Deuteronomy 15:10-11
Give freely and spontaneously.
Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers
God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and
ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you.
So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your
neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors.
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.
This morning, I rode with
Greg as he delivered Meals on Wheels to better than a half-dozen senior
citizens in our community. As we “made the rounds” this very hot July day, I thought
of the people who are served. I noted the dilapidated condition of some
of the homes…and how others are well tended. We commented that in many
of the latter cases, there is probably someone – or a group of people –
who “see after” these people and make sure that the house and yard are
nicely kept and appointed…and that other needs are met.
Riding
with Greg on these deliveries is always bittersweet. On the one hand, I
am so proud of the service he provides…and how deeply he cares about
“his people.” I know they are grateful for his visits – even when they
only last a couple of minutes.
But I am also saddened to think of
the countless people - in our community alone - who are in need…not
necessarily of money – or even the daily hot meal…but something perhaps
even more valuable. These people need human contact…the smiling face
and concern of someone who truly cares about them. It is amazing how
much thoughtfulness can be conveyed in just a couple of minutes.
I
would be willing to bet that every day around noon, there are a few
dozen folks in our community whose lives are brightened by the knock on
their door from a Meals on Wheels volunteer. There are probably dozens
more who have a better day because a Home Health aide or nurse
visits…and while they are paid to do so, theirs is most certainly a
labor of love in large degree.
We cannot all deliver Meals on
Wheels or become Home Health aides. We can’t all be foster parents or
volunteer at the animal shelter or the soup kitchen. We don’t all have
extra cash lying around that we can distribute to those with financial
needs. But here’s what we do all have…the ability to give of the
heart. And if you look closely at these verses, you see that it says to
“open your purse…and your hands.”
Look around…there is something you can do. There is someone
who has a need that you can meet…whether it is to visit with a neighbor
and ask, “How are you doing?”(and mean it!)…or to talk with someone who
is going through a situation with which you have experience - and offer
some hints, tips, and commiseration. There are people who need a hug
or a smile…and those who could use a word of encouragement. The next
time you bake a cake or cookies…why not share half with a neighbor or
friend who is unable to bake because of physical restraints or lack of
time?
Offer someone a ride – to run errands, visit the doctor,
or just visit another friend. Buy the 10-lb bag of potatoes that is
cheaper than just purchasing just a few – and share the extras with a
single person or elderly neighbors on fixed incomes. Offer to walk a
friend’s dog while he/she recovers from an accident or illness. Ask a
teacher if you can do anything to help him/her get ready for school this
fall. There are name tags to cut out, bulletin boards to prepare…and
children to watch while Mom and/or Dad spends the last days of summer
vacation in the classroom working on projects.
In short, open your eyes and ears to the needs right around you. Not every act of “giving” involves money. And one of the best
ways to give back to others is through prayer. We often say, “All I
can do is pray.” What we fail to recognize is that often, prayer is not
only the most important gift we can offer…it truly is enough!
I
came away from today’s delivery with a humble heart and a renewed desire
to be more open and available to the ways that I can serve the “poor
and needy” in my own back yard. It’s was just the jolt I needed…and I
hope I have motivated you, as well. Are you ready to open your heart
and hands to the “poor and needy” in your midst? Will this be the day
that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label living generously. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living generously. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 29, 2013
Philippians 4:16-19
Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
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.
You’ve no doubt heard something about the “pay it forward” trend that has taken hold in several areas of our country in recent months. One person will pull up at a restaurant drive-thru or get in line at the coffee shop and pay for his/her bill… and the person who is next in line. Or someone will get their bill at a restaurant, and the server says, “The couple who just left has paid your bill already.” I even heard of a drive-thru dry cleaning business where someone paid for the customer behind them in line… and set off a chain reaction of these payments! And maybe you have wondered, “Why did they do this? Are they rich? Do they have ‘money to burn’? Or are they on some sort of ego trip?” The answer to all three questions is most likely, “No, no, and NO!” I believe these people have figured out what Paul is telling the people of Philippi… that the kindness and generosity we show to others pleases God – and in turn, He meets all of our needs and blesses us in ways we cannot even imagine.
Greg and I have friends who do this sort of thing quite often. She will pay the bill for someone who is getting a manicure alongside her. They will pay the restaurant bill for a family with small children that they do not even recognize. They are the first on the scene when a plea for help goes out… and they are always ready to do whatever is necessary for someone else. This couple is not wealthy… at least not in the way we conventionally think! They are “ordinary” hard-working people who enjoy helping others and serving God. They do this out of respect for all that God has given to them. And let me tell you, they are blessed beyond measure in return!
“But I can barely pay my own bills… I can’t afford to pay someone else’s!” you may say. And that’s okay. Look around you… what CAN you give? Do you have a few minutes you could spare to help a friend… or listen to his/her problems? Did you have an extra serving from dinner that you could share with an elderly neighbor? Do you have some clothing or household items you no longer use that could be donated to charity? Could you send a note or e-mail message of encouragement to someone who is having a rough time? Could you stop someone in the aisle at the store – or the hallway at school – and ask, “How are you doing?”… then stick around to hear their answer? If you have been helped or blessed in some way, have you repaid that kindness – at least with respect toward the giver, if he/she was not anonymous? Have you “paid it forward” in some way… ever?
Gratitude comes in many forms… and they all involve respect for what we have been given. If someone has treated you kindly, encouraged you, or helped you in some way… whether monetarily or otherwise …God is calling on you to extend gratitude and appreciation to them for being so generous. If you know the person who has blessed you, offer this kindness directly. If the offerings were anonymous, do something nice for someone else as a way of “paying it forward”. There are plenty of opportunities to help others and serve God in the process… if only we will look for them.
The bottom line is that God is pleased when we love and serve others… and He is equally pleased when we humbly show gratitude and respect for all that we have been given. The questions for today are… “Who do you need to bless and serve in God’s name?” and “In addition to God, who do you need to thank for extending generous blessings in your direction?” If you will do these things, God will meet all of your needs… and more. He is continually “paying it forward”… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
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.
You’ve no doubt heard something about the “pay it forward” trend that has taken hold in several areas of our country in recent months. One person will pull up at a restaurant drive-thru or get in line at the coffee shop and pay for his/her bill… and the person who is next in line. Or someone will get their bill at a restaurant, and the server says, “The couple who just left has paid your bill already.” I even heard of a drive-thru dry cleaning business where someone paid for the customer behind them in line… and set off a chain reaction of these payments! And maybe you have wondered, “Why did they do this? Are they rich? Do they have ‘money to burn’? Or are they on some sort of ego trip?” The answer to all three questions is most likely, “No, no, and NO!” I believe these people have figured out what Paul is telling the people of Philippi… that the kindness and generosity we show to others pleases God – and in turn, He meets all of our needs and blesses us in ways we cannot even imagine.
Greg and I have friends who do this sort of thing quite often. She will pay the bill for someone who is getting a manicure alongside her. They will pay the restaurant bill for a family with small children that they do not even recognize. They are the first on the scene when a plea for help goes out… and they are always ready to do whatever is necessary for someone else. This couple is not wealthy… at least not in the way we conventionally think! They are “ordinary” hard-working people who enjoy helping others and serving God. They do this out of respect for all that God has given to them. And let me tell you, they are blessed beyond measure in return!
“But I can barely pay my own bills… I can’t afford to pay someone else’s!” you may say. And that’s okay. Look around you… what CAN you give? Do you have a few minutes you could spare to help a friend… or listen to his/her problems? Did you have an extra serving from dinner that you could share with an elderly neighbor? Do you have some clothing or household items you no longer use that could be donated to charity? Could you send a note or e-mail message of encouragement to someone who is having a rough time? Could you stop someone in the aisle at the store – or the hallway at school – and ask, “How are you doing?”… then stick around to hear their answer? If you have been helped or blessed in some way, have you repaid that kindness – at least with respect toward the giver, if he/she was not anonymous? Have you “paid it forward” in some way… ever?
Gratitude comes in many forms… and they all involve respect for what we have been given. If someone has treated you kindly, encouraged you, or helped you in some way… whether monetarily or otherwise …God is calling on you to extend gratitude and appreciation to them for being so generous. If you know the person who has blessed you, offer this kindness directly. If the offerings were anonymous, do something nice for someone else as a way of “paying it forward”. There are plenty of opportunities to help others and serve God in the process… if only we will look for them.
The bottom line is that God is pleased when we love and serve others… and He is equally pleased when we humbly show gratitude and respect for all that we have been given. The questions for today are… “Who do you need to bless and serve in God’s name?” and “In addition to God, who do you need to thank for extending generous blessings in your direction?” If you will do these things, God will meet all of your needs… and more. He is continually “paying it forward”… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 24, 2012
Luke 6:38
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."
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 was talking with my neighbor the other day about a mutual friend who is the primary caregiver for her 103-year-old mother. Several years ago this friend and her husband moved her mother here from another community to share their home. The lady is now blind and virtually deaf… and wheelchair bound. You can imagine the stress this situation places on her daughter, son-in-law, and extended family… or maybe you can’t! But I said to my neighbor, “I think so often of Anne. As much as she loves her mother, I know this is a huge burden.”
The friend replied, “Oh… it’s not that bad… she has children who help her.” This is the same friend who only a couple of years ago was caring for her own mother… and telling me often how difficult and challenging it was! I am here to tell you that anyone who cares for an elderly loved one – especially those who do so at home – experiences challenges and a lot of stress! This woman may not openly share her frustrations and difficulties with her friends, but she surely has them! Others may see someone who seems to have it all together all the time… someone who is upbeat and positive. But on the inside, he/she may be anything but cheerful and confident.
On the other hand, we may make snap judgments about someone, based on an erratic action or a snippy comeback, missing completely that something is wrong in their life… that they are experiencing hardness. I have said this before, but I distinctly remember one weekend in February 1998, when my dad was gravely ill and at death’s door. I dashed into Wal-Mart to pick up a few groceries. People were cheerfully purchasing Valentines, candy and flowers. Everywhere I turned, “love was in the air.” People were smiling and laughing - talking about plans for their special holiday or something else fun. All I wanted to do is scream to anyone who would listen, “STOP the world! My daddy is dying!” But instead, I smiled in return and hurriedly left the store.
Before you pin on my medal for bravery and patience, be assured that I have made my fair share of brash, rude comments – and then some! – when life has been stressful and challenging. I am often critical, judgmental, and hard on people. There are plenty of times when I fail to consider the other person’s heart. I am just as guilty as the next guy of picking on people and jumping on their failures. But I am trying so very hard to do better – to be better.
There are a lot of people who have judged each of us unfairly. I’m sure there are those who wonder why I am not doing more… participating in more ministries in my church… getting more done with my days. I know there are those who think I don’t do enough for my own grandmother and family… or think I waste too much time on sewing and writing. There are plenty of people who are making similar judgments about you. They may be evaluating your character, your behavior, how you use your time and talents, and your attitude in general… all without having a clue about what is truly in your heart. They have no idea what God’s call is on your life… or how you are answering Him.
The point is this… if we want others to stop judging and criticizing us… we have to take the first step and do this for them. If we want others to go easy on us and lift us up, rather than kick us when we are down, we have to start the process by doing this for those in our circle and beyond. We have to stop paying attention to what others think… stop reacting to what others say about us or anyone else… and open our hearts and minds to the fact that we all have “issues.” Everybody is dealing with something… and how we treat each other can have a direct effect on the impact of these matters.
Be a humble, gentle person. Put on your “rose-colored glasses,” so to speak, and see others with a generous heart. Recognize that God loves us, warts and all, and we are to do the same for each other. Take the first step toward creating an atmosphere where God has room to build up His children in love and kindness and to use all of us to bless each other and strengthen His kingdom. When you have the urge to pick on someone… ask God to give you the courage and strength to give them a little slack.
Giving, not getting, is the way… and this begins with our attitude and how we treat others. Be the one who jump-start this process in your own circle of friends and influence. Always give as good as you wish to get… or better… and watch the blessings multiply for everyone.
©2012 Debbie Robus
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity."
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 was talking with my neighbor the other day about a mutual friend who is the primary caregiver for her 103-year-old mother. Several years ago this friend and her husband moved her mother here from another community to share their home. The lady is now blind and virtually deaf… and wheelchair bound. You can imagine the stress this situation places on her daughter, son-in-law, and extended family… or maybe you can’t! But I said to my neighbor, “I think so often of Anne. As much as she loves her mother, I know this is a huge burden.”
The friend replied, “Oh… it’s not that bad… she has children who help her.” This is the same friend who only a couple of years ago was caring for her own mother… and telling me often how difficult and challenging it was! I am here to tell you that anyone who cares for an elderly loved one – especially those who do so at home – experiences challenges and a lot of stress! This woman may not openly share her frustrations and difficulties with her friends, but she surely has them! Others may see someone who seems to have it all together all the time… someone who is upbeat and positive. But on the inside, he/she may be anything but cheerful and confident.
On the other hand, we may make snap judgments about someone, based on an erratic action or a snippy comeback, missing completely that something is wrong in their life… that they are experiencing hardness. I have said this before, but I distinctly remember one weekend in February 1998, when my dad was gravely ill and at death’s door. I dashed into Wal-Mart to pick up a few groceries. People were cheerfully purchasing Valentines, candy and flowers. Everywhere I turned, “love was in the air.” People were smiling and laughing - talking about plans for their special holiday or something else fun. All I wanted to do is scream to anyone who would listen, “STOP the world! My daddy is dying!” But instead, I smiled in return and hurriedly left the store.
Before you pin on my medal for bravery and patience, be assured that I have made my fair share of brash, rude comments – and then some! – when life has been stressful and challenging. I am often critical, judgmental, and hard on people. There are plenty of times when I fail to consider the other person’s heart. I am just as guilty as the next guy of picking on people and jumping on their failures. But I am trying so very hard to do better – to be better.
There are a lot of people who have judged each of us unfairly. I’m sure there are those who wonder why I am not doing more… participating in more ministries in my church… getting more done with my days. I know there are those who think I don’t do enough for my own grandmother and family… or think I waste too much time on sewing and writing. There are plenty of people who are making similar judgments about you. They may be evaluating your character, your behavior, how you use your time and talents, and your attitude in general… all without having a clue about what is truly in your heart. They have no idea what God’s call is on your life… or how you are answering Him.
The point is this… if we want others to stop judging and criticizing us… we have to take the first step and do this for them. If we want others to go easy on us and lift us up, rather than kick us when we are down, we have to start the process by doing this for those in our circle and beyond. We have to stop paying attention to what others think… stop reacting to what others say about us or anyone else… and open our hearts and minds to the fact that we all have “issues.” Everybody is dealing with something… and how we treat each other can have a direct effect on the impact of these matters.
Be a humble, gentle person. Put on your “rose-colored glasses,” so to speak, and see others with a generous heart. Recognize that God loves us, warts and all, and we are to do the same for each other. Take the first step toward creating an atmosphere where God has room to build up His children in love and kindness and to use all of us to bless each other and strengthen His kingdom. When you have the urge to pick on someone… ask God to give you the courage and strength to give them a little slack.
Giving, not getting, is the way… and this begins with our attitude and how we treat others. Be the one who jump-start this process in your own circle of friends and influence. Always give as good as you wish to get… or better… and watch the blessings multiply for everyone.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 22, 2012
Luke 6:26-30
"There's trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.
"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
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 glass-topped coffee table on our back porch holds a potted begonia, some wrought-iron candleholders, and a decorative bird house. This house is presently the home of a rather ugly-looking, spotted Great Plains Toad, who I have named Frodo. Most of the day, Frodo sits in the birdhouse, draping his head out of the hole. At night, he often attaches himself to one of our windows and feasts on bugs drawn to the lamplight there.
I’ve kinda grown attached to Frodo. He’s cute, in an ugly sort of way. But I did my homework… he is also poisonous! Behind his eyes are glands that secrete a protective (to him) milky solution that could be toxic to dogs or cats who might find him fun to pursue. This substance can even cause some serious harm to a human, if one were to handle the frog and not wash your hands thoroughly afterward. My research indicates that Frodo may have come to this abode because his regular haunt – warm, damp ground in which to burrow – is not available right now. Ditto for his traditional fare of grubs, which he digs from the moist earth! So I will be kind to Frodo and allow him to stay in the birdhouse. I will “live generously” where he is concerned. But I will also see him for the potential scoundrel that he is… I’m aware of his truth!
There is a lesson here for all of us in our daily living. There are “scoundrels” among us… people who are a bit of a chameleon at best… changing with the wind or whatever best suits their desires at the moment. And while I don’t like to think I have any actual “enemies,” I know that there are people who only want what they feel I can give them… those who are nice enough to me when necessary but don’t actually give a hoot about my feelings or wellbeing. I recognize these people (most of the time)… and I hope I treat them generously in spite of their behavior - because God calls me to do so. I urge you to do the same.
I also ask that we would never be the scoundrel… that we would not treat others in a dishonest or disrespectful way or use them to get ahead or for our own benefit. I pray that we would operate in honesty and truth… love and genuine big-heartedness. God is calling us to be the real deal… to be sincere and authentic with others… but also to be charitable – even when we are being treated anything but kindly. It’s a tall order… but as we have discussed many times, we Christians were never promised “easy!”
I’m going to continue to allow Frodo to inhabit our birdhouse… but I won’t be doing anything to antagonize him! As for the “scoundrels” I encounter in life, I pray that I will have the wisdom to recognize them, the strength and courage to handle whatever they deliver, and the ability to treat them generously. In doing this, I hope that God will allow my best to shine through for Him. What about you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
"There's trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.
"To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
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 glass-topped coffee table on our back porch holds a potted begonia, some wrought-iron candleholders, and a decorative bird house. This house is presently the home of a rather ugly-looking, spotted Great Plains Toad, who I have named Frodo. Most of the day, Frodo sits in the birdhouse, draping his head out of the hole. At night, he often attaches himself to one of our windows and feasts on bugs drawn to the lamplight there.
I’ve kinda grown attached to Frodo. He’s cute, in an ugly sort of way. But I did my homework… he is also poisonous! Behind his eyes are glands that secrete a protective (to him) milky solution that could be toxic to dogs or cats who might find him fun to pursue. This substance can even cause some serious harm to a human, if one were to handle the frog and not wash your hands thoroughly afterward. My research indicates that Frodo may have come to this abode because his regular haunt – warm, damp ground in which to burrow – is not available right now. Ditto for his traditional fare of grubs, which he digs from the moist earth! So I will be kind to Frodo and allow him to stay in the birdhouse. I will “live generously” where he is concerned. But I will also see him for the potential scoundrel that he is… I’m aware of his truth!
There is a lesson here for all of us in our daily living. There are “scoundrels” among us… people who are a bit of a chameleon at best… changing with the wind or whatever best suits their desires at the moment. And while I don’t like to think I have any actual “enemies,” I know that there are people who only want what they feel I can give them… those who are nice enough to me when necessary but don’t actually give a hoot about my feelings or wellbeing. I recognize these people (most of the time)… and I hope I treat them generously in spite of their behavior - because God calls me to do so. I urge you to do the same.
I also ask that we would never be the scoundrel… that we would not treat others in a dishonest or disrespectful way or use them to get ahead or for our own benefit. I pray that we would operate in honesty and truth… love and genuine big-heartedness. God is calling us to be the real deal… to be sincere and authentic with others… but also to be charitable – even when we are being treated anything but kindly. It’s a tall order… but as we have discussed many times, we Christians were never promised “easy!”
I’m going to continue to allow Frodo to inhabit our birdhouse… but I won’t be doing anything to antagonize him! As for the “scoundrels” I encounter in life, I pray that I will have the wisdom to recognize them, the strength and courage to handle whatever they deliver, and the ability to treat them generously. In doing this, I hope that God will allow my best to shine through for Him. What about you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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