Matthew 5:44-47
“You’re familiar with the old written
law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your
enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to 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 then you are working
out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God
does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to
everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you
do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If
you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any
run-of-the-mill sinner does that.”
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.
Let’s be honest…there is at
least one person in our lives who rubs us the wrong way. Whether or not
we consider him/her an “enemy” may be debatable…but this individual
makes us bristle with anxiety – or maybe even anger – every time we hear
his/her name mentioned. Perhaps you are bullied at school or in the
workplace. Maybe there is a politician or public official who makes
your blood boil. There may be people in your church or community who
get on your last nerve. You may have a few family members who you avoid
at all costs. And maybe other people feel this same way about YOU!
As
I read this passage today, I was hit between the eyes with the thought
that I seldom pray for my “enemies.” I don’t pray often – or fervently –
enough for that person who posts hate-filled political rants on social
media. I don’t pray for the terrorists around the world…the gang
leaders who are sending members to infiltrate our cities and introduce
our children to drugs…the busybody who makes it his/her mission to stir
up trouble in the church, school, social circles and the community…the
individual who abuses people or pets…and more. I don’t pray for children
who may not be nice to my kids…bosses who bully their employees…and
people who think they are better than everyone else.
As this
passage points out, it’s easy to love those who love us and agree with
us. It’s a no-brainer to pray for them and ask God to bless them and
meet their every need. But it’s HARD to pray for those who are
our “enemies” or upset us in some manner. It’s a real struggle to be
nice to the bully…or at the very least, refrain from saying unkind
things about hateful and hate-filled people…or to ask God to guard and
guide the person who hurt your child or another loved one. But this is
exactly what Jesus tells us to do in this passage.
If we want to truly follow Jesus, we have to really follow
Him. This means we must obey ALL of His commands…including the one to
love those who bring out the worst in us. I can think of a few people
that I need to add to my prayer list today. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label love one another. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love one another. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 16, 2016
Matthew 5:17-18
“Don’t suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures—either God’s Law or the Prophets. I’m not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I was teaching kindergarten, our school district put every single teacher and administrator through an extensive (and expensive!) training program called PET…the Program for Effective Teaching. I won’t go into a lot of details about this program other than to say that we learned how to consistently present a lesson to students in a way that they could understand and retain. Some felt this program insulted their existing teaching abilities, but I felt it enhanced our skills and gave us common ground.
One of the basic principles of PET is that people remember what you tell them at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. So in my kindergarten classroom, I developed three simple “rules” that five-and-six-year-olds could understand and remember, and we reviewed and practiced them over and again.
1) Be kind to others.
2) Work and play quietly.
3) Respect other people’s property.
Everything we did had to fit into these parameters. Hit a classmate? That broke rules #1 and #2. Tear up a toy or even your school supplies? This violated Rule #3. There were tons of “sub-rules and guidelines,” but as long as the children followed the 3 simple rules of our classroom, all was well.
Here’s how this relates to Jesus. In the Old Testament, we are bombarded with laws and rules. You can’t do this…you must do that…if you break this law you must make XYZ sacrifice. And Jesus didn’t necessarily change these laws. He just drilled them down to something very basic and simple, as found in Luke 10:27…"That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.”
This is SO EASY to remember. And yet, when we stop and examine our thoughts, words and actions, everything you could think of is covered. All you have to do is ask yourself, “Does this demonstrate love of God? Is this how I would want to be treated? Will this exemplify love of my neighbor?” If the answer is in any way negative, you know that you are not following the commands of Jesus. And maybe this isn’t your goal in life…but don’t you think it should be?
Trust Jesus to know what is best for you. Believe that His commands are true and perfect - and fully complete God’s word…today, tomorrow, and forever. Know that you are in His will beyond the shadow of a doubt. And live with peace and confidence as you fully surrender to Christ and serve at His pleasure. Love God…love others…trust Jesus…three “grown-up rules” for effective discipleship. Are you ready to put them into practice?
© Debbie Robus
“Don’t suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures—either God’s Law or the Prophets. I’m not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I was teaching kindergarten, our school district put every single teacher and administrator through an extensive (and expensive!) training program called PET…the Program for Effective Teaching. I won’t go into a lot of details about this program other than to say that we learned how to consistently present a lesson to students in a way that they could understand and retain. Some felt this program insulted their existing teaching abilities, but I felt it enhanced our skills and gave us common ground.
One of the basic principles of PET is that people remember what you tell them at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. So in my kindergarten classroom, I developed three simple “rules” that five-and-six-year-olds could understand and remember, and we reviewed and practiced them over and again.
1) Be kind to others.
2) Work and play quietly.
3) Respect other people’s property.
Everything we did had to fit into these parameters. Hit a classmate? That broke rules #1 and #2. Tear up a toy or even your school supplies? This violated Rule #3. There were tons of “sub-rules and guidelines,” but as long as the children followed the 3 simple rules of our classroom, all was well.
Here’s how this relates to Jesus. In the Old Testament, we are bombarded with laws and rules. You can’t do this…you must do that…if you break this law you must make XYZ sacrifice. And Jesus didn’t necessarily change these laws. He just drilled them down to something very basic and simple, as found in Luke 10:27…"That you love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and muscle and intelligence—and that you love your neighbor as well as you do yourself.”
This is SO EASY to remember. And yet, when we stop and examine our thoughts, words and actions, everything you could think of is covered. All you have to do is ask yourself, “Does this demonstrate love of God? Is this how I would want to be treated? Will this exemplify love of my neighbor?” If the answer is in any way negative, you know that you are not following the commands of Jesus. And maybe this isn’t your goal in life…but don’t you think it should be?
Trust Jesus to know what is best for you. Believe that His commands are true and perfect - and fully complete God’s word…today, tomorrow, and forever. Know that you are in His will beyond the shadow of a doubt. And live with peace and confidence as you fully surrender to Christ and serve at His pleasure. Love God…love others…trust Jesus…three “grown-up rules” for effective discipleship. Are you ready to put them into practice?
© Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 2, 2014
1 Timothy 1:5-7
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.
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.
As Greg and I sat down to watch the final two hours of the History Channel mini-series The Bible, he jokingly said, “We know how it ends.” And as true as that statement is, I think we both came away from this movie with a renewed perspective on our life in Christ. The suffering of Jesus was almost unbearable to watch…even though we both knew we were merely watching a movie. The raw emotions of the disciples, Jesus’ mother Mary, John and Mary Magdalene - and even Jesus himself - were so compelling. The depiction of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples was breathtaking. And through it all, one pervading theme shone…”Love one another."
In Romans 13:8-10, we read…”Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.’ These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”
If we truly believe the words in this scripture passage…if we are genuinely committed to following Jesus, and we fully grasp the unbelievable price He paid for our sins and entrance into heaven…then we have to take a hard look at how we are treating one another. Do we gossip? Do we present a “my-way-or-the-highway” view of our faith? Do we belittle those who disagree with us or differ from us in some manner? Are we quick to judge…and slow to offer a hand up or a handout? Have we become so smug in our own narrow view of Jesus and His message that we have totally missed the whole point?
A Facebook friend recently shared the observations of a writer who had grown up in an affluent household in a northern state. He was appalled to discover that there were actually people in America who had never eaten at a sit-down restaurant and ordered from a menu. He could not comprehend that there were socio-economic classes inf this country’s population that did not possess two forms of ID – or have a bank account. A stint in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina served to open his eyes to an entire segment of the public that was truly oppressed…one that he never knew existed prior to this disastrous event.
I wonder how many of us wear similar “blinders”…by virtue of our upbringing – or by choice? Do we prefer to ignore those in need…to look the other way…to pretend that as long as everything is hunky-dory in our little corner of the world, it must be so for everyone else? Or do we seek to operate from a pure heart, a clear conscience, a genuine faith…and compassionate, unconditional love toward all people? When others look at us, do they see the face of Jesus and feel His warmth, grace and caring? Or do they see a selfish, “teacher of the Law” who is rigid, arrogant, and complacent?
Before His ascension into Heaven, Jesus called upon ordinary men and women to go and do extraordinary things in His name…literally at the risk of life and limb. And they did it…without question. Could you do this? Would you suffer and sacrifice in Jesus’ name to share His love and good news with others? These are tough questions…but they must be addressed. Just how loving and compassionate are you toward even the least of God’s creatures? How do you truly represent Jesus? Isn’t it time you knew?
©2014 Debbie Robus
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.
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.
As Greg and I sat down to watch the final two hours of the History Channel mini-series The Bible, he jokingly said, “We know how it ends.” And as true as that statement is, I think we both came away from this movie with a renewed perspective on our life in Christ. The suffering of Jesus was almost unbearable to watch…even though we both knew we were merely watching a movie. The raw emotions of the disciples, Jesus’ mother Mary, John and Mary Magdalene - and even Jesus himself - were so compelling. The depiction of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples was breathtaking. And through it all, one pervading theme shone…”Love one another."
In Romans 13:8-10, we read…”Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.’ These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”
If we truly believe the words in this scripture passage…if we are genuinely committed to following Jesus, and we fully grasp the unbelievable price He paid for our sins and entrance into heaven…then we have to take a hard look at how we are treating one another. Do we gossip? Do we present a “my-way-or-the-highway” view of our faith? Do we belittle those who disagree with us or differ from us in some manner? Are we quick to judge…and slow to offer a hand up or a handout? Have we become so smug in our own narrow view of Jesus and His message that we have totally missed the whole point?
A Facebook friend recently shared the observations of a writer who had grown up in an affluent household in a northern state. He was appalled to discover that there were actually people in America who had never eaten at a sit-down restaurant and ordered from a menu. He could not comprehend that there were socio-economic classes inf this country’s population that did not possess two forms of ID – or have a bank account. A stint in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina served to open his eyes to an entire segment of the public that was truly oppressed…one that he never knew existed prior to this disastrous event.
I wonder how many of us wear similar “blinders”…by virtue of our upbringing – or by choice? Do we prefer to ignore those in need…to look the other way…to pretend that as long as everything is hunky-dory in our little corner of the world, it must be so for everyone else? Or do we seek to operate from a pure heart, a clear conscience, a genuine faith…and compassionate, unconditional love toward all people? When others look at us, do they see the face of Jesus and feel His warmth, grace and caring? Or do they see a selfish, “teacher of the Law” who is rigid, arrogant, and complacent?
Before His ascension into Heaven, Jesus called upon ordinary men and women to go and do extraordinary things in His name…literally at the risk of life and limb. And they did it…without question. Could you do this? Would you suffer and sacrifice in Jesus’ name to share His love and good news with others? These are tough questions…but they must be addressed. Just how loving and compassionate are you toward even the least of God’s creatures? How do you truly represent Jesus? Isn’t it time you knew?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 6, 2013
Romans 2:5-11
You’re not getting by with anything. Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire. The day is coming when it’s going to blaze hot and high, God’s fiery and righteous judgment. Make no mistake: In the end you get what’s coming to you—Real Life for those who work on God’s side, but to those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire!
If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you’re from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs, again without regard to where you are from or how you were brought up. Being a Jew won’t give you an automatic stamp of approval. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind.
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 news media is reporting that Peter Stefan, a funeral director for Graham Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Parlors in Worcester, Massachusetts, cannot find a cemetery that will permit the burial of Boston bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev. Stefan’s funeral home has prepared Tsarnaev’s body for a Muslim burial (the tenets of Islam forbid cremation), but no one will help them find a plot for interment. According to Josh Slocum, executive director of the Funeral Consumers Alliance, Stefan is known for giving a proper sendoff to those who are downtrodden or scourged by society. Slocum said, “"He was the only one who would bury gay men dead of AIDS back in the 80s. He did funerals for slain prostitutes that everyone else treated like some sort of subhuman trash.” And now, Stefan wants someone to come forward and help him bury an alleged terrorist.
We have to ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” And if we are Disciples of Christ, what should we do? “But this man was involved in the killing of three people and the wounding of more than 200,” you are probably saying. “He doesn’t deserve a ‘decent burial’.” I heard someone say that they lost any sense of compassion for this man when they saw the photos of him apparently placing a deadly bomb next to 8-year-old Martin Richard, knowing that little Martin’s life would be taken. “Who does that?!” this person asked me. And I agree… this is incomprehensible. But how many of us have looked the other way as young children went hungry or were mistreated… perhaps even abused? How many of us have looked at a court system overflowing with foster children in need of services and walked away, saying, “That’s not my problem!”?
Do you see that this is not about whether someone is Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Atheist, Hindu or any other non-Christian religion? Do you see that it’s not even about the horrific crime of setting off a bomb in a crowd of onlookers at a major event? Jesus didn’t say, “Only love other Christians and treat them as you would wish to be treated.” He told us to love.one.another and do.unto.others.as.you.would.have.them.do.unto.you! Most of us would bury a stray animal we found in our yard… so why would we not bury a known terrorist? I totally understand that the burial of this young man will likely spark at least the potential for a media circus... as well as protests and vandalism at the cemetery where his body is laid to rest. And I would not wish that on the cemeteries where my loved ones are buried. So I do understand that there is a "public dilemma" here. But there has to be a way to handle this with human dignity and Christian compassion. How do you look the other way when you see someone who is hungry, cold, frightened, sick, hurting, or otherwise in need? How do you square that with God on Judgment Day?
This is really not about the Boston bombing and its principals… nor do I mean to spark an argument about who and what are right in this particular situation. My bigger argument is that we cannot pick and choose. We can’t make excuses based on our parentage, where and how we grew up, or what our socio-economic status was – or is today. We can’t claim, “Do you know who I am?” or even “Do you know what I’ve been through and where I came from?” and then live as we please. We can’t pick and choose who to help in the name of Jesus. It is not up to us to decide who is important or deserving… or when it is comfortable and convenient for us to serve. What we are called to decide is to get up off our duffs and minister wherever and however God calls us!
I believe God can take even the most heinous situation and use it for His glory. So let’s take this tragic bombing and the subsequent fallout and examine our own lives and Discipleship. Let’s ask ourselves, am I a “selective Christian” who only serves those who appeal to me – and only when it’s convenient? Or am I so focused on serving God that no opportunity to do so seems too great or small… too ugly or distasteful… too annoying or bothersome? Clearly, Peter Stefan understands that God has called him to serve others at the end of their lives. He can do nothing for the young bomber who has died… but his acts of love, grace and mercy might be the very example that brings others to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And we cannot discount the potential for victory in this!
When I was teaching Jr. High Sunday school, my students used to get upset with me because I said that all who invite Jesus into their hearts will be with Him for Eternity. “Oh, surely you don’t mean tyrants like Hitler and Saddam Hussein!” they would say. My response was… “Remember the thief on the cross. If those men gave their hearts to Jesus before they died, I believe that you will see them someday in heaven!” The students were mortified! And I think we will be surprised at a few of the people we see (and don’t see) in heaven!
We will also be surprised at some of the questions God asks us about how we served in this earthly life! Excuses will not be tolerated. We will have none that are acceptable. It is up to us to make the choice now to listen closely to what God is telling us…and to serve Him exactly as He directs. And that includes showing love, grace and mercy to all whom He has created, regardless of their faith and/or “station” in life. When you stand before God and answer for your Discipleship, what will you have to say for yourself? What will God have to say to you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
You’re not getting by with anything. Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire. The day is coming when it’s going to blaze hot and high, God’s fiery and righteous judgment. Make no mistake: In the end you get what’s coming to you—Real Life for those who work on God’s side, but to those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire!
If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you’re from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs, again without regard to where you are from or how you were brought up. Being a Jew won’t give you an automatic stamp of approval. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own mind.
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 news media is reporting that Peter Stefan, a funeral director for Graham Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Parlors in Worcester, Massachusetts, cannot find a cemetery that will permit the burial of Boston bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev. Stefan’s funeral home has prepared Tsarnaev’s body for a Muslim burial (the tenets of Islam forbid cremation), but no one will help them find a plot for interment. According to Josh Slocum, executive director of the Funeral Consumers Alliance, Stefan is known for giving a proper sendoff to those who are downtrodden or scourged by society. Slocum said, “"He was the only one who would bury gay men dead of AIDS back in the 80s. He did funerals for slain prostitutes that everyone else treated like some sort of subhuman trash.” And now, Stefan wants someone to come forward and help him bury an alleged terrorist.
We have to ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” And if we are Disciples of Christ, what should we do? “But this man was involved in the killing of three people and the wounding of more than 200,” you are probably saying. “He doesn’t deserve a ‘decent burial’.” I heard someone say that they lost any sense of compassion for this man when they saw the photos of him apparently placing a deadly bomb next to 8-year-old Martin Richard, knowing that little Martin’s life would be taken. “Who does that?!” this person asked me. And I agree… this is incomprehensible. But how many of us have looked the other way as young children went hungry or were mistreated… perhaps even abused? How many of us have looked at a court system overflowing with foster children in need of services and walked away, saying, “That’s not my problem!”?
Do you see that this is not about whether someone is Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Atheist, Hindu or any other non-Christian religion? Do you see that it’s not even about the horrific crime of setting off a bomb in a crowd of onlookers at a major event? Jesus didn’t say, “Only love other Christians and treat them as you would wish to be treated.” He told us to love.one.another and do.unto.others.as.you.would.have.them.do.unto.you! Most of us would bury a stray animal we found in our yard… so why would we not bury a known terrorist? I totally understand that the burial of this young man will likely spark at least the potential for a media circus... as well as protests and vandalism at the cemetery where his body is laid to rest. And I would not wish that on the cemeteries where my loved ones are buried. So I do understand that there is a "public dilemma" here. But there has to be a way to handle this with human dignity and Christian compassion. How do you look the other way when you see someone who is hungry, cold, frightened, sick, hurting, or otherwise in need? How do you square that with God on Judgment Day?
This is really not about the Boston bombing and its principals… nor do I mean to spark an argument about who and what are right in this particular situation. My bigger argument is that we cannot pick and choose. We can’t make excuses based on our parentage, where and how we grew up, or what our socio-economic status was – or is today. We can’t claim, “Do you know who I am?” or even “Do you know what I’ve been through and where I came from?” and then live as we please. We can’t pick and choose who to help in the name of Jesus. It is not up to us to decide who is important or deserving… or when it is comfortable and convenient for us to serve. What we are called to decide is to get up off our duffs and minister wherever and however God calls us!
I believe God can take even the most heinous situation and use it for His glory. So let’s take this tragic bombing and the subsequent fallout and examine our own lives and Discipleship. Let’s ask ourselves, am I a “selective Christian” who only serves those who appeal to me – and only when it’s convenient? Or am I so focused on serving God that no opportunity to do so seems too great or small… too ugly or distasteful… too annoying or bothersome? Clearly, Peter Stefan understands that God has called him to serve others at the end of their lives. He can do nothing for the young bomber who has died… but his acts of love, grace and mercy might be the very example that brings others to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And we cannot discount the potential for victory in this!
When I was teaching Jr. High Sunday school, my students used to get upset with me because I said that all who invite Jesus into their hearts will be with Him for Eternity. “Oh, surely you don’t mean tyrants like Hitler and Saddam Hussein!” they would say. My response was… “Remember the thief on the cross. If those men gave their hearts to Jesus before they died, I believe that you will see them someday in heaven!” The students were mortified! And I think we will be surprised at a few of the people we see (and don’t see) in heaven!
We will also be surprised at some of the questions God asks us about how we served in this earthly life! Excuses will not be tolerated. We will have none that are acceptable. It is up to us to make the choice now to listen closely to what God is telling us…and to serve Him exactly as He directs. And that includes showing love, grace and mercy to all whom He has created, regardless of their faith and/or “station” in life. When you stand before God and answer for your Discipleship, what will you have to say for yourself? What will God have to say to you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 29, 2013
Psalm 1:1-6
God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night.
They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.
That isn’t true of those who are evil, because they are like straw blown by the wind. Sinners won’t have an excuse on the day of judgment, and they won’t have a place with the people of God. The Lord protects everyone who follows him, but the wicked follow a road that leads to ruin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently saw a post on Twitter from a woman who was thanking a certain Independent Baptist church in Topeka, Kansas, for helping her explain to her children how Muslims feel about Al Qaeda. You see, many leaders and members of this church, which I refuse to name, have made it their mission to protest at funerals and other events to raise awareness for their hatred of homosexuals, in particular. They have also protested against Jews… and some members have actually stomped on the American flag at some of these events. They threatened to go to Boston and protest there after the bombings last month. In their minds, every disaster and tragedy that befalls someone is a direct result of the “sins” of the groups they choose to hate. Still, they call themselves “Christians” and encourage everyone to believe as they do. In my book, they are sneering at God.
What does this have to do with Muslims and Al Qaeda? I read a response to this question on the Internet from one Muslim that I believe sums this up fairly well. This person said “the integrity of my religion is tarnished by this group.” You see, people do all sorts of things in the name of religion… even Christianity. Yet, as our pastor pointed out so bravely yesterday, there is no room for such thinking in the church… and there are no good excuses. Racism must go… intolerance cannot be allowed… we must search our hearts, study the word of God and realize that we are called to love.one.another - and everyone who trusts in God is welcome at His table. Scripture doesn’t say to pick and choose… to judge others… to protest against certain groups in the name of God and ostracize those who do not believe as we do.
God has not called us to cram our way of thinking down the throats of others. Our mission is quite clear…
Our pastor used the Sunday school movement, which began in 1790 in England, as an example. This movement was initially unpopular, because the children were taught to read the Bible on Sunday, which was considered a “day of rest.” This was the only day of the week that most children in England were not working in the factories. If they were to learn to read – and study the Bible as their textbook – it would have to be on Sundays. Clearly, many felt it was more important to “observe the Sabbath” than to learn to read God’s word on that day! But as we all know, enough people “refused evil advice” and persevered…and Sunday school eventually became a virtually universal aspect of childhood for most.
My point in sharing these things with you is not to spark a debate over social issues or various religious beliefs. God uses the same scripture passage to speak to me in different ways on any given day. Today, I feel that this passage is showing us that we must be very careful about who we listen to and what we internalize as “Christian” attitudes and behaviors. We must ask ourselves why we form certain opinions… what caused us to treat certain people in one way or another…and how this all lines up with the word of God. Do our protests and public disdain for certain activities or groups truly draw others to Jesus? Do those who observe us (and remember… people are always watching!) surmise that if we are saying that this person or group is evil… and we are Christians… it must be so? Or do they look at us and declare that they want nothing to do with Jesus, if this is how His followers treat each other? Either way, we may be misleading others… in the name of Jesus!
Are we using our Christian faith – and God’s word – as an excuse to misbehave… rather than our manual for how to live and grow like strong trees that “develop fruit in season and always have leaves?” What does our behavior, talk, body language and general attitude say to others about our relationship with God… and what does it say to God Himself? We all have areas that need work. We all have people who rub us the wrong way for one reason or another… and attitudes that need an adjustment. There is no time like the present to stop and ask God to help us with this. Tell Him how much you want to live like the strong tree that is firmly rooted, instead of the straw that blows in the wind. Ask God to show you where you need to be more tolerant and progressive in your thinking… and how to more closely follow Jesus’ commandments.
It is time to drop the excuses and stop hiding behind them… to step up and out and be the people God has called us to be. I’m ready to get in line… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
God blesses those people who refuse evil advice and won’t follow sinners or join in sneering at God. Instead, the Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night.
They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do.
That isn’t true of those who are evil, because they are like straw blown by the wind. Sinners won’t have an excuse on the day of judgment, and they won’t have a place with the people of God. The Lord protects everyone who follows him, but the wicked follow a road that leads to ruin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently saw a post on Twitter from a woman who was thanking a certain Independent Baptist church in Topeka, Kansas, for helping her explain to her children how Muslims feel about Al Qaeda. You see, many leaders and members of this church, which I refuse to name, have made it their mission to protest at funerals and other events to raise awareness for their hatred of homosexuals, in particular. They have also protested against Jews… and some members have actually stomped on the American flag at some of these events. They threatened to go to Boston and protest there after the bombings last month. In their minds, every disaster and tragedy that befalls someone is a direct result of the “sins” of the groups they choose to hate. Still, they call themselves “Christians” and encourage everyone to believe as they do. In my book, they are sneering at God.
What does this have to do with Muslims and Al Qaeda? I read a response to this question on the Internet from one Muslim that I believe sums this up fairly well. This person said “the integrity of my religion is tarnished by this group.” You see, people do all sorts of things in the name of religion… even Christianity. Yet, as our pastor pointed out so bravely yesterday, there is no room for such thinking in the church… and there are no good excuses. Racism must go… intolerance cannot be allowed… we must search our hearts, study the word of God and realize that we are called to love.one.another - and everyone who trusts in God is welcome at His table. Scripture doesn’t say to pick and choose… to judge others… to protest against certain groups in the name of God and ostracize those who do not believe as we do.
God has not called us to cram our way of thinking down the throats of others. Our mission is quite clear…
- Love the LORD with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
- Love others as you love yourself.
- Go and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
Our pastor used the Sunday school movement, which began in 1790 in England, as an example. This movement was initially unpopular, because the children were taught to read the Bible on Sunday, which was considered a “day of rest.” This was the only day of the week that most children in England were not working in the factories. If they were to learn to read – and study the Bible as their textbook – it would have to be on Sundays. Clearly, many felt it was more important to “observe the Sabbath” than to learn to read God’s word on that day! But as we all know, enough people “refused evil advice” and persevered…and Sunday school eventually became a virtually universal aspect of childhood for most.
My point in sharing these things with you is not to spark a debate over social issues or various religious beliefs. God uses the same scripture passage to speak to me in different ways on any given day. Today, I feel that this passage is showing us that we must be very careful about who we listen to and what we internalize as “Christian” attitudes and behaviors. We must ask ourselves why we form certain opinions… what caused us to treat certain people in one way or another…and how this all lines up with the word of God. Do our protests and public disdain for certain activities or groups truly draw others to Jesus? Do those who observe us (and remember… people are always watching!) surmise that if we are saying that this person or group is evil… and we are Christians… it must be so? Or do they look at us and declare that they want nothing to do with Jesus, if this is how His followers treat each other? Either way, we may be misleading others… in the name of Jesus!
Are we using our Christian faith – and God’s word – as an excuse to misbehave… rather than our manual for how to live and grow like strong trees that “develop fruit in season and always have leaves?” What does our behavior, talk, body language and general attitude say to others about our relationship with God… and what does it say to God Himself? We all have areas that need work. We all have people who rub us the wrong way for one reason or another… and attitudes that need an adjustment. There is no time like the present to stop and ask God to help us with this. Tell Him how much you want to live like the strong tree that is firmly rooted, instead of the straw that blows in the wind. Ask God to show you where you need to be more tolerant and progressive in your thinking… and how to more closely follow Jesus’ commandments.
It is time to drop the excuses and stop hiding behind them… to step up and out and be the people God has called us to be. I’m ready to get in line… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 23, 2013
1 John 3:14-15
The way we know we’ve been transferred from death to life is that we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who doesn’t love is as good as dead. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know very well that eternal life and murder don’t go together.
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 really enjoy Facebook… most of the time. This social media venue is great for keeping up with our friends’ daughter and grandchildren – and my cousins – who live in northwest Arkansas. I’ve reconnected with cousins in Texas that I have not seen since childhood. I can share photos of my niece’s three babies with family members and friends who live out of town and rarely, if ever get to see them. We can see pictures of our great nieces and nephew who live in Tennessee and Missouri. AND…I can keep up with former students from Texas to Iowa to Japan, relatives and friends scattered all over the country… and I can even participate in some online garage sales!
However, I have to wade through some pretty nasty posts a lot of the time. This venue has provided some people with a platform for spewing venom and hatred… and more than a few have thoroughly honed their skills. The worst part is that many of these people spout hatred in one breath… and claim Jesus in the next!
We all need to take a good, hard look at 1 John 3:14-15 today. Do you see the line that says “anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer”? Do you get that when you speak so insufferably about another human being – and encourage your “friends” to join you – that you are as good as wishing them dead? Where in the life of a Christian does this fit? How did you become an officer in the courts of Heaven?
We all have the right of free speech… and the liberty to have - and voice - our opinions. But we cannot claim the name of Jesus and harbor hatred in our heart…even if we never speak it aloud or post a comment on a social media outlet. The minute you start to feel anything that approaches loathing toward another living soul, you need to stop in your tracks and ask God to strengthen you… to give you a spirit if love, forgiveness, grace, mercy and tolerance.
If someone behaves in a way you do not like, talk to God about it. Don’t ask Him to correct this person – you are not the judge and jury. Ask God to touch this person’s heart… to guide him/her according to HIS will… to give them a spirit of receptiveness to His wisdom and teachings. And ask God to give you a spirit of love and acceptance… maybe not of the person’s behaviors – but most certainly of the person.
I know this is hard… we have become a society of haters, it seems. “Oh, but I don’t HATE anybody,” you may say. And maybe you don’t. But you have to admit that we have all found it pretty easy to embrace – and sometimes express – some pretty awful thoughts about others. I don’t want to operate this way… I don’t want to have murderous thoughts or feelings… and that’s exactly what scripture says a spirit of hatred encompasses.
This is really heady stuff, and we need to stop today and take a moment to consider how we think and feel… where we have fallen short of the tremendous power that God grants us through His gifts of grace, mercy and forgiveness. We need to revisit His command to love one another and share these gifts with those in our path. Are you operating in a spirit of hatred? Are you, in essence, a murderer? Don’t you want to change this? Ask God to help you begin your transformation TODAY! Transfer from death to life and operate in the love of Jesus toward everyone. Don’t be one of “those people.” Instead, choose a genuine, loving life in Christ… and let grace, mercy and tolerance of others be your constant hallmark.
©2013 Debbie Robus
The way we know we’ve been transferred from death to life is that we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who doesn’t love is as good as dead. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know very well that eternal life and murder don’t go together.
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 really enjoy Facebook… most of the time. This social media venue is great for keeping up with our friends’ daughter and grandchildren – and my cousins – who live in northwest Arkansas. I’ve reconnected with cousins in Texas that I have not seen since childhood. I can share photos of my niece’s three babies with family members and friends who live out of town and rarely, if ever get to see them. We can see pictures of our great nieces and nephew who live in Tennessee and Missouri. AND…I can keep up with former students from Texas to Iowa to Japan, relatives and friends scattered all over the country… and I can even participate in some online garage sales!
However, I have to wade through some pretty nasty posts a lot of the time. This venue has provided some people with a platform for spewing venom and hatred… and more than a few have thoroughly honed their skills. The worst part is that many of these people spout hatred in one breath… and claim Jesus in the next!
We all need to take a good, hard look at 1 John 3:14-15 today. Do you see the line that says “anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer”? Do you get that when you speak so insufferably about another human being – and encourage your “friends” to join you – that you are as good as wishing them dead? Where in the life of a Christian does this fit? How did you become an officer in the courts of Heaven?
We all have the right of free speech… and the liberty to have - and voice - our opinions. But we cannot claim the name of Jesus and harbor hatred in our heart…even if we never speak it aloud or post a comment on a social media outlet. The minute you start to feel anything that approaches loathing toward another living soul, you need to stop in your tracks and ask God to strengthen you… to give you a spirit if love, forgiveness, grace, mercy and tolerance.
If someone behaves in a way you do not like, talk to God about it. Don’t ask Him to correct this person – you are not the judge and jury. Ask God to touch this person’s heart… to guide him/her according to HIS will… to give them a spirit of receptiveness to His wisdom and teachings. And ask God to give you a spirit of love and acceptance… maybe not of the person’s behaviors – but most certainly of the person.
I know this is hard… we have become a society of haters, it seems. “Oh, but I don’t HATE anybody,” you may say. And maybe you don’t. But you have to admit that we have all found it pretty easy to embrace – and sometimes express – some pretty awful thoughts about others. I don’t want to operate this way… I don’t want to have murderous thoughts or feelings… and that’s exactly what scripture says a spirit of hatred encompasses.
This is really heady stuff, and we need to stop today and take a moment to consider how we think and feel… where we have fallen short of the tremendous power that God grants us through His gifts of grace, mercy and forgiveness. We need to revisit His command to love one another and share these gifts with those in our path. Are you operating in a spirit of hatred? Are you, in essence, a murderer? Don’t you want to change this? Ask God to help you begin your transformation TODAY! Transfer from death to life and operate in the love of Jesus toward everyone. Don’t be one of “those people.” Instead, choose a genuine, loving life in Christ… and let grace, mercy and tolerance of others be your constant hallmark.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 21, 2013
1 John 3:18-20
My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
It’s been one of those days! So when my mother e-mailed me tonight and asked, “Are you sick? I have not had a devo from you today nor heard from you this afternoon”… I laughingly replied that the devo was coming, and I feel fine! There was a time when I would have been beside myself with frustration and self-criticism for not getting the devotional written earlier in the day. But God has shown me a lot of valuable lessons in recent months… and one of them is to cut down on the “worried heart syndrome” that has plagued me for much of my life.
Last October, my husband and I felt a call from God to help my niece and her family move back to Arkansas from Texas. Part of our offer to help included being available when needed to assist with her three children… Timothy, age 3½; Zola, now 20 months; and Nathan, almost 6 months. To say we have learned more than we ever thought possible about “practicing real love” in the last few weeks/months would be an understatement. These babies and their parents are now a vital part of our lives…and frequent visitors at our house!
So this weekend, while both boys were under the weather, we kept Zola for a couple of days/nights. I took her home this morning, just in time to return home and grab a shower, then head to the funeral of a dear friend of my maternal grandmother. Mrs. Evelyn also happened to be a table mate of my Mam-ma Polly at the assisted living facility – and one of the matriarchs of my church. I was blessed by the service and all of the wonderful memories that were shared about this dear soul and her lifetime of practicing real love and her commitment to her family, which extended to three great-great-grandchildren. After the service, I visited my grandmother at the assisted living facility and took her a copy of Mrs. Evelyn’s funeral program.
This evening, we attended a junior high girls’ basketball game to watch my husband’s great-niece play for the local team. We don’t attend all of her games, but we try to make as many of those in the home gym as possible. It is important that she know we love her and support her activities.
So now you know why the devotional is late today. I was busy “practicing real love.” And while I could have set my alarm and gotten up before everyone else this morning – or skipped watching a movie tonight with my husband in order to write this earlier – I chose otherwise. I could have even opted not to write a devo today… and the world would not have come to an end!
The point of this is not to “make more of myself than I ought to,” as my grandmother would say. But I think we need to recognize the acts of “real love” that we practice… and to cut ourselves some slack when we are not superhuman! Even something as seemingly insignificant as caring for a toddler while her brothers were sick, or attending the funeral of someone we knew and loved – and showing concern and support for the family members who survive him/her, is putting love into real practice. Going to a junior high ballgame to cheer for a friend or family member is practicing real love. Writing a note to someone just to say “Hello!” …“Get well soon!” …or “I’m thinking about you” is a gesture of love in action.
It is important that we tell others we love them. It’s more important that we show them. It is also important that we give ourselves a break once in a while and stop all of the negative self-criticism. Sometimes we need to take a step backward and recognize that we are doing the best we can in the moment. We need to learn to trust God to make the difference and realize that He loves us no matter how much we do. Some of us are so worried about disappointing God or others that we fail to stop and practice a little real love on ourselves!
When you read this devo, stop and take a quick inventory of your day. Where are you practicing real love? Have you criticized yourself harshly and operated with a worried heart? How effective were your efforts to love others when you were feeling this way? Isn’t it time to ask God to bless you and keep you… to give you strength and courage to make acts of love – toward others AND yourself – your top priority of the day? If you do this, God will see that everything else that needs to get done is accomplished. After all…He just helped me finish this devotional, didn’t He?!
©2013 Debbie Robus
My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
It’s been one of those days! So when my mother e-mailed me tonight and asked, “Are you sick? I have not had a devo from you today nor heard from you this afternoon”… I laughingly replied that the devo was coming, and I feel fine! There was a time when I would have been beside myself with frustration and self-criticism for not getting the devotional written earlier in the day. But God has shown me a lot of valuable lessons in recent months… and one of them is to cut down on the “worried heart syndrome” that has plagued me for much of my life.
Last October, my husband and I felt a call from God to help my niece and her family move back to Arkansas from Texas. Part of our offer to help included being available when needed to assist with her three children… Timothy, age 3½; Zola, now 20 months; and Nathan, almost 6 months. To say we have learned more than we ever thought possible about “practicing real love” in the last few weeks/months would be an understatement. These babies and their parents are now a vital part of our lives…and frequent visitors at our house!
So this weekend, while both boys were under the weather, we kept Zola for a couple of days/nights. I took her home this morning, just in time to return home and grab a shower, then head to the funeral of a dear friend of my maternal grandmother. Mrs. Evelyn also happened to be a table mate of my Mam-ma Polly at the assisted living facility – and one of the matriarchs of my church. I was blessed by the service and all of the wonderful memories that were shared about this dear soul and her lifetime of practicing real love and her commitment to her family, which extended to three great-great-grandchildren. After the service, I visited my grandmother at the assisted living facility and took her a copy of Mrs. Evelyn’s funeral program.
This evening, we attended a junior high girls’ basketball game to watch my husband’s great-niece play for the local team. We don’t attend all of her games, but we try to make as many of those in the home gym as possible. It is important that she know we love her and support her activities.
So now you know why the devotional is late today. I was busy “practicing real love.” And while I could have set my alarm and gotten up before everyone else this morning – or skipped watching a movie tonight with my husband in order to write this earlier – I chose otherwise. I could have even opted not to write a devo today… and the world would not have come to an end!
The point of this is not to “make more of myself than I ought to,” as my grandmother would say. But I think we need to recognize the acts of “real love” that we practice… and to cut ourselves some slack when we are not superhuman! Even something as seemingly insignificant as caring for a toddler while her brothers were sick, or attending the funeral of someone we knew and loved – and showing concern and support for the family members who survive him/her, is putting love into real practice. Going to a junior high ballgame to cheer for a friend or family member is practicing real love. Writing a note to someone just to say “Hello!” …“Get well soon!” …or “I’m thinking about you” is a gesture of love in action.
It is important that we tell others we love them. It’s more important that we show them. It is also important that we give ourselves a break once in a while and stop all of the negative self-criticism. Sometimes we need to take a step backward and recognize that we are doing the best we can in the moment. We need to learn to trust God to make the difference and realize that He loves us no matter how much we do. Some of us are so worried about disappointing God or others that we fail to stop and practice a little real love on ourselves!
When you read this devo, stop and take a quick inventory of your day. Where are you practicing real love? Have you criticized yourself harshly and operated with a worried heart? How effective were your efforts to love others when you were feeling this way? Isn’t it time to ask God to bless you and keep you… to give you strength and courage to make acts of love – toward others AND yourself – your top priority of the day? If you do this, God will see that everything else that needs to get done is accomplished. After all…He just helped me finish this devotional, didn’t He?!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 13, 2012
Ephesians 4:2
Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our cat Lucy has this little routine she goes through almost every night. She eats her dinner then wanders down the hallway toward our bedroom. She sits and cries outside the bathroom doorway. She doesn’t want anything… I’ve checked. She is merely “announcing” that she is getting a drink from the water bowl we keep there for her. I’ll admit…it’s annoying sometimes. She can really get loud and persistent! But we love her so much, so we put up with the little quirks of hers and her sister Mabel’s.
In return, our cats forgive us when we let the food bowl sit empty for a while. They love us even when we don’t cater to their every whim… or when they think we don’t pay enough attention to them. And they actually remain pretty humble and gentle about it… although from time to time, they do give us a declawed swipe to say “Hey, YOU! Notice me!”
Sometimes we have a hard time tolerating the behaviors of our two-legged friends. We forget that they might also have trouble putting up with our faults. And yes… we do have our own imperfections! We get so busy pointing out the other guy’s defects that others might actually have a hard time believing we really love them!
Criticism is easy… loving someone “warts and all” is the hard part! But the role of a Christian is to love others as Jesus loves us… and that means we are going to have to sometimes bite our tongue and patiently overlook a few things. I’m not saying we can’t gently make suggestions when we see someone we love take what we consider to be a wrong turn. But more than a few of us offer advice and suggestions where none were solicited… or we gripe and complain about things that really don’t (or shouldn’t) matter all that much between good friends.
We need to take this passage to heart… and examine our own motives and behaviors. Where do we need to be more humble, gentle and patient? Where could we be more tolerant of another person’s opinions, style, or idiosyncrasies? How can we be more like Jesus in our daily living? Isn’t it time we began?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our cat Lucy has this little routine she goes through almost every night. She eats her dinner then wanders down the hallway toward our bedroom. She sits and cries outside the bathroom doorway. She doesn’t want anything… I’ve checked. She is merely “announcing” that she is getting a drink from the water bowl we keep there for her. I’ll admit…it’s annoying sometimes. She can really get loud and persistent! But we love her so much, so we put up with the little quirks of hers and her sister Mabel’s.
In return, our cats forgive us when we let the food bowl sit empty for a while. They love us even when we don’t cater to their every whim… or when they think we don’t pay enough attention to them. And they actually remain pretty humble and gentle about it… although from time to time, they do give us a declawed swipe to say “Hey, YOU! Notice me!”
Sometimes we have a hard time tolerating the behaviors of our two-legged friends. We forget that they might also have trouble putting up with our faults. And yes… we do have our own imperfections! We get so busy pointing out the other guy’s defects that others might actually have a hard time believing we really love them!
Criticism is easy… loving someone “warts and all” is the hard part! But the role of a Christian is to love others as Jesus loves us… and that means we are going to have to sometimes bite our tongue and patiently overlook a few things. I’m not saying we can’t gently make suggestions when we see someone we love take what we consider to be a wrong turn. But more than a few of us offer advice and suggestions where none were solicited… or we gripe and complain about things that really don’t (or shouldn’t) matter all that much between good friends.
We need to take this passage to heart… and examine our own motives and behaviors. Where do we need to be more humble, gentle and patient? Where could we be more tolerant of another person’s opinions, style, or idiosyncrasies? How can we be more like Jesus in our daily living? Isn’t it time we began?
©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 8, 2011
Proverbs 17:17
A friend is always a friend, and relatives are born to share our troubles.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Marla Ann is four years older than I, and she grew up in the house catty-cornered from mine. When I married, she was already attending college, and we didn’t see each other very often for several years. She moved to Austin, Texas, with her family, and we would get together for a brief visit on holidays when she returned to spend time with her parents. Then she and her husband moved their family to Edgemont, and we saw each other quite often. We started spending time together at Christmas and other holidays… and we got together many times in between.
Now Marla and her husband, Bill, live in Fayetteville near their children and grandchildren, and we see them maybe twice a year. But Marla and I talk all the time – mostly by e-mail. She is more like a sister to me than a friend, and we have stuck by each other in all kinds of weather. We have been through a lot together… personal crises, the births of babies, the deaths of loved ones, and more. We know that we always have each other’s back.
I do not have a very large immediate family, but my extended family – much of whom lives in Heber Springs, or at least in Arkansas – is huge. And while I seldom see some of my cousins, there are more than a handful I would consider as very close. I know that whenever I need them, they are always there for me. In times of trouble, my family comes together and supports one another. And that’s as it should be… this is what we are taught in God’s word!
But there are times when people get cross with each other. Things are said or done, and the next thing you know, your best friend is no longer a friend at all… or you are not speaking to your siblings, your cousins, or even your parents. My maternal grandmother used to say, “Blood is thicker than water,” meaning that someday your family members will come back around and reconcile. But I know for a fact that this doesn’t always happen. And in these situations, everybody loses… and God is deeply disappointed.
Today, I pray that you will stop at some point and take time to consider ways to reach out to those you love – your friends, your family members… and especially your mom, if she is still alive. Don’t let old grudges and past history keep you from doing what is right… and what pleases God. Make the call… heal that wound… start to rebuild and rekindle old relationships. I’m so thankful for my friends and family. Keeping the lines of communication open with all of them requires effort… and sometimes it’s hard work! But in the end, it is so worth the trouble.
Who do you need to reach out to this day? Will you step up and honor God and make the first move?
©2011 Debbie Robus
A friend is always a friend, and relatives are born to share our troubles.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Marla Ann is four years older than I, and she grew up in the house catty-cornered from mine. When I married, she was already attending college, and we didn’t see each other very often for several years. She moved to Austin, Texas, with her family, and we would get together for a brief visit on holidays when she returned to spend time with her parents. Then she and her husband moved their family to Edgemont, and we saw each other quite often. We started spending time together at Christmas and other holidays… and we got together many times in between.
Now Marla and her husband, Bill, live in Fayetteville near their children and grandchildren, and we see them maybe twice a year. But Marla and I talk all the time – mostly by e-mail. She is more like a sister to me than a friend, and we have stuck by each other in all kinds of weather. We have been through a lot together… personal crises, the births of babies, the deaths of loved ones, and more. We know that we always have each other’s back.
I do not have a very large immediate family, but my extended family – much of whom lives in Heber Springs, or at least in Arkansas – is huge. And while I seldom see some of my cousins, there are more than a handful I would consider as very close. I know that whenever I need them, they are always there for me. In times of trouble, my family comes together and supports one another. And that’s as it should be… this is what we are taught in God’s word!
But there are times when people get cross with each other. Things are said or done, and the next thing you know, your best friend is no longer a friend at all… or you are not speaking to your siblings, your cousins, or even your parents. My maternal grandmother used to say, “Blood is thicker than water,” meaning that someday your family members will come back around and reconcile. But I know for a fact that this doesn’t always happen. And in these situations, everybody loses… and God is deeply disappointed.
Today, I pray that you will stop at some point and take time to consider ways to reach out to those you love – your friends, your family members… and especially your mom, if she is still alive. Don’t let old grudges and past history keep you from doing what is right… and what pleases God. Make the call… heal that wound… start to rebuild and rekindle old relationships. I’m so thankful for my friends and family. Keeping the lines of communication open with all of them requires effort… and sometimes it’s hard work! But in the end, it is so worth the trouble.
Who do you need to reach out to this day? Will you step up and honor God and make the first move?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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