1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is kind and patient,
never jealous, boastful,
proud, or rude.
Love isn’t selfish
or quick tempered.
It doesn’t keep a record
of wrongs that others do.
Love rejoices in the truth,
but not in evil.
Love is always supportive,
loyal, hopeful,
and trusting.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve
heard this passage so many times. The pastor read it during our
wedding ceremony when Greg and I married. Many people know at least
some of the verses by heart.
“Love is kind and patient”…or is
it? We say we love one another…but if love is patient and kind, how
many of us can honestly claim these traits? Love is “never jealous,
boastful, proud, or rude”…you still there? “Love isn’t selfish or quick
tempered”…wanna jump off the bandwagon?
“Love “doesn’t keep a
record of wrongs that others do.” How many of you did I just lose? How
many of us aren’t just a little bit pleased when something bad happens
to someone we’re not particularly fond of…who among us “is always
supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting”?
And yet, what if Jesus failed to do any one
of these things for us? Many of us would turn our backs on Him in a
heartbeat! We expect Him to love us…always and in all ways. But when
it’s time for us to do the same as His disciples, we simply cannot…or
will not.
We really should stop giving lip service to this
passage. We should quit framing copies of it to hang on our walls,
posting beautiful photographs with portions of the verse superimposed
across the bottom…and using it to express our affection toward our
beloveds…until we can fully embrace and enact what it says. I can tell
you that I, for one, have a lot of work to do in this area!
There
are people who rub me the wrong way…those whom I find “hard to
love”…some who irritate, anger or upset me with everything from their
treatment of others to what I consider to be their ridiculous political
and social ideas and opinions. I judge. I keep score. I am so
disgusted with some that I can barely be in their presence…much less
show them support or loyalty. And trust them? Forget it!
But
here’s this passage in God’s word…clearly outlining what love is…and I’m
not always all of these things toward all of God’s children. But I’m
working on it…and with God’s help (and by His grace), I can do better. I
am not foolish enough to think I will ever master this completely and
love everyone unconditionally – or without judgments and hesitation. I
most certainly will remain guarded toward certain people who have
demonstrated a poor track record for trustworthiness. But I can do
better…I must love better. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label love for others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love for others. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for November 30, 2012
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is 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.
On any given day, most of us would say we are pretty loving people. Notice I didn’t say loveable… but I believe we all want to at least think we are fairly loving toward others. But if you read the list of qualities in this passage, you will find that we all fall short on quite a few of them. The very people we love are those with whom we are often impatient. We often want what others have, and more than a few of us insist on our own way. We love conditionally… we try to make ourselves look better than the next guy…we fly off the handle more times than we care to count!
These are not the actions of someone who loves genuinely… but they are very human actions. I don’t mean to excuse our behavior… and honestly, one of the great mysteries of Christian faith is how/why God continues to love us when we are so unlovely – particularly toward each other. As the Apostle Paul has aptly pointed out, we see things in a fog for now. Someday we will have all the answers, but for now, we must trust that God is handling things for us perfectly.
I’m pretty sure that we mortals would not be able to handle knowing what God knows. He has allowed us to sort of sugarcoat a lot of things about ourselves and others that allows us to love each other… and yet, God loves us warts and all! Now that’s pure love!
Having said all of this, I like to think that I am a loving person… that I treat others with kindness and respect… and that God is pleased with my efforts. In reading this passage again, I can clearly see that I fall short a lot of the time. Thankfully, my challenge – and yours – is to keep trying… to trust God, to hope that He will continue to grant us grace and mercy, and to work harder at loving more deeply and generously. Without love in action, our faith is hollow. How extravagant is your love these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is 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.
On any given day, most of us would say we are pretty loving people. Notice I didn’t say loveable… but I believe we all want to at least think we are fairly loving toward others. But if you read the list of qualities in this passage, you will find that we all fall short on quite a few of them. The very people we love are those with whom we are often impatient. We often want what others have, and more than a few of us insist on our own way. We love conditionally… we try to make ourselves look better than the next guy…we fly off the handle more times than we care to count!
These are not the actions of someone who loves genuinely… but they are very human actions. I don’t mean to excuse our behavior… and honestly, one of the great mysteries of Christian faith is how/why God continues to love us when we are so unlovely – particularly toward each other. As the Apostle Paul has aptly pointed out, we see things in a fog for now. Someday we will have all the answers, but for now, we must trust that God is handling things for us perfectly.
I’m pretty sure that we mortals would not be able to handle knowing what God knows. He has allowed us to sort of sugarcoat a lot of things about ourselves and others that allows us to love each other… and yet, God loves us warts and all! Now that’s pure love!
Having said all of this, I like to think that I am a loving person… that I treat others with kindness and respect… and that God is pleased with my efforts. In reading this passage again, I can clearly see that I fall short a lot of the time. Thankfully, my challenge – and yours – is to keep trying… to trust God, to hope that He will continue to grant us grace and mercy, and to work harder at loving more deeply and generously. Without love in action, our faith is hollow. How extravagant is your love these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 12, 2012
John 13:34-35
But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Here’s a challenge for you… think about one of your closest friends, and quickly jot down ten words that describe him/her. Did you choose “loving” as one of your words? What about “Godly” or “faithful” – as in filled with faith in Christ? Now think about your own life. How would others describe you? Are you known as a disciple of Christ? Is this because you TELL people this is who you are… or does your life exemplify the love of Christ on its own merits?
This commandment is incredibly encompassing. Think long and hard about all of the ways Jesus loves you. Consider all of the amazing sacrifices He made on your behalf… how He suffered physically, mentally and emotionally for you. Think about how you “love” others. Does it come anywhere close by comparison? Shouldn’t it?
In many – if not all – of our current relationships, many of us operate in what could only be considered “puppy love” at best. We are more concerned with what’s in it for us than the other guy… and our love is anything but unconditional. We certainly do not love others as Jesus loves us! But we can change this… and today is a great day to begin. Won’t you start the process to love more purely… to be more like Jesus in every way? Isn’t this the perfect day to ask God to get you started in the right direction? Do you love others as Jesus loves you… and do they know you as one of His disciples? What are you doing to change this?
©2012 Debbie Robus
But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Here’s a challenge for you… think about one of your closest friends, and quickly jot down ten words that describe him/her. Did you choose “loving” as one of your words? What about “Godly” or “faithful” – as in filled with faith in Christ? Now think about your own life. How would others describe you? Are you known as a disciple of Christ? Is this because you TELL people this is who you are… or does your life exemplify the love of Christ on its own merits?
This commandment is incredibly encompassing. Think long and hard about all of the ways Jesus loves you. Consider all of the amazing sacrifices He made on your behalf… how He suffered physically, mentally and emotionally for you. Think about how you “love” others. Does it come anywhere close by comparison? Shouldn’t it?
In many – if not all – of our current relationships, many of us operate in what could only be considered “puppy love” at best. We are more concerned with what’s in it for us than the other guy… and our love is anything but unconditional. We certainly do not love others as Jesus loves us! But we can change this… and today is a great day to begin. Won’t you start the process to love more purely… to be more like Jesus in every way? Isn’t this the perfect day to ask God to get you started in the right direction? Do you love others as Jesus loves you… and do they know you as one of His disciples? What are you doing to change this?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 21, 2012
John 15:21-27
"They are going to do all these things to you because of the way they treated me, because they don't know the One who sent me. If I hadn't come and told them all this in plain language, it wouldn't be so bad. As it is, they have no excuse. Hate me, hate my Father—it's all the same. If I hadn't done what I have done among them, works no one has ever done, they wouldn't be to blame. But they saw the God-signs and hated anyway, both me and my Father. Interesting—they have verified the truth of their own Scriptures where it is written, 'They hated me for no good reason.'
"When the Friend I plan to send you from the Father comes—the Spirit of Truth issuing from the Father—he will confirm everything about me. You, too, from your side must give your confirming evidence, since you are in this with me from the start."
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.
Everyone makes an occasional honest mistake. The facts are not clear, and misunderstandings occur… and all involved are able to recover and move forward. You think you recognize someone in the store, only to say “Hello” and realize this is not who you thought it was. Or you hear that someone is ill or injured… then learn that you were misinformed when you express concern or get-well wishes to that person. A temporary, slight embarrassment may occur, but no lasting harm is incurred.
On the other hand, when you run a red light, you know you shouldn’t. Before you get a driver’s license, you learn about traffic lights… you are told that “red means STOP!” So when you choose to move forward on a red light, you have no excuse for the violation… or any collision that may result.
Maya Angelou has a saying… “When you know better, you do better.” Unfortunately, we fail to do better quite often. We know that God has called us to love one another. We read in this passage that to hate or mistreat others is to hate or mistreat God. Yet we gossip, discriminate, inflict pain and abuse, and show disrespect… and we do it often.
The worst part is… we often do this and claim the name of Jesus in the process. Think political and social issues in which many claim to act out of their “Christian faith” – but in the most un-Christian manner. These include such behaviors as ugly protests and hurtful words, open disdain for people who do not meet their personal standards, public taunting – and yes, acts of hatred. We know better… but we certainly don’t do better!
From time to time, we all need to be reminded that what we do to others is a direct reflection of how we are treating God. The next time you start to lash out at someone or something… when you open your mouth to share a tidbit of “juicy” gossip…when you feel the urge to give in to temptation… think of your Heavenly Father. Picture yourself doing these things to Him. Envision Him standing alongside you and see if you can still bring yourself to participate. “Hate me, hate my Father—it's all the same.” Hate or hurt your brother…hate or hurt God - this is all the same, as well.
We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us with these challenges. All we have to do is call on Him to fill our heart and help us discern the truth. He will help us to not only know better… but do better. Ask Him to guide your thoughts and actions. Enlist His help in behaving in a manner that glorifies God and honors His presence in your life. Operate in God’s truth and love… and confirm His promises to all who cross your path.
©2012 Debbie Robus
"They are going to do all these things to you because of the way they treated me, because they don't know the One who sent me. If I hadn't come and told them all this in plain language, it wouldn't be so bad. As it is, they have no excuse. Hate me, hate my Father—it's all the same. If I hadn't done what I have done among them, works no one has ever done, they wouldn't be to blame. But they saw the God-signs and hated anyway, both me and my Father. Interesting—they have verified the truth of their own Scriptures where it is written, 'They hated me for no good reason.'
"When the Friend I plan to send you from the Father comes—the Spirit of Truth issuing from the Father—he will confirm everything about me. You, too, from your side must give your confirming evidence, since you are in this with me from the start."
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.
Everyone makes an occasional honest mistake. The facts are not clear, and misunderstandings occur… and all involved are able to recover and move forward. You think you recognize someone in the store, only to say “Hello” and realize this is not who you thought it was. Or you hear that someone is ill or injured… then learn that you were misinformed when you express concern or get-well wishes to that person. A temporary, slight embarrassment may occur, but no lasting harm is incurred.
On the other hand, when you run a red light, you know you shouldn’t. Before you get a driver’s license, you learn about traffic lights… you are told that “red means STOP!” So when you choose to move forward on a red light, you have no excuse for the violation… or any collision that may result.
Maya Angelou has a saying… “When you know better, you do better.” Unfortunately, we fail to do better quite often. We know that God has called us to love one another. We read in this passage that to hate or mistreat others is to hate or mistreat God. Yet we gossip, discriminate, inflict pain and abuse, and show disrespect… and we do it often.
The worst part is… we often do this and claim the name of Jesus in the process. Think political and social issues in which many claim to act out of their “Christian faith” – but in the most un-Christian manner. These include such behaviors as ugly protests and hurtful words, open disdain for people who do not meet their personal standards, public taunting – and yes, acts of hatred. We know better… but we certainly don’t do better!
From time to time, we all need to be reminded that what we do to others is a direct reflection of how we are treating God. The next time you start to lash out at someone or something… when you open your mouth to share a tidbit of “juicy” gossip…when you feel the urge to give in to temptation… think of your Heavenly Father. Picture yourself doing these things to Him. Envision Him standing alongside you and see if you can still bring yourself to participate. “Hate me, hate my Father—it's all the same.” Hate or hurt your brother…hate or hurt God - this is all the same, as well.
We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us with these challenges. All we have to do is call on Him to fill our heart and help us discern the truth. He will help us to not only know better… but do better. Ask Him to guide your thoughts and actions. Enlist His help in behaving in a manner that glorifies God and honors His presence in your life. Operate in God’s truth and love… and confirm His promises to all who cross your path.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 19, 2012
John 15:11-17
"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.
"But remember the root command: Love one another.
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.
©2012 Debbie Robus
"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.
"You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
 |
| My sister, Mam-ma Polly, & me at a Mother's Day luncheon on May 10, 2012. |
When I read this passage, I immediately thought of my grandmother. We’ve spent a lot of time together - especially in the last three weeks since she fell and broke her leg. She is now confined to bed – unless aides lift her and place her in a nearby recliner for a few hours and a change of scenery. She is “in and out” of coherent sleep and coherent thoughts. But two days this week, she actually was pretty clear… and she asked about family members and friends. She said of one person, “I wish I was able to send her a note… but I can’t.” I assured her that I would contact this friend and let her know that Mam-ma thought of her. At almost 100 years old and in the end stages of life, my grandmother is still loving others and thinking of them.
To say that my grandmother has borne good fruit in her life would be an understatement. Yes, she is a mess at times… but she is our mess, and we love her dearly. She would give you her last dime if you needed it… with the assurance that “I’ll be praying for you.” Her first question of a new neighbor was always, “Would you like to stay for dinner (what she calls lunch) or supper?”… followed by “Where do y’all go to church?”
I’ve watched this woman live out Jesus’ command in John 15 for almost 55 years… and I hope I have learned from her. I’ve seen God’s promises fulfilled in her life… and the joy He has given her in even the most extreme and tragic circumstances. And even today as she struggles with unbearable pain and human indignities, she asks about other people.
The question is… are we loving one another? Have we learned from the examples of Godly people like my grandmother? Do we understand just how fully God operates in and through us when we put our own life on the line – or set aside our own troubles - for our friends? I am grateful for this incredible example that God has set before me. I am inspired to live well for however long God grants me on this earth… to love others in His name… and to bear good fruit that will never spoil. Are you?
Daily Devotional for April 24, 2012
Deuteronomy 10:12
People of Israel, what does the Lord your God want from you? The Lord wants you to respect and follow him, to love and serve him with all your heart and soul…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version ©1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today is the birthday of my cousin Natalie. I remember when she was born… my husband and I had been married less than a year, and my parents would place this darling baby in my lap and say, “When you finish college, maybe you will have one of these.” When Natalie’s brother Franklin came along four years later, they would hand him to me and say, “Doesn’t this make you want a baby?” As much as I love Natalie and Franklin, babies were not in the plans for us… at least not at that stage in our lives! But oh, how I loved my cousins. They were adorable… and easy to love – and they still are today! I am so proud of who they have become as adults… and parents themselves!
While it is easy to love some people… others are what I would describe as “unlovable” – or at the very least, “unlovely.” Yet, as Disciples of Christ and people who “walk in the fear of the LORD” (meaning we love and respect God and His commandments), we are called to “love one another.” We must recognize that the “unlovely” and “unlovable” are just as important, precious, and adorable to God as we are!
I totally understand how hard this is for us. When the telemarketer calls and interrupts my dinner or an evening movie, I find it hard to be kind and loving. When someone mistreats me - or worse…when I learn of the abuse of a child or watch news reports about the horrors of war or the mistreatment of an animal, I find it hard to love the perpetrator. And while we are right to be outraged and/or insulted… the ultimate judgment and justice resides with God. Trusting Him to handle these things is tantamount to operating in Christian faith.
Today, think of someone that you consider “unlovable” or “unlovely.” I bet you won’t have to look very far – we’re a pretty judgmental lot! Now imagine God wrapping His arms around them and loving them as much as you love your most dear child, cousin, or friend. Consider that this person is just as important to God as we are… and He expects us to treat them fairly. This doesn’t mean we have to go out of our way to be nice to a criminal or bully – but we must love them in our hearts… and genuinely pray for their soul.
We can’t have it both ways. We can’t say we “walk in the fear of the LORD” and also claim we find it impossible to love – or even tolerate – some people. I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a lot of work to do in this area. But it could be some of the most important work of my life, and I’m more than ready to begin. To “walk in the fear of the LORD” – keeping God’s commandments – is the foundation of all happiness. This means I’m going to have to work harder at loving those who make it so difficult… and I’m willing to do this. Are you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
People of Israel, what does the Lord your God want from you? The Lord wants you to respect and follow him, to love and serve him with all your heart and soul…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version ©1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today is the birthday of my cousin Natalie. I remember when she was born… my husband and I had been married less than a year, and my parents would place this darling baby in my lap and say, “When you finish college, maybe you will have one of these.” When Natalie’s brother Franklin came along four years later, they would hand him to me and say, “Doesn’t this make you want a baby?” As much as I love Natalie and Franklin, babies were not in the plans for us… at least not at that stage in our lives! But oh, how I loved my cousins. They were adorable… and easy to love – and they still are today! I am so proud of who they have become as adults… and parents themselves!
While it is easy to love some people… others are what I would describe as “unlovable” – or at the very least, “unlovely.” Yet, as Disciples of Christ and people who “walk in the fear of the LORD” (meaning we love and respect God and His commandments), we are called to “love one another.” We must recognize that the “unlovely” and “unlovable” are just as important, precious, and adorable to God as we are!
I totally understand how hard this is for us. When the telemarketer calls and interrupts my dinner or an evening movie, I find it hard to be kind and loving. When someone mistreats me - or worse…when I learn of the abuse of a child or watch news reports about the horrors of war or the mistreatment of an animal, I find it hard to love the perpetrator. And while we are right to be outraged and/or insulted… the ultimate judgment and justice resides with God. Trusting Him to handle these things is tantamount to operating in Christian faith.
Today, think of someone that you consider “unlovable” or “unlovely.” I bet you won’t have to look very far – we’re a pretty judgmental lot! Now imagine God wrapping His arms around them and loving them as much as you love your most dear child, cousin, or friend. Consider that this person is just as important to God as we are… and He expects us to treat them fairly. This doesn’t mean we have to go out of our way to be nice to a criminal or bully – but we must love them in our hearts… and genuinely pray for their soul.
We can’t have it both ways. We can’t say we “walk in the fear of the LORD” and also claim we find it impossible to love – or even tolerate – some people. I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a lot of work to do in this area. But it could be some of the most important work of my life, and I’m more than ready to begin. To “walk in the fear of the LORD” – keeping God’s commandments – is the foundation of all happiness. This means I’m going to have to work harder at loving those who make it so difficult… and I’m willing to do this. Are you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 14, 2011
Psalm 30
I will praise you, LORD! You saved me from the grave and kept my enemies from celebrating my death. I prayed to you, LORD God, and you healed me, saving me from death and the grave.
Your faithful people, LORD, will praise you with songs and honor your holy name. Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate.
I was carefree and thought, "I'll never be shaken!" You, LORD, were my friend, and you made me strong as a mighty mountain. But when you hid your face, I was crushed. I prayed to you, LORD, and in my prayer I said, "What good will it do you if I am in the grave? Once I have turned to dust, how can I praise you or tell how loyal you are? Have pity, LORD! Help!"
You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth. I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, my LORD and my God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I asked a friend if her three-year-old daughter was excited about Valentine’s Day, and she said her child really didn’t know that this holiday existed. I replied, “Just wait… she will.” When I was teaching kindergarten, Valentine’s Day was almost a bigger deal for the children than Christmas. There is something about getting all of those colorful little cards and candies that delights young children. And even more, perhaps, they enjoy sending their own Valentines… picking out just the right one, painstakingly writing their name on them… and for possibly the first time, expressing love to someone else in a public manner.
If we’re honest, children of all ages enjoy Valentine’s Day. And like any other holiday, Valentine’s Day can get out of hand. Gifts and plans become grander with each year. We hear, “What will you do to top this next year?” And somewhere along the line, the true intent of this holiday becomes lost in the hearts, flowers, candy and more. Jesus commanded us to love one another… and to love others as we love ourselves. Somehow, if He commanded us to do a really bang-up job of this on February 14th, I missed it! Every day is supposed to be like Valentine’s Day if we love with the heart of Christ.
More importantly, we race around sharing our love and appreciation for everyone on the planet… and the One who truly deserves our lavish attention often gets very little, if anything. This Psalm is a tremendous “Valentine” to our Heavenly Father. The verses express how deeply the psalmist loves and appreciates God and all that He has done for us. And this would make a wonderful Valentine for us to pray to God… to read and study as we spend time sitting and thanking Him for loving us so well.
You will probably find this corny, but I like to tell my husband that every day with him is Valentine’s Day for me. I am blessed to have a husband, family and friends who love me so well. I hope I am loving them well in return… but most importantly, I hope I am loving my Heavenly Father well. Truly every day in His presence is Valentine’s Day… and today is a good day for us to start showing – and telling Him - just how much we love Him. We can use Psalm 30 as a starting point… or we can create our own “Valentine” for Him.
How will you express your love to the One who has loved you like no other? He lavishes us with Valentines every single day… what sort of Valentine have you selected for Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I will praise you, LORD! You saved me from the grave and kept my enemies from celebrating my death. I prayed to you, LORD God, and you healed me, saving me from death and the grave.
Your faithful people, LORD, will praise you with songs and honor your holy name. Your anger lasts a little while, but your kindness lasts for a lifetime. At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate.
I was carefree and thought, "I'll never be shaken!" You, LORD, were my friend, and you made me strong as a mighty mountain. But when you hid your face, I was crushed. I prayed to you, LORD, and in my prayer I said, "What good will it do you if I am in the grave? Once I have turned to dust, how can I praise you or tell how loyal you are? Have pity, LORD! Help!"
You have turned my sorrow into joyful dancing. No longer am I sad and wearing sackcloth. I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, my LORD and my God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I asked a friend if her three-year-old daughter was excited about Valentine’s Day, and she said her child really didn’t know that this holiday existed. I replied, “Just wait… she will.” When I was teaching kindergarten, Valentine’s Day was almost a bigger deal for the children than Christmas. There is something about getting all of those colorful little cards and candies that delights young children. And even more, perhaps, they enjoy sending their own Valentines… picking out just the right one, painstakingly writing their name on them… and for possibly the first time, expressing love to someone else in a public manner.
If we’re honest, children of all ages enjoy Valentine’s Day. And like any other holiday, Valentine’s Day can get out of hand. Gifts and plans become grander with each year. We hear, “What will you do to top this next year?” And somewhere along the line, the true intent of this holiday becomes lost in the hearts, flowers, candy and more. Jesus commanded us to love one another… and to love others as we love ourselves. Somehow, if He commanded us to do a really bang-up job of this on February 14th, I missed it! Every day is supposed to be like Valentine’s Day if we love with the heart of Christ.
More importantly, we race around sharing our love and appreciation for everyone on the planet… and the One who truly deserves our lavish attention often gets very little, if anything. This Psalm is a tremendous “Valentine” to our Heavenly Father. The verses express how deeply the psalmist loves and appreciates God and all that He has done for us. And this would make a wonderful Valentine for us to pray to God… to read and study as we spend time sitting and thanking Him for loving us so well.
You will probably find this corny, but I like to tell my husband that every day with him is Valentine’s Day for me. I am blessed to have a husband, family and friends who love me so well. I hope I am loving them well in return… but most importantly, I hope I am loving my Heavenly Father well. Truly every day in His presence is Valentine’s Day… and today is a good day for us to start showing – and telling Him - just how much we love Him. We can use Psalm 30 as a starting point… or we can create our own “Valentine” for Him.
How will you express your love to the One who has loved you like no other? He lavishes us with Valentines every single day… what sort of Valentine have you selected for Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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