Daily Devotional for December 22, 2016

Proverbs 25:21-22
If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch;
    if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink.
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness,
    and God will look after 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.

One of the hardest things we will ever have to do as Christians is to show kindness to those who have been unkind to us. For me, the word “enemy” is a little strong…I don’t feel I have any personal enemies.  But this is the word used throughout the Bible for those who treat others in an unkind or unfair manner, and I have encountered unkind people and felt the sting of harsh words and excluding gestures. I bet you have, as well.

For me, the worst is when this comes from fellow church members or people who profess to be Christians.  But sadly, it happens…and I hope and pray that you and I am not guilty of doing the same thing to others.

It would be easy to turn and walk in the other direction when we encounter someone who has spoken to us unkindly. If a person has spread untruths about you, it would be understandable if you were not first in line to offer a helping hand when he/she was in need.  There have been instances in my life that have caused me to think, “I wouldn’t walk across the street to spit on this person if he/she was on fire!”

But then, there is Proverbs 25:21-22 - not to mention Matthew 5:44!  We are called to “love our enemies” and surprise them with generosity…to pray for them and offer them every kindness. So that means speaking to the person who mistreated you – and doing so with a smile.  It means doing whatever God leads you to do to help ALL people in their time of need.  It means reaching out to those you would really rather show your back instead of a smile or a helping hand.

How do we manage this?  We call on God’s grace and mercy.  We ask Him to fill our hearts with compassion for the other person…and we do this because Jesus does it for us.  Certainly, Jesus had every reason to turn His back on you and me.  He doesn’t owe us even a smile…much less Salvation and a home with Him for all eternity.  Yet this is exactly what we are in line to receive.
  
Jesus provides us with His grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, kindness and understanding every single day – even though none of us deserves any of it. So how can we, as His disciples, offer others anything less?  I can almost hear Jesus saying, “Suck it up, Buttercup!  If you want to serve in MY army, you have to be willing to treat others as I would - even your ‘enemies.’”  Where does this apply to you today?  Who needs to see Jesus through your words and actions?

Are you making a point…or making a difference in your Christian discipleship?  Isn’t it time to get this right?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 18, 2016

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

Daily Devotional for May 19, 2015

Titus 3:10-11
Warn troublemakers once or twice. Then don’t have anything else to do with them. You know that their minds are twisted, and their own sins show how guilty they are.

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

Who knew that “Assertive Discipline” was biblical?!  Ever since I was a kindergarten teacher in the 1980s, I have favored this method of reinforcing good behavior…but having clear and distinct boundaries and consequences for improper actions.  Today, I use the “1-2-3” counting system with our little ones, and they totally “get” that they do not want to hear me say “THREE!”  This will result in a “time out,” missed activities and fun, or the loss of a privilege or treat.

In Timothy’s kindergarten classroom, the teacher uses a “color system” that marks whether behaviors are acceptable, outstanding…or unacceptable.  There is even a “warning” color.  Timothy has told us that he and his classmates are sometimes given a chance to “turn things around” and “clip up” to a higher/more acceptable color.  And a string of days with good “colors” results in a trip to the “treasure chest” to select a prize.

We try to be careful to recognize GOOD behavior often - with plenty of praise to reinforce it. The children have “earned” all kinds of prizes for accruing consistent stretches of time where they followed the rules and made good choices.  Some insist that this amounts to bribery.  But let’s be honest – in every area of life, good choices and actions bring rewards, while troublemakers who make bad decisions will suffer consequences!

So as we apply these principles to our “grown-up” relationships with others, we see that there are times when we must distance ourselves from “friends” and fellow believers.  If someone will not stop making derogatory remarks on social media, despite gentle reminders to “keep it clean and kind,” it is okay to “unfriend” or block them – or at the very least, to “unfollow” their posts.  More than once, I have had to message someone who repeatedly included me in e-mail messages that perpetuated false rumors and viewpoints  -and suggest (or warn) that I did not endorse this.  If these persons continued to include me in their missives, I blocked them.

Is it hard to do this?  You bet!  It’s also hard to put our little ones in “time out” or “clip them down” to a “bad” color…not just because they sometimes go “kicking and screaming,” but because it’s human nature to say, “Okay…I’ll give you one more chance.”  This often leads to another…and another…and nothing gets resolved in the end.  Sometimes, Christians have to do the hard things in the spirit of obedience and faithfulness.  And choosing to distance ourselves from someone who persists in sin and troublemaking is often necessary.

Don’t misunderstand me…this does not mean that you stop caring.  We must pray for these persons…love them as Jesus loves us…wish them well and show genuine concern for their well-being.  But we must do so from a distance…believing that Jesus will stand in the gap and make the difference.  And just as we “reward” small children and recognize their positive words and actions, we must be sure to do this with our “grown-up” friends and acquaintances, also. 

Notice the positives…be kind and approachable (within reason)…and share the unconditional love of Jesus. There is truth to the adage…”love the sinner, hate the sin.”  This is a truly difficult thing to do sometimes…but God will strengthen you.  Jesus has told us to love our “enemies” and pray for them.  But we don’t have to make them our BFFs! 

People are watching…and our demonstration of faithfulness in this manner will be duly noted.  Ask God to show you how – and when – to administer a “time out” to troublemakers.  And ask Him to show these folks how to correct their mistakes and “clip up” to a better version of themselves.  With God, all things really ARE possible!

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 22, 2015

Proverbs 16:24
Kind words are like honey—
    they cheer you up
    and make you feel strong.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
There is really not much I can add to this! Speak kind words to others today…particularly those people to whom you may not feel so loving or tolerant, for whatever reason.  Let your “kindness” serve as a balm for their souls...and let them see the love of Jesus in your words and body language.  You might catch a few people off guard…but it will all be good in the end.  And as you lift another person, you will feel stronger, more lighthearted, and confident in your relationship with Jesus.  You will be blessed to be a blessing!
 
So get going!  Who will be the first to feel the love of Jesus in your kind words this day?
 
©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 16, 2015

Luke 9:49-50
John spoke up, “Master, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn’t of our group.”
 
Jesus said, “Don’t stop him. If he’s not an enemy, he’s an ally.”
 
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.
 
What if you were sick or injured and a person rushed to your aide and said, “I am a doctor (or a nurse).”  This person was of a different race or ethnicity – or you knew from local “talk” that he/she practiced an alternative lifestyle or was a member of a different political party than yours.  What if you had heard that this person was an atheist or practiced some religion other than Christianity?  Would you wave him/her away and say, “No thanks, I’ll wait for a Christian who is the same race as me, has a husband/wife and 2.5 kids, and belongs to my political affiliation”?   I don’t think so!
 
It seems to me that Jesus’ point in these verses is that we need to stop making “enemies” of everyone.  We need to stop judging others based on whatever criteria we establish – and leave such conclusions to God. We must stop being so fearful of differences.
 
Few among us would even consider turning our back on a child – regardless of his/her size, shape, skin color, or even if the kid was having a royal outburst or temper tantrum.  And the truth is that we are ALL God’s creations…and potentially His “Kingdom Kids” forever.  I challenge you to start looking at others and picturing them as small children.  Remind yourself that these people were once loved, hugged and nurtured by someone.
 
Timothy asks me often, “Am I still your baby?”  I assure him that no matter how large he grows, he will ALWAYS be my “baby”.  The person you fear is also someone’s “baby”.  The terrorist with a gun is someone’s baby…the gay/transgender person whose lifestyle choices you cannot understand is someone’s baby…the person who claims that God does not exist – or the person who prays to a statue – is someone’s baby.  Drug addicts, prostitutes, alcoholics, child molesters, thieves, rapists, liars, cheaters, the poor and needy, the homeless, and the affluent snobs are all someone’s baby.  Jesus died for every one of them, and each has as much right to receive His salvation as you and I do.
 
We have made enemies where we should have been seeking allies.  And today is a good day to start doing more of the latter.  Where will you begin?
 
©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 6, 2014

Romans 12:20-21
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

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.

In May 2012, 18-year-old Takunda Mavima lost control of his vehicle and crashed into an off-ramp while driving home from a party after his high school graduation in Wyoming, Michigan. Two passengers...15-year-old Krysta Howell and 17-year-old Tim See...were both killed.

Mavima's blood alcohol level was reported to be 0.10 at the time of the accident.  He pled guilty to all charges and received a sentence of between 30 months and 15 years in prison.

Tim See's father and sister both addressed the court. According to an article on the Huffington Post website*, Lauren See told the judge..."I am begging you to let Takunda make something of himself in the real world -- don't send him to prison and get hard and bitter, that boy has learned his lesson a thousand times over and he'll never make the same mistake again."

We’ve read and heard about other situations similar to this one...instances where something tragic happened, and the family members and/or friends of the victims were more than generous with forgiveness toward those who caused this. We’ve seen men who were falsely accused and imprisoned for rape and murder hug their accusers and forgive them.  We’ve seen mothers embrace drunk drivers and forgive them for accidents that killed their children. And we marvel at how – and why – they can find it in their hearts to do this!

I hope you are never faced with such a situation.  But here’s the thing...there are plenty of circumstances where we are offended, mistreated, disrespected, lied to and deceived, betrayed, or otherwise insulted. We have choices...we can retaliate...we can treat the person with cold indifference, at best – or downright rudeness and disdain.  Or, we can continue to show the person kindness, and operate in grace and mercy.  We can “take the high road”...treat the person better than he/she deserves...and let God use our generosity to reveal Himself.

Will our actions and attitudes change things? Maybe...but maybe not!  It really doesn’t matter. You don’t do this to “teach the person a lesson” or because you are such a wonderful, special person. No...we treat others in this manner because this is how we overcome evil.  This is how WE win instead of the devil! This is how we say, “Because God grants me grace and mercy that I don’t deserve, I should do this for others to His glory.” Any “revelation” or “reformation” in the other person is an added bonus...and totally up to God to produce.

There are times in our lives where the LAST thing in the world we want to do is to be kind to someone who has wronged us in some manner. But this is when it means the most!  Ask God to give you His strength and wisdom...and to allow His grace and mercy to flow through you as you interact with others...even those who are something of “the enemy”.  Be prepared to surprise others with your generosity...and God might surprise YOU in the process!

©2014 Debbie Robus

* http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/14/takunda-mavima_n_1882492.html

Daily Devotional for August 25, 2014

Matthew 5:43-47
“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.

A friend recently shared with me that someone was spreading untruths about her.  These were intended to smear her character and sully her reputation.  And I am sure that people who don’t truly know this person might actually be taken in by such lies.  My friend related how she was so angry...how her “gut reaction” was to conjure up thoughts of retaliation.  I get that...I really do.  I told her that I have a tendency to launch right into name calling – if only in the secrecy of my own home!

In her book, The Best Yes*, author Lysa TerKeurst shares an incident where she was so angry with her husband that “...I may or may not have called him a name, one that you can actually find in the Bible that starts with an A and ends in an S. Three letters. Only I didn’t mean it in the biblical sense. If you know what I mean.”

Haven’t we all been there?  And honestly, didn’t this feeling drain you of a lot of energy?  My friend said that when she opened her e-mail messages, she found one of my devotionals that spoke of forgiveness and mercy, and she was challenged to channel her “angry energy” in a different direction.  That’s a big challenge! And I’ll admit...there are moments when I am right there with you - and Lysa TerKeurst - and a whole lot of other people!

Here’s the thing. Satan is the only winner in this. Your efforts to operate in forgiveness and mercy do not breed more lies and abuses or mistreatment from others...although it may seem that this is the case. You are not giving these people license to run unchecked over you and others. Instead, you are saying, “With God, all things are possible...including this.”  You are declaring (if only to yourself) that God has instilled in you the power and courage to be your best self...to reflect Him at all times and in all ways.  You are demonstrating your faith and honoring your Christian discipleship.

Is this easy?  No way...especially not at first.  There will be times when we are so beaten down by a circumstance or another human being that we feel like there is no love left in us.  There have even been a couple of times in my life where I was so completely drained and devastated that I couldn’t even pray for a while...I didn’t know what to say or how to even begin.  So you know what I did?  I just sat and opened my heart to God and let Him fill me.  And that is exactly what He did! 

When you are at a point where you don’t know what to do...where to turn...how to even begin to call on God for help...stop and simply say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”  Let Him handle the details.  Allow the balm of His healing touch to wash over you and fill the nooks and crannies...and remove all traces of animosity, anger, hatred, and frustration.  When you begin to get your bearings again, start to pray for the person(s) or situation that has you so unsettled.  It is very hard to operate in anything but love for something or someone for whom you are praying!

Today, my challenge for each of us is to pick out one “enemy”...one person or situation toward which we have animosity, unsettled feelings, anger, and/or a desire for revenge or retaliation – or maybe just a tiny bit of ill will. Maybe you have at least had the thought that “I’d like for him/her to suffer just a little for this.”  Now...start to pray. Ask God to fill you with love and mercy...compassion, kindness and forgiveness. Call on God to channel your energy in a positive direction and to enable you to rise above these feelings...to make you the honorable representative of Jesus that He has called you to be.

We in no way excuse others’ sins...or condone their abusive and dishonest behaviors or their mistreatment of us – or anyone else.  But let’s take ourselves out of the equation.  Let’s “let go and let God” when we begin to pray over these circumstances and to allow Him to handle things. And in doing this, we will open ourselves to God’s best...for all parties.  Won’t you whisper, “Come, Lord Jesus”?  How – and where – will you allow Him to give you His best today? 

©2014 Debbie Robus

*The Best Yes - ©2014 by TerKeurst Foundation – published by Nelson Books.  Available at Walmart and other major retailers.  www.thebestyes.com #TheBestYes

Daily Devotional for February 18, 2013

Romans 12:20-21
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

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.

There is a familiar adage that says “Living well is the best revenge.” This scripture passage seems to be saying … “Loving others well in Jesus name is the best ‘revenge.’” I don’t really like the word revenge… but if we can think of this in terms of “getting the best of evil,” then it would seem that “revenge” has its place in the life of a Christian.

Think about the people you encounter. Hopefully you don’t have any true “enemies,” but there may very well be people in your life who offend you… hurt your feelings… treat you poorly… cause you embarrassment or speak unkindly or untruthfully about you. And your temptation may be to retaliate… or to revel in this person’s misfortunes and shortcomings. This would be like taking delight in learning that your childhood bully grew up to be unsuccessful in life and relationships – or now weighs just shy of 300 pounds! Or you might have studied under a difficult professor who later lost tenure or was dismissed for some transgression he/she committed at the university – or a boss who lost his/her job for wrongdoing… and you and your former classmates or co-workers celebrated this news.

Any time we take pleasure in another person’s misfortune – even if it seems they “got what they had coming” – we have let evil get the best of us. Instead, learn to pray for those who insult or injure you in some fashion. When an opportunity arises to show them kindness, take full advantage of it. Greet the person who has spoken ill of you to others with a smile and a handshake. In other words, “kill ‘em with kindness!” - to quote another good old adage!

More than once, I have heard of someone who was mistreated and chose to repay this unkindness with love, grace and mercy… and the person who was being mean or abusive took notice. In many instances, he/she came back and asked, “Why did you treat me so well after what I did to you? I did not deserve this!” Whether you ever have this experience or not, set yourself in position for it. Be ready to say, “I did this for you because this is what Jesus does for me every single day.” This may not come easily at first, but if you really begin to practice getting the best of evil by doing good, you can get better at it!

Revenge may feel good for the moment, but I guarantee you, loving others – even those whom you feel don’t deserve it – really does feel better for the long haul. Think of Jesus and what He does for you every single day. Remind yourself that the goal is to be more like Him. Don’t let evil get the best of you… learn to love others well in the name of Jesus instead. See for yourself exactly how your generosity can affect others. Celebrate the love of Jesus by sharing it with EVERYONE you encounter… even your “enemies.”

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 3, 2013

Luke 6:27-38
“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Timothy and I sing this little song from “Jack’s Big Music Show” about being a grump. It says in part…

      If you wanna be a grump, that’s okay…
      But could you be a grump a little further away?
      It’s not that I don’t love you, cause you know I do
      Sometimes I’m grumpy, too!

The sad truth is that many of us really don’t love grumps very much… or those who fail to meet our standards in a number of areas. We don’t have time to help someone else because we’re too busy asking “When is it MY turn?” We analyze everything in terms of what’s in it for us? And if somebody offends us? They are “on the list!” My cousin used to talk about some people who had a mental “list” of people who had offended them. As he put it…“Once you’re on ‘the list,’ there is no eraser!” Does this sound like Christian love in action?

I get it… we don’t like everybody. There are people who have irritated us or gotten on our last nerve. There are those we have decided are not in our league. We have been offended… and yes, some of us have truly been treated very badly by others. People do dumb things or make mistakes. It’s true that some simply can’t seem to “get it together.” But we are not their judge and jury. And honestly, if we took a good hard look in the mirror, we might find that there was plenty for others to criticize and pick on about us!

We need to stop playing the “either or” game… “Either you do this for me, or I won’t love you… either you treat me better, or I’m done caring about you… either you kick it up a notch, or I don’t have time for you and your shortcomings.” We need to start loving as Christ taught us… graciously, generously, unconditionally…not merely when people are at their best – but more importantly, when they are at their worst!

If Jesus’ love for us depended on the criteria we outline for others, we would never, ever receive it. If Jesus held us to the same standards to which we hold others, we would not feel His loving presence in our lives even once. If Jesus used the same yardstick with which we quantify others, we would not measure up under any circumstances.

Do you see the disconnect here? Do you get it? Loving others is not always easy or pretty, convenient, fun, or fair. But I can assure you, loving us is none of these things for Jesus much of the time, either! Yet He loves us anyway! How can we call ourselves true disciples of Christ and love with any less grace, mercy and forgiveness than He offers us? How can we label others as grumps, beneath us, or so offensive and repulsive that we cannot bring ourselves to love them… and then expect Jesus to love us?

When will we learn that the love of Christ has nothing to do with what we can gain personally in the “here and now”… and everything to do with what we gain for all eternity? Do you really understand what it means to live – and love – generously? Isn’t it time you did?

©2013 Debbie Robus