worked out his problems in these conversations and arrived at answers. Granted, they were make-believe conversations… and a lot of it was quotes from his videos about “The Land That Time Forgot.” Still, there was a great lesson here. We need to spend some time sharing our frustrations and concerns with God and asking Him… “Got any ideas?” I can assure you, He has plenty of them… and He is more than ready to share His answers with you!
More and more, I find myself in situations where I really need someone to talk to… but the “right person” just doesn’t seem to exist. Either my concerns would be worrisome or hurtful to some… or seem downright ugly and mean to others… or the things that genuinely trouble me sound totally ridiculous and/or as if I am lacking in faith when I say them out loud. So I tell these things to God. NOTHING is too ridiculous, hurtful and mean, or doubtful to share with Him. I can be myself, pour out my heart, and “let it all hang out” before God, and He will not judge me. BUT…He will answer!
God’s verdict will always be right and sound… and if I will just sit still for a while and listen, He will show me exactly what I need to do. A lot of the time we cannot help our feelings… our thoughts and impressions are very real to us. But we don’t need to air them for the world to hear. Instead, all we have to do is pour out our hearts to God and ask, “Got any ideas?” I guarantee you that He does! Who are you talking to these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 31, 2012
James 2:8-11
You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: "Love others as you love yourself." But if you play up to these so-called important people, you go against the Rule and stand convicted by it. You can't pick and choose in these things, specializing in keeping one or two things in God's law and ignoring others. The same God who said, "Don't commit adultery," also said, "Don't murder." If you don't commit adultery but go ahead and murder, do you think your non-adultery will cancel out your murder? No, you're a murderer, period.
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.
An auctioneer will often bundle several items together in a box and offer them for bid as one item. There is a “cardinal rule” among seasoned auction-goers that you don’t mess with the items on the table! If you only care about one particular item in a box and don’t want the others, you had better be prepared to purchase everything. Taking out the item you want and putting it somewhere else is considered a huge “no-no!” Still, there will often be people who try to stealthily move their favored item to another box – or another spot on the table. I’ve seen more than one bidder “win” a box of items only to find that the very thing he/she was after had gone missing!
While this sort of action will not be the end of the world in the context of an auction purchase, such behavior matters tremendously in Spiritual terms. I am truly amazed that many “Christians” want to categorize actions according to their own preferences. They “grade” the deeds of some and deem their behaviors to be significant, while others’ exploits are just “discards in the box.” And then they rate each person according to their “sin meter.” Many of us also select the people with whom we want to associate - much like an auction bidder picks out the best item(s) in the box - and then we toss the others to the curb.
Christianity does not work this way. We cannot pick and choose… who we love and treat with respect and care…or which actions and behaviors are unacceptable (or sinful) and which of them will be tolerated or excused. We are called to love others as we love ourselves. We are expected to love God and obey His law… and to prayerfully study God’s directives, so that we are clear about what He is saying. In other words, we cannot interpret God’s commands in a manner that suits our desires and whims… or makes us popular with others in our social group.
I don’t know about you, but I am pretty weary of those who claim the name of Jesus and then mistreat others. I cannot imagine that a single person who feels this sort of judgment and/or disdain has a desire to become like these so-called “Christians”… or to follow the God they follow. Surely this must break God’s heart…and as Disciples of Christ, it should cut us to the very core.
My prayer for each of us today is that we would truly examine our hearts… that we would spend time in prayer and meditation, really listening for God’s voice. Hear what He is telling you and follow His lead. If you are judging others or picking and choosing which of God’s laws to follow – or interpreting them to suit your own agenda – change today. If you are discriminating against any of God’s children in any fashion… or if you are choosing to associate only with those you consider like-minded or “lovable,” get over yourself this minute! Ask God to genuinely - and completely - change your heart. To offer God anything less dishonors Him. I can’t imagine that any among us wants to do this… can you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: "Love others as you love yourself." But if you play up to these so-called important people, you go against the Rule and stand convicted by it. You can't pick and choose in these things, specializing in keeping one or two things in God's law and ignoring others. The same God who said, "Don't commit adultery," also said, "Don't murder." If you don't commit adultery but go ahead and murder, do you think your non-adultery will cancel out your murder? No, you're a murderer, period.
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.
An auctioneer will often bundle several items together in a box and offer them for bid as one item. There is a “cardinal rule” among seasoned auction-goers that you don’t mess with the items on the table! If you only care about one particular item in a box and don’t want the others, you had better be prepared to purchase everything. Taking out the item you want and putting it somewhere else is considered a huge “no-no!” Still, there will often be people who try to stealthily move their favored item to another box – or another spot on the table. I’ve seen more than one bidder “win” a box of items only to find that the very thing he/she was after had gone missing!
While this sort of action will not be the end of the world in the context of an auction purchase, such behavior matters tremendously in Spiritual terms. I am truly amazed that many “Christians” want to categorize actions according to their own preferences. They “grade” the deeds of some and deem their behaviors to be significant, while others’ exploits are just “discards in the box.” And then they rate each person according to their “sin meter.” Many of us also select the people with whom we want to associate - much like an auction bidder picks out the best item(s) in the box - and then we toss the others to the curb.
Christianity does not work this way. We cannot pick and choose… who we love and treat with respect and care…or which actions and behaviors are unacceptable (or sinful) and which of them will be tolerated or excused. We are called to love others as we love ourselves. We are expected to love God and obey His law… and to prayerfully study God’s directives, so that we are clear about what He is saying. In other words, we cannot interpret God’s commands in a manner that suits our desires and whims… or makes us popular with others in our social group.
I don’t know about you, but I am pretty weary of those who claim the name of Jesus and then mistreat others. I cannot imagine that a single person who feels this sort of judgment and/or disdain has a desire to become like these so-called “Christians”… or to follow the God they follow. Surely this must break God’s heart…and as Disciples of Christ, it should cut us to the very core.
My prayer for each of us today is that we would truly examine our hearts… that we would spend time in prayer and meditation, really listening for God’s voice. Hear what He is telling you and follow His lead. If you are judging others or picking and choosing which of God’s laws to follow – or interpreting them to suit your own agenda – change today. If you are discriminating against any of God’s children in any fashion… or if you are choosing to associate only with those you consider like-minded or “lovable,” get over yourself this minute! Ask God to genuinely - and completely - change your heart. To offer God anything less dishonors Him. I can’t imagine that any among us wants to do this… can you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 14, 2012
Proverbs 21:23
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
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.
Have you ever written an e-mail and hit the “send” button prematurely? Maybe you were in mid-sentence. Or you said something you shouldn’t because you didn’t edit first. Or maybe you sent the e-mail message to the wrong person(s). There is plenty of room for error with e-mail, if we are not careful.
There is also plenty of room for error with our spoken words. If we don’t stop and think about what we are going to say, things are spoken that shouldn’t be. We offer opinions that should be kept private… we say hurtful things… we judge and are judged for our comments. And I am guilty as the next person. My mouth engages before my brain does, and sometimes I have to deal with the grief over what has been said.
I have asked God to help me handle this. And lately, I’ve caught myself starting to write something in an e-mail message that I shouldn’t, and I’ve edited. I have opened my mouth to say something and realized that the comment would be better left unspoken. When I write a note to someone, I’ve begun to put it down in “Notepad” first, and I read it over a few times to make sure it says the right things in the right way.
God wants us to carefully edit before speaking, writing or acting. All it takes is a couple of minutes, a deep breath, or a “count to ten”…and a chance to utter a little prayer for guidance. With practice, you will get better at this. I find that I catch myself a little more often these days. I hear God saying, “You don’t really want to go there.” I take a moment to stop and think about my words or actions… and I’m often quite relieved that I did.
We are all going to say and do things we shouldn’t from time to time. But we have a greater chance of reducing the frequency of this when we stay in close communion with God. We must ask Him to help us check our language and actions – to engage our brain beforehand rather than afterward. And when we do make a mistake, we should ask God to help us do all we can to quickly and wisely make amends. Let Him help you edit before you hit the “send” button. Allow God to help you watch your words and hold your tongue…you’ll be glad you did!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
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.
Have you ever written an e-mail and hit the “send” button prematurely? Maybe you were in mid-sentence. Or you said something you shouldn’t because you didn’t edit first. Or maybe you sent the e-mail message to the wrong person(s). There is plenty of room for error with e-mail, if we are not careful.
There is also plenty of room for error with our spoken words. If we don’t stop and think about what we are going to say, things are spoken that shouldn’t be. We offer opinions that should be kept private… we say hurtful things… we judge and are judged for our comments. And I am guilty as the next person. My mouth engages before my brain does, and sometimes I have to deal with the grief over what has been said.
I have asked God to help me handle this. And lately, I’ve caught myself starting to write something in an e-mail message that I shouldn’t, and I’ve edited. I have opened my mouth to say something and realized that the comment would be better left unspoken. When I write a note to someone, I’ve begun to put it down in “Notepad” first, and I read it over a few times to make sure it says the right things in the right way.
God wants us to carefully edit before speaking, writing or acting. All it takes is a couple of minutes, a deep breath, or a “count to ten”…and a chance to utter a little prayer for guidance. With practice, you will get better at this. I find that I catch myself a little more often these days. I hear God saying, “You don’t really want to go there.” I take a moment to stop and think about my words or actions… and I’m often quite relieved that I did.
We are all going to say and do things we shouldn’t from time to time. But we have a greater chance of reducing the frequency of this when we stay in close communion with God. We must ask Him to help us check our language and actions – to engage our brain beforehand rather than afterward. And when we do make a mistake, we should ask God to help us do all we can to quickly and wisely make amends. Let Him help you edit before you hit the “send” button. Allow God to help you watch your words and hold your tongue…you’ll be glad you did!
©2012 Debbie Robus
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